For Sale By Owner.... Is MLS the right choice for you?

In today's real estate market, you're going to need to do more than just post a For Sale By Owner sign in your lawn.  For decades, the most effective way o maximize your exposure was to list with a realtor and pay 5-7%.  The realtor would put your home in the Multiple listing service (MLS) and share your listing only with other licensed real estate brokers.  Now, all MLS listings are shared on the internet, making the internet the largest consumer real estate marketplace.    Although the internet has changed the real estate industry MLS is still a private offer of cooperation and compensation between listing broker and selling broker member.   The listing agent shares 2.4% - 3% (depending upon location) of their commission to the agent that brings a buyer and writes an offer.  Therefore, if you're selling your home By Owner and looking to get MLS exposure, its going to come with a price.  If  you are considering Flat Fee MLS, you will want to offer an MLS commission that's customary in your locality.  This is usually 2.4 to 3%.  If you are willing to pay a commission, then Flat Fee MLS is the way to go.   The positive side to this is you will be receiving enormous internet exposure, therefore it is likely a buyer will see your home on one of the hundreds of websites your home will be on and come directly to you.  Therefore, you pay no commission.  Flat fee MLS is the best of both worlds.

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