The Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

What is the MLS, and how does it work for you?  The MLS is a database of properties currently on the market in the area.  Brokers participating in the MLS (which includes virtually all Brokers in the area) list all the homes they have for sale and agree to share in the sales commission of the properties.  This means that if I list your property on the MLS for you, but another agent finds a buyer for your house, that other broker or agent is entitled to part of the commission.  The big advantage to you, as the seller, is that every single broker and agent participating in the MLS has an incentive to sell your home.  This effectively puts every agent in the area to work selling your home!  The first place a buyers agent looks is always the MLS.  There is simply no better way to gain instant and widespread exposure for your home than listing it on the MLS.

So, the first thing I'll do as your agent is get your home listed on the MLS!  When another agent is searching for a home to meet the needs of a buyer, the agent will search the MLS based on the buyers criteria for price range and features.  So I'll enter all the important information about your home, such as the size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and any special features.  I'll also take photos of your house and include them with your MLS listing.  Agents and buyers alike are always more likely to look at listings with photos.

Ethics in Real Estate

As your agent, I promise to adhere to a strict code of ethics in conducting any and all activities related to your sale or purchase of a home.In some businesses, simply doing what is legal may be good enough.But in my real estate practice I demand an ethical standard that goes above and beyond the legal requirements.  The guiding principle of ethics comes from the Latin primum non nocere, meaning first do no harm.  By adhering to strict ethical guidelines I will earn your trust.  By establishing trust I'll build a long term business model based on long term clients.

As a member of the National Association of REALTORS, I am bound by our code of ethics which you can find at:

http://www.realtor.org/mempolweb.nsf/pages/Code?OpenDocument

There are rules pertaining to: Disclosure of agency, financial arrangements, following the law of the land, marketing practices, negotiation methods, how clients are charged for services, how offers are presented, confidentiality, and more.  All of these rules are intended to protect your interest.