F A Q's
Here is a collection of frequently asked questions that I have put together to help you in selling a home. If you have any other questions, not listed here, feel free to
call or send an e-mail.
Flat Fee Clients
How do I cancel my MLS listing?
You can cancel your MLS listing two ways: The first way is to log into your ByOwnerOregon.com account then under the "MLS Listing Management" you will see a drop down menu. Click on the drop down and select "Cancellation Request". The second way is to click on the "Contact Us" link on the left hand menu bar. The click on "Support". Then select the "Cancellation Request" from the drop down.
You can also click on the following link to access the "Cancellation Request" form: Click Here
Once you submit the cancellation request form we will cancel the MLS listing typically within 24 hours and e-mail confirmation to you. Cancellation requests submitted outside of business hours will be processed the next business day.
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Step 2
How do I change the status of my MLS listing after I accept an offer?
You can change the status of your MLS listing by clicking on the Orange Client Support button. Then select the "Status Update Request" from the drop down menu.
Once you submit the Status Update Request Form we will update the status of the MLS listing typically within 24 hours and e-mail confirmation to you.
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Step 2
How do I load photos to my By Owner Oregon webpage?
To load photos to your By Owner Oregon webpage you need to log into your account.
This will take you to the Listing Control Panel.
Then scroll down to the link that says Add/Edit Photos.
How do I make a change to my MLS listing?
You can make a change to your MLS listing two ways: The first way is to log into your ByOwnerOregon.com account then under the "MLS Listing Management" you will see a drop down menu. Click on the drop down and select "Change Request". The second way is to click on the "Contact Us" link on the left hand menu bar. The click on "Support". Then select the "Change Request" from the drop down.
You can also access the "Change Request" form by clicking on the following link: Click Here.
Once you submit the change request form we will make the change to your MLS listing typically within 24 hours and e-mail confirmation to you.
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Step 2
How do I post an "Open House" on the MLS and other real estate websites?
To schedule an "Open House" you need to log into your account on ByOwnerOregon.
This will take you to the "Listing Control Panel". Then scroll down to the "My Tools" section.
Click on the "Schedule Open House - MLS & Realtor.com" link and complete form.
How soon do I have to process the "Status Update Request" form after I have accepted an offer?
You have 24 hours to process the "Status Update Request" form.
If the status of the MLS listing is not updated timely the local MLS association can issue a $250 fine that will be passed on to the home-seller and paid out of closing.
I have a For Sale By Owner ad on Zillow.com, will my Zillow page continue to display if I list my home on the MLS?
Your Zillow.com page will be updated with the MLS listing information once the listing is posted on the MLS. It will no longer display as a "For Sale By Owner" listing.
I have accepted an offer now what?
We have prepared a sample Transaction Flow Process page for you to refer to.
You can access it by logging into your ByOwnerOregon.com account then under the "MLS Listing Management" you will see a drop down menu. Click on the drop down and select "Transaction Flow Process".
You can also access it by clicking on the following link: Click Here
I see that you have a link to open escrow with Lawyers Title. Do I have to use Lawyers Title as my escrow company.
No you do not have to use Lawyers Title. We recommend them because they are very familiar with Limited Representation listings and understand that we do not sign a lot of the documents with this type of transaction.
You are welcome to use which ever Title Company you choose, you just need to let them know that this transaction is a Limited Representation listing. Make sure they have our e-mail address because they do need to send us the transaction documents for our files. admin@byowneroregon.com or admin@realtynetllc.com
If I find that I need help after I accept an offer do you have a service option I can purchase to have a real estate broker represent me?
Yes, you can purchase Agent Assistance Package that includes the help from a licensed agent or you can have us represent you like a traditional real estate agency relationship at a reduced commission. You can view some of the a-la-carte options on our "Options Menu":
Click Here
Is there support available to me after I accept an offer?
Most traditional real estate agents work with a team of preferred vendors they use on every real estate transaction to insure their transaction goes smoothly. This team consists of loan officers, escrow officers, home inspectors, various contractors, insurance agents and movers.
Over the years of offering "For Sale By Owner" services we have found some vendors are better working directly with home-sellers than others. We have put together a team of the vendors that have proven to provide the best services to our clients and consistently provide a high level of customer satisfaction.
The following FSBO Support Team has been assembled with top professionals that understand how to handle our limited representation listing transactions and are willing to assist you throughout the process since you don't have a traditional real estate agent representing you. Click here for information about our support team!
What is the name of the Real Estate Company that will be listing my home on the MLS?
The Real Estate Company that inputs our listings in Oregon is Realty Net, LLC. They are the parent company of The Associates Realty Group which lists properties in Central Oregon MLS, MLS Direct which lists properties in Southern Oregon MLS and Home Max, LLC. which lists properties in the Lincoln County MLS.
