TAMPA, Fla. - TelAve -- As homeowners gear up to sell this spring, Homa, a real estate platform designed to empower unrepresented buyers, is sounding the alarm on a costly and often overlooked clause in listing agreements. A single choice buried in most standard contracts could result in sellers paying thousands in unnecessary commissions, especially when a buyer shows up without an agent.

Despite a major 2024 legal ruling intended to curb unfair buyer agent commissions, many listing agents continue operating under the old rules. Sellers are frequently left in the dark about their options, and some are even misled into believing they have none.

"At Homa, we want every home seller to know the fine print in your listing agreement matters," said a spokesperson for Homa. "Too often, sellers unknowingly agree to pay their agent more commission than they thought, especially when the buyer has no agent."

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In a standard listing agreement, if the buyer is unrepresented, many listing agents automatically check a box allowing them to collect the commission set aside for a buyer's agent, without doing any additional work. Some may attempt to represent both sides to justify the extra fee, creating conflicts of interest.

Homa encourages sellers to negotiate that clause. When there's no buyer agent, the seller could offer the buyer credits, reduce the purchase price and still net more, or keep the difference as profit.

"The point is, the seller should decide how that money is used, not their agent," Homa's spokesperson added.

Homa advises sellers to review their listing agreement closely for language like "broker retains full commission if buyer is unrepresented." Each state's contract is unique, so look for sections referencing compensation or commission.

"Traditional agents have long relied on vague contract language to quietly earn more by doing less," said Homa's spokesperson. "At Homa, we believe in clarity and empowerment. While we focus on supporting unrepresented buyers, we think sellers should be just as informed."

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As more sellers explore alternatives to the traditional real estate model, understanding what's in the listing agreement is more important than ever. A simple checkbox could cost thousands. But with the right knowledge, it could be the key to a better deal. For more on this topic, visit Homa's website.

About Homa
Homa (www.tryhoma.com) is an AI-powered real estate platform revolutionizing the real estate industry by giving home buyers the tools, insights, and support they need to successfully purchase a home on their own terms. Whether they choose to work with an agent or not, Homa simplifies the process, saves them money, and puts buyers in control every step of the way.