Flat-Fee Real Estate · Texas

Frequently asked questions.

Clear answers about how KAT Realty's flat-fee service works for buyers and sellers across Texas — fees, rebates, what's included, and what to expect.

For Buyers

Flat-fee buyer representation

Full buyer's-agent service for a flat fee from $4,999, with a commission rebate at closing where your lender allows.

How does a flat-fee buyer's agent work in Texas?

KAT Realty represents you for a flat fee starting at $4,999 instead of a percentage commission. In most Texas sales the seller still offers a buyer-agent commission, which we apply toward our flat fee — and where your lender allows, any amount above the fee is rebated to you at closing.

Do sellers still pay the buyer's agent commission?

Yes. Most Texas sellers still offer a 2%–3% buyer-agent commission. When it's offered, KAT Realty applies it toward your $4,999 flat fee, so you often pay little to nothing out of pocket.

Do I pay anything upfront as a buyer?

No. There are no upfront fees for buyers — KAT Realty is paid only at closing.

Are there additional fees for higher-priced homes?

The base buyer fee is $4,999. Higher-priced homes carry a luxury property fee: $900K–$2M adds $1,000, $2M–$3M adds $2,000, and $3M+ adds $5,000.

How is the final buyer fee determined?

Your final fee is based on the purchase price at closing, including any higher-priced-home adjustment for homes above $900K.

How does the buyer commission rebate work?

When the commission the seller offers is more than our flat fee, the difference can be credited toward your closing costs — subject to your lender's approval and program limits.

What if the offered commission is lower than your fee?

If the buyer-agent commission offered is less than our flat fee, you simply pay the difference at closing. We confirm the exact numbers with you in advance, so there are no surprises.

What does your buyer representation include?

Everything a traditional buyer's agent provides: pricing analysis, offer strategy, contract drafting, negotiation, inspection-response strategy, and full contract-to-close coordination.

Will I get responsive, full-service support?

Yes. KAT Realty limits the number of active clients to keep communication fast and proactive, so you get attentive, full-service representation all the way through closing.

What happens if my purchase falls through?

You owe nothing. KAT Realty is paid only if your purchase closes.

Are there restrictions on which homes I can buy?

Most residential homes qualify, including resale and new construction. For for-sale-by-owner or limited-service listings that don't offer a buyer commission, the flat fee applies directly — we'll confirm the terms before you make an offer.

How do I tour homes?

Search on Zillow, Redfin, HAR or any site you like. When you want to see a home, book a showing in our Store, from $60 for a 30-minute showing. A licensed local agent meets you at the property. When you're ready to offer, we price the home and write the offer.

Do I need to sign a buyer representation agreement?

Yes. Texas requires a written buyer representation agreement before touring homes. It confirms your flat-fee terms and protects both you and us.

Is a flat-fee buyer's agent legal in Texas?

Yes. Flat-fee real estate is fully legal in Texas. KAT Realty agents operate under the same TREC licensing requirements as traditional agents.

How Does the Flat Fee Work?

In most real estate transactions, sellers allocate a commission (typically 1-3% of the sales price) to the buyer’s agent. When you purchase a property using our flat-fee service, we charge a fixed fee from that allocated commission. Any remaining portion of the commission may be credited to you at closing, subject to lender approval and applicable regulations.

Disclaimer: Commission rebates are subject to lender guidelines and state laws. Please consult your lender to ensure eligibility.

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What Types of Buyers Benefit Most from the Flat-Fee Option?

Our flat-fee service is ideal for experienced buyers comfortable handling some aspects of the home-buying process independently, such as scheduling tours and conducting research. If you are a first-time homebuyer or need more hands-on guidance, our full-service option may be a better fit.

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What does the KAT Realty flat-fee buyer service include?

Our flat-fee buyer service is remote representation throughout your purchase: price and market analysis, offer drafting, contract submission, negotiation, inspection review, repair negotiation and closing coordination, all handled by your agent online and by phone.

The only things not included are showings and the final walkthrough: book those in our Store, from $60, and a licensed local agent meets you at the home. That’s by design: working remotely keeps the fee flat, so more of the seller-paid commission comes back to you as your rebate.

What’s not included in the $4,999 buyer fee?

Just two things: showings and the final walkthrough. You book those in our Store (from $60) and a licensed local agent meets you at the home. Everything else — offer strategy, negotiation, contracts, inspection review, repair negotiation and closing coordination — is included and handled remotely by your agent. That’s the design: working remotely keeps the fee flat, so more of the seller-paid commission comes back to you as your rebate.

Are There Any Upfront Costs for Using Your Flat-Fee Service?

No, there are no upfront costs. Our flat fee is deducted from the buyer’s agent commission at closing. However, buyers are responsible for any standard home-buying expenses, such as inspection fees, appraisal costs, and lender fees.

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Are there any other costs besides the flat fee?

No hidden costs. Homes priced at $900,000 or more have their own fixed luxury property fee instead of the base fee: $6,999 / $7,999 / $10,999 to list and $5,999 / $6,999 / $9,999 to buy, by price band. Sellers can add staging, video, drone or print, quoted at cost. Buyers book showings and the final walkthrough in our Store from $60.

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What If I Decide to Switch to Full Service After Choosing the Flat-Fee Option?

If you start with the flat-fee option but later decide you need more support, you can upgrade to our full-service package. Additional fees may apply, depending on the level of service you require. Contact us for details on transitioning between plans.

