UpNest Reviews: A Legitimate Way to Save on Real Estate Fees?

When it comes to buying or selling a property, choosing the right company and agent can be a daunting task. With so many options, it can be challenging to know which one to trust. In this article, we will take a closer look at UpNest, one of the new companies entering the real estate space. Here’s more information about UpNest and some of their reviews to help you make an informed decision.

What is UpNest?

UpNest is an online platform owned by Realtor.com that claims to connect home buyers and sellers with real estate agents. After you fill out a form with your property and contact information you will be shown three to five local agents who want your business. The company claims to have a network of more than 20,000 “top-rated” agents across the United States. In reality, all UpNest requires for an agent to use its platform is that they have a current real estate license and 3 years of experience, a minimum of six transactions over the last twelve months, and some online reviews. This means there is no way to know for sure that the agent you choose is actually top-rated.

UpNest tries to differentiate itself from the other agent matching services available by having the real estate agents on its platform “compete” against one another. This process, in theory, should encourage the agents on their platform to offer lower commission fees. The truth is much more complicated than that.

The service can be a great starting point for identifying real estate agents in your local area, buy you may be better off just going directly to a local agent yourself. This is because UpNest doesn’t pre-negotiate commission fees on your behalf, so savings may not be as good compared to other options such as Assist2Sell. In addition, the platform requires all of the agents using it’s service to pay UpNest a 30% portion of their income. The reality is many agents have to charge more to cover the added expense of using UpNest.

How Does UpNest Work?

Here is a quick breakdown of what it takes to use UpNest:

1. You’ll need to sign up and enter details either about what you are looking to buy or information about your property.

2. Once you enter the required information, your profile will be compared to agents in its system that are near your local area. Agents will then receive your information to determine if they’re willing to give up 30% of the commission for your business.

3. You can receive three to five proposals. These proposals will contain anything from commission quotes to rebate promises to make it worth your while to choose them over another agent.

4. You get to decide if you are going to walk away and start your real estate journey elsewhere or pick an agent. There is no obligation, but your information has already been provided to agents on the platform and you may receive inquiries even after you’ve decided to go another direction.

Selling a Home with UpNest

Home sellers that sign up for UpNest will have their information distributed to agents on the platform. You can review the agent’s profile as well as their proposal once you receive it.

The pitch sellers receive will usually include the commission rate the agent is offering. This is very critical because the seller is the one responsible for paying all of the commission fees. The potential savings are heavily dependent on the commission rate since UpNest does not negotiate any guaranteed savings on the customer’s behalf.

Buying a Home with UpNest

The process of finding an agent, whether selling or buying is similar. The main difference is that many of the buyer’s agents on UpNest offer what the site calls a “commission refund” or “buyer rebate”

This term is a bit misleading because the seller is the one paying the real estate commissions. The buyer’s agent is agreeing to give the homebuyer a percentage of the commission that they make from the transaction in addition to the fee they have to pay UpNest.

It is worth noting that not all UpNest agents offer buyer rebates, and this offer isn’t available in all markets. In reality, these types of rebates are illegal in many states.

UpNest Reviews: What Are Customers Saying?

UpNest has both positive and negative reviews from its customers. Many of the reviews are positive with roughly 4.5 stars across multiple platforms. The negative review, and positive ones alike, reveal some issues. Here’s what we found from reading the reviews.

What Customers Liked

A lot of reviews expressed that they appreciated how fast the platform worked with matching them to an agent and that they get to choose from multiple agents.

“...It was faster and easier than meeting in person. Our agent contacted us right away and we met with him the next day…” - Tina Panzarella, Google

The reviews also seemed to be overall pretty satisfied with the quality of the agent they got matched with.

>> Read More Reviews…

What Customers Disliked

Most of the complaints about UpNest revolved around customer service, and representatives being unresponsive. Even this positive review cites the lack of communication.

