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	<title>multiple listing service</title>
	<link>http://www.artwoo.com</link>
	<description>Returned search results for multiple listing service</description>
	<copyright>Copyright 2008</copyright>
	<pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:53:01 +0000</pubDate>
	<generator>http://www.artwoo.com/rss/multiple+listing+service</generator>

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				<title>What Is Flat Fee Mls?</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-flat-fee-mls</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-flat-fee-mls#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Fri, 03 Aug 2007 00:35:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>flat fee mls</category><category>fee mls listing service</category><category>mls listing service</category><category>recognize that there</category><category>real estate companies</category><category>multiple listing service</category><category>flat fee mls listing</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-flat-fee-mls</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ Have you ever wondered about how buyers' agents find homes that match the needs of the buyers? Have you ever wondered how buyers find a home with all of the features - number of bedrooms, bathrooms, finished basement - that they are looking for when they search online?  The answer to both]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ Have you ever wondered about how buyers' agents find homes that match the needs of the buyers? Have you ever wondered how buyers find a home with all of the features - number of bedrooms, bathrooms, finished basement - that they are looking for when they search online? <br /><br /> The answer to both questions is similar: both buyers' agents and individuals searching for a new home online find what they're looking for using the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/multiple+listing+service" rel="tag">Multiple Listing Service</a> - the MLS. <br /><br /> In the past, the only way to ensure that, when you sold your home, it would be included on the MLS was to use a seller's agent who would add your listing. For those who wanted to save the commission that would be paid to a seller's agent, the compromise meant that they would need to do a lot more marketing for their home so that buyers and buyers' agents would find the listing. <br /><br /> Now, however, that's changed. Since the introduction of <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/flat+fee+mls" rel="tag">Flat Fee MLS</a>, for sale by owner sellers are also able to ensure that their homes are able to be found by buyers and buyers' agents. Since the introduction of Flat Fee MLS, for sale by owner homes can be listed on the same multiple listing service that real estate agents use without having to pay a seller's agent's commission. <br /><br /> Instead, thanks to companies that offer a Flat <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/fee+mls+listing+service" rel="tag">Fee <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/mls+listing+service" rel="tag">MLS listing service</a></a>, home sellers can pay one low flat fee to have their home included in the MLS for a particular amount of time - typically six months. Instead, thanks to companies that offer a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/flat+fee+mls+listing" rel="tag">flat fee MLS listing</a> service, home sellers can ensure that buyers and buyers' agents are able to know the features of a home on the market, as well as the asking price for the home. <br /><br /> In other words, Flat Fee MLS is a service provided by a number of <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/real+estate+companies" rel="tag">real estate companies</a> that allows home sellers - in particular those home sellers who do not wish to use sellers' agents - to pay upfront to have their homes included in the multiple listing service. <br /><br /> Similarly, because these real estate companies <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/recognize+that+there" rel="tag">recognize that there</a> are may be other marketing materials that for sale by owner sellers can take advantage of, companies that offer Flat Fee MLS listings also offer other services, also for a single flat fee. These services may include lock boxes, websites, marketing flyers or brochures and the option to include additional photos or even a virtual tour to the property listing. <br /><br /> Each additional service that these real estate companies will com at a flat fee - just as the MLS listing did. Because of this, home sellers are able to know what their expenses will be up front. They know that they will pay a flat fee to have an MLS listing, another flat fee for renting a lock box, another for adding a virtual tour. Home sellers who use a Flat Fee Listing will also know that they will not be charged for services that they do not need. <br /><br /> When you sell your home with a Flat Fee MLS listing, you can be sure that you are only paying for services that you need to sell your home. When you use a Flat Fee MLS listing, you can be sure that buyers and their agents will be able to find your listing. And, when you use a Flat Fee MLS listing, you can be sure that you are saving money in the process of selling your home.   <bio>Lawrence Bunnell is a Partner and the Principal Broker of IHS Realty, an Internet based, real estate brokerage company offering consumers online, flat-fee, 'a la carte' real estate brokerage products and services. Lawrence has been a full-time licensed REALTOR=AE since 1984 and is currently a licensed real estate broker in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Georgia, South Carolina and Pennsylvania. In addition to his role as the firm's Prinicipal Real Estate Broker, his duties include serving as the head of web application design and development and Internet marketing initiatives for IHS. <a href="http://www.ihsrealty.com/" >http://www.ihsrealty.com/</a>   </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Getting Your Home Listed On The Multiple Listing</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/getting-your-home-listed-on-the-multiple-listing</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/getting-your-home-listed-on-the-multiple-listing#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Mon, 03 Jul 2006 00:27:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>mls listing</category><category>free mls</category><category>best way to save money</category><category>realtors brokers</category><category>crucial</category><category>private residential properties</category><category>realtor</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/getting-your-home-listed-on-the-multiple-listing</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Getting your home listed on the multiple listing service (MLS) used by realtors all over the country, you are gaining access to thousands of realtors, brokers, and thus their customers who are ready to buy. Basically, whether you are using a realtor or selling on your own, getting listed on MLS is]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Getting your home listed on the multiple listing service (MLS) used by <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/realtor" rel="tag">realtor</a>s all over the country, you are gaining access to thousands of realtors, brokers, and thus their customers who are ready to buy. Basically, whether you are using a realtor or selling on your own, getting listed on MLS is a must. Most home buyers begin their search on the internet, so this listing is absolutely <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/crucial" rel="tag">crucial</a> to getting proper exposure for your home. <br /><br /> There are many options for getting on the MLS. If you hire a realtor, he or she will get you on MLS immediately. Realtors know the exposure that comes from the listing and that is why they spend the money and time to have access to it for viewing and listing as well. The listing does not really cost you, but you will be stuck paying as much as 6% commission on the sale of your home. <br /><br /> The <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/best+way+to+save+money" rel="tag">best way to save money</a> is to get your free <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/mls+listing" rel="tag">MLS listing</a> online. How, though, can you do that? The answer, to be simple, is that it depends. It depends on what kind of home you are selling, where you are selling it, and what is going on with the local market. So, then how do you get your <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/free+mls" rel="tag">free MLS</a> listing online? <br /><br /> First of all, if you are selling an investment or vacation property, you can get free listing on MLS in most cases. As opposed to <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/private+residential+properties" rel="tag">private residential properties</a>, MLS allows the investment and vacation properties to go up with no fee. <br /><br /> Secondly, do some research about the area where you are selling. In some cases, if the market conditions are right, there will be free listing available for certain states or certain municipalities. Ask about your area or research it online yourself. If you are in such an area, you have to do nothing more than logon and get your property up. <br /><br /> Another way of getting your free MLS listing online is to look for trial listing options. Sometime, if you keep your eyes open, you will find that there are times when you can list for free for a couple of weeks. A couple of weeks may seem short, but it really can be long enough to get you the exposure you need. If you happen live in a popular area, that two weeks could even be more than enough. So the key is to pay attention for deals and trial offers. <br /><br /> Getting your free MLS listing online can save you a lot of time, a lot trouble, and a lot of money. If, rather than getting your free MLS listing online, you were to pay for a flat fee listing, it could cost you nearly a thousand dollars to do so. If you chose to go the way of hiring a realtor, you run into the problem of having access and being listed, but having to pay a hefty commission on the sale of the home once it is done. So look for a deal, and find a way to get yourself listed for free on MLS if only for a short time. It will be worth it.   <bio>Stu Pearson has an interest in Finance related topics. To access more information on <a href="http://www.findreading.com/category/business/">http://www.findreading.com/category/business/</a> or on <a href="http://www.findreading.com/2006/06/12/mls_listing2/">http://www.findreading.com/2006/06/12/mls_listing2/</a>, please click on the links. </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Advantages In Joining A MLS Real Estate Listing</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/advantages-in-joining-a-mls-real-estate-listing</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/advantages-in-joining-a-mls-real-estate-listing#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Mon, 03 Jul 2006 00:27:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>mls real estate</category><category>mls real estate listing</category><category>mls listing</category><category>flat fee mls</category><category>real estate listing</category><category>sale by owner</category><category>realtors brokers</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/advantages-in-joining-a-mls-real-estate-listing</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When you choose to sell your home on your own, you want all the help you can get. Though you can save thousands by skipping the commissions of a realtor, you put yourself at a marketing disadvantage. That is why you need to get your property listed on the multiple listing service (MLS) for]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[When you choose to sell your home on your own, you want all the help you can get. Though you can save thousands by skipping the commissions of a realtor, you put yourself at a marketing disadvantage. That is why you need to get your property listed on the multiple listing service (MLS) for realtors. There are many advantages in joining a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/mls+real+estate" rel="tag">MLS real estate</a> listing. A look at them will show you that paying a flat fee to get a "for <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/sale+by+owner" rel="tag">sale by owner</a>" listing on MLS is well worth the money and effort. <br /><br /> The first of many advantages in joining a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/mls+real+estate+listing" rel="tag">MLS <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/real+estate+listing" rel="tag">real estate listing</a></a> is that it is the key to sales success. Did you know that about four of every five home buyers get to the property they want through the MLS? By being listed on MLS, you will have most every real estate sales person in the region working for you. Most flat fee <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/mls+listing" rel="tag">MLS listing</a> services will keep you on for as long as 6 months, but in most cases you wont need that long with exposure to so many realtors, brokers, and customers. <br /><br /> The second of the advantages of joining a MLS real estate listing is that you are saving as much as 2% to 3% on yrou sale. Though that does not sound like a lot, it is actually $2000 per thousand you sell meaning you could end up saving as much as $20,000 or $30,000 on the sale if you skip the realtor and pay the flat fee to list on MLS. <br /><br /> Thirdly, one of the advantages in joining a MLS real estate listing is that you will be seen. If you are selling as a for sale by owner, then you have to hope someone "accidentally" drives by your home or sees it in the newspaper by chance. Also, even if a realtor drives by, they will likely not show a home that is not MLS listed. If you are on MLS, though, you will come up in searches and have your house shown with much more frequency. It works much better when luck is taken out of the equation. <br /><br /> Finally, it is just good sales and business sense to list on MLS. Far and away, MLS is the best way to sell your property fast and for a price you like. Since the internet is considered the second best value and power versus reasonable cost for property, listing on MLS gives you the exposure you need. <br /><br /> There are many many advantages in joining a MLS real estate listing service. You will find that your home is better marketed, that you don't have to rely on the luck of a drive by, that you save a great deal of money, and that you are linked in with thousands of realtors who essentially end up working for you. So if you are going to sell your home yourself, you should find a flat fee or free MLS listing service so that you have the best possible chance of selling your home quickly and at a price you want.   <bio>Stu Pearson has an interest in Finance related topics. To access more information on <a href="http://www.inreading.com/category/business/">http://www.inreading.com/category/business/</a> or on <a href="http://www.inreading.com/2006/06/12/mls_listing1/">http://www.inreading.com/2006/06/12/mls_listing1/</a>, please click on the links. </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>The Benefits Of Using Ebay Listing Software In Your Ebay Business</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-benefits-of-using-ebay-listing-software-in-your-ebay-business</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-benefits-of-using-ebay-listing-software-in-your-ebay-business#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Mon, 11 Dec 2006 22:27:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>ebay auction software</category><category>ebay software</category><category>ebay marketing</category><category>online auctions</category><category>launch day</category><category>andale</category><category>spell checker</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-benefits-of-using-ebay-listing-software-in-your-ebay-business</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You find many different types of eBay auction software on the internet that aims at helping you in your online auctions through eBay. Different eBay software helps you in the different points of your eBay auction. One of the more important eBay software available today is the eBay listing software.]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[You find many different types of <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/ebay+auction+software" rel="tag">eBay auction software</a> on the internet that aims at helping you in your <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/online+auctions" rel="tag">online auctions</a> through eBay. Different <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/ebay+software" rel="tag">eBay software</a> helps you in the different points of your eBay auction. One of the more important eBay software available today is the eBay listing software. <br /><br /> The eBay listing software is an eBay software that aims at creating listings of all your items on your auction site. Let it be ten items, or the entire warehouse, the eBay listing software helps you in your lists. There are many different eBay certified developers that provide you with eBay listing software like <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/andale" rel="tag">Andale</a>. <br /><br /> You find more than 100 ready made themes and layouts in the eBay listing software, along with specific categories, for no extra cost. With the help of the html editor in it, you can create beautiful ads for your products without having to have a knowledge of html code. With this, you save ad creation time which calls for better success. Moreover, the eBay programmers have included a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/spell+checker" rel="tag">spell checker</a> in the eBay listing software so that you create error free descriptions of your products. <br /><br /> In addition to all this, the eBay listing software helps you choose right categories and prices for your products. You also learn the right <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/ebay+marketing" rel="tag">eBay marketing</a> features and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/launch+day" rel="tag">launch day</a> and time for your eBay products. eBay listing software has a powerful bulk listing feature where online you have an ad archive where multiple ads are saved at a time while offline you can use the eBay listing software to create, launch and manage hundreds of ads at a time. <br /><br /> With eBay listing software you have a flexible scheduling feature where it is possible to schedule a launch six months in advance. Its inventory based management provides for easy restocking of your products too. The eBay listing software is indeed a very useful, and important tool for the selling of your products on the internet.  <bio>Michael Gosford is chief editor of  <a href="http://www.ebaycheckout.com.au" >http://www.ebaycheckout.com.au</a> One of the web's most popular eBay Checkoutsites. </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Save Thousands By Listing Your Home On Flat Fee</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/save-thousands-by-listing-your-home-on-flat-fee</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/save-thousands-by-listing-your-home-on-flat-fee#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Mon, 03 Jul 2006 00:27:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>flat fee mls</category><category>mls listing</category><category>realtor</category><category>multiple listing service</category><category>marketing tool</category><category>marketing tools</category><category>crucial</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/save-thousands-by-listing-your-home-on-flat-fee</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Selling your home on your own can save you a lot of money, and yet most people still use a realtor. One reason is that realtors actually do have access to marketing tools you don't generally have. That, though, does not have to be the case. Take, for instance, the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Selling your home on your own can save you a lot of money, and yet most people still use a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/realtor" rel="tag">realtor</a>. One reason is that realtors actually do have access to <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/marketing+tool" rel="tag">marketing tool</a>s you don't generally have. That, though, does not have to be the case. Take, for instance, the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/multiple+listing+service" rel="tag">Multiple Listing Service</a> (MLS) used by almost every realtor. <br /><br /> The MLS is a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/crucial" rel="tag">crucial</a> part of marketing your home. Since about 70% of home buyers begin their search on the internet, it is very important that your home be listed in MLS. However, you generally have to sign with a realtor and pay a commission on your sale if you want to be in MLS. Essentially it ends up costing you tens of thousands of dollars to list on MLS then. <br /><br /> The answer is to save thousands by listing your home on a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/flat+fee+mls" rel="tag">flat fee MLS</a> listing. In many states, even a home for sale by owner can be listed on the MLS. To get your home listed, you just have to pay a one time flat fee. Since in most cases the amount is less than $1000, you really do end up saving thousands of dollars. <br /><br /> The only difference between your flat fee listing and the realtor listing is that you get listed with zero service. However, you still do get the opportunity to reach all the buyers, brokers, and realtors with access to MLS. Additionally, many other websites link to listings in MLS so your home will be exposed to a lot of people. Exposure is half the battle when it comes to selling your home. <br /><br /> MLS is a significant marketing tool because of its reach and popularity. Every realtor and broker in your area will have access to your listing. That means that their customers, the buyer of the area, are going to be exposed to your listing as well. Considering that you are saving thousands by listing your home on flat fee <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/mls+listing" rel="tag">MLS listing</a>, your sale will be able to net you more money. Additionally, because you are saving on commissions, you are also able to effectively come down on your price more to seal a deal. That can be the difference between a buyer taking your home or another one. Then, in the end, you still end up saving money by selling on your own. <br /><br /> The other way you save thousands by listing your home on flat fee MLS listing is that you can avoid paying the local newspaper, real estate channel on cable, or real-estate papers from your neighborhood to have your properly listed. Once you are on MLS, there is no need to worry about other such listings since you may end up exposed to them anyway. <br /><br /> It is a fact that you can save thousands by listing your home on flat fee MLS listings. You can also save money just by the mere fact that you are selling as owner. By saving on commissions and realtor fees you can afford to be much more flexible with your home sales. The flat fee listing will allow you the marketing you need to sell in an efficient manner.   <bio>Stu Pearson has an interest in Finance related topics. To access more information on <a href="http://www.infactual.com/category/business/">http://www.infactual.com/category/business/</a> or on <a href="http://www.infactual.com/2006/06/12/mls_listing4/">http://www.infactual.com/2006/06/12/mls_listing4/</a>, please click on the links. </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Why Sell By Owner With A Flat Fee Mls Listing?</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-sell-by-owner-with-a-flat-fee-mls-listing</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-sell-by-owner-with-a-flat-fee-mls-listing#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sat, 04 Aug 2007 21:29:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>flat fee mls</category><category>flat fee mls listing</category><category>this means that</category><category>multiple listing service</category><category>match</category><category>selling a home</category><category>realtor</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-sell-by-owner-with-a-flat-fee-mls-listing</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ Maybe you've heard that there a few drawbacks to selling your home with a for sale by owner listing. Or maybe you've driven by a home in your neighborhood with a for sale by owner sign in the yard that's been on the market for ages =96 while nearby homes have already sold.  