Selling real estate through a low flat fee listing is the most effective method. A flat fee listing gives you the same exposure on the Alabama MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE as any agent would provide, but at a significantly reduced cost. It's an obvious choice. Conduct your research, and you’ll see the benefits.
Fee MLS Alabama Listing Packages
Best Choice Flat Fee provides a variety of options designed to suit each seller's circumstances. We recognize that no two situations are alike, so we've created a number of listing plans for you to choose from. Whether you're after a complete, all-inclusive plan or a more economical choice, we're committed to aligning our services with your objectives. With our assistance, you'll be able to navigate the selling process confidently and successfully, regardless of the option you go for.
Yes, the MLS seems like an invention of the modern age. But, in fact, the term “multiple listing”—and the overarching concept behind it—was first coined in 1907. Back then it described the old-timey practice in which real estate agents would gather regularly at offices or conferences to trade info about homes they were trying to sell, hoping this network could help connect them with buyers. In 1908, the National Association of Real Estate Exchanges (the organization that later became the National Association of Realtors®) endorsed the use of this system by all agents. It quickly caught on from there, evolving, stage by stage, into the modern system in use today—online and fully searchable by price, neighborhood, and home features.
While the Alabama MLS may look like one large national database, it's actually a suite of approximately 700 regional databases. And they're quite territorial: Each regional MLS has its own listings, and agents pay dues to access and post homes on each one. This is why agents who want a broader reach for their clients may become a member of more than one MLS.
See below for answers to questions ranging from our varied packages to the selling process. No matter your question, our goal is to ensure you feel informed and confident. Dive in and find the answers you're seeking about our services. Click on a question below to see the answer.
Can I cancel & list with a REALTOR®?
Yes, you can cancel with no fee, and list with another REALTOR®. Not only are we REALTORS®, we are state licensed Real Estate Brokers, which is the highest designation an agent can become. It takes many classroom hours and years of experience to become a broker. Being a broker, you can own your company and sponsor other agents.
* All listings look the same on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). We get a lot of clients that were listed with 6% agents, cancel with them and list with us. We even get a lot of agents listing with us because their brokerage will not give them a discount on their personal homes.
The key to selling a property is the listing price, not the listing agent. We can advise you on the listing price and the selling process.
I HAVE NEVER SOLD THIS WAY?
If you have ever listed on the MLS, then you have listed this way.
Sometimes sellers think they are doing something different, but this is not the case.
We are listing on the same local MLS as any other agent, but instead of charging a 3% commission at closing we are charging you a low flat fee,
We have "unbundled" our services. You pay for the service that fits your needs. We are your listing agent. Your listing will look the same, as all other listings. How much you pay us to list is not mentioned on the MLS. The only commission listed on the MLS, is how much you are offering to pay the buyer or leasing agent.
Am I listing myself as a FSBO?
You are not listing your property yourself.
We are your listing agent, but instead of working for a high commission, we are working for a flat fee. We provide all the same services as any agent. There is only one REALTOR® MLS in your area, and this is where we will be listing your property.
Depending on the listing package, we can help you with pricing, contract review and contract negotiations. We are full service agents. We have done traditional 6% real estate in the past, but do it this way, because it is a fantastic service. We are your listing agent, however if a buyer comes to you directly as a FSBO - FOR SALE BY OWNER you can sell to them and not pay a buyer agent commission, but we are still your listing agent and still here to help you with the process (depending on listing package)
What is your success rate?
Our success rate is 100% when clients listen to our advice.
We have been doing this for many years and provide you all the tools for a successful sell, but ultimately the sell of your property depends on what you do. If you overprice your property, there is no magic any agent can do. List 2 Sell - 4P's of selling
Price
Presentation (staging)
Photos
Putting on the MLS
DO AGENTS SHOW FLAT FEE LISTINGS?
Yes, agents will show your listing. You are not a "flat fee or fsbo" listing on the MLS. All listings look the same.
We have been doing this many years and sold thousands and thousands of properties. The only commission agents care about is theirs. How much they are offered is posted on the MLS. The listing agent commission is not posted on the MLS. You decide how much you are going to offer the buyer's agent. You are not a FSBO on the MLS. Your listing looks just like all other listings.
What is the listing process?
Decide on a listing package
Order directly on site or call to order
You will get paperwork automatically, by email
Send paper work and photos to us
We log in and create listing on the MLS
We will email you a link to the listing for proofing
After you order:
We ship sign and lock box - you should have within 2 business days
We can do a market analysis, to help you with pricing upon request
Once we have your listing info, you can be listed within 2 business days
Please call and interview us and the competition. Compare for yourself.
What you will find with us is that you are talking directly with the broker that will be listing your property. We are the listing broker and care about you and our business. Many companies you find on the internet are 3rd party referral sites and not even live in your state. We have been REALTORS® for years and even sold real estate the traditional 6% way. We know the flat fee way is better and the reason we do listings this way.
Your contact info is on the MLS under "private agent remarks".
Agents can call you directly with basic questions. Should agents or consumers call or email us with questions, we give them you contact info.
Sites like REALTOR.com and ZILLOW, your contact info is not allowed on these sites.
The only way any listing company or agent could put your info there, would be in the description of your property within the actual MLS. The MLS boards do not allow any phone numbers or web addresses within the description. Info to these sites is a data feed from the MLS and is total out of the listing agent's control. Should anyone contact us about your property, we will give them your contact info.
We do not come out and take photos.
Most clients take their own photos, however if you want to hire a professional we can refer one to you. The cost of hiring a professional can range from $100-$200. Photos are important and may be money well spent.
Normally within 1-2 business days.
