Why We Charge Flat-Fee to Buy — but Percentage to Sell

Last week we made the case for flat-fee, retainer-based buyer agency — so why does the listing side go back to a percentage? Because when you're selling, a percentage points in the same direction you do: you both want a higher number. Flat-fee listing rewards closing fast, not selling well.Nick and Dave break down how the Tartan Team represents sellers across three tiers — full service, limited service, and hourly consulting — what it actually costs to market a home, the value of a negotiation buffer, and where the flat-fee MLS platforms fit in.Chapters00:00 — Cold open: rain, fireworks, and the PNW01:41 — Teaser: the Zillow–MRED hearing in Chicago (more next week)03:04 — Why the sell side goes back to percentages05:37 — Aligned incentives: when commission actually works08:32 — How flat-fee listings turn into a volume game09:24 — Full service: 3% to $600K, 1.5% above — and why10:24 — What it actually costs to market a home12:50 — Who full service is for16:21 — Limited service: judgment and legal cover, less in-person18:24 — Open houses and the negotiation buffer23:31 — Emotional pricing and stale listings26:57 — Flat-fee platforms, and why we don't compete there33:10 — Non-agency consulting for true FSBOs34:50 — Pushback welcome + how to reach usMentioned in this episodeListing fee comparison calculator → https://www.thetartanteam.com/pricingHow we sell → https://www.thetartanteam.com/sellLast week's buyer-agency episode → https://youtu.be/Z749WWb_gJQ?si=L-e7RhDaMhMRfXgqThinking about selling? Book a strategy call → https://www.thetartanteam.com/bookReach us directly: [email protected] · [email protected]