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Frequently Asked Questions |
What is the MLS (Multiple Listing Service)?
See MLS Ad Examples
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a computerized list of ALL PROPERTIES offered for sale by real estate brokerages in your area. It is exclusive to Realtor members. It is the primary tool used by Realtors to find homes for their buyers, and for most Realtors, it is the only tool they need to find the right home. Realtors search the MLS daily to find potential matches for their buyers.
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The MLS provides the biggest marketing advantage in selling houses. This kind of exposure to Realtors and their buyers is not available anywhere else. You maximize your chances of selling your property quicker and at a better price when it is listed on the MLS.
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Being listed on the Realtors MLS enables you to take advantage of the power of thousands of Realtors in your area.
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What is a Flat Fee Listing?
Instead of providing real estate services for a percentage of your selling price, a real estate brokerage charges a fixed price for specific real estate services. As an example, with our popular FLAT FEE LISTING programs, we provide excellent advertising exposure through the Realtor's MLS as well as advice and assistance through email, real estate forms, and much more. Though we have additional services and products available, you are not obligated to pay for any other service or product unless you order it.
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Will my home appear on Realtor affiliate (public access) web sites too? |
In addition to the Realtor's MLS, your property will be advertised on countless affiliate sites too! Your listing will appear on sites like Realtor.com, Re/Max.com, Homes.com and many others. This huge marketing advantage has recently become available through the Realtor’s Internet Data Exchange agreement (IDX). IDX capability is in addition to the Realtor’s MLS!
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With your Flat Fee Listing, do I still have to pay a "buyer’s agent"? |
The Realtor's MLS requires that a commission be offered to a buyer’s agent. However, the commission amount offered is your choice. Any Realtor bringing a buyer who successfully closes on the sale of your property will be due the "buyer’s agent" commission. The buyer's agent commission (BAC) will be displayed on the Realtor's MLS. It is not stated on subsidiary or affiliate sites.
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If the buyer does not have an agent, will I still have to pay a "buyers agent" commission? |
No. The buyer's agent commission is only applicable if you accept an offer that was written and presented by a buyer's agent.
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Can I use a "For Sale By Owner" sign while listed on the MLS? |
No. The Realtor's MLS prohibits the use of "Non Brokerage" signs. Our Brokerage Sign should accommodate your needs. Our company sign is included with your listing and will be shipped to your doorstep by Fed/Ex or courier
See Sign Example
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Do Realtor's contact you or me for showings? |
You are listed on the MLS as the appointment contact. Realtors will contact you directly to arrange showings.
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After I fill out the on-line listing forms on-line, how long will it take my listing to post on the MLS? |
Your listing will appear on the Realtor's MLS within 24 Hours GUARANTEED! Your listing will appear on 100+ subsidiary and affiliate sites within 2 to 3 business days.
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How long is the listing period? |
Your listing period is for 1 year with a right to cancel the listing at any time for any reason.
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How do I make changes to my listing? |
Make changes to your listing at any time by going to our "Modify Your Listing" page. Your change will occur on the MLS within 1 business day. Please allow 2 to 3 business days for your change to occur on subsidiary and affiliate sites.
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See Unbiased information About "Flat Fee MLS"
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Reference Links About MLS |
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"The Last Stand of the 6-Percenters?",
New York Times, 2006-09-03. Retrieved on 2006-10-10. |
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Endangered Species",
New York Times Magazine, 2006-03-05. Retrieved on 2007-05-02. |
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"Real Estate Commissions Shrinking"
from NPR's Morning Editions, 14 April 2006 (retrieved 8 April 2007) |
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States with minimum-service rules for real estate sales.
Retrieved on 2007-03-26. |
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"Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission Urge Real Estate Commission to Continue to Allow Flexibility in Brokerage Services", |
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"Justice Department Encourages Real Estate Commission to Maintain Consumer Choice in Real Estate Brokerage Services",
DOJ press release |
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Real Estate Brokers, Sales Persons and Rental Location Agents, "Limited service representative, contract disclosure required"
portion of the law. |
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"Antitrust Division Launches Web Site on Competition in the Real Estate Brokerage Industry",
DOJ Press Release (2007). |
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Flat-Fee Brokers, FSBO Offer Options for Sellers
The Wall Street Journal - RealEstateJournal.com |
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DOJ/FTC Anti-Trust Workshop
Department of Justice Workshop on Competition Policy and the Real Estate Industry |
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