Michael Farabaugh at RE/MAX First Choice in Baltimore: A Single-Agent Listing Specialist
Michael Farabaugh operates as a listing agent within RE/MAX First Choice, a franchise office of the national RE/MAX network based in Baltimore. Unlike large team operations that divide labor across buyer and seller representation, Farabaugh focuses primarily on marketing and selling properties on behalf of homeowners, which shapes both his commission structure and the services he delivers.
What listing agents do and how they earn
A listing agent represents the seller, not the buyer. Farabaugh's job is to price the property, stage it for showing, market it to other agents and the public, negotiate offers, and shepherd the sale to closing. He is paid by the seller, typically through a commission split: the seller's agent and the buyer's agent each receive a percentage of the final sale price, with that percentage agreed to upfront. In Baltimore, listing commissions range from 2.5 to 3 percent per side, though this is negotiable. If a home sells for $300,000 and the agreement is 2.5 percent per side, Farabaugh's share (before RE/MAX takes its cut) is $3,750. The seller pays both commissions from proceeds.
Farabaugh does not charge the seller an upfront fee; his income depends entirely on closing a sale.
Services Farabaugh provides as a listing agent
A listing agent's core offer includes market analysis (comparing recent sales of similar homes to price competitively), listing placement on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS, the database all agents access), photography and virtual tours, open house coordination, advertising to other agents, and negotiation on behalf of the seller. Farabaugh, as part of RE/MAX First Choice, has access to RE/MAX's national platform and local MLS systems in Maryland. The specifics of what he includes—whether video tours, professional staging consultation, or paid digital ads—vary and should be confirmed directly with him.
The advantage of using a listing agent rather than selling a home yourself (FSBO, or "for sale by owner") is professional pricing, market exposure, and negotiating leverage. The cost is the commission, which is split between his office and the buyer's agent.
How Farabaugh compares to other Baltimore listing agents
RE/MAX First Choice is one of several franchise offices in Baltimore; competitors include Keller Williams, Century 21, and independent boutique brokerages. RE/MAX is nationally recognized and operates on a high-split model, meaning agents keep a larger percentage of commissions in exchange for higher desk fees and technology costs. This can make RE/MAX agents more selective about listings and may mean lower overhead costs are passed to sellers in some cases, though pricing is always negotiable.
Local independent brokerages like Brooke Schwartz Properties or smaller team-based firms may offer more hands-on, neighborhood-focused attention. Large national chains like Century 21 emphasize brand recognition and buyer reach. Choose Farabaugh or RE/MAX First Choice if you want a single-agent experience within a national network, or choose a local boutique if you prefer direct relationships with smaller operations.
Who should work with a listing agent, and who should not
Listing agents suit sellers who want professional market exposure, negotiating expertise, and don't want to show homes themselves. Farabaugh is appropriate for homeowners in Baltimore neighborhoods where the MLS reach is standard and where comparative market data is reliable. He is not suited for commercial property sales (which require different expertise and licensing) or for sellers in very rural or non-MLS areas where agent networks are weak.
FSBO sellers avoid commission entirely but handle pricing, showing, marketing, and negotiation alone; this is riskier and time-consuming. Sellers who are uncomfortable negotiating or pricing should use an agent.
How to engage Farabaugh and what to expect
The first step is a consultation, usually by phone or in-person at the property. Farabaugh will walk through the home, assess its condition, ask about recent improvements, and research comparable sales to recommend a list price. This consultation is typically free. If you decide to list, you sign a listing agreement specifying the commission percentage, the length of the listing (usually 90 days), and what services are included. Your home goes live on the MLS within one to two business days.
From there, Farabaugh markets to other agents, schedules showings, and communicates offers. The process typically takes 30 to 90 days in Baltimore's current market, though this varies by neighborhood and price range.
Contact and logistics
RE/MAX First Choice maintains office hours during standard business days; confirm current hours and reach Farabaugh by contacting the office directly or through RE/MAX's online agent locator. Most communication happens by phone and email; showings are coordinated through the MLS system, which means you do not need to be home during each one.
Farabaugh's position within a national franchise gives Baltimore sellers access to a large agent network and MLS distribution without sacrificing local market knowledge, making him a reliable choice for straightforward residential listings in the city.
