Increased awareness of “non-traditional” business models, like that of Assist-2-Sell, has spawned a national debate about the differences between “traditional” real estate companies and “discount” real estate companies. People involved in the discussion try to characterize real estate companies as being either “traditional” or “discount.” It would be more accurate to differentiate using three categories:

1. Full-Service/High Commission: So-called “traditional” real estate companies

2. Full-Service/Discounted Commission: Assist-2-Sell

3. Limited Service/Discounted Commission: Real estate companies that offer a “menu of services” or limited service.

As a “discounter,” Assist-2-Sell is often inaccurately lumped in with the third category, “Limited Service/Discounted Commission.” A key difference between Assist-2-Sell and others in the “discount” real estate space is the level of service. Assist-2-Sell discovered early on that while sellers love the discounted commission, they still need and want full-service. Assist-2-Sell franchise offices are full-service real estate brokerages staffed by experienced, licensed real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS®, as well as state and local REALTOR® associations. They take care of everything home sellers need from a real estate company, but charge a lower commission.

How is Assist-2-Sell different from other “discount” real estate companies?

Assist-2-Sell is a full-service discount real estate company. Other companies that discount their commission usually do so by taking away services. If they charge less, they are going to do less.

Some are Internet-based and may only offer placement of the house in the MLS and rely on the MLS-selling broker to handle the entire transaction. While these models do have some appeal, Assist-2-Sell has found they are not a solution for the majority of home sellers who want and need full-service but don’t want to pay a high commission.

How is Assist-2-Sell different from “For Sale by Owner” real estate companies?

Many homeowners decide to sell their home without the assistance of a real estate broker. Most “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) real estate companies simply help these homeowners advertise their house on the Internet. Assist-2-Sell is not a “For Sale by Owner” solution; it is a full-service real estate brokerage.