Is it Necessary to Pay 6% to Realtors just to sell my home????

No! Its not necessary, though most home sellers are confident that they know their home best and the home will sell on its own, another important aspect is for buyers to find out about the property, Even the perfect home priced way below appraised value will not sell if people are not aware that the property is for sale. This is where the realtors help. but is it necessary to give 6% to Realtors? The answer is NO!. There is an alternative to selling your home without paying exorbitant commission fees to Realtors.

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, town homes, condominiums, commercial property, lots, acreage and even rental properties. There are 1000s of area Multiple Listing Services located thru out 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.   

So How much do I save and how much do I pay???

Depending on the Area this would cost from 249.95 to 399.95 and no listing commission, look at the chart below and see how much you actually save from this Flat Fee MLS service

Clearly you can save more using Flat Fee, the higher the value of your home. The more savings! You can also offer lower commissions to buyer agents. You can offer 2-3% and the flat fee could even go as LOW AS 249.95!

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It is the Real MLS, the same one that the Realtors use, you will be provided with official MLS forms and an MLS number, your listing would appear in your local MLS, in REALTOR.com and in the other realtor websites. GUARANTEED!

All participating MLS REALTORS® belong to their area association of REALTORS®. Your Listing Agent will place your property in the proper MLS for your area.

Flat Fee MLS Listing Service is when the Listing real estate agent only gets paid a flat fee for listing your property into the MLS. The only time the listing real estate agent gets paid a commission, is if they find a buyer for your property, which is only about 10% of the time.

Realtors in our network provide services for a flat fee for two main reasons – volume business and more exposure to their real estate firm. Furthermore, if the agent lists your home and brings a buyer, they receive the commission you have agreed to pay the selling agent.

When using our MLS Flat Fee Listing service, please be aware that you are required to have a Real Estate Listing Agent to get your property listed into your area Multiple listing Service. A REALTOR® has to be involved in order for your property to be listed into the MLS and REALTOR.com

The Reason why you have to pay 3% commission is to the cooperating broker who finds you a buyer. So even if you have to pay a commission it is still lower than 6% since you only pay only 1 instead of 2 brokers commission that is how we save you money, while still getting the marketing exporsure for your home as provided by any REALTORS®.

REALTORS® will NOT show your home if it is not in the Multiple Listing Service since they operate completely from MLS computer listings. The MLS Listing Agreement specifies the REALTORS® commission 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.

Your Flat Fee 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 4thishouse.com name. Our flat fee listing method gets your property on the same MLS used by your area REALTORS®. Your listing will appear the same as all other MLS property listings.

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Your Flat Fee MLS listing is guaranteed to have at least 1 picture and is good for 6 months and comes with a Realtor.com listing. In some areas we place multiple pictures, showcase Realtor.com Listings, FREE 6 month extension, Yardsigns, Unlimited Changes on your MLS Listing, and Property listings to other Real Estate Websites. Once you order you can discuss these with your Local Listing Broker and they will provide you either for Free or at a small additional fee. but our guarantee is we will place you in the MLS and Realtor.com for at least one picture and for 6 months. The rest may come as a bonus depending on the MLS rules in your area.

We Normally place listings in the MLS within 2-5 business days, our fully automated signup system will give your broker information via e-mail within minutes of signing up. The brokers will contact you (or you can contact them) and they will provide you with the official MLS forms to get you started and once these forms are complete it only takes 1 business day (or less ) to have your home listed on the MLS and recieve your MLS number. Within a few business days upon recieving you MLS number your Realtor.com listing and MLS listing will begin showing on other Real Estate websites to start recieving maximum exposure. As an additional guarantee that your home is listed in the MLS; your MLS number will be verified by the having your listing broker send you our actual MLS listing to view.

4thishouse.com also provides additional products and services that can help you sell your home, We Provide, Slideshows, Virtual Tours, LockBoxes, Toll Free Extenstions and Yardsign all to help you sell your home at a minimum price.

We also have a support email and phone number that would give you customer support from 9am till 11:30pm EST. We can provide consultations on how to best fill up your MLS form and how to make changes. We will even provide you the closing forms free if you need them.

Our 4thishouse.com listings also comes with a web URL that you can use for your other advertisments such as newspapers and free Real Estate classified ads. Our Website is ranked high on search engines so you can be assured that buyers can find your home just by listing with us.

