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Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q:
What forms of payments do you accept?
A: We prefer payment from Visa, Mastercard, Discover,
American Express and PayPal, but will also accept Cashier's Check/Money
Order.
Q:
Do you price match?
A: We guarantee
to have the best program in the state. If you can find another
local flat fee company that offers the same or better program,
direct us to the site and program and we'll match their program
and beat their pricing by 10%. In addition, unlike the vast majority
of programs available you'll have my direct cell phone, and I'm
easy to get a hold of, just trying calling now - 602 821-8358.
Q:
How do I know this is not a scam?
A: Please check my record with the Arizona Department
of Real Estate. Under the Complaints & Disciplinary section
you will find that neither the broker nor myself have any compaints
nor disciplinary actions taken against either of us. In addition,
and upon request, you do not have to pay a penny until you have
approved the MLS listing. Once satisfied we will send you an invoice.
We will not install a yard sign until we've received payment.
Chad
O'Donnell
First Class Realty
Q:
How fast can I be on the MLS?
A: We
will have your home on the MLS within 24 Hours if submitted Sunday-Thursday.
Friday & Saturday Listings won't be processed until Monday.
Q:
How fast will I be on Realtor.com?
A: Realtor.com pulls all of its listing from
the MLS. It will typically take 3-5 business days after you home
has been activated on the MLS.
Q:
How many photos can I upload?
A: The MLS allows up to 6 photos to be uploaded
and Realtor.com allows up to 25. I also offer a FREE slide show
virtual tour with every listing if you supply enough photos.
Q:
I don't have a digital camera, will you take the photos?
A: This depends on where in the valley your listing
is. I'll travel anywhere that's near the Loop 101, Hwy 51 or I-17,
outside that, call and ask.
Q:
Do you offer multiple property discounts?
A: Yes! If you list multiple properties with
us at once we do offer a discount. Please call for details.
Q:
Will I have a For Sale By Owner sign (FSBO) in my yard?
A: No. Since you are on the MLS you will have
a First Class Realty sign in the front yard with toll free number
on it. This has several advantages to a FSBO sign. A FSBO sign
will generate a lot of agents trying to list your home and wasting
your time. Also, a professional real estate sign will allow of
higher offers because people won't be bidding 6% less because
you're not represented.
Q:
Are you a licensed Broker?
A: Actually, I'm a licensed real estate agent
and have been since 2000. I am also a 3rd generation Realtor.
The broker is First Class Realty.
Q:
If an agent brings a buyer, do I have to pay them a commission?
A: Absolutely and it will be determined prior
to the house being listed. The only way to get your home on the
MLS and Realtor.com is to offer a commission to another agent.
We recommend 3%, however the amount offered is up to you
and can be from $100 to as high as you want. Once that commission
is set, it can not be negotiated. If a buyer comes without
an agent there is NO commission owed.
Q:
If I sell my home through an open house and the buyer does not
have representation, do I have to pay a commission?
A: Absolutely Not! You retain the right and ability
to sell your home "by owner" and there will be no commission
owed.
Q:
What's the difference between you and national companies like
FSBO.com.
A: I am a licensed agent working and residing
in Arizona. I know Arizona laws and you can pick up and call me
if you run into trouble, and I make myself available to all my
clients. The national companies refer their business to people
like me. Essentially, you're cutting out the middle man.
Q:
We received an offer on our house, but it looks complicated, can
you help us with it?
A: I have been a licensed agent since 2000 and
have dealt with many transactions. If you would like my assistance,
I will gladly handle all paperwork and negotiations with the other
party for an additional flat fee of $1500 payable at the close
of escrow. In the event of a lease or a lease option, payment
is due upon possession.
Q:
How long is my home listed for?
A: We can list it for as long or short as you'd
like, but our standard listing agreement is for 6 - 12 months
depending on the price of the home and may be renewed after that
for no fee as long as the listing doesn't expire.
Q:
Is there a charge to cancel my listing?
A: No. Your listing may be canceled for no charge
at anytime.
Q:
Will my property be listed differently than other properties on
the MLS?
A: No! Your home will appear the same as every
other home on the MLS & Realtor.com. The only difference is
I offer more features on Realtor.com than the vast majority of
agents out there.
Q:
How will people get a hold of me to see my property?
A: Your name and number will be listed in the
MLS. The 800 number that we'll put on your sign will have an extension
with a prerecorded message that will tell prospective buyers all
about your house. If they'd like to see your home, they just have
to press a button to be connected directly to you.
Q:
What does your sign look like?
A: If you click here
you can see what the sign looks like. We offer a simple sign that
does not say anything about "by owner" nor does it mention
flat fee listing. If prospective buyers see By Owner, most of
the time they will offer less for the home because they know another
is not involved. With my standard sign it looks like any other
home listed on the MLS. If you prefer not to have the call capture
sign we also offer a plain white sign that only has the First
Class Logo in the middle with no phone numbers. You can hang your
number from a rider if you choose.
Q:
Do you provide flyers?
A: With our 800 number you no longer need flyers.
Instead of people grabbing a flyer and driving off, they call
the 800 number and we track their number so we can call them back!
If you'd like a flyer than we can send you a flyer template. Also,
for an additional $15 we can have a flyer box installed on your
sign post.
Q:
Why do I need the MLS?
A: To give you the maximum amount of exposure.
Over 85% of all homes that sell do so via the MLS. The more exposure
you can give your home the more likely it is to sell.
Q:
I'm selling For Sale By Owner because I don't want to pay a commission.
Why should I switch?
A: There are two simple facts. First of all,
the National Association of Realtors have proven consistently
that homes sell for 9% more on the MLS than without. Secondly,
we live in a very transient city. There are over 25,000 people
every quarter moving to the valley. If you're not on the MLS and
Realtor.com than that's over 100,000 prospective buyers a year
that aren't going to see your home. What are the chances that
someone that's only in town for a couple days to buy a house is
going to drive down your street? That same person has probably
been spending weeks looking at Realtor.com and other sites.
Q:I
found you through Homegain, do I have to pay any additional fees?
A: This is only for HOMEGAIN
clients. There is an additional fee to the Full
Service Fee. Homegain charges a minimum fee of 27% of 2%, or in
other words 0.54% (54bps) on any transaction that comes from them.
Since my set fee is so low, I have to pass that expense on to
the the seller at the close of escrow.
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