Young homeowners gain despite stagnant economy

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – June 15, 2009 – If the real estate bust has a bright side, it’s this: People like Lilly Thomas, Stephanie Driskell and Dexter Wuller can finally afford homes.

Falling home prices and an $8,000 federal tax credit are putting homes in reach of young people who couldn’t afford them a few years ago. As a result, real estate agents say starter homes are the only part of the real estate market that’s showing some life.

It’s not a lot of life. House sales this year are down by a third from the boom year of 2006, and the bust spans all price classes. But the lower end of the market – houses priced under $200,000 – is suffering less, and there’s some evidence that a comeback could be beginning.

Now, real estate agents are starting to worry that rising mortgage interest rates may dampen buyers’ enthusiasm. Rates on 30-year mortgages jumped to an average of 5.59 percent last week, up from 4.84 percent a month ago. Meanwhile, many FHA lenders have raised their credit score requirements to 620 from 580, which will seal some people out of the home market.

House prices in St. Louis dropped 4 percent in the last year, and they’re down nearly 9 percent from their high of 2007, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s index, which excludes the most expensive houses.

‘We got a steal’

Those falling prices prompted newlyweds Lilly and Stephen Thomas to finally make an offer on a house in O’Fallon, Mo.

“As the market fell, we were looking at a $200,000 house that we could get for $170,000,” said Lilly Thomas, 29. “My dad thinks we got a steal.”

They also got a gift from Uncle Sam. The $8,000 “first-time homebuyer” credit is available to people who buy homes before Dec. 1. Buyers qualify if they haven’t owned a house for three years.

The credit may prompt an exodus from Mom and Dad’s house. Dexter Wuller, 23, left behind Mom’s cooking when he paid $88,000 for a century-old two-bedroom house in Belleville. “Once I started looking, I started liking houses. The idea of being out on my own and owning something was pretty good,” he said.

Stephanie Driskell, 28, saved money while living at home for free. That, plus the $8,000 credit, let her to buy a $138,000 home in Affton with her boyfriend. “We’re trying to live the American dream like they want you to do,” she said.

Scott Cottrell, of the Cottrell Realty Group in Ballwin, studies real estate statistics. He sees signs of a reviving market, led entirely by low-end home sales.

In St. Louis County, the monthly count of new sales contracts has gradually caught up to last year’s levels, which he calls a hopeful sign. That improvement comes entirely from the starter home market, he says. Completed sales in the region as a whole still lag last year’s levels.

Sellers may re-emerge

Buyers are in the catbird’s seat today, but Cottrell thinks the situation may reverse this fall. He thinks buyers will slowly reduce the inventory of moderately priced homes through the summer. Then he expects to see a rush of buyers in the fall as the December tax credit deadline nears. “We could get a supply and demand imbalance that favors the seller,” he says.

Things are sadder for sellers of upper-end homes. They suffer from two extra handicaps, says Cottrell. Fewer upscale buyers can get the federal credit because they own other houses or exceed the $170,000 income limit for married couples.

But the biggest hindrance is the $281,250 limit on FHA-backed loans. The FHA has filled some of the hole left by the collapse of subprime lending. The agency permits loans with 3.5 percent down payments to people with some blemishes on their credit.

Bankers slow market

Meanwhile, indecisiveness in the banking industry sometimes stymies sales at all price ranges. Brian Hunt learned that when he bid on two vacant houses in O’Fallon, Mo., but couldn’t get a reply at the bank.

Hunt knows construction work, so he went looking for a deal on a fixer-upper. As a result, he found himself looking at properties in foreclosure or threatened by it.

On one, he offered a “short sale.” He offered a price less than the current owner owes on his mortgage. In other words, the bank that held the mortgage would have to take a loss. Such deals are becoming more common as prices fall and foreclosures loom.

“It’s very difficult to do because you can’t get the bank to call you back,” said Hunt. He waited a month without a response, then withdrew his offer. He made a short-sale offer at another house and got the same non-response.

