Q. What is the MLS?

A. The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a cooperative marketing system which allows professional Realtors® to share information about real estate for sale. It is the most powerful marketing tool for a homeowner to sell their home. Regardless of which company an agent works for, he or she has access to the same data base through their local board of Realtors®.

Q. How will I save thousands with your $399 MLS listing plan?

A. Lets assume your home sells for $300,000 and that you paid $399 to list your home on the MLS. If a realtor brings the buyer the commission would be $9,000 plus a $399 for a total of $9,399. This is calculated as follows: $300,000 X 3.0%= $9000 and a $399 flat-fee. Now, let's compare the savings over a traditional 6% broker. The commission on a $300,000 sale with a 6% commission fee would be $18,000 ($300,000 X 6.0% = $18,000). Your savings would be $8,601. ($18,000 - $9,399 = $8,601)

Q. How will I Save thousands with your 4.5% Full Service Plan?

A. Let's assume your home sells for $300,000. Total commission is calculated as follows: $300,000 x 4.5% = $13,500. The cooperating realtor receives 2.5% and Brevard County Realty receives 2.0%. Now, let's compare the savings over a traditional 6% broker. The commission on a $300,000 sale with 6% commission would be $18,000 ($300,000 x 6% - $18,000) Your savings would be $4,500. ($18,000 - $13,500 = $4,500).

Q. What if I sell the house on my own using the $399 MLS Plan?

A. When you list your home through Brevard County Realty, you pay $399 to list your home on the MLS, but 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.  (As per the Exclusive Broker Listing Agreement).

Q. How long does it take to be listed on the MLS?

A. The same day you list with Brevard County Realty, your property will be entered on to the MLS.

Q. What is Realtor.com?

A. Realtor.com is a website that loads all of its listings directly from every MLS. This allows Real Estate Agents and perspective home buyers to view listings nationwide. Realtor.com is the official Internet site for the National Association of Realtors. Realtor.com's 1.6 million home listings are provided by 603 participating Realtor Multiple Listing Services (MLS). Therefore, to have your home featured with a color photograph and all pertinent information on Realtor.com, you must first list your property for sale in the MLS. Your property will be Showcased 2-3 days after your listing has been made active

Q. Will my listing show on the internet and all the major real estate companies' websites?

A. Yes, no matter which plan you choose your property is listed on the same MLS as any other Real Estate Company, such as, ReMax, ERA, Keller Williams or Century 21 along with all the other major websites such as Google, Yahoo, MSN, etc.

Q With the $399 MLS Plan, how do Real Estate Agents show my home?

A. If an agent would like to show your home, they will contact you directly from your phone number given in the MLS.

Q. Do you provide a lock box?

A. Yes, we provide a Supra electronic lockbox for all our listings.

Q. How will I know if my property is listed with all of the correct information?

A. You will receive a copy of your MLS listing and you may make any changes you like, provided the changes are acceptable to the rules and regulations of the local MLS and Board of Realtors

Q.Will agents with buyers boycott my listing because I am saving so much money?

No. Agents want to find a home that meets their buyer's needs as quickly as possible, as long as they get paid a competitive commission for bringing the buyer. It is extremely rare that an agent would refuse to show a home that pays them a competitive commission and meets their buyer's needs. Remember, you set the commission rate on the listing agreement, when you list your property. We put that information into the MLS and that is how Realtor® knows what you are offering.

It is more common for an agent who hopes to list your home themselves (for 6%) to say that agents won't show your home to their buyers.

A recent article written by a Realtor Association Attorney states: "Two or more firms should never agree to refuse to deal with or cooperate on less favorable terms with another competitor (usually a discount broker) or attempt to drive such competitor out of business. Boycotts such as these are illegal. Nothing can be done to intimidate "discounters" so that they will abandon their alternative marketing strategies. You should never indicate that other brokers would not do business with the discount firm."

Q. How can you provide the $399 MLS Plan and Full Service Plan so inexpensively?

A. The advances in technology such as the Internet, faxes, cell phones and laptop computers, have reduced much labor intensive, time consuming tasks that agents would have undertaken years ago. This has led to the advent of 'flat-fee' or 'discount brokers' and real estate companies that offer the similar services as traditional brokerages, with the resulting reduction in costs being passed on to you, the home owner. Home sellers everywhere are retaining higher equity in their homes by not paying a higher real estate commission. We provide a professional $399 MLS Plan or a Full Service Plan for a 4.5% commission and will to save you thousands of dollars on the sale of your home.

Q. Is your $399 listing fee refundable?

A. Once the listing process has been completed, you may cancel your listing on the MLS, but the fee is non-refundable.

Q. If I list with the $399 MLS Plan or the Full Service Plan are there any other fees or services that I am obligated for or to?

A. No. Whichever plan you choose the only fee would be $399 if using the $399 MLS Plan. If you are listing your property with the Full Service Plan only the 4.5% commission once the home has sold. You are not obligated to use any other services and there are no hidden fees or gimmicks.

Q. Why should I use your $399 MLS Listing Plan rather than just selling for sale by owner?

 A. Brevard County Realty provides far greater exposure than traditional for sale by owner (FSBO) marketing and advertising efforts. Relying on the traditional marketing and advertising associated with a FSBO is limiting, at best. Also, it can be an expensive proposition. Ultimately you may find that most qualified buyers want or need the assistance of real estate brokers and agents. Thus, your property will be exposed to more qualified buyers through the MLS network accessed by Realtors.

Also, agents and brokers will feel more comfortable dealing with you knowing that their commissions are protected. Qualified buyers are those who have both a real motivation to buy and the financial ability to buy. The truly professional real estate agent will ensure that their buyers are pre-approved for financing before showing them homes in their area. Also, having a real estate professional accompany a potential buyer to your home may add a measure of safety for your family. You will not have to be alone with a stranger in your house who simply states that they are a buyer.