Top 7 Questions Atlanta Home Sellers Should Ask Before Choosing a 1% Realtor
Choosing the right real estate agent is the single most important decision you’ll make when selling your home. Atlanta home sellers should ask any potential 1% realtor about their specific services, fee transparency, marketing strategies, local performance metrics, and negotiation skills to ensure they are getting a full-service experience that protects their equity, not just a cheap listing.
Don’t Leave Money on the Table: Why Vetting Your Atlanta Realtor is More Important Than Ever
Your Atlanta home has likely gained significant equity over the past few years. As you prepare to sell, the most pressing question becomes: how much of that hard-earned profit will you actually keep? The traditional real estate model, with its 5-6% commission structure, often takes a substantial bite out of your net proceeds.
Consider this: on a $500,000 home sale in a neighborhood like Virginia-Highland or Sandy Springs, a 6% commission amounts to a staggering $30,000. That’s money that could be used for a down payment on your next home, investments, or simply securing your financial future.
This reality has led savvy Atlanta homeowners to seek smarter alternatives. The rise of 1% listing models presents a powerful opportunity to maximize your return without sacrificing service. However, not all low-commission agents are created equal. This guide provides the essential questions you must ask to ensure you partner with a top-tier professional who delivers a full-service experience for a fair price, protecting the equity you’ve worked so hard to build.
Key Takeaways
- Commission Structures Matter: Understand that a 1% listing fee applies to your agent’s side of the commission, allowing you to save thousands while still offering a competitive rate to the buyer’s agent to attract maximum interest.
- “Full Service” is Non-Negotiable: A lower commission should not mean fewer services. Demand professional photography, comprehensive MLS listings (GAMLS & FMLS), robust marketing, and expert guidance from start to finish.
- Proof is in the Performance: Don’t just take an agent’s word for it. Ask for concrete data, including their average days on market, recent sales stats in your specific Atlanta-area neighborhood, and client testimonials.
- Negotiation is Key: An agent’s true value is often revealed during negotiations. Ensure they have a strong track record of navigating multiple-offer scenarios and inspection reports to protect your bottom line.
First, How Do Real Estate Commissions Typically Work in Atlanta?
Before you can appreciate the savings, it’s crucial to understand the traditional commission model in the Atlanta market. This transparency is the first step toward making a financially sound decision for your sale.
Typically, the total commission for a home sale is 5-6% of the final sale price. This amount isn’t paid to a single agent. Instead, it’s split between the two brokerages involved in the transaction:
- The Listing Agent’s Brokerage: Receives 2.5-3% for marketing your home, managing the process, and representing your interests.
- The Buyer’s Agent’s Brokerage: Receives 2.5-3% for bringing a qualified buyer and representing their interests.
The 1% listing model, as practiced by 1 Percent Lists Peach State, revolutionizes this structure by focusing on the listing side. You pay just 1% to your dedicated listing agent while still offering a competitive commission (typically 2.5% or 3%) to the buyer’s agent. This is a critical strategy; offering a fair commission to the buyer’s agent ensures that all agents are motivated to show your home to their clients, maximizing your property’s exposure and driving up the potential sales price.
Let’s see how that plays out on a $500,000 Atlanta home sale:
| Commission Aspect | Traditional 6% Model | 1 Percent Lists Peach State Model | Your Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listing Agent Fee | 3% ($15,000) | 1% ($5,000) | $10,000 |
| Buyer’s Agent Fee | 3% ($15,000) | 3% ($15,000) | $0 |
| Total Commission | 6% ($30,000) | 4% ($20,000) | $10,000 |
The bottom line is clear: you save thousands of dollars on the listing side without compromising the marketing reach needed for a successful sale. This is the modern, efficient approach to Atlanta home sales in 2025.
The 7 Critical Questions to Ask Any 1% Realtor in Atlanta
Arm yourself with these questions to cut through the noise and find a true full-service partner.
1. What specific, full-range services are included in your 1% listing fee?
Why This Question Matters for Atlanta Sellers
This question directly addresses the core fear: “You get what you pay for.” Many sellers worry that a lower commission means cut corners, such as smartphone photos, a sign in the yard with a phone number, and little else. In a visually driven and competitive market like Atlanta, professional presentation is everything. A poorly marketed home can sit on the market longer and ultimately sell for less, negating any commission savings.
The Ideal Answer You Should Hear
“Our 1% listing fee is all-inclusive, providing everything you’d expect from a traditional 6% agent, and more. This means a comprehensive market analysis to price your Atlanta property correctly from day one, professional high-resolution photography, a secure electronic lockbox for showings, a prominent yard sign, and a dedicated listing on both Georgia MLS (GAMLS) and First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS). Your home is then syndicated to hundreds of major real estate sites like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com. We handle every detail, from initial listing to the closing table, ensuring a seamless experience.”
2. Will there be any minimum commission, hidden administrative fees, or transaction fees?
Why This Question Matters for Atlanta Sellers
Transparency in pricing is a cornerstone of trust. Some brokerages—both traditional and discount models—will advertise a low rate but then add on “junk fees” at closing. These can be labeled as administrative fees, transaction coordination fees, or other vague charges that can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your closing statement, catching you completely by surprise and eroding your savings.
The Ideal Answer You Should Hear
“Absolutely not. Our pricing is completely straightforward: 1% of the final sale price for our full listing services. We believe in total transparency. The only other commission involved is the one you agree to offer the buyer’s agent, which we will discuss and determine together. Everything will be clearly itemized in the listing agreement before you sign, so there are no surprises at closing.”
