What is Help-U-Sell? | How it works | Help-U-Sell fees | Compare savings vs. other discount brokers | Find Help-U-Sell reviews from real customers

✍️ Editor’s take: Help-U-Sell offers potential commission savings. But due to its uneven franchise model, expect to compromise on customer service and agent selection. |
Help-U-Sell is a discount real estate franchise that advertises low commission fees for home sellers.
Listing with Help-U-Sell is cheaper than selling with a traditional realtor and paying a standard 3% commission rate. But your potential savings could come with frustrating service trade-offs — including limited hands-on support from your agent.
If you want to save on commission when you sell your home, the best choice for most sellers is Clever Real Estate. Sellers will pay a low 1.5% listing fee in exchange for full service and support from a top local agent. Interview as many agents as you want from well-known brokerages like Keller Williams and Century 21!
» SAVE: Find top local agents and get a 1.5% listing fee!
Read on for an in-depth guide to Help-U-Sell Real Estate. Learn how it works, how it stacks up against other discount companies, and find firsthand accounts from real home sellers.
What is Help-U-Sell?
![]() | |
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$2,950-7,950* | |
Varies by location | |
N/A (ratings vary by location) | |
79 locations in 19 states | |
*Actual fees depend on home's value and cost structure may vary by location |
Help-U-Sell is a discount real estate brokerage with dozens of offices across the U.S. Like many other brokerages, Help-U-Sell is a franchise, which means each local office is independently owned and operated.
»MORE: Find other discount brokers near you
Is Help-U-Sell legitimate?
Yes, Help-U-Sell is a legitimate business. Each individual Help-U-Sell franchise is a fully licensed brokerage in the state it operates in. And every Help-U-Sell agent must maintain an active real estate license, as well as membership in the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
But there are two things you should know:
- Help-U-Sell's corporate advertising presents a misleading picture of the fees that local offices charge
- The company's geographic footprint is shrinking, which suggests its business model isn't working
Biggest risks of Help-U-Sell
Help-U-Sell is struggling (and shrinking fast)
Help-U-Sell has experienced a steep decline over the past decade.
At its peak in 2006, the company had around 1,000 franchise locations, making it the largest discount broker in the U.S. However, Help-U-Sell filed for bankruptcy in 2008. It's been hemorrhaging local offices ever since.[1][2]
As of this writing, Help-U-Sell has fewer than 80 offices in 19 states, an approximate 92% decline over the past 15 years.
Additionally, most of the remaining offices only have a few properties listed for sale — at least according to Help-U-Sell's corporate website. And more than a dozen have zero active listings.
The rapid decline in Help-U-Sell locations — and the lack of listings at many offices — suggests the company's business model isn't working.
💡 Why isn't Help-U-Sell's business model working? The simplest explanation: Help-U-Sell is being displaced by newer, sleeker discount brands offering better technology, customer service, and pricing options. » MORE: The best low commission companies (full rankings) |
If you're considering listing with Help-U-Sell, this is a potential red flag. Struggling businesses rarely provide best-in-class service. And they aren't well-positioned to help you achieve an ideal outcome with your home sale.
Help-U-Sell fees and service quality vary by location
Help-U-Sell's primary offering is discounted commission fees for home sellers. But exactly how much you could save depends on where you're selling.
📢 Watch out for Help-U-Sell's misleading advertising Help-U-Sell's website is plastered with repeated claims that the company charges home sellers a flat dollar-based fee, NOT a percentage amount, to sell your home. However, in our conversations with three Help-U-Sell agents located in different areas of the U.S., we found that not to be the case. All three agents charge a percentage-based commission — for example, 1.5% of the home's final sale price. » MORE: Which company actually has the lowest commission? |
That's also true of the customer experience.
While Help-U-Sell advertises "full-service" support — meaning their agents should offer the same basic range of services as a traditional realtor — each local owner-operator ultimately decides what specific assistance they'll provide to clients.
How Help-U-Sell works
According to Help-U-Sell, it can offer discounted rates because its offices are "small and efficient," staffed by a "team of specialists that function as a unit in the marketing and selling of your home."
