Is there a way to get on MLSLI without the use of a broker? (Maryland: flat fee)

[Nechums]

We're trying to sell our co-op without using a broker. Is there a way to get on MLSLI without the use of a broker?

[Elke Mariotti]

Originally Posted by Nechums

We're trying to sell our co-op without using a broker. Is there a way to get on MLSLI without the use of a broker?

Not entirely.
There is a way to save the commission for the listing broker - by using one of the "do-it-yourself" flat fee services. These companies are members of MLS and as such can list properties; they charge the homeowner a flat fee for the privilege of having their property visible on the site, but everything else is taken care of by the homeowner--from setting the asking price to handling appointments and showings (easy access at all times, so people can see it); from additional marketing to negotiations, etc.
But I have yet to see one of these listings without compensation for the selling broker... If you don't want to pay any commission, FSBO is the way to go. Of course most FSBOs end up using a Realtor!

[glorybeecosta]

I m speaking for Maryland only. I certainly hope the public can not get on the MLS with out using a broker of some type traditional or discount, we as REALTORS pay a hefty fee and are required to follow rules and regulations in order to be a member.

You can always post the the For Sale By Onwer sites some are free and some charge a fee. Why worry about getting on the MLS when you can post there?

[TeamExit]

Originally Posted by glorybeecosta

You can always post the the For Sale By Onwer sites some are free and some charge a fee. Why worry about getting on the MLS when you can post there?

I would think the MLS gets much more views than FSBO sites

[Elke Mariotti]

Originally Posted by TeamExit

I would think the MLS gets much more views than FSBO sites

Definitely! Of course one of the reasons is that all Realtors look at MLS for their buyers - whereas few if any look at FSBO sites, except probably Buyer Agents...
Another reason probably is, there are a lot fewer houses listed for sale on the FSBO sites than on MLS

[amyla]

Yes.

Last spring we tried to sell FSBO and really nothing. Then, someone on this site told us about a flat fee service. We paid $500, took nice pics of house-very important-and set our commission as 2%. We had lots of lookers and when we put our commission to 3% we had a lot more and then 2 offers came in. We had originally asked $689 but sold for 670. The whole process took about 8 weeks from when we first listed ourselves-we moved fast.

There were brokers who would negotiate, when we were first looking to sell, a 4% commission but that leaves usually only 2 for the seller and 2 for the lister. When you flat fee, you decide what you want for the selling agent. If example, if they have a $600 buyer, the selling agent would rather make 3%(18k) on your listing, then 2%(12k) on another. If I needed to get out now or wanted to be super agressive, I would list the commission as 3.5-4%. Realtors will hate me for this but I always thought it was like throwing food out to sharks-the positives of your house will be pointed out to the buyers over and less of a moneymaker. Not all agents,of course, do that but many do-our experience.

You do still pay commission with flat fee but we sold fast in a not so great market and the concept makes sense. Also, it is less than you would pay using a broker-they start at 4%- and most serious buyers are aware of using mls online themselves. GOod luck.