FAQ

How will Buyers and Realtors contact me?
You won’t miss a single lead:
  1. The MLS, which is accessible only by Realtors contain your contact information (phone and email with clear instructions to contact you directly for showings, information and offers); so Realtors with potential buyers will be contacting you directly. If by any chance they don’t follow this instructions and call our office, we will guide these to how to proceed and contact you directly. —
  2. Realtor’s regulations for Realtor.com and other partner sites do not allow (when a property is listed through a Brokerage) to include the owner’s contact information. The phone number that appears associated with our company is our automatic messaging service (all Portals display this contact information differently). All leads that we receive* will be forwarded to you: if by email, they are just forwarded to you. If by phone call, our system will record the message and forward it to you via e-mail for you to listen to it and follow-up directly.

*IMPORTANT NOTE: When a property is listed and an offer a compensation is posted (like in this case), all Realtors will be working hard to try and find a buyer for your property … that is what they do. One of the startegies and methods they use to try and get a buyer is by “buying leads” form the Real Estate Portals out there (Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, Etc). All portals (including Realtor.com) are profit-oriented business enterprises that make money by advertising services and by selling leads to Realtors trying to get buyers to represent.

Some of these sites allow the potential buyer (or tenant) to choose who to send the inquiry to (like Zillow), but some like Realtor.com just assign the lead to the Realtor(s) that has(have) purchased the lead(s) (either by paying for a zip code or a specific area). We have no way of controlling how the Real Estate Portals assign and/or forward the leads they generate. This is why we can’t assure that all the leads will come to us. What we assure our customers is that ALL leads that come to us will be forwarded to you, the seller (or landlord) as described above.
Why does SnapFlatFee.com charges less than than others?

At SnapFlatFee.com, we prioritize value over mere affordability. Through our expanding business volume, we harness significant savings that directly benefit our customers. Our competitive pricing stems from our efficiency, cutting-edge technology, cloud-based computing infrastructure, automated processing capabilities, absence of physical offices, and robust partnerships.

Our Broker is fully licensed in all the states where we provide services, and will personally serve as your listing agent. This sets us apart from many competitors who often lack the necessary licensing and operate solely as referral companies.

We’re committed to transparent, cost-effective solutions that prioritize your needs. Experience the difference with SnapFlatFee.com.

How long has SnapFlatFee.com been in business?

Our company is a family-owned business, established in 2003 by our Broker and his wife.

Initially operating as a traditional Full-Service Brokerage, we recognized a gap in the market in 2012. Many customers either didn’t want, didn’t like, couldn’t afford, or simply didn’t need a Realtor. Prior to SnapFlatFee.com, the only access to seller (and landlords) had to the MLS was through expensive brokerage representation (offering 2 commissions: one for the listing agent and one for the buyer’s agent).

Therefore, we founded SnapFlatFee.com to offer customers an alternative. Our platform allows them to save a significant amount of money by avoiding “traditional” commissions structures, providing them with all the tools that Realtors use, while giving them all the control, coordination, pricing, offer negotiation, commisison structure, scheduling and showings.

How much commission must I offer to a Buyer’s agent?

Remember that what you offer is the ONLY commission you must pay and if the buyer has no Agent Representation, you owe NO Commission at all. 

There is no set commission required. You are free to set the percentage that fits your strategy. (We recommend 3%). Buyer’s agent will work harder if you offer a higher commission (it is always better to increase the commission offered and reflect this in the asking price).

Think as a buyer agent … the more commisison you make, the more “pushing” you will do to sell the property that offers a better payment.  

Offer the HIGHEST commission you can from the start (Realtors usually won’t come back to a listing to check if a commission has changed); they will just remember what they saw the first time they found the property in the MLS

Here is how it commission works: if you offer a 3.0% commission (HIGHLY recommended), we deduct a very small amount of 0.25% from the buyer’s agent compensation at closing and the Buyer’s Broker gets 2.75%. This does not affect in any way your out-of pocket.

Is it possible to have my phone number on Realtor.com and other websites?

Regrettably, regulations set forth by Realtor.com, Home.com, Zillow, Trulia, and other syndication partners prohibit the direct publication of owners’ contact information on their websites. However, you can be assured that any leads generated through our platform will be promptly forwarded directly to you, the owner.

