DCU Realty Express FAQ's
Will my listing look different in the MLS than those by sellers paying their agents thousands of dollars more?
No! When the agents view your Express listing on the MLS system, it will look just like any other MLS entry. And since we're offering a "co-broker" commission, the agents will earn the same commission they would on homes where the seller is paying thousands more to their listing agent.
Is it safe to use my credit card on your website?
Our secure payment gateway offers state-of-the-art fraud protection features. Your credit card number is only entered and submitted to the actual card processor. We do not keep your credit card number in our system -- we don't even see it when you order. (Keep in mind that no system is guaranteed to be invulnerable, so use common sense and adequate precautions.) You may also fax us your order, or call and we'll take it over the phone.
What's wrong with selling For Sale By Owner?
In this challenging market, you could LOSE thousands of dollars trying to sell your home yourself. Many studies show that sellers make MORE money when using real estate agents to list their homes -- even after paying the commissions. In today's market, you need the advice and services of a qualified listing specialist more than ever.
What is the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)?
The Multiple Listing Service is a computerized database of homes for sale in a specific region. The majority of real estate sales are a direct result of exposre of the property in the MLS to brokers and their buyers. All the homes listed on Realtor.com, for example, are already listed in one of the local MLS's.
What are the most important criteria in selling a property?
Price and Exposure. If your property is priced at market value (competitively positioned against the others on the market), and is advertised to the greatest number of buyers, it will sell.
How does DCU Realty help sell my property?
We provide exposure for your property through the Multiple Listing Service and the top real estate websites, where most of the buyers are already looking.
What if I find a buyer on my own?
We can still help you negotiate the offer and provide the valuable transaction management services to ensure timely and accurate closing. The broker's commission will be due at closing.
How long will DCU Realty advertise my property?
We start with a 90-day listing period, which you may extend until it sells.
Can I make changes to my listing?
Yes! Simply submit a change order through our website.
Can I post pictures of my house?
Yes! You can email us digital photos and we will post them. We can include up to 30 photos in the MLS (or whatever the local MLS restrictions are) and 24 photos on Realtor.com. Keep in mind that agents who do not pay for the Showcase Enhancements on Realtor.com can only put one photo online, and can't change the text description or add bold headlines. Our listings have Showcase Enhancements.
What is the "co-broker" commission?
When an agent brings a buyer for your house and you accept the offer to sell, the agent is due a finder's fee commission. This cooperation among brokers is referred to as the co-broker commission.
How will agents show my house?
You can determine the rules for how and when agents can show your home to their buyers. Lock boxes hold a key to your house and agents have to call us to make and appointment and get the combination. This allows agents to accompany their buyers and show your property when you are away from home.
Will real estate agents call me directly?
MLS rules prohibit agents from calling sellers whose properties are listed with other agents. All agent inquiries will come to us, so we can answer questions and screen the questions so you're not bothered day and night. When an offer comes in to buy your property, we will examine it first to ensure it is a valid offer, then we will present it to you and negotiate back with the buyer on your behalf. This protects you from being taken advantage of in a negotiation.
Do Realtors have buyers ready to buy my property?
Good buyers' agents may already be working with the person who wants to buy your house. Be careful, though, of listing agents who claim to have buyers as a tactic to get you to list with them. If they really do have a buyer, they are more than welcome to bring that buyer to your house and write an offer after you've listed with DCU Realty Express!
What if I need more than the MLS listing?
If you try our Express listing service but decide later on that you need more marketing help, you can upgrade to our full-service Premiere Plan. Your fees paid for the Express listing will be deducted from the commission due at closing.
Our Premiere Plan includes more advertising, open houses, virtual tour, professional photographer, dedicated listing specialist, toll-free AudioTour, written status reports and more!
How does the Express service compare to flat-fee services on the web?
Some flat-fee websites may not be Realtors or licensed real estate brokers. We are licensed in MA and NH, and have affiliates across the U.S. Non-brokers cannot list your property in the MLS.
Other flat-fee brokers offer what's called "Entry Only" listings. They merely type your information into the MLS and that's it. You have to field the calls from agents and unqualified buyers. You have to negotiate against the experienced buyer agent. You have to do all the legwork to get the deal done. And worst of all, your listing may show up differently in the MLS and actually deter agents from showing it to their buyers.
Are open houses of any value?
It depends on the property and also the time of year. Some agents hold open houses just to get buyers for other properties. But sometimes an open house can be an effective means of exposing your property to potential buyers. You can have one of our licensed agents hold an open house for you for a nominal fee.
Can I use my own For Sale sign?
We provide a For Sale sign to you that has a more professional appearance than the hardware store FSBO signs. Calls to our phone number will be handled by professional, licensed agents trained to qualify the callers and determine their interest and ability to purchase your property for sale.
Other questions? Click here to ask us.
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