Flat Fee MLS Listings
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Multiple Listing Service?  Also known and referred to as the "MLS”.

The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is the National Association of Realtors (NAR) computerized list of homes currently for sale. This is an exclusive tool, only available to the 700,000 members of the NAR. The MLS is the primary tool used by Realtors to find homes for their buyers, and for most Realtors and buyers, it is the only tool they need to find the right home for them. Realtors search the MLS daily to find potential matches for their buyers, thus when new listings are entered, they are immediately evaluated by thousands of Realtors with prospective buyers, making your house rapidly popular.

MLS provides the biggest marketing advantage in selling homes.
This kind of exposure to buyers is not available anywhere else. You maximize your chances of selling your property more quickly and at a better price when it is listed in the MLS. When your property is in the MLS your property receives the broad coverage of a large number of realty offices that have access via computer to your home's availability, price and features.

Being listed on the Realtors MLS enables you to take advantage of the power of thousands of Realtors in your area. That means more exposure for you!

How will I save thousands by ordering the MLS option?

There are two ways to save when you list your home on the MLS. The first illustration assumes that you list your property with an Authorized Flat Fee MLS New Orleans member, (for example, RE/MAX®, Century 21®, ERA®, etc.) sells your home. Under this illustration, let's assume your home sells for $200,000 and that you paid $499.00 for the MLS option. Your commission would be $6,000 plus our $499.00 fee, for a total of $6,499.00. This is calculated as follows: $200,000 X 3% = $6,000 paid at closing and our fee of $499.00 (paid at time of listing). Now, lets compare the savings if you listed your home with a traditional broker for 6%. The commission on a $200,000 sale with a 6% commission rate would be $12,000 ($200,000 X 6% = $12,000). Therefore the savings would be $5,500.00 ($12,000 - $6,499.00 = $5,500.00).

Is this the same Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to which all area Realtors belong? 

Yes.  All participating MLS Realtors belong to their local association of Realtors. Wherever you may be located, we will have a Nationwide Network of Realtors and will place you in the proper MLS for your area.

Will my listing appear on the Web Sites of other local Real Estate Companies?

Broker networking is where brokers give each other permission to share their listings on each other’s web sites. Your listing will be displayed on other local real estate company active listings personal web sites.  Thus a buyer working with another real estate company who does a search will have your listing in the database.

Will my property be listed on the Internet?

Yes.  Your property will be listed on www.Realtor.com, www.Homes.com,  www.HomeSeekers.com and www.HomeAdviser.com and other real estate websites for free. These Top 4 most active Internet web sites will give you national exposure to out-of-state homebuyers. This exposure can be a vital component in selling your home quickly and for the best price. These websites will obtain your listing directly from the MLS. This exposure only is worth the Flat Fee.

If you list your home on the MLS with FlatFeeUSA.com, you will never pay a listing commission! The only time you would pay a commission would be to a buyer's agent that brings you a qualified buyer that executes the transaction by buying your home.

With your Flat Fee Listing plan I pay a flat fee of $499.00 on the "listing" but do I still have to pay a "selling agent?"

Yes.  Any Realtor bringing a ready, willing, & able buyer with a satisfactory contract will be due a small "selling" commission of your choice, typical Buyer agent commission 3% of the selling price.

If I find my own buyer, will I still have to pay a selling commission? 

No.  You still maintain the right to sell your home on your own. If you find your own buyer, you will not be obligated to pay a commission on the sale.

Will Realtors show my home even though I went flat Fee Listing  instead of paying a high commission? 

Yes.  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.

Will Realtors contact you or me for a showing?

You.  Realtor’s will call before a showing or a preview of your home.

How long is the MLS listing period?

The listing can be for up to 1 year but may vary in different counties. You can cancel the listing at any time without any penalty.   

Must I have a lockbox?

No, but Realtors depend on quick access. Realtors show many homes within a very short period of time, access to your home may make a difference. We strongly recommend a Realtor lockbox.

Do I have control over all listing information?

No.  The MLS has there own multiple-choice templates.  In most cases you cannot customize. The forms are very well designed and covers most every detail about your property.

Listing your home on the MLS is crucial if you are serious about selling!

How do I make changes to my listing?

You may make multiple changes to your listing by contacting your local Flat Fee Realtor.

Will my listing look the same as a full listing commission to a traditional agent?

Yes.  Your listing will look like all the other listings on your local MLS.

Is it true that Realtors using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) sell most houses and that they usually sell for a higher price?

Yes, it's true on both accounts. According to the National Association of Realtors, approximately 80% of all U.S. homes are sold through Realtors using the MLS and homes listed on the MLS average net proceeds of 7% higher than homes sold for sale by owner.

The MLS will give you maximum exposure and this is the key to a successful transaction. There is no other effective way to sell your property and be successful.

How do I get started? ...  Click here!