Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few answers to your questions, if you need more information or clarification, please feel free to contact us by phone at (804-234-4135 or Email.

What sets you apart from other services?
Great question! There are 3 main things that help us provide a superior service in getting your home sold quicker and for more! 1. There is no middleman. We dont farm out your listing like many other providers, and we dont send it to anyone else. You get to talk directly with someone who handles your listing and has direct access to it to make changes. 2. We provide excellent support and have an easy to use system. We pride ourselves in making the process of managing your listing as simple as possible, despite the technical nature of the MLS. Along with our easy-to-use back end system, if a problem should arise, even with other companies websites, you have someone that will always work for you to make it right. 3. We do not charge ANY hidden fees. Unlike many other providers, we have no fees at closing, no fees for changes, and no hidden fees tacked onto the end of the contract. The one up front fee is it, and you dont have to second guess whether you should add that open house for $25, because its included!

What is the MLS?
The MLS – Multiple Listing Service – is a broker owned fee based service to licensed members to input listings for sellers and search listings for buyers. The MLS is the primary tool agents use to find a property when they have a buyer; it is used by all agents. The buyer's office commission amount offered is required by the MLS along with the detailed information about the home including pictures. Your advantage is the increased exposure to buyer. By listing your property on the MLS you will gain this increased exposure which is accessible to everyone who is in the market to buy a home.

What telephone number will people call for a showing?
You will be contacted directly by all agents with buyers who would be interested in seeing your home. The MLS requires our office information, but agents will be instructed to call you before they show your property. While rare, if agents or buyers contact us, if you would prefer it they will be referred to you. According to MLS public websites are not permitted to show the owner’s name or phone number. This MLS rule applies to all companies that are members of the MLS.

Do I need to come to your office to list my home?
NO. Our services are set up to maximize your convenience. The necessary paperwork can be filled out online, emailed, faxed, or mailed both ways so there is no travel, appointment, or time-consuming meetings necessary to get listed. The sign lock box, and/or other supplies are generally sent out the next day from our office.

Do I need a key box?
We highly recommend that you use a key box. This makes it easy and convenient for agents to show your home at any time. We have electronic key boxes available for rental in most areas. This key box also records the agent’s information when they enter the home. Please return the key box within a week after your property is sold or cancelled. In order to minimize the risk of misuse of the key box we recommend against the use of key boxes on door handles that can be unscrewed from the outside or on other parts of the home from which the key box can be easily removed.

Can I send my own photos to be displayed with my listing?
YES. You have a choice of taking your own photos and submitting it to us, or you can hire a photographer. Our MLS requires a minimum of 1 photo. (One of the exterior). Other photos may include front and back yard, kitchen, living, dining, family and bedrooms, and any views from YOUR property if applicable. When selecting your photos, keep in mind that having a current photo is important, especially in season. All web sites will display your home information including the photos to the general public, prospective buyers will get the first impression by this presentation. Take photos with a wide angle lens. All photos must be of your property, and you must have permission to use someone else's photos of your home. For more see our Home Selling Tips.

Will my listing look the same as other listings?
YES. Your listing will be identical to the listings of competing real estate companies. It will show all photos and all listing information, including the commission offered to an agent who successfully sells the home, and instructions for showing the home.

Can I make changes to my listing?
YES. You can make changes online, log on to My Account, or email your changes after reviewing the listing - there is no charge for corrections, changes, or open houses, which sets us apart. You will be assigned a Listing Number and you can reference this number to agents to identify your listing. You can make as many changes as you need to without any charges! You must fill out the Change Request form through our easy to use backend system. We make all changes within 24 hours.

Who will be the main contact person after my home is listed?
Our broker and our staff will be your contact once you are listed. We are licensed brokers and members of the MLS. We do not farm it out to a middleman like most firms, so instead you get to talk to someone who has direct access to your listing. We are committed and focused on helping you sell your home with the least amount of hassle and inconvenience.

Can I ask a buyer if they are approved for a mortgage?
YES. Before you agree to show your home to a buyer you should know if they are in a position to buy your home. In today’s tight credit market all buyers should be pre-approved for a mortgage before they begin looking at homes. Requiring a pre-approval letter lets you know whether the buyer is qualified to buy your home and it will make the purchase process much simpler. The buyer should present a pre-approval letter on the letterhead of a mortgage lender and signed by a loan officer. If the buyer does not have such a letter, you should not accept the offer until they have obtained one. Many lenders can provide these letters to a buyer within a day after the buyer completes the application and submits the required paperwork.

Will agents show my listing if I am not paying the full 6% commission?
YES. Agents want to find a home that meets their buyer’s needs as quickly as possible, as long as they get paid a competitive commission. The MLS listing does not show how much you are paying to list your home, only what you are offering to pay the agent who brings the buyer.