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 area is going to list
your property in the MLS for the flat fee of $297. 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
by owner" there is no commission to pay anyone.
Commission Questions
Lockbox, Sign & Photo Questions
Items listed on the order form page may vary
at any time without notice. Not all agents offer exactly the
same included items. We may have to change agents temporarily
due to current agent out of town, or for any other reasons.
If this happens, your included items may vary.
You get 1-photo included INCLUDED with your
MLS and Realtor.com listing. However, some agents include
more photos in the MLS or for an additional charge.
You get 1-photo included INCLUDED which appears
on Realtor.com. This is the same photo that appears on the
MLS. However, some agents include more photos on Realtor.com
or for an additional charge.
Alabama MLS requirement is NO "FOR SALE
By Owner sign" is allowed when listed in the MLS. You
must use the listing real estate broker's sign or NO SIGN.
Agents that offer a lockbox, always charge for
it, which you pay them directly for. The SELLER can purchase
a mechanical lockbox from any hardware store (Ace, HomeDepot
or Lowes).
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 agents. 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 Agent 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 us - There is no additional fee to pay the
listing agent that is assigned to list your property into
the real estate multiple listing service. Back
to Questions
The
Listing real estate agent 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 Agents
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 Agent that
is a member of the MLS. This agent is assigned to you by us
and gets paid by us - There is no additional money you pay
to the listing agent. 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 Agents
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. 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 Agents
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 Agents in a clever
attempt to dissuade you from doing a flat fee 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 Agent's name and contact information shown on your
Multiple Listing Service will be your Listing Agent, not freemlslisting.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 Agent!
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
Agent. If the Buyers' Agent needs to contact the Listing Agent
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). If buyer's agent calls listing broker, he/she
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 or sooner. 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. Back to Questions
Can I cancel my
Flat Fee Listing at anytime? Yes, you can cancel your
listing at any time. Just notify the listing agent 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 the regional Multiple Listing Service 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. Back
to Questions
What is
the difference between a "Selling Agent" and
a "Listing Agent"?
- The term Agent means a Licensed REALTOR.® Some people
use the word Agent others use the word REALTOR® - it
means the same as far as descriptions go to the public.
- Please note that freemlslisting.com is not your Listing
Broker/Agent.
- freemlslisting.com provides a referral service to owners
of real estate property. Once you buy the service from us,
we refer your MLS flat fee listing to a Listing Real Estate
Agent that is a member of your regional MLS. This Listing
Agent is providing you with a tremendous service by listing
your property in the MLS, REALTOR.com®, etc. and saving
you thousands of dollars in real estate commission for the
flat fee you paid - Once your property is listed in the
MLS, we then pay the listing real estate agent.
- A Selling Agent is the Real Estate agency who actually
sells the property. They are sometimes called Buyer's Agents.
- The Listing Agent is the Real Estate agency who lists
your home for sale in the MLS. 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 Agents
when the owner is away, thus assuring full exposure to prospective
buyers. Without a lockbox, Agents 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
Agent 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 agent (not all
flat fee listing agents 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 agents
have.) The listing agent 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?
South Carolina MLS rules forbid a seller to use a "For
Sale By Owner Sign" You must use the realtor's sign or
no 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 Agents 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. If your home sells thru the MLS,
the buyer's agent will prepare the purchase contract.Back to Questions
Why signup?
- We only work with licensed and experienced Real Estate
Brokers
- 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
- INCLUDED forms, plus reports, etc
- No other 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 Agent will
typically list your property within 24-48 hrs .
. . after getting your completed forms back, such as the
Listing Contract, MLS Data Sheet, etc.
- Your home is listed on the MLS, REALTOR com® &
other websites as soon as you return paperwork to the Listing
Agent
Back to Questions
How
do I determine the sales price for my home? You can
Click on link below to get this information INCLUDED. 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 Agent 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 agent.. Back
to Questions
Can I make changes
to my MLS listing? Yes you can make changes. Contact
the listing agent 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 Listing Agent involved with the sales contract?
Typically No -To save on commission, you will handle many
details of the sale yourself. The Listing Agent 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 Agent 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 Agent involved in negotiations? No, not
unless you specifically request the Listing Agent'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 Agent
is the most knowledgeable and qualified person to review the
contract for you, which many do for a small fee, some do it
for FREE. 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: via Google or PayPal. 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 Agents. 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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