Frequently Asked Questions

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 Canada and the United States. Each association runs their own MLS® System.

"The MLS®" is the secret to success of real estate sales, directly responsible for about 4 of 5 sales nationwide. About 90% 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.

Can the public post on the MLS® website without a licenced Realtor®?

No. The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) only allows Licenced Realtors® to list property on MLS® for numerous reasons including but not limited to liability, authenticity, legal and practical.

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 and Sell my home even though I am not using a traditional broker?

Yes. Your MLS Flex Fee Listing will look exactly the same as any other listing. There is no way to tell how much you paid to get your home 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 FlexFees.com.

Is it True some Agents may not show my home if they know it is a FlexFee 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 using a discounted broker. First of all, 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.

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.

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?

Yes, however, we doubt you will ever want to cancel considering our high Success Rate and Excellent Customer Service! If you are not completely satisfied you can qualify for a 100% money-back guarantee under certain conditions. This is based on FlexFees.com referring your listing to a new real estate broker, one 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 as long as all parties agree to a standard REALTOR® Referral Agreement.

Do I have to pay a Commission if my house sells because of the MLS®?

It depends. If a buyer brings you an offer without a realtor representing them; then NO you do not have to pay a commission; just a $449 succession fee; however, if a REALTOR® brings you a ready, willing and able buyer with a satisfactory contract then "selling" commission of your choice will be due to the buyer's agent. This commission must be determined by the Seller when completing the Listing Agreement. This Commission paid to the buyer's 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.

Is the Listing Agent involved with the sales contract?

It depends on the package you have chosen. With Package 1 - Typically No -To save on commission, you will handle many details of the sale yourself. The Listing Agent is mainly getting paid to list your property on the MLS, as you requested. If the Seller requests assistance with the purchase contract, counter-offers, negotiations, contingency issues, closing & settlement matters - the Listing Agent offers extra services for a reasonable additional fee. There is always the option to upgrade to one of our full packages if you think you will need help with some of these legal matters.

Is the Listing Agent involved in negotiations?

Again, it depends on the package you have chosen. With Package 1 - No, not unless you specifically request the Listing Agent's consultation. You will handle all showings, inquiries, and sales contract presentations on your own.

How much do you Charge?

Please see the packages for pricing. There are three distinctive packages that you can choose from to best serve your individual needs. When using our online payment processing system there will be an additional processing charge by Paypal. If you don't wish to incur this charge then you can mail a Bank Draft to us.

What if I find my own buyer?

Finding your own buyer means you will NOT pay any commission to a buyer's agent if you have package # 1; however you will have a $449 succession fee due to the real estate board and broker at completion.

How is the buyers agent's commission determined?

The seller determines this amount during the listing process. This amount is entirely up to the seller. Let's say that you list your property for $500,000. If you have Package # 1 you will pay us $749 (assuming you dont want any other services). In the case a buyer were to contact you directly then you can sell your home to them and you have sold your property for $749 + the succession fee of $449. If, however, you are approached by a REALTOR® representing the buyer and you sell your home, then you will be obliged to pay the commission that you had pre-determined on your MLS® listing, although it is still negotiable and $449 is to be paid to our brokerage for processing the deal which includes Board fees and Brokerage fees.

How does your new service differ from that of a traditonal Realtor®?

We offer consumers a choice. Something that most real estate brokers do not. We give the public an opportunity to take on some of the simple tasks that a traditional Realtor® would normally conduct such as allowing Buyer's and/or their Realtors® access to view your home and negotiating your own offer. By allowing you to do some of the "Leg Work" we are able to eliminate the traditional hefty commission fees and pass the saving onto YOU! The difference is price.

For our discerning customers the difference is our award winning marketing plan. Our fees are comparable to traditional agents but our marketing program is top-notch and blows most realtors away. We provide the same full service, which means listing your property on MLS® and realtor.ca, installing a “For Sale” sign on your property, taking professional pictures, receiving and organizing phone calls, completing necessary contracts and negotiation and handling the deposits plus we provide you with a marketing program that can not be beat.

The strongest medium to advertise is the internet. Your property will be advertised via many different sources including MLS® and realtor.ca, FlexFees.com, Craigslist, Kijiji, Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Youtube, and various real estate blogs. MLS® and realtor.ca alone is the strongest medium of reaching potential buyers. The MLS® system receives 150-200 million hits per day!

Can my personal contact info be on my MLS® listing?

No. The Policy regarding contact info listed on both MLS® and Realtor.ca® states that only a licenced Realtor® may be listed at this time. HOWEVER, all contact is forwarded to you instantly! AND if you prefer we can list your contact information on ALL of our other internet marketing advertisements.

Where are your services available?

Flex Fees offers services to anyone interested in buying or selling property in British Columbia.

Can I use your services if I am not a resident of Canada?

Yes!!! If the real estate transaction is taking place in British Columbia we are here to assist!

Do you offer a payment option alternative to Paypal?

Yes. We also accept certified bank draft mailed to our proper mailing address. Remember to include your email address, phone number and property address with your payment of ONLY $749 + HST and contact us via phone or email to confirm your Payment!

If I purchase your SELLING PACKAGE and I find my own buyer do I pay you any commission?

NO!!! If you have package # 1 and you find your own buyer you will not owe us any commission. ONLY the succession fee paid to Your Real Estate Board and Brokerage of $449 applys at closing.

If I list my property with you and a buyers agent contacts me and I receive an offer on my property from them how is the buyers agent commission determined?

YOU , the seller, decides the amount prior to listing your home on MLS® and we write this amount into your MLS® Listing before it is published.

Who decides the list price of my home?

YOU!!! We will provide you with a Current Market Analysis (Called a CMA) tailored to your home, region, neighbourhood, ect. This will give you the current market statistics and relevant facts in order to Perfectly price your home!

How do I manage the viewings for my home?

Its simple! If you have the FSBO package # 1; when an interested buyer or their Realtor® contacts you all you need to do is provide them with a date and time when you are able to allow them access to view your property.

Who is going to arrange the appointments to show my house?

If the package you selected includes this service, we will arrange all appointments and showings. Otherwise, it will be your responsibility to manage your showings.

What exactly do you provide with this service?

The basic package provides you the service of listing your property on MLS® and forwarding prospective buyers to you. Your property will also be promoted on the internet through our and other websites, blogs and MLS® and realtor.ca. Upgraded packages offer you more options which will pass more responsibility over to us. Depending on the package, these services can include getting professional pictures taken, providing signage, negotiating, contractual work and conveyancing.

Can I upgrade at any time?

Yes! This is definitely an option if you would like us to handle more components of the sale. Depending on the package and how far along you are in it, you will be given a reasonable quote to upgrade to a different package.

Can I cancel my MLS® listing at any time?

Will you be available to answer all of my questions during each and every step of the process?

YES!!! We are here to assist and guide YOU! You can reach us easily and quickly by both phone and email. We pride ourselves on our Prompt Customer Service!