Translation?
It's likely that Help-U-Sell agents must juggle a higher volume of customers than traditional realtors.
📢 What you should know about Help-U-Sell's business model Help-U-Sell's high-volume approach limits the amount of personalized attention and support that agents can offer to each customer. The company's marketing indicates that agents offload some tasks to a back-office team. But remember: the more people juggling your sale, the greater the risk of mistakes and delays that could jeopardize the outcome. » MORE: The best ways to save on real estate commission |
How much do Help-U-Sell fees actually cost?
Help-U-Sell allows each office to set its own pricing. And this is where Help-U-Sell's marketing information gets confusing.
It's tricky to learn what Help-U-Sell will charge to list your home
The best way to find out exactly how much Help-U-Sell will charge for selling your home is by calling an office directly.
Your actual listing fee will depend on your location. Offices DON'T adhere to the same pricing model. We've seen a wide range of $2,950-7,950 for the flat fee model. We also spoke with offices that charged percentage-based commissions varying from 1-2.25%.
And many don't explain their fee structures clearly on their websites. Help-U-Sell agents may require you to provide extra information on your home before they'll give you a straight answer about pricing.
For example, one agent told me she would have to perform a market analysis of my home before telling me the exact fee.
Don't forget about buyer's agent commission
Keep in mind that, as with most home sales, you will likely still need to pay your buyer's agent's commission. While average commission ratesvary by location, sellers typically offer 2.5-3% to the buyer's agent to incentivize them to show it to buyers.
That said, there are two scenarios in which you could pay less — or potentially avoid the buyer's agent fee altogether.
Scenario | What you'll pay |
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Buyer is represented by a Help-U-Sell agent | A "Professional Assistance Fee" that's comparable to the discounted listing fee* |
Buyer is not represented by any agent | No buyer's agent commission — just the listing fee |
*Actual rates vary by location |
However, both of these scenarios are uncommon. Approximately 90% of buyers work with a realtor.[3] And unless they're also listing their home with a Help-U-Sell agent, it's unlikely that an average buyer is going to hire an agent with a company called Help-U-Sell.
» MORE: How does realtor commission work?
How good are Help-U-Sell agents?
All Help-U-Sell agents are fully licensed realtors. They provide the same general range of services as agents at a traditional real estate brokerage — but charge lower rates.
However, there are a few crucial factors that could affect your experience.
You may get less hands-on service and support
Help-U-Sell's business model requires its agents to handle a higher volume of customers to compensate for its discounted rates.
This means your agent may not be able to offer you as much hands-on service and support as a realtor from a traditional brokerage.
This increases the risk that you'll have a less-than-stellar experience, especially if your selling situation is complicated.
Services and support will differ between locations
Although Help-U-Sell is a national brand, each office is independently owned and operated. This means your experience with Help-U-Sell could be vastly different depending on where you're selling.
Remember:
You’re hiring an individual agent, not a brand!
Make sure to interview multiple realtors from different companies to find the best fit for your situation.
Compare key factors like price, relevant experience, approach, and personality. Selling a house is a high-stakes endeavor. It pays to shop around!
» MORE: The complete guide to finding the perfect realtor
How does Help-U-Sell compare to top alternatives?
Help-U-Sell | Clever | Redfin | |
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⭐ Avg customer rating | N/A | 4.9 (1,995 reviews) | 3.7 (301 reviews) |
💲 Listing fee | $2,950-7,950* | 1.5% (min. $3,000) | 1.5% (min. fees vary) |
💰 Avg Savings** | $6,550 | $7,375 | $5,550 |
*Fee structure and rates vary by location **Average fee compared with a 3% commission at four price points: $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, $750,000. |
Help-U-Sell offers savings — but they may not be the best
While Help-U-Sell's discounted rates are generally much cheaper than a traditional realtor, savings vary quite a bit between locations.
Some offices charge a flat fee, while others charge a commission based on a percentage of the home's sale price.
In many places, sellers may be able to find lower prices with another discount service.
