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OwnersRE.com is a new agent-less listing service for homeowners who want to avoid paying commissions.
Formally launched this month after a three-month soft release, the company charges owners $250 for use of the platform, which includes a website and productivity dashboard for the home.
OwnersRE.com offers users an array of features to help them market and manage the sale of their home, including methods for fielding offers, working with agents and qualifying buyer leads.
Sellers input basic property details and images used to build the website, which uses the home’s address as its URL.
The company also sends owners a yard sign designed to further promote the website.
Visitors to the listing page must complete pre-approval documentation, and buyer’s agents can inquire about a commission, which is up to the seller.
“Real estate agents without question offer a valuable service. My company was created to assist homeowners familiar with the selling process to sell their home with easy management tools, saving homeowners hours of their time,” said Gregory Schmidt, OwnersRE.com founder and CEO, who was a broker and agent for 40 years.
The dashboard also serves as a showing scheduler, offer management and response features, and a document library from which those wishing to see the home can access forms to demonstrate proof of funds. The company apparently communicates directly with the buyer’s financial institution to further finalize their ability to purchase.
Similar to all other transaction management platforms, OwnersRe.com sends sellers alerts as steps in the deal are completed.
While ForSaleByOwner.com offers to send professional photographers to a seller’s home, OwnersRE.com leaves the visuals in the hands of the property owner.
When asked about concerns of a listing not looking professional enough to compete in today’s image-driven marketing environment, public relations representative Michele Smith of M Communications, Inc., told Inman that pictures are up to the owners.
“First of all, sellers are responsible for their photos as they would be if they put their listing on Zillow or any other website, so OwnersRE.com does not ensure the quality at all for them. They do however provide customers with an email of some suggestions on how to manage taking photos,” Smith wrote in an email.
In the release, sent to Inman from Smith, OwnersRE.com CEO said that his company stands out from competitors because of its transaction tools.
“Unlike other real estate websites offering to help homeowners sell their home without a Realtor, they only offer marketing services. They do not offer a way to manage the entire transaction as we do,” he said.
However, ForSaleByOwner offers a Home Listing Coordinator service that helps sellers with negotiations and paperwork throughout the transaction.
The press release also draws comparisons to Zillow Offers, an “iBuyer” service. However, Zillow doesn’t offer a “FSBO” plan; instead it buys homes directly from sellers or helps them find an agent.
The $250 covers the first six months of the listing, and $100 extends services for an additional six months.
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