Why is Mr. Lister different from other flat-fee listing companies?
Mr. Lister forwards all leads back to the Seller. Whether from a public site such as Realtor.com® or the MLS, all leads go directly to the Seller. Many of Mr. Lister’s competitors such as For-Sale-By-Owner.com, advertise that you retain the right to sell on your own, but this is not entirely true. These sites actually assign an Agent who enters your information into the MLS. The Agents name, not yours, is then entered as the “Showing Contact” for the listing information. When Buyers see their property information on websites, buyers only have that Agent’s name to contact. Therefore, if a Buyer is not currently working with their own Agent, then they will be using the one assigned to you. Sellers always pay a selling commission with competitors…but not with Mr. Lister Realty, Inc.!
Who does all the paperwork?
If your Buyer is represented by an Agent, then it is the Buyer’s Agent’s job to provide you with a complete Contract of Sale and all necessary paperwork. Remember that you are paying that Agent a commission. If your Buyer is not represented by an Agent, then Mr. Lister can draw a Complete Contract of Sale with necessary addendums.
Why should I list with Mr. Lister over other companies?
To be perfectly blunt, the answer is savings. Our concept affords Sellers the opportunity to use the traditional tools of Real Estate, like the MLS without having to use a traditional Real Estate Agent. Our Sellers are in control of making decisions pertaining to their home, while knowing that professional support is only a phone call away. Mr. Lister Realty is not a, “list you and leave you,” virtual company, but rather a full-service Brokerage, specializing in listing properties and support services for Sellers.
What’s the catch?
One of the main reasons we have generated such an outstanding reputation is due to the honesty that centers around every listing. The basis of our advertising is referrals. In addition to word-of-mouth advertising, Mr. Lister’s revenue is generated by volume listings. Simply put, we have designed a model that the public desired. By continuing to save Sellers thousands on listing commissions, our company has expanded and is able to offer additional support services. There really is no catch - just a great concept!
If there’s no catch, then you must take the leads?
If a potential Buyer contacts our office, Mr. Lister Realty provides your name and number to the Buyer so they can speak with you directly. Mr. Lister does not take the leads for our own.
Cut to the chase, what do I really have to layout $$$$?
Our basic Quick List fee is $399. We also charge $20 for any changes, like price, etc. Unless you choose any other services, your only fee is the $399 and the commission you are willing to compensate a Broker that brings you a Buyer. If your Buyer does not have an Agent, you pay no commission and only the $399 Listing Fee to us.
I’ve been told there is a lot of paperwork - Is that true?
False! Keep in mind that you are paying a commission to an Agent not only to bring you a Buyer, but also to present you with a Contract of Sale for that Buyer. It’s their job! Don’t let any Agent scare you by saying that there is just an enormous amount of paperwork that you cannot do.
If the Buyers do not have an Agent, they may have an attorney or you may take advantage of our service to draw a complete Contract of Sale for a fee of $395. This includes all necessary addendums and a copy for the Mortgage Company.
What is the process for listing- Is it complicated?
Our online listing process is simple. You register on our website then …
- Answer questions about your property
- Choose the services you want to sign up for
- Enter your Visa or MasterCard information
- Print your documents
- Sign your name
- Fax the documents to our office!
It is that simple! If we have questions after reviewing your paperwork, Mr. Lister will contact you - otherwise you will be entered into the MLS within 24 hours.
How important are photos?
Most traditional Brokerages are now requiring that their Agents post at least 5 photos when entering a listing into the MLS.
Can I put up my own “For-Sale-By-Owner,” Sign?
Yes and no. While Mr. Lister does not mandate that you purchase one of our signs, we do expect our Sellers to follow the guidelines outlined by the Real Estate Commission. In the commission’s eyes, technically, you are no longer a “For-Sale-By-Owner” after retaining the services of a Broker. You may, however, place a “For-Sale” yard sign in your yard as long as it has the name of the Brokerage Company on it (Mr. Lister Realty, Inc.). Remember that our sign has our web address on it. Buyers searching our website will find your listing, along with your address, contact numbers and email address.
How do Buyers contact me?
Mr. Lister Realty will place your name and number in the Showing Contact section of the Metropolitan Information System or MLS. Therefore, agents will bypass Mr. Lister Realty, Inc. and contact you directly to schedule an appointment or address questions.