You sign up online, you will be directed to the listing steps and once you get all the forms/photos back to us we can get you listed.
If a buyer comes to you directly, without a buyer's agent, there will be NO buyer agent commission and NO more commission due to us. However most buyers do work with agents.
No, you do not have to pay a 3% buyer agent commission (BAC).
We recommend that you offer at least 2.5%-3% BAC, however you may offer less if you like. We don't recommend offering less than 2.5% because we like to keep the buyers agents motivated to work in our favor.
The key to selling is the Price. The number of showings you get is not a function of agents wanting to show, it is a function of buyers wanting to look.
If you're ready to proceed, select the package that best meets your needs and let's get started. Best Choice Flat Fee offers a seamless process and support at every stage. Feel confident in your decision, knowing that your success is our priority.
There are good ones and bad ones, just like real estate agents. What you are looking for is a NON 3rd PARTY site. You want a company that you can call and talk to before listing (that will be your listing company). A full service flat fee company is normally better.
Yes, Flat Fee Listing has been around a long time. The key to selling a home is pricing it right and getting on the MLS. Most sellers find homes on the internet and nobody cares how much the listing agent makes for listing.
Getting it listed on the MLS with an experienced flat fee agent and price your home correctly. A good flat fee agent can guide you through the entire process.
None. Choose a good full service flat fee broker and you will be getting one the best brokers in the business. Way better than most agents than work for one of those "franchise brands".
For info about our services ... click on pricing table text and a window will open.
Sell or Rent
We list 2 sell or for rent on the MLS and you choose the commission. In some cases a broker will not take a listing is the buyer agent fee is too low. Most clients offer 3% to the buyer agent but it is up to you. Rentals fees to the leasing agent vary, but 1/2 the first month's rent is a good average.
Photos in MLS
Each MLS has their own max number of photos that can be placed on the MLS. Please contact your local listing broker if you want to know the exact number.
Listing Term
Listing term depends listing plan. You may cancel listing at anytime, for any reason, unless your home is under contract. The MLS does not allow us to cancel, if a property is under contract.
Contracts & Disclosures
We provide all necessary contracts, disclosures, and addendums needed to sell or lease your property. We only use only state approved contracts provided by the real estate commission and approved contracts by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
REALTOR® MLS
A commission must be paid when listing in the Realtor MLS. 3% is recommended (1% minimum).
REALTOR.COM
The only way to get on realtor.com is the be listed with a REALTOR® on the MLS. We have set up the MLS to feed your property onto realtor.com.
Local REALTOR® Sites
Listing on local REALTOR® sites:
Re-max
Coldwell Banker
Century 21
Keller Williams
etc ...
Zillow & Trulia
Once you are on the MLS, your listing will automatically down-load to Zillow & Trulia. Downloading to all web sites is a function of the MLS in your area.
Buyer Lead Forwarding
Any email or phone leads we receive, we give them your direct contact information.
The potential Buyer/Tennant will contact you directly, so you may deal directly with them and NOT pay any commissions. Purchase our "QR Code" from our website and place the code on anything to direct the buyer right to your website listing on our site with all your contact info.
Printable Color Flyer
Printable property flyer from realtor.com
Very easy and no set up required. Creates automatically when we list your property on the MLS.
Anytime we make a change on the MLS, it will change automatically on realtor.com and you can print a new multi-page detailed flyer.
Sign
Double sided sign
For sale or lease signs available
Post not included
Sign frame can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowes for about $15
Combo Key Box
Sale Comparables
When we do a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) we look at two things:
What is overall consumer demand in your area
What have properties simular to yours sold for (comps)
Contract review and offer advice
Review contract, page by page
Offer advice an opinion
Calculate closing cost
Review done by phone & email
Negotiate contract
When the contract comes in we review with you in detail, figure closing cost and handle negotiations with the buyer agent.
Basic
The Basic Plan is for those wanting MLS marketing, without the extras. This plan is designed for those who are experienced with the entire selling process and will need very little broker support. Support is available but with extra fees.
Must do 2+ listings per year/only
This plan is for those that understand the selling process and are needing very little broker support during the process. The only problem with this plan, sometimes clients underestimate selling complexities. The buyer agent represents the buyer, not the seller!
We can get involved, should you have issues, but there will be extra fees depending on what is going on with the transaction.
FULL SERVICE with 0.5% at closing
* For those wanting help from listing to close.
* We do a detail market analysis, to help with pricing.
* Review and discuss contracts, figure closing cost, prepare counter offers.
* We are here to guide you through the entire process.
* Selling can be a complex process and important for you to understand the "industry norms".
FULL SERVICE no fee at closing
During the marketing phase: * Before you list, we do a market analysis (CMA) and discuss a marketing strategy based on your motivation for selling.
* Discuss anytime during the marketing phase, your showing feedback and evaluate.
When you get a contract: * We go over the contract page by page, discuss and explain all options in detail.
* Offer advice/opinions and what we would do if it were our home.
* Figure closing cost to see what you would “walk away with” or net proceeds.
* Handle negotiations with buyer’s agent.
During option period and repairs:
* This is right after the contract is signed and the buyer does inspection.
* Discuss options and get back with buyer’s agent what you are willing to do with regards to repairs.
During closing with the title company:
* Review the closing statement to make sure everything is accurate
Open House advertised
About Us
Tracy has been offering flat fee real estate since 2005. We are located in Florence, Alabama which is in the northwest area of the state, but are familiar with many parts of Alabama. Having practiced traditional commission based real estate for years we realized there was a better way to sell homes and started offering flat fees. Please call me with any questions. 256-627-7168