Real estate agents say that’s a common story. Cottrell, for instance, says he has hired a full-time short-sale negotiator, and still waits 3 1/2 weeks to 5 months for an answer from overwhelmed bank real estate officials.

Hunt finally bought a $115,000 O’Fallon home from an owner who had retired to Florida.

The most active part of the market is at the very bottom. Of 5,500 homes sold in St. Louis city and county this year, 1,079 have been worth $30,000 and less, or 19 percent of sales, according to figures from the St. Louis Association of Realtors. In 2006, these low-value properties represented only 3 percent of sales.

Some of those are “bulk sales” in which banks sell several foreclosed properties to a single investor, who then resells them or repairs and rents them.

Mark Scatizzi has watched the phenomenon firsthand as a real estate agent specializing in selling foreclosed and distressed property.

“What was selling two years ago for the $50,000s and $60,000s has been pushed down into the $30,000s,” says Scatizzi, of the RealtyNet Kratky Team.

Copyright © 2009 St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Jim Gallagher. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

 Shirley International Realty Inc. has made a complete portfolio out of our Flat Fee MLS Listing Service. We are now servicing Flat Fee Listings all over the US! That’s right.. Our Listing capabilities have Spanned outside of Florida and we are now listing homes in every niche & pocket of the country.. Maine, Rhode Island, Vermont, California, & Maryland are the top 5 states, not counting Florida, where we’re listing homes, so FSBO’s from all of the country are now experiencing the benefits of our Flat Fee MLS Listing Service. Discount Brokerage is on the rise as the Economy remains slow, & Shirley International Realty’s growth has never been better.. Expansion will continue as we focus on Macro MLS coverage..

Along with our expansion and growth comes responsibility to offer bigger and better services.. Now, when you list with Shirley International Realty Inc. through the Flat Fee MLS Listing Service, you have the option to upgrade your listing coverage to the top 30 Real Estate Websites on the Web. Developing positive relationships comes easy with the optimistic personality’s in our firm, so we’ve pulled together a syndication of the most highly-searched Real Estate websites on the Web & bring them to your Listing.. Couple your MLS Listing with our “Web Explosion” Package & Sell your home quicker by receiving more traffic.. Marketing is the key to finding a buyer for your FSBO home, & nobody does it better than Shirley International Realty Inc.

Learn more about a few of the Websites we advertise your For Sale By Owner Home on, when you list through our Upgraded Flat Fee MLS Listing Package.

CityCribs is a New York Based marketplace for real estate attracting visitors looking to buy, sell and rent properties. CitiCribs has quickly grown into a national housing marketplace driving thousands of daily visitors.

NyTimes.COM , the No.1 newspaper website in the US, and the Great Homes network of newspaper websites, including The Boston Globe, The International Herald Tribune, The Sarasota Herald Tribune & The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, extends to reach approximately 36 million unique visitors/month.
 

 
Neighborhood-based research, intuitive design, & rich listing content make Point2 Homes a successful and growing source for buyers and sellers to list & sell Real Estate.

SecondSpace, Inc. w web platform and online services company and has a bold yet distinct mission: to connect people with everything they need to make the most of their “home away from home”.

The World’s Largest showcase for homes selling $1 million and above. For Luxury homesellers, it is a marketplace that understands the presentation of luxury homes & estates.

Househunting.ca is part of the Canada.com Network operated by CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications Inc.

 
CLRSearch.com is a real estate search engine that provides a data rich environment to explore listings, community demographics, & other data relevant to one of the most important decisions in your life.

The World’s #1 search engine, Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. Google Real Estate is searched by homebuyers all over the globe.

Craigslist is a centralized network of online urban communities, featuring free classified advertisements & forums sorted by various topics.

Hotpads is an innovative map-based search site for rental housing.  

 
Oodle is a leading search engine for local classifieds with over 17 million acive listings. Oodle powers the classified search on the following sites: Lycos, Express.com, The Sun, Yell.com, & Local.com

 
Yahoo! Inc. is one of the most tafficked Internet destinations worldwide. View Listings on Yahoo!

