Help-U-Sell strives to reduce realty expenses

Donna and Darryl Flowers wanted to sell their home so they could return to Florida. They contacted Help-U-Sell Real Estate Solution's brothers Paul and Larry May and before they knew it, it was time to move.

It took only four days for Larry May to sell the home. The transaction took place so quickly that the couple had to rent back their old home for two weeks while they found a place to live in Florida.

The home sold for $230,000, $5,000 more than the asking price.

May said a flat $2,950 listing fee was charged on the transaction, and that the fee is the same regardless of the sales price or how a buyer is found. The firm handles all marketing, advertising and negotiation, and follows the transaction through close of escrow. All of the company's offices cooperate with members of the Multiple Listing Service.

The fixed-charge concept has increased in popularity, according to May, who pointed out that a home selling for $200,000 typically would incur a 6 percent to 7 percent commission costing the seller $12,000 to $14,000.

"It all moved so quickly," Donna Flowers said. "The first thing Larry (May) did was set up a home inspection and he came out and sat with us for three hours while the home was being inspected."

The realty firm has seven offices in Las Vegas. Five more are planned to open within the next 90 days.

The franchise, founded in 1976, has corporate headquarters in Syossett, N.Y., with offices in 500 communities nationwide and in Canada.

The company has operated in Northern Nevada since 1980 and in Southern Nevada since 2002, according to Michael Patton, owner of the company's branch at 1920 Rock Springs Drive.

"This really is a very simple process," Patton said. "The difference is that we have systemized the process and provide exactly what our clients demand. In addition, our average real estate salesperson has more than 10 years experience."

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