Flat Fee FAQ
Q. What is the difference between a
traditional full service broker and your flat fee service?
A.
Traditional full service broker will help you determine a
selling price, list your home on the MLS, schedule showings
and negotiate the sales contract on your behalf. For these
services, you usually pay 5% or 6% of the sales price upon
closing (this is usually split 50/50 with the buyer’s
agent). Our flat fee program offers you a way to list your
property on the same MLS for a flat listing fee of only
$299. In exchange, you assume most of the duties
traditionally performed by the listing agent. If an agent
brings you a buyer, you pay only the buyer’s agent portion
of the commission you offered at closing. If you find the
buyer yourself, you pay NO commission at all.
Q. What do you mean by the “Buyer’s Agent
Commission” and how much should I offer?
A. The
Buyer’s Agent Commission is the amount you are willing to
pay a real estate agent that brings you a qualified buyer.
This amount is determined by you at the time of the listing
and is paid to the Buyer’s Agent at closing. This amount
should be competitive with other listings in your area if
you want to take full advantage of the MLS. This commission
is typically 3% of the selling price.
Q. Will List Smart Texas try to sell my
property in an effort to earn the buyer’s agent commission?
A. No. Any
calls we receive from potential buyers inquiring about your
property will be referred directly to you. All we receive
from you is the flat fee.
Q. Can I still sell my home “By Owner”
while it is listed on the MLS?
A. Yes. We
do not take away your right to sell the property yourself.
If you find a buyer on your own, you pay absolutely NO
commission.
Q. What is the “Minimum Level Of Service”
law in Texas and how does this law affect your flat fee
service?
A. Texas
passed a law requiring listing agents provide a minimum
level of service to their clients. The law requires ALL
agents to accept and present offers on your behalf and be
available to you throughout the closing process for
questions. This applies to offers submitted by licensed
real estate agents only.
Q. Will the MLS really help me sell my
home?
A.
Definitely. To sell your home you have to let people know
it’s on the market. The MLS gives you exposure to over
43,000 real estate agents and the buyers they represent.
The fact is that over 70% of buyers use a real estate agent
when looking for a home and real estate agents use the MLS.
It’s that simple.
Q. Will my home get exposure on the
Internet?
A. You bet.
As part of our package, your home will also appear on many
popular real estate websites. These sites include
realtor.com and many others. Calls from buyers that see your
listing on one of these websites will be referred directly
to you.
Q. Will my listing look the same as other
listings?
A.
Absolutely. The format is standard for all listings.
Q. What if I have a question during the
listing period or want to change some information in the
listing?
A. We are
licensed real estate agents and will gladly answer any
questions you have. If you want to make a change to your
listing ( i.e. price, description, etc) simply send us your
request via email (or fax). Your listing will be updated
within 24 hours.
Q. Can I cancel my listing at any time
without penalty?
A. Yes.
Unlike other listing services, we DO NOT charge a
cancellation fee. You may cancel your listing at any time.
Q. Can I use my own “for sale” yard sign
or am I required to use yours?
A. Yes, you
can use your own sign. However, we highly recommend not
using a sign that includes the words “For Sale By Owner”
when listed on the MLS. This has a tendency to cause
confusion and may even deter agents from showing your home.
The yard sign provided with our service is FREE,
professionally designed and all calls go directly to you.
We simply ask that you return it once your home closes.
|