MLS FLAT FEE SERVICE
Frequently Asked Questions
The MLS is the best and only way to sell a property. 90% of all properties
are sold as a result of the MLS.
The MLS is a tool for realtors to list and sell properties. The listing
real estate broker for your state is going to list your property in the
MLS for a flat fee. If you do not wish to pay a commission (as a result
of a real estate agent bring you a qualified buyer), you cannot get listed
in the MLS. The MLS rules require that a commission be listed up front
for every property that an agent enters into the MLS.
If a real estate agent brings you a buyer, you must pay a commission
at close of escrow. You cannot be listed in the MLS if you did not wish
to pay a commission if your property sells thru a real estate agent. The
commission must be specified up front on the paperwork that you will complete
after making payment. If you sell your own property as a "for sale
Commission Questions
Lockbox, Sign & Photo Questions
Not all real estate listing brokers offer exactly the same
included items. Check the state map for items offered.
You get 1-photo included with your MLS and Realtor.com listing.
However, some real estate listing brokers allow more photos in the MLS
for FREE or for an additional charge.
You get 1-photo included which appears on Realtor.com. This
is the same photo that appears on the MLS. However, some real estate listing
brokers allow more photos on Realtor.com for FREE or a small charge.
You may also get a sign or realtors lockbox from the listing
real estate agent - Some real estate listing brokers offer a FREE sign,
other real estate listing brokers charge a fee for the sign. Real estate
listing brokers that offer a lockbox charge for it, which you pay them
directly for. The SELLER can purchase a mechanical lockbox from any hardware
store (Ace, HomeDepot or Lowes). Flat Fee Listing Service does not include
a "for sale sign" or lockbox.
Listing Questions
Internet & Website Questions
Sales Purchase Contract Questions
General Questions
What is the Multiple
Listing Service? The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is the key to Home-Sales
Success. The MLS lists the vast majority of real estate listings which
are listed "for sale" by real estate brokers and their real estate listing brokers.
All types of real estate property is listed in the real estate multiple
listing service; houses, townhomes, condominiums, commercial property,
lots, acreage and even rental properties. There are 1000s of regional
Multiple Listing Services located thru out the nation. Real Estate Associations
in all 50 US states and Canada run their own MLS Systems. Statistics show
that homes listed on the MLS sell faster.
"The MLS" is the secret to success of real estate sales, directly
responsible for about 4 of 5 sales nationwide. About 85% of home buyers
use a REALTOR® to help them locate a property. When a possible buyer
contacts a Real Estate Agent regarding a home purchase, the Agent will
search the MLS for homes matching the buyers' desires, wants and needs.
Statistics show that homes listed on the MLS sell faster. Back
to Questions
Is
this the same Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to which all Realtors®
belong? Yes. All participating MLS REALTORS® belong to their regional
association of REALTORS®. The Listing Broker that will be assigned
to place your property in the proper MLS for your region will be paid
from the flat fee that you pay to mlsmagazine.com - There
is no additional fee to pay the Listing Broker that is assigned to list
your property into the real estate multiple listing service. Back
to Questions
The
real estate listing broker only gets paid a flat fee for listing your
property into the MLS.
Realtors
in our network provide services for a flat fee for two main reasons –
volume business and more exposure for their real estate firm. Furthermore,
if the agent lists your home and brings a buyer, they receive the commission
you have agreed to pay the buyer's agent.
Is
there a "MLS" which may be used by owners selling themselves,
without a REALTOR®? NO. There is no FSBO MLS System. The general
public is not allowed to list their own property in the REALTORS®
Multiple Listing Service. Only a State Licensed REALTOR® Member may
access their regional MLS to list a property for sale, or find homes for
buyers. This is the same MLS used by REALTORS® in your area, one you
will be listed in, which is accessed by real estate listing brokers in your area.
NOTE: Please be aware in order to get your property listed into your
regional Multiple listing Service it has to be listed by a licensed Real
Estate Listing Broker that is a member of the MLS. This agent is assigned
to you by mlsmagazine.com and gets paid by mlsmagazine.com
- There is no additional money you pay to the Listing Broker. A REALTOR®
has to be involved in order for your property to be listed into the MLS
and REALTOR.com® - Back to Questions
Is the MLS the best way
to sell my home? Yes, the vast majority of homes are sold through the
MLS due to the large network of REALTORS® working with home buyers.
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reports homes listed by
REALTORS® result in a higher net price to Sellers compared to "FSBO"
home sale transactions. Back to Questions
Will Realtors Show &
Sell my home if it's not listed on the MLS? It is not likely. Of course,
there are a very few exceptions. REALTORS® operate completely from
MLS computer listings. The MLS Listing Agreement specifies the REALTORS®
commission and without this agreement REALTORS® will bypass FSBO homes.