3. How, specifically, do you market homes to attract Atlanta buyers?
Why This Question Matters for Atlanta Sellers
Getting the highest possible price for your home requires maximum exposure to the largest pool of qualified buyers. Simply putting a listing on the MLS is a passive approach and isn’t enough to generate the excitement and competition that leads to strong offers. You need to know that your agent has a proactive, multi-channel marketing plan to find buyers wherever they are, from those searching in Gwinnett County to those looking for a home in the heart of the city.
The Ideal Answer You Should Hear
“Our marketing strategy is robust and designed for the modern Atlanta buyer. It begins with stunning professional photos that make your home stand out online. From there, your home gets premium placement on GAMLS and FMLS, which feeds to hundreds of websites. But we don’t stop there. We leverage targeted social media advertising campaigns to reach potential buyers based on their online behavior and demographics. We also execute email campaigns to our extensive network of active Atlanta-area agents, ensuring your property gets seen by serious buyers, not just passive online browsers. This is part of our commitment to selling smart with AI and PropTech.”
4. What’s your average Days on Market (DOM) compared to the Atlanta average?
Why This Question Matters for Atlanta Sellers
This key performance indicator reveals an agent’s effectiveness in pricing and marketing. An agent whose DOM is consistently and significantly longer than the local average may be overpricing homes, leading to price reductions and seller fatigue. Conversely, an agent whose homes sell suspiciously fast might be underpricing them, leaving your money on the table. The goal is a swift sale at the right price, reflecting true market value.
The Ideal Answer You Should Hear
“Our primary goal is to price your home strategically to attract the strongest offers in the shortest reasonable timeframe. Our average Days on Market is consistently in line with, or better than, the average for comparable homes across the metro area. We can show you specific stats for homes we’ve recently sold in neighborhoods from Decatur to Marietta, demonstrating our ability to price accurately and market effectively to achieve our clients’ goals.”
5. Can you share recent sales stats and testimonials from my local Atlanta area?
Why This Question Matters for Atlanta Sellers
This is about proof of performance. Any agent can talk a good game, but proven results and happy clients are what truly matter. You need to see tangible evidence that they have successfully sold homes like yours in your specific part of town, whether it’s Buckhead, East Atlanta, or Henry County. Local expertise is not just a buzzword; it’s critical for accurate pricing and targeted marketing.
The Ideal Answer You Should Hear
“Of course. We’re proud of our track record and are happy to be transparent about our results. Here are a few recent homes we’ve sold in your area, including their initial list price, their final sale price, and the number of days they were on the market. We can also connect you with past Atlanta clients who were thrilled to save thousands of dollars without sacrificing an ounce of service or professionalism.”
6. How do you handle negotiations during a multiple-offer situation or a tough inspection report?
Why This Question Matters for Atlanta Sellers
This is where a great agent truly earns their commission, regardless of the percentage. A skilled negotiator can be the difference between a smooth closing and a deal falling apart. In a hot market, they can leverage multiple offers to drive the price and terms in your favor. When an inspection report comes back with a list of demands, a strong negotiator can skillfully navigate the requests, protecting your bottom line and keeping the deal on track.
The Ideal Answer You Should Hear
“Negotiation is one of our core strengths and where we provide immense value. We are your dedicated advocate. In a multiple-offer scenario, we’ll help you meticulously analyze every offer, looking beyond just the price to consider contingencies, financing strength, and closing dates to help you choose the absolute best one. When it comes to inspections, we have the experience to advise you on which requests are reasonable and which are unnecessary demands, ensuring the deal remains fair and favorable to you.”
7. What is your communication plan and who will be my main point of contact?
Why This Question Matters for Atlanta Sellers
One of the biggest complaints in the real estate industry is poor communication. Sellers can feel left in the dark, unsure of showing feedback or their agent’s next steps. You need assurance that you won’t be passed off to an anonymous team member or an assistant after signing the listing agreement. Consistent, clear communication is vital for a low-stress selling experience.
The Ideal Answer You Should Hear
“You will have a single, dedicated, and experienced agent as your point of contact throughout the entire process. We believe in proactive communication. You will receive regular, scheduled updates on showings, buyer feedback, and overall market activity. You’ll have our direct cell phone number and can expect prompt, clear responses to your calls, texts, and emails. Our goal is for you to feel informed and confident every step of the way.”
The Takeaway: Full Service Doesn’t Have to Mean Full Price
Asking these critical questions empowers you, the Atlanta home seller, to look beyond the commission percentage and evaluate the true value an agent provides. The evolution of the real estate industry means you no longer have to pay a 6% fee to get professional marketing, expert negotiation, and a successful, profitable sale.
By choosing the right 1% agent, you are not choosing a “discount” option; you are choosing a smarter, more efficient business model that passes the savings directly to you. This is the key to maximizing the equity you’ve built in your Atlanta home and moving on to your next chapter with confidence and financial strength.
Ready to Save Thousands on Your Atlanta Home Sale? See What 1 Percent Lists Peach State Can Do For You.
Now that you’re armed with the right questions, it’s time to get the right answers. At 1 Percent Lists Peach State, we pride ourselves on providing full service for a fair price, saving our Atlanta clients an average of $10,000 in commissions.
Don’t leave your hard-earned equity on the table. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation home valuation and discover how our modern approach can deliver superior results and significant savings for you.