Members Please note that this is an open to the Public Blog. Costs to open MLS Listing Doors? Minimum annual investment isn't that badcompared to the opportunity. Please see Scott's Blog in order to follow my train of thought.
You have to have the right tools in order to practice Real Estate. Scott Daniel
MS MLS Min Opportunity Costs | Annual 3rd YR + | Annual Alternative | Monthly | Monthly Alternative |
License Renewal | $ 65.00 |
| $ 5.42 |
|
NAR, MAR, GCAR | $399.00 |
| $ 33.25 |
|
MLS/Broker | $720.00 | $360.00 Agent | $ 60.00 | $30.00 Agent |
E & O | $205.00 | Add ONS ++ | $ 17.08 |
|
Supra Ekey | $299.88 | Display Key: $114 | $ 24.99 | $ 9.50 |
|
| Key Ins /NO INS | $ 2.08 |
|
Lock Box Rental Buy Your OWN |
| $ 60.00 Buy Your Own | $5 each LockBox |
|
Total Min CDB | $1, 688.88 |
| $140.74 |
|
This is the cost to open MLS listing doors and to list straight MLS. All other choices we make are optional depending on how we choose to do business.
Keep in mind that whether one is a REALTOR/MLS member or not, an agent still has to go through basic training and pass licensing (many feel that basic is not enough and the licensing requirements are too minimal, but that is another blog entirely).
Agents vary according to CE education, designations. ($$$, time, and effort investment).
Agents vary according to how they market: Web site, Hard Copy, signs, other media.
Operational costs vary: Gas, communication
Gross income from closings vary as well by Broker/Agent Split (including who pays for what).
My question is this: If an agent is not willing to pay MLS dues--where else are they cutting corners?
Is it legal? Yes. Is it ethical? Debatable. Is it preferable? That choice belongs to the client.
Do you want to go to the closing table with someone not willing to pay the costs associated with opening MLS listing doors? What level of professionalism do you expect from an agent you may be going to the closing table with?
Agents who pay for MLS access are also (in most cases as far as I know:-) members of NAR and are obliged to adhere to the NAR code of ethics. Further, MLS boards provide additional ethical guidelines, through rules and regulations.
When you list your home and your agent uses an electronic lockbox there is added safety in being able to track which agents have accessed your home, and the time coming and going.
The purpose of this blog--As a consumer, whether buying or selling, the choice is yours whether to use a licensed agent, or a licensed agent who is a REALTOR/MLS member. What level of professional commitment do you feel most comfortable with?
Opening Doors is just the beginning.
Suzi Gravenstuk, REALTOR/Broker, MS Real Estate License #17787, Gri, ePRO,
Member: Gulf Coast Association of REALTORS, Mississippi Association of REALTORS, National Association of REALTORS, Gulf Coast MLS.
PS: CAll for Assistance: Blood Donations needed! Fellow REALTOR, Jon Ross and husband of MLS/GCAR Staff employee, Roni Ross has recently been diagnosed with Acute Leukemia. Jon has been admitted to Ochsner Hospital in New Orleands and will be undergoing treatment soon. Anyone wishing to donate blood for Jon may do so in any city/state, at any hospital or blood bank. Give his name and the name of the hospital he is in and Jon will receive credit for it.
Comments (6)Subscribe to CommentsComment