From Commission Savings to Community Growth: How 1 Percent Lists is Reinvesting Over $50 Million into the Northshore Economy
By saving local homeowners over $50 million in real estate commissions, 1 Percent Lists has directly reinvested that capital back into the Northshore economy, fueling growth in communities like Covington, Mandeville, and Madisonville.
Imagine selling your home in Covington and having an extra $15,000 in your pocket. What would you do with it? A kitchen renovation with a local contractor? A new boat from a Mandeville dealer to enjoy on Lake Pontchartrain? That extra equity is more than just personal savings—it’s fuel for our local economy.
At 1 Percent Lists, we see ourselves as more than a real estate company; we are a community-focused financial engine. We are the original, Northshore-born, full-service brokerage dedicated to helping our neighbors keep their hard-earned equity right here where it belongs. This revolutionary low cost real estate broker model, which started here, has now spurred a national movement with over five dozen franchises across the country, all based on the simple principle we pioneered: you deserve full service, not the full price.
This post will break down exactly how our 1% commission model has resulted in over $50 million being reinvested directly back into the Northshore economy, empowering homeowners and strengthening the communities of Covington, Mandeville, and Madisonville.
Key Takeaways
- $50 Million Reinvested: 1 Percent Lists has saved Northshore homeowners over $50 million in real estate commissions, money that stays directly within the local economy.
- The Original Innovator: The 1 Percent Lists model, which has now expanded to over 60 franchises nationwide, was born right here on the Northshore of New Orleans.
- Full Service, Not Full Price: Homeowners in Covington, Mandeville, and Madisonville receive comprehensive, top-tier Realtor services—including marketing, negotiations, and closing support—for just a 1% listing fee.
- Community-First Model: The savings for individual families create a powerful ripple effect, supporting local businesses, services, and overall community prosperity.
TL;DR
1 Percent Lists, a full-service real estate brokerage founded on the Northshore, has saved local homeowners over $50 million by charging only a 1% listing commission instead of the traditional 6%. This massive savings directly fuels the Covington, Mandeville, and Madisonville economies as residents keep more of their home equity to spend, save, and invest locally.
Over $50 Million Reinvested into the Northshore Economy from Homeowner Savings
Over $50 million has been reinvested into the Northshore economy directly from the commission savings of local homeowners who chose our model. This isn’t a corporate donation or a marketing gimmick; it’s the tangible result of a fundamentally better way to handle real estate transactions. It’s money that never left the community in the first place, staying in the bank accounts of thousands of your Northshore neighbors.
The Simple Math Behind a Powerful Impact
The traditional real estate model has long operated on a 6% commission structure, a figure that significantly eats into a seller’s net proceeds. We saw this as an outdated system that disproportionately benefited brokerages at the expense of homeowners. Our approach is transparent and simple.
Let’s look at a typical home sale in one of the best New Orleans suburbs on the Northshore:
| Commission Model | Home Sale Price | Total Commission | Seller’s Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Brokerage | $400,000 | $24,000 (6%) | $0 |
| 1 Percent Lists | $400,000 | $14,000 (3.5%*) | $10,000 |
*Includes 1% listing fee + a standard 2.5% cooperative commission to the buyer’s agent.
That $10,000 difference, multiplied by thousands of transactions since our inception, is how we arrive at the $50 million figure. It’s a staggering amount of capital retained by the very people who make our communities thrive. You can see your own potential savings with our online calculator.
The 1 Percent Lists Model: Full-Service Expertise Without the 6% Fee
The 1 Percent Lists model provides complete, full-service real estate expertise without the traditional 6% commission fee, a structure made possible by leveraging modern technology and operational efficiency. We are a discount real estate broker in price only, not in service.
Addressing the #1 Question: “What’s the Catch?”
As a thought leader in the real estate industry, I hear this question constantly. The skepticism is understandable—homeowners are conditioned to believe “you get what you pay for.” The answer is simple: there is no catch. There is no reduction in service.
Our model isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about eliminating inefficiency. Traditional brokerages often carry immense overhead from outdated systems and bloated administrative structures. We built 1 Percent Lists from the ground up, integrating cutting-edge technology and streamlined processes that allow our agents to manage more volume efficiently. This efficiency creates savings, and we pass 100% of those savings directly to you, the homeowner.
What “Full Service” Means for Your Northshore Home Sale
When you list your Covington, Mandeville, or Madisonville home for sale for only 1 percent commission, you receive the same comprehensive Realtor services—and often more—than you would from a 6% agent. Our commitment includes:
- Professional Home Valuation & Pricing Strategy: We conduct a detailed market analysis to price your home competitively, ensuring you get top dollar in the current Mandeville housing market or wherever your property is located.
- High-Quality Photography and Virtual Tours: First impressions are everything. We invest in professional visuals to make your listing stand out online.
