A transactional agent facilitates the real estate deal between a buyer and seller who have already found each other. Rather than representing one side, we guide both parties through the contracts, disclosures, and closing process — ensuring all paperwork is handled correctly and both parties understand every step. Think of it as having a professional transaction manager instead of an advocate for one side.
A full-service agent markets your property, hosts open houses, finds buyers, negotiates on your behalf, and charges a percentage-based commission (typically 5–6% of the sale price). If you've already found your buyer, you're paying for services you don't need. We handle only the transaction itself — contracts, disclosures, escrow coordination, and closing — for a flat $6,000 fee.
There are three key differences. First, cost: attorneys bill $350–$500+/hour with no cap, while we charge a flat $6,000. Second, documents: attorneys draft custom contracts from scratch, which can sometimes create friction with lenders and title companies unfamiliar with non-standard language. We use the current, industry-standard SFAR and CAR forms — the same documents every agent, lender, and title company in California works with daily. Third, transaction management: we coordinate the entire deal from contract to close, including escrow, title, inspections, and lender timelines. If you have complex tax or trust structuring needs, we recommend also consulting an attorney — we work well alongside them, each handling what we do best.
Everything related to managing your transaction: preparation of all contracts and required disclosures, coordination with escrow, title, lenders, and inspectors, guidance for both buyer and seller through every step, and availability to answer any questions throughout the process. Standard third-party costs — such as title insurance, escrow fees, and inspections — are separate, as they would be in any real estate transaction regardless of who manages it.
On a typical $1.5 million San Francisco home, a 5% commission is $75,000. Even a discounted 3% commission is $45,000. Our flat fee is $6,000 — a savings of $39,000 to $69,000 on that same transaction. The higher the property value, the more you save.
Absolutely. There is no legal requirement to use a full-service real estate agent when buying or selling property in California. And to be clear — when you work with FSBO Transact, you are still working with a licensed California real estate broker. Bennett Mason holds an active CA broker license (DRE #01874337) and is a member of SFAR, CAR, and NAR. The difference is that instead of paying for full-service marketing, open houses, and buyer prospecting you don't need, you get professional transaction management — contracts, disclosures, escrow coordination, and closing guidance — for a flat fee.
For most straightforward transactions, no. We handle all the contracts, disclosures, and closing coordination. However, if your situation involves complex tax planning, trust structuring, Prop 19 implications, or potential legal disputes, we recommend consulting an attorney for those specific issues. We frequently work alongside attorneys — they handle the legal strategy, we handle the transaction execution.
In California, the same disclosure requirements apply whether you're selling to a stranger or a family member. This includes the Transfer Disclosure Statement, Natural Hazard Disclosure, and several other required forms. Many people assume that selling to someone they know means they can skip disclosures — they can't, and failing to disclose can create serious legal liability down the road. We make sure every required disclosure is properly completed.
Yes. Many of our transactions involve a buyer obtaining financing. Lender involvement adds requirements — appraisals, documentation timelines, specific forms — and we're experienced in coordinating with lenders to keep the transaction on track. Our use of standard SFAR and CAR forms is an advantage here, as lenders are accustomed to processing these documents.
Issues come up in every real estate transaction — inspection findings, title clouds, appraisal gaps, lender delays. With over 16 years of experience in the San Francisco market, Bennett has navigated these situations many times. We guide both parties through any complications, explain the options, and help find solutions that keep the deal moving toward a successful close.
We're based in San Francisco and have deep expertise in SF's unique real estate regulations. We also serve the East Bay, North Bay, South Bay/San Jose, and are available for transactional real estate deals throughout California. We're members of SFAR, CAR, and NAR, giving us access to the standard forms used across all California jurisdictions.