The LampPost Difference

1. What sets LampPost Realty^® apart?
The answer is “Buyers Win! Sellers Win! Agents Win!” We have developed a unique category of real estate brokerage. One that is fair to all involved in real estate sales. Our slogan, “Buyers Win! Sellers Win! Agents Win!^®” is a simple, but tremendously effective statement of the LampPost sales method. It’s the foundation of LampPost Realty^®’s success. In the LampPost business model, everyone truly wins.

2. How does LampPost’s “Buyers Win! Sellers Win! Agents Win!^®” method stack up against the competition?
The competition is divided into two general segments – 1) traditional firms that have high overhead, don’t discount their commissions, don’t pay buyer rebates and only pay their agents 50% of the commissions the agents bring in and 2) “fee for service” discounters that offer a menu of services, heavily discounted commissions and only provide what the client is willing to pay for. Essentially, LampPost is the only alternative to “old and staid” and “discount cheap.” But our method is a win-win-win situation for all involved without sacrifice of service. The best in technology and service, cash back for buyers, discounts for sellers, very competitive commission splits for agents and attractive franchise opportunities set LampPost Realty^® apart from the competition and favorably position us for the future.

Benefits to Buyers

1. What is a Buyer Rebate?
LampPost Realty^® earns a commission for representing a buyer and/or a seller in a real estate transaction. We rebate a portion (0.5% of the purchase price when we represent the buyer and 1.0% of the purchase price when we represent both buyer and seller) of our commission back to the buyer at closing.

2. Is the Buyer Rebate allowed in my state?
Paying a Buyer Rebate is allowed in over 80% of the states. Only 9 states (Alaska, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Rhode Island and West Virginia) do not currently have provisions permitting Buyer Rebates but we expect that to change. Four states (Alabama, Oregon, South Dakota and Tennessee) allow a Buyer Rebate paid in the form of a credit at closing instead of cash back to the buyer.

3. How is a Buyer Rebate paid?
Most states and lenders involved in a transaction allow a Buyer Rebate to be paid as a credit at closing against allowable closing costs. While most states also allow a Buyer Rebate to be paid as cash back at the time of closing, many lenders have policies that prohibit cash back at closing and instead allow a credit at closing. Buyers are encouraged to check with their lender before making a loan application.

4. If the Buyer is getting a Buyer Rebate at closing, how is LampPost able to deliver top notch service and not “discounted service”?

• We use state-of-the-art technology that makes it easy for buyers to search the MLS for properties they desire.
• We seek out the best people (employees, agents and franchisees).
• We offer an attractive, customer friendly product (the LampPost Buyer Rebate) that captures the attention of serious buyers.
• We are efficient with our time and the time of our buyer clients because our program attracts qualified and serious buyers. The time we save allows us to pay the Buyer Rebate while also giving every client the utmost in service, expertise and attention to detail.
  

Benefits to Sellers

1. Why should I choose LampPost Realty^® over either the traditional firms or the “fee for service” discounters?

• LampPost Realty^® vs. traditional service firms:
  The answer is clear. With LampPost Realty^®, the Seller pays less in commissions than what other full service firms typically charge for listing. Yet, you will receive exceptional service, representation and results. We are a full service firm and provide all the valuable services a client expects and deserves to receive when selling their property; the Seller pays less for the best.
  
• LampPost Realty^® vs. “fee for service” discounters:
  Discounters charge a low commission and often claim that they offer full service. However, it pays for the Seller to ask a lot of questions and do their research. We believe these deep discounters are representative of “you get what you pay for.” By pricing too low, they are forced to offer limited services, limited/no advertising and limited results are achieved. Aggressive marketing of listed properties, having the best agents, and paying competitive agent compensation are not likely in an ultra cheap model.

2. What commission rate do you charge to sell my property?
That depends on the local market and the type of property you are selling. We guarantee that the commission we charge will be less than what traditional firms charge.

3. How does the Buyer Rebate benefit me, the Seller?
LampPost Realty^® pays a Buyer Rebate to a buyer who purchases your property when LampPost Realty^® represents both buyer and seller. The Buyer Rebate comes out of our commission at 1% of the purchase price. Your property stands out to prospective buyers who are delighted that there is an opportunity to reduce their costs while buying the property they desire at market price. As a seller, you not only receive the benefit of a reduced commission by employing LampPost Realty^®, you also gain a competitive advantage by offering the Buyer Rebate. This one-two punch is an exceptional value and another unique way LampPost Realty^® sets itself apart from the competition.

1. If Everybody wins, how does the LampPost Agent win?
We’ve taken the real estate pie and split it up in a different and favorable way to all. As an Agent of LampPost Realty^®, your commissions will be comparable to what you would receive with a traditional firm AND you can provide your clients with Buyer Rebates and Seller Discounts funded by the firm. By offering Buyer Rebates and Seller Discounts, LampPost Realty^® Agents have a competitive advantage over Agents with other firms. Our Agents truly have something different and better to provide their clients while still receiving attractive market based compensation. LampPost retains less of the gross commission than traditional firms, allowing us to stand by our slogan “Buyers Win! Sellers Win! Agents Win!^®”.

2. How about Agents with other firms?
LampPost pays co-brokering fees that are market based and we strive to make your co-brokering experience with us exceptional.

3. As a LampPost Franchisee, how do I benefit?
As an Agent/Owner, you benefit twofold. a) You receive all the Agent benefits of being associated with LampPost Realty^® and b) You gain the ability to recruit agents and the potential to build your firm into a leader within your area. Buyers, Sellers and Agents will want to be associated with your firm. You will finally be able to provide a unique set of benefits to your clients, position yourself favorably for the future and control your own destiny!