» MORE: Compare top discount real estate companies
Other discount brokers offer genuine flat fee pricing
Although the Help-U-Sell corporate website says home sellers will pay a "low set fee" based on local market factors, each local owner-operator sets their own rates.
Many locations have tiered pricing models; they charge a variable fee based on your listing price. Others don't offer a flat fee model at all — they charge a percentage of your home's sale price.
However, some of Help-U-Sell's competitors offer actual flat fee pricing.
» MORE: The best (and worst) flat fee real estate brokerages
Help-U-Sell's dated tech could put you at a disadvantage
Help-U-Sell tells prospective franchise operators that they will have access to in-house technology that will give them a leg up on the competition.
However, spend a few minutes browsing its website — or watch a few of Help-U-Sell's YouTube videos — and it's clear that this is NOT a tech-forward company.
This dated tech could put you at a competitive disadvantage — and it may explain why Help-U-Sell is struggling to maintain its geographic footprint as more tech-savvy competitors enter the real estate industry.
Selling with Help-U-Sell
✅ Biggest benefits of selling with Help-U-Sell…
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❌ Biggest risks of selling with Help-U-Sell…
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As a seller, you can expect Help-U-Sell to provide most of the same services provided by any other brokerage, including:
- Lockbox
- Yard sign
- Professional photos and/or video
- Open house support from a Help-U-Sell agent (who might not be your own)
- Listing on MLS
- Paperwork assistance
- Negotiation assistance
- Closing assistance
✍️ Editor's note Keep in mind that each Help-U-Sell franchise offers its own menu of services. Contact your local office to find out exactly what it can do for you. |
Don't sign a listing agreement without reading the fine print
Help-U-Sell doesn't make clear the typical length of its contracts and whether there are penalties for early cancellation.
The most explicit information we received came from an agent we reached who suggested that we ask for a 90-day contract, but that we could also ask for a 60-day agreement as well.
This agent informed me that if we were not happy with Help-U-Sell's services with "good reason," the office would be "flexible" to try to work with us "without any cancellation fee."
Always read the fine print before signing any agreement with any agent. Make sure you won't be penalized if you change your mind before the contract expires.
» LEARN: Read this BEFORE you sign a listing agreement
Buying with Help-U-Sell
You wouldn't know based on the name, but Help-U-Sell works with home buyers, too.
Help-U-Sell agents provide the same general range of services for buyers as traditional agents. They'll take you to tour properties and help with negotiations and paperwork. Note: Agents will show you any home, not just Help-U-Sell homes.
However, most Help-U-Sell agents handle a higher volume of customers than traditional agents, which may limit their ability to provide personalized service and support throughout the process.
Some Help-U-Sell offices offer rebates to *qualifying* buyers
To attract buyers, some Help-U-Sell offices offer commission rebates — also known as home buyer rebates — to qualifying buyers. If you qualify for a commission rebate, your Help-U-Sell agent will kick you back a portion of their fee when you close on your home.
However, each Help-U-Sell franchisee sets their rates and service offerings, so make sure your local office offers home buyer rebates — and that you'll qualify — before you start the purchase process.
📢 An important note about commission rebates: There are a TON of rules and restrictions surrounding commission rebates. This is why you’ll almost always see conditional language in advertisements — i.e., “Get up to X%” or “$X on average.”
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Be prepared for potential service trade-offs
Whether your local Help-U-Sell office offers a rebate or not — and some don't — you'll face the same potential service-quality trade-offs as sellers.
Help-U-Sell agents juggle more clients than traditional realtors, and they'll likely offload some aspects of your purchase to a back-office team.
Remember:
Buyers don't have to cover their agent's fee out of pocket — it comes out of the seller's proceeds from the sale. So, aside from the possibility of a commission rebate, there isn't a ton of upside to buying with Help-U-Sell, unless you really hit it off with an individual Help-U-Sell agent.
If getting a rebate is a top priority, we recommend that you shop around. Many discount brokers and agent-matching services offer them too — often with fewer service-level trade-offs.
Help-U-Sell reviews and complaints
Because each office is independently owned and operated, Help-U-Sell reviews and complaints vary considerably by location.
