What is a limited service listing agent?

Is it Worth it to Use a Limited Service Listing Agent?

Probably not.

The Price of Saving Money

Have you ever tried buying cheap toilet paper to save a little money? You know, the kind you find in discount office buildings and school bathrooms? How did that turn out?

We have the numbers to prove it.

People often choose the “cheaper” of two options out of fear of wasting money. Yet, spending more on a higher-quality product usually saves money and frustration in the long run. The same is true when it comes to limited service listing agents.

How Do Limited-Service Brokerages Stack Up Against Top-Tier Full Service Agents?

We’ve crunched the numbers and found that homes listed with Compass’s Capitol Hill office dramatically outperform homes listed with two of the biggest limited-service brokerages in King County. Here’s what you need to know before you decide who should list your home.

1. Compass Listings Sell Faster than Limited Service Listings

Homes listed with Compass Capitol Hill agents sell 300% faster than homes sold by limited-service listing agents. Every week your home sits on the market costs you money. Mortgage payments, utilities, insurance—it adds up fast. A quicker sale means less stress and fewer holding costs. The longer a home stays on the market, the less likely it is to sell at all. Speaking of which…

2. Limited-Service Listings Are More Likely to Go Unsold

Homes listed with limited service listing agents are 2.5 times more likely to go unsold than those listed with Compass. That’s right, 38% of sellers who use limited service listing agents FAIL to sell their home. You know what’s worse than selling for less than you wanted? Not selling at all. With a limited-service brokerage, you’re more likely to end up sitting on an unsold house, wondering what went wrong.

2. Compass Listings Sell for More $$$

Limited-service brokerages may seem cheaper upfront, but if they’re leaving money on the table, is it really cheaper?

The median sale price for homes listed by Compass is 41% higher than homes listed with limited-service brokerages. If you’re thinking, “that’s just because Compass is listing bigger, more valuable homes,” consider this: Compass also crushes the price per square foot of limited service listings by more than 34%. AND Compass homes beat their asking price by an average of 2% more. These differences could mean a six-figure increase in your bottom line.

So, What’s the Real Cost of Going “Limited Service”?

Don’t trust us, trust the numbers.

Here’s the truth: Limited-service brokerages may save you a few bucks on commission, but they’re costing you thousands more in the final sale. It’s the classic “penny-wise, pound-foolish” trap.

And don’t forget, with a limited service brokerage, YOU, the seller, are responsible for all the difficult and time consuming parts of the sale. How much do you value your time?

Data source: Analysis of King County residential listings comparing Compass’s Capitol Hill office to two major limited-service brokerages.

If you have questions about the home selling process, or anything else having to do with Seattle real estate, do not hesitate to reach out to me and the Get Happy at Home Team directly!

About Ryan

Ryan attended law school at the University of Washington. He obtained his WSBA bar license in 2018 and practiced law in Washington prior to joining Get Happy at Home. He is currently licensed as WSBA #54185.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only. We do not intend this blog as legal advice and it should not be relied upon as a substitute for consulting with a qualified legal professional. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the law is constantly evolving, and the content of this post may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Always consult with a licensed attorney or legal expert for advice specific to your situation. Any reliance you place on the information from this blog post is strictly at your own risk. We do not accept any responsibility for any loss, injury, claim, liability, or damage of any kind resulting from the use of, reference to, or reliance on the information provided in this blog post.