Condo.com is a global advertising portal for condos attracting over 15 million views per month.

Vast is a database of classified ads that uses advanced technology to parse and tag ads for better search.

HGTV’s FrontDoor.COM can help you find a place you can truly call home and make informed, smart decisions about buying, selling, relocation, & home finance.

Users are alerted when properties that match their search criteria become available.

TheHousingPages.COM is designed as a central resource center for consumers looking to buyer or sell a home.

Trulia is a residential real estate search engine that helps consumers search for homes for sale, trends, neighborhood insight, and other real estate information directly from real estate agents & broker websites.

Zillow.com is an online real estate service dedicated to helping you get an edge in real estate by providing you with valuable tools & information.

Harness the power of Cyberhomes & AOL Real Estate to display your listing & get more consumer traffic. With access to more than 100 million property records, Cyberhomes delivers the information consumers are looking for—home valuations, neighborhood and school information, aerial and heat maps—with many more hot features added regularly.

The Clickable City Directory provides real estate listings and all zip codes throughout the United States. Its reach is national, its focus: purely local.

VideoHomes.COM LLC developed The Video Homes Network as a GEO Vertical Search portal that brings consumers to georgraphic specific real estate destinations in a media-rich local atmosphere.

Homescape provides local, comprehensive property listings and rich content to home buyers and sellers nationwide, while delivering a suite of advertising solutions that offer choice and results.
 

 I highly recommend all my FSBO, or For Sale By Owner, Sellers go over a thorough investigation of how the Flat Fee MLS (MLS = Multiple Listing Service) Program Works.. This Q&A Section, provided by one of our affiliates flatfeelisting.com, listed below is a great description of how the Flat Fee MLS Listing Process Works & may answer questions a FSBO may have as how Realtors will Preview and Sell Your Listing, Home, or Property.. Feel free to Contact Me, Justin Shirley, @ 941-448-4872 for additional Questions and More detailed descriptions of Your Flat Fee MLS Listing..

The MLS is the best and only way to sell a property. 90% of all properties are sold as a result of the MLS, or Multiple Listing Service.

The MLS is a tool for realtors to list and sell properties. The listing real estate broker for your state is going to list your property in the MLS for a flat fee. If you do not wish to pay a commission (as a result of a real estate agent bring you a qualified buyer), you cannot get listed in the MLS. The MLS rules require that a commission be listed up front for every property that an agent enters into the MLS.

If a real estate agent brings you a buyer, you must pay a commission at close of escrow. You cannot be listed in the MLS if you did not wish to pay a commission if your property sells thru a real estate agent. The commission must be specified up front on the paperwork that you will complete after making payment. If you sell your own property as a “for sale

What is the Multiple Listing Service?
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is the key to Home-Sales Success. The MLS lists the vast majority of real estate listings which are listed “for sale” by real estate brokers and their agents. All types of real estate property is listed in the real estate multiple listing service; houses, townhomes, condominiums, commercial property, lots, acreage and even rental properties. There are 1000s of regional Multiple Listing Services located thru out the nation. Real Estate Associations in all 50 US states and Canada run their own MLS Systems. Statistics show that homes listed on the MLS sell faster.

“The MLS” is the secret to success of real estate sales, directly responsible for about 4 of 5 sales nationwide. About 85% of home buyers use a REALTOR® to help them locate a property. When a possible buyer contacts a Real Estate Agent regarding a home purchase, the Agent will search the MLS for homes matching the buyers’ desires, wants and needs. Statistics show that homes listed on the MLS sell faster.

Is this the same Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to which all Realtors® belong?
Yes. All participating MLS REALTORS® belong to their regional association of REALTORS®. The Listing Agent that will be assigned to place your property in the proper MLS for your region will be paid from the flat fee that you pay to TheSarasotadeed.COM- There is no additional fee to pay the listing agent that is assigned to list your property into the real estate multiple listing service.

