Selling Your Home: The First Week of an MLS Listing

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Dan Demers

There are many phases of selling a home, and each one requires a special focus. Some of them require collaboration of industry professionals – lawyers, appraisers, banks – while others are simply the responsibility of the home seller. Today I want to talk about the most important phase of selling your house.

The most important period of time during a home sale is the first week that the property appears on the Multiple Listing Service. This is the time when you will receive the most calls from home buyers and real estate agents. It is when a property appears fresh on the market and commands attention from those with an interest in your local market. For this reason, it is important that the house shows well and is priced correctly for the greatest number of viewers.

(Related: Learn more about our Flat Fee MLS Listing advertising packages)

The reason that the first week of an MLS Listing is so effective is the NEW status and the associated announcements and e-mails that come with it. A new listing appears at the top of the list. What’s more, an e-mail is sent out to all real estate agents and buyers with matching search criteria, alerting them of a new match. In many cases this e-mail reaches over 500 people who are playing an active role in your market, and have an active interest in properties just like yours.

Pretend you are a home buyer. You are working with a real estate agent, and you have told the agent exactly what kind of house you would like to buy. The agent performs a search of MLS listings, to view all of the houses available to the buyer. She then saves this search and attributes it to the buyer. Each morning, both the agent and the buyer are alerted to new properties, and will actively schedule showings based on these matches. It’s that simple.

This is why over 80% of our clients schedule at least 2 showings in their first week! The fact is, a flat fee MLS Listing provides instant results.

This For Sale by Owner house in Beverly, MA sold in one week!

This For Sale by Owner house in Beverly, MA had an accepted offer in its first week!

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Featured MLS Listing Near Worcester, MA

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Dan Demers

Our latest featured For Sale by Owner to list on the Multiple Listing Service is located in North Brookfield, Massachusetts. Seller Brian is selling this 4 bedroom, 2 bath cape for $229,900.

The house, located in an idyllic, private wooded setting includes many updates, a well-manicured yard on a level lot, and solid pine woodwork throughout. Like new stainless steel Samsung appliances and brand new sinks are included. Other perks include a recently stained exterior, recently painted interior, hardwood floors, ceiling fans, central air, and a master bedroom which feCape For Sale by Owner near Connecticut and Springfield, MAatures a huge walk-in closet with mirrors. The driveway wraps around to a 2-car garage located under the main floor.

The property’s wooded, North Brookfield location is conveniently located in close proximity to Worcester, the Mass Pike (Rt. 90) to Boston, the Berkshires, or New York, and highway 84 to Connecticut. Commuting to Springfield is doable, and a scenic drive near the Quabbin Reservoir leads to the five college area with the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and the artsy, musical town of Northampton.

The town of North Brookfield itself recently celebrated its 200th Anniversary. The town website includes comprehensive information on town events, government, history, and links to other areas of interest such as North Brookfield Youth Sports and Public Schools. According to the website, local attractions include fishing, boating, swimming, picnicking, skating, and hockey on Lake Lashaway. Notable events in the town’s history include participation of noteworthy residents in the Battle of Lexington and Concord, Shay’s RebellionHouse with Dormered Roof, being a significant site of inoculation during early experimentation with the smallpox vaccination, and a victory of the Quabaug Rubber company team over the Philadelphia Athletics during an exhibition game.

Consider buying this character-filled cape on 1.62 private acres, and make North Brookfield a part of your own family’s history!

Good luck to seller Brian, and thanks for your business! We look forward to helping you sell fast and save thousands with a flat fee MLS listing – the best of both worlds between For Sale by Owner and Realtor!

To view this property, or learn more about advertising on the Multiple Listing Service without a real estate agent’s commission, be sure to contact us! We look forward to being in touch!

 

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What’s New in Flat Fee MLS World?

Posted on July 20, 2012 by Dan Demers

Hey everyone!

It’s been a little while since I’ve posted – it’s that summer busy season and the home sellers take priority! Thought I’d write a little update on some recent exciting developments at SellYourHomeServices.com, and in the hybrid world of For Sale by Owner meets the real estate agent’s Multiple Listing Service – flat fee MLS.

