FAQs

Here are some FAQs and common questions sellers have about our service. If you have more specific questions please Contact Us and we’ll do our best to answer them!

What is the MLS?


What is the MLS?
The MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is a cooperative listing service among licensed real estate agents and brokers. Members of the MLS input detailed information regarding properties available for sale into a database that is distributed to all participants in the MLS. All members of the MLS have a right to show/sell an advertised property and are promised a commission should they present an offer that results in the successful sale of an advertised property. The vast majority of home sales are made through participation in the MLS.

Why would I want my property listed in the MLS?


Why would I want my property listed in the MLS?
As a For Sale By Owner, your exposure to potential buyers is limited. Your choices for advertising are generally confined to: yard signs, newspaper ads, for sale by owner and classified websites, open houses, and word of mouth. This is often not enough to attract buyers, most of whom are working with agents. Real estate agents consider the MLS as the inventory of homes to sell and use it to locate properties for their clients.

Real estate agents rarely use newspaper ads or other advertising to locate available properties, even though they may use them for their own advertising. Having your property listed in the MLS will provide needed exposure and will increase the chances that a real estate agent will find a buyer for your home. Real estate agents are motivated to sell properties listed in the MLS because the seller has already agreed to pay a commission.

How can you provide this flat fee listing service so inexpensively?


How can you provide this flat fee listing service so inexpensively?
With advances in technology, realty agents are able to do in one hour today, what would have taken ten times that five years ago. This has led to the advent of “Flat Fee MLS Listing” or “Discount Listing Brokers” and real estate companies throughout North America that offer the similar services as traditional brokerages, with the resulting reduction in costs being passed on to you, the home owner. Home sellers everywhere are retaining higher equity in their homes by refusing to pay high real estate commissions. We provide professional flat fee listing services which can save you thousands of dollars on the sale of your home.

What is the difference between my local MLS and Realtor.com?


What is the difference between my local MLS and Realtor.com?
Do not confuse Realtor.com with the Realtor MLS. They are two separate systems, and Realtor.com is operated by MOVE, Inc. Realtor.com downloads property data from the hundreds of local MLS’s and makes that property data available to the public.

Realtor.com is not a “For Sale By Owner” website, so seller’s contact information is not available or permitted to be posted. It is acceptable to list the seller as the property contact on the local Realtor MLS; that’s because, it is ONLY accessible to Realtors. We list you as the contact on the local MLS.

The MLS advantage is that every single broker and agent participating in the MLS has an incentive to sell your home, effectively putting every agent in the area to work for you! The first place a buyers agent looks is always the MLS, so there’s simply no better way to gain instant and widespread exposure for your home.

Is your flat fee listing fee refundable?


Is your flat fee listing fee refundable?
Once the listing process has been completed, you may cancel your listing on the MLS, but the listing fee is non-refundable. View all of our Terms of Use.

Will my contact information be displayed?


Will my contact information be displayed?
On the MLS, yes it will be displayed for agents so they can contact you directly for showings. In some cases your broker may also be able to post your email address. On “public” websites, such as Realtor.com or Zillow.com, only the brokers contact information is allowed to be displayed. The reason for this is because the MLS has rules about what information is allowed to be syndicated to 3rd party websites. Neither you, nor your broker can do anything about this, and these rules are strictly enforced.

If a buyer calls you about our property what do you do?


If a buyer calls you about our property what do you do?
We refer all buyer leads directly to you. If a buyer calls and says they are represented by and agent, we suggest they have their agent call you and set up the showing. If a buyer is not represented at this time, however expresses that they wish to be represented by an agent to see your home, the listing broker may show your home.

Do I have to pay a commission to an agent that brings the buyer?


Do I have to pay a commission to an agent that brings the buyer?
Yes. Real estate agents do not work for free. To be listed in the MLS, you must advertise a commission to the agent who represents the buyer (aka cooperating broker) . If a real estate agent presents an accepted offer and it goes to closing, you must pay the commission advertised in the MLS listing. The commission is paid at the close of escrow.

If I find a buyer with no agent, do I have to pay a commission?


If I find a buyer with no agent, do I have to pay a commission?
No. You are free to sell the property to any buyer not procured or represented by a cooperating broker, in which case no cooperating broker commission is due.

Can I cancel my listing at any time?


Can I cancel my listing at any time?
You can cancel the listing at any time by providing us with written instructions to do so (assuming there is not a contract pending on the property involving a buyer who was procured by a cooperating broker). There are no termination fees or other penalties in the event that you wish to cancel your listing. However, no refunds will be provided after the subject property has been listed by your broker.

Do you assist me when I receive an offer on my property?


Do you assist me when I receive an offer on my property?
No. Under the Flat Fee MLS listing program, our services are strictly limited to listing the property in the MLS. If you feel that you need assistance in interpreting or determining the merits of a purchase offer, conducting negotiations, completing the required disclosures and inspections, or otherwise moving your transaction to settlement, we recommend that you obtain professional representation.

Some of our brokers offer full representation for an additional fee (either paid in advance or at closing). If you are interested in that type of service, please inquire with your listing broker.

Are you a licensed real estate brokerage?


Are you a licensed real estate brokerage?
Yes of course! We are a licensed broker in Connecticut. In states where we are not licensed, we partner with local flat fee listing brokers to handle your listing.

Will my property be listed on the internet?


Will my property be listed on the internet?
Yes. Your property will be listed on Realtor.com and most other popular real estate websites (websites vary depending on syndication feeds from your local MLS). These internet listings will give you national exposure to all home buyers. Since hundreds of people move to other states daily, this exposure can be a vital component in selling your home quickly and for the best price.

Independent websites will obtain your listing directly from the MLS. Keep in mind that they pick up whatever they wish from your MLS listing to publish on their website. Thus, we have no control over these independent websites and we cannot change or edit their content. Realtor.com is the only website that can be edited by your broker, and only if you purchase the “Showcased Listing” upgrade with your listing plan.

Note: All Connecticut listing plans include the Realtor.com “Showcased Listing” upgrade.