Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the same MLS that all of the Realtors in my area use?
Yes, your home will be listed by a licensed Realtor and your home's MLS listing will appear in the proper MLS for your area.
How do you provide your services at such a low price?
Most of our services are provided electronically. Since we don't maintain a large office and we do most of our busines via phone, fax, email, and the Internet, we have very low overhead and can easily pass our savings on to our clients.
Is it true that Realtors using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) sell most houses and that they usually sell for a higher price than homes that aren't listed on the MLS?
Yes, it's true on both accounts. According to the National Association of Realtors, approximately 80% of all U.S. homes are sold through Realtors using the MLS and homes listed on the MLS average net proceeds of 7% higher than homes sold for sale by owner.

When will my house be listed on the MLS?
Your home will be listed on the MLS within 24 hours.
How long will my home be listed on the MLS?
Your home will be listed on the MLS for a maximum of 4 months.

Will my listing look the same as those who have agreed to pay a full listing commission to a traditional agent?
Yes. Your listing will look like all of the other listings on your local MLS.

How will I know my property is listed with all of the correct information?
You will receive a copy of your MLS listing and you may make any changes you like, provided the changes are acceptable to the rules and regulations of your local MLS and Board of Realtors.

Do I have control over all listing information?
No. The MLS arranges required information according to multiple choice templates. We cannot customize the MLS data listed. Further, most fields are not transferred to public sites, only the most basic information will be displayed.

What if I sell my house on my own?
This is yet another benefit that sets us apart from your typical Realtor. When you list your home through Lauralei Properties you pay a flat fee of just * (depending on the location and price of your home), but you still maintain the right to sell your home on your own. If you find your own buyer, you will not be obligated to pay a commission on the sale.

If my listing Realtor brings me a buyer and sells my home, will I owe a commission?
Yes. If any of our affiliated Realtors present a qualified buyer to you and that buyer purchases your home, whoever brings you the buyer will be entitled to the buyers' agent's commission you agree to pay (generally 2.7%) for selling your home as the buyers' agent.

Can I use a lockbox?
Yes. We have combination lock boxes you use for the 4 months for $25.
Will you conduct open houses?
You may hold an open house of your own, if you so desire. We will conduct open houses for a fee. The fact of the matter is that open houses are primarily prospecting tools for real estate agents. Open houses are really a way for agents to get their names out there to prospective buyers who are early on in their quest to buy a home. Furthermore, very few homes are sold as a result of an open house because many of the visitors are tire-kickers, bargain hunters, nosey neighbors and people looking for something to do on the weekends.
Will my property be listed on the Internet?
Yes. Your property will be listed on www.realtor.com, www.lauralei.net and other real estate websites. These internet listings will give you national exposure to out-of-state homebuyers. Since many of your potential buyers will be from outside your local area, this exposure can be a vital component in selling your home quickly and for the best price. The independent websites, realtor.com and homes.com, 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 websites. Thus, we have no control over these independent websites and we cannot change or edit their content.
Who will do all of the paperwork involved in the sale of my home?
If an agent submits an offer it will come to Lauralei Properties and I will assist you. If you get a for sale by owner client you get forms directly from the buyer. If you do not feel comfortable with doing the paperwork involved and feel you need assistance, we will do the forms for a small fee.

Do you accept credit cards?
yes, we accept credit cards via Paypal, and we also accept personal checks.