Of course, you may sell your home without a REALTOR®, but once listed,
REALTORS® do not regard you as a FSBO but simply another listing for
them to sell. Real Estate real estate listing brokers will generally avoid FSBO properties
due to the fact that they are working with buyers and have no written
agreement to be compensated. If the seller has not agreed in writing to
pay a commission to a Buyer's Agent, the buyer could cut the Agent right
out of the deal and negotiate directly with the seller. Back
to Questions
Will Realtors® Show and
Sell my home even though I paid for a Flat Fee Listing? Yes. Your MLS
Flat Fee Listing will look exactly the same as any other listing. There
is no way to tell how much you paid to get on the MLS. Regardless of whom
you listed with or what you paid, your listing will look no different
from any other listing in form and style. The listing broker's name appears
on the MLS, not mlsmagazine.com name. Our flat fee listing
method gets your property on the same MLS used by your area REALTORS®.
Your listing will appear the same as all other mls property listings.
Back to Questions
Is it True some
real estate listing brokers may not show my home if they know it is
a flat fee listing? Absolutely not! That is a misleading and somewhat
fraudulent representation made by some Real Estate real estate listing
brokers in a clever attempt to dissuade you from doing a flat fee mls
listing First of all, when the Agent sees your listing on the MLS computer,
there is no way the Agent knows it's a flat fee listing. The Listing Broker's
name and contact information shown on your Multiple Listing Service will
be your Listing Broker, not mlsmagazine.com. In addition,
the listing commission is not disclosed on the MLS! Even if the Buyer's
Agent somehow knew you were not paying a high traditional listing commission,
that would not effect the showings, since the Agent is not concerned about
the commission you are paying the listing broker. After all, the Buyer's
Agent ONLY cares about the commission offered to him/her to sell your
home, not how much you paid the Listing Broker! Back
to Questions
Will Realtors®
show and sell my home if I am not listed with their company? Yes.
The main purpose of MLS is for REALTORS® to sell each other's listings.
Back to Questions
How important is it
the listing REALTORS® office be in my neighborhood for my home to
sell? It does not matter. It's merely an often-used false marketing
method and fabrication to get you thinking it makes a difference so you
end-up listing with them. Comparatively few potential buyers reside in
your neighborhood. Most buyers come from another part of town, different
areas, another city, or out-of-state. Even if a prospective buyer happens
to live nearby, why would location of the listing broker make any difference
at all? Keep in mind, a buyer who comes via The MLS in all likelihood
already has a REALTOR® who is their buyers' Agent. A buyer rarely
hires the Listing Broker. If the Buyers' Agent needs to contact the Listing Broker they normally use the phone or fax to submit purchase contract offer
. . . in-person contact is never really needed. The listing broker could
be located in another city or even out-of-state, it really makes no difference.
Back to Questions
Who Will Realtors® call for Showings? You, the Seller.
The most common way showings are done, is the listing broker indicates
showing instructions on the multiple listing service computer. This will
say "Call Owner direct to arrange for a showings" (giving your
name and contact phone number) P.S. There are a few areas in the country
(Ohio) where broker's phone number is given for showings as the MLS does
not permit Owners' contact info. If so, the listing broker will refer
the call directly to you, to schedule the showing appointment. REALTORS®
customarily call Owner before showing the home. Back
to Questions
How
long should I expect to be on the market? Your home should sell quickly
if priced right, in a good location and shows well. The MLS & REALTOR.com®
will draw maximum attention to your home. Back to Questions
How long will my property be
listed on the MLS for the flat fee? The MLS flat fee listing is good for
6-months. Most homes are sold within a couple of months of listing or
sooner. Many homes listed have sold within a day to a week. Rarely is
a renewal of the listing needed. The agent will offer renewal of the listing
-- check with agent as to the fee, which you pay him/her direct (some
real estate listing brokers renew FREE-this is listed on the website).
Back to Questions
Can I cancel my Flat Fee Service
at anytime? Yes, you can cancel your listing at any time. Just notify
the Listing Broker you wish to cancel your listing. Back
to Questions
Is
there a benefit to listing with a traditional high-commission broker?
NO. Your listing will end up in the same MLS if you were to re-list your
property with a more Traditional Real Estate Agent charging you higher
commissions. Of course, there are no refunds once your property is listed
in your regional Multiple Listing Service (except possibly under the terms
of our "REALTOR® Referral" Money-back Guarantee.) You may
also apply for the "Money Back Guarantee" by sending mlsmagazine.com
an email Back to Questions
Do you offer a money-back guarantee
if not satisfied after my home is listed, if I cancel my listing
to go with another REALTOR®? If you are not completely satisfied you
can qualify for a 100% money-back guarantee under certain conditions.
