Frequently Asked Questions About
MLS Listings
MLS and Realtor® Questions
Commission Questions
Lockbox, Sign & Photo Questions
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
hundreds of local Multiple Listing Services located thruout 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 local association of Realtors®. Your Listing Agent will place your
property in the proper MLS for your area. Back to
Questions
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 use the Realtors Multiple Listing Service. Only
a State Licensed REALTOR® Member may access and use their local MLS and
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 local Agents in your area.
NOTE: When using our MLS service Listing service, please be
aware that you are required to have a Listing Agent to get your property
listed into your local Multiple listing Service. 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 the 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
Realtor's compensation 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 Listing? Yes. Your
MLS 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
commission is not shown. The listing brokers name appears on the MLS,
not AMLSN
.com name. Our listing method
lists your property on the same MLS used by your local 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 free 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 listing. First of all, when the Agent sees your listing on the
MLS computer, there is no way the Agent knows it's a free listing.
The Listing Agent's name and contact information shown on your local
Multiple Listing Service will be your Listing Agent/, not AMLSN.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 compensation offered to him/her to sell your
home, not how much you paid the Listing Agent! If any agent
for Realtor refuses or claims to refuse to show your home and/or
claims a commission percentage is mandatory, they are breaking the rules
and some federal antitrust laws-feel free report this to the state
Realtor's Association Board for they give us all a bad name.
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 buyer showings are done, is the listing
broker indicates showing instructions on the multiple listing service
computer. This will say "Realtors 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 where broker's phone number is given for
showings as the local 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' custom is to call Owner before
showing your 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 will draw
maximum attention to your home. Back to Questions
How long will
my property be listed on the MLS? The MLS listing is
good for 6-month. Most homes are sold within a couple of months of
listing or sooner. Many homes listed have sold within a week. Rarely is
a renewal of the listing needed. Additional listing renewals are
available FREE of charge. Back to Questions
Can I cancel my
Listing anytime? Yes, you have control over your listing and can
cancel anytime you wish. But remember that all Realtors are on the same
local MLS system, so your listing will wind up in the same place when
you re-list your property with a Traditional Real Estate Agent charging
you 6% commission. Of course, there are no refunds once your property is
listed in your area Multiple Listing Service (except under the terms of
our "REALTOR® Referral" Money-back Guarantee. You may withdraw your
listing at any time from the MLS system by notifying your Listing Agent.
You may also apply for the "Money Back Guarantee" by sending
AMLSN.com an email Back to
Questions
Do you offer a money-back
guarantee if I cancel my listing to go with another REALTOR®?
Yes. If we do not completely satisfied you qualify for a 100%
money-back guarantee. This is based on AMLSN.com
referring your listing to a new real estate broker of either your choice
or ours, 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.
There is also a $50 minimum administration fee for all submitted orders
that are not yet placed into the MLS.
Click-here to Read more info on the Guarantee Back
to Questions
What's included with
my listing? The MLS, possibly exterior home color photo,
Realtor.com® and other internet sites provided by your local MLS,
plus many extras as listed on the extras page. Back
to Questions
What is the
difference between a "Selling Agent" and a "Listing Agent"?
- The term Agent or Realtor both refer to
licensed real restate agents. Some people use the word
Agent others use the word Realtor - a Realtor has take an extra oath
of ethic and responsibility to be of greater integrity.
- Please note that AMLSN.com is not your
Listing Agent.
- AMLSN.com provides a service to Sellers of
real estate property. Once you buy the service, we refer your
listing to a Listing Agent that is a member of your local area MLS.
This Listing Agent is providing you with a tremendous service by
listing your property on the MLS, Realtor.com*, etc. for a free
and saving you thousands of dollars.
- 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, & 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 is shown on the MLS.
But, you pay no commission on the National MLS Program. 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. Back to Questions
If the Listing
Agent sells my home will I still owe a commission? Yes, but you
still pay only 1 commission-. If the Listing
Broker has a buyer for your home he/she will be entitled to the co-broke
commission for selling it. Regardless of which REALTOR® sells your
property, you still pay no listing commission and only pay one real
estate commission in total due to the broker who
was the procuring cause of your buyer. When a REALTOR® sells your
property, you never pay more than one sales commission, plus the small AMLSN.com service fee. 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
When will I
receive the Sign & Lockbox I ordered? The sign and key-lockbox
will be shipped via UPS ground when we receive your MLS Listing Number
from the Listing Agent. Sometimes the Agent is slow in submitting the
MLS #, it is recommended that the Seller submit the MLS # to us to speed
up the shipping process of sign & lockbox. 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.
