The Multiple Listing Service – frequently referred to as the MLS – is the primary director of for-sale homes. The database is used by realtors and online home directories like Zillow and Redfin. The MLS was created in the 1800s so realtors could sell houses more effectively and serve clients better by going outside the listings within their own brokerages.
In a digital world, the MLS is a must as most homebuyers will first go online to start looking for homes in their area. Typically, listing your home on the MLS is something that a real estate broker will do for you. If you’re selling your home “for sale by owner” (FSBO) and want your home listed on the MLS to increase exposure, you need to find a way to list on MLS without a brokerage. Luckily, there are flat-fee services that can help. But, before you dive into that, read on for a few things to keep in mind.
A for-sale by owner home sale can require a lot of heavy lifting for the seller. One of the biggest challenges is marketing the home. When you list on MLS, you expand your buying pool. This means your home is viewable not only on online listing sites like Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, and more, but real estate brokers can see your home and show it to their clients. While listings on popular real estate websites are great, the MLS has the most accurate and up-to-date information, which homebuyers will appreciate.
In many cases, homeowners decided to sell their homes on their own to save money. Hiring a real estate agent comes with a hefty price tag, typically in the form of a commission payment. The average commission is 3% of the sale price of your home. But, in an FSBO transaction, you avoid that fee, specifically on your end. You will be required to pay any commission fees to the buyer’s agent, should they have one.
To get your home listed on the MLS, you can use a listing service. These types of services require a flat fee that is significantly less than what you pay a real estate agent in commission. While you can enjoy savings with an FSBO sale and utilizing an MLS listing service, there are some factors you’ll want to consider that could inhibit your home’s sale price.
On average, homes that are sold without an agent sell for less than homes sold with one. So, while you might save money on commissions, you could be losing money on the sale overall. Agents are equipped with the skills and knowledge to negotiate more money for your home. However, if this is a skill you’re great at, you could manage to get the most money for your sale.
Selling FSBO is not an easy task. It requires a lot of heavy lifting you’ll need to do on your own from marketing to writing home descriptions to photography to negotiations. It can be an incredibly time-consuming and demanding process. If you have the experience, knowledge, and time to handle the task, go for it. But, if you don’t know that you’re in for quite a lot of work.
Another key factor to consider when selling your home on your own is any legal risks. You need to abide by disclosure laws, which traditionally real estate agents are familiar with. Make sure you read up on any legal information you need to know before choosing FSBO.
Luckily, there is a great option for an MLS service that can take some of the burdens off your hands. HomeLister is not only a stress-free way to list on MLS, but it also provides valuable services that make FSBO selling simpler. HomeLister has three different service options so you can find one that best serves you. Their most popular service, Premium, offers useful marketing tools like professional photography and marketing collateral, and useful tools for you like paperwork management and offer review and counteroffer preparation.
Choosing a for sale by owner transaction to selling your home can be a huge benefit for homeowners, especially if you’re ready and willing to handle the task on your own. You can save a ton of money and have a lot more control over the sale. And, you don’t need to make sacrifices by not using an agent. Now that you have the knowledge of FSBO, you can choose an MLS service that gets your home in front of more buyers while saving you thousands of dollars.
Luxury used to be all about flashing big logos and bold statements. But lately, the game’s changed. Quiet luxury is all about subtlety: investing in quality, craftsmanship, and classic pieces that don’t cry out for attention but quietly elevate your space. It’s that feeling you get walking into a room where everything just feels right, without needing […]
Imagine a home that breathes with the breeze, where sunlight filters through lush foliage, and the vibrant hues of nature are an extension of your living space. Tropical houses are architectural marvels; a profound dialogue between human habitation and the natural world, born from centuries of adapting to warm, humid climates. Far from rigid structures, […]
Buying a mini excavator isn’t something you do on a whim. Whether you’re expanding your fleet or picking up your first machine, you need to know it’s the right fit, not just for today’s jobs, but for what you’ll be tackling a year or two down the line. These machines might be smaller than full-size […]
“Dream kitchens don’t just happen — they’re designed with care and style.” Walking into the same old and outdated kitchen in your home? It’s time to change the design and get that wow factor, according to your needs and wise design choices. Seems like a challenging task, right? But let’s be clear here, the kitchen […]
Kerala style homes have courtyards surrounded by rooms on each side. Traditional Kerala-style homes have a central courtyard known as Nadumuttam surrounded by rooms. These homes promote natural light and ventilation according to the region’s climate. These homes, due to the feature of courtyards as their core spaces, offer beautiful opportunities for social gatherings. This […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]
The integration of screening evergreen trees serves as an artful blend of practicality and natural beauty. These screening evergreen trees, with their lush foliage and diverse benefits, play a crucial role in enhancing privacy. It also blocks unwanted views, and contributes to the overall well-being of homeowners. From the majestic Jamun trees to the versatile […]