“...They don’t respond email, call, or text messages. Need to be more communicative…” - Ally Ao, Google

This is a major issue, as an agent matching service the number one priority should be making sure the agents that are using the platform are not receiving complaints from customers. The lack of reliability with UpNest’s customer service could leave you dealing with a problem with the agent you chose on your own.

>> Read More Reviews…

Many negative reviews also were disappointed with the lack of savings they received. UpNest doesn’t guarantee that you will receive savings by using their platform, but they do advertise that they “could” save you money on commission fees compared to other options. One review claimed that UpNest had promised to send them $300 after purchasing a new home through the service and that money never came.

“...they promised to send $300 after purchasing a new home with their service and it never came. I contacted my rep after about 45 days and she expressed concern and said she would check. Another 30 days went by and still no check or further response…” - Edward Sohmers, Google

There were also many reviews citing that after they had decided to go a different direction, they still received calls and emails from agents that they had been matched with on the platform.

“...I chose not to contact any of their agents. But that did not stop them from trying to contact me.” - Mikery 2, Google

>> Read More Reviews…

Is UpNest a Legitimate Company?

UpNest is a legitimate company that is owned by Move, Inc., the same owner of Realtor.com. It does hold an active brokerage license in California; as an active brokerage, the license is a requirement for all agent matching services.

How Does UpNest Make Money?

UpNest makes money by charging a 30% referral fee to the agents that use the site. This fee is a percentage of the commission the agent earns from the sale before they have to split with their broker. In order for the agent to make a profit, in many cases they have to charge more than they normally would.

Who is UpNest Best For?

UpNest is best for users that are selling a home, don’t care about saving money, and are not concerned about Customer Service. The platform's algorithm usually does an okay job at matching agents with customers but has in the past matched users with an agent that doesn’t really work in their area.

For buyers, UpNest’s potential buyer rebates could save you some money. Beware that this program comes with lots of restrictions and isn’t offered in many markets. You may be better off choosing another company.

Conclusion

In conclusion, UpNest is not a true real estate company, rather it is an agent-matching service. UpNest is a potential resource for buyers and sellers that are trying to save money. There are n guaranteed savings and agents are often forced to charge a higher-than-normal commission fee due to the 30% referral charge they face. Because of this, you may be better off doing some simple research and contacting a local agent directly, like Assist2Sell. Assist2Sell and many others offer full service at a reasonable price; their fees are openly advertised and usually far less than other agents in the area. It’s important to consider the differences between all the companies and choose the one that best meets your needs.

Assist2Sell Puts People First!

We pride ourselves on putting people first! Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing our clients with top-notch service and ensuring that their needs are met throughout the entire real estate process.

We understand that buying or selling a home can be a stressful experience, which is why we strive to make it as easy and hassle-free as possible. From start to finish, we work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and goals, and we use our expertise and resources to help them achieve the best possible outcome.

Our commitment to our clients is evident in everything we do. We offer competitive pricing, personalized service, and a wealth of knowledge and experience that sets us apart from the competition. And, with our cutting-edge technology and innovative marketing strategies, we're able to reach a wider audience and get our clients the results they deserve.

You need a Realtor that will put your needs first while saving you all the stress and putting more savings in your pocket. Look no further than Assist2Sell. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your real estate goals.

Live Franchise Info. Presentation

Assist2Sell Live Franchise Info. Presentation/Workshop Wednesday, April 12th @ 12 pm pacific time. 

Generating more listings and doing more business is only the beginning when operating a consumer-centric real estate business. If you want to have more effective marketing, low overhead, a great technology platform, and more referrals, you owe it to yourself (and your business) to explore the Assist2Sell opportunity.

If you are interested in learning more about our “Full Service with Savings” business model this live presentation is a great way to get the details.
Consumers are cutting back, saving more, and looking for value more than ever. Real estate is no different. Our concept gives sellers the best of both worlds, services they have come to expect from a professional real estate company with significant savings.

What we'll discuss - 

• The new reality of the real estate business. 

• How Assist2Sell works. 

• Is Assist2Sell the right concept for you?

• History and evolution of our concept.

• Is a franchise right for you and your real estate business?

