FAQs - Flat Fee Real Estate Listings™

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MLS

The Multiple Listing Service, aka MLS, is a database of real estate listings for sale by Realtors®. Each MLS system is a local database of properties for sale, pending and sold in the service area covered by that MLS. This includes homes for sale - new homes and resale homes, new construction; rental lease properties; acreage, lots, and land; commercial properties and investment properties.

Can a private seller aka a FSBO list their property on the MLS?

Traditionally, for sale by owner (FSBO) homes were not listed on MLS systems. However, you can appoint The Sarasota Group, doing business as the Flat Fee Listing, to have them list your home on the MLS for a flat fee.

What types of properties can be listed in the MLS?

Single-family homes
Condos, townhomes, and villas
Commercial properties
Duplexes, triplexes and 4-plex’s
Vacant land
Farms
Some Mobile or manufactured homes

Why list on MLS?

More than 87% of real estate is sold through the MLS. The MLS is a database of 95%+ of homes that are ready for sale or rent. That is why it is a vital tool to increase exposure for your property. Only Realtors have access to the MLS.

Will my listing appear anywhere other than MLS?

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. Please Note: We cannot guarantee that your listing will show up on each and every website however.

Is the Sarasota Group, doing business as the Flat Fee Listing company, a licensed real estate brokerage?

Yes! Flat Fee Listing is a licensed Florida owned company. License # BK623393

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. The amount should be competitive, typically between 2%- 3% of the selling price.

Do I have to pay a commission to an agent that brings a buyer that I previously showed my property to?

Yes if the agent presents you with a signed offer and you accept the offer.

How do I avoid paying buyers agent?

The best way to avoid paying any commission fees is to sell to an unrepresented buyer. However, know that nearly 87% of buyers work with a realtor. If you decide not to offer a buyer's agent commission, you may severely restrict your pool of buyers.

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.

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

Yes! Although we are your listing agent, if you find a buyer on your own, you pay absolutely no buyer’s agent commission.

What about a lock box?

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

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.

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.

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.

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

If you want to make a change to your listing including price, description, etc., send us your request in writing via email. The listing will be updated within 24 hours. You may request as many changes as you wish.

How do I upload photos for my listing?

Please email photos to gbrey@comcast.net as attachments. For best results check setting that photos are being taken in Landscape Format- at least 1024W x 768H pixels in size. JPEG only. I cannot copy or use photos on Zillow, Craigslist ECT. They are in the wrong format. I highly recommend using a professional photographer in your area. They are relatively inexpensive. Check on the internet.

How long will my listing be on MLS?

Our MLS listings are posted for 12 months. There is no renewal fee during this time. However you can cancel the listing at any time. There is no cancellation fee.

Does List with Flat Fee charge the buyer’s agent a fee?

If a Buyer’s agent produces an acceptable offer, they will pay me a small Listing management fee when the sale is closed. For example, a buyer’s agent fee would be $350 if the property sold for $150,000. It is not an additional fee owed by the seller. If there is no buyer’s agent, there is no buyer’s agent fee due.

Can I use any Title/Closing Agent or attorney I want to close the transaction?

Yes

What are the restrictions for listing my property in the MLS and Realtor.com

The MLS and Realtor.com will not allow your phone number or email in the public portion of the MLS Listing. However you are listed in the private remarks in 3 locations as the person to call for all showings. If someone contacts me, I refer them to you. There is no benefit to me (commission) to work with the public or with another agent. I send everybody to you.

List your home in the MLS for one low flat fee of $69

We look forward to selling your property and saving you thousands of dollars!

(941) 376-7575

Flat Fee Listing $89.00

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MLS

Can a private seller aka a FSBO list their property on the MLS?

Traditionally, for sale by owner (FSBO) homes were not listed on MLS systems. However, you can appoint The Sarasota Group, doing business as the Flat Fee Listing, to have them list your home on the MLS for a flat fee.

What types of properties can be listed in the MLS?

Why list on MLS?

More than 87% of real estate is sold through the MLS. The MLS is a database of 95%+ of homes that are ready for sale or rent. That is why it is a vital tool to increase exposure for your property. Only Realtors have access to the MLS.

Will my listing appear anywhere other than MLS?

Is the Sarasota Group, doing business as the Flat Fee Listing company, a licensed real estate brokerage?

Yes! Flat Fee Listing is a licensed Florida owned company. License # BK623393

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. The amount should be competitive, typically between 2%- 3% of the selling price.

Do I have to pay a commission to an agent that brings a buyer that I previously showed my property to?

Yes if the agent presents you with a signed offer and you accept the offer.

How do I avoid paying buyers agent?

The best way to avoid paying any commission fees is to sell to an unrepresented buyer. However, know that nearly 87% of buyers work with a realtor. If you decide not to offer a buyer's agent commission, you may severely restrict your pool of buyers.

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.

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

Yes! Although we are your listing agent, if you find a buyer on your own, you pay absolutely no buyer’s agent commission.

What about a lock box?

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

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.

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.

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.

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

If you want to make a change to your listing including price, description, etc., send us your request in writing via email. The listing will be updated within 24 hours. You may request as many changes as you wish.

How do I upload photos for my listing?

How long will my listing be on MLS?

Our MLS listings are posted for 12 months. There is no renewal fee during this time. However you can cancel the listing at any time. There is no cancellation fee.

Does List with Flat Fee charge the buyer’s agent a fee?

Can I use any Title/Closing Agent or attorney I want to close the transaction?

Yes

What are the restrictions for listing my property in the MLS and Realtor.com

List your home in the MLS for one low flat fee of $69

(941) 376-7575