S2 E29: I Closed a Deal for Clients I Never Met

What happens when your buyers are in South Dakota, your seller is a solo military spouse packing up a house alone, and the whole deal is a for-sale-by-owner? In this episode of Closing Chapters, Brittney walks us through a 2019 transaction unlike any other: a remote closing with clients she never met face-to-face, negotiated through a for-sale-by-owner who had no idea what came next after saying yes.This episode is a masterclass in what realtors actually do behind the scenes. From navigating VA buyers with limited cash to handling paperwork for both sides of a FSBO deal, Brittney pulls back the curtain on the unglamorous, underappreciated work that makes a closing happen. She also tackles one of the biggest misconceptions buyers carry: that their realtor didn't do anything because they found the house themselves.Brittney also opens up an honest conversation about commission negotiations, sharing that she accepted just 1% on this deal, and why she'd do it again in a heartbeat. Helping two military families move forward, even at a personal financial cost, is exactly the kind of work that keeps her in this business. If you've ever wondered what a realtor is actually earning their fee for, this episode will change how you see it.Key Takeaways:•  FSBOs are worth pursuing. Many will pay a buyer agent commission, and the stigma needs to go.•  VA buyers are often first-time, cash-light buyers. Knowing how to serve them well is a skill.•  Remote transactions are absolutely possible with the right systems and communication in place.•  Realtors often do double the work on FSBO deals, handling documentation for both sides.•  Commissions have always been negotiable. This was true long before the NAR lawsuits.•  Buyers finding their own property is normal. The realtor's value is in the process, not just the search.•  Serving military families sometimes means accepting less pay to do the right thing.•  A FSBO appointment is also a listing lead. Leave the door open professionally.🎧 If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear what realtors really do. Your support helps this podcast reach more military families and real estate professionals who are navigating these exact situations every day.Closing Chapters Podcast: Where Every Mission Has A StoryThanks for listening. We talk all things military real estate, my transactions, the mistakes, the wins, and simple plays you can use right now.Work With Me:Buying or selling near Fort Bragg & Moore CountyAgents, partner with me Connect With Brittney:🌐 Website📚 Training Platform📺 YouTube📸 Instagram📘 Facebook💼 LinkedIn📧 Email: [email protected] this episode helped, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share it with a friend in PCS season.Disclaimer: This podcast education only & is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Talk with your own pros about your situation. Opinions are my own.© 2025 Brittney Frye. All rights reserved. Realtor, license # 352197 in NC. Brokerage: REAL Broker l Military Division