- Maximum Online Exposure: Your home is listed on the local MLS and syndicated to every major real estate portal, including Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, and hundreds more.
- Professional Yard Sign and Secure Lockbox: The essential tools for marketing your home and managing secure access for showings.
- Showing Management and Feedback: We coordinate all showing appointments and gather crucial feedback from prospective buyers and their agents.
- Expert Negotiation and Contract Management: Our agents are skilled negotiators dedicated to protecting your interests and securing the best possible terms.
- Full Contract-to-Close Coordination: We manage all the paperwork, deadlines, and communication with lenders, title companies, and inspectors, guiding you to a smooth closing.
A Northshore Original: Pioneering a National Movement from St. Tammany Parish
1 Percent Lists originated right here in the Covington, Mandeville, and Madisonville area, pioneering a national movement in real estate that began as a local solution for our neighbors.
A Northshore Success Story Gone National
This company wasn’t a Silicon Valley startup or a corporate giant moving into the area. It was founded on the Northshore by me, Grant Clayton, to solve a fundamental problem for our own community: homeowners were losing too much of their equity to outdated commission structures. We believed there was a better, fairer way.
Our local office became the proof of concept. The success and demand were so immediate that it became the catalyst for a nationwide franchise system. Today, there are over five dozen 1 Percent Lists locations across the United States, all operating on the efficient, client-first model we perfected right here. We are proud of our story and our mission.
Why Our Local Roots Matter to You
Our agents don’t just work on the Northshore; they live, shop, and raise their families here. This isn’t just a job for us; it’s our community. Our team possesses an unparalleled, granular knowledge of the Northshore’s top subdivisions, from the waterfront lifestyle of Eden Isles to the established communities of Beau Chene and the new developments in Covington.
We understand the nuances that matter to buyers—like the stellar reputation of Mandeville’s schools or the unique charm that defines life in Covington. When you partner with us, you’re not just hiring a Realtor; you’re partnering with a neighbor who is deeply invested in the success and prosperity of our shared home.
The Economic Ripple Effect: Supporting Local Northshore Businesses
Keeping commission savings in homeowners’ pockets creates a powerful economic ripple effect that supports local Northshore businesses and services. Every dollar saved is a dollar that can be spent at a local restaurant, invested in a home improvement project, or saved for a child’s education.
From Your Savings Account to a Stronger Community
The journey of that saved money is the story of community growth. Consider these real-world scenarios happening every day across St. Tammany and Tangipahoa Parishes:
- A family in Mandeville saves $12,000 on their sale. They use that money to hire a local landscaping company to design their new backyard and purchase new furniture from a store in Covington’s River Chase shopping center. That money pays local wages and supports local inventory.
- A young professional selling a condo in downtown Covington saves $9,000. That becomes their down payment on a larger home in a neighborhood like River Club, and they celebrate their closing with dinner at a local restaurant on Columbia Street.
- Retirees in Madisonville save $15,000. They use the funds to buy a new boat from a local marina, paying for slip fees, fuel, and maintenance, all of which supports the marine industry that is vital to the area’s character.
These individual actions, when multiplied by thousands of families, create a powerful tide of economic activity. It strengthens the entire Northshore economy, making our communities more resilient and prosperous for everyone.
Selling Your Northshore Home for 1% Commission: A Straightforward Path
Selling your Northshore home for a 1% commission is a straightforward process designed to maximize your equity and minimize stress. We’ve refined our system to be as seamless and transparent as possible.
Your 3-Step Path to Maximum Savings
- Get Your Free, No-Obligation Home Valuation. The journey begins with understanding your home’s true market value. One of our local Northshore experts will provide a comprehensive analysis with no pressure and no strings attached.
- Review Our Full-Service Marketing Plan. We don’t just tell you we’re full-service; we show you. We’ll walk you through our detailed listing presentation, outlining the professional photography, extensive online marketing, and showing strategy we’ll use to get your home sold for top dollar.
- List with Confidence and Save Thousands. Once you’re ready, we handle everything. From the moment the sign goes in the yard to the final signature at the closing table, our team manages every detail, ensuring a smooth process while you focus on your next chapter—with thousands more in your pocket.
Your Equity, Your Community
Selling your home with 1 Percent Lists is more than a smart financial decision for your family; it’s a powerful act of support for the Northshore community. You don’t have to choose between saving money and getting expert service, and you don’t have to choose between a personal financial gain and the welfare of your community. With our model, you achieve both.
We started this company right here because we believed our neighbors deserved a better deal. The fact that this idea has grown into a national brand is a testament to the power of that simple, community-first principle. Join the thousands of your neighbors who have helped reinvest over $50 million back into the Northshore. Let’s continue building a stronger community, one home sale at a time.
