Below is a sampling of the many questions we receive regarding our Flat Fee Plus Listing service in Greenville. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!

What is the MLS?

MLS stands for the Multiple Listing Service. The MLS is a database of homes for sale in a certain area. The Greenville MLS is used by local Real Estate Brokers to list homes for sale and find homes for their clients. Listing in the Greenville MLS is the best way to make Real Estate Brokers aware of your home as it is typically one of the only tools they use to locate properties for their clients. Only licensed real estate agents have access to the Greenville MLS and only they can list property for sale in the Greenville MLS.

What happens when a realtor wants to show my home?

Your name and phone number are placed in the “Agent Only Remarks” section of the Greenville MLS listing and brokers are instructed to contact you to schedule a showing. The broker wishing to schedule a showing simply calls you and to schedule an appointment. After they have finished viewing your property you can make yourself available for questions.

Why should I have my home listed on the Greenville MLS?

Real estate brokers use the Greenville MLS almost exclusively to search for homes and property for their clients. Since more than 80% of buyers are represented by a broker, we feel that having your home listed in the Greenville MLS is a tremendously important part of the marketing mix. In addition, by placing your home in the Greenville MLS your property then becomes eligible to be included on REALTOR.com® and other national real estate web sites.  We think it’s important to have exposure in both the local Greenville MLS and on the national web sites.  The local Greenville MLS makes your home available to brokers who are looking for their clients and the national web sites make your home available to the public who are looking on their own.  Internet ads have become the number one place for buyers to find homes and according to statistics released by the National Association of REALTORS®, internet ads are three times more effective at attracting buyers than then next most popular way buyers find homes – yard signs.  

What commission rate do you recommend offering the buyer’s agent?

While there is no standard commission, the majority of sellers offer a 3% commission to a broker who brings a buyer.  When deciding how much to offer, remember that the higher the commission the more attention it will get from brokers. Keep in-mind, that with our listings if you happen to find a buyer on your own, through Craig’s List, newspaper advertisements, a yard sign or other means, you will not have to pay any commission increasing your savings even more.

At what price should I list my home?

The price you decide to list your home for is entirely up to you. It’s best to be realistic about the price – in today’s market the number one factor that contributes to successful sales is a good or even slightly aggressive price. Many of our clients take some or all of the commission savings and use it to offset a lower asking price, making their home that much more competitive in the market by undercutting the competition. Remember, you can also change your asking price at anytime by sending us the new price via e-mail.

How long does it take for my listing to be added to the Greenville MLS and to appear on Realtor.com?

We will post your home to the Greenville MLS within one business day of receiving your paperwork and photos. Within 24 hours of your home being listed in the Greenville MLS, it will appear on REALTOR.com® and the other national web sites.

Can you use my own pictures for the listing?

Yes, absolutely! After sending in your listing package, simply email your pictures to contact@hiverealtyllc.com. For best results we recommend that photos be:

  • Light and Bright – turn on interior lights and force your flash to be on

  • Free of Clutter – a clean home always shows better

  • In Focus – make sure your photos are sharp and not blurry

Photos should to conform to the following:

  • Minimum of 800 pixels wide or tall – we will format your photos to the proper size upon receipt

  • JPG file type

Good photos are VERY important and can make the difference between a buyer scheduling a showing or not.  If you decide that your photos are not representing your home well, we recommend Carolina House Shots, a local professional photography studio that you can use. 

How long is the listing agreement?

The listing term is for 6 months.

Can I cancel my listing?

Yes, you can cancel your listing at any time without cost or penalty.

Who handles the forms and paperwork?

After we receive your listing order, we will e-mail you a listing packet that contains all the necessary listing forms and disclosures. You will then complete them and return them to us via e-mail, fax, or snail mail. Once we receive the paper work, we will review it and contact you if there is anything missing or completed incorrectly.