If you're at this page, you were referred to us from a F.S.B.O. web site such as Owners.com, ForSaleByOwner.com, FSBO.com or another fsbo site.

I am the broker that will get your home listed into the mls and Realtor.com.

In order to get listed you will need to sign some documents to get into the mls and Realtor.com. These will include a listing agreement, a data input sheet on your home and state required disclosures.

NOTE: This listing is separate from the FSBO listing you have. We do not use data from or go to your FSBO listing to obtain data or photos. You must complete all the paperwork and email photos to us.

You must offer a commission should an agent bring you a buyer. Typically it is 3%. It has to be a set percentage. If you do not wish to offer 3% please call me to discuss, Jeff Kermath 734-649-4903 cell, most Realtors will not show your home unless you offer the standard cooperation fee of 3%.

The “MLS” or “Multiple Listing Service” is a database where all of us Realtors share our listings. It is how most all homes sell since there are thousands of agents and their buyers searching for homes.

To get into the MLS you have to offer a set compensation, typically it’s 3%. If you have an issue offering this standard fee to a buyer’s agent please get back to me on this. If you are one of the few people who do not want to pay a buyer’s agent’s fee then this program is not for you. You cannot get into the MLS unless you are willing to pay the buyer’s agent’s fee.

FSBO Referral sites can be confusing as this is not really stressed enough. If you’re one of the folks who don’t want to offer a buyer’s agent’s fee:

  • Ask yourself why not? I mean, what is wrong with saving half??
  • This “Flat Fee MLS” program gives you the best of both worlds.
  •  If you sell = no commission (just the up front fee was paid).
  • If a Realtor / buyer’s agent brings you the buyer, you pay them their half, typically 3%.
  • You save half of the commission worst case scenario.
  • For the small amount of work involved here you’re staring at HUGE savings, usually many thousands of dollars. We always wonder why people are so focused on saving every possible dollar selling. In the end, most of these people never sell.

 

The Paperwork:  To get in the mls you need to complete the following docs:

  1. Listing agreement: This verifies you will pay a buyer’s agent should they bring a buyer. NOTE: you still retain the right to find your own buyer and not pay any fees.
  2. Disclosures: There are 3 disclosures by state law you need to complete, the sellers disclosures which discloses the condition of the items in your home, agency relationship which describes the relationship we have with you and the lead based paint which discloses any known lead based paint. You need to complete these, sign date and return.
  3. The datasheet: This gives me the data on your home. It needs to be complete so there are no delays. If you see a field that makes no sense like for an agent then disregard it, just get it as complete as you can.
  4. Welcome Letter: This is a must read. I spent a ton of time on this. It clearly spells out the process AND will save you a ton of time IF you read it.
  5. Remarks: Please email the description to me and I’ll paste it right in. Up to 1,000 characters
  6. Photos: The photos should be named; 1front, 2kitchen and so on, this way I know the order you want them in. They should be resized to about 100kb to 200kb. If you cannot resize them at least rename them.
  7. The sign: It is against the MLS to use a for sale by owner sign.  Really though you do not want to use a fsbo sign, it will turn agents away fast!  My solution is to use my real estate sign (FREE) and I put your number on it. This way Realtors know you cooperate and will pay the commission AND if a fsbo drives past they’ll call you direct and you’re saving all of the commission.
  8. FULL SERVICE VERSUS LIMITED SERVICE:  This is very important. The listing you got from your fsbo referral company is “Limited service”. This means that when an offer comes in YOU are responsible to process the transaction from start to finish. Although you pay a buyer’s agent’s fee they work for the buyer and are not there to do your work. You are responsible to keep me posted with copies of docs and process your transaction.  NOTE: There are many agents out there who do not like to make offers direct to the home owner. Buyer’s agents feel that if they have to make offers direct to the seller, since the seller (you) is not in the business of real estate the deal will be harder or the thing may fall apart. So, there is a hesitancy by some agents to avoid limited service listings. 
  9. THE SOLUTION -  FULL SERVICE:   With full service we do the work of what is typically done by the listing agent. We charge a 1/3 of 1% fee at closing to do this. On a 100,000 home, that is 333. So, if you want full service we are happy to help just let use know. It is money well spent and a very nominal fee really.

That’s it. This really is a great program. The paperwork should only take about 30 minutes tops to complete and fax or email back. It is time well spent.

 

One last word…. This “Flat Fee MLS” listing program works very well when you work “WITH” Realtors and not “AGAINST” them. By that I mean happy to pay their fee, telling them you’re listed and not holding yourself out to be a FSBO. You can still sell on your own but just be cooperative, polite and respectful toward agents and you’ll find this process has a much higher success rate.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to helping you sell and save!

Thank you,

 

Jeff Kermath
Kermath Realty