What is an MLS?

MLS, Multiple Listing Service, is an independent service to find real estate MLS listings for sale by Realtors® and other realty professionals that are members of the local Board of Realtors. This includes homes for sale – new homes and resale homes, new construction; rental and lease properties; acreage, lots, and land; commercial properties and investment properties. MLS does not work directly with any real estate buyers or sellers, and does not receive any commissions or referral fees from any resulting transactions.

 

Why list on MLS?

The MLS database holds one of the largest inventories of homes that are ready for sale or rent. That is why it is a vital tool to increase exposure for your property. MLS listings have all the specifics a buyer is looking for in their new home such as square footage, number of bedrooms and baths, age of the property, etc. Buyers will also find photos of the home. In addition, through MLS the home can be listed on every major real estate buying and selling Internet platform; thus, decreasing transaction time by increasing visibility.

 

Will my listing appear anywhere other than MLS?

Yes! Besides the MLS, your home will appear on REALTOR.com, Zillow, Trulia, Homes.com, RealEstate.com, Aol Real Estate, local real estate brokerage websites that display MLS listings, and all of the major brokerages that feed directly from MLS. Please Note: We cannot guarantee that your listing will show up on each and every site as the Internet is constantly changing and some websites will be slow, stop syndicating, or have occasional technical issues.

 

Is Flat Fee MLS Realty a licensed real estate brokerage?

Yes! Flat Fee MLS Realty is proud to be Florida owned and operated. License #CQ1053892. We are not an unlicensed, out-of-state, third party corporation, and we don’t sell your lead or other information to anyone.

 

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

Yes. A buyer’s agent commission is an amount you are willing to pay a real estate agent that brings you a willing and able buyer. On MLS, a buyer’s agent is made aware of what a seller is willing to pay. The amount should be competitive, typically between 2% and 3% of the selling price.

 

What if I find my own buyer without an agent? Would I still pay a commission?

No. Our service is strictly a flat fee service. If you find the buyer, you pocket that commission as well.

 

Can I cancel my listing at any time?

Yes. If you change your mind before your property has been listed on MLS (usually within 24-48 hours of your order), then you will receive a full refund. Once the property listing has gone “Active” on MLS and a property number has been issued, there are no additional fees to cancel or remove your listing at any time.

 

Can I still sell my home “By Owner” while it is listed on the MLS?

Yes! If you find a buyer on your own, you pay absolutely no buyer’s agent commission.

 

Is this the same MLS other agents use?

Yes! Your listing will be added to the local MLS and look the same as all the other listings. The format is standard for all listings within MLS.

 

Will my home really get exposure on the Internet?

Yes! Your home will appear on REALTOR.com, Zillow, Trulia, Homes.com, RealEstate.com, Aol Real Estate, local real estate brokerage websites that display MLS listings, and all of the major brokerages that feed directly from MLS.

 

Does your broker hold the earnest money?

No. Our broker or agent will be happy to refer you to a third-party escrow officer at a title company or an attorney.

 

What if I have questions during the listing period or want to change some information in the listing?

We are a licensed real estate brokerage and will be happy to answer any question you have. If you want to make a change to your listing including price, description, etc., send us your request in writing via email or fax. The listing will be updated within 24 hours.

 

What about the yard sign?

Depending on which package you choose, you can use your own sign or we can provide one for you.

 

What about a lock box?

There are several excellent lockboxes on the market and the cost is usually around $25.00.

 

How do I upload photos for my listing?

Once you decide which package is best for you and submit payment, we will send you an email with a questionnaire about the property. The instructions for sending the pictures will be attached. The pictures must be jpeg or pdf format per MLS regulations.

 

How long will my listing be on MLS?

That’s up to you. Typically, MLS listings are posted for 6 months to a year, but you can choose or change the end date. Also, there is no cancellation fee.

 

What if I change my mind and decide to use an agent?

Selling a home requires time and patience. All appointments, negotiations, and offers will be directly with you. We can provide you with all of the real estate resources from listing to closing; however, if at any time you choose to enlist the help of an agent, we can help you with that, too.

 

Does Flat Fee MLS Realty charge the buyer’s agent a fee?

Yes, Flat Fee MLS Realty deducts $325 from the buyer’s agent commission at closing. For example, the commission offered in the MLS to a buyer’s agent would be 2.5% minus $325. It is not an additional fee owed by the seller. If there is no buyer’s agent, there is no fee due.

 

Can I use what ever Title/Closing Agent I want?

Yes. Flat Fee MLS Realty was built to save you money in every aspect of your sale, including title insurance. To lower your costs, we use technology to connect to a network of affiliated title/closing agents state-wide. Each in network title/closing agent is generally attorney driven, and guarantees the Minimum Rate established by the Florida Dept. of Insurance for the Owners Policy of Title Insurance – so you’ll save a bundle!

But we believe in choice, so you’re free to choose any title/closing agent you like. However, if you choose an out of network title/closing agent who is not affiliated with Flat Fee MLS Realty, you agree to pay Flat Fee MLS Realty a sum of three hundred twenty five dollars at closing to Flat Fee MLS Realty for its costs to manually coordinate closing with the title/closing agent.

 

More Questions?

Please contact us at (813) 642-6030, or email flatfeemlsbrokerage@gmail.com.

 

 

Get Your Property Listed on the MLS and On All of These Sites Too!

 

“We are so pleased with Flat Fee MLS Realty and the entire process and the staff. From start to finish, we always had a real person to speak with and they were always professional, courteous and helpful. For a small flat fee, we got gorgeous photos, a MLS listing and plenty of support! If you are willing to do a little leg work (such as hosting your own open houses—which is actually kinda fun—you will save at least 2.5% on the sale of your home. We were under contract in 44 days despite being the slow season in a cool market! We saved close to $20,000, too! Stephen is great and I am confident that we will always use Flat Fee MLS Realty after learning the ropes from his excellent sales model!”

– Cherie Touch

 

“Just closed on my house for sale yesterday. Could not have been easier. 2 months ago, I went on line with Flat Fee Realty… they charged a very small fee, got me on the MLS right away, the calls all came directly to me, the sign went up right away, I received a higher than asking price offer..within 2 days and have now closed on it. They received under $100 up front and $295 from the buyers agent commission when it sold… saved myself $6,000 from what would normally be charged and they were awesome to work with!”

– Jeffrey Plummer

 

“This was great, easy and affordable. We listed our house on the MLS through Flat Fee MLS Realty. The house was ready, but we needed to get the word out on websites and into buyers searches. With Stephen and Mary Jo, that process was simple and we were able to benefit by only paying buyers agent fee of 2%. We walked away with cash in our pocket! ? Thanks Stephen and Mary Jo!”

– Greg Edwards

 

“Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
I spoke with a kind and very professional woman on the phone named Cat and she was very informative and helpful. She answered all my questions with patience and in a happy tone that made me feel comfortable asking more questions. I just signed up for the $79 package and everything is working out smoothly. I highly recommend this company to use if you are trying to sell your home by yourself without an agent.”

– Anthony Mangione

 

“Flat Fee MLS Realty did an Excellent job of helping me to sell my home. The fee structure was upfront, and there were no surprises at closing. Everyone I dealt with was very knowledgeable, professional, and helpful. They guided me throughout the process, and went beyond my expectations. I would highly recommend them.”

– Richelle Colley