Speak with a Real Estate Professional (904)-394-3196

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is MLS?
   MLS® (Multiple Listing Service) is the most comprehensive computerized database of homes for sale with over 1.5 million listings nationwide. This database is used by Realtors to market and promote their own listings and to cooperate with other Realtors. Realtors, in turn, are compensated with part of the commission. The majority of real estate transactions are a result of direct MLS exposure. As members of the MLS, Jacksonville Regional Real Estate & Management is making this ” valuable resource” available to home sellers for a fraction of the cost! By having your home in MLS, it will be exposed to thousands of local real estate agents who otherwise would not have known that your property was for sale and would not have shown it. This is the same MLS used by a conventional broker who would charge you a full listing commission.

2.  What is REALTOR.com and how will my listing be displayed?
   The official Internet site for the National Association of Realtors currently with over two million home listings which are provided by 602 participating REALTOR Multiple Listing Services. REALTOR.com receives over 5 million web hits a month from buyers looking to purchase a new home. Your MLS Property Listing with Jacksonville Regional Real Estate is right in the middle of all that traffic!!!

3. What if I sell my home myself?
   Flat Fee – If you sell your home without a Realtor bringing you a buyer, you would have only invested a low Flat Fee. You save thousands of dollars in commission! With no buyer’s agent involved and no commission due to the listing agent you will enjoy the greatest savings possible.

4. Will other Realtors show my home to their prospects?
   Absolutely. Since a selling commission is being offered on the MLS, all Realtors will show your home. The Realtor is getting the same amount of commission that a full service Realtor would be offering to bring a buyer.Example: Break down a 6% commission, usually the Listing Broker gets 3% and the Buyers Broker gets 3%, since Jacksonville Regional Real Estate & Management only receives a small flat fee instead of 3%, you will only end up paying the buyer’s broker a commission. Note: commissions may vary depending on your location.  Agents of Jacksonville Regional Real Estate & Management may enjoy the same benefits as any Realtor working with a Buyer, and may be awarded Buyers Broker commission if thier buyer ultimately purchases the home. 

5. Will a yard sign be provided?
   A Premium Professional yard sign will be provided to you within days, if unrestricted by Homeowner Association rules.  

6. May a buyer contact me directly after a Realtor shows my home to them?
   Yes. However, you are still obligated to pay a selling commission to the Realtor who showed the home.  

   How will my listing be displayed on Realtor.com?
   Your home is listed on Realtor.com with 6 photos and a detailed description of your choice. You will have access to our customer service staff at Jacksonville Regional Real Estate & Management.  

   How do other Realtors show my home?
   If a Realtor would like to show your home, they will contact you directly to arrange an appointment.

   What is a lockbox?
   A lockbox is a device that holds a key to your home. Only you and a licensed Realtor will have access to this device. It is ideal to use when you are unavailable or away and want to make your home as accessible as possible.

    What happens when I receive an offer?
   Although the offer normally is communicated in writing or orally, we suggest that you obtain the offer in writing to avoid any misunderstandings. In addition we suggest that you have a real estate attorney review the offer before you sign it, since it is a binding agreement. Once both parties have agreed and signed the contract, you will need to fax it to the Jacksonville Regional Real Estate & Management office within 24 hours to 904-394-3197

   Is a picture of my home taken? Will my picture be on the Internet?
   You should send us a digital photo of the front of your house for the MLS and Realtor.com (Remember, on the Realtor.com web site you place up to 6 digital photos of your home – 2 exterior and 4 interior are recommended). If you don’t have digital photos available, you can schedule pictures of you home to be taken. 

   How long before my home will be on MLS and REALTOR.com?
   You home will be on the MLS within 24 – 48 business hours of our receipt of your completed paperwork. Once you’re listed in the MLS your home will appear on Realtor.com 3-5 days later.  

   Is this the same MLS?
   Yes, it is exactly the same MLS used throughout the country.  Each region has it own regional MLS.  

   Why does the seller pay the commission?
   This is not law. It is customary that the seller pay the buyer’s brokerage commission. The commission rate is agreed upon through the listing agreement.  

   What happens if a real estate agent calls Jacksonville Regional Real Estate directly?
   All agent inquiries are directed to you.  

   What are open houses? Are they necessary?
   Open Houses, typically conducted on Sundays, make your house available to buyers and real estate agents for showings and previews. Many sellers have great success with open houses. Please contact Jacksonville Regional Real Estate & Management for additional information.  

   Do you accept payment by credit card?
   Yes, Jacksonville Regional Real Estate & Management accepts payment with major credit cards including VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS and DISCOVER.  

   What are the three most important things you need to sell your home?
   If your final answer is: “Marketing, Exposure, Positive Mindset”, then you’re a winner. Nowhere else will your property get as much exposure than with Jacksonville Regional Real Estate & Management and our network of marketing syndications.  

Speak with a Real Estate Professional (904)-394-3196