How do I determine which MLS my property should be in?
You can use Realtor.com (or similar) to confirm the correct Multiple Listing Service for the property you are listing. Visit their site and search for properties in your town. Click on a listing and scroll down the page until you see 'Data Source' and make sure it's MLSPIN or NEREN prior to listing with us. Check a few listings to be sure. Technically we can list a property anywhere in MA or NH but agents will not see it unless they are a member of the same MLS.
Note: We are not a member of the Berkshire or Barnstable County MLS in MA.
Do you offer a low-cost full-service listing?
Yes, we offer 3-3.5% full-service listing if you are within an hour of Tyngsboro, MA. Although we are priced competitively, we are not a "Discount Broker". We always provide exceptional service and are able to offer a lower rate because as a broker, we do not need to split our side of the commission. Please contact us for more information.
Do you only provide Flat-Fee MLS Listings in MA and NH?
Yes, we are a local real estate brokerage and do not outsource our listings. We are only licensed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire and a member of the MLSPIN Multiple Listing Service in MA and the NEREN Multiple Listing Service in NH.
Why is your flat-fee MLS listing so much cheaper than others?
We are able to offer a higher quality, lower cost flat-fee MLS listing because we do not have overhead costs. We are a small real estate brokerage and handle everything ourselves: inputting the listing, forwarding buyer leads, customer support, and maintaining the company website. We have been providing exceptional FSBO Flat Fee MLS Listings for a low cost since 2011.
What is a Flat Fee MLS Listing?
A Flat Fee MLS Listing refers to the practice in the real estate industry of a seller entering into a "limited service agreement" with a real estate broker who accepts a flat fee instead of a percentage of the sale price for the listing side of the transaction. A Flat Fee MLS Brokerage lists the property for sale in the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) without the added tasks or representation that is typically provided by a seller's agent. The seller handles the sale from showings to closing, as if it were a "For Sale by Owner" (FSBO). This type of listing is also known as a Limited Service Listing, Entry Only MLS Listing, or a For Sale by Owner MLS Listing.
The benefit of a Flat Fee MLS Listing is that you get the same exposure that the real estate professionals do while eliminating the listing side of the commission. The seller saves half of the traditional commission and maintains complete freedom to sell on their own. In some cases, the seller pays NO commission and sells their home directly to a buyer without an agent.
Will my Flat Fee MLS Listing be seen on Realtor, Trulia, and Zillow?
Yes, it will be automatically submitted to Apartments.com, Banker & Tradesman, The Boston Guardian, Boston.com, CLRsearch.com, Distinctive Homes, GeoHome, GoLocal, Homefind, Homefinder.com, Homes.com, Homesnap, House Value Store, The IMLS, ListHub, Masslive.com, MassLocal.com, MLSHomeFinder.com, RASEM, NYTimes.com, The Real Estate Book, realFish.io, Realtor.com, Redfin,
Do you provide state contracts or other real estate related forms?
Yes, we provide over 50 forms such as real estate offers,
How long will it take for my listing to be live?
We typically have it posted in the MLS the same day depending on what time we receive the required forms back. Most 3rd party sites will display your listing within hours of being listed, but it could take up to 24 hours for some sites.
Can I add open houses and edit my listing at anytime?
Yes, the ability to add an open house in the MLS and edit your
How are inquiries on my property handled?
Your contact information is in the Showing Instructions field in the MLS for agents to call you directly. The MLS does not allow your contact information anywhere in the public remarks. If a buyer/tenant calls us they will hear a recording directing them to Simply
Do your flat-fee MLS listings say ‘For-sale by Owner’ on the MLS?
No, when you list in the MLS you are technically not
Can I cancel my listing at anytime and are there any hidden fees?
No other fees are due to us other than the flat-fee. You are free to cancel anytime or switch to a full-service listing with us or any other agent. The MLS requires a commission to be offered to a buyer's agent. Although, no commission will be due if the buyer does not have an agent.
Do you have any tips to help sell my property fast?
- Hold a broker or public open house. Submit a ticket to request us to schedule one in the MLS.
- Make sure your property is priced right for the market. We offer a Comparable Market Analysis for $25.
- Place a for-sale sign on the property. We have them available for $25 or use your own as long as it doesn't have the words "By Owner" on it.
- If you are present for showings, give buyers space and time to really see all your property has to offer.
- Are your photos clear, bright, and have a sufficient resolution? Make sure they showcase positive features and do not exaggerate negatives. We offer Professional Photos for $125 if needed.
- Could your property description write-up be improved?
- Request showing feedback from agents and buyers after each showing (link found in your account).
- Offer an agent bonus if they put it under
agreement by a certain date. - Consider raising the buyer's agent commission rate.
- Include a home warranty or offer
money back to the buyer at closing to cover any needed repairs. - Make simple and inexpensive repairs or updates that would improve the desirability of the property (e.g., neutral paint, remove wallpaper, de-clutter, neutralize pet odors, improve curb appeal). Be sure to submit updated photos to us if you make any changes.
- Pack away any unnecessary personal or decorative items.
- FYI- deposits can be held in an escrow account by either an agent's broker or your attorney.
What are some rules when listing my property in the MLS?
The MLS prohibits the use of a for-sale sign that says ‘by owner’. Any generic sign from Home Depot or Lowe’s is acceptable. Also, the MLS requires photos, a commission must be offered to a buyer’s agent, they must be notified within 24 hours when the status of your property has changed (under agreement, sold, or leased), requests to change your listing must be in writing, showings cannot be deferred more than 7 days; and no individual, contact, or open house (NH) information can be put in the property remarks field.
What are some safety tips?
Items such as tablets, cell phones, laptops, legal weapons,
jewelry, medications, credit cards, check books, remotes, and spare keys should
be hidden, locked, or removed for showings and open houses.
Be sure to fix or block off any entrances with broken steps
or railings, and shovel and sand walkways in winter months.
Remove or crate pets for showings.
You can visit the MA or NH real estate commission’s website
to verify if someone is an agent. Also, most brokerage sites have photos of
their agents.
Do not give prospective buyers/tenants any access codes,
this includes vacant properties.
Have someone you know accompany you at open houses and
showings, or alert a neighbor to keep a watchful eye out.
We recommend you have an attorney look over all contracts
before you sign them and have them available for any questions you may have
throughout the transaction. You will also need an attorney to prepare the new
deed for closing or you may have the buyer’s closing attorney do this.