Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Homie?

    Homie is a real estate company on a mission to empower homeowners to preserve their equity and foster financial growth.

  • Does Homie have agents?

    Yes! Our agents are local to our service areas. They know the area and have a wealth of experience and knowledge to help you through your transaction. You will have a dedicated agent by your side every step of the way.

  • Does Homie buy homes?

    No. Homie is not an iBuyer. We are a real estate brokerage that employs licensed real estate agents in all of our service areas. Our buyer’s and listing agents help buyers and sellers save thousands of dollars in real estate commissions during their transactions.

  • Does Homie handle the paperwork?

    Yes, your dedicated agent will be the one working on paperwork. Your experienced agent makes things streamlined and stress-free.

  • Where does Homie operate?

    Homie currently serves Utah and Arizona. We plan to expand to other states soon. Send us an email if you’re interested in having us come to your neighborhood, and we’ll let you know when we arrive!

  • What’s the provider marketplace?

    Buying and selling a home requires a team of service providers, from home inspectors to movers. Homie makes it easy to find reliable partners for each leg of the journey. You choose who you want to work with, knowing that Homie’s got your back. Browse our list of service providers here.

  • Why is your name Homie?

    When our co-founder, Mike Peregrina, was looking to start a real estate company that would look out for everyone, he wanted a name that conveys the feeling of community. Mike, who grew up in South Los Angeles, chose the name Homie, since it’s a term of endearment that he and his friends used often to refer to each other. It’s also a variation on the word “home” which comes together nicely for our business. To us, Homie is more than a name - it means having each other’s backs and standing up for people that need our support.

  • How much does Homie charge to help me buy a home?

    Homie doesn’t charge buyers any direct fees, but our agents receive a buyer agent commission (BAC) from the seller of the home.Terms and conditions apply. Ask your buyer’s agent for details.

  • Can I buy any home with Homie?

    Yes. Your local agent can help you purchase a home listed by anyone. You can browse homes listed on the MLS at Homie.com.

  • How is buying with Homie different than buying with a typical buyer’s agent?

    With Homie, you get everything you would with a traditional agent. Your dedicated agent will take you to see homes, help you with offers, negotiations, paperwork, and closing. Through technology, we have made it easy to schedule and tour homes. By streamlining the process, we can pass the savings on. Subject to terms and conditions outlined in the Buyer Broker Agreement.

  • How do I tour homes as a Homie buyer?

    A Homie buyer’s agent will reach out and coordinate with the seller’s listing agent to get you in the home as soon as possible.

  • I want to buy a home using Homie, how do I get started?

    If you don’t already have an agent, you can get started at homie.com/buy and simply request to take a tour of any home, which includes nearly every home for sale, not just Homie listed homes.

  • How do I find my dream home?

    House hunting is fun! Most buyers find a home by browsing online listings in the areas where they want to live. Start with the listings on the Homie website. You can set up saved searches that match your criteria, and once a home comes on the market that matches, you’ll be notified. You’ll also notice homes with tags like Hot or Price Drop. These markers are great indicators of how popular a home is. Once you’ve found a few you’re interested in, just click Request a Tour. A buyer’s agent will coordinate the time and meet you there in person. It’s easy and low pressure.

  • How does Homie handle loans?

    Homie’s sister company, Homie Loans™, provides some of the most competitive loan rates and lowest closing costs. Homie Loans uses technology to streamline the loan process and has an app that increases transparency. Homie Loans loan officers are paid differently than others, reducing commissions in order to save you thousands on your home loan. Homie Real Estate and Homie Loans are a match made in heaven. However, you can work with whatever loan provider is best for you. It is not required to work with Homie Loans to buy with Homie.

  • Can I put in an offer online?

    Your dedicated buyer’s agent will write up the offer that you discuss together. They will advise you throughout the process. Then, you’ll sign the documents online, and your agent will submit them to the listing agent for the seller to review.

  • How do I decide on an offer price?

    Your dedicated agent will be helping you decide what is best to offer on the home of your dreams. Their local expertise is on your side.

  • I already have a buyer’s agent with another brokerage. Can I still buy a home that’s listed on Homie’s website?

    Yes. You and your agent can make offers on homes listed with Homie. Our people will speak with your people.

  • Can Homie help me get pre-approved?

    As always, Homie’s got your back. Homie Loans, our sister company, offers mortgage loans and can pre-qualify and pre-approve you for a loan. Get started online at www.homieloans.com.

  • How much does Homie charge to sell my home?

    Homie sellers pay a low flat fee, which varies by state. Our listing agents are salaried and don't rely on high commissions to make a living. See how much you'll save by selling with Homie here. You will need to decide how much to offer them in buyer agent commission (BAC). This is typically 2.5 to 3% of the price of the home, but it's up to you.

  • What other costs or fees might I have to pay?

    In addition to our low listing fee, there are a few additional costs involved in most real estate transactions. As a seller, you can expect to pay:

    • Buyer's agent commission (if you list on the MLS)
    • Title/escrow fees
    • Concessions
    • Warranties
    • Other negotiated costs

    If you have any questions about these fees, ask your dedicated agent to help you break down the cost.

  • How long will it take to sell my home?