- From over 100 Internet Websites
All public internet sites, such as homesdatabase.com, realtor.com and mrlisterrealty.com are owned and operated by REALTORS®. Therefore, they do not allow seller contact information. If they did, REALTORS® would be out of business. If a Buyer sees your property information online, they will email or call our office and Mr. Lister will then forward the call to you. Office hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and phones are monitored seven days a week. Mr. Lister Realty does reserve the right to show prospective Buyers other homes of interest.
All yard signs produced by Mr. Lister Realty, Inc. include our toll free number, name and website address to remain in compliance with MLS Rules and Regulations. If a Buyer contacts Mr. Lister Realty for information on your property, via a sign either by phone or website address, it is forward to you. Office hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and phones are monitored seven days a week.
Our website offers direct access for Buyers to search property listings within the entire state of Maryland .
Do I need a lock box?
When you request a lock box, it will be shipped to you within 2 business days and have a pre-set code. You will be the only person to know the code and the only person to give out the code. As a policy, Mr. Lister does not give out codes to anyone. It is strictly the responsibility of the Seller. We suggest keeping a log with phone numbers and names of agents who request the code. Lock boxes are used by Realtors® to obtain keys for your property so they can show it when you are away. Lock boxes are for rent and must be returned to Mr. Lister Realty.
What is the MLS?
It is an electronic inventory of property listings for Maryland, Virginia and D.C. Over 53,000 Real Estate Agents have access to this database.
What is the difference between an appraised value and the market value?
A comparative market analysis is an informal estimate of the market performed by a real estate agent. It is based on the sales of similar homes in the area and generally offers a range of values, including probable market value. Appraised value is the opinion of a property’s market value, based on an appraiser’s experience and analysis of the property.
Who are the essential people in a real estate transaction?
Apart from the Buyer and the Seller, the essential players are typically the listing agent, the buying agent, lenders, home inspectors, appraisers and attorneys.
How important is Curb Appeal?
First impressions are everything. The last thing you want is to turn off a potential buyer before he or she walks in the door. So, make sure the house is painted, and call a landscaper to get your lawn in tip-top shape. Even small, inexpensive potted flowers can make your home seem more inviting.
I hear Pros and Cons in selling with a discount Broker company - What can I expect?
Determining Price
The first thing is to come up with an accurate value for your home, meaning the highest price a ready, willing and able buyer will pay. To make this decision, you should consider other properties in your area and what they have sold for. Make sure your property is in line with other properties. The right price should attract buyers, allow you to earn the most possible money and help you sell as quickly as possible. Remember, the seller may set the price, but the buyer sets the value.
Marketing
Signage, open houses and newspaper ads are one marketing direction. However, with alternative options to traditional real estate, many FSBO’s are jumping at the chance to save on paying high commissions while also gaining access to the MLS. The MLS is a database of homes used by over 53,000 Realtors and Brokers. (In addition to the MLS, Mr. Lister clients all benefit from 100 real estate public websites like Realtor.com®.)
Showings
Showing appointments are scheduled through the Seller. Think of creating a warm atmosphere when potential buyers are visiting. Remember to let in as much light as possible. Remove all unnecessary items from your rooms, keep fresh towels in the bathroom and consider using candles or an air freshener. You may opt for classical or soft jazz background music. But most important, remember to keep all pets in a separate room or preferably out of the home.
Contract
If an agent represents the buyer, then it is the Agent’s responsibility to present the seller with a Contract of Sale. It is customary to reply with an answer of acceptance, rejection or negotiate the terms of the contract within 24 hours. If the buyer is not represented by an agent, then both the buyer and seller need to have an outside party, such as Mr. Lister Realty or an attorney, draw a Contract of Sale.
Help
Real estate attorneys are always an option when questions may arise during the negotiations of sale. Keep in mind, another option may be to consult with a for-sale-by-owner specialist. Mr. Lister Realty has advised hundreds of satisfied FSBO’s over the years with concrete guidance and peace-of-mind.
Who pays the Real Estate Commission - the Buyer or the Seller?
It has been traditional practice that both buyers’ and sellers’ agents are compensated by the seller. Nevertheless, a buyers’ agent may accept payment from both the sellers and the buyers, as long as a full disclosure is made to all parties involved.
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