In the last month I am thrilled to say we have made some strategic partnerships with real estate marketing professionals in Washington, Georgia, Connecticut, and North Carolina. While we have covered these states in the past, our recent networking allows us to enhance our marketing capabilities and expand our sphere of influence in real estaLots of Land in Massachusettste advertising. So whether you are looking to list your house on the MLS in North Carolina, list land on the MLS in Washington, or sell that multi-family in Georgia, we’ve got you covered. (Don’t worry, it’s the same story nationwide!)

June was an exciting month of property sales in Massachusetts. Loyal customers and savvy land investors Pranam and Jake had success with the sale of a plot of land in Royalston, MA. Not missing a beat, they were quick to list their next lot with us.

Seller John in East Longmeadow, MA closed on his ranch, saving $8,750 off of a traditional commission by using our marketing services as a for sale by owner.

Home seller John sold his ranch in E. Longmeadow, MA!But perhaps the most inspiring story is that of Charlie Stuart. At 90 years old, Charlie has put his condo in Shrewsbury, MA under agreement, and if all goes well will close on August 15th. I’m going to have to check with the Guinness Book of World Records on that one. Charlie is an inspiration to home sellers everywhere, and a testament to the fact that you too can sell your house on your own, without a realtor, and save thousands!

To sell your home without a realtor and take a vacation with those commission savings, visit our Flat Fee MLS Listing page. And as always, we look forward to being in touch – give me a call today at 508-952-0541!

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Buy a House in South Hadley, Massachusetts

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Dan Demers

Our latest featured real estate listing is a move-in ready ranch in South Hadley, Massachusetts. This cozy house located at 22 Hollywood St. is a perfect starter home for a growing family or for a couple looking to downsize. Its 1,052 square feet of living area is augmented by an additional 500 square feet in the finished basement as well as a three-season breezeway.

This ranch features an open floor plan allowing natural light to pour through the interior throughout the day. Features include hardwood floors, a dining area adjacent to the kitchen, and an ample living room. The basement can be used as a family room, home office and playroom, or even extra space and privacy for guests.

The property is in great condition and is move-in ready. Renovations or cosmetic updates have been made in every room. The exterior is well-maintained for great curb appeal as well. The washer, dryer, and all major appliances are included. Currently listed for $197,000.

South Hadley is a pleasant town with beautiful character and architecture. Its center includes Mt. Holyoke college, part of the Five College area (also including the University of Massachusetts flagship college in Amherst, Hampshire College, Smith College, and Amherst College). Transportation is convenient and enjoyable – scenic routes 116, 47, and 202 allow you to view the fall leaves and rolling hills of the area while on your way to major highways 91 and 90 (Mass pike). These routes provide easy access to Springfield, Worcester, Amherst, Northampton, and highway 84 to Connecticut.

The town of South Hadley, MA website features an in-depth look at public works, local news, and the school system, and is a great resource for those looking to buy a house in the area.

To view a full listing of this beautiful piece of South Hadley real estate, visit our Featured Listings page and select 22 Hollywood St. Best of luck to sellers Abby and Barry, selling For Sale by Owner with our MLS Listing advertising package. We look forward to working with you, and helping you sell fast, and save thousands!

Buy a House near Springfield, MABuy a House near Northampton, MA

Home for Sale near Worcester MAFive College Area Properties

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Pay Per Showing: Our New MLS Listing Pricing Model

Posted on May 20, 2012 by Dan Demers

In many aspects of business, customers understandably want to see some kind of guarantee that a product works as it should. At Sell Your Home Services we are now instituting a payment method that reflects the confidence we have in our MLS Listing product.

You can now list your house on the Multiple Listing Service for free. If you prefer, we will incur the “risk” up front – your listing will be posted for free, and you can choose to pay for each individual home buyer that we send your way. Just like Google has revolutionized marketing with its pay-per-click advertising options, you can take advantage of a new wave of real estate sales with our pay per showing model. In this way, you only pay for your marketing when you get results.

So how much is a real estate showing worth to you? Of course, when selling a property, interested buyers are absolutely essential. Our introductory rate is $40 per qualified showing that we schedule for you. Just $40 to have an interested home buyer, the potential to sell your piece of real estate.

