What is the Multiple Listing Service? Also known and referred to as the "MLS"?

Listing your property on the MLS is crucial if you are serious about selling! The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is the Local Association of REALTORS® computerized list of properties currently for sale. This is an exclusive tool, only available to the 700,000 members of the NAR. The MLS is the primary tool used by REALTOR®s to find properties for their buyers, and for most REALTOR®s and buyers, it is the only tool they need to find the right property for them. REALTOR®s search the MLS daily to find potential matches for their buyers, thus when new listings are entered, they are immediately evaluated by thousands of REALTOR®s with prospective buyers, making your house rapidly popular.

MLS provides the biggest marketing advantage in selling properties. This kind of exposure to buyers is not available anywhere else. You maximize your chances of selling your property more quickly and at a better price when it is listed in the MLS. When your property is in the MLS your property receives the broad coverage of a large number of realty offices that have access via computer to your property's availability, price and features.

Being listed on the REALTOR® MLS enables you to take advantage of the power of thousands of REALTOR®s in your area. That means more exposure for you!

What Multiple Listing Services does your company serve?

The markets we serve are: Spartanburg, Greenville, Anderson, Columbia, Rock Hill, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Hilton Head & Beaufort.

Who am I listed with?

Real Estate Advocates, Inc is the Real Estate Company that is responsible for listing your property and has been in business since 1991. We have sold thousands of homes while saving our clients over 5 million dollars in commissions.

Where is my house marketed when I engage your services?

In all markets, the listing is placed in the local Multiple Listing Services (MLS), Realtor.com, other National sites, and on local real estate company sites

Can I withdraw my listing at anytime without any penalty?

Yes. If you withdraw and you permit us to refer you to another company, we can refund all or part of your listing fee. Your house will only be withdrawn after it is executed in writing with the seller's and agent's signature. (This amount will vary. Email us for details)

What is the best way to communicate with us?

Via E-mail. Place your property address with city on all e-mails so our staff can easily address your question. E-mail will be the best way to get an expedient accurate response from our company as different personnel will be addressing these every day.

Can I have a For Sale by Owner sign in my yard?

No! No! No! You will get one warning if you do, and then we will take your house out of the system on the second incident with no refund. This is non negotiable. You must have our sign in the yard. Multiple Listings vary in different states regarding signs and other policies. Our sign does have a 24 hour 800# info line with Seller's contact # in the Voice mail message. If you secure the buyer through this method you save the buyers agent's commission.

If I order and then decide not to list, do I owe you any money?

Yes, a service charge of $50 will be due. If we listed the property no refund will be due unless we refer you to another real estate company and a refund will be given after closing.

Can I advertise myself?

Yes, however you are not a For Sale By owner in its purest sense. You are listed with our company. Make sure you don't tell other agents or the public that you are a For Sale By Owner. We can get into trouble with our boards. You can advertise and show the property on your own, saving money on the buyer's commission. However, you must advertise that you are listed with Real Estate Advocates, Inc in the Columbia Market.

Can I secure a buyer by myself and write a contract without you.

Yes, in some markets. We will charge a flat fee to assist you if you wish.

Be careful going it alone. You can make a costly mistake. In Columbia, It is required that the agent be fully involved in the whole transaction.

What can happen if I write a contract without your knowledge?

It is important to let us know about any contract. If you do not, a full price offer may come in with an agent. YOU MAY THEN OWE THE AGENT'S COMMISSION, SOLD YOUR HOUSE TWICE AND YOU COULD BE SUED BY THE AGENT AND TWO BUYERS. We can save you thousands and help in the contract to closing . This is our business and we do it well. Be careful about saving hundreds which can end up costing you thousands. If you do this without us, remember we told you. We are all for saving money, but sometimes a few dollars saved can cost you thousands and much stress.

What about commissions to other agents?

They will vary and are always negotiable. We recommend paying a minimum of 3 %. To pay less would discourage agents from showing your property.

Can you save me money buying or selling a home anywhere in the U.S.?

