Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions,
answered.
Everything you need to know about selling your home for ZERO listing commission when you buy your next home through Phil Slezak Real Estate — serving Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, Durham, and the Greater Triangle and Brunswick County areas of North Carolina.
No fine print. No catch. Just straight answers.
"In traditional listing arrangements, listing broker fees are fully negotiable but historically average around 2.5% to 3% of the sale price. On a $500,000 home, that listing-side fee alone can represent $12,500 to $15,000 deducted directly from your seller equity at closing."
— National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Seller Profile
FAQ
The Zero-Commission Model
How does the zero-commission model work?
The process is completely streamlined: when you sell your current home through Phil Slezak Real Estate and purchase your next home through our team within 90 days, we waive the listing-side commission on your sale entirely. You get our highest tier of full-service marketing — professional HD photography, cinematic video tour, drone footage, four-color print marketing, AI Buyer Finder technology, full digital marketing campaigns, and maximum MLS exposure — plus expert negotiation at closing. All for ZERO listing commission.
How do you make money if there's no commission on the sale?
We earn our compensation by serving as your dedicated buyer's agent when you purchase your next home. In most local transactions, buyer agent compensation is offered by the seller or negotiated directly into your purchase contract as a seller concession.
What if a seller is unwilling to cover buyer agent fees?
We review all terms with you upfront before writing an offer. If a seller does not offer compensation, we structure your offer strategically to account for it or negotiate seller-paid concessions so you never face out-of-pocket surprises.
What if a seller is unwilling to cover buyer agent fees?
We review all terms with you upfront before writing an offer. If a seller does not offer compensation, we structure your offer strategically to account for it or negotiate seller-paid concessions so you never face out-of-pocket surprises.
Is there a catch?
No catch. The model is entirely straightforward: list your home with us, buy your next home through us within 90 days, and your listing commission is waived. We are completely transparent about how we operate because we believe in protecting your hard-earned equity.
What if I decide not to buy a home through your team?
The Sold Zero Commission™ offer is a dual-transaction framework specifically tied to our buy-side relationship. If you choose to purchase your next home through a different agent, or without representation, our standard listing commission rates would apply. There is never any obligation either way — and we will be fully transparent about all of this before anything is signed.
How does this compare to a guaranteed cash offer program?
Guaranteed cash offer programs typically buy your home at a deep discount of just 85 to 93 cents on the dollar. On a $500,000 home that is a staggering $35,000 to $75,000 LESS than market value — and that is before their significant service fees even enter the picture.
With Sold Zero Commission™ you receive:
The math is not even close.
With Sold Zero Commission™ you receive:
- Full open-market value for your property
- Our premier, full-production marketing campaign
- ZERO listing commission charged on your sale
The math is not even close.
FAQ
Service & Representation
Is the listing service really the same as a traditional agent?
Yes — 100%. We provide professional photography, staging consultation, strategic pricing, MLS listing, digital marketing, open houses, and skilled negotiation. The only thing that changes is the commission line on your closing statement.
Do I still get full buyer’s agent representation on the buy side?
Yes, absolutely. When you purchase your next home through our team you receive a dedicated, elite buyer’s agent who represents your interests exclusively. This includes curated property searches, private showings, deep-dive neighborhood market analysis, strategic offer structuring, and full legal and logistical support all the way through to closing.
What if my home does not sell right away?
We price and market your home strategically from day one to generate maximum buyer interest quickly. If adjustments are needed our team will advise you proactively. The 90-day window for your purchase begins at your sale closing — not when you list — so we have time to get it right without pressure.
Can I still negotiate on my home's listing price and terms?
Absolutely. You retain full control over your listing price, terms, and which offers you choose to accept. Phil and his team provide expert, data-driven market strategy and advice — but you always make the final decisions.
Do you handle the sale and purchase at the same time?
Yes — and that coordination is one of the most valuable things we provide. We align both timelines so you are never caught without a home or carrying two mortgages. Whether you need a simultaneous close, a rent-back arrangement, or a short gap between transactions, our team manages every detail from start to finish.
FAQ
Eligibility & Process
How does the NAR settlement affect the zero-commission model?
The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) settlement, which took effect on August 17, 2024, introduced two major industry-wide practice changes: (1) MLS platforms are no longer permitted to display or offer compensation to buyer's agents, and (2) real estate agents must now enter into written representation agreements with buyers before touring any homes. These agreements must clearly specify the services provided and the amount of compensation.
In April 2026, NAR reached a second settlement ($52.25 million, Tuccori v. At World Properties) which received final court approval on July 22, 2026. This final approval requires no new practice changes beyond those already in effect since August 2024.
For sellers, this means buyer agent commissions are now fully negotiable and explicitly discussed upfront. The Sold Zero Commission™ model is well-positioned under these new rules: we still waive the listing-side commission on your sale, and the buyer-side commission on your purchase is negotiated transparently as part of your transaction. The result: greater clarity, more control, and the same equity savings.
In April 2026, NAR reached a second settlement ($52.25 million, Tuccori v. At World Properties) which received final court approval on July 22, 2026. This final approval requires no new practice changes beyond those already in effect since August 2024.
For sellers, this means buyer agent commissions are now fully negotiable and explicitly discussed upfront. The Sold Zero Commission™ model is well-positioned under these new rules: we still waive the listing-side commission on your sale, and the buyer-side commission on your purchase is negotiated transparently as part of your transaction. The result: greater clarity, more control, and the same equity savings.
Is there a minimum home value to qualify?
The Sold Zero Commission™ program is designed to be highly accessible. The model is available for qualifying residential listings throughout the Greater Triangle and Brunswick County areas. Schedule a free Equity Consultation with Phil to review your specific property and goals — no obligation, no pressure.
How long do I have to buy my next home?
You have a generous 90-day window from your sale closing date to purchase your next home and have the listing commission fully waived. We begin strategically planning and touring homes well in advance — often before your current home even goes under contract — so you never feel rushed and the transition is entirely seamless from start to finish.
What areas do you serve?
Phil Slezak Real Estate proudly serves the Greater Triangle area — including Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, Durham, Chapel Hill, Apex, Holly Springs, and all surrounding communities — as well as coastal Brunswick County and Wilmington, North Carolina. Our zero-commission model is available for qualifying residential listings throughout these markets, with our footprint actively expanding across the state.
How do I get started?
Getting started is completely risk-free. Schedule your free, no-obligation Equity Consultation with Phil and his team. We will walk you through the exact numbers for your unique situation, answer every question you have, and show you precisely how much you will save with Sold Zero Commission™.
Still have questions?
Phil is happy to answer anything you have about the zero-commission model.
No obligations, no sales pressure — just a straightforward, transparent conversation about your equity and your options.
Choose the best way to get your answers below:
Listing commission waived when you purchase your next home through Phil Slezak Real Estate within 90 days of your home sale closing. Buyer agent fee applies. Program terms subject to change — contact us for current details.
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*All real estate commissions are negotiable.