Would you list with a Realtor that does not use the Multiple Listing Service? If not why not?

The Realtor is the BIC with 3 part time agents - her company used the MLS at one time, now she claims it is to expensive and burdensome. Her marketing program is a website - sign in the yard and 40 years of contacts.

I have known her all my life - easy to work with - very interested in selling the house - fee is 4.5%

For not listing on the MLS I would expect a lower rate. Maybe 3%.

I have a long time friend listing my property on the MLS and the usual sign and other things for 4%.

It sounds almost as if she is not wanting to spend the money to make money. It might work out fine in this hot market.

What is her reputation as a realtor/broker?

How do people find her website and your property for sale?

The way she is doing it and with the hot market, you could do that yourself.

Interview 3 agents along with her pick the one who offers to best service and will get you an acceptable sale price.

As we all know, "highest prices" is not ALWAYS the only motivating factor. It's a big one, for sure. But if she can sell at 4.5% not using the MLS and get you close to the comps other agents bring you, then there's no reason to demand MLS access.

Never use friends when buying or selling RE.

No up side. RE agents have friends-- lots of them-- that's how they get listings and THEY ALL KNOW that-- so should you.

Hmmm....I don't know.

Zillow, Realtor.com, etc has taken the place of the old MLS service.

Many (most??) property is sold to buyers brought in by someone other than the listing agent.

Our last few flips we simply on Zillow, not MLS, and agents brought in buyers.

Back when I was licensed 100 years ago the big push was to simply get the listing and let someone else do the heavy lifting of working with buyers.

Simply relying on 40 years of contacts (does this include young first time buyers who make up a major portion of buyers??) and HER OWN website does not build my confidence. If she had mentioned Zillow I'd feel better.

I suggest getting more info on her actual plan before listing.

Another wise investor taught me to scan the neighborhood SOLD listings for realtors who have been selling homes in the neighborhood. They will have a list of people shopping that neighborhood.

BRAD

A "listing" agent is supposed to ADVERTISE and get you exposure. Trying to do double duty and also finding a retail client is insane.

I want it on MLS.

The agents who are "bringing" buyers from homes listed only on Zillow, etc. are likely only bringing the buyers who are doing their own research and telling the agent "I want to see this one."

It seems most of you think - a sign in the yard and a website is NOT enough exposure, and I Agree.

I spoke to a couple of other agents one did not impress me at all and other one did not seem very interested.

4% with the MLS may be a good deal.

The house is my moms house - siblings suggested using a real estate agent, but they left it up to me.

I have swapped emails with one of the flat fee brokers -BuySelf - not sure about that

I have set the price, but good comps are almost impossible due to no recent sales in that area - repairs made - house is in good condition - it is in the country on 2.5 acres - poor area - no jobs - typical rural SC.

THANKS FOR THE INPUT

I bought a multi that was listed for 2 years with just a sign - got a great deal as nobody knew it existed - owner financed too

You should have been using 1 broker for 20+ years by now so you have a great broker relationship for buying and selling

Same with a banker

At a minimum buy them a lunch every 6 months just to keep up with the market

MLS is how a majority of houses are sold. 40 years of contacts doesn't translate to sales. Most of those contacts are retired anyway and retirees stay put. She sounds like an old person that used MLS when it was a published book, but doesn't know how to use a computer and doesn't want to learn.