How can I list my “For Sale by Owner” property on the MLS?
I would like to sell my home myself in a fast-moving neighborhood. But really don’t want to pay a real estate agent. Is there a way I can put it on the local MLS for a fee? I’m sure it will sell quickly and I may consider giving the buying agent a commission. But due to the low value of the home, I doubt a listing agent will represent it well or lead buyers to it. I don’t want to pay him/her a commission he/she doesn’t deserve.
I know a listing agent can be beneficial. The problem is there aren’t any good ones in my area. I don’t need assistance in marketing my property. Most houses for sale like mine aren’t featured in the local publications. Agents focus on the expensive houses. Often I see selling agents encourage the sellers to take a low ball offer. I know what my house is worth and what the ones in the area are selling for. I know what I will accept for the house. I know what to disclose about the house as well. Like I said houses in my neighborhood move quickly. The FSBOs go just as fast as the ones listed. Thanks to everyone for their input.
Category: Renting & Real Estate | Tags: Expensive Houses, Focus, Fsbos, House Worth, Houses For Sale, Houses Sale, Local Publications, Marketing, Mls, Neighborhood, Quot, Real Estate Agent, Selling Agents 7 comments »
December 11th, 2009 at 4:40 am
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There are some companies called limited service agencies that will put your house on the MLS for a fee you pay up front whether your home sells or not.
And by the way, your rationale makes no sense. A listing agent is paid to market your property to lead buyers to it. Buyer’s agents may avoid the property because of the low value. Marketed well, clients find it, ask about it, it will get shown. That is a listing agents job and why they earn there commission.
December 13th, 2009 at 1:49 am
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Hi:
There are many services. All you need to do is do a search on Yahoo. You might also want to read the following answer at propertyanswers.org
-(Multiple-Listing-Service).html
All the best!
Jonathan
December 13th, 2009 at 7:06 am
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Realtors work on commission based on the percentage of the selling price…not a set dollar amount.
I would try researching a flat-fee service in your area. They can get the property on the MLS for you.
PS: Just so you know, some Realtors, like myself, love FSBO homes…mainly because when the seller is not represented, I can usually contract for LESS (which means less money in your pocket), sellers will sign away the farm to get rid of it…plus they will tell you ANYTHING you want to know about the house…only if you ask…whether they are required by law to disclose it or not. This creates a ton of negotiating room for price.
Just something for you to think about.
December 14th, 2009 at 9:53 am
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There are services that will list for a fee, they een were recently given their own designation in the MLS for sorting purposes. The fee is around 5k. They have names like Help-You-Sell
You HAVE to state your commission to the buyers agent in the listing. They are not going to show your house otherwise. I would not go below 2.5%, but 4% is more like it, as they will have to do all of the paper work.
December 16th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
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OK, I work for Help-U-Sell. We have a program to put your house on the MLS, but you have to offer a Buyers Agent commission. This is for people who specialize in selling their own homes such as builders. Pay now or pay later. Even if you sell it yourself you still need to do the paperwork. The Realtor is looking out for you best interest. Everyone is trying to save a buck, but when is comes to house sales make sure you are not getting scammed. I use the saying—-”plumbing problems call a plumber, trees need to be cut down call a tree service, your house is on fire call the fire department!!!!!!!!!! Let the specialist do their job.
December 16th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
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go to this link and if that doesn’t work then just post it up on craigslist. you would be surprised at how many buyers would call. that’s what most agent do anyways. trust me i work in a real estate office. its a total rip off
December 19th, 2009 at 5:41 am
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Find a limited-services agent. Almost every larger town has one, or you can perhaps make a deal with a real estate agent to just list the property, for a fee, and agree that that will be the extend of your contract with them. For example, in our town, it costs $130.00 to list a $100,000.
Why do you doubt the effectiveness of a listing agent? Your listing agent is a direct reflection of how much time you spend choosing one. Get recommendations, look at agents who seem to do a lot of business in your neighborhood. You might “consider” giving a buying agent a commission? That shouldn’t even be a question. No agent in kingdom come will touch your house if you don’t note “agents protected” — why would they waste their time showing their clients a home that they wouldn’t receive a commission for?
But hey, give it a shot. You might get lucky. Just remember that most FSBO’s sell for about 16% less than they would have by an agent. I hope you are savvy when it comes to negotiating inspections and financing deadlines and thresholds, because inspections are where most deals fall apart.
(The poster above who claims to work in a real estate office is probably the receptionist . . . )