Moreover, at the core of our unparalleled marketing strategy for your property lies on the unique power fo the MLS system—a cornerstone that guarantees unmatched reach and visibility in the real estate market. In the MLS we will list your phone number (along with your email address), accompanied by instructions for Realtors to contact you directly for showings, additional information, and offers. It’s essential to note that approximately 90-95% of all Real Estate transactions are facilitated through a Realtor, underscoring the significance of maximizing exposure on the MLS.

We estimate that approximately 2-3% of buyers originate from Realtor.com, with the remaining 3-4% coming from other partner sites. However, achieving a 100% reach is unattainable due to the 1-2% of sales and rentals generated through word-of-mouth, neighbor interactions, and referrals from friends and family.

By leveraging a robust MLS listing and establishing a strong online presence, we aim to cover approximately 98% of the market, offering the most effective means of reaching potential buyers.

WE HAVE YOU COVERED!

YOU WON’T MISS A SINGLE LEAD!

What is the MLS?

The MLS (Multiple Listing System) stands as an exclusive database where only accredited, and licensed Realtors can list properties for sale.

When a property is listed through the MLS, the listing Broker extends an open and blanket invitation offer of compensation (commission) to any Realtor who brings forth a buyer or tenant.

In practical terms, when we list your property in the MLS, it becomes available to all potential buyers represented by every Realtor. And Realtor know that they will get paid when they sell that property (if a commission is offered).

Keep in mind: an overwhelming 90% to 95% of ALL properties sold in the United States are transacted by Realtors exclusively through the MLS. Your property’s presence within the MLS is paramount! While other platforms may serve as supplementary strategies, the MLS remains the unparalleled pinnacle of exposure.

What is a Flat Fee listing?

Flat Fee Listing, alternatively referred to as limited service, limited representation, or entry-only MLS listing, is Real Estate specialized system  for  advertising and promoting the sale and rent of Real Estate. The service is offered by SnapFlatFee.com  as a pioneer of this concept and a premier provider in this field. Spearheaded by our duly licensed Broker and Brokerage (Jorge Zea and/or Blue Lighthouse Realty INC.), our service, available for a nominal one-time fee of $99, delivers exceptional value. We specialize in listing your property in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), featuring it prominently on Realtor.com, and extending its visibility across our extensive network of partner sites, reaching a broad audience of approximately 98% of potential buyers worldwide.

Where will my property be published?

We excel in providing “Maximum Exposure” for all of our listed properties, and we take pride in each and every one of them. Our approach begins with listing the property in your local MLS system, ensuring widespread visibility from the outset.

Additionally, your property will gain exposure on a global scale through premier platforms like Realtor.com, renowned for its accuracy and reliability in the real estate industry. Furthermore, we extend its reach to hundreds of other reputable real estate search engine sites, including but not limited to Zillow, Trulia, Movoto, Redfin, Homes.com, and Estately.

This comprehensive strategy ensures that your property is showcased to over 98% of potential buyers, making it accessible to interested parties worldwide.

Will my property appear on other Realtors' and Real Estate Companys' websites?

Certainly, here’s the revised version:

“Numerous real estate professionals maintain websites with property search functionalities. Through our participation in all available data exchange programs offered by each MLS system, Agents and Brokerages have the capability to showcase your property information on their respective websites. This significantly amplifies the exposure of your property to potential buyers.

However, it’s important to note that we cannot guarantee publication on all other brokerages’ and/or agents’ websites. This is because we cannot control how each individual cooperating broker manages their website and publishing resources.”

How do I pay?

Upon clicking the green “Start Now” button, you will be directed to a form where you can input your information and property details. Following this, you’ll proceed to review and electronically sign the service terms and conditions. Once completed, you’ll be prompted to make a payment through our secure and encrypted easy-pay portal. We accept payments via any major credit card for your convenience.

How do I submit pictures?

Immediately following payment, you’ll be directed to a page featuring step-by-step instructions for effortlessly uploading your images.

No matter where your pictures are stored, whether on your computer or smartphone, you’ll be able to upload them seamlessly.”

If you’ve had professional photographs taken, chances are the photographer has provided you with a download link. You can easily share this link with us on the same picture upload page, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Similarly, if you have a link to a shared folder on platforms like Google Drive®, Dropbox®, iCloud®, etc., you can provide us with that link for seamless image transfer.

