Knowledge Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about selling, buying, and closing with TWGHomes.
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Getting Started
What is TWGHomes?
TWGHomes is a technology-first real estate platform built by The Western Group Realty. We provide flat-fee MLS listings, buyer commission credits, and full-service agent support at a fraction of traditional agent costs. Our AI-powered tools guide you through pricing, listing, showings, offers, and closing β putting you in control while saving you thousands.
How much does it cost to sell with TWGHomes?
Our flat-fee MLS listing starts at $499 for the Basic package. Premium is $799 and includes virtual staging, professional photos, and social promotion. Our Concierge service is 1% at closing and includes everything plus dedicated agent support. Compare that to a traditional 3% listing commission β on a $650,000 home, that is $19,500 vs. just $499 with TWGHomes.
How much does it cost to buy with TWGHomes?
Buyer registration is completely free. When TWGHomes acts as your broker of record, we collect the buyer agent commission (typically 2.5β3% of the purchase price) and credit you up to two-thirds back at closing. On a $650,000 home, that is approximately a $9,800 closing credit.
Is there a contract or commitment?
No. You can cancel your listing anytime with 72 hours notice. There are no long-term contracts, hidden fees, or cancellation penalties.
Selling Your Home
What is flat fee MLS?
A flat-fee MLS listing means you pay a fixed one-time fee to list your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which syndicates to Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, Trulia, and 100+ other real estate websites. You handle showings and inquiries; we handle the paperwork, disclosures, and closing support. You keep the equity savings instead of paying a 3% listing commission.
Where is my listing advertised?
Your listing appears on the local MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, Trulia, Homes.com, Movoto, Estately, and many more. Within 24 hours of submission, your home is visible to virtually every active buyer and buyer agent in your market.
Do I still have to pay the buyer agent commission?
Yes. The seller typically pays the buyer agent commission (usually 2β2.5%). This is negotiable and you set it when listing. The total savings versus a traditional 6% listing still amounts to $10,000β$50,000+ on most homes.
Can I switch my listing from sale to rent?
If your listing has not yet generated buyer interest, we can update the MLS listing to reflect a rental. Contact your assigned TWG agent to make this change.
How do I choose between offers?
Your TWG portal displays all offers with price, contingencies, financing type, closing timeline, and buyer agent information. Your assigned agent reviews each offer with you, explains the terms, and helps you negotiate the best deal.
Do I need professional photos?
You can upload up to 25 photos yourself. Our Premium package includes a professional photoshoot and virtual staging. High-quality photos significantly improve showings and offers.
What happens if I miss a showing request?
Showing requests come via text and portal notifications with a 24-hour response window. If you miss a request, the buyer agent can resubmit. We recommend enabling SMS notifications and checking your portal daily.
What about disclosures and paperwork?
California requires several disclosures including the Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS), Seller Advisory (SA), Broker Compensation Advisory (BCA), and Statewide Buyer & Seller Advisory (SBSA). Our platform auto-generates these forms, tracks completion, and reminds you of deadlines. All forms are DRE-compliant.
Buying a Home
Do buyers save with TWGHomes?
Absolutely. When you buy through TWGHomes, we act as your broker of record and credit you up to 2% of the purchase price at closing. On a $650,000 home, that is about $9,800 back to you. This can offset closing costs, prepaids, or reduce your loan principal.
Can I use the credit toward my down payment?
The credit can be applied to closing costs, prepaids, points, and in some cases your principal balance. Whether it can be applied directly to your down payment depends on your lender and loan type. We will coordinate with your lender to maximize your benefit. The credit requires a minimum buyer agent commission of $1,599 and lender approval. There may be restrictions on VA and FHA loans.
How much money do I need to buy a house?
Most buyers need a 3β20% down payment plus closing costs (typically 2β5% of the purchase price). With TWGHomes, your commission credit can offset most or all of your closing costs. For example, on a $650,000 home with 10% down ($65,000), your closing costs might be $13,000β$32,500, but your $9,800 credit brings that down significantly.
Do I need pre-approval before starting?
You do not need pre-approval to register and browse listings, but we strongly recommend it. Pre-approval strengthens your offers and helps us match you to realistic home options. We can connect you with TWG Financial for competitive mortgage pre-approval.
Can I still work with my own agent?
TWGHomes agents are licensed professionals who provide the same services as traditional buyer agents β but with a commission credit at closing. If you are already under contract with another agent, we cannot provide buyer credits for that transaction. We recommend starting fresh with TWGHomes to maximize your savings.
Can I make an offer on a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) home?
Yes. We can still represent you and prepare an offer. However, if the seller is not offering a buyer agent commission, the commission credit may not apply. We will advise you on the best strategy for FSBO purchases.
Platform & Technology
What is the TWGHomes portal?
The TWGHomes portal is your digital command center. Sellers manage listings, showings, offers, disclosures, and closing documents. Buyers track properties, showings, offers, inspections, and escrow milestones. Agents and brokers have full pipeline views, reporting dashboards, and client management tools.
Do you use DocuSign?
DocuSign integration is planned. For now, all contracts, disclosures, and addenda are generated and tracked in your portal. You download, sign, and upload completed documents. Your TWG agent reviews and submits each document to escrow.
How do I track my documents and closing progress?
Every engagement has a Document Status board showing which forms are completed, pending, or missing. Milestones track key dates (inspection, appraisal, loan approval, closing). Timed alerts warn you of approaching deadlines.
Can I access the portal on mobile?
Yes. The TWGHomes portal is fully responsive and works on phones, tablets, and desktops. We recommend saving the portal to your home screen for quick access.
Pricing & Fees
What additional fees might I pay?
Beyond the flat listing fee ($499β$799), sellers may pay: (1) buyer agent commission (typically 2β2.5%), (2) escrow/title fees (negotiable), (3) county transfer taxes (varies by county). Buyers pay normal closing costs minus the TWG commission credit. No hidden fees from TWGHomes β everything is disclosed upfront.
What is the Concierge service?
Concierge is a 1%-at-close full-service option for sellers who want a dedicated agent to handle everything from pricing strategy to negotiation to closing. It includes all Premium features plus in-person showing support, open house hosting, and priority broker review.
Can I get a refund if I do not sell?
The flat listing fee is paid upfront and is non-refundable once the listing goes live on the MLS. However, if your listing period expires and you renew, you only pay the renewal fee. Contact your TWG agent for special circumstances.
Support & Contact
Do you provide buyer agent support?
Yes. Every buyer and seller is assigned a licensed TWG agent who reviews offers, negotiates on your behalf, prepares disclosures, and guides you to a smooth closing. You also have access to broker escalation for complex transactions.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Southern California, including Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, and San Diego counties. We are expanding statewide. Contact us to confirm service in your specific area.
How can I reach support or technical help?
Phone: (866) 895-HOME β’ Email: info@twghomes.com β’ Hours: MonβFri 8:30amβ6:30pm PT, Sat 9amβ5pm PT. You can also reach your assigned agent directly through the portal messaging system.
Who is my broker?
Your broker is Richard Rios, Founder and Managing Broker of The Western Group Realty. Richard brings over 30 years of California real estate experience and personally reviews every transaction to ensure compliance and excellence.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is standing by to help.