Aletheia vs traditional real estate agent
A factual, side-by-side look at selling your Utah home with a traditional agent versus using Aletheia. Both are valid options — the right choice depends on your situation.
Side-by-side comparison
| Traditional agent | Aletheia | |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost on a $450k sale | $30,513 | $3,513 |
| Commission structure | 6% of sale price | Free |
| Typical timeline to list | 1–2 weeks (agent onboarding, photos, MLS prep) | Same day (self-serve listing, immediate publish) |
| Control over process | Agent manages showings, negotiations, and communications on your behalf | You manage everything directly — set terms, review offers, negotiate one-on-one |
| Transparency | Updates through your agent; you see offers when they’re presented to you | Every offer, counter, and deadline visible in real time on your dashboard |
| Legal documentation | Agent prepares or coordinates contracts, addenda, and disclosures | Platform generates structured Utah REPC-based documents; you’re responsible for legal review |
| Support available | Full-service agent guidance from listing through closing | Self-directed with platform tools, educational guides, and email support |
| Best for | Sellers who want hands-off management or complex transactions | Sellers comfortable managing their own sale who want to keep more equity |
Total cost on a $450k sale
Traditional agent
$30,513
Aletheia
$3,513
Commission structure
Traditional agent
6% of sale price
Aletheia
Free
Typical timeline to list
Traditional agent
1–2 weeks (agent onboarding, photos, MLS prep)
Aletheia
Same day (self-serve listing, immediate publish)
Control over process
Traditional agent
Agent manages showings, negotiations, and communications on your behalf
Aletheia
You manage everything directly — set terms, review offers, negotiate one-on-one
Transparency
Traditional agent
Updates through your agent; you see offers when they’re presented to you
Aletheia
Every offer, counter, and deadline visible in real time on your dashboard
Legal documentation
Traditional agent
Agent prepares or coordinates contracts, addenda, and disclosures
Aletheia
Platform generates structured Utah REPC-based documents; you’re responsible for legal review
Support available
Traditional agent
Full-service agent guidance from listing through closing
Aletheia
Self-directed with platform tools, educational guides, and email support
Best for
Traditional agent
Sellers who want hands-off management or complex transactions
Aletheia
Sellers comfortable managing their own sale who want to keep more equity
Cost breakdown on a $450,000 home
Real numbers based on typical Utah seller closing costs. These are estimates — your actual costs will vary.
With a traditional agent
With Aletheia
Honest pros and cons
Traditional agent
Advantages
- Full-service support from listing through closing
- Market expertise, pricing strategy, and negotiation experience
- Access to MLS, professional photography, and marketing
- Agent handles paperwork, disclosures, and coordination
Disadvantages
- 5-6% commission is the single largest transaction cost
- Less direct control over negotiations and buyer communication
- Quality and attentiveness vary widely between agents
Aletheia
Advantages
- No commission, no fees \u2014 the platform is completely free for buyers and sellers
- Full visibility into every offer, counter, and deadline
- Direct communication with buyers \u2014 both sides see the same terms
- List for free, publish immediately, manage on your own timeline
Disadvantages
- You handle pricing, showings, and negotiations yourself
- No MLS listing \u2014 you market the property on your own
- Legal review is your responsibility \u2014 the platform provides structure, not legal advice
Frequently asked questions
See if Aletheia is right for your sale
Create a free account, receive structured offers, and keep more of your equity. No commitment required.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. Cost estimates are based on typical Utah closing costs and may vary based on your property, lender, and title company. Aletheia is not a licensed real estate broker or agent.