Redfin launches trials of new concierge service

Online real estate brokerage Redfin is launching a trial of a new concierge service for luxury listings.

The company said its first-of-its-kind offering, called Redfin Concierge, will coordinate, supervise and pay for services including cleaning, painting, staging and landscaping for listings worth $500,000 and above, for a two percent listing fee. The trial is taking place in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

Alina Ptaszynski, Redfin Journalist Services, told Inman News that the service is intended to take care of light maintenance but not extensive repairs and remodels. She added that Redfin’s agents would be forthcoming with that information, and would also offer an alternative one percent service for those who prefer to handle some preparations by themselves.

With the new service, Redfin works with property owners to work out the scope of what’s needed, before taking over the projects itself. For each property a target budget is set based on the listing price.

“That said, we know that sometimes the unpredictable happens and if we go over our budget, we will absorb those costs,” she added.

Redfin Concierge’s two percent fee does not include the commission for the buyer’s agent, which typically comes in at two to three percent. The company added that those who choose to take advantage of the new service can still access its basic services, which include professional photographs, customized marketing materials, 3D walkthroughs and a dashboard to track prospective buyers.

The company said in a statement that it intends to offer the “best home listing service out there, and that means serving more than one kind of home seller.”

“Redfin Concierge Service reaches a new audience of home sellers who want to get their home in top shape for selling, but want their agent to handle everything,” the company said. “We’re thrilled to offer these folks concierge-level service that complements the local expertise of our real estate agents, and the technology and marketing that Redfin has become known for.