FREQUENTYLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How is Connect Realty different from a traditional real estate company?  The main difference between a traditional real estate company and Connect Realty  is what we charge for listing on MLS.  Instead of a commission or % of the sale, we charge a flat fee to LIST your property.
   
   The other major difference is you reserve the rights to show, sell and advertise your property yourself to Realtors and buyers.  You pay NO COMMISSION If you sell your property to a buyer who is not working with a Realtor.  The best of both worlds!
   
   
2. Who handles offers and negotiations with the flat fee service?  With our flat fee, you will represent yourself and negotiate offers directly with the buyer's agent or buyer.  However, your aren't alone in this process.  When you list with Connect Realty, we are available to offer support and answer any questions or concerns you may have.  Additionally, we would be more than happy to review any offers with you and answer questions about the selling to closing process.  In other words, we are here to help you be successful and comfortable in the selling of your home.  
   
   If you aren't comfortable with negotiating offers (or would just rather have a Realtor handle it for you) you can hire Connect Realty to represent your interest.  We offer a 1% Sellers Representation.  It includes the following:  negotiating the offer, writing the contract, help with determining Seller's net proceeds, reviewing the home inspection, scheduling closing, submitting documents to the closing attorney and reviewing the settlement statement.  1% of the contract price will be paid at closing to Connect Realty for this service.  It can be added at any time. 
   
   
3. Can we still sell "by owner"?  Certainly! With Connect Realty, you maintain the right to show, sell, advertise, and market your property!  More importantly, if you sell to a buyer that isn't working with a Realtor then you pay NO COMMISSION!  This is how we differ from traditional real estate companies and enable you to potentially save thousands!
    
4.  Will Realtors show my property? Realtors use the MLS to search for properties that match the criteria of their clients.    Your listing on MLS will show the commission payable to the buyer's agent and this is the incintive to show your property.  With Connect Realty, you decide the commission!  100% of the commission you offer goes to the buyer's agent.  This is where we are like a traditional real estate company...just like they offer a commission payable to the buyer's agent on MLS, so do we!  Keep in mind, the majority of properties are sold by buyer's agents looking on MLS and not the listing company.  Makes sense when there are thousands of buyer's agents and just one listing office!  With Connect Realty, you are only paying the buyer's agent!  Connect Realty only receives the upfront package fee.
    
5. Are there any hidden costs? NO HIDDEN COSTS.  Our payment is limited to the upfront flat fee.  When you sell your home to a buyer working with a Realtor, you will pay the commission you notated on our listing contract (the commission offered on MLS) at closing, Remember though...if you sell to a buyer who is not working with a Realtor, then you pay NO COMMISSION!
     
   
6. Do we have access the to the New Orleans Metro Asssociation of Realtors MLS?  No, only member brokers and agents can access the New Orleans MLS system.  However, the public can view listed properies on MLS at Realtor.com and other sites with the MLS feed.
   
   
7. Can we make changes to our MLS listing? Yes, just send us an email and we will make the changes to your listing.  There is no charge for this.
    
8. Can we terminate or withdraw our MLS listing early? Yes.  Upon request, we will send a "Withdrawal from MLS Form".  Once signed and submitted to us, we will terminate and withdraw your listing from MLS. 
    
9. Can we place our own sign on the property? No, the MLS requires only the listing office's sign on the property.  As you are listed with Connect Realty,  Realtors will be looking for our company sign on your property.  Furthermore, our signs let Realtors know that you are listed on the MLS.  If you are on MLS, then they know there is a commission payable.  Realtors shy away from "by owner" signs.  A sign package is included in all of our listing packages.  Don't forget, that we provide a sign rider that contains your contact information.  Anyway, we don't capture leads or perspective buyers, we provide them to you!
   
   
10. Once we list, how long before we are on MLS and Realtor.com?  Once you have purchased one of our packages, and we receive the listing package paperwork from you, we will upload the listing into the MLS within 72 hours (excluding weekends, holidays, and postal holidays).
    
    When uploaded on MLS, your property will be immediately available to Realtors for viewing.  Realtor.com and other MLS feeds typically can take up to 24- 72 hours for your property to appear.