What is the MLS?

MLS stands for Multiple Listing System. There are between 600 and 700 MLS’s around the country covering specific geographic areas. The MLS is a web-based database used by licensed real estate professionals to share listing data and offer cooperating compensation to one another. The MLS is restricted and the general public does not have access to the MLS. However, the MLS does syndicate its listings to hundreds (maybe thousands) of websites. www.Realtor.com is the most prominent.

Which MLS will my home be listed on?

There are many MLS systems throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware. The MLS that your home will be listed in depends on the county where it is located. We are a member of many MLS’s, so we will be sure to list your home in the primary MLS for your area.  In most cases, it is not necessary, but if you’d like, we can list you in multiple MLS’s for an additional fee.

Does Simple Choice Realty make a commission when I list?

In most cases, no.  Simple Choice Realty is paid an up-front flat fee.  We do not receive any % at closing unless you hire us to represent you through our Virtual Full-Service option or if the buyer is a client of Simple Choice Realty.  It is rare that this would happen, but we should point out that we do sometimes represent buyers (in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh areas).  It is possible that an agent from Simple Choice Realty could be representing a buyer that wants to purchase your home.  If that happens, the agent from Simple Choice Realty would be the Buyer’s Agent and would be entitled to the % you are offering to the Buyer’s Agent.

What do I do if I need more help?

If you are not comfortable handling the contract review, negotiations, or any other aspect of the sale, we encourage you to consult with a professional. Simple Choice Realty offers various options for assistance or you can contact an attorney.

What % should I offer to the Buyer’s Agent?

Commissions are not fixed by any government agency, real estate association, etc. It is the company policy of Simple Choice Realty to offer at least a 2% commission to the Buyer’s Agent (in most cases). However, we highly recommend that our sellers offer 2.5% or 3% to the Buyer’s Agent.

How do I make changes to my MLS listing?

Log into your account on our website and click the “Manage My Listing” link. This will take you to a page where you can request changes to your listing. Changes include: price changes, photo changes, add open house dates, status changes (once you have an offer), and any other type of change you may need.

Can I advertise an open house on the MLS?

Yes. If you plan to have an open house, just log into your account to notify us so we can post it for you. Open Houses will always be posted on the MLS.  Some of our upgraded packages include advertising Open Houses on websites like Realtor.com, Zillow, and Trulia.

How long is the listing contract term? Can I cancel it if needed?

Our Flat Fee MLS listing contract is a 6 month contract.  Hopefully your home is sold within 6 months, but if you need to more time to sell, the contract can be extended in 6 month intervals for a reasonable fee.  Some of our packages include the 6 month extension right from the start.  If you decide you no longer want to list your home with Simple Choice Realty, you can cancel the listing at any time by logging into your account and terminating the listing.  There is no cancellation fee.

What is your coverage area?

Simple Choice Realty does Flat Fee MLS listings across most of Pennsylvania (PA), all of Delaware (DE), and all of Maryland (MD).  We belong to approximately 10 different MLS systems allowing us to cover such a broad area.

What is a Flat Fee MLS Listing?

A Flat Fee MLS Listing is a hybrid model between being a FSBO (For Sale By Owner) and being listed with a licensed real estate broker/agent.  Flat Fee MLS Listings cater to home sellers that have a For Sale By Owner mind-set and want to save money, but realize they need better marketing than what is available to a true For Sale By Owner.  Rather than pay a large % commission that is split between a buyer agent and a seller agent, with a Flat Fee MLS Listing, the seller simply pays a flat fee for Realtor exposure to sell their home.  In addition, the seller pays ONLY the buyer agent a commission.   If you are a For Sale By Owner and you are willing to pay a buyer agent a commission (roughly 2%-3%), you really need to be listed on the MLS.