We recommend researching reviews for your local office using tools like Google, Facebook, and Yelp. These resources will give you the most accurate picture of customer experiences and outcomes.
So what are people saying about working with their local Help-U-Sell offices?
What positive Help-U-Sell reviews say
The most common themes among positive Help-U-Sell reviews are:
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I 'would not hesitate' to use my Help-U-Sell agent again
Here's an example of a positive review on Yelp from a repeat seller who had a near-perfect experience with a Help-U-Sell office in Folsom, CA.
She commended her agent for providing "good, knowledgeable service" throughout both of her sales. She also said the back-office team helped the logistical aspects of her sale move smoothly.

'One of the best realtors' I've ever met
This seller praised the quality of the Help-U-Sell office in Waynesboro, VA. They said their agent was "one of the best realtors" they've ever dealt with.

A 'no-stress experience'
This review comes from a customer who has worked with Help-U-Sell Hawaii twice. She praised her agent's negotiating skills in securing a great deal for her daughter, and said that her agent was both knowledgeable and helpful.

Top Help-U-Sell complaints
The most common themes among negative Help-U-Sell reviews are:
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My Help-U-Sell agent wasn't fully in my corner
This Zillow user had a poor experience with their Help-U-Sell agent in Owatonna, MN.
They specifically called out that they felt like the agent was withholding information about their sale and wasn't fully in their corner.

'I was rushed into accepting the first offer'
Katrina M. felt pressured by their Help-U-Sell agent into accepting the first offer on their home — then later found out they might have been able to get a much better offer.
Katrina felt that Help-U-Sell's flat fees meant their agent didn't have an incentive to get top-dollar for their home.
Our closing 'could have been smoother'
This customer had a decent experience with their agent from Help-U-Sell Greensboro and was happy with the money they saved. But they felt that the communication could have been better throughout the closing process.
The common theme among ALL these reviews is that the customer's experience depended primarily on the quality of the agents at their local office.
Conclusion: Is Help-U-Sell right for you?
✅ Help-U-Sell is worth considering if…
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❌ You may want to avoid Help-U-Sell if…
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Help-U-Sell has been in business since 1976, and in that time they've helped many people buy and sell homes successfully. Whether it's the right choice for you really comes down to:
- Your personal preferences (and tolerance for risk)
- The quality and pricing of your local Help-U-Sell office
- How it compares to other discount services available in your area
We recommend interviewing multiple agents from different companies before you make a decision. Remember that you have no obligation to move forward or sign a contract with any realtor when you interview them.
You have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain by shopping around and comparing rates, experience, and personalities to find the best fit!
Clever makes it easier than ever to find the perfect agent AND avoid overpaying on real estate commission. With Clever, you'll get hand-picked agent matches from top local brokerages. You can interview as many agents as you like until you find the right one.
And, when you find your agent through Clever, you also get a pre-negotiated listing fee of just 1.5%, helping you keep more money in your pocket when you sell your home!
FAQs about Help-U-Sell
Help-U-Sell claims that it charges a "set fee" based on your home price, but the reality is that every location uses its own pricing structure — and many offices don't adhere to the flat fee model at all! That said, sellers in most areas will find lower fees — and bigger savings — with another low commission real estate company.
That depends. Each Help-U-Sell office is independently owned and operated, and some offer better service (and lower fees) than others. That said, over 90% of Help-U-Sell's locations have shut down over the past 15 years, which suggests the company isn't delivering as much pound-for-pound value as other discount real estate brokerages.
Related links
Help-U-Sell contact info and locations
Corporate office contact information
Business hours | Monday-Thursday: 9 am-5 pm ET Friday: 9 am-3 pm ET |
Phone | (941) 951-7707 |
Email | info@helpusell.com |
Office address | 240 N. Washington Blvd #200 Sarasota, FL 34236 |
Help-U-Sell franchise locations
»MORE: Somewhere else? Find discount brokers near you
Note: As of 8/17/2022, Help-U-Sell Real Estate's office finder tool says that the company has 76 offices in select markets across 19 states.
