Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MLS, anyway?

The MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is an extensive database of all agent-listed properties.  In New Hampshire, NNEREN (the Northern New England Real Estate Network) provides and maintains this database. It includes all active, sold, withdrawn and cancelled listings, as well as any listings that are currently under contract.  Single family homes, multi-unit properties, land, commercial and rental properties are included. It is the ONE source that New Hampshire real estate agents use to assist their buyers in finding a property, and it is the database that all of the large internet real estate search engines use to gather their data (REALTOR.com, Trulia.com, Zillow.com, REMAX.com, ColdwellBanker.com, Yahoo Real Estate, etc).  If you want your property to be seen by prospective buyers and their agents, it HAS to be on the MLS!

What happens if I sell the property to a buyer who is also not using an agent?

If you sell the property to a buyer who is NOT represented by a real estate agent and is not an agent themselves, then you pay NO commission! Think of the savings!

How long will it take to get my property on the MLS?

Once you fill out the simple request form, you will receive all the documents necessary within 24 hours (usually sooner, unless it is the middle of the night and we are all sleeping).  If you have copies of your deed, tax card, and tax bill handy, as soon as you fax or email all the documents back to us, the property will be in the MLS within 24-48 hours.

How soon will my property be on REALTOR.com and all of the other real estate search sites?

This depends how fast and how often these sites pull from the MLS. We have NO control over this.  Most are up within 48-72 hours, some do take a bit longer.

How long will my property be on the MLS?

The initial listing agreement will be for 6 months.   You can choose to extend the agreement for FREE with a signed and dated Listing Change form that you will find in your listing packet.

What if I want to take my property off the market?

No problem! There is no charge to do so. You can cancel your listing at any time. Just remember, the small initial fee is non-refundable once your property is entered into the MLS.

How will buyers contact me?

We are not allowed to put your (or our) contact information in the public comments of the MLS, but there is a separate ‘showing instructions’ section that all real estate agents can access, and your information will be there as well as explicit instructions to contact you directly.  If a buyer contacts us about your property, they will be given your contact information.

If you purchase the Enhanced Listing Package, you will receive a professional yard sign with your phone number and your personal property website on it.

Do I really need a lockbox on my property?

No, you do not NEED a lockbox on your property. However, agents rely on quick and easy access to your property, so a lockbox is highly recommended. They can be purchased at any large home improvement store and usually run around $30.   The lockbox does not have to be placed on your front door; it can be on a side door, on a shed door, or even on the propane tank behind the elm tree to the left of your back deck! As long as you can explain to the agent where it is located and they can access it to show your property if you are not there, it is doing it’s job.  **

Do I have to attend all showings?

It is much better for an agent and buyer to see the property without you than to not see it at all! Remember that buyers have work schedules too, the only time they may be able to look at houses is Tuesday afternoons while you are busy at work yourself.  Real estate agents show property for a living, they are very willing and capable of showing your house without you there, and many will actually prefer it that way. They will have all the disclosures and property information that you give us, and will let you know if their buyers have any specific questions.

I don’t have access to a fax machine, and I don’t know how to email you the forms…can I still do this?

Absolutely! Fax service is available at any Staples, Kinkos, etc.  Or you can always mail in your documents. The process will just take a few extra days.

How do I get started?

It’s easy! Check out the three easy steps, and then fill out the simple information request form, and all the forms that you will need will be on their way to you in no time!

**The Red House Realty Group is not insured against injury, loss, or damage attributed to use of key safe or lock box and accepts no responsibility for any that might occur.