Yes, if you call us before you look or commit to an agent or property.

What is your relationship with the referral companies?

We accept referrals from them. However, we are an independent real estate company and must abide by the state laws and policies of Multiple Listing which vary from state to state and MLS to MLS. Unfortunately, referral company's sites are generic and may have information that is not true in our market. For example, the use of their signs and Non MLS Lockboxes is prohibited in South Carolina MLSs. Agents working for our company , can bring the buyer and get the same commission you offered buyers agents. Some referral companies tell you we give you all the buyers from our marketing programs which is not necessarily true in all markets.

Can I have multiple photos on MLS, your site and realtor .com?

Yes, see our Menu of Services and fees.

What other services do you provide?

See our Menu of Services and fees.

Do I have to disclose that I have a pet?

Yes, always let us know of any pets. Some people are allergic and other have bad phobias. To protect your best interest, we should disclose all pet information in the showing instructions and remarks.

Can I make changes to my listing?

Yes, you can make up to three changes to your listing for free. Any additional changes will be charged $25 each.

What type of Internet exposure do I get?

You are on the largest site in the world, Realtor.com. In most markets we give permission to go on other real estate companies sites in that market with our broker reciprocity program. We do not have control over how fast these sites download the information. Some sites take 3-5 days. Please don't contact us about this until after 5 days. Pictures sometime take longer to appear on those sites. We will e-mail you the listing as it appears in the MLS. You do not have access to this secured site. Some people confuse Realtor.com with the Multiple listing which is not the same. Realtor.com can take up to 3 days for photos to appear.

Is this the same Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to which all area Realtors belong?

Yes. All participating MLS REALTOR®s belong to their local association of REALTOR®s. Wherever you may be located, we will have a Nationwide Network of REALTOR®s and will place you in the proper MLS for your area.

Will my listing appear on the Web Sites of other local Real Estate Companies?

Broker networking is where brokers give each other permission to share their listings on each other's web sites. Your listing may be displayed on the website of other local real estate companies. Thus a buyer working with another real estate company who does a search of that company's website may find your listing in their search results.

Will my property be listed on the Internet?

Yes. Please see Listing Programs page.

If I find my own buyer, will I still have to pay a selling commission?

No. You still maintain the right to sell your property on your own. If you find your own buyer, you will not be obligated to pay a commission on the sale.

Will Realtors show my property even though I went Flat Fee Listing instead of paying a high commission?

Yes. As long as your "buyer agent" compensation is competitive, REALTOR®s are unlikely to turn down earning a commission. In fact, they have a fiduciary duty to their buyer clients to show them all of the available properties that match their criteria. Regardless of whom you listed with or what you paid, your listing will the same as any other listing in form and style.

Will Realtors contact you or me for a showing?

You. REALTOR®'s will call before a showing or a preview of your property.

How long is the MLS listing period?

Listing term varies per listing program, but can be up to 12 months.

Must I have a lockbox?

No, but REALTOR®s depend on quick access. REALTOR®s show many properties within a very short period of time, access to your property may make a difference. We strongly recommend a REALTOR® lockbox.

How do I make changes to my listing?

You log into the Client Area we provide for you and use our Change Tool to notify us of what changes you wish to make.

Will my listing look the same as a full listing commission to a traditional agent?

Yes. Your listing will look like all the other listings on your local MLS.

Is it true that Realtors using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) sell most houses and that they usually sell for a higher price?

Yes, it's true on both accounts. According to the National Association of REALTOR®s, approximately 85% of all U.S. properties are sold through Brokers using the MLS and properties listed on the MLS average net proceeds of 7% higher than properties sold for sale by owner. The MLS will give you maximum exposure and this is the key to a successful transaction. There is no other effective way to sell your property and be successful.

How do I get started?

Click here! The MLS gives you access to thousands of other REALTOR®s on call 24/7 to sell your property.

How will I save thousands by ordering the MLS option?

Keep in mind if you sell your own property, you do not pay the Buyer's Broker commission.