Do you show FSBO's listed on the MLS? (buyers agent, commission, agreements)

[beckycat]

Do you show them, skip over them, or show them last?

[jlboney]

I show FSBO's when my clients want to see them. They are not listed on our MLS, but if we see them while we are out looking and my clients are interested, I will show them.

[bigtrees]

The code of ethics requires real estate agents to show FSBO home as long as they offer a commission to the buyers agent.

[beckycat]

Isn't the MLS universal? I'm talking about if you have a low cost company list it for you, but they are really not representing you. (Buyowner type of thing)

[FLBob]

I assume that you are talking about being listed via a flat fee brokerage that enters your property info into the MLS.
I show any property that the buyer has an interested in and I'm able to set an showing appointment.
I attempt to show based on the most convenient driving route, not on who lists the property or the level of commission offered.

[shellytc]

Originally Posted by beckycat

Isn't the MLS universal? I'm talking about if you have a low cost company list it for you, but they are really not representing you. (Buyowner type of thing)

then you are technically NOT FSBO. You are represented. Although your representation is limited. We call that limited service. Of course I show whatever my clients want to see.

How easy is it for your house to be shown? are you home 24/7 to let someone in or do you have some sort of combo lock for access? Do you answer the phone?

shelly

[Silverfall]

I show limited service listings all of the time. The MLS is not universal. It is very localized. I see it occur many times where someone lists their home in the "MLS" with a limited rep agent out of Portland which feeds the RMLS, but the house is located in Salem which uses the WVMLS.

Some agents will not show your house because the fear increased liability on their part. Most agents will as long as you offer a competitive commission. Buyer agency agreements are becoming more common with agents asking buyers to make up for an "inadequate" compensation from the MLS. If you offer a low compensation to an agent, some buyer may elect to not see your house since they would have to make up the difference.

Levels of service:
FSBO-standard for sale by owner with the property NOT on the MLS.
Limited representation/MLS only-legally agent representation so not FSBO, but offers very limited service.
Flat Rate/Fee-for-Service brokerages-offer full representation, but run the gammit from limited marketing to full marketing options. Just a different pay scale.
Traditional Brokerages-commission structure with full representation and, in theory, full marketing exposure.

[TexasHorseLady]

I show houses that are listed with limited representation agencies. (If you're on the MLS, as stated above, you're not a FSBO.) I also show FSBO's. My goal is to find the best house for my clients. However, I do acknowledge (and let my clients know) that there will be more work involved on my part (and the limited representation brokers know it - they're counting on me to take on a greater share of the load so that their business model will work).

Frankly, those kinds of listings don't usually draw my clients' attention because few who go that route have the expertise to market the house properly, including good photos, etc. But if they come up on the MLS search for homes fitting my clients' needs, I'll bring them to their attention.

[beckycat]

I guess it's called limited representation. I'm out of work now, so I'm home majority of the time. If not, I'm just a phone call away and can be home within 10-15 minutes. Although, I'd like at least an hours notice so I can tidy up and get the dogs out. I think that's fair? My commission is 3%.

[bigtrees]

You should be fine.

But please:

1) Don't give people personalized tours of the home
2) Don't give people too much information about your property.
3) Act like a real estate agent.

(See my post on "Do you shoe homeowners away during showings?)