FAQ:
1. What do I have to do to get started?
Call or email us, you can even use our "contact us" page, we would love to talk with you about your listing. In most cases, we can get your listing up on the MLS within 24 hours.
2. So what are my responsibilities and the Brokerage's responsibilities in your Flat Fee Program?
You- Sign up with us, provide us with as many pictures as you would like to be in your advertisement, and give us information about your home, when we send you our forms. You will take phone calls from Buyer's Agents and schedule your own showings around you. You also would meet the Buyer's agent for inspection, etc, after a contract is accepted.
That's it.
The County Land Company-Upon your interest in the program we will provide you with some forms to fill out. We will then list your home in the MLS and across many websites, as indicated above. We provide fantastic customer care to all our customers throughout the transaction when they need us. We will receive any offers and negotiate, per minimum service laws in Illinois, with the Buyer's agent. We will also provide things such as lockboxes, scheduling service, and email blasts for an extra fee.
3. Will you provide us with help in pricing our property?
Absolutely, each customer will receive a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) of their home upon request.
4.What is the MLS?
The MLS is the traditional database agents use to find homes for the buyers that they represent. In the past the only way to get your home on this powerful list was to hire a full commission agent because only licensed real estate agents can list property for sale in the MLS.
5. Are there Buyer's Agent Commissions?
Yes. If an agent sees a listing and brings a buyer, you must pay the buyer's agent a commission if you accept the offer. You decide how much commission to offer as part of the MLS listing process. The commission you're willing to pay is stated on the MLS listing. It is NOT negotiated on an agent by agent basis. We recommend offering a commission between 2 - 3% since your listing will be competing with others for agent's attention.
6.What if I Find a Buyer Myself? Do I pay any commissions?
No. No commissions are owed if you find the buyer
7.How do I get my photos to you?
Upload digital photos of the exterior and interior of the house. If necessary, hard copy photos can be scanned but will slow down the process. The photos need to be saved in a .jpg file, ideally 640 x 480 pixels. Email the photos to us at thecountylandcompany@comcast.net. Our local MLS accepts 9 photos, but sites such as Realtor.com can accept up to 25. So you can send as many as you wish.
8.I don't know if I have time to be home for showings or take all the phone calls from Buyer's agents? I am also not sure about taking on all the extra responsibilities that a traditional broker would provide...
We offer a 4% Package which offers all the traditional full brokers offer, which is a lot less than 5%or 6% commisions. Don't forget, 2.5% of the 4% goes to the Buyer's Agent anyways, and you will receive all the services of a full service brokerage. Sometimes it is worth a little bit of extra money for all the extra conveniences.
Please click here for more details.