How Much Money does the Real Estate Listing Agent that lists my house into the MLS get paid?
The Listing real estate agent only gets paid a flat fee for listing your property into the MLS.

Why would the listing real estate agent want to list my home in the MLS if they’re not going to receive a commission when it sells?
Realtors in our network provide services for a flat fee for two main reasons – volume business and more exposure for their real estate firm.

Is there a “MLS” which may be used by owners selling themselves, without a REALTOR?
NO. There is no FSBO MLS System. The general public is not allowed to list their own property in the REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service. Only a State Licensed REALTOR® Member may access their regional MLS to list a property for sale, or find homes for buyers. This is the same MLS used by REALTORS® in your area, one you will be listed in, which is accessed by Agents in your area.

NOTE: Please be aware in order to get your property listed into your regional Multiple listing Service it has to be listed by a licensed Real Estate Listing Agent that is a member of the MLS. This agent is assigned to you by thesarasotadeed.com and gets paid by thesarasotadeed.com – There is no additional money you pay to the listing agent. A REALTOR® has to be involved in order for your property to be listed into the MLS and REALTOR.com®

Is the MLS the best way to sell my home?
Yes, the vast majority of homes are sold through the MLS due to the large network of REALTORS® working with home buyers. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reports homes listed by REALTORS® result in a higher net price to Sellers compared to “FSBO” home sale transactions.

Will Realtors Show & Sell my home if it’s not listed on the MLS?
It is not likely. Of course, there are a very few exceptions. REALTORS® operate completely from MLS computer listings. The MLS Listing Agreement specifies the REALTORS® commission and without this agreement REALTORS® will bypass FSBO homes. Of course, you may sell your home without a REALTOR®, but once listed, REALTORS® do not regard you as a FSBO but simply another listing for them to sell. Real Estate Agents will generally avoid FSBO properties due to the fact that they are working with buyers and have no written agreement to be compensated. If the seller has not agreed in writing to pay a commission to a Buyer’s Agent, the buyer could cut the Agent right out of the deal and negotiate directly with the seller.

Will Realtors® Show and Sell my home even though I paid for a Flat Fee Listing?
 Yes. Your MLS Flat Fee Listing will look exactly the same as any other listing. There is no way to tell how much you paid to get on the MLS. Regardless of whom you listed with or what you paid, your listing will look no different from any other listing in form and style. The listing broker’s name appears on the MLS, not TheSarasotaDeed.COM name. Our flat fee listing method gets your property on the same MLS used by your area REALTORS®. Your listing will appear the same as all other mls property listings.

Is it True some Agents may not show my home if they know it is a flat fee listing?
Absolutely not! That is a misleading and somewhat fraudulent representation made by some Real Estate Agents in a clever attempt to dissuade you from doing a flat fee MLS listing. First of all, when the Agent sees your listing on the MLS computer, there is no way the Agent knows it’s a flat fee listing. The Listing Agent’s name and contact information shown on your Multiple Listing Service will be your Listing Agent, not TheSarasotaDeed.com. In addition, the listing commission is not disclosed on the MLS! Even if the Buyer’s Agent somehow knew you were not paying a high traditional listing commission, that would not effect the showings, since the Agent is not concerned about the commission you are paying the listing broker. After all, the Buyer’s Agent ONLY cares about the commission offered to him/her to sell your home, not how much you paid the Listing Agent!

Will Realtors® show and sell my home if I am not listed with their company?
Yes. The main purpose of MLS is for REALTORS® to sell each other’s listings.

How important is it the listing REALTORS® office be in my neighborhood for my home to sell?
It does not matter. It’s merely an often-used false marketing method and fabrication to get you thinking it makes a difference so you end-up listing with them. Comparatively few potential buyers reside in your neighborhood. Most buyers come from another part of town, different areas, another city, or out-of-state. Even if a prospective buyer happens to live nearby, why would location of the listing broker make any difference at all? Keep in mind, a buyer who comes via The MLS in all likelihood already has a REALTOR® who is their buyers’ Agent. A buyer rarely hires the Listing Agent. If the Buyers’ Agent needs to contact the Listing Agent they normally use the phone or fax to submit purchase contract offer . . . in-person contact is never really needed. The listing broker could be located in another city or even out-of-state, it really makes no difference.