How many showings do you think you’ll need before you get an offer? No matter what the number, be sure to compare it to a 5-7% traditional real estate commission. I think you’ll find that the savings will be huge.

By implementing a new payment option, we are continuing a trend of empowering for sale by owner sellers with options. More options equals more power, more savings, and a fast home sale. Times have changed in real estate, and we aim to be at the forefront of using the internet to save you money and time.

To learn more about your real estate options, please call us at 866-373-0184, or contact us. We’ll be happy to provide you with advice and perspective to make an informed seller’s decision.

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Cooperate with Buyer’s Agents when Selling Your House

Posted on May 12, 2012 by Dan Demers

Saving money by avoiding commissions is understandably one of the main reasons people sell for sale by owner. For this reason, many of them are skeptical, or unwilling to work with a buyer’s agent. At Sell Your Home Services we view this as a mistake, considering that about 79% of buyers buy with an agent.

To clarify, a traditional listing agreement offers a commission, often 5-7% to a listing or seller’s agent. That agent then offers a cooperating commission to a buyer’s agent who produces a buyer (2-3%).

Although buyer’s agents will search for the best match for their client, they will not work for free. Therefore, most will not be willing to show a property if they are not offered a commission.

We applaud your effort to save as much as possible. But consider carefully:

In this market, can I afford to eliminate 4 out of 5 buyers from the start?

Since the MLS is a database used by real estate agents, it is likely that agents with qualified and interested buyers will contact you. The MLS requires that you advertise a fee to an agent if they provide the buyer who buys your property (we recommend 2-3%). Keep in mind that the choice to accept the offer is 100% yours. You will only pay a commission if you choose to accept that buyer’s offer.

Therefore, calculate the net amount you will earn from the sale, and if you don’t like it you are free to make a counter offer or decline. (See our free e-book which includes a net sheet to help you crunch the numbers).

Cooperating with buyer’s agents means one thing for you – more home selling options.

Note that when working with a buyer’s agent, you can leave a lockbox on your door and simply provide them with the lockbox code. This way you can schedule a showing for the property even when you’re busy. You can find a lockbox at your local hardware store, usually from $10-20.

Learn more on our MLS listing for sale by owner advertising page. And if you are ready to work with a buyer’s agent yourself to buy your next property, learn more about how we can help you choose the right buyer’s agent.

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Understanding Your Options When Selling Your House

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Dan Demers

Getting the most of your real estate transaction is all about having options. Having options when it comes to selecting an offer can create a bidding war and drive up the offer price. Likewise, having options related to how you will go about selling your house will ensure that you pay for the services you need, and nothing more.

In the past, home seller options have consisted of two polar opposites. You could sell your house for sale by owner, or you could list and pay a full service commission to a real estate agent.

Flat fee MLS listings have created a valuable middle ground for sellers. The power of the Multiple Listing Service means that the marketing aspect is covered. Your listing will reach the 90% of buyers who search to buy a house online. And a lawyer covers the paperwork. So anyone who can answer a few phone calls to set up showings and be available to invite in who is looking to buy a house is capable to sell for thousands less than before.

Time and time again I read articles written by the National Association of Realtors or real estate agents which neglect to point out all of a seller’s options. It’s time that word gets out!

What is the MLS? Visit our Multiple Listing Service page to learn about this valuable option.

If you are thinking of selling your house, be sure to consider and be aware of all of the choices you have. Conventional wisdom will narrow your options. But by learning about our services, you will gain access to the best of both worlds.

To learn more about listing your property on the MLS, give us a call at 866-373-0184, or contact us. We’ll tell you about the additional options that we can offer you – and remember, ptions can only help you. What have got to lose? Call today!

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Property Sold! Now We’ll Help You Buy a House

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Dan Demers

You know, one thing about selling your house is that once it sells, there is a good chance that you will want to find a new one. Trust me, I’m a professional.

That’s why we’ve put into place a network to continue assisting our home sellers right through and into the process of buying a house. And it comes with perks.

When buying a house, it is 100% in your best interest to work with a buyers agent. And you’ll notice I didn’t say “hire” a buyers agent. This is because you won’t be charged a thing. Traditionally the seller pays real estate commission to an agent who produces a buyer. And if they’ve hired a traditional 5-7% agent, the commission will be split between real estate agents on the seller’s and buyer’s side.

