Realty Myths vs. Facts

Myth: Selling a home is so complicated, it’s better left to the professionals.

• Fact: Most sales are very straight forward, and free from complications. Most brokerages tend not to disclose this, as they worry that you might question why you’re paying them thousands of dollars in commission for a successful sale.

Myth: Real-estate agents sell homes, and I’m not a salesperson.

• Fact: Homes sell themselves. Agents make suggestions about pricing and presentation, but studies show that a competitively-priced home with proper exposure will always sell, with or without an agent.

Myth: Negotiations are stressful, and pressure-filled.

• Fact: Most negotiations go very smoothly. 

Myth: I’m not allowed to sell privately while listed on the MLS® System.

• Fact: Most brokerages will have you sign away the right to sell privately as one of the terms of your contract, as the brokerage stands to lose the commission if you succeed. The ability to enter into a private sale is based on the listing brokerages’ policy, and not any specific MLS® rule.

Myth: I have to offer a commission to list on the MLS® System.

• Fact: Rules dictate that the listing brokerage has to compensate the selling (buying) brokerage in some way — this might be a commission, or it might be a flat fee. There are no set minimums, but the fee cannot be zero. It can be as low as a penny.

Myth: Flat-fee, or 'discount' brokers don’t work.

• Fact: Equity One has access to the same tools as a commission-based brokerage. If your home is priced to sell, Equity One is in a position to make sure that it is advertised to potential buyers. And in a slow market, you have a negotiating advantage over your competition, as there is no listing commission to pay.

Myth: My home will get less exposure with a flat-fee broker.

• Fact: Your home can get better exposure with Equity One, not less. You are not limited to the traditional listing brokers advertising policy,  and are free to advertise anywhere you choose with our service: private sale websites, community boards, etc. And most of our listings packages include a listing on the MLS® System, no different than that of a national brokerage.

Myth: I will get more money with a traditional agent.

• Fact: No agent can determine what your home will sell for. Market forces dictate how much someone is willing to pay for your property, not the agent. In other words, the property will sell at a higher price in a seller’s market, and at a lower price in a buyer’s market. Agents have little influence over these conditions. But more importantly, you will never be pressured into accepting an offer with Equity One.

Myth: I’ve heard that agents won’t show homes listed with Equity One.

• Fact: Completely false. Some agents use this fear tactic to get consumers to pay higher fees. Consider this:

• Up to 90% of buyers start their home search online via REALTOR.ca (formerly MLS.ca). In most cases, the buyers pick the homes they wish to see.
• Sellers offering a competitive commission can be assured buyer agents will show the home to their clients.
• Agents have a legal obligation to show any home at the direction of their buyer, regardless of commission.
• Most agents work in the best interest of their clients. Making clients happy means referrals.

Myth: Flat fee brokers offer few services

• Fact: Equity One offers many of the services offered by full-service brokers, and can tailor a solution that address your specific requirements, but for much less. Contact us to learn more.

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