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Listing FAQS
What is the MLS (Multiple Listing Service)?
The MLS is the most comprehensive, computerized private database of homes for sale with millions of listings nationwide. Listing a property on the MLS notifies all real estate agents in your area that your property is for sale. It is usually operated by a local Realtor’s Association and real estate agents pay dues to have access to it. It is the way agents find homes for their buyers and advertise homes for their sellers. It is the most powerful and efficient marketing tool for selling homes. According to National Association of Realtors® in 2007, “90% of all homes sold nationwide were a direct result of the MLS.”
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What is Realtor.com?
Realtor.com is the country's largest national real estate website open to the general public. It is the second most powerful marketing tool to help you sell your home. It receives over 5 million hits a month from buyers looking to purchase a home. According to Realtor.com, buyers revealed that those searching online for a home spent 82% of their time searching on Realtor.com. 84% of home buyers say that photos and detailed property descriptions are the most important features when searching online. Homes with six or more photos are viewed in detail 299% more often than listings with one photo. Realtor.com is also the official website for the National Association of Realtors®.
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Do real estate agents using the MLS listings sell most houses and at higher prices?
Yes. According to the National Association of Realtors®, “90% of all U.S. homes are sold through real estate agents using the MLS, and homes listed on the MLS average net proceeds that are thousands more than homes not listed on the MLS.” The MLS will give you maximum exposure, this being the key to a successful sale.
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What is the role of the Listing Agent?
Every MLS requires that you sign a listing agreement with a real estate agent before the MLS will accept your listing. At HomeJumpers our network of licensed real estate agents are qualified to perform these requirements.
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What is the difference between a "Listing Agent", "Selling Agent" and a "Buying Agent?"
 The listing agent is the real estate agency who lists your home for sale in the MLS and is also known as the selling agent.
The buying agent is the real estate agency who actually sells the home.
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What is an agent listed home?
Any home listed on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) with a Real Estate Company.
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Who handles the MLS listing forms and paperwork?
All necessary listing forms and disclosures will be emailed, faxed, or mailed to you by one of our network real estate agents after you have placed your order with us. These documents must be completed, signed, and faxed so that your home can be listed within 48 hours. You will receive a copy of your MLS listing to double check for accuracy. One of our network real estate agents will assist you with any questions you may have about filling out the paperwork.
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Will my listing look the same as other listings and will real estate agents show my home even though I paid for a flat fee listing?
Yes, your listing will be identical to the listings of competing real estate companies while showing your unique home information.
Yes, buyer's agents are just as motivated to show your home as any other home for sale since you are offering a 3% commission.
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Are there commissions involved with listing on the MLS?
Yes. If an agent sees your listing and brings a buyer, you must pay the buyer’s agent a commission if the sale is consummated. In your MLS listing, you state the commission you are offering to the buyer’s agent. Common commission amounts vary from state to state and even town to town. We recommend offering the buyer's agent a 3% commission. In most cases if you offer less, real estate agents will boycott your listing because the incentive for the agent is not enough to sell your home.
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Whose phone numbers are on the MLS listings to arrange showings?
The MLS listing will display the HomeJumpers network real estate agent’s contact information. That agent will then forward your phone number to the buyer's agent so that they can set up showings and discuss property details with you.
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Can I make changes to my listing?
Yes, you can contact the HomeJumpers network real estate agent via email, fax or phone for any needed changes to your listing.
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Where can I go to view my listing?
To find and view your listing, go to Realtor.com and under Find a Home click Advanced Search. At the bottom of the page type in your MLS ID number to find your home.
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How can I print or email color brochures of my listing?
A showcased listing on Realtor.com offers the ability to print and/or email color brochures of your listing to hand out to potential buyers. To find your listing, go to Realtor.com and under Find a Home click Advanced Search. At the bottom of the page type in your MLS ID number to find your home.
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What is the listing length?
The MLS listing is for six months, and you may cancel it at any time unless the property has a pending sale. For a fee of $149, you may renew your listing for another six months.
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Can I list a condominium, building, or land for sale on the MLS?
Yes, in addition to houses you can list condominiums, buildings, or land on the MLS.
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Can I cancel my listing at anytime and is my order refundable?
Yes you can cancel your listing at anytime; however, once your order is made and confirmed the listing fee is non-refundable.
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General Questions
How do I establish a price for my home?
Use an online evaluation service such as Electronicappraiser.com to get an idea of the value of your property. Remember you need to look at prices of property comparable to yours that have sold to help you establish a competitive price for your property.
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Do I receive a For Sale by Owner sign with my package?
Yes, you will receive a pre-printed HomeJumpers sign with both basic and showcase packages. It will list your phone number and show “MLS listed” announcing a 3% commission to the buyer's agent.
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Must I use a lock-box?
No, but real estate agents do depend on quick access. We strongly recommend using a lock-box but more importantly making your home easy to show by being accessible.
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What about photos?
You can provide your own digital photos by emailing them to the HomeJumpers network real estate agent as .jpg files, ideally 640x480 pixels or by mailing a cd.
How do I establish a price for my home?
Use an online evaluation service such as Electronicappraiser.com to get an idea of the value of your property. Remember you need to look at prices of property comparable to yours that have sold to help you establish a competitive price for your property.
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Do I receive a For Sale by Owner sign with my package?
Yes, you will receive a pre-printed HomeJumpers sign with both basic and showcase packages. It will list your phone number and show “MLS listed” announcing the customary commission amount for the state you are located in to the buyer's agent.
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Must I use a lock-box?
No, but real estate agents do depend on quick access. We strongly recommend using a lock-box but more importantly making your home easy to show by being accessible.
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What about photos?
You can provide your own digital photos by emailing them to the HomeJumpers network real estate agent as .jpg files, ideally 640x480 pixels or by mailing a cd.
What if I find the Buyer myself? Do I still have to pay a commission?
No. If buyer does not have a real estate agent, you will not have to pay any commission.
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What happens if a real estate agent contacts HomeJumpers or their network of real estate agents?
All agent inquires are directed to you.
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Are there any hidden fees?
No, there are no hidden fees to have your home listed.
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Can I get extra help from an agent if I need it?
Yes, our HomeJumpers network real estate agents can answer basic questions related to your MLS listing. HomeJumpers can provide additional services including contract review, negotiating, and close of sale for additional fees. Contact Us
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How can I get help if I have problems or questions when filling out the paperwork?
Our HomeJumpers network real estate agent will assist you with any questions you may have.
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Buyer Refunds FAQS
Do I pay taxes on my commission refund?
The IRS ruling states that "a payment or credit at closing from a commission refund represents an adjustment to the purchase price of the home and generally is not included in a purchaser's gross income." Each individual's tax return is unique and specific questions should be addressed to an accountant.
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What do I need in order to utilize one of the HomeJumpers network real estate agents?
You must be pre-qualified to borrow the amount needed to buy the property.
You cannot have a current buying agent's contract with another real estate agent.
Sign the buying agent's agreement with your assigned agent.
Remember that when viewing a home or speaking with the listing agent you need to let them know that you are working with your assigned real estate agent. It is the only way to be able to receive the refund from your real estate agent's commission.
You must have access to a fax machine, internet, and email.
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What if I submit an offer through a HomeJumpers network real estate agent and the seller doesn't accept the offer? Do I have to pay anything?
No, we do not get any money until you close on a home.
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Will a listing agent be willing to show me a property without my network real estate agent present? Yes, they are obligated to show you the home. (Very important note: Identify yourself as a customer of your assigned real estate agent. If you misrepresent yourself, neither you or the real estate agent will receive any commission).
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