Genuine Flat Fee MLS Listing, Work with a local agent in your area

Question: Why use SalebyownerMLS.Net?

Listing with a traditional real estate firm, you usually agree to pay a listing commission (say for example 6%) which is due at settlement and deducted from the proceeds of your sale. Half of that fee is the "listing portion" of the commission (3% in this example) and this amount goes directly to the firm that lists your home in the MLS. The other half, the "selling portion" or "buyer agent's fee" of 3% goes to the real estate agent who procures a buyer for your home. If the listing agent sells your home without a buyer agent's involvement, their company gets the entire 6%.

With Salebyowner.net, instead of paying the "listing portion" of the commission (3% of the gross sales price of your home) you pay a flat rate listing fee.

With savings like these, it's easy to see why flat rate fee MLS listing has become more popular.

With the USA median average sales prices approaching $300,000, many sellers are simply unwilling to pay a real estate agent a commission of $18,000.00 to sell their home. Because while 6% of the sales price of your home may not seem like a large percentage, it usually translates into a much larger percentage of your home's equity. Equity is the amount of cash you get to keep after the expenes of the sale have been paid. It's the bottom line.

Question: How do I know you are a legitimate business?

We are a certified and accredited business with the Better Business Bureau. Also, every one of our national network of agents are licensed Real Estate Brokers in their states.

Question: Can I also choose what commission to give a Buyer's Agent?

Yes, you can choose what commission you want to give a buyers agent. You must decide how much commission you want to give at the time we are creating your listing.

Question: How much of a commission should I offer?

The average commission is about 2.5%, so we recommend that you offer between 2-3%.  Of course, it all depends on how motivated you are to sell your property.  Obviously, the higher the commission you offer the more likely agencies are to put effort into finding a buyer for your property.  Conversely, the lower the commission you offer the less likely agencies are to "push" your property.  If you offer less than 2% you should not expect a big response from Brokers.

Question: How do Agents know I am offering a commission?

Members of the MLS (Brokers/Agents) see more information on an MLS listing on their agent version than the general public, including what commission is being offered.

Question: Will my listing look the same as those who have agreed to pay a full listing commission to a traditional agent?

Yes. Your listing will look like all the other listings on your local MLS.

Question: How will I know if my property is listed with all of the correct information?

You will receive a copy of your MLS listing and you may make any changes you like, provided the changes are acceptable to the rules and regulations of your local MLS and Board of Realtors.

Question: How long is my property listed for?

Your home will be listed for 1 full year (you can cancel at any time).

Question: How long does it take to be listed on the MLS?

It usually takes less than 24 hours to be listed on the MLS, depending on if we receive all the information required to list a property on the MLS.  Once submitted, all members of the MLS will have access to the full listing instantly and it usually takes a day or so before it is available on the Partner Websites.

Question: How long does it take to be listed on the other websites, such as Realtor.com?

The MLS makes listings available to Partner Websites once the listing has been approved.  This can take up to 48 hours.  Most of the Partner Websites update their information every couple of days, Monday through Friday.  We have no control over those websites.  They choose what time of day and how often they update listings.  Most of them do not update listings on the weekend.  So, if a listing is submitted to the MLS on Saturday, it may not show up on some of the Partner Websites for a number of days.

Question: What if I want to cancel my contract and let a Real Estate Agency sell my house?

If you decide that you want to list your house with another Real Estate Agency to exclusively sell your house then you must cancel your listing.  You can cancel at anytime for NO CHARGE.  The MLS does not allow the same house to be listed by two different Real Estate Agencies.  Just contact the local agent that listed you.

Question: What if I sell the house on my own?

If you find your own buyer, you will not be obligated to pay a commission to anyone on the sale.

Question: How can I get a lockbox?

You can buy a lockbox at any hardware store (i.e. Lowes, Home Depot) for the cost of $20-30.  We do not carry lockboxes in inventory.

Question: Will you conduct open houses?

No.  We will not conduct an open house for you.  You may hold an open house of your own, if you so desire.  The fact of the matter is that open houses are primarily prospecting tools for real estate agents. Open houses are really a way for agents to get their names out there to prospective buyers who are early on in their quest to buy a home. Furthermore, very few homes are sold as a result of an open house because many of the visitors are tire-kickers, bargain hunters, nosey neighbors and people looking for something to do on the weekends.

Question: Are there any additional fees?

Absolutely not! All of the fees we charge are listed on the website. Shipping costs are also included. We do not charge any other fees to you for the sale of your home. Please call us if you have any question about this.

Question: What telephone number will be on my MLS listing?

All buyers and agents with buyers would be instructed to contact you directly.

Question: Will agents with buyers reject my MLS listing because it's a flat fee listing?

No, generally, the MLS listing does not tell them how much you are paying to list your home, only what you are offering to pay the agent who brings the buyer. Also, agents want to find a home that meets their buyers needs as quickly as possible, as long as they get paid a competitive commission for bringing the buyer.

Question: Can I list my property through this service if I am a licensed real estate agent or broker?

Yes, we frequently have brokers or agents who list their property through our service.

Question: Do I need to come to your office to be listed?

No, you don't have to visit our office to get listed. Our services are set up to maximize your convenience. The necessary paperwork can be emailed, faxed, or mailed both ways so there is no travel, appointment, or time-consuming meeting necessary to get listed. The signs, lockboxes, and/or other supplies are generally sent out for 2-3 day priority shipment from our national office.

Question: Who will be the main person I contact after when I am listed?

You will be assigned to one of our brokers who is a licensed broker in your state and members of the local MLS. You will have their contact information and they will be your primary contact once you have ordered. They are focused on helping home sellers sell for a flat fee and there are no additional fees due to them.

Question: Is there any situation where I would have to pay the buyers agent commission if my home sale does not successfully close?

The commission is only paid if the buyer actually purchases the property and the closing is successful. In the unlikely scenario that your buyer is unable to complete the transaction, you do not owe the buyers agent a commission. Assuming that you don't break the purchase agreement that you previously agreed to in writing, you only pay a commission upon the successful closing of the sale of your home.

Question: How do the photo(s) get attached to my listing?

You would take your own photos with a digital camera and email them to us. If you do not have a digital camera (or can't borrow one from a friend, relative, or co-worker), you can mail us the photographs and we will scan the photos and get them uploaded to your MLS listing. Keep in mind that this is the slowest option and we cannot return photos.

Question: Can I list a property I want to rent or lease?

Yes, in most MLSs listing a rental/lease situation is possible.

Question:Why use Salebyowner.Net?

Listing with a traditional real estate firm, you usually agree to pay a listing commission (say for example 6%) which is due at settlement and deducted from the proceeds of your sale. Half of that fee is the "listing portion" of the commission (3% in this example) and this amount goes directly to the firm that lists your home in the MLS. The other half, the "selling portion" or "buyer agent's fee" of 3% goes to the real estate agent who procures a buyer for your home. If the listing agent sells your home without a buyer agent's involvement, their company gets the entire 6%.

With Salebyowner.net, instead of paying the "listing portion" of the commission (3% of the gross sales price of your home) you pay a flat listing fee.

With savings like these, it's easy to see why flat fee MLS listing has become more popular.

With the USA median average sales prices approaching $300,000, many sellers are simply unwilling to pay a real estate agent a commission of $18,000.00 to sell their home. Because while 6% of the sales price of your home may not seem like a large percentage, it usually translates into a much larger percentage of your home's equity. Equity is the amount of cash you get to keep after the expenes of the sale have been paid. It's the bottom line.

Flat Fee MLS Service Has Been Featured In These National Publications