Who Will Realtors® call for Showings?
You have several options, and should discuss the best alternatives with the agent who will take care of your listing. You can have agents call you directly to make appointments, if you wish. The most common way showings are done, is the listing broker indicates showing instructions on the multiple listing service computer. This can say “Call Owner direct to arrange for a showings” (giving your name and contact phone number) P.S. There are a few areas in the country (Ohio) where broker’s phone number is given for showings as the MLS does not permit Owners’ contact info. If so, the listing broker will refer the call directly to you, to schedule the showing appointment. REALTORS® customarily call Owner before showing the home.

How long should I expect to be on the market?
Your home should sell quickly if priced right, in a good location and shows well. The MLS & REALTOR.com® will draw maximum attention to your home.

How long will my property be listed on the MLS for the flat fee?
The MLS flat fee listing is good for 6-months. Most homes are sold within a couple of months of listing or sooner. Many homes listed have sold within a day to a week. Rarely is a renewal of the listing needed. The agent will offer renewal of the listing — check with agent as to the fee, which you pay him/her direct (some agents renew INCLUDED-this is listed on the website).

Can I cancel my Flat Fee Listing at anytime?
Yes, you can cancel your listing at any time. Just notify the listing agent you wish to cancel your listing.

Is there a benefit to listing with a traditional high-commission broker?
NO. Your listing will end up in the same MLS if you were to re-list your property with a more Traditional Real Estate Agent charging you higher commissions. Of course, there are no refunds once your property is listed in your regional Multiple Listing Service (except possibly under the terms of our “REALTOR® Referral” Money-back Guarantee.) You may also apply for the “Money Back Guarantee” by sending FlatFeeListing.com an email

Do you offer a money-back guarantee if not satisfied after my home is listed, if I cancel my listing to go with another REALTOR?
If you are not completely satisfied you can qualify for a 100% money-back guarantee under certain conditions. This is based on TheSarasotaDeed.COM referring your listing to a new real estate broker, and who is acceptable to both of us. In the event you want to cancel (for any reason), and wish to list with a more traditional broker (of course, prior to getting a sales contract), we agree to refund the money you paid us by rebating the money payable at close-of-escrow as long as all parties agree to a standard REALTOR® Referral Agreement.

What’s included with my listing?
The MLS, REALTOR.com &; and about 50 other real estate internet sites, plus many extras as listed on the website page for your state.

Commission Questions
What is the difference between a “Selling Agent” and a “Listing Agent”?

The term Agent means a Licensed REALTOR.® Some people use the word Agent others use the word REALTOR – it means the same as far as descriptions go to the public.
· Please note that TheSarasotaDeed.COM is not your Listing Broker/Agent.
· TheSarasotaDeed.COM provides a referral service to owners of real estate property. Once you buy the service from flatfeelisting.com, we refer your MLS flat fee listing to a Listing Real Estate Agent that is a member of your regional MLS. This Listing Agent is providing you with a tremendous service by listing your property in the MLS, REALTOR.com, etc. and saving you thousands of dollars in real estate commission for the flat fee you paid flatfeelisting.com – Once your property is listed in the MLS, TheSarasotaDeed.com pays the listing real estate agent.
· A Selling Agent is the Real Estate agency who actually sells the property. They are sometimes called Buyer’s Agents.
· The Listing Agent is the Real Estate agency who lists your home for sale in the MLS.
Do I have to pay a Commission if house sells because of the MLS?
Yes. Any REALTOR® bringing a ready, willing and able buyer with a satisfactory contract will be due a “selling” commission of your choice. This commission must be determined by Seller when completing the Listing Agreement. This Commission paid to the selling agent is shown on the MLS.