    The market fluctuates in different cities, throughout the months, and even during world events. Our goal is to sell your home as fast as possible for as much money as possible.

  • Is Homie a For Sale By Owner platform?

    No, Homie is not a FSBO platform. Each buyer and seller has a dedicated licensed real estate agent from their local area to guide them through every step of the process. We help sellers sell their homes fast, for top dollar, and with ease. From tours to close, we've got your back.

  • How do I get started with Homie?

    Visit homie.com/sell. Fill in the basic information about your home and an agent will be in touch with you in no time! Contact us now with any questions about the selling process.

  • When will my agent contact me?

    Your agent will be in touch within a few hours (or less) of you filling out some basic information on homie.com/sell. You will be able to reach them via phone, text, or email! They'll be your guide throughout the entire process.

  • How do I get photos of my home to use for listing?

    Professional photography is included as part of the low fee you pay to sell with Homie. You will be contacted to set up the photography appointment, usually within 48 hours of starting the process. Your stunning photos will really highlight your beautiful home.

  • What if I have my own photos?

    We recommend having our professional photographer come out. This service is included and you'll have even more good shots to choose from. If you have certain photos of your home that you'd like to use, you can send a shareable Dropbox or Google Drive link to support@homie.com and we will include them in your listing and online ads.

  • Is it extra to be listed on the MLS?

    As part of our flat fee, a listing on the local multiple listing service (MLS) is included and most sellers opt to be listed in order to increase visibility and traffic to the home. Some areas in Utah, Arizona, and Denver are outside of Homie's MLS coverage but you may be able to list with us still. Contact support@homie.com to find out exactly which MLS services Homie uses.

  • Do I have to offer a buyer's agent commission (BAC)?

    If you choose to list your home on the MLS, you decide how much of a BAC you are willing to pay. The typical BAC ranges from 2-3% but there is no standard. Many sellers choose to offer a commission to buyers' agents to get as many potential buyers in the door as possible.

  • Can I list on the MLS without offering a buyer's agent commission?

    The MLS requires a percentage of compensation to buyer's agents if the home is listed on the MLS because they bring buyers. You can choose not to list on the MLS if you don't want to, just ask your dedicated listing agent about what that requires.

  • What is my home worth? Will you help me price my home?

    Homie is a licensed real estate brokerage and provides each seller with a Home Value Report that includes data on active and recently sold comparable properties. The report helps sellers find the right price that's both attractive to buyers and maximizes your profit. Your dedicated agent will walk you through the pricing process and help you decide what is right.

  • Will my home sell for less money?

    No. Our goal is to help you sell your home for as much money and as fast as possible. The market fluctuates in different cities, months, and even by other world events. It's important to understand that your home is worth what it is, and your Homie agent is going to help you get the most out of it!

  • What if I don't understand something when filling out my listing?

    Your dedicated agent is ready to answer any questions and provide clarity. Text, call, or shoot them an email for assistance.

  • How long after completing my listing will my home be seen by other buyers?

    Your listing will be published on the Homie website and app as soon as possible. It may take up to 24 hours for it to be published on the MLS and other real estate websites. To help spread the word faster, we also publish your listing on our Facebook page within a day or less.

  • Why will my home be appraised if I already received a home value report from Homie?

    A buyer's lender will usually require an appraisal of your home to confirm the market value prior to funding the loan.

  • Should I stage my house?

    You can show your home in one of three states: 1) as is; 2) empty; or 3) staged. If you're not sure what you should do, your dedicated Homie real estate agent can offer you guidance. Even if you don't professionally stage your home, decluttering, cleaning, and simplifying your design will make your home look fresh for potential buyers.

  • Will you host an open house?

    Home sellers are invited to host an open house if they would like to. Open houses are optional.

  • Do I have to show my home to buyers? How will I know when someone wants to take a tour?

    No! A buyer's agent will bring potential buyers to your home. You do not have to be there to let them in or show them around. You will receive a text when a buyer wants to schedule a time to see your home. You can choose to accept the tour or reschedule it.

  • How do I choose between offers?

    In a hot seller market, it's not uncommon to receive two or more offers. Your Homie real estate agent will walk you through the offers and point out the pros and cons of each. With more than one offer, you can choose to respond to all open offers by telling interested parties to submit their highest and best offers. At this point, you can choose the offer that works best for you. Your agent will help you manage all of the back and forth.

  • How much time do I have to decide on an offer?

    Most offers include a response deadline of several hours to several days. We'll help you through the entire process.

  • Will Homie install my yard sign for me?

    Homie installs yard signs in most of the areas we serve in Utah and Arizona. Upon signing your listing agreement with Homie, your sign will typically be installed within one or two days. If you're outside the coverage area, then your post will be shipped for self-installation. Instructions and a simple video makes it easy to install. It will ship the same business day or the next once you sign your listing agreement. Sellers in every area will receive their actual Homie for sale sign via USPS.

  • How will buyers see my home listed for sale?

    Homie markets homes in a variety of ways, from traditional yard signs to social media listings to get hundreds of eyes on your home. You can expect to see your home listed on:

    • Homie website
    • MLS
    • Major real estate websites
    • Facebook