• What you get if you buy a franchise.

• The future of the real estate business. 

And much more! 

There is no cost to attend but space is limited. Click to link below to register and get more details.
 

If the above links do not work, you use the link below. 

REGISTER

#realestatefranchise #assist2sell #realestatebusiness #sellersavings

Alen Zekic in the Assist2Sell Utica, NY office sells 100 homes in 2020

Big congratulations to Alen Zekic in Utica NY for selling 100 homes so far in 2020. You have touched so many lives and saved your clients and neighbors thousands of dollars.

Assist2Sell Franchisee Penny Torontow Elected President Of Ottawa Real Estate Board

It is my distinct Honour and privilege to have been elected as President-Elect of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. I look forward to working with the excellent and dedicated directors and volunteers that work so hard on behalf of Realtors(tm) in Ottawa to ensure the highest level of professionalism within the organization and to the public!

Home Seller Market, I Am A Home Buyer. Where Do I Begin?

- It's a seller's market and I'm a buyer. How do I find the right Realtor? Where do I begin?

So whether you are a buyer working in a seller's market or buyer's market finding the right realtor is critical and making your transaction successful less stressful. So here are three essential points that I think you should consider when looking for the right realtor number one level of experience very critical to your transaction:

1. Years: How long has the Realtor been in the business? How well they know the local market is extremely important.

2. Full-time: Does the realtor have another job? Do they answer their phone? Do they return emails? Are they available 7 days a week?

3. Contract Law: Contracts are extremely important. They are legal and binding. There are many many different contracts and they have many definitions.

I can't stress enough that the realtor you hire should know contract negotiations very very well. Give me a call. I am available to answer any questions that you have in the local real estate market. And remember; Friends don't let friends pay 6%.

Fox Charlotte Highlights Assist2Sell Listing In Fort Mill

“But the basement is an experience. Duffy and his wife designed it first and then told the architect to work around the basement. “We kind of took a cue from Disney and Universal. We call it immersion. You really want people to immerse themselves in that whole environment,” said Duffy.”

The 12,222 square foot house sits on 1.3 acres in the Baxter Village neighborhood. With six bedrooms, nine bathrooms and a five-car garage it’s a mansion by definition. But the basement is an experience. Duffy and his wife designed it first and then told the architect to work around the basement. “We kind of took a cue from Disney and Universal. We call it immersion. You really want people to immerse themselves in that whole environment,” said Duffy. “The property is special,” said Angela Cerbelli, a realtor with Assist2Sell. She’s got the listing and helping Duffy. A trip down the stairs will take you back in time to the 60’s. “We treated everything down there like a movie set,” Duffy said going over all of the details. His background is in production design so the basement finish out makes sense. The rooms are centered around a city street. “It’s 202nd street because that’s where I grew up in the Bronx,” said Duffy. There’s a grocery store front, a soda shop with a working kitchen and even a club. “I’m a big Beatles fan so we designed it around the Cavern Club in Liverpool,” Duffy explained as he took FOX 46 on a tour. The fun doesn’t stop there. There’s a working arcade and a movie theater. “We’d love to see people customize the space to their own likes for the things they like to do,” said Duffy. Almost everything downstairs in the basement is staying with the house. Duffy will be bringing his Beatles memorabilia and toy collection but the rest goes to the new owner. “It’s all about having fun and staying young that’s what prompted the basement, soda shop and theater,” said Duffy. He’s moving to the sunshine state and already has grand plans for his next home. If you’re interested in learning more about the property you can contact Angela Cerbelli at 803-548-4995.

#waysmarter #fortmillcastle #uniquehome #fortmillrealestate

Assist2Sell Takes 1st Place!

Assist2Sell Buyers & Sellers 1st Choice in Utica New York won 1st place for “Best Real Estate Company.” A great achievement and accomplished with a lot of hard work and serving the community.

