F.A.Q

Why use Sensible Realty when there are lots of other Flat Fee Sites to choose
from?
Simple, we want to help you save money and provide you with all of the tools that you will need to be successful in marketing/selling your property!

What is the Multiple Listing Service?
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is an extensive database of information on real estate properties listed by real estate brokers and their agents. The MLS is only available exclusively to the members of the MLS, providing a large advantage to buyer’s and sellers who utilize the services of REALTORS®. To understand how the process works, when a client contacts an agent regarding a home purchase, the agent will search the MLS for properties meeting their criteria. If a REALTOR® finds a buyer for your house, you will only pay a 3% commission of the sales price and never a listing commission. (Or whatever
commission you are offering as stated in the MLS).

MLS and Listing Agents:
Less than 5% of listing agents actually sell the homes they list. Why? They simply use the power of the MLS by listing the properties for thousands of agents to bring their buyers. 85% of home buyers use a REALTOR® to help them locate a property. Why is this important? REALTORS® use to the MLS to search properties for their clients. Listing with Sensible Realty lists your home on the very same MLS as the local REALTORS®. You can put the power of the MLS to work for you and save thousands of dollars.

If a REALTOR® does sell my home do I have to pay the REALTOR® a commission?
Yes. When you list your home with us, you are asked how much commission your willing to pay the buyers’ agent. Most sellers offer a commission of 3%; however, the amount you offer is determined by you prior to listing. Keep in mind most sellers offer 3%. After you have entered this amount into the MLS, it is NOT negotiable.

Do I have to sign a listing agreement with an agent?
Yes, you are required to sign an Agreement with Sensible Realty in order to list your property on the MLS; however, this is to protect the terms and conditions that you are paying a flat fee for and to offer a cooperative commission to any real estate professional that procures a buyer.

Will a Flat Fee listing be different than REALTOR listed properties paying a full commission?
Absolutely not! Your listing will appear exactly the same as any listing that would be carried out by a traditional “Full Price” REALTOR®.

Are homes that are listed on the MLS sell for more?
Yes. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, homes listed on the MLS average a higher net of 7% more. Again more money for you.

How can your services help lower the price of my home?
If you list with a REALTOR® and pay a 6% commission, you may need to increase the price of your home to offset the high commission expense and end up with the money you desire. With Sensible Realty, you eliminate the Listing Commission. This allows you to lower the asking price of your home, making it attractive to more buyer’s and more competitive with other properties currently for sale in your area.

How long can my property be listed on the MLS for a flat fee?
The listing is good for up to 6 months. If you would like to extend the listing, then additional fees will apply.

Will my house be listed on the REALTOR.com® web site and others?
Yes. REALTOR.com® is the largest online property listing site with more than one million five hundred thousand available houses nationwide. More than five million potential buyers visit the site each month.

If I sell my home to a buyer without an agent, how much will it cost me?
If you sell your own home to an unrepresented buyer – you only pay the initial flat fee. Even more money in your pocket

How fast can you get me listed in the MLS?
Typically, we can have your property listed the next business day you submit the information to us.

Can I use my own “For Sale” Sign?
You may use your own sign but we strongly discourage it. Some MLS’s however, do not allow a FSBO sign to be used. Keep in mind, traditional REALTORS® will feel more comfortable about receiving their commission if the words FSBO are not included anywhere in your language or Signage.

How do I know the MLS information is correct?
We will email or fax you a copy of your MLS listing for you to review. After review and you want changes, we will immediately make any and all changes that you request at no cost to you.

Am I able to cancel my listing and sign up with a full service agent?
Yes, you may cancel your flat fee MLS listing in writing to the Flat Fee agent anytime during the 6-month listing with no further obligation

Do Realtors® show buyers homes not listed on the MLS?
No. Realtors® are paid by splitting the commissions paid by sellers. Most Realtors® will primarily show properties that are already under contract with a listing agent and have a stated commission split listed in the MLS, but remember that you’ll be saving the entire cost of paying a sellers agent commission. Realtor’s® prefer to avoid FSBO sellers because of the time and uncertainty it requires to negotiate a commission. By solving this problem up front with an MLS listing the buyer’s broker is assured that they will be paid and open your house to be shown by all the agents representing buyers.