Frequently Asked Questions

SmartList is all the services you expect and more.

• MLS listing
• Open houses
• Full color home brochures on and off line
• Virtual tours on every listing
• Location maps
• Individual showings to interested buyers
• Constant communication and feedback
• Stress free management of the entire process
• Exposure to all leading industry web sites including Realtor.com

We begin with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine the sale price of a property in the current market. The CMA will look at all active and recently sold listings of similar homes in your area. We select homes that are similar to yours in size, shape and condition. The process also includes a thorough checklist of repairs and maintenance of your property.

Everybody knows that real estate is valued on "location, location, location," A home with a view of the city, for example, is worth more than a home facing a cement wall. Homes located on busy thoroughfares are worth considerably less than homes on quiet streets.

Every home is multiple listed so all realtors and individual buyers will see it regardless of their search engine tools. Realtors use the MLS to pick homes for their clients. Buyers use their preferred internet site for their search. The trademark feature of our marketing program is getting your home onto real estate web sites. Not just ours, but hundreds of them. We specialize in real estate eCommerce so we know exactly what to do.

Potential buyers see your home the same way as if we were a sticks and brick real estate office. If they are working with a realtor from another office, their agent shows them your home. If they find your home on the web or by driving through your neighborhood they call us and we arrange to give them a tour at their earliest convenience. HomeFinderXL follows up on every showing to get feedback to keep you informed.

There are two parts to a listing agreement. The first part gives the listing real estate office the right to exclusively market the home. In return for marketing the property, the listing office typically receives a 3% commission (HomefinderXL charges 1.5%). In addition to the listing side of the equation, the seller also offers a commission to the real estate office who brings the buyer – this is typically 3% or 2.5%.

It can be argued, quite rightfully, that the buyer pays the commission. Why? Because it's typically part of the sales price. If the seller could have all the same services and pay less commission the sales price could be lowered. There lies the appeal of listing with HomefinderXL.

The industry is changing, it isn’t here yet, but don't be surprised if over the next few years sellers and buyers each retain, and pay separately for, their own representation.

TotallyHomes lists homes for a whole lot less, just 1.5%. But we never compromise on service. In fact our service package exceeds those of many of our competitors.

We begin by making suggestions on preparing your home to sell. Once listed, your home is put on hundreds of websites within days. When you accept an offer, our work continues. Inspections often result in questions and new requests from buyers. We strive to avoid price adjustments, so it’s important to do everything possible beforehand to minimize changes. Our closing team works to ensure key deadlines are met. We’ll coordinate all the closing processes to ensure your sale closes on time.

Just as technology has made it more efficient for consumers to directly purchase plane tickets, stocks, insurance and music, it is now making it feasible for the consumer to control the business relationship when selling or purchasing a home. Until now the real estate consumer has missed out on any financial benefit gained from technology. We use all the latest information technologies to work efficiently, this way we can pass the savings on to you.

TotallyHomes is changing the industry for the better.