FAQ's
Q What is the MLS?
A The MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is an extensive database of information. It is through MLS that most residential real estate deals are consummated. As real estate professionals, we have agreed to exchange information about properties for sale in order to help sell homes for the best price possible and in the least amount of time. We pay an annual fee to the Realtor's association for the right to publish information about your home in the MLS computer system and agree that our sellers will pay a commission to any licensed real estate agent that brings a buyer for their home.
Maximum exposure is the key to a successful real estate transaction and this crucial maximum exposure is gained through a listing with MLS. Remember, if you list a home on the MLS with Carolina's Choice Real Estate, you will never pay a listing commission! The only time you would pay a commission would be to the buyer's agent that brings you a qualified buyer that executes the transaction by buying your home.
Q Is it true that Realtors using MLS sell most houses and that they usually sell for a higher price?
Maximum exposure is the key to a successful real estate transaction and this crucial maximum exposure is gained through a listing with MLS. Remember, if you list a home on the MLS with Carolina's Choice Real Estate, you will never pay a listing commission! The only time you would pay a commission would be to the buyer's agent that brings you a qualified buyer that executes the transaction by buying your home.
Q Is it true that Realtors using MLS sell most houses and that they usually sell for a higher price?
A Yes, it's true on both accounts. According to the National Association of Realtors, approximately 80% of all U.S. homes are sold through Realtors using the MLS and homes listed on the MLS average net proceeds 7% higher than homes sold for sale by owner.
Q How do you provide your services at such a low price?
Q How do you provide your services at such a low price?
A Most of our services are provided electronically. Since we don't maintain a large office and we do most of our business via phone, fax, email and the internet, we have a very low overhead and can easily pass on the savings to both our sellers and buyers.
Q If your business model is so beneficial to clients and you alike, why aren't other brokers doing it?
Q If your business model is so beneficial to clients and you alike, why aren't other brokers doing it?
A Traditional real estate brokerage is pretty entrenched, and VERY conservative. It is also VERY slow moving. But the internet has really shaken things up, and changes are starting to appear.
Q Will my listing "look" the same as those who have agreed to pay a full listing commission to a traditional agent?
Q Will my listing "look" the same as those who have agreed to pay a full listing commission to a traditional agent?
A Yes. Your listing will have the same "look" as any other listing in the local MLS.
Q What is REALTOR.com®?
Q What is REALTOR.com®?
A The official Internet site for the National Association of Realtors. REALTOR.com's®1.4 million home listings are provided by participating REALTOR Multiple Listing Services. Your home home is accessible to the general public with color pictures and all pertinent information(price, location, square footage, etc.) Carolina's Choice Real Estate extensively markets homes on REALTOR.com® making your home "stand out" from the rest and enhance the chances of prospective buyers contacting you directly so you pay NO COMMISSION!!!
Q How long before my home will be on MLS and REALTOR.com®?
A Your home will be on the MLS and Carolinaschoicerealestate.com within 24 hours of receipt and acceptance of the listing agreement and the other forms provided to you and soon after on REALTOR.com®
Q How will I know if my property is listed with all the correct information?
Q How long before my home will be on MLS and REALTOR.com®?
A Your home will be on the MLS and Carolinaschoicerealestate.com within 24 hours of receipt and acceptance of the listing agreement and the other forms provided to you and soon after on REALTOR.com®
Q How will I know if my property is listed with all the correct information?
A You will receive a copy of your MLS listing by email and you can verify the accuracy of the information.
Q If Carolina's Choice Real Estate brings me a buyer and sells my home, will I owe a commission?
Q If Carolina's Choice Real Estate brings me a buyer and sells my home, will I owe a commission?
A Yes. If we present a qualified buyer to you and they purchase your home, we are entitled to the buyer's agent commission for selling your home since we are acting as the buyer's agent.
Q What if I sell my home on my own?
Q What if I sell my home on my own?
A This is yet another benefit that sets us apart from your typical Realtor. When you list your home with Carolina's Choice Real Estate, you still have the right to sell your home on your own. If you find your own buyer with no buyer's agent, then you will not have to pay ANY commissions on the sale.
Q If I find a buyer on my own, how much deposit should I ask for?
Q If I find a buyer on my own, how much deposit should I ask for?
A We recommend that earnest money deposits (also know as good faith deposits) be no less than 1% of the sale price. The larger the deposit, the more qualified and serious your buyer is and this helps to justify taking your home off the market.
Q What is a lockbox?
Q What is a lockbox?
A A lockbox is a device that holds a key to your home. Only you and a licensed Realtor (assuming you give the code to no one else) will have access to this device. It is ideal for use when you are unavailable or away and want to make your home as accessible as possible.
Q Do I have to tell you when I have a contract or when I have sold my home?
Q Do I have to tell you when I have a contract or when I have sold my home?
A Yes and Yes. The reason is that the MLS Rules require both. If you enroll in our SILVER PROGRAM we will leave all negotiations and changes up to you and your lawyer, however, it is critically important that we are aware of when your home is under contract. We will also need a copy of the signed offer to purchase for our records. The NC Real Estate Commission requires that we have copies of all signed documents.
Q May a buyer contact me directly after a Realtor shows my home to them?
Q May a buyer contact me directly after a Realtor shows my home to them?
A Yes. However, you will still be obligated to pay a buyer's agent commission to the Realtor who showed your home.
Q Should I be concerned about lead-based paint?
Q Should I be concerned about lead-based paint?
A If your home was built before 1978, you are required by law to provide the buyer with the lead-based paint disclosure, plus you must provide the EPA pamphlet entitled, "Protect your Family From Lead In Your Home". We recommend that this paperwork be filled out and provided on all transactions.
Q Do you accept credit cards?
Q Do you accept credit cards?
A Yes. We accept Visa and MasterCard, as well as personal checks.
