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Frequently Asked Questions

General Company & Service Questions

What is HouseSavings?

HouseSavings.com is a Pennsylvania-based, full-service real estate brokerage built to replace the outdated 6% commission model. We combine licensed local agents with smarter technology to deliver full-service support at a fair, modern price.

We currently serve homeowners across Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Allentown. Our structure is scalable, and we plan to expand into other states in the future.

Yes, HouseSavings is a fully licensed Pennsylvania real estate brokerage, complying with all state laws and regulations.

Traditional agents charge 3% to list your home, and most buyers and sellers don’t realize there are fairer options.
With HouseSavings.com:

    • Sellers pay just 1% for full-service listing representation — saving 2% vs. traditional brokers.
    • Buyers get full-service representation with a transparent 1% out-of-pocket cap. Most buyers pay $0 thanks to seller-paid commissions.

Same licensed agents. Same full service. A smarter, transparent alternative to the old 6% model.

Selling a Home

How do I start selling my home with HouseSavings?

Begin by requesting a free home valuation on our website. We’ll review comps, discuss strategy, and handle listing, marketing, showings, offers, and closing—for 1%

Services include:

  • Pricing strategy & Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
  • Professional photos and listing preparation
  • MLS listing & broad online exposure
  • Showing coordination
  • Offer review & negotiation
  • Contract-to-close support
  • Enhanced marketing for higher-value homes (included)
No. Our 1% commission covers all standard selling services.

Average sale time varies by location and market demand. In Pennsylvania, homes typically sell in 30–90 days, depending on price, condition, and neighborhood.

Our team uses a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that examines recent sales of similar properties in your area to suggest a competitive price.

Contingencies are conditions buyers can add to their offer, such as:

  • Home inspection
  • Financing approval
  • Appraisal
  • Sale of another property

HouseSavings helps you understand and negotiate contingencies to protect your interests while maintaining a smooth sale.

It’s optional but helpful. We provide practical prep guidance.
At closing, all documents are signed, fees are settled, and ownership transfers. HouseSavings guides you step-by-step to ensure a smooth, stress-free process.

Buying a Home

How do I start buying a home with HouseSavings?

Create a free account to search, save favorites, set saved searches with instant alerts, and request tours. 

Our Buyer Agency Agreement discloses a 3% buyer-agent commission. That is the maximum commission HouseSavings.com can receive — and it’s typically paid by the seller.

With our Buyer Compensation Cap Guarantee, your out-of-pocket cost will never exceed 1%, even if the seller offers no compensation.

In practice, 90%+ of sellers offer 2–3%, which fully covers your 1% cap — meaning most buyers pay $0.

In the vast majority of transactions, the seller offers compensation to the buyer’s agent, covering all or most of this fee.

In rare cases where the seller’s offer is insufficient, we will disclose and discuss any shortfall with you in advance, so you know exactly what, if anything, you may need to pay.

Our buyer’s fee is paid at closing.

  • Sign the buyer agreement (required before tours).
  • Request a showing from the listing page or your agent. . 
  • We coordinate access and send your confirmation details. A licensed showing partner or a HouseSavings agent meets you at the property to let you in and secure it afterward.
  • After the tour, your HouseSavings agent reviews next steps with you. If you want to move forward, just let us know and we’ll start drafting the offer.

A licensed showing partner or a HouseSavings agent meets you on-site to provide access and secure the home after your visit. Your HouseSavings agent will always be your primary agent and negotiator.

Yes. You can tour multiple homes in one day, even back-to-back. 

Yes. You can request changes through your account or by contacting your agent. Please give as much notice as possible so we can update the seller and avoid access issues.

After visiting a property, our team helps you prepare and submit an offer, including price, contingencies, and deadlines.

Typical contingencies include:

  • Home inspection
  • Financing approval
  • Appraisal
  • HouseSavings explains each and recommends contingencies based on your risk tolerance and local market practices.

We’re not a lender, so we refer financing questions to licensed lenders. In general, you’ll need a pre-approval letter before submitting an offer (and some listing agents may ask for it before confirming a showing). We can introduce you to lenders to get pre-approved quickly so you can tour and negotiate with confidence.

Closing transfers home ownership to you. HouseSavings ensures all paperwork, payments, and contingencies are properly handled.
Currently, our services are limited to Pennsylvania. Future expansion is planned, and registered buyers can receive notifications when we expand.

Pricing & Savings

How much can I save with HouseSavings vs. traditional brokers?

Selling:
Traditional agents charge 3% to list your home.
com charges just 1%, saving you 2% of your home’s price.
On a $400,000 home, that’s $8,000 in seller savings.

Buying:
With our Buyer Compensation Cap Guarantee, your out-of-pocket cost is capped at 1%, and most buyers pay $0 because sellers typically offer 2–3% in buyer-agent compensation.

Result:
Sellers save thousands with our 1% listing fee, and buyers enjoy predictable, transparent pricing with a 1% maximum cost — usually $0.

No. HouseSavings.com is built on total transparency.

Sellers pay a simple 1% listing fee — nothing added, nothing hidden.
Buyers have a clear 1% out-of-pocket cap, and most pay $0 thanks to seller-paid compensation.

You’ll still have normal closing costs like inspections, title fees, and transfer taxes, but our commission is always clear, upfront, and never padded with surprises.

Legal & Compliance Questions

Am I required to use HouseSavings to buy or sell a home in PA?

No. You can choose any licensed broker. HouseSavings provides an alternative that saves thousands while delivering full-service support.

Yes. HouseSavings follows strict data privacy standards and only uses your information to facilitate your real estate transactions.

All Pennsylvania real estate transactions follow state disclosure laws, including property condition, lead paint (if built before 1978), and environmental hazards. HouseSavings guides you through each required disclosure.

Technical & Platform Questions

How does your home search work?

You see the same homes agents see, updated frequently. Create a free account to save favorites, set saved searches with instant alerts, and request showings in one click—all in one place.

Yes. Users can register to save searches, bookmark favorite homes, and receive email alerts when new properties match their criteria.

Yes. You can request a time directly from the listing page.