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If you still have more questions about our services you can read most of our frequently asked question regarding our Flat Fee MLS service. We also provide other services especially if you do not want to pay commissions to anyone. If this is what your interested in. You can read further and we will gladly explain everything to you.

What steps are involved in getting my property listed in the MLS?

• Place your flat fee MLS listing order
• The Flat Fee Listing Agent in your area is contacted and given your contact information automatically within minutes after you sign up
• The Flat Fee Listing Agent usually contacts you within 24-hours or sooner 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. We do not guarantee you will get listed within 24-hours. No service can guarantee this, it is impossible, since we refer you to a listing agent and have no control over their schedules.
• Your home is listed on the MLS, REALTOR com® & other websites as soon as you return paperwork to the Listing Agent

How do I pay for my MLS listing? Payment is made in advance using any major credit card. We also accept PayPal.

Do I have to pay a Commission if house sells because of the MLS? Yes. Any REALTOR® bringing a ready, willing and 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.

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. REALTORS® that demand the seller pay 3% to buyer's agent can and will have their license revoked.

If the Listing Agent sells my home will I still owe a commission? Yes, but you still pay only 1 commission - paying 50% less 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 (saving almost 50%), 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 4thishouse.com service fee.

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.

I dont want to pay a Commission to anyone but be recieve maximum exposure is that possible? Yes. Though your listing will NOT be in the MLS. we can place you in Realtor.com for a flat fee. Click here for more information

I have a For Sale By Owner sign, should I use the Realtor's sign? You can replace your sign with the Realtor's 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 or from 4thishouse.com . After you get listed in the MLS, ask your Real Estate Agent if you can use their for-sale-sign, rather than your "For sale by owner sign."

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. If you want a REALTORS® electronic lockbox you can request one from 4thishouse.com for 55 dollars inclusive of shipping

Can I use my own exterior home photo for the MLS? Yes. However if you do not have any you can request your listing agent to let the MLS photographer* take a professional photo of your home. Once inputted into the MLS, the photographer is dispatched to take the photo. Photos usually uploaded to the MLS within a few business days. The MLS then transfers the photo to the public internet sites for your area. *subject to some MLS area restrictions - some MLS have a photographer to take an exterior photo and others do not have a photographer to take a photo. If the MLS does not have a photographer to take 1 photo, the seller can submit a photo via email to the agent.

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. Many of the referral Real Estate Agents usually offer extra photos for $5 to $10 each or less (some areas 4thishouse allows you to have 5 already) and virtual tours for 149.95 which is a reasonable additional fee. The cost is very minor compared to the benefit of saving thousands of dollars in real estate commission. 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.

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.

Can I add more information to the MLS later? Yes. You can add information to your listing, such as room dimensions, views, installed appliances, directions, HOA fees, and descriptions.

Can I make changes to my MLS listing? Yes you can make changes, just contact the listing agent or email support@4thishouse.com. Changes in the MLS may or may not have a fee depending on your MLS rules. Normally MLS databases that charge for changes give the first 2 or 3 changes for free so make sure that the MLS Data sheet is as complete as possible.

Can I go to a website and see my MLS listing? Yes, the MLS is on the internet and buyers can go and view all the listings. Plus in order to get listed on REALTOR.com® you have to first be listed in the MLS.

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® only use the MLS system, which is a closed system linked to their offices.

Can I go to a website to print and email color brochures of my listing? Yes. REALTOR.com® and 4thishouse.com offers the ability to print and/or email color brochures of your listing to hand out to potential buyers.

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.

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.

Will my contact informtaion appear in the MLS? Normally, depending on MLS rules of your local Real Estate board owner contact information can be found in the actual MLS listing, in the Home Description area, and in the Showing Instructions area.

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 at least 2 hours to 2 days to REALTORS® and their buyers.

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 & REALTOR.com® will draw maximum attention to your home.

How do I determine the sales price for my home? You can find valueble information on how to price your home in this page. We have heard from many sellers that this works extremely well. or you can Estimate the value of your home or other real estate by a free 3rd party appraiser, anywhere in America.

Do you offer free forms and contracts? Yes, we currently have forms available on our website. We are adding more forms for your convenience. When you list your home with us, we will email you all the forms needed if you sell by owner. If your home sells thru the MLS, the buyer's agent will prepare the purchase contract.