Sellers
After I order a Flat Fee MLS package, how long does it take for my listing to be input into the MLS?
We typically have your MLS listing input into the MLS within 2 business days of receiving the completed MLS Data Input Form and signed Limited Representation Agreement. (Depending on the backlog of orders at the time)
Can I cancel my listing at any time?
You can cancel the listing at any time by providing us with written instructions to do so (assuming there is not a contract pending on the property involving a buyer who was procured by a cooperating broker). There are no termination fees or other penalties in the event that you wish to cancel your listing. However, no refunds will be provided.
Do I have to pay a commission to an agent that brings the buyer?
Yes. Real estate agents do not work for free. To be listed in the MLS, you must advertise a commission to the agent who represents the buyer (aka cooperating broker) . If a real estate agent presents an accepted offer and it goes to closing, you must pay the commission advertised in the MLS listing. The commission is paid at the close of escrow.
Do you assist me when I receive an offer on my property?
No. Under the Flat Fee MLS listing program, our services are strictly limited to listing the property in the MLS. If you feel that you need assistance in interpreting or determining the merits of a purchase offer, conducting negotiations, completing the required disclosures and inspections, or otherwise moving your transaction to settlement, we recommend that you obtain professional representation.
NOTE: Some of our brokers offer full representation for an additional fee (either paid in advance or at closing). If you are interested in that type of service, please inquire with your listing broker.
How can you provide this flat fee listing service so inexpensively?
With advances in technology, realty agents are able to do in one hour today, what would have taken ten times that five years ago. This has led to the advent of “Flat Fee MLS Listing” or “Discount Listing Brokers” and real estate companies throughout North America that offer the similar services as traditional brokerages, with the resulting reduction in costs being passed on to you, the home owner. Home sellers everywhere are retaining higher equity in their homes by refusing to pay high real estate commissions. We provide professional flat fee listing services which can save you thousands of dollars on the sale of your home.
How do I make changes to my listing?
You can make as many price changes or status changes as you need. To request a change to your MLS listing just click on the "Client Support" menu option on the left side menu bar and select "Change Request".
Other than price or status changes you are allowed three listing changes or modifications free of charge. Any additional will be made at a charge of $25 per change.
I am selling my home in Portland. Do I have to get a home energy report with a Home Energy Score?
If you are publicly listing or advertising your home for sale in any manner, you need to get a home energy report and Home Energy Score before listing it. If you are selling your home privately, without making it publicly available on the real-estate market, then the requirement does NOT apply to you.
You must get a home energy report and score if your home is:
- Located within the Portland jurisdictional boundary.
- Detached single-dwelling unit on its own lot.
- Attached, such as a row house, duplex, condominium or a townhouse, regardless of whether or not the unit is on its own lot.
Housing types NOT covered by the policy include:
- Manufactured homes.
- Mobile homes.
- Multiple housing units that are vertically stacked, such as two-story fourplex or an apartment building.
- Floating homes
- Detached accessory dwelling units.
- Single-dwelling units used primarily for commercial purposes.
Transactions that are currently EXEMPT from the requirement include:
- Foreclosure sales.
- Trustee’s sales.
- Deed‐in‐lieu of foreclosure sales.
- Pre‐foreclosure sale in which seller has reached an agreement with the mortgage holder to sell the property for an amount less than the amount owed on the mortgage.
Think your home may qualify for an exemption? Apply here
For exact code language, please see Title 17.108. Please see the administrative rules for further details on complying with the code requirements.
For a list of Home Energy Assessors Click Here
If a buyer calls you about our property what do you do?
We refer all buyer leads directly to you. If a buyer calls and says they are represented by and agent, we suggest they have their agent call you and set up the showing. If a buyer is not represented at this time, however expresses that they wish to be represented by an agent to see your home, the listing broker may show your home.
If I find a buyer with no agent, do I still pay a commission?
No. You are free to sell the property to any buyer not procured or represented by a cooperating broker, in which case no cooperating broker commission is due.
Is your flat fee listing fee refundable?
No, once a listing package is purchased and credit card is processed all sales are final immediately and payments are non-refundable. Please make sure you definitely want to use our services prior to purchasing. If you are unsure for any reason we recommend contacting us prior to purchasing our services to get all your questions answered to make sure you feel comfortable with moving forward.
You may cancel your listing on the MLS, but the listing fee is non-refundable. View all of our Terms of Use.
Must I have a lockbox?
No, but Realtor's® depend on quick access. Realtor's® show many homes within a very short period of time, access to your home may make a difference. We strongly recommend a Realtor® lockbox.
What is a Transaction Brokerage?
