The real estate landscape has shifted dramatically since August 17th.
Sellers now have more control over compensation and listing agreements, and they expect agents to adapt. If you don’t understand what today’s sellers want, you risk losing deals before the conversation even starts.
Last week, BAM co-founder Byron Lazine hosted a webinar with Zoodealio CEO Kala Laos to spell out what sellers want and how agents can leverage cash offers to deliver that and more.
BAMx members can access the full recording 24/7 in our Skool community. This is one to bookmark. (BAMx members also get access to Zoodealio for FREE, a value worth over $2,300 a year!)
Now, let’s get into the five things sellers want in 2025—and how to make sure you’re delivering.
The 5 Things Sellers Want
#1. A Buyer
At the end of the day, everything else is secondary. Sellers want a qualified buyer who can close. They don’t care about marketing gimmicks, social media reach, or how many open houses you’re willing to host—they care about securing the right offer.
That’s exactly why cash offers have become a major competitive advantage. Instead of just offering a marketing plan, imagine walking into a listing appointment with four real cash offers already in hand.
Byron described exactly how Zoodealio allows agents to do just that:
- Real cash offers are generated before the listing hits the MLS.
- Vetted investors provide multiple options for the seller to choose from.
- The agent remains in control, guiding the seller through the best decision.
“We know that when we speak to sellers in that language—a buyer who can close on your home—we separate ourselves from a lot of other agents. My marketing plan, my this, my track record, my just listed postcards, my, my, my…no. A seller wants a buyer, not somebody who leverages USPS really well. Sellers want a buyer. That’s been decades and decades tried and true.” — Byron Lazine
#2. Negotiability on Compensation
With the industry shift, sellers expect to have a say in agent compensation. They want to know exactly what they’re paying for and have the flexibility to negotiate a structure that works for them.
Byron shared the three-tiered compensation plan his team uses:
- Essential
- Elevate
- Elite
Each tier offers varying levels of service, allowing sellers to choose what makes the most sense for their budget and goals.
“If I’m a seller and I really want some of the features in an Elevate plan, but I really like the number that’s in the Essential plan, can I as the listing agent decide to negotiate and meet in the middle of those two numbers—or maybe throw some things in for the Essential plan number that are from the Elevate plan? Of course, I can. That’s my ability to negotiate, to personalize the experience.” — Byron Lazine
Agents who embrace this flexibility will have an easier time securing listings in today’s market.
#3. Enhanced Seller Autonomy
Sellers don’t want to be pressured into following a one-size-fits-all approach. They want control—over pricing, marketing strategies, and ultimately, how they sell their home.
The days of rigid listing presentations are over. Agents need to present options. Whether that means offering different pricing strategies, flexible commission structures, or alternative selling methods, sellers want to feel like they’re the ones calling the shots.
And while nine out of ten sellers do choose to work with a real estate agent, they want one who speaks seller and understands their needs and motivations.
#4. A True Free Market
The industry shift has made one thing clear: sellers want options. They don’t want to be forced into offering buyer agent compensation or accepting the first offer that comes in. They want to evaluate all possible scenarios and choose what works best for them.
For agents, this means differentiation is more important than ever. We’ve talked about the value of showing the seller exactly what you do that the average agent does not. So, why should a seller work with you over another agent? What do you offer that others don’t?
Make sure you’re prepared to answer those questions. Because today’s sellers are asking.
#5. Home Selling Options
Not every seller wants the traditional MLS route. Some want broker exclusives. Others prefer delayed listings or a coming soon strategy. Some are leaning toward selling FSBO or working directly with an investor.
As an agent, your job is to walk them through every available option and help them determine the best fit for their situation.
And if cash offers are part of that conversation? Even better.
“If you pay attention to some of Opendoor’s reporting, what they have found is in their markets, 25%—so, one in four of all of the listings that hit those MLSs—that seller has already requested a cash offer from Opendoor. Because of that, this is one of the most powerful tools that is going to set you apart from the competition.” — Kala Laos, Zoodealio CEO
How Zoodealio Puts Agents in Control
A common misconception about cash offers is that they leave agents out of the equation. But Zoodealio ensures agents stay in control.
Byron summed it up clearly:
“The difference is Zoodealio protects the agent commission. It’s built in. Opendoor has publicly stated they want to eliminate agents. So, yeah, it’s just like Opendoor, [but with] better offers for your seller.” — Byron Lazine
Kala added, “If you look at the margin that Opendoor makes by buying low and selling high, what you’ll learn is that many of our offers outperform Opendoor’s offers.”
Final Thoughts
Today’s sellers expect more. They want control, transparency, and options. And agents who can offer real buyers, flexible compensation, and alternative selling strategies will be the ones winning in this market.
If you’re not already leveraging cash offers and flexible selling options, it’s time to start.
BAMx members can access the full webinar anytime in the Skool community. Not a member yet? Join now and get free access to Zoodealio’s cash offer platform—valued at over $2,300 a year on its own. As the value of the BAMx membership keeps growing, sign up now before the price goes up on April 23rd.
