FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions for Listing Homes on MLS for Flat Rate with Congress Realty

The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is an extensive database of information on real estate properties listed by real estate brokers and their agents. The MLS is only available exclusively to the members of the MLS, providing a large advantage to buyers and sellers who utilize the services of REALTORS®. To understand how the process works, when a client contacts an agent regarding a home purchase, the agent will search the MLS for properties meeting their criteria. If a REALTOR® finds a buyer for your house, you will pay a commission of the sales price (which you determine when using our service – note that the market standard is 3%) and never a listing commission.

Less than 5% of listing agents actually sell the homes they list. Why? They simply use the power of the MLS by listing the properties for thousands of agents to bring their buyers respective buyers. 85% of home buyers use a REALTOR® to help them locate a property. Why is this important? The answer is simple, REALTORS® use to the MLS to search properties for their clients. The flat fee listing method lists your property on the same MLS as the local REALTORS®. You can put the power of the MLS to work for you and save substantial money by not paying a listing agent commission.

Unlike the ‘National’ Companies, Congress Realty is licensed in every state we operate. Many of these companies refer or attempt to refer their business to Congress Realty. By coming directly to Congress Realty, you will effectively be eliminating the middle man.

Yes. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, homes listed on the MLS average a 7% higher net sales price.

Absolutely, listing in the Realtor’s MLS is crucial if you are serious about selling. 85% of home buyers use the services of a real estate agent, and real estate agents use the MLS to search for properties on the market.

If you list with a REALTOR® and pay a 6% commission, you may need to increase the price of your home to defray your high commission expense and end up with the healthy bottom line you desire. With our service, you practically eliminate the listing commission. This allows you to lower the asking price of your home, making it available to more buyers and more competitive with other properties currently for sale.

The basic listing is good for up to 6 months; extensions are available for up to two years.

Yes. REALTOR.com® is the largest online property listing site with more than 1.5 million houses available nationwide. This accounts for about 80% of all available houses in the U.S. More than five million potential buyers visit the site each month.

If you sell your own home to an unrepresented buyer – you only pay the initial flat fee.

No! Your listing will appear exactly the same as any other listing on the MLS..

Typically, we can have your property listed on the MLS the next business day after receiving your paperwork.

Typically 2-3 days (with standard shipping rates).

To gain the greatest exposure! There is simply no substitute for the power of the MLS!

Although we do not recommend it, in many cases, you may use your own sign. Some MLS’s and states, however, do not allow a FSBO sign to be used. Keep in mind, traditional REALTORS® will feel more comfortable about receiving their commission if the words FSBO are not included anywhere in your language or Signage.

We will email or fax you a copy of the MLS listing for you to review. After you have looked over the listing, we will immediately make any and all changes that you request.

Only members of the MLS are allowed to make changes to a listing, so just let us know what changes you’d like to make and we’ll do it for you.

The MLS assigns a specific number so Realtors and prospective buyers can easily identify your property.

Yes. Your property will be listed on the same MLS as used by REALTORS®.

Yes. When you fill out the documents to list with us, you are asked how much commission you’ll pay to the buyers’ agent. Most sellers offer a commission of 3%; however, the amount you offer is determined by you prior to listing. After you have entered this amount into the MLS, it is NOT negotiable.

We will be more than happy to take care of the paperwork for you as a part of our Full Service Option (FSO) package. We will carefully walk you through each and every phase, supplying professional advice along the way.

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