Redfin has set up shop in Maine, continuing its aggressive push into new markets.
Since announcing a $70.9 million funding round in December, the Seattle-based brokerage has moved into at least eight new markets, and has now planted roots in more than 50 major U.S. cities. Redfin’s website offers property search in 36 states.
Julie Davis will lead Redfin operations in Southern Maine, where it’s serving buyers and sellers in Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Kennebunk, Biddeford, August and the Lakes Region.
“We are excited to put roots down in the southern coastal cities where local industries and a culture friendly to small businesses have created strong real estate markets. We plan to grow our business north from there,” said Redfin Market Manager Alex Coon in a statement.
Redfin claims to align its agents’ interests with consumers more than traditional brokerages by paying its agents salaries rather than commissions — a claim some have disputed — plus benefits bonuses based on customer satisfaction.
The broker also furnishes agents with proprietary tech tools, logistical support and leads generated by its populate website.
Redfin says that frees up its agents’ time to work with more clients at once than a traditional agent, allowing the brokerage to refund up to half of its buyer’s agent fee, and charge sellers a lower commission rate than traditional brokerages, saving the typical seller an amount equal to 1.5 percent of their home’s sale price.
The brokerage claims to have saved its customers more than $200 million in real estate fees.
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