The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a database of properties operated by the Board of Realtors® for the purpose of helping buyers and sellers advertise and find listings without working directly with an agent. The MLS database offers a glimpse into an evaluative rating by Realtors, the original selling price, how much similar homes were priced for, and how long similar properties took to sell. The MLS traditionally has enabled realtors to effectively advertise and market homes to other agents, and is now being used as a tool by For Sale by Owners to market and sell. Hoping to cut agents out of the loop and pay a flat fee instead of a commission, many For Sale by Owner (FSBO) buyers are using the MLS service in hopes of avoiding additional fees and commissions that would normally go to an agent. With about 80% of buyers making savvy use of the Internet these days, many buyers and sellers start the process for comparative analysis, home shopping, and checking out the inventory right from their mobile device. The MLS has a long and reliable history for making tough sells come true, so many FSBO buyers have turned to the additional exposure of marketing their home through the MLS. If you are a FSBO and you want to use the MLS, beware of low-cost services that charge $199 or less. Like everything else, you get what you pay for. Also, if you think you are going to save the 3% commission that you might normally pay and go with the cheaper MLS service, this strategically doesn't work out well. Like everything else, the database has its tricks to use, and you may need additional assistance in getting the kind of functionality you are looking for. While it may seem like an easy feat to be able to add your home to the MLS, it is NOT. Here’s what you get with a MLS Flat Fee Listing: Home listing and photos Make sure that the photos are very high quality.. Remember that pictures need to accurately show the home’s condition. Statistically, it has been shown that homes without good pictures usually sit on the market for longer, periods of time. Increased visibility Giving your home the most visibility on websites and social media will help make it sell a lot faster. It also gives you the added benefit of being a for sale by owner because now you, are essentially an independent person promoting and showing the property on your own. Maximum exposure You are now listed with an agent that provides the exposure so you are able to get the viewings necessary so that it can lead to a successful sale. There is also increased awareness because if an agent sees the property and knows someone who is just moving to the area, they are more likely to suggest the property to potential buyers. Faster Sale Having your home on the MLS will make the process go faster because of the increased audience for your listing. By using the tools available to you, selling your home “For Sale By Owner” can be efficient and less expensive than enlisting the help of an agent. Be sure to become familiar with the policies in your region though to stay current regarding trends. If done correctly, you may be able to sell your home without having to pay any commission, only the flat fee listing. Contributed by James Link SetSchedule has changed the way real estate marketing is viewed, by changing the way REALTORS® access clients and listing appointments. SetSchedule is a “first of its’ kind” exclusive membership based model that provides verified appointments, marketing tools, and elite invite only networking events for its members. By blending new technologies, and thought processes with proven success
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