This is based on mlsmagazine.com referring your listing to
a new real estate broker, and who is acceptable to both of us. In the
event you want to cancel (for any reason), and wish to list with a more
traditional broker (of course, prior to getting a sales contract), we
agree to refund the money you paid us by rebating the money payable at
close-of-escrow as long as all parties agree to a standard REALTOR®
Referral Agreement. Click-here to Read more info
on the Guarantee Back to Questions
What's included with my listing?
The MLS, REALTOR.com® &; and about 50 other real estate internet
sites, plus many extras as listed on the website page EXTRAS and website
for your state. Back to Questions
Do I have to pay a
Commission if house sells because of the MLS?
Yes. Any REALTOR® bringing a ready, willing and able
buyer with a satisfactory contract will be due a "selling" commission
of your choice. This commission must be determined by Seller when completing
the Listing Agreement. This Commission paid to the selling agent is shown
on the MLS. Back to Questions
How much commission do I have
to pay to the Buyer's Agent? The commission the Seller pays the Buyer's
Agent is totally up to the Seller. Real Estate commission fees are not
FIXED, fees are negotiable by LAW. REALTORS® cannot demand the Seller
pay a certain commission to sell their home on the MLS. REALTORS®
that demand the seller pay 3% to buyer's agent can and will have their
license revoked. Back to Questions
If I find my own buyer,
will I still have to pay a selling commission? No. If you find a buyer
for your home with no Agent being the procuring source, there is no commission
to pay. Back to Questions
Do I need a lockbox while
house is listed on MLS? Owner can decide whether or not to use an
optional key-lockbox, which is a metal container for your house key(s)
and is normally hung on the front door knob or gate. The MLS Listing will
advise Realtor's if they can not reach you by phone, they may use the
key lockbox for showings. It provides access to real estate listing brokers when the owner
is away, thus assuring full exposure to prospective buyers. Without a
lockbox, real estate listing brokers representing buyers will have to set appointments to meet
you at the house to view the home. If you do not have a lockbox, you may
miss out on some potential buyers who do not have time to wait. Lockboxes
are completely removable and controllable by you. Your Listing Broker will
indicate your showing instructions on the MLS and contact phone number
to call you first for showings. Showings are most always done on an appointment
only basis (assuming key lockbox is not used if unable to reach you).
It is rare an Agent will knock on the door without first making appointment
with the homeowner. If you want a REALTORS® electronic lockbox you
can request one from the Listing Broker (not all flat fee listing real estate listing brokers
have or use electronic lockboxes, due to the cost and delivery time required
for installation and removal from door with special key only real estate
real estate listing brokers have.) The Listing Broker will lease one to you for a fee. Back to Questions
I have a For Sale By Owner
sign, should I use the Realtor's sign? You can replace your sign with
the Realtor's sign if you wish. If you prefer to display your listing
broker's sign, many do offer a sign FREE or as an optional service for
a fee. After you get listed in the MLS, ask your Real Estate Agent if
you can use their for-sale-sign, rather than your "For sale by owner sign."
Back to Questions
Can I use my own exterior
home photo for the MLS? Yes, it is recommended that you send via email
to the listing real estate agent the photo(s) in jpg format. However,
it is highly recommended to let the MLS photographer* take a professional
photo of your home. Once inputted into the MLS, the photographer is dispatched
to take the photo. Photos usually uploaded to the MLS within a few business
days. The MLS then transfers the photo to the public internet sites for
your area. *subject to some MLS regional restrictions - some MLS have
a photographer to take an exterior photo and others do not have a photographer
to take a photo. If the MLS does not have a photographer to take 1 photo,
the seller can submit a photo via email to the agent. Back
to Questions
Can I have additional
photos added to the MLS or get a Virtual Tour? Yes. After you get
listed on the MLS ask your Real Estate Agent for that option. Many of
the referral Real Estate real estate listing brokers usually offer extra
photos for a small fee (some even do for FREE) and virtual tours from
$89 to $199 which is a reasonable additional fee. The cost is very minor
compared to the benefit of saving thousands of dollars in real estate
commission. However, additional photos and virtual tours are not necessary
as the real estate multiple listing service in all likelihood will sell
your home, with or without paying for extra cost services. Back
to Questions
Do you
offer FREE forms and contracts? Yes, we currently have forms available
on our website. We are adding more forms for your convenience. When
you list your home with us, we will email you all the forms needed if
you sell by owner. If your home sells thru the MLS, the buyer's agent
will prepare the purchase contract.Back to Questions
Why signup with
mlsmagazine.com
- We only work with licensed and experienced Real Estate Brokers
- We have the largest Realtor Network in America
- Your property will be listed quickly
- We offer more exposure than any other company
- We give you more for your money
- We are open Weekends
- There are no hidden fees or charges
- FREE forms, plus reports, etc
- No other Flat Fee MLS company offers as much exposure and coverage!
