Rethinking Real Estate: Why We’re Offering a Fee-Based Model Over Commission
At Full Curl Ranches, we’re not just breaking the mold — we’re rebuilding it. One of the most disruptive shifts we’ve introduced is offering an alternative to the traditional commission-based brokerage model: a fee-based engagement structure. While unconventional in the ranch world, it’s designed with one simple goal — to align our interests with yours.
In the standard commission model, a broker gets paid when a deal closes. That structure creates a potentially dangerous misalignment: the incentive isn’t necessarily to find you the right deal — it’s to close any deal. And after personally investing in ranches, I’ve seen the flaws in that system firsthand. When your own capital is on the line, you quickly realize how critical true objectivity and transparency are.
That’s why we built this new model. With a fee-based structure, you pay for actual services performed — broken out across key milestones in the process, especially in due diligence. That includes everything from property analysis to survey review, risk assessment, and much more. You’re no longer relying solely on the hope that your broker is “doing the right thing” while waiting for a commission.
So, what does this look like in practice?
Let’s say you’re a buyer. You engage us under a fee-based model. We work through diligence phases together, including deep property vetting, strategic evaluations, and red flag identification — well before you’re under contract. Each step is transparent, mapped out, and value-driven.
And if the deal does go through? You’re not paying twice. Any fees you’ve already paid for diligence services are reimbursed through the commission at closing. You’re essentially investing in smarter decisions upfront, without sacrificing the value of traditional brokerage representation.
This model particularly resonates with ranch buyers who come from the M&A world, where it’s common to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in diligence before ever closing. While ranch transactions don’t require that scale of investment, the principle remains: the more you’re investing, the more alignment matters.
But isn’t this risky for you as the broker?
Yes. And that’s the point.
We’re putting our money where our mouth is. This approach requires us to earn our place at your table — not just expect it. It demands deeper knowledge, more work upfront, and a higher level of accountability. But it also builds something the traditional model rarely delivers: trust without question.
It’s also important to note this isn’t an “either/or” proposition. In most cases, we expect to use a hybrid approach — blending the traditional model with a fee-based structure where it makes the most sense. The flexibility allows us to tailor the engagement to your specific needs and risk tolerance.
Why this matters now
In a high-dollar market like ranch real estate — where deals can run into the tens or even hundreds of millions — the stakes are too high to gamble on misaligned incentives. It’s not uncommon for a ranch broker to go 6–8 months between closings. That pressure to generate income can lead even the most well-intentioned professionals to make compromises. We’ve seen it, we’ve felt it, and now we’ve designed a way to rise above it.
When you work with Full Curl Ranches under this model, you’re not hiring a salesperson — you’re hiring a strategic advisor with skin in the game.
The Bottom Line
We’re not here to say the traditional commission model doesn’t work — but we are here to say there’s a better way for the right kind of client. If you’re looking for a partner who’s willing to take on risk alongside you, prioritize process over pressure, and create true transparency from start to finish, the fee-based model might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
And even if it’s not a fit for you, just knowing the option exists should give you confidence that you’re working with a team that values alignment, accountability, and long-term success — not just the next paycheck.
Want to learn more or see if this model fits your goals? Let’s start a conversation.