This is when you have a buyer and seller who are in need of guidance through the transaction. In a Transactional Brokerage relationship, the principal broker of a brokerage, and an affiliated licensee(s), if so designated by the principal broker, provide real estate brokerage services to either, or both, party(ies) to a transaction. They owe the party(ies) only the duties of good faith and fair dealing and do not relay confidential information between the parties unless so directed by the sending party.
What is the difference between my local MLS and Realtor.com?
Do not confuse Realtor.com with the Realtor MLS. They are two separate systems, and Realtor.com is operated by MOVE, Inc. Realtor.com downloads property data from the hundreds of local MLS’s and makes that property data available to the public.
Realtor.com is not a “For Sale By Owner” website, so seller’s contact information is not available or permitted to be posted. It is acceptable to list the seller as the property contact on the local Realtor MLS; that’s because, it is ONLY accessible to Realtors. We list you as the contact on the local MLS.
The MLS advantage is that every single broker and agent participating in the MLS has an incentive to sell your home, effectively putting every agent in the area to work for you! The first place a buyers agent looks is always the MLS, so there’s simply no better way to gain instant and widespread exposure for your home.
What is the MLS?
The MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is a cooperative listing service among licensed real estate agents and brokers. Members of the MLS input detailed information regarding properties available for sale into a database that is distributed to all participants in the MLS. All members of the MLS have a right to show/sell an advertised property and are promised a commission should they present an offer that results in the successful sale of an advertised property. The vast majority of home sales are made through participation in the MLS.
What Showing Feedback Questions Do Real Estate Pros Always Ask?
After EVERY showing make sure to get feedback from the buyer or buyer’s real estate agent. This is the best way to measure how well your FSBO listing is doing. You will also learn what you’re doing right and what you can improve to get an offer faster!
How to ask for feedback
The best time to ask for feedback is 2-3 hours after the showing. It will give the buyer a little time to let the showing marinate and your home’s features will still be fresh in their mind.
We always recommend texting the questions below because they will be more likely to reply. Make sure to tell the buyer to be blunt and completely honest because you will not be offended.
Do not ask for feedback during the showing because it can be awkward for the buyer and they will probably not give you honest answers to your face.
Best FSBO Feedback Questions
1. What was your overall impression of the property?
2. What did you like most about the home?
3. What did you like least about the home?
4. What would it take for you to make an offer today?
5. How do you feel about the price?
6. Additional comments or suggestions?
When a Seller purchases a Flat Fee MLS listing and the listing is posted on in the MLS database is the listing still considered "For Sale By Owner"?
To list a home in the MLS it requires a Listing Agent to do it. The listing is considered a Limited Representation listing which means that the Seller is representing themselves and they are not paying the Listing Agent to represent them.
Why should I list my property with you instead of some other Flat Fee company?
There are 3 main reasons we think you should choose to list with us instead of others:
- There is no other listing agent in Oregon that closes escrow on more homes than Greg Messick the Principal Broker of Realty Net. See reports
- We have over 100 unsolicited client testimonials from our clients that have sold with us. Read testimonials
- We have a A+ Better Business Bureau rating since to 2002. See BBB rating
Why would I want my property listed in the MLS?
As a For Sale By Owner, your exposure to potential buyers is limited. Your choices for advertising are generally confined t yard signs, newspaper ads, for sale by owner and classified websites, open houses, and word of mouth. This is often not enough to attract buyers, most of whom are working with agents. Real estate agents consider the MLS as the inventory of homes to sell and use it to locate properties for their clients.
Real estate agents rarely use newspaper ads or other advertising to locate available properties, even though they may use them for their own advertising. Having your property listed in the MLS will provide needed exposure and will increase the chances that a real estate agent will find a buyer for your home. Real estate agents are motivated to sell properties listed in the MLS because the seller has already agreed to pay a commission.
Will my contact information be displayed?
On the MLS, yes it will be displayed for agents so they can contact you directly for showings. In some cases your broker may also be able to post your email address. On “public” websites, such as Realtor.com or Zillow.com, only the brokers contact information is allowed to be displayed. The reason for this is because the MLS has rules about what information is allowed to be syndicated to 3rd party websites. Neither you, nor your broker can do anything about this, and these rules are strictly enforced.
Will my property be listed on the internet?
Yes. Your property will be listed on Realtor.com and most other popular real estate websites (websites vary depending on syndication feeds from your local MLS). These internet listings will give you national exposure to all home buyers. Since hundreds of people move to other states daily, this exposure can be a vital component in selling your home quickly and for the best price.
Independent websites will obtain your listing directly from the MLS. Keep in mind that they pick up whatever they wish from your MLS listing to publish on their website. Thus, we have no control over these independent websites and we cannot change or edit their content. Realtor.com is the only website that can be edited by your broker, and only if you purchase the “Showcased Listing” upgrade with your listing plan.
Note: All Oregon listing plans include the Realtor.com “Showcased Listing” upgrade.