Flat Fee MLS - Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long will it take before my home appears in the Multi List? The same or next business day that you return the forms package to us. Our office is also open half the day on Saturday. Note: Listings in MLS areas where the MLS office enters the listing should allow 1 to 3 extra days for activation. Our website will identify if your MLS is in one of these extra time areas.

2. How will I know when it is there? We'll e-mail you the Multi-List sheet. A few days later, you can also view the listing on Realtor.com

3. What happens after the contract expires? Listings may be extended beyond the 6 months for a reduced fee of $99 for 6 months.

4. How much total commission will I owe if a broker (like RE/MAX, Century 21, or Coldwell Banker) sells it? You choose (between 1% to 4%)

5. How much total Listing Agent commission will I owe if I sell it? None! - Note: Atlanta Metro area, Georgia, would owe a 0.12% (.0012) fee at settlement for FMLS.

6. What if we later decide we want seller representation? No problem, just cancel your listing with us first. Our 6 month Comprehensive FSBO Marketing Program offers a full refund if you use our referred full service Realtor. 

7. What if we want to pull our home off the market? Even during the contract period, this is no problem. After all, it is your house! Simply send us a written cancellation request with your signature, and it will be our pleasure to carry out your wishes. Note: West Penn area sellers must use the "change to listing" form. A cancellation fee applies in Georgia.

8. Will other REALTORS want to show my house with it being in this program? Other REALTORS will be happy to show your house if you are offering a competitive commission and listing price is competitive. Make sure your asking price is in line. Otherwise this will dramatically reduce the number of showings.

From time to time, agents will unethically attempt to solicite your listing by saying they don't show FSBO MLS listings. We have found this to be all talk, because 1) agent's for years have been showing FSBO listings before sellers even had MLS options, and 2) many agent's who say this, at the same time advertise our listings on their website MLS search. If they are willing to advertise your listing, they are most certainly willing to sell and get a commission on it. We have also noticed many of the sales coming from the big brokerage companies and franchises.

9. What commission rate to you recommend? FreeFSBO.com recommends offering a 3% commission for properties over $100,000. The more or less you offer, the more or less incentive agents have to show your home.

10. Why is your price so low? In most areas, we do not need to pay an affiliate broker to put you in the MLS, because we are members ourselves. This prevents you from essentially paying twice! Secondly, we are one of the largest flat fee brokers in the country, and so we can work off a lower profit margin.

11. In plain English what do "seller's agent" and "transaction licensee" mean? A "seller's agent" represents the seller's interests. A"transaction licensee" does not represent the seller or the buyer.

12. Is this the same Multi List that REALTORS use? Yes it is, and your listing goes into the same system.

13. Whose phone number shows up on Realtor.com? Realtor.com always requires that the Broker's phone number be with their respective listing. The listing agent is contractually obligated to forward all inquires

15. What is the success rate? Glad you asked. Our FSBO Sellers have around a 70% success rate. Compare that to the rest of the Multi List (usually 6% listings), which averages roughly an 82% success rate. View our optional industry leading Money Back Guarantee terms and conditions.

16. Why do some not sell? The top 4 deal-killers (usually in this order): 1) The asking price is too high, 2) The offered commission is too low, 3) Not making themselves or their property easily accessible to agents, and/or 4) an unaddressed material defect on the property..

17. How do I change my listing's price? Mail or fax us a letter stating the new price with the signature of all owners of record. There is no charge for this. Note: West Penn and Georgia area listings must use the "change to listing" form.

18. How do I return the papers to you? Please fax, mail, or scan/email the forms back to our PA office .

19. What are the market conditions in my area? Click here for Money Magazine's review of the top 100 metro areas throughout the USA. Microsoft Excel is required to open this file.