What Is a Full-Service Realtor?

Whether you’re selling or buying a home, you’ll likely need some guidance. How much guidance you need depends on your experience.

If you've bought or sold several homes, you may be able to handle some aspects yourself. But if it's your first time — or you simply don’t have the time to do it yourself — your best option is likely working with a full-service realtor. They’ll help you with every step of the process, while limited-service options specialize in one facet, such as listing the property on the multiple listing service (MLS).

We'll walk through what a full-service realtor provides, how to decide if you should use one, and what other options are available.

What is a full-service realtor?

A full-service realtor is exactly what it sounds like: they offer comprehensive services to help you with every step of your transaction. They work with buyers and sellers throughout the process, from pre-listing or searching for homes through closing.

What services does a full-service realtor provide?

For sellers

A full-service realtor who works with sellers is commonly called a listing agent or seller’s agent. Their job is to represent the seller’s interest.

“In my experience, a good, experienced seller’s agent will be able to get their client the highest amount possible in the shortest amount of time,” says Kelly Waters, founder and principal of the Kelly Waters Team at Brits of Compass in New York.

Here’s what a full-service listing agent does:

• Suggest repairs: A listing agent will outline the most important repairs to make to help you attract more buyers and fetch the highest price. They also know which less-impactful renovations you can skip to save time and money.
• Set a price: Your agent will conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA) to determine what your home is worth. They’ll look at recent sales of similar homes in your area and factor in your home’s details to set an accurate listing price.
• List your home: A listing agent will post your home on the multiple listing service (MLS) to reach the widest possible audience. It helps you get the most detailed information about your property to buyer's agents in your area.
• Market your home: In addition to promoting your home to their extensive agent networks, your realtor also handles more practical marketing tasks, such as arranging professional photography, creating fliers, and posting on social media.
• Schedule showings and open houses: This is a critical part of selling a home, and full-service agents handle every aspect, including staging the house to highlight its potential. They also schedule and prep for open houses and follow up with attendees.
• Evaluate offers and negotiate: As you start receiving offers, your agent will help you evaluate the best price and terms (concessions, timeline, etc.). They’ll also lead negotiations with potential buyers on your behalf.
• Close on the home: Your agent will help you prepare for closing by ensuring that any promised repairs are completed and that the home is ready for the buyer’s final walk-through. Then they’ll guide you through the paperwork you need to sign.

For buyers

A buyer’s agent helps you find a home that meets your needs. Here’s what they do:

• Find properties: Once you meet with your agent to share what you’re looking for in a new house, they’ll get to work identifying homes that check all your boxes and are within your budget.
• Book showings and research homes: Your agent will schedule showings and tours with sellers so you can view the homes you’re interested in. They’ll also talk to listing agents to get all the property details.
• Attend the home inspection: Your agent will help you arrange a home inspection and assess the property’s condition so you can determine a good offer price.
• Make and negotiate offers: Once you submit an offer, your agent will act as a liaison between you and the seller or their agent. They’ll outline what concessions or repairs you should request, if any, and help you find the purchase price that works for all parties.
• Attend the walk-through and closing: The buyer’s agent will do a final walk-through of the home with you to ensure all contract stipulations have been met. They’ll also coordinate the closing process and prepare all needed paperwork.

“Buying a home should not be a full-time job for the buyers, and agents who have a process in place can give consumers the best possible experience purchasing a home,” says Tom Matthews, a broker with Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty in Massachusetts.

How much do full-service brokers charge?

When working with a realtor, you’ll have to pay a commission. While commissions are negotiable, you can usually expect a rate close to the average.

The national average commission rate is 2.88% for the listing agent and 2.82% for the buyer’s agent.[1]

However, some brokerages provide full services at a lower commission, as low as 1.5%. Working with a low-commission realtor means sellers can keep thousands more of their profits.

Should I use a full-service realtor?

For most people, using a full-service realtor is the best choice. These agents take on the day-to-day work involved with buying or selling a home so you don’t have to.

“The impact of a realtor’s service is profound,” Waters says. “Like any industry, if you work with someone who truly understands what they are doing and has seen many different situations, both positive and negative, over the years, they almost have a built-in ‘knowing’ of what the best move is for their clients.”

It’s important to use a full-service realtor if:

• This is your first time buying or selling
• You want to sell for the highest possible amount
• You’re trying to buy in a competitive market
• You don’t have the time or experience to manage all the aspects of selling or buying

You may be able to get away with a limited-service option if:

• You’re a realtor or have bought and sold multiple properties
• You feel comfortable negotiating prices and terms
• You’re in a slow market

Most people choose limited service to avoid paying agent fees. The question of agent cost vs. value typically applies more to sellers, as buyers don’t usually pay their agent’s fee. Rather, they often negotiate for sellers to cover this.

