Chicago’s Flat Fee Realtor: Full Service Listing for $1,995
What would you do with an extra $10,000-$20,000 at closing? Most Chicago home sellers pay 2.5% of their sale price to their listing agent—$12,500 on a $500,000 home. With a flat fee realtor, you pay $1,995 for the same full-service listing. Same MLS exposure. Same professional marketing. Same negotiation expertise. Just a fundamentally different fee structure that puts more money in your pocket.
Net Gain Realty is Chicago’s flat fee real estate brokerage. We provide every service traditional agents offer—comprehensive marketing, expert pricing, professional photography, skilled negotiation, and full closing support—for a flat $1,995 fee instead of a percentage of your sale price.
What Is a Flat Fee Realtor?
A flat fee realtor charges a fixed dollar amount to list and sell your home, regardless of the sale price. This contrasts with traditional agents who charge a percentage—typically 2.5-3%—that scales with your home’s value.
Flat Fee vs Traditional Commission
Here’s the fundamental difference:
| Fee Structure | $400K Home | $600K Home | $800K Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional 2.5% | $10,000 | $15,000 | $20,000 |
| Flat Fee ($1,995) | $1,995 | $1,995 | $1,995 |
| Your Savings | $8,005 | $13,005 | $18,005 |
The traditional percentage model means you pay more commission simply because your home is worth more—even though the work involved is essentially identical. A $400,000 condo and an $800,000 condo require the same MLS listing, the same photography session, the same contract negotiations. Why should one cost twice as much to sell?
Flat Fee vs FSBO
A flat fee listing is not the same as For Sale By Owner (FSBO). FSBO means handling everything yourself: pricing, marketing, showings, negotiations, contracts, and closing. Most FSBO sellers underperform the market because they lack access to the MLS and professional guidance.
With a flat fee realtor, you get full professional service—you’re just not paying a percentage for it.
Flat Fee vs Discount Brokers
Some “discount” brokers offer reduced percentages (say, 1% or 1.5%) but still charge based on sale price. Others offer low flat fees but provide only MLS access—no marketing, no negotiation, no support.
Net Gain Realty is neither. We provide complete full-service representation for $1,995. The only thing “discounted” is the fee structure. The service is not discounted at all.
How Much Can You Save With a Flat Fee Listing?
The savings from flat fee listings depend on your home’s value. The higher the price, the more you keep.
Savings by Price Point
| Home Price | Traditional 2.5% | Flat Fee | Your Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $350,000 | $8,750 | $1,995 | $6,755 |
| $450,000 | $11,250 | $1,995 | $9,255 |
| $550,000 | $13,750 | $1,995 | $11,755 |
| $650,000 | $16,250 | $1,995 | $14,255 |
| $750,000 | $18,750 | $1,995 | $16,755 |
| $850,000 | $21,250 | $1,995 | $19,255 |
Real Chicago Examples
Based on actual neighborhood median prices from recent 90-day sales data:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Traditional Commission | Flat Fee Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irving Park | $790,000 | $19,750 | $17,755 |
| Lincoln Park | $740,000 | $18,500 | $16,505 |
| Wicker Park | $675,000 | $16,875 | $14,880 |
| North Center | $570,000 | $14,250 | $12,255 |
| Logan Square | $555,000 | $13,875 | $11,880 |
Want to see your specific savings? Use our home sale calculator to calculate exactly what you’d net with flat fee vs traditional commission.
See What You Could Save
Enter your home’s estimated value in our calculator to see exactly how much more you’d keep at closing with a flat fee listing.
Calculate Your Savings | Get a Free Market Report
What’s Included in Our $1,995 Flat Fee
Every listing with Net Gain Realty includes comprehensive full-service support from pricing through closing. Here’s exactly what you get:
MLS Listing & Syndication
Your home is listed on MRMLS (Midwest Real Estate Data), Chicago’s primary Multiple Listing Service. From there, your listing automatically syndicates to:
- Zillow
- Realtor.com
- Redfin
- Trulia
- Homes.com
- 100+ additional real estate websites
This exposure is identical to what any traditional agent provides. Your listing reaches every active buyer searching Chicago.
Professional Photography
Professional real estate photography is included in your flat fee. Our photographers specialize in Chicago properties—they know how to capture natural light in high-rise condos, showcase vintage architectural details, and make compact spaces feel open and inviting.
High-quality photos are the single most important marketing element. Homes with professional photography receive more views, more showings, and sell faster than those with phone photos.
