FAQ — Nestor

Question 1

What is Nestor?

Accepted Answer

Nestor is a technology-assisted home-buying platform operated under the supervision of NovaCasa Realty, a licensed South Carolina real estate brokerage. Nestor helps independent buyers search for homes, request showings through Nestor, prepare offers, review transaction documents, and track their real estate purchase from search to closing.

Question 2

Is Nestor a real estate brokerage?

Accepted Answer

Nestor is not a separate real estate brokerage. It is a technology platform operated by NovaCasa Realty, a licensed South Carolina real estate brokerage, to provide transaction brokerage services.

Question 3

Is Nestor my fiduciary agent?

Accepted Answer

No. Nestor provides transaction brokerage services through NovaCasa Realty. In a transaction brokerage relationship, NovaCasa Realty does not represent you as a fiduciary buyer's agent but assists all parties in completing the transaction fairly and honestly, as permitted by South Carolina law.

Question 4

How much does Nestor cost?

Accepted Answer

Nestor is free while you search for a home. Create an account to search listings, save homes, use buyer tools, ask Nestor questions, and schedule tours at no cost. When you decide to make an offer, Nestor Premium is $9.99/month and gives you access to offer preparation, contract-writing tools, and guidance through the offer and contract process. A separate $599 Transaction Facilitation Fee is due only when you enter into a ratified purchase contract through Nestor.

Question 5

What is the $599 Transaction Facilitation Fee?

Accepted Answer

Only due after you have an accepted contract. Covers one purchase transaction, is valid for up to 12 months, rolls forward if a deal falls apart, and can often be negotiated to be paid by the seller.

Question 6

When do I pay the $599 fee?

Accepted Answer

Only after you have an accepted contract. If you never go under contract, you never pay the fee.

Question 7

Are there any other fees?

Accepted Answer

There are no hidden fees. Nestor Premium is $9.99/month beginning when you decide to make an offer. A separate $599 Transaction Facilitation Fee is due when you enter into a ratified purchase contract through Nestor. You will always see your costs before moving forward.

Question 8

How does Nestor save money on commissions?

Accepted Answer

In South Carolina, modern listing agreements typically separate the listing agent's fee from the buyer agent's fee. Because you are an independent buyer using Nestor's transaction brokerage services, a seller frequently avoids paying out a buyer agency commission entirely. This can save the seller thousands of dollars, making your offer highly competitive.

Question 9

What if the listing agent negotiated a fee to handle both sides of the deal?

Accepted Answer

We respect freedom of contract. If a listing agent's agreement entitles them to a specific fee for facilitating both sides of a transaction, they are fully entitled to it. Nestor focuses on ensuring a smooth, transparent transaction process for you without interfering with pre-existing listing agreements.

Question 10

Can I ask the seller to pay Nestor's $599 fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Because sellers often realize substantial savings on buyer agency fees by working with a Nestor buyer, your offer can be drafted to request that the seller cover Nestor's $599 flat fee as a closing cost concession.

Question 11

How do home tours work?

Accepted Answer

Request showings through Nestor. NovaCasa coordinates the appointment and notifies you when it is confirmed.

Question 12

Can I take photos and videos during a tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes. During any tour you can capture photos and videos right from the Nestor app. Everything you record is automatically saved to your Touring Calendar so you can revisit each home, compare details, and share highlights with family or your lender — all in one place.

Question 13

What is the Touring Calendar?

Accepted Answer

Your Touring Calendar is your personal home-search journal inside Nestor. Every scheduled showing appears on your calendar, and any photos, videos, or notes you capture during a tour are saved directly to that visit. After a busy weekend of showings, you can scroll back through each home's media and notes to compare them side by side before making a decision.

Question 14

What do I need before requesting a showing?

Accepted Answer

To request a showing, complete free registration, identity verification, and the brokerage agreement acknowledgment. No subscription or payment method is required.

Question 15

Can Nestor help me write an offer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Nestor guides you through the offer preparation process by explaining pricing, financing, contingencies, and contract terms. Once you submit your offer details, NovaCasa Realty prepares the purchase documents for your review and signature.

Question 16

Who prepares my purchase contract?

Accepted Answer

Your purchase agreement and any required addenda are prepared by licensed professionals at NovaCasa Realty using the offer terms you submit through Nestor. You'll have the opportunity to review all documents yourself — or with a licensed attorney of your choosing — before they're sent to you for electronic signature.

Question 17

What if my contract falls apart?

Accepted Answer

Your Transaction Facilitation Fee remains available for your next purchase for up to 12 months.

Question 18

Can I search using a map?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Draw your own search area or search by city, ZIP code, neighborhood, school district, or address.

Question 19

Can I save searches?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Save searches and receive alerts when new homes match your criteria.

Question 20

Does Nestor sell my information?

Accepted Answer

Nestor handles personal information as described in its Privacy Policy. Review the Privacy Policy for details about how information is collected, used, and shared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Pricing

Home Tours

Offers & Contracts

Search & Listings

Privacy

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