How much commission do I have to pay to the Buyer’s Agent?
The commission the Seller pays the Buyer’s Agent is totally up to the Seller. Real Estate commission fees are not FIXED, fees are negotiable by LAW. REALTORS® cannot demand the Seller pay a certain commission to sell their home on the MLS. REALTORS® that demand the seller pay 3% to buyer’s agent can and will have their license revoked.

If I find my own buyer, will I still have to pay a selling commission?
No. If you find a buyer for your home with no Agent being the procuring source, there is no commission to pay.

Lockbox, Sign & Photo Questions
Items listed on the state pages may vary at any time without notice. Not all agents offer exactly the same included items. We may have to change agents temporarily due to current agent out of town, or for any other reasons. If this happens, your included items may vary.

You get 1-photo included INCLUDED with your MLS and Realtor.com listing. However, some agents allow more photos in the MLS for an additional charge.

You get 1-photo included INCLUDED which appears on Realtor.com. This is the same photo that appears on the MLS. However, some agents allow more photos on Realtor.com for a small charge.

You may also get a sign or realtors lockbox from the listing real estate agent – Some agents offer a INCLUDED sign, other agents charge a fee for the sign. Agents that offer a lockbox charge for it, which you pay them directly for. The SELLER can purchase a mechanical lockbox from any hardware store (Ace, HomeDepot or Lowes). FlatFeeListing does not include a “for sale sign” or lockbox, but this can purchased seperately.

Do I need a lockbox while house is listed on MLS?
Owner can decide whether or not to use an optional key-lockbox, which is a metal container for your house key(s) and is normally hung on the front door knob or gate. The MLS Listing will advise Realtor’s if they can not reach you by phone, they may use the key lockbox for showings. It provides access to Agents when the owner is away, thus assuring full exposure to prospective buyers. Without a lockbox, Agents representing buyers will have to set appointments to meet you at the house to view the home. If you do not have a lockbox, you may miss out on some potential buyers who do not have time to wait. Lockboxes are completely removable and controllable by you. Your Listing Agent will indicate your showing instructions on the MLS and contact phone number to call you first for showings. Showings are most always done on an appointment only basis (assuming key lockbox is not used if unable to reach you). It is rare an Agent will knock on the door without first making appointment with the homeowner. If you want a REALTORS® electronic lockbox you can request one from the listing agent (not all flat fee listing agents have or use electronic lockboxes, due to the cost and delivery time required for installation and removal from door with special key only real estate agents have.) The listing agent will lease one to you for a fee.

I have a For Sale By Owner sign, should I use the Realtor’s sign?
You can replace your sign with the Realtor’s sign if you wish. If you prefer to display your listing broker’s sign, many do offer a sign INCLUDED or as an optional service for a fee. After you get listed in the MLS, ask your Real Estate Agent if you can use their for-sale-sign, rather than your “For sale by owner sign.”

Can I use my own exterior home photo for the MLS?
Yes, it is recommended that you send via email to the listing real estate agent the photo(s) in jpg format. However, it is highly recommended to let the MLS photographer* take a professional photo of your home. Once inputted into the MLS, the photographer is dispatched to take the photo. Photos usually uploaded to the MLS within a few business days. The MLS then transfers the photo to the public internet sites for your area. *subject to some MLS regional restrictions – some MLS have a photographer to take an exterior photo and others do not have a photographer to take a photo. If the MLS does not have a photographer to take 1 photo, the seller can submit a photo via email to the agent.

Can I have additional photos added to the MLS or get a Virtual Tour?
Yes. After you get listed on the MLS ask your Real Estate Agent for that option. Many of the referral Real Estate Agents usually offer extra photos for a small fee (some even do for INCLUDED) and virtual tours from $89 to $199 which is a reasonable additional fee. The cost is very minor compared to the benefit of saving thousands of dollars in real estate commission. However, additional photos and virtual tours are not necessary as the real estate multiple listing service in all likelihood will sell your home, with or without paying for extra cost services.