Can I cancel my Flat Fee Listing at anytime? Yes, you can cancel your listing at any time. Just notify 4thishouse.com via email with your cancellation reason at support@4thishouse.com to cancel your listing and we will do the rest and inform you via e-mail that your listing has been cancelled.

Is there really a benefit to listing with a traditional high-commission broker? Not really, please keep in mind both REALTORS® in all likelihood will list your property on the same MLS system, so your listing will end up in the same place if you re-list your property with a more Traditional Real Estate Agent charging you higher commissions. Of course, there are no refunds once your property is listed in your area Multiple Listing Service.

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It is not true that some Agents may not show your home if they know it is a flat fee listing. That is a misleading and somewhat fraudulent representation made by some Real Estate Agents in a clever attempt to dissuade you from doing a flat fee listing. First of all, when the Agent sees your listing on the MLS computer, there is no way the Agent knows it's a flat fee listing. The Listing Agent's name and contact information shown on your Multiple Listing Service will be your Listing Agent,. 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!  

The main purpose of MLS is for REALTORS® to sell each other's listings,  Even if they are from another company.

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.

Who Will Realtors® call for Showings? You, the Seller. The most common way showings are done, is the listing broker indicates showing instructions on the multiple listing service computer. This will say "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 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® customarily call Owner before showing the home.

What is the difference between a "Selling Agent" and a "Listing Agent"?

• The term Agent means a Licensed REALTOR.® Some people use the word Agent others use the word REALTOR® - it means the same as far as descriptions go to the public.
• Please note that 4thishouse.com.com is not your Listing Broker/Agent.
• 4thishouse.com provides a referral service to owners of real estate property. Once you buy the service from 4thishouse.com, we refer your MLS flat fee listing to a Listing Real Estate Agent that is a member of your area MLS. This Listing Agent is providing you with a tremendous service by listing your property in the MLS, REALTOR.com®, etc. and saving you thousands of dollars in real estate commission for the flat fee you paid 4thishouse.com.com - Once your property is listed in the MLS, 4thishouse.com pays the listing real estate agent.
• 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.

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 offers 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.

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.

Is REALTOR.COM and THE-MLS SYSTEM THE SAME? No, they are separate and distinct services with different websites and usage. Realtor.com is run by The National Association of Realtors® and picks up all the Nationwide MLS Listings from the hundreds of Multiple Listing Services around the Nation and puts the property information in their website.

Who uses Realtor.com? Do Realtors® access it? Anyone can access and use it but NO, it's rarely used by Real Estate Agents. It's designed for and mostly used by private parties who want to search for appropriate properties thruout the nation.

Can I get my property in Realtor.com and get home buyers to contact me direct and thus not need to pay a commission to a buyers agent? Yes. call toll free at 1-(877) 484-4746 or email info@4thishouse.com for details.

Am I able to get my name, address and phone number shown in Realtor.com? No, realtor.com does not permit that. It is only for Realtors benefit and public information can not be shown. There is no way to list your personal contact details in Realtor.com as it violates their rules and regulations.

Once I get my property in the Multiple Listing Service will home buyers contact me direct and thus not need to pay a commission to a buyers agent? Absolutely not. Realtor.com is designed for you to locate properties yourself and then contact the listing agent at the location where the property is located for information and to arrange for a possible showing and purchase thru the REALTOR (not direct thru the homeowner). However we can place you in Realtor.com without being in the MLS.

Will my Name, Address and contact phone numbers be shown in The-MLS System? Of course they will in almost all cases except a relative few MLS's where the MLS only permits the Realtors contact info shown and requires the Realtor to arrange for all showings. It is quite unlikely your areas MLS does not permit your contact details to be listed. Most all discount flat fee brokers and agents prefer the buyer agent to contact you direct for showings.

Who uses The MLS System? Can buyers access it? No, only Realtors can use the MLS System, except in a few rare MLS's where the public can view it but your contact details and phone number are not shown to the public (only to Realtors). It's designed for and mostly used by area licensed real estate brokers and agents to locate appropriate properties for their buyer clients.

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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 area MLS and list a property for sale, or find homes for buyers. This is the same MLS used by REALTORS® in your area, you will be listed in, which is accessed by Agents in your area.

If you still have more questions we would be glad to assist you. Call toll free at 1-(877) 484-4746 or email info@4thishouse.com for more information.