But while you might save on realtor commission fees, not working with a full-service realtor can come with risks. Perhaps the most significant one for sellers is that you’ll leave money on the table. Homes sold with an agent sell for $65,000 more on average than homes sold without an agent.[2]

Buyers could also lose money, but in other ways. For instance, you could buy a home next to a highway but not get the adjusted market value. Or, you could purchase a two-bedroom house in a community with mostly three- or four-bedroom houses.

“These mistakes can cost you thousands if you are in a soft real estate market,” Matthews says.

Alternatives to full-service realtors

If a full-service realtor isn’t for you, there are some alternatives. The right option will depend on the service you need.

Use a flat fee MLS service

A flat fee MLS service will list your home on the MLS for a few hundred dollars. Most have several service tiers, with basic plans providing minimal support beyond the listing itself, and higher-tier plans costing more for extra services.

“While a flat fee MLS listing is not for everyone, there is a significant percentage of the seller pool that can benefit immensely from this option,” says David White, a broker with OwnerEntry.com, a flat fee listing service.

A flat fee MLS listing service can be a good option if you’re an experienced seller and want more control over the selling process. It might also make sense to use one if you live in a hot market or have a home that will likely be easy to sell due to its condition or location.

You could also save thousands with a flat fee MLS service by choosing a $300 basic service instead of paying a listing agent 3% of the home’s sale price. But if you go this route, you’ll need to ensure you have the time and ability to manage all the other selling-related tasks that an agent would otherwise handle. Sellers also need the foresight to know which package options will serve them best, White says.

Work with a flat-rate or limited service agent

A flat rate brokerage charges a set rate, like $3,000, instead of a percentage. There are also some agents who offer limited services at a discount.

You’re typically able to pick and choose the services you need, such as help with negotiations or paperwork. But again, it’s essential to understand exactly what you need so you choose the right option. Most buyers and sellers underestimate the work that goes into a real estate transaction and can get overwhelmed by legal contracts.

“It’s a gamble most home sellers aren’t willing to take, but it can work well if the seller is already experienced and trained in the home-selling process,” says Andrew Fortune, a realtor and owner of Great Colorado Homes.

Work without an agent, and only use free sites

You could choose to buy or sell without an agent’s help or any services that cost money.

For buyers, sites like Zillow and Realtor.com can connect you directly with the listing agent. You can also check FSBO websites or real estate auctions. While you might pay less, you’ll often have to buy a house as-is, which could mean costly repairs and renovations.

If you're a seller, you can sell for-sale-by-owner (FSBO), using free FSBO sites and social media to promote your home. You can also DIY the photography, staging, and other tasks. However, hiring a professional photographer can be well worth it.

“Many more sellers — especially those exploring FSBO or limited-services brokerage alternatives — contact us to see if their listing still has a professional feel,” says Jonathan Ayala, founder of Real Estate Photography in New Jersey. “Even if a realtor is not part of the transaction, high-quality visuals accompanied by strategic marketing can go a long way toward generating interest and desire in buyers.”

FSBO typically works best in a competitive market or if you have a buyer lined up. You’ll be responsible for all negotiations and paperwork, and you won’t reach as many potential buyers. You’re also less likely to sell for full market value.

Selling your home to a cash buyer or iBuyer is another option. It’s typically a quick and easy transaction, as these buyers will purchase homes in nearly any condition and can close in 1–2 weeks. You’ll sacrifice price for convenience, though. Cash buyers typically offer only about 70% of your home’s value.

Where to find full-service realtors

If you decide to work with a full-service realtor, you have a few options for finding the right real estate agent. Friends and family members who recently bought or sold can be excellent sources, although you’ll want to confirm that their situations were similar to yours.

Searching for an agent online is another option, but know that this can be a slow and often overwhelming process. Search results from platforms like Zillow or Google often turn up hundreds of results, and they let agents pay more for visibility.

A free agent-matching service is often the best way to quickly find a top real estate agent in your area. Companies like Clever Real Estate vet agents for you and recommend realtors who have the right experience for your transaction. That way, you can spend more time on actually buying or selling.

No matter how you find them, we recommend interviewing multiple agents before choosing one. Check their customer reviews, ask about their experience with situations like yours, and make sure you like how they communicate.

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