Do you offer INCLUDED forms and contracts?
Your listing agent will supply you with the forms you will need. If your home sells thru the MLS, the buyer’s agent will prepare the purchase contract.

Listing Questions
Why signup with TheSarasotaDeed.COM

We only work with licensed and experienced Real Estate Brokers
We have one of the largest Realtor Network in America
Your property will be listed quickly
We offer more Quality exposure than any other Competitors 
We give you more Value
We are open Weekends
There are no hidden fees or charges
We Can INCLUDE forms, plus reports, etc
No other Flat Fee MLS company offers as much exposure and coverage!
What steps are involved in getting my property listed in the MLS?

Place your flat fee listing order
The Flat Fee Listing Real Estate Agent that is a member of the regional MLS for your area is contacted and given your contact information
The Flat Fee Listing Agent will typically list your property within 24-48 hrs . . . after getting your completed forms back, such as the Listing Contract, MLS Data Sheet, etc. However some agents do not work weekends, so you will have to wait until Monday to be listed.
Your home is listed on the MLS, REALTOR com® & other websites as soon as you return paperwork to the Listing Agent

How do I determine the sales price for my home?
You can Click on link below to get this information INCLUDED. We have heard from many sellers in most states that this service works extremely well — Zillow.com

How does information about my house get on the MLS?
The Listing Agent will have you complete the MLS Data Sheet. This Data Sheet will require you to answer all questions listed, which will supply Buyers with the type of information they require to see if your home meets their buying criteria. The MLS Data Sheet fields cannot be customized. You will however be able to write a description highlighting your home’s special features. The information on the Data Sheet also goes to REALTOR.com®, plus all the public internet sites for your area.

Can I add more information to the MLS later?
Yes. You can add information to your listing, such as room dimensions or description by emailing this information to the listing agent..

Can I make changes to my MLS listing?
Yes you can make changes. Contact the listing agent by email with the changes.

Internet & Website Questions
What is the difference between public websites, such as REALTOR.com, and the MLS?
Public websites like REALTOR.com receive listings directly from the MLS itself. Unlike the MLS which is updated instantly, the public internet sites are typically updated every 1-2 business days. Because of this, REALTORS® only use the MLS system, which is a closed system linked to their offices.

Can I go to a website and see my MLS listing?
Yes, the MLS is on the internet and buyers can go and view all the listings. Plus in order to get listed on REALTOR.com® you have to first be listed in the MLS.

 I hope this clears up any questions, or concerns you may have about the Flat Fee MLS Listing process.. Please Contact Shirley International Realty Inc. about Selling Your Home!

Shirley International Realty Inc.’s Flat Fee MLS Listing Service has become so popular, we’ve expanded and now list property in all Florida Counties.. Each Realtor Assocation has its own Specific MLS, but we’ve noticed that many of these Associations combine & offer similar MLS’s.. Our Flat Fee MLS Listing Niche has been very particular in the Associations we join, but have now teamed up with a number of affiliates and can service any Flat Fee MLS listing in the State of Florida for $199.. This service provides maximum FSBO exposure through MLS advertising and has shown to be the most cost-effective way for For sale by owner, of FSBO, to sell their home.. I’ve laid out below the individual associations and particular MLS’s that each County in the State of Florida services for their particular branch of Realtor Association.. If you have a home located in a county below, call us today to get your home listed on the Multiple Listing Service..

