The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a comprehensive 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 the amount of commission  you choose to offer to be stated in the MLS.  Real Estate commissions are not fixed by law and are negotiable. You still retain the right to sell yourself if you find a buyer and pay no commission when using our "Entry Only" services.

Will the MLS really help me sell my home?

Absolutely.  Listing in the Realtor's MLS is one of the most important things you can and should do if you are serious about selling your home.  Less than 5% of listing agents actually "sell" the home they list. Why? Because they use the power of the MLS to advertise the home for sale to thousands of other agents who are actively looking for homes for their buyers on the MLS. Buyers agents must rely upon and assume that all homes are on the MLS when looking for homes for their clients; there is simply not enough time in the day for agents to research all the possible places that a person may list their home For Sale by Owner.  Not only that, but according to the National Association of REALTORS, 84% of buyers begin their search for a home online and the MLS and/or REALTOR.com is a convenient and easy place to start looking from the comfort of their own home.

What does it mean to "co-op"?

Co-op (cooperative payment) means that you would be willing to pay a Buyer's Agent a fee or commission for bringing a buyer to you. Customarilly, a Buyer's Agent is paid 2% - 3% of the sales price. It is necessary to list some commission amount in either dollars or a percentage you are willing to pay, to be listed on the MLS but not necessarily 2%-3%. Again, this amount is completely up to you.  Should you find your own buyer or an unrepresented Buyer finds you, however, no Buyer Agent fee or commission is due at all.

How long does it take to get my home listed on the MLS?

Most of the time we can have your home listed on the MLS the very same day that you fax us your information as long you also have at least one jpeg picture that you can email us. After your home is on the MLS it may take approximately two additional days to be listed on REALTOR.com. 

What happens after we accept an offer?

Typically escrow is opened at a mutually acceptible and reputible company.  Escrow and Title officers are the ones that make sure that all i's are dotted and t's crossed before money and title can be exchanged.  While these officers do not do everything from this point forward, they can be of great assistance in helping you navigate the remaining paperwork.  Other things that will take place will include the delivery of disclosures to the buyers in a timely manner, the buyers inspections they wish to perform, possibly an appraisal of the home ordered by the buyers lender and any other mandated reports, inspections or other specific performance deemed necessary by a buyers lender or stipulated in the purchase contract so that escrow may close and your home be sold.

Do I get a refund if my home doesn't sell or I convert to an agent?

There is no refund if your home doesn't sell. However, if you're unsuccessful at selling your home yourself and wish to use an agent, call us and we'll refer you to an agent in our broker network.  If your home sells through an agent we referred, we'll credit you back the MLS Listing Fee paid at closing.

Do you provide all the disclosures that I will need to make to a potential Buyer that makes and offer on my home?

While we provide many forms and disclosures here on our website for your convenience, it is not possible for us to provide every possible form or disclosure as many situations are different.  The first thing you may wish to do is read through the CA Department of Real Estate Disclosure Publication on the Forms page here on our website and/or check the www.dre.ca.gov website to see if they have a more current version. Our forms are to be used at your own risk and we make no representations or warranties to their legality, correctness, accuracy or acceptance by any State jurisdiction.  Secondly, while attorneys may charge a hefty hourly fee, they can be worth their weight in gold and you may only need 1 hour of their service to ensure you are using the correct forms and/or to make sure the forms have been properly filled out. 

What are the benefits of using a Lock Box?

A Lock Box allows you to show your home to buyers while you're not there. A lock box is typically hung on the front door and keeps your key safe. Many times you can't be there to show your home when the buyer or agent wants. Used by agents nationwide, a lock box ensures you won't miss out on a potential buyer.  A lock box may not be appropriate in all situations, could risk your belongings or safety and we only recommend giving a lock box code to a verifable and reputable real estate agent within your community.  Combination lockboxes however, allow you to change the combination as often as you wish. Whether you use a lockbox or not, try to give potential buyers some privacy as it lets them express their opinions more freely with each other while touring your home.