Pricing Strategy
Correct pricing is critical to achieving top dollar in minimum time. We provide:
- Comparative market analysis using recent sales in your specific area
- Price positioning strategy based on current inventory and competition
- Guidance on strategic pricing to generate buyer interest
- Data-driven recommendations—not gut feelings
The 90-day market data we track across Chicago neighborhoods informs every pricing recommendation. We know which areas sell above asking, which see price cuts, and how long well-priced homes take to find buyers.
Showing Coordination
We handle all showing logistics:
- Scheduling showings around your availability
- Secure lockbox installation for buyer agent access
- Showing feedback collection and reporting
- Communication management with buyer agents
You’re not fielding calls and texts from agents all day. We coordinate everything and keep you informed with consolidated updates.
Offer Negotiation
When offers arrive, we negotiate on your behalf for:
- Maximum price
- Favorable terms and contingencies
- Appropriate inspection resolution
- Optimal closing timeline
Negotiation expertise doesn’t disappear because you’re paying a flat fee. We’re licensed brokers with experience negotiating hundreds of Chicago transactions. Our compensation doesn’t change based on your sale price, which means our interests align with getting you the best deal—not just getting any deal done quickly.
Contract to Close Support
From accepted offer through closing, we manage:
- Attorney review coordination
- Home inspection negotiations
- Appraisal communication
- Title and lender coordination
- Final walkthrough scheduling
- Closing day support
This is the same support any full-service agent provides. The complexity of closing a real estate transaction doesn’t change based on commission structure.
Flat Fee vs Traditional Agent vs FSBO
How does flat fee compare to your alternatives? Here’s an honest assessment:
| Feature | Traditional Agent | Flat Fee Realtor | FSBO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | 2.5-3% of price | $1,995 flat | $0 |
| MLS Listing | Yes | Yes | No |
| Professional Photos | Usually | Yes | DIY |
| Pricing Guidance | Yes | Yes | DIY |
| Showing Coordination | Yes | Yes | DIY |
| Negotiation | Yes | Yes | DIY |
| Closing Support | Yes | Yes | DIY |
| Typical Sale Price | 100% market | 100% market | 85-95% market |
When Traditional Makes Sense
Traditional percentage-based agents may be worth considering if:
- You have an unusually complicated property that requires extensive marketing
- You value a long-term relationship with a specific agent
- You’re not price-sensitive and prioritize familiarity over savings
When Flat Fee Makes Sense
Flat fee listings make the most sense when:
- You’re selling in a fast-moving market (most Chicago neighborhoods)
- Your home is in good, marketable condition
- You want professional service without percentage-based fees
- You’d rather keep your equity than pay for marketing you don’t need
When FSBO Makes Sense
FSBO might work if:
- You have significant real estate experience
- You’re selling to a known buyer (family, neighbor)
- You have time to manage every aspect yourself
- You’re comfortable leaving money on the table for the learning experience
For most sellers, flat fee provides the best balance: professional service and results without percentage-based fees.
Chicago Neighborhoods We Serve
Net Gain Realty serves Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Our market expertise spans neighborhoods with different price points, property types, and sale velocities.
City of Chicago
North Side:
- Lincoln Park – Median $740K, 7 days to contract
- Lake View – Median $525K, 7 days to contract, highest volume
- North Center – Median $570K, 5 days to contract
- Logan Square – Median $555K, 9 days to contract
- Irving Park – Median $790K, 11 days to contract
West Side:
- Wicker Park – Median $675K, 6 days to contract, 0% price cuts
- West Town – Median $575K, 9 days to contract
- West Loop – Median $585K, 14 days to contract
South Side:
- South Loop – Median $370K, 153 sales in 90 days
- Beverly – Median $395K, 99.3% of asking
- Mount Greenwood – Median $320K, 10 days to contract
Surrounding Suburbs
- Tinley Park – Median $405K, 82 sales in 90 days
- Oak Lawn – Median $345K, 89 sales in 90 days
- Lockport – Median $365K, 8 days to contract
- Frankfort – Median $530K, 11 days to contract
- New Lenox – Median $515K, 14 days to contract
These markets share a common characteristic: homes sell fast when priced correctly. The extensive marketing campaigns that traditional commissions were designed to fund simply aren’t necessary when buyers find listings within hours of going live.
How Our Flat Fee Process Works
Working with Net Gain Realty follows a straightforward process from initial consultation through closing.
1. Free Consultation
We start with a conversation about your property, timeline, and goals. This initial consultation is free and comes with no obligation. We’ll discuss:
- Your home’s current condition and likely price range
- Timeline and any constraints
- What to expect from the selling process
- How flat fee compares to your alternatives
2. Listing Agreement
If you decide to proceed, we sign a listing agreement specifying the flat $1,995 fee. The agreement covers:
- Listing duration (typically 6 months)
- Services included
- Your responsibilities
- Cancellation terms
3. Photography & Preparation
We schedule professional photography and prepare your listing materials:
- Photo session (usually 1-2 hours)
- Listing description highlighting key features
- Pricing strategy finalization
- MLS input preparation
4. Go Live on MLS
Your listing goes live on the MLS and syndicates to major real estate websites within 24 hours. We coordinate:
- Showing scheduling
- Lockbox installation
- Buyer agent inquiries
- Market feedback
5. Showings & Offers
As showings generate interest, we:
- Collect and relay feedback
- Present all offers with analysis
- Negotiate terms on your behalf
- Guide you through decision-making
6. Under Contract to Closing
Once you accept an offer, we manage the transaction through closing:
- Attorney review facilitation
- Inspection negotiation
- Appraisal coordination
- Closing preparation
- Final walkthrough
The timeline from listing to closing varies by market conditions, but Chicago homes typically go under contract within 1-3 weeks when priced correctly. Total time from listing to closing is usually 45-60 days.
Ready to Get Started?
Book a Free Consultation | Get Your Market Report
FAQs About Flat Fee Realtors
What’s the catch with flat fee realtors?
There’s no catch—it’s a different business model. Traditional agents earn more when you sell for more, which theoretically aligns incentives but also means you pay significantly more for the same work. Flat fee agents earn the same regardless of sale price, which means we focus on efficient, effective service rather than maximizing your price for our benefit. Both models work; flat fee simply costs less.
Will my home sell for less with a flat fee listing?
No. Flat fee listings appear identically to traditional listings on the MLS and all major real estate websites. Buyers and their agents can’t tell the difference. The sale price depends on market conditions, pricing strategy, and property condition—not your commission structure.
Do buyer agents avoid flat fee listings?
No. Buyer agents are compensated through the buyer side of the commission, which is separate from the listing fee. You can offer whatever buyer agent compensation you choose (typically 2-2.5%). Buyer agents have no reason to avoid your listing—they get paid the same regardless of what you paid your listing agent.
How does flat fee compare to discount brokers?
“Discount brokers” typically means reduced percentage commissions (1-1.5% instead of 2.5%). That still means higher fees for higher-priced homes. Some flat fee services offer MLS-only listings with no support. Net Gain Realty is different: true flat fee ($1,995) with full service. You get complete representation, not just MLS access.
What’s the $1,995 fee cover specifically?
Everything: MLS listing, professional photography, pricing strategy, showing coordination, offer negotiation, and contract-to-close support. The only additional cost is buyer agent compensation, which you set (typically 2-2.5% offered to buyer agents).
Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes. Our listing agreement includes reasonable cancellation terms. If you decide not to sell or want to switch approaches, we’ll discuss your options.
How do you make money at $1,995?
Volume and efficiency. Traditional agents spend significant time prospecting for clients and spend marketing dollars acquiring listings. Our flat fee model attracts sellers who already know they want to sell. Lower acquisition costs and streamlined operations let us provide full service at a flat rate.
The Chicago Market Supports Flat Fee
The economic argument for flat fee listings is strongest in fast-moving markets—and Chicago qualifies. Looking at recent 90-day data:
- North Center: 5 days to contract, 100.6% of asking
- Wicker Park: 6 days to contract, 0% price reductions
- Lincoln Park: 7 days to contract, 100.3% of asking
- Lake View: 7 days to contract, 277 homes sold
When homes sell in a week at full asking price, the extensive marketing campaigns that justified traditional commissions simply aren’t happening. Buyers find listings through Zillow and Redfin within hours. They schedule showings within days. The market does the work; you shouldn’t pay $15,000+ for it.
Get Started With Chicago’s Flat Fee Realtor
Every day you wait is another day paying rent on your next place or carrying two mortgages. The Chicago market is active. Homes sell quickly. You don’t need months of marketing—you need correct pricing, professional presentation, and someone who knows how to get deals closed.
Net Gain Realty provides all of that for $1,995.
Or get your free Chicago seller report to see current market data for your specific neighborhood.
For more information on what traditional agents charge, see our guide to real estate commission rates in Chicago.
Ready to keep more of your equity?
Full service. Flat fee. You do the math.
Same MLS exposure. Same professional photography. Same expert negotiation. The only difference is how much you keep.