Has anyone sold their home through a flat-rate MLS service, and what were the...

[cmiravale]

...results? We are preparing to sell a $300K house and just can't understand how a listing agent can still justify a 3% / $9K commission. Property values have increased substantially in our area, as in most, but the work the agents have to do to market properties has decreased significantly with the advent of internet marketing.































I understand the value of the buyer's agent, bringing pre-qualified buyers to see my home, but I just can't see paying the same commission to another agent just for listing on the MLS and coming by to stock flyers, especially when I can buy an MLS # myself through one of these services. And as for the paperwork, a real estate attorney can do it for far less.































On the downside, I can imagine that the buyer's agents may be less enthusiastic to show such a property out of support for their industry. What experiences have you had? Are listing agents still necessary or are most people just willing to pay the 3% b/c they are so happy to hear how much their house is now worth?

[MDHanner]

I don't think a flat-rate MLS service is a bad way to go, but you need to be willing to be more involved. My agent takes care of showings, writes up contracts, makes sure we close on time, handles any inspection or other issues, etc.... He also makes sure that my house is priced competitively for a quick sale. I think a GOOD agent is worth the money.































When I wasn't as busy as I am now, I would pay for a real estate agent to write up the contract and that's all. I spent a ton of time working on open houses, showing the property, working up flyers, ect....































It comes down to your preference. How involved do you want to be? How involved do you have time to be? How well do you know the market?































Good luck!