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Do You Help With Negotiations and Contract Reviews Under the Flat-Fee Plan?

Yes! Even with our flat-fee service, we assist with drafting and negotiating offers, reviewing contracts, and guiding you through closing. However, this plan does not include in-person home tours.

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Are There Any Restrictions on the Homes I Can Buy With This Service?

Our flat-fee service applies to most residential properties in the Texas area. However, some new construction homes, FSBO (For Sale By Owner) properties, or listings with limited buyer agent compensation may require special arrangements. If you're interested in a property with non-standard terms, reach out to us to discuss your options.

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Do you provide full service?

Yes, we offer both full-service and flat-fee options. However full services are currently only available in Austin area.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer needing step-by-step guidance or an experienced buyer looking for a streamlined approach, we tailor our services to your needs. Visit our full-service page for pricing details, or contact us for more information.

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If I’m interested in flat fee options, how to tour houses without agents?

Our flat-fee buyer plan does not include unlimited in-person tours, so you choose how to see homes:

a. Attending Open Houses: Check listings for scheduled open house events.
b. Booking a showing in our Store – Book it yourself in our Store, from $60 for a 30-minute showing. A licensed local agent meets you at the home
c. Working with a Builder’s Representative: If purchasing new construction, the builder’s representative can show you the model. Tell them at your first visit that KAT Realty Group represents you, or the builder may not pay buyer-agent compensation.

Important Note: Avoid signing exclusive agreements with other agents or platforms, as this could prevent you from using our flat-fee service.

Do I need to sign buyer representation contract?

Yes. In Texas, a Buyer Representation Agreement is required to formally establish our role as your exclusive agent. This agreement ensures we can fully dedicate our expertise and resources to helping you find a home while outlining our mutual responsibilities. It also confirms that we are legally bound to act in your best interest throughout the transaction.

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Can I Hire Another Buyer’s Agent while working with your company?

No, our service requires an exclusive agency agreement. This means that while working with us, you cannot engage another buyer’s agent. If you have an existing agreement with another agent, you must terminate that contract before signing with us.

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What is a pre-approval letter? Why do I need it? How to get it?

A pre-approval letter is a document from a lender stating how much you can borrow based on your financial profile. It signals to sellers that you are a serious buyer and helps you focus on homes within your budget. Many sellers require a pre-approval before considering offers.

To obtain one, choose a lender, provide financial documents (such as proof of income, assets, and debts), and undergo a credit check. Once approved, the letter is typically valid for 60–90 days, giving you a competitive edge in your home search.

For Sellers

Flat-fee listing service

List and sell your Texas home for a flat $5,999 — full-service support without a percentage listing commission.

What is your flat-fee listing service?

KAT Realty lists and sells your Texas home for a flat $5,999 instead of a percentage listing commission, with full-service support from listing through closing.

What does KAT Realty Group charge to sell a house?

A flat $5,999, not a percentage. You pay $600 when you sign and the rest at closing, only if your home sells. Homes from $900K have their own fixed fee: $6,999 ($900K–$2M), $7,999 ($2M–$3M) or $10,999 ($3M+). On a $500,000 home, a 3% listing fee would be $15,000.

What does the listing service include?

MLS listing and syndication, pricing guidance, professional photography, marketing, negotiation, and contract-to-close coordination — the same support as a traditional listing agent, for one flat fee.

Are there additional fees for higher-priced homes?

The base listing fee is $5,999. Higher-priced homes carry a luxury property fee: $900K–$2M adds $1,000, $2M–$3M adds $2,000, and $3M+ adds $5,000.

How is the final listing fee determined?

Your final fee is based on the contract sale price at closing, including any higher-priced-home adjustment for homes above $900K.

Does your fee include professional photography?

Yes. Professional real estate photography is included in the $5,999 listing fee.

Do you include staging or open houses?

Staging and open houses aren't part of the standard package, but we're happy to provide guidance or trusted referrals if you'd like them.

How are showings handled?

Showings are scheduled through MLS-approved showing software, and licensed buyer agents access the home via a lockbox — making it easy and secure to show.

Do I still need to offer a buyer's agent commission?

In most cases, yes. A buyer-agent commission is separate from our listing fee and is typically offered to attract buyers — though the amount is your decision.

Is the buyer's agent commission included in your fee?

No. The $5,999 flat fee covers KAT Realty's listing-side representation only; any buyer-agent commission you choose to offer is separate.

When do I pay the listing fee?

A $600 upfront portion is due after you sign the listing agreement to cover photography and marketing; it's non-refundable if you cancel. The remaining balance is paid at closing.

Can I cancel my listing?

Yes, you can cancel (subject to contract terms if the home is already under contract). The $600 upfront portion is non-refundable because it covers photography and marketing already provided.

Is your flat-fee listing service available statewide in Texas?

Yes. KAT Realty provides flat-fee listing services across Texas, including Austin, Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, San Antonio, and surrounding areas.

Do you help with pricing?

Yes. We provide a comparative market analysis and pricing recommendations based on recent local sales. The final list price is always your decision.

Is flat-fee listing legal and compliant in Texas?

Yes. Flat-fee real estate is fully legal in Texas. KAT Realty agents operate under the same TREC licensing requirements as traditional agents.

Still have a question?

Book a free consultation and we'll walk through your specific situation, the numbers, and how much you could save with flat-fee representation.