Please note: the lockbox we send you is a mechanical one. If you
want a realtor's electronic lockbox you can request one from the listing
agent. The listing agent will lease one to you for a fee. The Electronic
Lockbox is what most realtors use. Back to Questions
I have a For Sale By
Owner sign, should I order yours? We recommend that you use your
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 a AMLSN.com. In some areas, the MLS requires that the Listing Broker display
his sign on the property. You can also display the AMLSN.com sign along side of the Realtor's "For
Sale Sign" going in the MLS. Some Listing Agents do not offer
signs. Back to Questions
Can I use my own
exterior home photo for the MLS? Yes. Once inputted into the
MLS. Photos usually uploaded to the MLS within 2-5 business
days. The MLS then transfers the photo to the public internet sites for
your area. *subject to some MLS area restrictions. 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. The vast majority of our referral Real Estate Agents offer extra
photos for $10 each and virtual tours up to $199 which is a
reasonable additional fee. The cost is very minor compared to the
benefit of thousands of dollars in real estate commission savings.
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. Back to Questions
Why list your Property
with AMLSN.com
- We only work with licensed and experienced Real Estate Brokers
- We have the largest Realtor Network in America
- We list your property in less than 24 hours
- 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
- We offer sign & lockbox for a small fee
- FREE forms, plus reports, etc
- No other 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 listing order
- The Listing Agent in your area is contacted and given
your contact information
- The Listing Agent contacts you within 24-hours with
appropriate forms to be completed . . . Listing Contract, MLS Data
Sheet, etc. Please note there are times when the agents are busy, out
of the office and sometimes it may take longer.
- Your home is listed on the MLS, Realtor.com* & other websites as
soon as you return paperwork to the Listing Agent
- Listing Agent emails AMLSN.com your MLS #
then sign & lockbox are shipped to you via UPS if you ordered them.
Back to Questions
How do I
determine the sales price for my home? You can Click on link to
get this information. We have heard from many sellers that this service
works extremely well.
Estimate the value
of your home or other real estate with a CMA. (comparative market
analysis.
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. Back
to Questions
Can I make changes to my
MLS listing? Yes you can make 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 2-3 business days.
Because of this, Realtors use only 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, you may go to Realtor.com* or any
other public website in your area and view a paraphrased version of your
listing. Keep in mind that this is NOT your actual MLS listing. Unless
you are a licensee and MLS member, you cannot access the MLS to see your
actual listing. However, you may at any time request a copy of your
actual MLS listing from your Listing Agent. 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? Depending on your
area, your listing will appear on many internet sites. Plus licensed
Realtors can display all of the MLS listings directly on their own
private website. However, keep in mind that all of these websites will
contain the same information about your listing, as it is coming
directly from the MLS. As you can see, it is really impossible to
predict exactly how many websites your listing will be on. Aside from
the private websites owned by Realtors, your listing may also appear
on major public internet sites such as Realtor.com*, MSNhomes.com,
Homes.com, Homestore.com, Homeadvisor.com Yahoo.com and others.(*Note:
Since these are 3rd-party sites we do not guaranty your inclusion there)
Back to Questions
Will my contact
information appear on Realtor.com* & other public websites? No.
REALTOR®.com is NOT the MLS. REALTOR®.com's main benefit is so
home-buyers may contact a REALTOR® for more information and showings. It
is not for home-buyers to contact you as a FSBO (which is a common
misconception). REALTOR®.com has a rule that seller's personal
information is not allowed to appear (but it does go on The-MLS - please
don't get them confused). Contact information (Seller's Name, Phone
Number and Address) appears on the Multiple Listing Service for
Realtor's to view for contacting sellers for showings, etc. However,
some MLS's allow for seller contact information to appear. 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. However, depending on
your area, it may take anywhere from 2-7 business days before your
listing will appear on all of the public internet sites. 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 may
offer 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. 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. Back to Questions
*Note: Since Realtor.com plus many other Internet Real Estate
Websites are 3rd-party sites we do not guaranty your inclusion there.
The majority of MLS send their listings to Realtor.com, there are a few
MLS in Wisconsin & Michigan that do not allow these types of listings to
go to Realtor.com and other Internet websites
CLICK-HERE to
Send your question(s) via email and also your phone number if you wish a
call back from one of our Realtors.
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