If you find yourself without your images ready at that moment, don’t worry. We’ll send you an email to the address you provided, containing instructions on how to upload your pictures later. It’s a straightforward process – just use the upload link provided: SnapFlatFee.com/pics.

How many pictures can I upload?

We ensure that we maximize the number of pictures allowed by each MLS system.

Our upload function can accommodate up to 40 pictures. However, if you require additional uploads, simply inform us, and we’ll provide guidance on the specific limit set by your MLS.

Please note that the first picture must be an exterior shot of the property. Additionally, images must not contain any text, yard signs, or contact information of any kind.

Pictures that do not adhere to these guidelines will not be uploaded.

Can I upload pictures from the Internet or from previous listings?

Absolutely not. Just Don’t Do It.

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!

It’s crucial to understand that images and photographs sourced, downloaded or copied from anywhere on The Internet or taken from previous listings are copyrighted and/or restricted by MLS rules and regulations and current Copyrights Federal and State Law.

Including such images in your listing without proper written authorization from the rights owner exposes you (and us) to significant legal risks.

How much money can I save?

You stand to save a significant amount of money through our service. Typically, sellers working with traditional Realtors pay anywhere between 5% and 8% in total commission.

In the traditional setup, the Listing Agent retains half of the commission and pays the remaining half to the Buyer’s Agent.

With our Flat Fee (Entry Only) MLS listing service, you have the opportunity to completely forego the commission if you sell your property without involving a buyer’s agent.

Alternatively, you’ll save half of the commission if a Realtor brings you a buyer. It’s important to note that offering a commission to a buyer’s agent is the  financial incentive that motivates agents to secure a solid (ready, willing, and able) buyer for your property so we suggest offering the highest commission you can from the beginning of the listing

We strongly recommend offering a commission of 3% or more, as this incentivizes buyer’s agents to actively pursue the deal.

The money that you will make can by using SnapFlatFee.com Entry Only Flat Fee MLS listings service adds up  to thousands or even tens of thousands of additional dollars.

Our service stands out for its exceptional value proposition, putting significant cash into our customers’ pockets for a mere $99 investment. The return on investment is incredible and outrageously high.

It’s essential to understand that there’s no set commission mandated by law. As the property owner, you have the freedom to set whatever commission you want.

When will my property be published and available in the MLS?

We call it “GOING LIVE”.

Your listing will be swiftly uploaded onto the MLS and Realtor.com within 24 hours of receiving your payment and pictures—often even faster. Additionally, it takes less than 1 additional hour for it to propagate (syndicate) across the Internet our partner Real Estate Portals.

Do you make any additional money from the transaction?

As outlined in the Listing Agreement you’ve signed or will sign, we deduct a minimal amount of 0.25% from the offered commission. It’s important to note that this deduction doesn’t represent an additional cost for you; rather, it’s subtracted from the commission you’ve offered.

For instance, if you offer a 3% commission, the buyer’s agent will be presented with 2.75%, leaving us with just 0.25% at closing. (We handle this coordination directly with the Title Company or Closing Attorney).

Can I cancel my listing?

Absolutely, you can cancel your listing at any time hassle-free. Simply navigate to the “Changes” section on the main menu of our website and complete the straightforward form. There is no fee for canceling your listing, although we regret to inform you that refunds are not available.

Please note that we are unable to cancel a property listing if it has been sold or rented out, as this requires us to accurately report the status to the MLS. To update the status of your property, you can also use the “Changes” section on our website and fill out the simple form provided.

What about your competition?

When it comes to similar services offered by other companies, it’s essential to recognize that none can match our extensive track record, rich background, unparalleled experience, and outstanding customer satisfaction. Take a glance at our customer reviews, meticulously collected by an independent third-party company from verified and certified customers. These testimonials serve as a testament to the effectiveness, efficiency, and comprehensiveness of our service—everything you need is included.

While conducting your research, ensure you’re comparing apples to apples. Confirm that any competing business is licensed as a Real Estate Brokerage in the state where your property is located (all our licenses are under our Broker’s name: Jorge Zea). It’s crucial because most states strictly prohibit unlicensed entities from “soliciting” listings. By law, licensed companies must prominently display their brokerage name on their website.