Are these flaws with]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ Maybe you've heard that there a few drawbacks to selling your home with a for sale by owner listing. Or maybe you've driven by a home in your neighborhood with a for sale by owner sign in the yard that's been on the market for ages =96 while nearby homes have already sold. <br /><br /> Are these flaws with <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/selling+a+home" rel="tag">selling a home</a> for sale by owner? They can be; however, they can be avoided simply by combining a for sale by owner property and a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/flat+fee+mls" rel="tag">flat fee MLS</a> listing. <br /><br /> With a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/flat+fee+mls+listing" rel="tag">flat fee MLS listing</a>, for sale by owner sellers will be able to have their property listed alongside others in the same MLS =96 <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/multiple+listing+service" rel="tag">multiple listing service</a> =96 that sellers' agents use when they represent a property. The difference is that, when your property sells, you won't have to pay a high commission to a seller's agent. <br /><br /> As the name implies, a flat fee MLS listing is offered at a flat fee from a real estate broker who specializes in flat fee transactions. With a flat fee MLS listing, for sale by owner sellers can be sure that: <br /><br /> the property that they are selling receives the exposure that it needs. <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/this+means+that" rel="tag">This means that</a> their home will be added to the multiple listing service so that buyers' agents who are looking for properties in an area that <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/match" rel="tag">match</a> a certain description will see a for sale by owner listing alongside agent represented properties; <br /><br /> buyer's agents will feel comfortable showing the property to the buyers they represent, confident that their commission for finding a buyer will be paid; <br /><br /> their property will be marketed online through listing sites like <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/realtor" rel="tag">Realtor</a>.com and other more regional sites. As a result, buyers who are searching for homes on their own will also be able to find the listing and arrange to see the property; <br /><br /> they have access to additional marketing materials for advertising their for sale by owner home in print as well as tips and tools designed to make selling a property as simple as possible. <br /><br /> In other words, those for sale by owner sellers who add a flat fee MLS listing as a tool for selling their home will be able to feel confident that more prospective buyers =96 and their agents =96 are aware that the home is on the market. For sale by owner sellers will also be able to rest assured that they have some guidance throughout the selling process. <br /><br /> As a result, these sellers who use a flat fee MLS listing will find that they are able to take advantage of many of the same benefits as someone selling through a real estate agent =96 just without the cost of a commission when the property does sell. <br /><br /> Though a flat fee MLS listing does not bring in an agent who will do much of the work =96 with a flat fee MLS listing your home will still be for sale by owner and you'll need to do much of the work yourself =96 it can provide peace of mind as well as marketing exposure for your property. A flat fee MLS listing, therefore, can make the process of selling a home for sale by owner much simpler.   <bio>Lawrence Bunnell is a Partner and the Principal Broker of IHS Realty, an Internet based, real estate brokerage company offering consumers online, flat-fee, 'a la carte' real estate brokerage products and services. Lawrence has been a full-time licensed REALTOR=AE since 1984 and is currently a licensed real estate broker in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Georgia, South Carolina and Pennsylvania. In addition to his role as the firm's Prinicipal Real Estate Broker, his duties include serving as the head of web application design and development and Internet marketing initiatives for IHS. <a href="http://www.ihsrealty.com/" >http://www.ihsrealty.com/</a>  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Hot Property Listings For A Successful Real</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/hot-property-listings-for-a-successful-real</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/hot-property-listings-for-a-successful-real#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Fri, 14 Apr 2006 21:50:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>multiple listing service</category><category>mls</category><category>successful real estate</category><category>price price</category><category>licensed real estate</category><category>realtors</category><category>properties for sale</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/hot-property-listings-for-a-successful-real</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the factors that you should consider if you want to be a successful real estate agent is to have many property listings. It triples your chances of getting a commission even before you sell a certain property.  What is a Multiple Listing Service?  One of the comprehensive lists that licensed]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[One of the factors that you should consider if you want to be a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/successful+real+estate" rel="tag">successful real estate</a> agent is to have many property listings. It triples your chances of getting a commission even before you sell a certain property. <br /><br /> What is a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/multiple+listing+service" rel="tag">Multiple Listing Service</a>? <br /><br /> One of the comprehensive lists that <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/licensed+real+estate" rel="tag">licensed real estate</a> agents and brokers are frequently referred to when listing properties that can be sold in the market is the multiple listing service or <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/mls" rel="tag">MLS</a>. <br /><br /> It is a computerized record filled with complete information regarding real estate <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/properties+for+sale" rel="tag">properties for sale</a>. It usually includes the following information: <br /><br /> • The seller's name  • His/her mailing address  • The property address  • Type of property  • Current asking price  • Price reductions during the listing period  • Taxes that will be paid on acquiring the property <br /><br /> This information is available to licensed real estate professionals who pay a membership fee not only to receive this information, but to add their own listings as well. <br /><br /> Advantages of MLS for <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/realtors" rel="tag">Realtors</a> and Homeowners <br /><br /> MLS is an important tool if you are a real estate professional or a realtor. It is because all the data that you need to know about properties for sale in your area are all included in it. Another advantage is that you can sell a property which another realtor has listed and consequently split the commission. <br /><br /> It is the only resource you can refer to in order to locate properties for sale. Another thing why most of realtors resort to MLS is that properties listed on it are sold at a considerably higher price than those that are not. It will give a good profit even before you will actually sell that property. <br /><br /> In case that you are the homeowner that wants to sell a certain property, MLS will also work for you as well. You are assured that hundreds of realtors out there can view you property. All you have to do is to let your agent enter your home into the MLS. <br /><br /> When a property is entered into the multiple listing service, more information is available as in a regular classified ad. <br /><br /> For instance, when you entered a website making use of the MLS, you can find the price of a particular property (a house), its photograph, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the size of the rooms, any amenities such as a pool or garden, and the size of the property. <br /><br /> Converting your Expired Listings to New Ones <br /><br /> In case the properties in your list are not bought because of bad tenants or double mortgages, it will be considered as "expired". <br /><br /> The best thing that you can do about it is to convert it to a new listing or else you will end up wasting lots of valuable time and money. It could also cost you tens of thousands of dollars in lost commissions. <br /><br /> Always remember that having a real estate listing system is very important in your transaction. Make sure that the properties included in your list do not have any problems concerning loans and taxes. It can ruin your career if you include such properties in your list. <br /><br /> If you do not have a real estate listing system, you can get one. The few bucks that you spend now will be returned a thousand times over. <br /><br /> It may even prove to be one of the best investments you ever had in your entire real estate career.   <bio>Nati Roberts is the editor of Real Estate Insider Tips. Find out how to buy and sell real estate an make a huge profit. <a href="http://www.realestateinsidertips.info">http://www.realestateinsidertips.info</a> </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>How To Maximize Your FSBO Marketing Dollars</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-maximize-your-fsbo-marketing-dollars</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-maximize-your-fsbo-marketing-dollars#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sun, 16 Dec 2007 04:34:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>mls work</category><category>real estate brokers</category><category>fee mls</category><category>real estate broker</category><category>multiple listing service</category><category>buyers broker</category><category>interesting facts</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-maximize-your-fsbo-marketing-dollars</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ The number one thing that you can do to improve the odds of selling your house in a timely manner is to get it listed in the MLS. Why? Because the multiple listing service is where most people find the home that they are going to buy.  Of course there are other marketing mediums, including]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ The number one thing that you can do to improve the odds of selling your house in a timely manner is to get it listed in the MLS. Why? Because the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/multiple+listing+service" rel="tag">multiple listing service</a> is where most people find the home that they are going to buy. <br /><br /> Of course there are other marketing mediums, including billboards, classifieds, newspaper ads, fsbo websites, and more, however, none of them have the reach and power of the MLS. Why does the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/mls+work" rel="tag">MLS work</a> so well? Because it combines the two leading sources of homebuyers, the Internet and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/real+estate+brokers" rel="tag"><a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/real+estate+broker" rel="tag">real estate broker</a>s</a>. <br /><br /> How does this work? The MLS is not just a database for real estate brokers, it is also the most widely syndicated real estate content on the Internet. What does that mean? It means that when you list your home in the MLS, you are not only letting the Realtors know about it, but it will also be included on thousands of real estate websites all across the Internet. <br /><br /> So what do you do if you cannot afford to hire a full service real estate broker? Well, one of the more <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/interesting+facts" rel="tag">interesting facts</a> of hiring a real estate broker is that when you hire a listing broker, you are in essence hiring two brokers. The listing agent is the broker that represents you, and the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/buyers+broker" rel="tag">buyers broker</a> is typically a different person that you must also pay out of your proceeds. <br /><br /> Thus, if you are willing to do most of the work of the listing broker for yourself, then you can at least cut your commission fees in half. However, one of the listing broker's primary responsibilities is to market your house, and that is one of the many responsibilities that you will have to take care of. <br /><br /> Like many people, you can try marketing your house as an FSBO, but in many cases that doesn't work, because most buyers like to buy their houses through a Realtor. One solution is hire a flat <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/fee+mls" rel="tag">fee MLS</a> broker for your listing agent, because they only cost a few hundred dollars and take no commissions. In order to put your listing in the MLS, you still will want to offer a commission to the buyers broker, but using a flat fee MLS listing, you have effectively saved 50% on your real estate commission fees! <br /><br /> Does it work? Many frustrated FSBO sellers have opted to hire a real estate broker, however, flat fee MLS is a hybrid option that allows you to still market your home as FSBO, while greatly increasing your chances of success when selling your home by owner, because it gives you access to the #1 real estate marketing tool. <br /><br /> It's still a good idea to advertise your home as much as possible, using all available methods, and its critical to take great pictures of your home so that it shows at its best. Thus, if you're willing to go the extra mile to save some money, then consider trying flat fee MLS before you give up on selling your home by owner.   <bio>J. Cole is a real estate broker and the author of the flat fee MLS Marketing blog - <a href="http://www.flatfeemlsmarketing.com/what-is-flat-fee-mls/" >http://www.flatfeemlsmarketing.com/what-is-flat-fee-mls/</a> . The site includes a free directory of licensed flat fee real estate brokers.  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Phoenix Flat Fee MLS</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/phoenix-flat-fee-mls</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/phoenix-flat-fee-mls#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:15:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>multiple listing service</category><category>real estate marketplace</category><category>miracle mile</category><category>phoenix area</category><category>looking for a new car</category><category>flat fee mls listings</category><category>traditional broker</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/phoenix-flat-fee-mls</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Phoenix sellers have an option in listing their home; they do not have to list with a traditional broker that charges a listing commission at closing. They can list with a flat fee MLS broker that places their property on the MLS for a pre-paid flat fee, and no listing commission. Because of the]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Phoenix sellers have an option in listing their home; they do not have to list with a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/traditional+broker" rel="tag">traditional broker</a> that charges a listing commission at closing. They can list with a flat fee MLS broker that places their property on the MLS for a pre-paid flat fee, and no listing commission. Because of the flat fee MLS presence in Phoenix, sellers in aggregate have been able to save literally millions of dollars in commissions. Even those seeking out conventional brokers benefit because of the popularity of Phoenix <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/flat+fee+mls+listings" rel="tag">flat fee MLS listings</a>; this is because many conventional brokers need to justify their services, add additional services, or reduce their prices in order to compete in today's <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/real+estate+marketplace" rel="tag">real estate marketplace</a>.<br><br>For those unaware of what flat fee MLS listings in Phoenix are, they take some explaining, but are simple to understand once your realize how real estate is bought and sold in Maricopa County, Pinal County, and other counties around the state. A conventional broker and a seller typically enter into a listing agreement whereby the broker is paid a total commission amount at closing. It might be 6%, but is negotiable between broker and seller prior to the listing. That broker places the seller's property into the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/multiple+listing+service" rel="tag">Multiple Listing Service</a> (MLS) database. The exact name of the database for the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/phoenix+area" rel="tag">Phoenix area</a> is the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service. This database is not only a way for agents and buyers to search for properties; it is also a way for the listing broker to extend an offer of compensation to other agents. Conduct a random search of residential properties, and you will most likely see that 3% of the sale price is a common figure. Through a flat fee MLS program, all commission offered goes to the buyer's agency at closing. This might be 3%, although again it is negotiable prior to the seller entering into an agreement with the listing broker.<br><br>If you are <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/looking+for+a+new+car" rel="tag">looking for a new car</a> in Phoenix, you might go to the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/miracle+mile" rel="tag">Miracle Mile</a> of car dealerships in Scottsdale. If you are looking for college students to work for your company, you are going to go to the career office of Arizona State University or the University of Arizona. Likewise, if you are looking for real estate, you are going to go to the MLS or one of hundreds of websites like Realtor.com®, AZCentral.com, or others that pull in local MLS listings. It is the real estate marketplace and no other non-MLS website, property list, glossy publication, or anything else comes close. The MLS is the most powerful tool in exposing your home to the market, and motivating agents and buyer to make an offer. Whether your buyer is coming from Tempe to Chandler, from New York to Scottsdale, or Edmonton to Peoria, it does not matter. They are highly likely to use the MLS and related websites as their primary tools. Luckily due to the rise of flat fee MLS programs in Phoenix, the cost to market your property through this mechanism has been greatly reduced.<bio>Donald Plunkett, Congress Realty, is a <a href="http://www.congressrealty.com">flat fee MLS</a> broker in Phoenix. He has been recognized by the Phoenix Business Journal year-after-year for volume of properties listed and sold. More info: <a href="http://www.congressrealty.com">http://www.congressrealty.com</a></bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>How To Hire A Realtor Without Paying A Commission</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-hire-a-realtor-without-paying-a-commission</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-hire-a-realtor-without-paying-a-commission#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Thu, 12 Jul 2007 20:20:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>mls listing</category><category>mls systems</category><category>local realtor</category><category>successful marketing</category><category>marketing techniques</category><category>marketing tool</category><category>licensed realtors</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-hire-a-realtor-without-paying-a-commission</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ If you are selling any form of real estate and have considered hiring a Realtor to assist you, don't. At least not until you have read this short article. After reading this artcile you will know how to hire a Realtor without paying a commission.  In fact, you will only be paying your Realtor]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ If you are selling any form of real estate and have considered hiring a Realtor to assist you, don't. At least not until you have read this short article. After reading this artcile you will know how to hire a Realtor without paying a commission.  In fact, you will only be paying your Realtor several hundred dollars to list your property! <br /><br /> A Realtor's most <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/successful+marketing" rel="tag">successful marketing</a> tool is called the Multiple Listing Service. It is often referred to it's abbreviated form, the "MLS". The MLS is a large database of properties for sale. <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/mls+systems" rel="tag">MLS systems</a> are governed by private entities, therefore there are thousands of these databases throughout the country. They are usually broken down by county or metropolitan. A large percent of all homes sold are sold using the MLS. Only <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/licensed+realtors" rel="tag">licensed Realtors</a> can put a listing in the MLS. <br /><br /> When you sign a contract to pay a commission to a Realtor for selling your property, they will immediately list your property in their MLS. Listing your property in the MLS is by far the single most important marketing that a Realtor will do with your property. A Realtor may also perform other <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/marketing+techniques" rel="tag">marketing techniques</a>, such as puttting up a "For Sale" sign, an ad in the local paper or on the Internet, print flyers to attach to your "For Sale" sign, etc. However, those marketing techniques can be done by anyone. Anyone can place an ad in the local newspaper or on the Internet, print a flyer, or place a "For Sale" sign. The one marketing technique that requires a licensed Realtor is placing a listing in your local MLS. It is also the most successful marketing technique that can be done when listing your property. <br /><br /> The secret is to get a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/local+realtor" rel="tag">local Realtor</a> to place your property in the local MLS without paying them a commission. There are several companies that have this service readily available.  These companies have compiled the services of Realtors throughout teh United States in most counties and states to place a "For Sale by Owner" property into their local MLS for an upfront fee rather than a commission! <br /><br /> The company I work for calls our service "Flat Fee MLS". You may also hear it referred to as "MLS by Owner". No matter what you call the service, it all works the same. A Realtor will list your property in the local MLS just as in the traditional process. However, because you will paying only a small flat fee rather than a commission, you do some of the work that Realtors traditionally do; such as show your own property, take your own photos, buy your own for sale sign, place ads on the Internet, and negotiate your own selling price and contracts. Your Realtor will forward all inquiries about your property to you and keep your listing current in your local MLS and on Realtor.com. By doing some of the leg work, you by-pass the listing broker's commission completly! You will save thousands when your property is sold. <br /><br /> Please note that although the listing Realtor's portion of the commission is not paid, any Realtor who has a potential buyer will only show their buyer your property if you promise them a commission of some sort. Usually, that is about 2.5% - 3%, but may be lower depending on the cost of your property and the market that you live in. With the flat fee MLS service, you reserve the right to not show your property to buyers who are using a Realtor. Most people welcome any buyer, but the choice is yours. <br /><br /> With the flat fee MLS service, you will either be paying only a few hundred dollars and no commission (if your buyer is not using a Realtor) or a smaller commission equal to about half of the traditional commission (if your buyer is using a Realtor and you agree to sell to that buyer). Regardless, your savings will be well worth the few hundred dollars you pay for the service.   <bio>Kyle Soper is a contributor for the "For Sale by Owner" website, <a href="http://www.VirtualFSBO.com" >http://www.VirtualFSBO.com</a>.   </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Omaha, Nebraska Flat Fee MLS</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/omaha-nebraska-flat-fee-mls</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/omaha-nebraska-flat-fee-mls#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:29:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>deeb realty</category><category>np dodge</category><category>berkshire hathaway</category><category>multiple listing service</category><category>buyers broker</category><category>coldwell banker</category><category>percentage commission</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/omaha-nebraska-flat-fee-mls</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You have a million different choices when it comes to listing your home in Omaha. There are big name and boutique brokerages of all shapes and sizes: CBSHOME Real Estate, NP Dodge, Coldwell Banker, Remax, Prudential, Deeb Realty, Century 21, and many others. Some have just a few agents, some have]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[You have a million different choices when it comes to listing your home in Omaha. There are big name and boutique brokerages of all shapes and sizes: CBSHOME Real Estate, <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/np+dodge" rel="tag">NP Dodge</a>, <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/coldwell+banker" rel="tag">Coldwell Banker</a>, Remax, Prudential, <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/deeb+realty" rel="tag">Deeb Realty</a>, Century 21, and many others. Some have just a few agents, some have hundreds, and others are even owned by Warren Buffett's <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/berkshire+hathaway" rel="tag">Berkshire Hathaway</a>! Regardless, they all seem to be offering the exact same thing: a traditional real estate listing charging some <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/percentage+commission" rel="tag">percentage commission</a> at closing. While some will quote different prices for their services, few will offer a very small fee and no listing commission for the thing people want the most: a listing in the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/multiple+listing+service" rel="tag">Multiple Listing Service</a> (MLS). For most brokers, offering something like this would make no sense. After all, they have office rent, multiple real estate agents, brokers, advertising, and a multitude of other expenses to pay. For flat fee MLS companies, however, there is potential to offer this option to consumers, while still eking out a small profit.<br><br>The way a flat fee MLS listing works is both simple and powerful. The listing appears as any other Realtor® listing on the MLS. Buyers browsing affiliated websites can find the property; Realtors® searching the actual MLS database for their buyers can find the property as well. So first and foremost, people will be aware that your property is for sale. Secondly, Realtors® show properties for a living because they want to earn money. The MLS is not just a database of homes for sale; it is a promise of compensation between brokers. If a buyer's broker brings a buyer that successfully closes escrow on the property, the buyer's broker is granted a commission at closing. This number is determined at the time of listing the property. Frequently, 3% is offered, although there is no hard and fast rule that any particular percentage or dollar figure is offered. While sellers would like to avoid paying commissions altogether, this figure will be significantly below the total commission if both a listing agent and buyer's agent had to be paid at closing. Because buyers' agents continue to have the ability to earn a commission at closing, they will show the property. In fact, no buyer's agent is fully aware of the amount that a listing broker is making on the listing side until closing.<br><br>As the largest city in Nebraska, Omaha's real estate market is not only the most vibrant in the state, it also has the largest number of sellers that have successfully used the flat fee MLS listing to sell their homes. There is no doubt that this option will become increasingly popular not only in and around Omaha, but also Lincoln, Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings, and around the state. On a final note, some may wonder if Warren Buffett should be concerned that there may be less revenue available for his realty subsidiary with the advent of flat fee MLS programs; our research indicates that he is going to be just fine. When he realizes how popular these programs are, he may end up purchasing a flat fee MLS company!<bio>Donald Plunkett is President of Congress Realty. Congress Realty is a <a href="http://www.congressrealty.com/Nebraska">flat fee MLS company in Nebraska</a> and other states. More info: <a href="http://www.congressrealty.com">http://www.congressrealty.com</a></bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Selling A Home With Flat Fee Mls</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/selling-a-home-with-flat-fee-mls</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/selling-a-home-with-flat-fee-mls#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Wed, 01 Aug 2007 23:24:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>flat fee mls</category><category>flat fee mls listing</category><category>selling a home</category><category>sell your home online</category><category>sell a home</category><category>listing service that</category><category>buyers agents</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/selling-a-home-with-flat-fee-mls</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ When you are selling a home, there are a number of decisions that you need to make. Will you use a seller's agent? Or will you save money and include your home in the multiple listing service that real estate agents use with a Flat Fee MLS listing?  Selling a home with a Flat Fee MLS listing means]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ When you are <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/selling+a+home" rel="tag">selling a home</a>, there are a number of decisions that you need to make. Will you use a seller's agent? Or will you save money and include your home in the multiple <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/listing+service+that" rel="tag">listing service that</a> real estate agents use with a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/flat+fee+mls" rel="tag">Flat Fee MLS</a> listing? <br /><br /> Selling a home with a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/flat+fee+mls+listing" rel="tag">Flat Fee MLS listing</a> means that buyers' agents will be able to find your home when they are looking for property for their clients. Selling a home with a Flat Fee MLS listing will also ensure that buyers who are searching Realtor.com and similar services in order to buy a new home without using a buyer's agent will be able to learn about your property. <br /><br /> Even more importantly, however, selling a home with a Flat Fee MLS listing ensures that home sellers are in control. <br /><br /> When you sell your home using a Flat Fee MLS listing, you will know - up front - what the fee is paying for. You will also be able to choose additional products and services - also for a flat fee - that will help you to <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/sell+your+home+online" rel="tag">sell your home online</a>. <br /><br /> You will be able to add features to your listing that will allow you to show prospective buyers more about your home. Some of these features that help sellers to <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/sell+a+home" rel="tag">sell a home</a> online include: photo tours, virtual tours and even a website specific to your listing. <br /><br /> Similarly, you will be able to add products and services that will allow you to do more to market your home in print. For some, this will mean that you will have access to tools that allow you to create better newspaper ads for selling your home. For others, it will mean that you are able to design flyers that can be printed and posted in your area. For others still, adding lawn signs is an option. <br /><br /> Other services - such as a combination lock box - can be added to your Flat Fee MLS listing to better enable buyers' agents to show your property even when you are not home. Or, if you prefer to be at your home when prospective buyers see the property, you will be able to find tip sheets and suggestions for proper home staging and suggestions for hosting a more effective open house. <br /><br /> In other words, home sellers who utilize a Flat Fee MLS listing when they sell their home without a seller's agent, will have access to all of the same tools that a real estate agent would provide. Home sellers who utilize a Flat Fee MLS listing will find that, though they are still selling their homes on their own, they have a partner - a real estate service that lets them know what they should be looking out for as well as what they can do to make selling their home online a more manageable project. <br /><br /> Home sellers who sell a home with Flat Fee MLS services find that they have access to the help they need without extras that they don't. They also find that they save thousands over using sellers' agents. <br /><br /> If you've thought about selling your home with Flat Fee MLS but have not yet acted, what's stopping you? Get access to everything that you need, save thousands and sell your home your way.   <bio>Lawrence Bunnell is a Partner and the Principal Broker of IHS Realty, an Internet based, real estate brokerage company offering consumers online, flat-fee, 'a la carte' real estate brokerage products and services. Lawrence has been a full-time licensed REALTOR=AE since 1984 and is currently a licensed real estate broker in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Georgia, South Carolina and Pennsylvania. In addition to his role as the firm's Prinicipal Real Estate Broker, his duties include serving as the head of web application design and development and Internet marketing initiatives for IHS. <a href="http://www.ihsrealty.com/" >http://www.ihsrealty.com/</a>   </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Buyer Beware! The Truth About Real Estate Brokers And Multiple Listing Services</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/buyer-beware-the-truth-about-real-estate-brokers-and-multiple-listing-services</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/buyer-beware-the-truth-about-real-estate-brokers-and-multiple-listing-services#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sat, 16 Jun 2007 02:35:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>real estate broker</category><category>multiple listing services</category><category>buying a house</category><category>earn money from</category><category>suitable buyer</category><category>received authorization</category><category>new opportunities</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/buyer-beware-the-truth-about-real-estate-brokers-and-multiple-listing-services</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ Most people believe that if they hire a real estate broker, then only that broker will help them find a buyer. In many cases, however, this is not true. Most brokers have access to multiple listing services, which allow a broker to list the concerned real estate with many brokers with the]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ Most people believe that if they hire a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/real+estate+broker" rel="tag">real estate broker</a>, then only that broker will help them find a buyer. In many cases, however, this is not true. Most brokers have access to <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/multiple+listing+services" rel="tag">multiple listing services</a>, which allow a broker to list the concerned real estate with many brokers with the understanding that if another broker locates a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/suitable+buyer" rel="tag">suitable buyer</a> for the first broker's client, then the two brokers will share the commission. This is good for brokers because they can <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/earn+money+from" rel="tag">earn money from</a> buyers who may not be looking for the type of property their own clients are selling; it is good for sellers because for the same price they can take advantage of the efforts of many brokers instead of just one; and it is good for buyers because many brokers representing many different sellers will be looking for them. <br /><br /> Brokers perform two different functions =96 the "listing broker" represents the seller, and the "showing broker" shows the real estate to potential buyers. Although most people assume that these two functions are carried out by the same person with respect to a particular piece of real estate, with multiple listing services this isn't necessarily the case. In many cases the showing broker has <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/received+authorization" rel="tag">received authorization</a> to show the house from the listing broker. This is important because although the buyer may assume that the showing broker represents him, in fact the showing broker represents the seller's interests, not his. In response to this situation, and increasing number of potential buyers are concluding broker's contracts with their own brokers to make sure they are receiving (relatively) unbiased information about the real estate that is shown to them. If you are a buyer, it would certainly be a good idea to conclude such an arrangement. Although you will have to pay for it, consider how much money you have to lose by <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/buying+a+house" rel="tag">buying a house</a> that you will later regret buying. Of course, this arrangement offers <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/new+opportunities" rel="tag">new opportunities</a> for corruption as well =96 imagine a broker secretly representing buyer and seller at the same time and receiving commission from both! <br /><br /> DISCLAIMER: The foregoing is intended for reference purposes only and not as legal advice.   <bio>"Real Estate Law in Plain English" is located at <a href="http://realpropertylaw.blogspot.com" >http://realpropertylaw.blogspot.com</a>. See also <a href="http://realpropertylaw.blogspot.com/2007/05/agency-liability-for-real-estat" >http://realpropertylaw.blogspot.com/2007/05/agency-liability-for-real-estat</a>= e.html.  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>What Is The Big Secret To How Real Estate Investors Find Deals Using The Multiple Listing Service (MLS)?</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-the-big-secret-to-how-real-estate-investors-find-deals-using-the-multiple-listing-service-mls</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-the-big-secret-to-how-real-estate-investors-find-deals-using-the-multiple-listing-service-mls#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Thu, 01 May 2008 13:13:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>real estate investor</category><category>real estate investors</category><category>multiple listing service</category><category>profitable deals</category><category>public mls</category><category>party approval</category><category>motivational factors</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-the-big-secret-to-how-real-estate-investors-find-deals-using-the-multiple-listing-service-mls</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ There is constant debate about Real Estate Investing and the best ways to find the types of properties that investors are looking for. One discussion that is ongoing is whether or not Real Estate Investors can find profitable deals using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). I say that there will]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ There is constant debate about Real Estate Investing and the best ways to find the types of properties that investors are looking for. One discussion that is ongoing is whether or not <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/real+estate+investor" rel="tag">Real Estate Investor</a>s can find <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/profitable+deals" rel="tag">profitable deals</a> using the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/multiple+listing+service" rel="tag">Multiple Listing Service</a> (MLS). I say that there will always be deals to be had even on the MLS; and there is one simple secret to getting them under contract! <br /><br /> Some <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/real+estate+investors" rel="tag">Real Estate Investors</a> say that the good deals are gone before they even make it to the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/public+mls" rel="tag">public MLS</a> because the Real Estate Agents pocket the listings by holding off putting the listing in the system. Other Real Estate Investors simply do not bother looking because they believe that the MLS is a complete waste of time. On the other hand there is a percentage of Real Estate Investors who continue to look for and find good deals on the MLS. So, what separates the two? <br /><br /> So, while it may be true that MLS deals go very quickly, it is also true that the MLS is a often a great way to find deals because you already found an owner who wants to sell. As investors what we need to do is find the owners who "need" to sell (no matter what) as opposed to want to sell. <br /><br /> So, what's the big secret? <br /><br /> Real Estate Investors Who Make Offers...Get Deals! Profound, I know. <br /><br /> In my experience it is rare that an owner will "advertise" either on the MLS or anywhere else for that matter that they are willing to sell their property at 60% or less. So as investors looking for deals on the MLS we need to look for certain <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/motivational+factors" rel="tag">motivational factors</a>. One factor is that the listed price will often be less than other properties on the market in that same area. The second, and perhaps the biggest factor, is that the keywords in the listing comment section will often show some type of seller motivation. <br /><br /> As Real Estate Investor looking for deals on the MLS I am looking for keywords such as: bank owned, third-<a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/party+approval" rel="tag">party approval</a> required, vacant, fixer-upper, MUST SELL, relocating, estate sale, needs work, military family, tenant occupied, will consider all offers, etc. <br /><br /> Another factor I look for is how many days a property has been on the market. A seller may not start out motivated but often times the longer a property has been on the market, the more motivated a seller will become. <br /><br /> I admit that this is a strategy that takes a lot of offers! And, you also need to scan the MLS regularly. I also admit that this is not the only way every Real Estate Investor should tackle the MLS strategy, however I do know that it works. <br /><br /> When it comes to investing in real estate many people seem to over-complicate things. Do not make this more difficult than it has to be, the bottom line is really quite simple, Real Estate Investors Who Make Offers...Get Deals! Want success? Make offers!   <bio>Chris Parks is an Entrepreneur and Real Estate Investor who created Real Estate Investing for Newbies to teach and assist new Real Estate Investors in a step-by-step and easy-to-understand manner. Get Your Free 7-Day E-Course Here: <a href="http://www.REIforNewbies.com" >http://www.REIforNewbies.com</a> (c)Copyright <a href="http://www.REIforNewbies.com" >http://www.REIforNewbies.com</a>  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>5 Questions To Ask Before Your Choose A Listing Property Agent</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/5-questions-to-ask-before-your-choose-a-listing-property-agent</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/5-questions-to-ask-before-your-choose-a-listing-property-agent#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Wed, 01 Aug 2007 16:34:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>contact numbers</category><category>realtor</category><category>take some time</category><category>home hassle</category><category>hassle free</category><category>friends and neighbors</category><category>realtors</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/5-questions-to-ask-before-your-choose-a-listing-property-agent</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ Choosing a listing agent is the most important aspect in selling your home. Few people realize though that choosing one is a two step process, and it can be confusing, if you're not prepared in choosing the best realtor for your situation, and knowing what questions to ask once you have decided]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ Choosing a listing agent is the most important aspect in selling your home. Few people realize though that choosing one is a two step process, and it can be confusing, if you're not prepared in choosing the best <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/realtor" rel="tag">realtor</a> for your situation, and knowing what questions to ask once you have decided upon a listing agent. <br /><br /> When starting your search for a listing agent to sell your home there are a few important considerations and questions that you will need to investigate. <br /><br /> First, consider that you need a realtor that realizes that every seller has a unique situation not only financially, but in many other ways too, such as deadlines for selling, or even times for showing your house to buyers. <br /><br /> You will want to find a listing agent that not only you can work with, but also one that has your best interests at heart, and not just their commission. It's a working relationship, but it's one in which they are employed by you to sell your <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/home+hassle" rel="tag">home hassle</a> free and for the best price. <br /><br /> Begin your home listing agent search by investigating all of the different <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/realtors" rel="tag">realtors</a> in your area. A handy telephone book with agents listing and asking <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/friends+and+neighbors" rel="tag">friends and neighbors</a> about any realtors that they may have had experience with are two places to begin. <br /><br /> Remember though that one persons experience doesn't mean that you will have the same exact negative or positive one. After writing down a list of agents <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/take+some+time" rel="tag">take some time</a> to dig a little further by grabbing a local paper with home listings, and look for particulars. <br /><br /> Note how the agents list their available homes. Check to see if you're impressed by the quality of not only pictures, but how well the information is presented about the homes. <br /><br /> Be wary of any listing that has grammatical errors, or leaves out vital information such as correct <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/contact+numbers" rel="tag">contact numbers</a>. Also, look for the realtor's websites, and take note of how well their information is displayed, but also see if the site is easy to navigate to find the necessary information about the homes listed. <br /><br /> There can be nothing worse than a listing that is extremely hard to find. Potential buyers will click away if your homes' listing is buried beneath tons of frustrating non essential information. <br /><br /> Note too the different forms or types of advertising that each realtor has, such as radio, print, magazine, and internet. <br /><br /> The broader informational services your realtor uses the better chances your home will sell according to your schedule and price. <br /><br /> After researching your potential realtors, and deciding on which ones you might like to work with, make an appointment to delve further into their services. <br /><br /> Again, write down pointed questions, and their answers to them. Key questions that most home sellers like to know will have a big affect on their wallets, and if their home sells or not. Make sure answers are effectually given to your satisfaction. Here are 5 important questions that you will need to ask. <br /><br /> What are the listing agent's commissions, and if your house is sold by another agent what are the fees for both? <br /><br /> What is the agents experience, and how much property have they sold in the last year? <br /><br /> Will your house be placed on an MLS (Multiple Listing Service), or multiple MLS systems? <br /><br /> What is the contractual agreement for the length of time you must list with the realtor to sell your home? <br /><br /> What is the listing agent's policy for open houses, and will you receive timely feed back to correct problems? <br /><br /> Finally, when making a decision on an agent to represent you and your home remember to be thorough. If there are any questions that you feel during your interview with a listing agent that suddenly occur to you as important don't be hesitant to ask. <br /><br /> Any confident and qualified agent will be more than happy to openly discuss in a non hurried manner any questions that you might have. Selling your home is an intensely personal one with serious financial matters at stake. <br /><br /> You deserve the detailed and caring attention of a professional. Working with any realtor should be as stress free as possible, and your home should be presented in its best light, so buyers will come knocking at your door.   <bio>Rmh Investments is an excellent place to find Information on Real Estate and Tex Lien. For more information go to: <a href="http://www.rmhinvestments.com/2007/04/18/5-questions-to-ask-before-your-cho" >http://www.rmhinvestments.com/2007/04/18/5-questions-to-ask-before-your-cho</a>= ose-a-listing-property-agent/  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Flat Fee Listing</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/flat-fee-listing</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/flat-fee-listing#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:19:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>national franchises</category><category>multiple listing service</category><category>s broker</category><category>price structure</category><category>buyer broker</category><category>commissions</category><category>marketing</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/flat-fee-listing</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ For years, the only way you could sell your home through a broker was to pay a commission based on a percentage of sales price, often 6 to 7%. The higher the price of the home, the more an agent would receive for selling it. An agent selling a $1,000,000 home would make ten times more than one]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ For years, the only way you could sell your home through a broker was to pay a commission based on a percentage of sales price, often 6 to 7%. The higher the price of the home, the more an agent would receive for selling it. An agent selling a $1,000,000 home would make ten times more than one selling a $100,000 home. But does an agent do ten times more work selling a $1,000,000 than a $100,000 home? Certainly not. Agents might have spent slightly more <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/marketing" rel="tag">marketing</a> an expensive home, but largely the costs of providing the service was the same. While homeowners wanted a different type of commission, for years they had very few options. <br /><br /> In the 80's and 90's, different brokers around the country saw an opportunity and decided to experiment with a new <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/price+structure" rel="tag">price structure</a>: the flat fee. Rather than charge a commission based on a percentage of sales price, their would be one flat fee regardless of sales price, often $1000 to $10,000 with $2995 and $3995 seeming to be common. The savings to homeowners could be large, especially for higher-priced homes. The concept began to become popular and put pressure on traditional agencies to price their services more competitively. A discussion of <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/commissions" rel="tag">commissions</a> came up more often, and agents faced more pressure to outline exactly what they were doing to justify their fees. Some agents started to realize that they might be able to make more money by charging less, but listing many more homes per year. Companies grew and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/national+franchises" rel="tag">national franchises</a> began to use the flat fee model as a means of differentiating themselves from the competition. <br /><br /> While homeowners would only be charged a flat fee by the listing broker, it is important to note that to gain exposure to buyer'<a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/s+broker" rel="tag">s broker</a>s through the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/multiple+listing+service" rel="tag">Multiple Listing Service</a> (MLS), homeowners usually also offered a commission to any <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/buyer+broker" rel="tag">buyer broker</a> that brought a buyer. More often than not, this remained a percentage, often 2.5 to 3%. The thought is that the buyer's broker is the one that ends up doing the most work in a transaction, helping their buyer to locate properties, previewing and showing properties to their client, drafting the purchase contract, arranging inspections, etc. Thus, the thinking goes, they deserve to earn a higher fee than the listing broker. <br /><br /> Today, the flat fee listing concept has been refined and polished. Brokers have unbundled their service offering to allow homeowners to pick and choose exactly the services they do or do not want. For instance, an MLS listing might only cost $300 to $400, while a virtual tour might cost $100 to $200, and a sign might cost $5 to $100 depending on its quality. A homeowner that lived in a subdivision that did not allow signs would not have to pay for one, while they might opt for a virtual tour to showcase to prospective buyers some of the luxury finishes of their home. Flat fee listings are no longer just a small niche in the real estate world. Hundreds of thousands of homeowners have chosen flat fee listings for the cost savings and control over the listing that they allow. What was once an experiment is now reshaping the real estate industry.   <bio>Donald Plunkett is a real estate broker with Congress Realty, a flat fee listing company which serves the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Washington. <a href="http://www.congressrealty.com" >http://www.congressrealty.com</a>  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Statewide MLS</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/statewide-mls</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/statewide-mls#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Thu, 14 Aug 2008 01:57:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>mls systems</category><category>mlsalliance</category><category>multiple listing services</category><category>la paz county</category><category>multiple listing service</category><category>mrmls</category><category>mlss</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/statewide-mls</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As many homeowners are aware, the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a database of homes for sale in a particular area. Each MLS has hundreds, if not thousands, of members and they each list their properties on the MLS. Thus there is no database out there that is even remotely as powerful in helping]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[As many homeowners are aware, the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/multiple+listing+service" rel="tag">Multiple Listing Service</a> (MLS) is a database of homes for sale in a particular area. Each MLS has hundreds, if not thousands, of members and they each list their properties on the MLS. Thus there is no database out there that is even remotely as powerful in helping buyers' agents and their buyers screen, view and select properties to purchase.<br><br>What buyers may not be aware of is that <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/mls+systems" rel="tag">MLS systems</a> are based locally. For instance, in the State of Arizona alone there are around 15 <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/multiple+listing+services" rel="tag">Multiple Listing Services</a>; each unique to its own area. Some such as ARMLS cover an extremely large area (most of Maricopa and Pinal County -- the Phoenix area) while others cover just a small area such as Safford or <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/la+paz+county" rel="tag">La Paz County</a>. In the State of California, although there are some systems like Sandicor (San Diego) or <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/mrmls" rel="tag">MRMLS</a> (Riverside, San Bernardino and part of Los Angeles County) that cover extremely large areas, there are other systems that are much smaller, for instance Humboldt County or Nevada City/ Grass Valley. To the typical homebuyer, the fact that MLS's are local does not matter that much. You simply need to work with a member of that local MLS when you are trying to view properties or obtain more detailed property information. A real estate agent out of Phoenix, for instance, could not do much good for you if you are looking for properties in Flagstaff. They have no more property information than what a member of the public could obtain on the Internet, nor do they have lockbox access to Flagstaff lockboxes. So while that agent may be licensed to sell real estate throughout the state, they do not necessarily have the tools to do so unless they join all the MLS systems.<br><br>There has been talk recently about statewide MLS's. For instance, in Connecticut, there already is a system that covers the entire state making the future of smaller MLS's suspect. In California, there already is a portal called <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/mlsalliance" rel="tag">MLSAlliance</a> which seeks to combine listing results from multiple MLS's and some reciprocity exists between MLS systems whereby an outside member can list a property for a fee. The next step would be some type of statewide system and there are currently two initiatives attempting to do that, one called CALMLS and being led by the California Association of Realtors and one called CARETS which is led by six Southern California MLS's. While a statewide MLS would cut down on fees paid by agents to belong to multiple bordering systems, it also hurts them in that "outsiders" or people from other areas could come in and do business in their area. As such, it is somewhat surprising that a major strategic change such as a statewide MLS would be made. The most likely explanation is that if the MLS systems do not make some radical changes, websites without local barriers such as Google, Trulia, Zillow or others might be able to take advantage in some way, although it is not clear at this time.<bio>Originally licensed as a real estate broker in <a href="http://www.congressrealty.com/Arizona/default.aspx">Arizona</a>, Donald Plunkett is a member of over 50 MLS systems throughout the western United States. His company, Congress Realty, offers a $299 <a href="http://www.congressrealty.com">flat fee listing</a> program for homeowners who want to take advantage of MLS exposure while saving $1000's.</bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>House Hunting On The Internet</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/house-hunting-on-the-internet</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/house-hunting-on-the-internet#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Wed, 18 Oct 2006 22:27:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>coldwell banker</category><category>realtors</category><category>sothebysrealty</category><category>coldwellbanker</category><category>local web site</category><category>multiple listing service</category><category>realtor</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/house-hunting-on-the-internet</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The real estate business and the Internet have made a terrific match. Realtors have taken almost universally to using the web for presentation of their listings. As a result, if you're looking for a home you can get a long way into your search right there at your computer. By far the best resource]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[The real estate business and the Internet have made a terrific match. <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/<a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/realtor" rel="tag">realtor</a>s" rel="tag">Realtors</a> have taken almost universally to using the web for presentation of their listings. As a result, if you're looking for a home you can get a long way into your search right there at your computer. By far the best resource for web house hunting is www.realtor.com. This site has become the principal nationwide resource for home finding and home listing. It is not the MLS, or <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/multiple+listing+service" rel="tag">multiple listing service</a> on which agents are required to list all of the properties they have on the market, so you won't find every listing here. <br /><br /> What you will find is the huge majority of them, nearly all with at least one photograph and with a description of the property that includes the essentials: home size, number of rooms, age, size of lot, water and sewer systems, etc. Many will have multiple photographs and some will have andquot;virtual toursandquot; using video. <br /><br /> If you want further information on the house often you can go to the listing agent's site and often find additional photos and details on the home's interior, roof age, etc. Usually you can click to the agent's site from the Realtor.com page showing you the house. Some agents in rural areas still have no websites, but they are a minority. <br /><br /> Some realtors such as <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/coldwell+banker" rel="tag">Coldwell Banker</a> and ERA will send you to their national web site instead of the local office website and you have to continue your search through their centralized service. Coldwell Banker <a href="http://www.