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10 Questions Every Homebuyer Should Ask Before Choosing an Agent

Choosing the right real estate agent can make or break your homebuying journey. From understanding how compensation works to knowing what happens if you don’t close, these 10 essential questions help buyers avoid surprises and make confident, informed choices.

Do You Have to Pay a Realtor When Buying a House?

Do buyers have to pay a realtor? Thanks to new NAR settlement rules, agent fees are now more transparent and flexible. Buyers can choose between traditional commission models, going it alone, or smarter options like TurboHome’s flat-fee service.

Higher Mortgage Rates, Lower Commissions: How Buyers Are Adapting

Homebuyers are finally accepting that 3% mortgage rates aren’t coming back, but they’re also getting smarter about how they buy. More homeowners are willing to take on 6% rates while also demanding smarter tools and fairer fees. With 73% of buyers now finding their own homes and 81% open to digital offer tools, the future is clear: tech-enabled, flat-fee brokerages like TurboHome are redefining what value and transparency look like in real estate.

Can You Buy a Home with No Money Down?

Buying a home with no money down is possible through programs, as well as creative strategies such as seller credits or leveraging home equity. While skipping a down payment can mean higher monthly costs and slower equity growth, qualified buyers with strong credit, steady income, and financial readiness can take advantage of these opportunities. TurboHome helps buyers navigate no-down-payment options, uncover the true costs, and save even more with our flat-fee model.

The Future of Real Estate Why Buyers and Sellers Are Embracing Flat-Fee Agents

TurboHome was recently featured in MarketWatch for helping buyers and sellers save tens of thousands of dollars with its flat-fee model, proving that smarter, lower-cost real estate is the future of homebuying.

Do Realtors Make Good Money?

Real estate agents’ earnings vary widely, with some making six figures and others far less, depending on commissions, market, and workload. Traditionally, commissions of 5–6% can mean tens of thousands of dollars per deal. With industry changes, buyers may even be asked to pay agent fees directly.

How to Win in a Competitive Market Without Overpaying

Buying in a competitive market doesn’t HAVE to mean overpaying. Smart buyers use clarity, speed, clean offers, and flat-fee advantages to win dream homes without stretching beyond their budget. Thanks to AI tools, expert agents, and transparent pricing, TurboHome helps you compete strategically and secure homes sellers take seriously.

USA Today Highlights Turbohome Approach to the Industry

TurboHome was featured in USA Today for leading the shift away from outdated 5 to 6% commissions. With a flat-fee model, AI-powered tools, and full-service local agents, TurboHome helps buyers save thousands, strengthen their offers, and win homes in today’s competitive market.

How Much are Closing Costs? Plus How to Estimate Yours

Closing costs can surprise even the most prepared homebuyers, adding 2% to 5% to your purchase price. This guide breaks down exactly what’s included, how much to budget in California, and how TurboHome’s flat-fee model can help you cover these costs.

TurboHome-ResiClub Housing Sentiment Survey: Insights and Takeaways

Inaugural TurboHome x ResiClub Housing Market Sentiment Survey insights

What You Should Think About When Buying a Home: 3-6 Months Out

The most successful buyers start preparing 3-6 months in advance both financially and strategically. From building credit and defining must-haves to understanding closing fees and practicing the market, this guide outlines each step to help buyers move confidently when it’s time to make an offer.

How to Maximize Your Real Estate ROI When Buying a Home?

Maximizing the return on a home purchase means looking beyond price and appreciation. This guide breaks down how to evaluate your investment, including upfront costs, improvements, mortgage expenses, selling proceeds, and tax benefits, so you can understand your real estate ROI over time.

What Is a 2-1 Buydown?

A 2-1 buydown helps reduce your mortgage payments during the first two years of the loan term, making homeownership more affordable right from the start. And when you work with TurboHome’s preferred lender network, the cost of this benefit is often fully covered which can save you up to $20,000 or more, depending on your loan size.

How AI Is Used in Real Estate—and How It Helps Our Agents (and You)

Recognized as one of the Top 50 AI Startups in Real Estate, TurboHome is transforming how buyers navigate the market—combining AI-driven tools with expert agent review for faster, smarter, and safer decisions. AI is transforming how modern buyers approach real estate—making home searches smarter, valuations sharper, and risk assessments clearer.

How TurboHome Gives You—and the Seller—an Edge in Today’s Market

Think you need to overpay to win in today’s market? Think again. Discover how savvy buyers are making stronger offers, saving thousands, and even helping sellers net more—thanks to a smarter, flat-fee approach with TurboHome.

One Year Later: How the NAR Settlement Is Reshaping Real Estate in 2025

Nearly a year after the $418 million NAR settlement, top real estate companies are becoming more transparent. Buyers are now discussing agent fees upfront, sellers are exploring new ways to structure compensation, and flat-fee brokerages like TurboHome are gaining momentum. The result? A homebuying process that’s more affordable, flexible, and aligned with what today’s buyers want.

How Much Do Realtors Make? (And What Do They Actually Do?)

Real estate typically earn tens of thousands in commission per sale—costs that are often baked into the home’s price and passed to the buyer. By understanding how commissions work and what agents actually do, homebuyers can make smarter financial choices and potentially save thousands with a flat-fee model like TurboHome. Flat fees are paid at closing, just like traditional commissions, and only if you close.

A Young Couple Bought a Bay Area Home Under Budget—Here’s How They Did It - TurboHome

As featured on SiliconValley.com, Alexa and Wilmer used TurboHome’s flat-fee model to turn a $750K budget into a winning offer that came in below asking—while still helping the seller net more. By paying a flat $8,000 fee out of pocket, they avoided inflated commissions, strengthened their offer, and bought smart in a competitive market. Their story proves that in today’s housing landscape, strategy beats spending—and TurboHome makes that strategy possible.

Why Arnab Walked Away From Traditionally Priced Real Estate Agents—and Won With TurboHome

We’re proud to be featured in Business Insider, highlighting Arnab Dutta’s journey from frustration to success. After losing out on multiple homes with a traditional agent, Arnab used TurboHome’s flat-fee model and AI tools to make a smarter, winning offer—saving thousands and proving that modern buyers are changing the game.

Flat-Fee Agent vs. Traditional Agents: What is the Difference?

Traditional real estate agents charge a commission of 2.5–3%, often costing buyers tens of thousands of dollars, while flat-fee agents offer the same expert services for a fixed cost, saving you up to 80%.

Essential Home Buying: Glossary of 100 Terms - TurboHome

100 essential terms for California homebuyers, covering roles, purchase processes, mortgages, legal/title matters, and California specifics. We simplify complex concepts, helping home buyers confidently navigate home purchases.

Guide to Disclosure Packets and Property Risks

TurboHome’s guide to disclosure packets and property risks helps homebuyers decode technical documents, identify potential issues, and make informed decisions.

How Much Should You Offer on a Home? A Buyer’s Guide

Take the guesswork out of your home buying journey. TurboHome’s Home Valuation Report empowers you with accurate data, expert insights, and unbiased recommendations to craft the perfect offer.

Do You Still Need a Real Estate Agent?

Many prospective buyers are beginning to rethink what the realtor-client relationship looks like — and how much they should pay for it.

EXPLAINER: How Will the National Association of Realtors Settlement Change Homebuying?

The rules of real estate transactions have totally changed. We lay out how that could affect your next home purchase.

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