Be diligent in examining customer reviews, making sure they are substantiated by a third-party company. Many websites merely act as intermediaries, enticing you to pay upfront before selling your information to a local Broker. This indirect approach often results in increased costs, loss of control, and diminished contact with the actual service provider. In some cases, these intermediary services may even operate illegally under state license laws.

While some services belong to reputable licensed Brokers, none can rival our combination of exceptional customer service, top-notch quality, affordability, and user-friendly platform. We pride ourselves on our simplicity, transparency, and superior efficiency, ensuring that all savings are directly passed on to you, the property owner. However, if you come across a comparable service at a lower price, we’ll list your property for 20% less than that alternative service.

It’s worth noting that certain services out there are so obscure that even we struggle to discern their identity and offerings.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. Should you opt to pay more to another company for an inferior or equivalent service, exercise caution. Ensure that you’re dealing directly with a  state-licensed Real Estate Broker. By law, licensed Real Estate Companies must, at the very least, provide their registered company or Broker’s name and/or licenses on their website. Be vigilant: if a website lacks this crucial information, it could be a referral service or a scam, potentially operating illegally under state law. Remember, it’s vital to steer clear of websites that ask for payment before you input your information. Your diligence and discernment are paramount in navigating the real estate landscape effectively and securely.

What kind of Contract will we have?

We operate under a Limited Service Listing Agreement, also known as Entry Only, Limited Service, or Flat Fee MLS listing agreement. Essentially, this agreement grants us the authorization to list your property in the MLS and offer a commission on your behalf (as determined by you) to other Realtors. Meanwhile, you retain the right to sell the property to any buyer who comes without a Realtor as their agent, thus saving the entire commission.

This agreement can be canceled at any time without incurring any penalty. You would only be responsible for paying the commission if a buyer (or tenant) is presented by a Buyer’s agent. However, if you sell your property without the involvement of a Real Estate Agent representing the buyer, then you owe NO commission.

What is the difference with a Full Service Real Estate Company?

A Full-Service Real Estate Company typically offers a wide range of services that may include various tasks you may not require or prefer to handle yourself, and consequently, shouldn’t pay for. These services often encompass listing the property in the MLS (much like we do), showing the property or installing a lockbox, scheduling appointments, receiving and reviewing offers, negotiating with potential clients and other brokers, acting as a liaison with attorneys and title companies, and representing you at the closing table to collect their commission.

The significant savings you gain from utilizing our Entry Only Flat Fee MLS service stem from the fact that many of the tasks typically handled by the listing broker will be managed by you. These tasks mainly include scheduling appointments and exchanging information with the buyer’s agent and the Title Company. By taking on these responsibilities yourself, you can enjoy substantial cost savings while still effectively marketing your property.

While these activities are easy, straightforward and can often be managed independently by most individuals, it’s strongly advisable to seek legal and tax advice, particularly given the significance of real estate transactions. Therefore, we STRONGLY recommend that you seek legal and tax advice to ensure a smooth and successful process.

SnapFlatFee.com’s fundamental principle is this: Always engage an attorney and a tax advisor for every real estate transaction, regardless of whether licensed agents are involved. Real estate agents are not qualified as attorneys or CPAs, and thus cannot, and most likely will not, provide legal or tax advice.

Here at SnapFlatFee.com, we adhere to this principle, recognizing our limitations and refraining from offering legal or tax advice. It’s crucial for your protection and peace of mind to seek guidance from professionals who specialize in these areas.

A Realtor told me that "I get what I pay for"... humm?

Never allow a jealous Realtor to undermine your confidence in your choices.

When a Realtor attempts to discredit our services by asserting “you get what you pay for” in a bid to label us as “cheap,” we swiftly challenge them to justify why their services warrant a 6% commission of the property’s sales price. What is it that they do to justify such a outlandish paycheck.

More often than not, they struggle to provide compelling answers. There is little room for them to attempt differentiate a full-service Brokers form our Limited Service, Flat Fee, Entry-Only MLS listing service. Some may boast about having an extensive database of ready buyers (which is rarely the case) but fail to produce results. Others tout services such as professional photography and hosting open houses, which can easily be undertaken by you (the owner) or at a fraction of the cost.