<a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/coldwellbanker" rel="tag">coldwellbanker</a>.com/" >http://www.coldwellbanker.com/</a> and Sotheby's (high-end) <a href="http://www.<a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/sothebysrealty" rel="tag">sothebysrealty</a>.com/" >http://www.sothebysrealty.com/</a> do this well. ERA and ReMax provide no real additional information. But with most realtors, you can get to a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/local+web+site" rel="tag">local web site</a> and good realtors make maximum use of them. <br /><br /> Select a city, a price range, number of bedroom, etc. and search the listings. If you don't find much, expand the search area - the search engine will do that for you too. When you have zeroed in on some appealing properties, it's time to contact a real estate agent - not necessarily the listing agent on the property you want, but someone local to the area that will work with you. They will know of any additional listings in the area that meet your needs and aren't shown on the web. <br /><br /> One of the critical decisions you must make is what your maximum acceptable mortgage payment is. You should consult with the agent about closing costs, insurance and property taxes so that you know what your true total costs will be. You can also do a little research on these issues and more at <a href="http://www.realestateabc.com/" >http://www.realestateabc.com/</a>. Make a detailed analysis of what you can afford. The agent can tell you how much house that will get you, and you should make it a point not to even look at homes beyond your range. <br /><br /> Set unrealistic expectations aside, and find something you can afford that will make you happy. There are several mortgage calculators on the web; in fact there's an entire site devoted to them and to the costs of buying a home at <a href="http://www.mortgage-calc.com/" >http://www.mortgage-calc.com/</a>. There are some excellent resources for a basic real estate education on the Internet.  <bio>Madison Lockwood is a customer relations associate for <a href="http://www.apollohosting.com" >http://www.apollohosting.com</a>. She helps clients understand how a website may benefit them both personally and professionally. Apollo Hosting provides website hosting, ecommerce hosting, andamp; VPS hosting to a wide range of customers. </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>MLS Listing Service</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/mls-listing-service</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/mls-listing-service#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:57:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>payson area</category><category>mls listing service</category><category>payson arizona</category><category>area broker</category><category>purchase contracts</category><category>broker member</category><category>board of realtors</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/mls-listing-service</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What is an MLS listing service? An MLS listing service is a service provided by a licensed broker-member of your local MLS, whereby your property is placed on the MLS database for a flat fee. In many ways, it is like listing your property in the MLS while maintaining For Sale By Owner status. I say]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[What is an <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/mls+listing+service" rel="tag">MLS listing service</a>? An MLS listing service is a service provided by a licensed broker-member of your local MLS, whereby your property is placed on the MLS database for a flat fee. In many ways, it is like listing your property in the MLS while maintaining For Sale By Owner status. I say "like" because technically you are no longer a true For Sale By Owner. Being listed by a broker allows you a number of benefits, though. While you still can handle your own negotiations of contracts, you have access to state association-approved Realtor® <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/purchase+contracts" rel="tag">purchase contracts</a> and other forms. These forms have been refined and are catered to a particular state and/or area. Additionally, being listed in the MLS allows a seller to offer a commission to any broker-member who brings a buyer that successfully purchases the property. The amount is determined at the time of listing; 2.5 to 3 percent of the purchase price is not uncommon, although there is no set amount required. Some sellers do not like to be required to offer anything to a buyer's agent, or like the flexibility to offer whatever they feel like at that time. It is important to understand how the system works, however, and that offering a set amount of commission upfront will allow not just one Realtor® but the entire Realtor® community to seek out buyers and show them your home with confidence that they will be paid an upfront, agreed upon amount. In a way, you are hiring an entire sales force to help sell your home.<br><br>It is important to understand that all MLS's are local. Being placed on the Phoenix, Arizona MLS (called the Arizona Regional MLS) will not benefit a seller in Payson, Arizona very much; their home should be placed on the Payson, Arizona MLS (called the Central Arizona <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/board+of+realtors" rel="tag">Board of Realtors</a>® MLS). Even if your buyer is coming from Phoenix to relocate or to purchase a vacation home, they generally hire a local Payson-<a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/area+broker" rel="tag">area broker</a> to show them homes. If they hired a Phoenix broker without Payson MLS access, they would probably quickly get frustrated when they realized that broker had no access to the local MLS database. Websites that display listings for a particular area have data sharing agreements with the local MLS for that area to display those listings. For instance, various newspaper websites receive an MLS data feed from their local area MLS.<br><br>Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to MLS listing service, is that you want to make sure that the broker providing this service has experience providing this service and will continue to provide this service in the future. As many people are aware, becoming a real estate agent is a lifestyle choice as much as a job choice and false expectations and the sheer number of competing agents leads to tremendous turnover in the industry. Many agents join the industry, dabble in a few different niches with limited success, then drop out when they realize that reality does not match their expectations.<bio>Donald Plunkett of Congress Realty is a leading <a href="http://www.congressrealty.com">MLS listing service</a> provider for the Western United States. His <a href="http://www.congressrealty.com">flat fee MLS listing</a> program was featured in Realtor Magazine, ABC News, MarketWatch and in other media. More info: <a href="http://www.congressrealty.com">http://www.congressrealty.com</a></bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Tips For Selling Your House Using The Internet</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/tips-for-selling-your-house-using-the-internet</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/tips-for-selling-your-house-using-the-internet#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Thu, 09 Aug 2007 22:34:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>flyer advertisement</category><category>photo tour</category><category>widely</category><category>worthwhile opportunity</category><category>stringent limits</category><category>independent sellers</category><category>age of information</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/tips-for-selling-your-house-using-the-internet</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ In today's age of information and high speed internet service, the world wide web is the perfect tool to advertise and to reach millions of potential buyers.  (there is a free ebook: 101 Tips For Selling Your House,for you to download, from a link at the bottom of this page).  Specific websites]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ In today's <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/age+of+information" rel="tag">age of information</a> and high speed internet service, the world wide web is the perfect tool to advertise and to reach millions of potential buyers. <br /><br /> (there is a free ebook: 101 Tips For Selling Your House,for you to download, from a link at the bottom of this page). <br /><br /> Specific websites dedicated to the sale of for sale by owner homes are numerous and are <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/widely" rel="tag">widely</a> utilized by <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/independent+sellers" rel="tag">independent sellers</a> because of the capability of reaching so many would-be home buyers. <br /><br /> Utilizing an internet for sale by owner home listing service is a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/worthwhile+opportunity" rel="tag">worthwhile opportunity</a> for those who do not wish to rely solely on the newspaper for advertisement. <br /><br /> It meshes nicely in conjunction with the more traditional methods such as <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/flyer+advertisement" rel="tag">flyer advertisement</a>, placing a for sale by owner sign in the front yard, and the tried and true advertisement in the newspaper or other listing publication. There can never be too many methods of advertisement when trying to make your for sale by owner home available and widely viewed for sale. <br /><br /> Listing of your home for sale on a website is a way to bring your for sale by owner home to life. <br /><br /> No <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/stringent+limits" rel="tag">stringent limits</a> are usually placed upon your advertisement as far as content length since the amount of space available is so great. <br /><br /> There may even be sections broken up, depending upon the listing service you use, to detail the various rooms of the house. <br /><br /> The exterior of the home as well as the lawn and garage space, if applicable, may even have its own section for description. Size, number of rooms, and amenities are all worthwhile and mentionable qualities of a for sale by owner home on a listing service website. <br /><br /> What is known as a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/photo+tour" rel="tag">photo tour</a> is also a benefit of listing your for sale by owner home on such a site. <br /><br /> Photos of the bedrooms, living room, dining room, and other rooms in the home may be displayed with and /or without furniture to emphasize the space and space usage possibilities. <br /><br /> A photo tour can include as many pictures as you see fit in order to fully and accurately display the features of the home that would attract potential buyers. <br /><br /> Depending on what the market is at the time, the right pictures could very well guarantee the sale. Pictures can be changed and updated as you, the seller see fit and as often as is allowed by the listing service you are using. <br /><br /> Text description should not be changed as frequently, however, as this gives the potential buyer a chance to become familiar with the home while still gaining fresh perspective with each new picture. As the saying goes, "a picture is worth a thousand words." <br /><br /> It can be a good idea to browse other for sale by owner homes and to even take the photo tour provided for these homes in order to get a good feel for what sort of example of your home to put together. These can give you a framework to build upon in order to successfully showcase your home as for sale by owner via the web.   <bio>Download 101 Free House Selling Secrets Here: <a href="http://www.freelandproperty.com/buysellhomes/buy.htm" >http://www.freelandproperty.com/buysellhomes/buy.htm</a>  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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