Mid-Florida MLS
Sarasota
Manatee
Hillsboro
Orange
Osceola
Polk
Seminole
West Volusia
Lake
Charlotte
 
Southeast Florida MLS
Miami-Dade
Palm Beach
Broward
 
Northeast Florida MLS
Duval
Clay
Putnam
St. John County
 
Flagler MLS
Flagler
 
SpaceCoast MLS
Brevard
 
Daytona Beach & Area MLS
East Volusia County

Sunshine MLS
Collier County
 
North Florida MLS
Columbia
Suwanee
Baker
Union
Lafayette
 
Innovia MLS
Hernando
 
Ft. Myers MLS
Lee
Hendry
 
Gainesville MLS
Alachua
 
Greater Nassau MLS
Nassau
 
Pinellas Realtor MLS
Pinellas
West Pasco
 
Paragon MLS
Leon
Walkula
Gasden
Jefferson
 
Highlands MLS
Hardee
Highlands
 
Indian River MLS
Indian River

Pensacola MLS
Escambia
Santa Rosa
 
Chipola MLS
Jackson
Washington
Okaloosa
Walton
Holmes
Calhoun
 
Florida Keys MLS (Flex MLS)
Monroe
 
Dixie-Gilgrest MLS
Dixie
Gilgrist
Levy
Madison
Taylor
 
Desoto MLS
Desoto
 
Realtor MLS of Franklin, Gulf, & Mexico Beach
Franklin
Gulf
Mexico Beach City

Shirley International Realty Inc.’s Flat Fee MLS Listing Service has become such an unparalleled selling niche in our real estate market.. Our real estate company has joined the Mid-Florida MLS which includes 13 Realtor Assocations and over 35,000 Realtors! This means that any home, condo, land, or property you’re looking to sale from Orlando to Port Charlotte will be seen by all Florida Real Estate Licensed Realtors/Appraisers, & Mortgage Brokers constanlty scowering the MLS.. from Orlando to Port Charlotte.. Even in this slow market, we’re listing more homes than ever because local sellers are seeing the value in being promoted on the Multiple Listing Service.. Even national renowned builders such as KB Homes, & local powerhouse names like Capstone Construction, have teamed-up with our office to have their inventory homes listed through our Flat Fee MLS Service.. Our biggest testimony for the success of our Flat Fee Programs are the Sellers & Builders that are now outsourcing their listing inventory to us.. $199 will get your home listed on the local MLS & Realtor.com for local Realtors & National/International Buyers to come preview your home..

I’ve expanded my Flat Fee MLS Listing Service beyond Florida Boundaries and reach out now to ANY seller around the US Looking for MLS Coverage.. Scanning over my inventory of listing from the past 8 weeks, I’m seeing that Shirley International Realty Inc. has listed 5 homes in Maine, 4 in New Hampshire, 4 Homes in New York, 6 Homes in Massachusetts & a handful of properties in states such as Maryland, Virginia, Minnesota, & New Jersey. Our Flat Fee Listing of Flat Fee Network Brokers is expanding everyday and we’re helping promote sellers listings in every corner of America! Our focus is centered around maximizing the promotion of your property, while still saving you the most money.. This is called Grade-A Value & its something we take great pride in offering..

If you, or anyone you know is looking to sell a home and isn’t interested in paying a Realtor 6% to do so, please call Justin Shirley, CEO of Shirley International Realty, to talk about how to get your home the most expansive promotions for a Minimal Flat Fee/Rate.. I’m always “sweetening” the promotional marketing our Real Estate Company offers for your home, & specialize in Web Marketing.. The MLS, or Multiple Listing Service, is the foundation that you SHOULD HAVE in selling your home in any market.. Realtors are waiting for your home to hit the MLS so they can bring their most urgent buyers to you & close a sell.. You No Longer have to pay 6-7% for this service.. We offer Full Service Packages for any seller looking for assistance in scheduling showings for your property, negotiating contracts, over-the-top marketing, & access to our full support staff.. If you’re just looking for the most valueable MLS listing Package, talk to me about listing your home on the MLS for $199 (& this listing stays active until the property sells, or until you request it be terminated..)..

We’re here to provide quality listing services and can offer this package anywhere in the State of Florida.. Located outside the State?? We’ll get any property isted from Seattle, to New York, & San Diego to Key West! We’re constantly adapting to Real Estate & Economic Conditions to give you more Marketing Bang for Your Selling Buck!!! Innovation will continue to take place in Shirley International Realty Inc.’s offices..

Justin Shirley..