In reality, many realtors understand that the real money lies in accumulating listings, as much of the legwork is delegated to the buyer’s broker. While securing listings may appear straightforward, the reality is that it’s a fiercely competitive process that demands considerable effort.

Can other Realtors call and ask me to list the property?

No, they cannot. Once your property is listed by us, it is off-limits for any Realtors’ solicitation. Stand your ground and politely instruct them to contact us, “Your listing Broker.” They already have the contact information in the MLS.

Soliciting property listings from owners of already listed properties is a direct violation of the current National Association of Realtors code of ethics (Article 16). You can cite this code if they attempt to solicit your listing. Rest assured, our Broker has extensive experience in this matter, having served on the Ethics Grievance Committee for the Board of Realtors.

Furthermore, certain MLS services and state Licensing authorities have regulations and/or laws that prohibit licensed agents from interfering with established listing agreements. We have seen Listing Brokers successfully win lawsuits for Tortious Interference filed against Brokers soliciting their listings.

If this situation arises, please kindly request that the Realtor to send you the solicitation or offer of service via email and forward it to us. We will handle the matter accordingly.

What happens if I need a Full-Service Broker

Sometimes sellers opt for this route, and that’s perfectly acceptable. First and foremost, please inform us if you are considering switching to a Full-Service Broker. 

Before making any decisions, reach out to us. We have an extensive database of reputable Brokers with whom we collaborate and whom we can confidently recommend to you. If you choose to list your property with our preferred Realtor and subsequently sell it through them, we’ll offer you a credit at closing starting at  $2,000 (much more, depending on factors such as property type, location, and commission structure) . This credit can be applied towards your closing costs.

Do I need an attorney?

We strongly advise always involving an attorney in any real estate transaction, even if there are Realtors involved.

Realtors are not qualified to provide legal advice, so having an attorney ensures that all legal aspects of the transaction are properly addressed.

Additionally, we recommend seeking guidance from a CPA for accounting and tax advice to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and maximize financial efficiency.

Yes, they are legal! The legality of innovative practices in real estate brokerages, such as our Flat Fee MLS listing service, has been extensively debated. The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) not only approves such creative practices but actively encourages alternative and innovative brokerage approaches that bring benefits to customers. In fact, the Federal Government has even taken legal action against some states that attempted to restrict discount and Flat Fee Real Estate practices.

We firmly believe in the ability and right of the free market to regulate itself through healthy competition. This is precisely why we offer the best and simplest service at the most competitive price in the market. When a free market environment fosters smart competition, it’s the consumer—namely, you as the seller—who reaps the greatest benefits, including significant cost savings and excellent service.

Were can I read some customer reviews?

Customer satisfaction is paramount to us, and we take pride in offering the best customer service in the industry.

To ensure transparency and authenticity, our reviews are collected and verified by a reputable third-party company called “Shopper Approved”. This independent agency verifies that reviews are genuine, valid, and from current or past paying customers. It’s worth noting that Shopper Approved is one of the few companies approved by Google for the collection and verification of ratings and reviews from actual paying customers.

While some competitors may display comments on their websites, these are often provided and uploaded directly by them, raising questions about their authenticity. In contrast, our reviews undergo rigorous verification to guarantee their legitimacy.

You can view our reviews on our website by clicking “reviews” from our main menu. For added reliability, we recommend checking them directly on the Verification Collection Agency’s website at: Shopper Approved – SnapFlatFee.

I got a contract. Now what?

Reporting the status of your property listing is of utmost importance as it enables us to keep the MLS database up-to-date. It is crucial that you keep us informed about any developments regarding your property. Specifically, we require immediate updates when you have an Executed Contract and when the Transaction is Closed.

To provide us with this essential information, simply navigate to the “Changes” option in the main menu of our website and fill out the simple form. Your cooperation in keeping us informed ensures that your listing remains accurate and current in the MLS database.

What about Yard Signs

After extensive experience, we’ve determined that yard signs are not an effective marketing tool. Instead, they often serve as advertising space for agents to promote themselves and attract more listings.

As a result, we do not sell or provide yard signs with our listings. However, if you require a yard sign, please inform us, and we’ll provide you with our logo file. You can then order a sign online from various companies, incorporating our logo and your contact information to create a personalized sign. Please note that For Sale by Owner signs are not permitted when the property is listed in the MLS.

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