Truly could not be more proud of our Assist2Sell Family! Best of the Best Local Real Estate Company! Many Thank You’s to go around. Thank you to our team for all of their hard work and dedication to their clients, providing the best service to their Buyer’s and Seller’s. Thank you to the Utica OD and everyone involved in running this contest and putting on a great event as always. Most of all THANK YOU to each and every person who voted! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

Assist-2-Sell Saves Halifax Home-Sellers More Than $19 Million

When Dartmouth couple Diane and Joseph were ready to sell their home, they turned to Assist-2-Sell after seeing their signage all over the neighbourhood. They were intrigued about Assist-2-Sell’s low flat-fee option. Could they really receive the full services of a professional real estate brokerage for one low flat fee, paid at closing?

Dianne says it “almost sounded too good to be true,” but they were amazed the experience “far exceeded” their expectations.

“This was by far the best service we’ve ever received from a Realtor,” says Joseph. “Our house sold within weeks, and we saved thousands of dollars. We highly recommend Assist-2-Sell and cannot say enough about their flat-fee program.”

Real estate agents Michael and Lisa Doyle are the co-owners of the local Assist-2-Sell franchise located in Dartmouth. Their team at Assist-2-Sell, HomeWorks Realty Ltd. has sold more than 4,000 homes in HRM and saved home-sellers more than $19M in commissions since opening in 2001. The $19M savings is calculated based on a comparison of the total commission paid by Assist-2-Sell sellers with what the amount would be if they paid six per cent. Most people realize that by law, commissions are negotiable and each brokerage sets their commission rates.

““Our agents show your home to prospective buyers, negotiate the purchase agreement, help buyers arrange financing, handle scheduling inspections and the appraisal, oversee the closing process — everything you need and expect from a real estate professional.””

Historically, people selling their home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) might expect to pay as much as 5 – 6 per cent in commission. Assist-2-Sell’s unique program offers both the listing and selling services for their low flat fee — just $2,995 for a house priced under $200,000. (The flat fee goes up just $1,000 for every $100,000.)

“Most people are surprised to learn about all the services we provide for our low flat fee. They hear ‘assist’ and think we’ll be helping them do the work themselves, but we still do all the same work you expect from your real estate professional,” explains Michael. “Our agents show your home to prospective buyers, negotiate the purchase agreement, help buyers arrange financing, handle scheduling inspections and the appraisal, oversee the closing process — everything you need and expect from a real estate professional.”

“The home selling process seems intimidating and confusing — and the industry likes to keep it that way — but in reality, it is very simple,” says Michael. “It comes down to finding the buyer, negotiating the purchase agreement, and closing the transaction. Once we find the buyer, the rest falls into place. These days, buyers are able to easily search to find available homes. They no longer rely on agents exclusively to learn about the inventory. Since Assist-2-Sell doesn’t get paid unless the home sells, Michael says they’ve invested substantially in putting together a very comprehensive and powerful marketing program for every home listed with them. “We don’t just put the home in the MLS and hope some other agent sells it.”

Assist-2-Sell’s full-service concept includes using home photography, virtual tours, YouTube videos, single-property websites, beautiful brochures and feature sheets for every property. They use Search Engine Optimization (SEO) so buyers can easily find their listings, and QR codes on all marketing materials that direct people instantly to the single-property website. In addition to the home being placed on the MLS and REALTOR.CA, they use all the same popular HRM real estate websites that other brokerages use. Also, as an IDX broker, their listings show up on all the other IDX REALTOR websites, including VIEWPOINT.CA, a very popular search site buyers use. Michael says “No other real estate company offers this amount of marketing along with real savings.”

“While our fee is much less than our competitors, in addition to the savings we offer, we pride ourselves on providing a level of service and results that exceeds industry standards,” says Michael. “We call it Full Service with $avings!®”

That’s what James Lander discovered when he and his sister went through the emotional process of selling their parents’ former home in Dartmouth.

“We experienced courteous and professional service throughout, and in a short period of time Assist-2-Sell sold our home,” says James. “An added bonus, of course, is the fact that the real estate commission was their low flat rate. It was much less than would have been the case had we gone the traditional real estate route. We saved over $17,000.”

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