August 10, 2006 – 10:53 pm
Maximizing equity in cooler market conditions
As inventory increases and home prices level nationally, flat fee MLS is your ticket to maximizing equity. You get the marketing same marketing exposure as every other home listed in the MLS with a fraction of the cost. If you are contemplating listing with a full service agent you need to find out exactly what services you will be receiving, because chances are, you are not getting any added marketing advantage for the thousands more you will pay. Find out if you will have a property webpage with a unique URL that can be used in advertisement - since over 75 percent of buyers begin their search online, if a home warranty will be included, if a virtual tour will be included in the MLS and Realtor.com, if your listing will contain multiple photos, if you will have a "Realtor.com Showcase Listing," if you will be provided home flyers, if your home will be listed in multiple MLSs. Every one of these items is included with a flat fee MLS listing, the only difference…you pay $499 instead of giving away 3 percent - enough money to buy a brand new car! So next time you think about listing with a full service agent, ask yourself "is it worth it?"
Differentiate your home from others in the area
Real estate inventory in the largest 100 markets in is up 60 percent in May 2005 compared to May 2005 based on MLS studies nationally. The swell in inventory has forced home sellers to lower asking prices significantly. As inventory increases and competition stiffens it is important to provide some added incentive for agents to sell your home over a neighbor’s. Flat fee MLS provides home sellers an affordable opportunity to maximize marketing exposure through the local MLS and public websites like Realtor.com. Because sellers are saving 3 percent on the listing side of the transaction they can offer buyer agents up to 1-2 percent more compensation to sell their home than the local competition while still pocketing more equity. Buyer agent compensation is not the only way to differentiate your listing, be sure your home is a "Showcase" listing on Realtor.com. Showcase listings display a catchy headline, multiple photos, customized description, open house announcements and more. Consumers using Realtor.com to search for homes are searching homes offering virtual tours and multiple photos first. Increased inventory means sellers need to increase marketing.
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