If you own real estate, you have probably heard of the MLS. It is a members-only website that is joined by real estate agents in the area. They have a local level, a state level, and a national level. Joining this association designates the agent as a Realtor. They must pay to access this service.
Picking the Wrong Agent
Reason #6 to avoid the MLS when selling your COLUMBIA house is picking the wrong agent. There are so many agents to choose from, how are you supposed to know who to choose? Do you pick the person with the most ads? Or do you go with the guy your friend recommended, he just sold a house last week.
Picking the wrong agent can be one of the biggest mistakes when listing your house on the MLS. With so many agents available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices, especially when everyone seems to promise the best results. Some agents rely heavily on flashy ads and expensive marketing tactics, but this doesn’t always translate to real expertise or commitment. A high volume of listings or numerous ads might mean an agent is spread too thin to give your property the attention it deserves. On the other hand, going with a referral from a friend or family member can be equally risky, as personal recommendations don’t always guarantee the agent is the right fit for your specific needs. Their recent success may be situational and not necessarily reflective of consistent results.
The problem lies in the lack of transparency about the agent’s true capabilities, experience in your market, and approach to negotiation and marketing. An agent who doesn’t fully understand your local market isn’t proactive, or fails to communicate effectively can cost you time, money, and ultimately, the sale of your home. Moreover, many sellers feel pressured to stick with an agent even when things aren’t going well because of the contractual obligations that tie them down. This is why avoiding the MLS altogether and opting for a direct sale can be a more strategic choice, allowing you to skip the headaches associated with picking the wrong agent. A direct sale puts you in control, eliminates agent fees, and often leads to a quicker, smoother selling process.
Time On the Market
Reason #5 to avoid the MLS when selling your COLUMBIA house is the time on the market. The MLS, or multiple listing service, keeps track of how many days it’s been since you first listed it on the market. If your house ends up being on the market for more than 60 days, this is not a good sign to buyers. It may indicate that your house is not as desirable as other properties, or that there might be something wrong with it. There may not be anything wrong with your property, but this might stick in the back of the mind of potential buyers. Maybe you haven’t had a full price offer and are holding out. Whatever the reason, the time on market counter may work against you.
If your house lingers on the market for more than 60 days, it can raise red flags, signaling to buyers that there may be issues with the property or that it’s overpriced. This perception can make your home appear less desirable, even if there’s nothing wrong with it. The longer your property sits unsold, the more buyers might assume that other buyers have passed on it for a good reason, which could lead them to question its value or condition.
Even if your home is in great shape, the ticking “days on market” counter can create unnecessary pressure and work against you. Buyers may wonder why it hasn’t sold and may use this information to justify making lowball offers, thinking they have the upper hand. Additionally, the prolonged listing period can give the impression that you’re becoming desperate to sell, which can weaken your negotiating position. This is why selling off the MLS can be beneficial; it keeps your property’s timeline hidden and avoids the stigma associated with a lengthy time on the market, allowing you to maintain a stronger stance in negotiations.
Highly Qualified Buyers
Reason #4 to avoid the MLS when selling your COLUMBIA house is highly qualified buyers. Sure, the MLS may bring you buyers, but a large portion of them will have to depend on financing from a bank, and some of them may not have even been pre-qualified yet. Your house for sale can be considered a pocket listing that will reach the desks of many highly qualified buyers, most of which can purchase 100% in cash.
Buyers who haven’t been pre-qualified or fully approved for a loan can create delays, fall through at the last minute, or require additional time to secure their financing. This can lead to a prolonged closing process and added stress for you as the seller. In contrast, marketing your home as a pocket listing or using alternative methods can help you connect directly with highly qualified buyers who are ready to act.
These buyers often have the funds available to make a purchase outright, offering you the security and speed that bank-dependent buyers can’t match. They are typically experienced investors or cash buyers who can close quickly, without the typical contingencies and complications that come with traditional financing. Selling directly to this pool of buyers not only streamlines the sales process but also provides peace of mind knowing that the transaction is less likely to fall through due to financing issues. This approach allows you to move forward with confidence, avoid drawn-out negotiations, and secure the best deal for your property.
Commission Fees
Reason #3 to avoid the MLS when selling your COLUMBIA house is commission fees. When you list your house on the market, there are commission fees that are expected from the selling agent and the buying agent. This is usually 3% of the final sale price, which can add up to a large amount of money! If you are using an agent without using the MLS, you might be able to set a flat fee for less than traditional commission fees.
This means you’re giving up approximately 6% of your home’s final sale price just to cover these commissions, which can amount to a significant sum of money. For example, on a $300,000 home, you could be paying $18,000 in commission fees alone. This expense can eat into your profits, reducing the funds you have available for your next home purchase, investments, or other financial goals.
By avoiding the MLS and working directly with buyers or through non-traditional selling methods, you can often negotiate lower or flat-rate fees. Some agents who operate outside of the MLS might offer flexible commission structures or flat fees that are far less than the standard 6%, allowing you to retain more of your home’s value. This can make a considerable difference in your overall financial outcome, putting thousands of dollars back in your pocket. Eliminating or reducing these hefty commissions can streamline the selling process and make it more cost-effective, which is a huge advantage for any homeowner looking to maximize their return.
Invasion of Privacy
Reason #2 to avoid the MLS when selling your COLUMBIA house is an invasion of privacy. If your house is listed on the MLS, you will be expected to make your house available for showings. This means living in a constant state of clean and organized 24/7 until you move out. You may also be asked to leave your home on extremely short notice for a showing if possible, sometimes immediately, although you usually can schedule showings for 24 hours in advance. Some sellers find it’s easier if they move out of the home when they put their house on the market because of the hassle of showings, but would you want to be responsible for 2 house payments before you can guarantee the sale of your house? For some, the constant hassle of maintaining a perfect home environment leads them to move out during the listing period. While this might reduce the inconvenience, it brings another set of challenges, including the financial strain of potentially managing two mortgages if your home doesn’t sell quickly. This creates additional risks, as you might be left covering the costs of two homes before you can guarantee a sale. Avoiding the MLS can offer more privacy, as you won’t need to deal with frequent showings or the constant upkeep, allowing for a more comfortable and less stressful selling experience.
Signs In The Yard
Reason #1 to avoid the MLS when selling your COLUMBIA house is a sign in your yard. The yard sign is a standard part of a real estate agents advertising your house, but this also may mean that you may have people knocking on your door unexpectedly because they saw the sign in your yard. This is a huge inconvenience, especially because people may have stopped without an agent present, and who knows if they are qualified buyers?