Alabama
Location | Franchise Name | Phone Number |
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Florence, AL | Help-U-Sell Quad Cities Realty | 256-627-6609 |
Arizona
Location | Franchise Name | Phone Number |
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Chandler, AZ | Help-U-Sell Central Properties | 480-812-1112 |
Lake Havasu City, AZ | Help-U-Sell Real Estate Specialists | 928-854-6600 |
Peoria, AZ | Help-U-Sell West Valley Specialists | 602-570-8116 |
Tucson, AZ | Help-U-Sell Galleria Realty | 520-579-6930 |
Tucson, AZ | Help-U-Sell Realty Advantage | 520-531-9339 |
Tucson, AZ | Help-U-Sell Southeast Rita Ranch Realty | 520-574-8900 |
Yuma, AZ | Help-U-Sell Mike Bowling | 928-246-0919 |
California
Location | Franchise Name | Phone Number |
---|---|---|
Aliso Viejo, CA | Help-U-Sell Wright | 949-770-9888 |
Antioch, CA | Help-U-Sell A&J Real Estate | 925-757-5886 |
Auburn, CA | Help-U-Sell Access Real Estate | 916-435-0540 |
Bakersfield, CA | Help-U-Sell Bakersfield Equity Savers | 661-706-6678 |
Chino Hills, CA | Help-U-Sell Prestige Properties | 909-597-5252 |
City of Industry, CA | Help-U-Sell Vantage Realty | 626-839-3688 |
Corona, CA | Help-U-Sell Premier Realty | 714-531-8818 |
Eastvale, CA | Help-U-Sell EastVale | 909-597-5252 |
Folsom, CA | Help-U-Sell Folsom | 916-355-1880 |
Hanford, CA | Help-U-Sell The Smart Choice | 559-583-1711 |
Huntington Beach, CA | Help-U-Sell Beachside | 714-531-8818 |
Inglewood, CA | Help-U-Sell Advantage | 323-765-8300 |
Lake Elsinore, CA | Help-U-Sell Inland Valley | 951-678-1028 |
Lancaster, CA | Help-U-Sell Julian Team | 661-483-8322 |
Long Beach, CA | Help-U-Sell Long Beach Realty | 800-277-6903 |
Martinez, CA | Help-U-Sell Golden Homes | 925-381-3201 |
Morgan Hill, CA | Help-U-Sell South Santa Clara County | 408-778-0800 |
Murrieta, CA | Help-U-Sell 951 Realty | 951-225-2113 |
Ontario, CA | Help-U-Sell Wisdom Realty | 909-933-0479 |
Pasadena, CA | Help-U-Sell Smart Realty Pasadena | 626-405-8818 |
Pine Grove, CA | Help-U-Sell Gold Country | 209-296-1600 |
Pleasanton, CA | Help-U-Sell Achievers Realty | 510-427-7992 |
Redlands, CA | Help-U-Sell Results Realty | 909-384-2689 |
Sacramento, CA | Help-U-Sell Capital City | 916-395-4450 |
Sacramento, CA | Help-U-Sell Sunrise | 916-488-1830 |
Santa Clara, CA | Help-U-Sell Alpha Paladins Realty | 408-995-5999 |
San Jose, CA | Help-U-Sell Silicon Valley Properties | 408-438-6705 |
San Marcos, CA | Help-U-Sell North County Coast and Valley | 800-277-6903 |
San Mateo, CA | Help-U-Sell Mid Peninsula | 650-201-8689 |
Santa Ana, CA | Help-U-Sell Coast and Valley | 800-277-6903 |
Santa Maria, CA | Help-U-Sell Santa Maria | 805-922-0077 |
Santa Rosa, CA | Help-U-Sell Santa Rosa | 707-575-4444 |
Stockton, CA | Help-U-Sell Alpha Realty | 209-888-8800 |
Temecula, CA | Help-U-Sell Experts Realty | 951-708-1857 |
Walnut Creek, CA | Help-U-Sell Allied Realty | 925-943-2121 |
West Covina, CA | Help-U-Sell Advance Realty | 626-967-6700 |
Colorado
Location | Franchise Name | Phone Number |
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Commerce City, CO | Help-U-Sell Front Range | 720-295-6245 |
Florida
Location | Franchise Name | Phone Number |
---|---|---|
Altamonte Springs, FL | Help-U-Sell Sunshine Realty | 407-729-3006 |