But not every real estate agent will have your best interests at heart. The truth is, when I worked at a traditional brokerage, I was coached on how to convince the buyer to view the least number of houses possible in the interest of my own time. The target number was five – hardly enough perspective to make a responsible, 6-figure decision in my opinion. When I showed about 15 houses to a “picky” client, I was actually scolded and told to get control of my buyer!

I want to protect your interests as a seller, and then again as a buyer. If you will be buying a house, whether it’s in Massachusetts or California, using my experience I can find the right agent for you. In fact there’s a good chance I already know a great one in your area. Either way, I will take your individual needs and preferences into account, and present from 1 to 3 agents for you to interview, your choice.

To be honest, I will receive a referral fee from the transaction (again, not out of your pocket). But since referral fees, like traditional commissions, are all very similar, you can bet that this figure will not sway me in finding you the best one possible.

Best of all, I will refund the listing fee that you paid to sell your house on the MLS.

See our buyers page for more information, and be sure to contact us to talk in person about how we can help and advise you with your real estate needs.

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Just Listed: Buy a House in Charlton, MA

Posted on May 5, 2012 by Dan Demers

Our next featured listing is a quaint cape located in Charlton, MA a pleasant Massachusetts town located in Worcester County. Home buyers will enjoy a perfect location – a pleasant town with easy access to Worcester, Springield, Hartford, Connecticut and Providence, Rhode Island. Local highways include 84, the Mass Pike, and Rt. 146.

The property features 3.68 acres of land including a fenced in area, perfect for horses. The land also includes a run in shed and a hay shed. Its interior has a bright, open floor plan. Improvements include new, energy efficient windows and refinished hardwood floors. Walk in closets provide plenty of storage space. And you’ll love relaxing in the jacuzzi tub, or on the house’s large deck.

This cape listed for sale by owner with our marketing services has 1596 sq. ft. of living area, with 4 bedrooms and 2 baths and is listed at the time of this article for $199,000. To view the full MLS listing flyer along with additional photos, you can visit our Featured Listings page.

As for the town itself, Charlton, MA home buyers can find a wealth of information on the town website. Charlton schools are part of the Dudley-Charlton Regional School District, and include the Shepherd High Regional High School, and the Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School. More information can be found on the school district website.

For a quick fun fact about the town: It received national attention in 1906 when the public library banned Mark Twain’s short story, “Eve’s Diary,” for its controversial illustrations. Twain would later testify before Congress about the incident.

The owner Amanda, a for sale by owner seller has chosen to sell her property with the help of our MLS Listing real estate advertising packages. We appreciate your business Amanda, and look forward to helping you sell fast and save thousands!

House for Sale near Worcester, MAReal Estate Accessible to Providence and Hartford

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Sell Your House Across the United States

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Dan Demers

At Sell Your Home Services we are thrilled to be expanding from what was originally a Massachusetts based service to the national level. By making some strategic real estate partnerships, we are now able to be sure to help you list on your local MLS – the one accepted and used by the most people in your area.

The beauty of the internet is that by selling your house by advertising on sites such as Realtor.com, Homes.com, Zillow, and Trulia, you reach a national audience. So a home buyer in Texas can find real estate in California. A home seller in Florida can reach someone searching to buy a house from Massachusetts. And anyone browsing newspaper sites such as NYtimes.com or Boston.com can find your listing.

In fact one of our featured listings, a home for sale in Hull, MA recently received interest from a search result in Kansas! This is not your parents’ real estate market!

And now, by making our for sale by owner advertising packages available to all 50 states, the value that we believe in, the value that became the motivation to found this real estate brokerage, we can extend this opportunity to for sale by owners across the nation.

If you are considering selling your property without a realtor, regardless of which state you are in, please take a look at our Multiple Listing Service advertising. Again, this is the most powerful marketing that a real estate agent offers, available for a flat fee.

Since we continuously strive to keep our business model simple, keeping prices low and personalizing our service, you are invited to give us a call to discuss the best option for selling your property, whichever state you are in.

We look forward to hearing from you, and helping you to sell fast, and save thousands. Please give us a call at 866-373-0184, or visit our contact us page.

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