Back to Questions
What steps are involved in getting
my property listed in the MLS?
- Place your flat fee listing order
- The Flat Fee Listing Real Estate Agent that is a member of the regional
MLS for your area is contacted and given your contact information
- The Flat Fee Listing Broker will typically list
your property within 24-48 hrs . . . after getting your completed
forms back, such as the Listing Contract, MLS Data Sheet, etc. However
some real estate listing brokers do not work weekends, so you will have to wait until Monday
to be listed.
- Your home is listed on the MLS, REALTOR com® & other websites
as soon as you return paperwork to the Listing Broker
Back to Questions
How do I determine
the sales price for my home? You can Click on link below to get this
information FREE. We have heard from many sellers that this service works
extremely well -- Zillow.com
How does
information about my house get on the MLS? The Listing Broker
will have you complete the MLS Data Sheet. This Data Sheet will require
you to answer all questions listed, which will supply Buyers with the
type of information they require to see if your home meets their buying
criteria. The MLS Data Sheet fields cannot be customized. You will however
be able to write a description highlighting your home's special features.
The information on the Data Sheet also goes to REALTOR.com®, plus
all the public internet sites for your area. Back
to Questions
Can I add more information
to the MLS later? Yes. You can add information to your listing, such
as room dimensions or description by emailing this information to the
Listing Broker. Back to Questions
Can I make changes to my MLS
listing? Yes you can make changes. Contact the Listing Broker by email
with the changes. Back to Questions
What is
the difference between public websites, such as REALTOR.com®,
and the MLS? Public websites like REALTOR.com® receive listings directly
from the MLS itself. Unlike the MLS which is updated instantly, the public
internet sites are typically updated every 1-2 business days. Because
of this, REALTORS® only use the MLS system, which is a closed system
linked to their offices. Back to Questions
Can I go to a website and
see my MLS listing? Yes, the MLS is on the internet and buyers can go
and view all the listings. Plus in order to get listed on REALTOR.com®
you have to first be listed in the MLS. Back
to Questions
Can I go to a website
to print and email color brochures of my listing? Yes. REALTOR.com®
offers the ability to print and/or email color brochures of your listing
to hand out to potential buyers. Back to Questions
What Internet sites
will my listing appear on? According to Realtor.com your listing will
appear on 50 real estate internet sites, such as; REALTOR.com®, MSNhomes.com,
Homes.com, Homestore.com, Homeadvisor.com, Yahoo.com and others. Plus
licensed REALTORS® can display all of the MLS listings directly on
their own private website. Back to Questions
How long will it take
for my MLS listing to appear on the public internet sites? The MLS sends
listing information at different times to the different public internet
sites. Once your listing is entered into the MLS system, it appears instantly
to REALTORS® and their buyers. Back to
Questions
Can
I ONLY get my House listed on REALTOR.com®? No. You have to get
listed into the MLS before your listing can appear on REALTOR.com®
-- Back to Questions
Is
the Real Estate Listing Broker involved with the sales contract? Typically
No -To save on commission, you will handle many details of the sale yourself.
The Listing Broker is mainly getting paid to list your property on the
MLS, as you requested. If the Seller requests assistance with the purchase
contract, counter-offers, placing contract in escrow, contingency issues,
closing & settlement matters - the Listing Broker offers extra services
for a reasonable additional fee. If you want or need additional assistance
involving your transaction (though you should be able to handle things
yourself) ask your Agent about other available services. Most of our associates
offer additional optional services. Back to
Questions
Is
the Listing Broker involved in negotiations? No, not unless you specifically
request the Listing Broker's consultation. You will handle all showings,
inquiries, and sales contract presentations on your own. Back
to Questions
How can I
get my contract reviewed? The Listing Broker is the most knowledgeable
and qualified person to review the contract for you. Back to Questions
Once my paperwork is received, how long before
my home is listed in the MLS? Depending on the time of day, listings
are usually inputted into the MLS system the same business day everything
is received. Back to Questions
How do I pay for my MLS listing?
Payment is made in advance with: We also accept PayPal and Google payments. We take credit
card orders over the phone. Back to Questions
Is REALTOR.COM and
THE-MLS SYSTEM THE SAME? No, they are separate and distinct services
with different websites and usage. Realtor.com is run by The National
Association of Realtors® and picks up all the Nationwide MLS Listings
from the hundreds of Multiple Listing Services around the Nation and puts
the property information in their website.
Who uses Realtor.com? Do Realtors® access it? Anyone
can access and use it but NO, it's rarely used by Real Estate real estate listing brokers.
It's designed for and mostly used by private parties who want to search
for appropriate properties thruout the nation.
Back to Questions
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