Bradenton, FL | Help-U-Sell Gulf Coast | 941-312-1377 |
Greenacres, FL | Help-U-Sell Adfluentia Realty | 561-609-0180 |
Hobe Sound, FL | Help-U-Sell Treasure Coast | 772-286-9996 |
Lakeland, FL | Help-U-Sell Express Realty | 863-268-1130 |
Miami, FL | Help-U-Sell Alliance Realty | 786-252-4308 |
Naples, FL | Help-U-Sell Reed and Associates | 239-207-1097 |
Orange Park, FL | Help-U-Sell First Coast Realty | 904-269-1717 |
Plantation, FL | Help-U-Sell Broward Realty | 954-727-8218 |
Sarasota, FL | Help-U-Sell Gulf Coast (Branch) | 941-962-9799 |
Hawaii
Location | Franchise Name | Phone Number |
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Honolulu, HI | Help-U-Sell Honolulu Properties | 808-377-1200 |
Idaho
Location | Franchise Name | Phone Number |
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Idaho Falls, ID | Help-U-Sell Winn 4 U Realty | 208-525-2525 |
Michigan
Location | Franchise Name | Phone Number |
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Port Huron, MI | Help-U-Sell Real Estate Masters | 810-990-9932 |
Woodhaven, MI | Help-U-Sell Metropolitan | 734-362-1111 |
Minnesota
Location | Franchise Name | Phone Number |
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Owatonna, MN | Help-U-Sell Heritage Real Estate of Steele County Inc. | 507-451-6000 |
Missouri
Location | Franchise Name | Phone Number |
---|---|---|
Springfield, MO | Help-U-Sell Realty Choices | 417-887-1111 |
Nevada
Location | Franchise Name | Phone Number |
---|---|---|
Las Vegas, NV | Help-U-Sell Integrity Real Estate | 702-432-7355 |
North Carolina
Location | Franchise Name | Phone Number |
---|---|---|
Greensboro, NC | Help-U-Sell Greensboro | 336-294-4949 |
Greensboro, NC | Triad Realty (Branch) | 336-294-4949 |
Oklahoma
Location | Franchise Name | Phone Number |
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Edmond, OK | Help-U-Sell Edmond/OKC | 405-330-8800 |
Oregon
Location | Franchise Name | Phone Number |
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Eugene, OR | Help-U-Sell Select Real Estate | 541-461-6100 |
Pennsylvania
Location | Franchise Name | Phone Number |
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Chambersburg, PA | Help-U-Sell Keystone Realty | 717-267-1300 |
Exton, PA | Help-U-Sell Direct Homes | 484-999-4994 |
Philadelphia, PA | Help-U-Sell Peoples Real Estate | 215-350-0686 |
Pittsburgh, PA | Help-U-Sell MMC Realty | 412-708-8740 |
Texas
Location | Franchise Name | Phone Number |
---|---|---|
Dallas, TX | Help-U-Sell Sims Realty | 214-850-7606 |
Schertz, TX | Help-U-Sell San Antonio Hill Country | 830-214-7880 |
Utah
Location | Franchise Name | Phone Number |
---|---|---|
Layton, UT | Help-U-Sell Legacy | 801-543-1212 |
Virginia
Location | Franchise Name | Phone Number |
---|---|---|
Stafford, VA | Help-U-Sell Grein Group | 540-657-4250 |
Waynesboro, VA | Help-U-Sell Direct Savings Real Estate | 540-949-4357 |
Washington
Location | Franchise Name | Phone Number |
---|---|---|
Moses Lake, WA | Help-U-Sell First Choice Realty | 509-855-9839 |
Stefan J.M. Swanepoel. "Swanepoel Trends Report 2007." Page(s) 115. Accessed 8/17/2022.
Inman. "Help-U-Sell franchiser files for bankruptcy." Accessed 8/17/2022.
National Association of Realtors. "2019 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers."