Category Archives: For sale by owner tips

You’ve probably heard a lot of horror stories about selling your home with the help of a real estate agent. High commission fees, lack of control over the selling process, and mediocre marketing techniques — these are just some of the complaints that homeowners have about traditional real estate agents.

We completely understand if you are sure the FSBO route (For Sale By Owner) is the best option for you. After all, you know your home better than anyone else, right? But before you go ahead and put up a “For Sale” sign in your front yard, there’s something else you should know about – the Minneapolis Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

Licensed real estate agents like us at Real Estate Corners offer a flat-fee Minneapolis multiple listing service that will get your home on the MLS and in front of thousands of potential buyers. Here’s more to convince you that this service is worth considering.

What is the MLS, and why should you care about it?

The MLS is a platform that licensed brokers, and real estate agents use to put up and search for homes available for sale in a given area. The MLS provides detailed data on properties such as square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, listing price, and more. This information is critical for both buyers and sellers as it allows them to compare similar properties and make informed decisions.

So, should you care about the MLS? Absolutely. Here’s why:

The Internet is a very important resource in the real estate industry

A 2020 survey by the NAR reported that 97% of homebuyers turned to the internet when searching for a new home. This means that almost all potential buyers will use online platforms, including the MLS, to find their dream home. If you hire us to list your home on the MLS, you are increasing its visibility and chances of being seen by a larger pool of buyers.

It is a safe, reliable platform

What makes the MLS different from other online marketplace platforms is that it is exclusive to licensed real estate agents and brokers. This means that the information on the MLS is accurate and reliable as it comes directly from professionals who are held to a code of ethics.

We will start by gathering details about the property and will use comparisons with recently sold homes to set an appropriate list price. Once all the details are in place, we will create a listing in the MLS. This listing includes photos, square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and other home features like a garage.

However, aside from the basic details, MLS listings often include private remarks intended only for other agents to keep the seller’s privacy and safety intact. These confidential notes might have the seller’s contact information, tips on the best times for showings, details about pets in the house, gate codes, or specific seller disclosures and homeowners association (HOA) rules. Every property listed on the MLS is given a unique MLS number to easily identify and find properties. This number is used as a reference for agents and buyers to keep track of the listings they are interested in.

Provides maximum exposure

When a seller lists their home on the MLS, it becomes visible to all the agents and brokers who use the system, which greatly boosts the chance of finding a buyer. This increased visibility is actually one of the biggest advantages for homeowners who choose to work with an agent rather than going the For-Sale-By-Owner route.

In the same way, when buyers search for a new home, they are provided with access to a vast selection of listings via the MLS. Buyers can work with an agent to find a home that fits their needs. During this process, the agent will talk to the buyer about their ideal location, type of home, budget, size requirements, must-haves, and other preferences. The agent then uses this information to search for homes on the MLS that match the buyer’s criteria. When the buyer finds a home they like, they can arrange to see it in person or attend open houses using the information available in the MLS.

Have more control but still have guidance

One of the most important things to note when using MLS is that sellers cannot list their homes on the MLS directly. This is because only licensed real estate agents and brokers are allowed to access the platform. This means that sellers would need to work with an agent who can help them list their property on the MLS with a flat-fee arrangement.

Will this mean that the seller has no control over their listing? Not at all. Unlike traditional real estate transactions where the agent handles all aspects of the sale, with MLS, the seller still has control over their listing. They can choose which photos to use, write their own descriptions for the listing, and set their own price. The only difference is that the listing will appear on the MLS and get more exposure to potential buyers.

Our flat-fee FSBO package offers an affordable and straightforward way to list your home on the MLS in Minneapolis. Beyond our basic package, we offer additional services like market analysis and competition monitoring, which are available for an extra charge. Reach out to our team today at  (612) 483-1230 for more information on our Minneapolis multiple listing service.

Are you aware that more than 21,000 people in Minnesota are licensed to sell real estate? Picking an agent who is well-versed in the local market and the real estate industry can be overwhelming. After all, you literally have over 21,000 different options to choose from.

As one of the leading real estate agencies in Minneapolis, we know how challenging it can be to find the right agent to help you with your home buying or selling needs. Here are some tips on how to find a reliable Minneapolis real estate agency that can make the process smoother and more efficient for you.

Carry out due diligence

One of the most costly mistakes home buyers and sellers make is choosing an agent without doing proper research. Don’t just settle for the first agency you come across or the one with the most flashy advertisements. Take your time to do some background checks, read reviews from previous clients, and, most importantly – check for a license.

While you’re figuring out how to choose a real estate agent, it’s important to remember that they’re licensed and monitored by state regulatory bodies. Each state’s regulatory organization has its own set of guidelines that realtors need to follow to keep working in the industry. Thankfully, this information is easily accessible to the public. All you need to do is go online and search using the agent’s license number or name, and their details should appear. You can even find out if an agent has had any complaints or disciplinary actions against them.

Request a list of recent clients

Whether you’re buying your first home or selling a property, gathering some background information about the real estate agent you’re considering is important. Start by asking the agent for a list of a few clients they’ve worked with recently. This will help you determine if they have the necessary experience and capability to assist with your home-buying or selling journey.

Find out from their past clients what the initial price of the property was and what it eventually sold for. If you’re selling, check with those clients to see if their properties have features similar to yours. You should also learn about the location of those properties, the original asking prices, and the final sale amounts. You need a Minneapolis real estate agency that specializes in the type of property you’re interested in buying or selling.

While figuring out how to choose a great real estate agent, ask the most important question: how long were their properties listed before they sold? You don’t want to end up with a realtor who takes forever to sell or find a home for you. Knowing the average time their past properties spent on the market can give you a good sense of their efficiency and effectiveness in closing deals.

List down at least three top choices with over a decade of experience

When you’re picking a Minneapolis real estate agency, it’s smart to look for those who have been in the business for over 10 years. Agents with this much experience have likely seen all kinds of market changes and can offer helpful advice on the city’s real estate scene. They usually have a wide network that helps match buyers with the right homes quickly and gives sellers access to keen, qualified buyers. Plus, their negotiating skills have been honed over time, making sure you get the best deal possible. It’s a good idea to list down at least three top choices with this level of experience and do further research on their track record and client reviews.

Inquire about their communication style

Let the agent know your preferred way of communicating, whether it’s through text, phone calls, or emails. Remember, it’s best to keep important legal matters over more formal channels like phone or email rather than text. Also, ask if they can promise to send regular updates, say every couple of weeks, about their marketing and activities. Make sure they’re easy to reach whenever you have questions or need a status update. A good real estate agent should always keep you in the loop and maintain open communication throughout the entire process.

Ask if they offer a flat-fee MLS listing

In most real estate transactions, there are usually two brokers involved: one for the seller and one for the buyer. The seller’s broker, known as the listing broker, typically earns a commission of about 5-6% when the property is sold. This commission is usually divided equally with the buyer’s broker. However, with a flat-fee MLS listing in Minnesota, you can avoid the portion of the commission that the listing broker keeps, which is about 2.5-3%. This option allows you to save a significant amount of money while still enjoying the broad exposure of having your property listed on the MLS.

With our broker reciprocity system, your property will get exposure on hundreds of public websites that list by-owner MLS properties, such as realtor.com. Your MLS listing will also be visible on major platforms like MLS Online Minnesota, giving you maximum exposure to potential buyers. By using our flat-fee MLS listing service, you have the chance to connect with buyers who are not represented by an agent, meaning you won’t have to pay any commission. This can result in significant savings, potentially thousands of dollars.

Call Real Estate Corners at (612) 483-1230 and see how our Minneapolis real estate agency can help you sell your property. With over two decades of experience, we are sure to provide you with the best guidance and advice for your real estate needs.

Are you searching for a new home in Minnesota? Looking at houses for sale by owners can be a good start. It will save you time and possibly money because for sale by owner (FSBO) allows you to buy the house directly from the owner instead of through a real estate broker or agent. It benefits the seller, too, as they don’t have to worry about the listing agent taking 5-6% off their final sale price at closing. This means they can keep more profits from the sale.

Here at Real Estate Corners, we offer solutions to help home sellers sell their property quickly with our FSBO package. Our licensed real estate agents will list their homes on the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to expand their reach. The MLS is a valuable marketing tool for Realtors because it allows us to promote or find properties for our clients.

However, only professionals like us can access and post on it, making our FSBO service necessary for sellers who want to use the MLS to market their homes. Once a house is listed on the MLS, the listing also appears on hundreds of other real estate websites, including Trulia.com, Realtor.com, CBBurnet.com, Redfin.com, and EdinaRealty. Imagine the amount of exposure sellers can get with that!

We can help you, too!

At Real Estate Corners, we go beyond supporting homeowners who want to sell their homes and get them listed on the MLS. We help buyers like you in finding houses for sale by owners. The best thing about our service is it’s free. Plus, you can earn up to $4,000. Here’s how our buyer’s services work:

• Option 1: Have you found a house you want to buy? We can represent you as the buyer. With this option, you will get a 1% cash rebate of the selling price up to $4,000 at closing.
• Option 2: Are you selling your house and looking for another one? We can help with that, too. Our licensed real estate agents will represent you as a buyer, and you will get a 0.5% cash rebate of the selling price (up to $4,000) when we close the sale.

There’s no catch

We understand your needs differ from other buyers when finding houses for sale by owners in Minnesota. We take different considerations to mind, including your budget, family size, community, location, and lifestyle. Our goal is to identify your needs to ensure you will find the perfect property that suits your requirements. At the same time, we guarantee a smooth buying process that lets you profit, too.

We can provide our buyer’s services at no cost because we profit from our listing service. So, don’t hesitate to ask us to help you find an FSBO home.

House-hunting made easy

At Real Estate Corners, we simplify the process of finding and selecting houses for sale by owners. Use our property search tool here to find some prospects from the sellers we’re helping. We work closely with home sellers who signed up with our FSBO package to connect them with qualified buyers like you and speed up the selling process.

Is it worth buying an FSBO home?

The housing market inventory grew by 35.2% in May 2024. It’s a significant increase from the numbers in May 2023. With more homes for sale, mortgage rates are expected to decline, making now a good time to hit the market.

The best way to become a new homeowner is by buying houses for sale by owners. In 2023, NAR found that 10% of homes sold were FSBO. By partnering with us, you can find the right FSBO house that fits your budget and requirements. Use comprehensive search and various filter options to find a suitable property. We can also represent you as the buyer when you make an offer.

How to find FSBO homes?

Many buyers search for houses for sale by owners through various channels, including online listing websites like Trulia, Realtor.com, and Zillow. You might even find them on local classified ads and social media platforms. Attending open houses and local property auctions in Minneapolis could also lead you to FSBO properties that meet your requirements.

Here are a few tips to find and buy an FSBO home:

• Narrow your search
  
  Various factors can make it challenging to buy a property listed as FSBO. Since you’re doing it yourself, be careful when choosing a home to invest in. To find the best investment, explore multiple areas in Minnesota instead of restricting your search to a single area. This will allow you to find houses for sale by owners that align with your desired amenities, budget, and needs.

• Visit the area
  
  This is a must before buying any property. Get to know the neighborhood and get a feel of the locality. An FSBO listing might have nice pictures, but sometimes, they can be deceiving. It never hurts to verify things for yourself and check the house in person.

• Get approved for financing.
  
  As an FSBO buyer, you could either pay in full in cash or consider financing, such as short-term, permanent, or seller financing. If you go for financing, you must prove to the seller that you’ve been approved and can secure the funds promptly.

• Make an acceptable offer and request a home inspection and appraisal.
  
  Before making an offer, analyze the properties that have been recently sold in the neighborhood within the past 3 to 6 months. This will also help the buyer determine if they are selling at a competitive price. Additionally, take the time to hire a licensed home appraiser and inspector. An inspector can help you avoid a potentially problematic property that’s expensive to repair. Meanwhile, an appraiser can determine the home’s true worth and help lenders decide on fair financing.

Save time with Real Estate Corners.

At Real Estate Corners, we save you from the hassle and effort of finding houses for sale by owners with our buyer’s service and property search tool. Are you interested? Call (612) 483-1230 to speak with one of our licensed real estate agents.

If you are about to sell your house in Minneapolis using a for sale by owner strategy, then you need to stay on top of the latest developments and changes in the real estate industry. One of the key points to familiarize yourself with is the lawsuit settlement by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which resulted in a new set of rules that could impact future real estate transactions.

The settlement

On March 18, 2024, the NAR decided to settle a lawsuit by agreeing to pay $418 million in damages. As part of the settlement, two new rules were introduced that affect both buyers and sellers.

1. Real estate agents representing buyers are now required to present a formal agreement. This agreement is designed to clearly explain the buying process to the clients and disclose the fees that the agents will charge for their services.

This change is expected to have minimal impact on Minnesotans opting to sell their homes in Minneapolis through the for sale by owner route, primarily because FSBO transactions typically do not involve buyer’s agents who would be affected by this new requirement.

2. The NAR settlement also affects how commissions are displayed and negotiated. Traditionally, when a seller listed their home for sale, they would work with a real estate agent who would include a set commission for the buyer’s agent in the MLS listing. This commission was typically split between the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent.

This practice had some drawbacks. Some argue it incentivized buyer’s agents to only show homes with higher commissions, potentially limiting buyer options. Others believe it encouraged sellers to set unrealistic asking prices to accommodate the commission.

The new agreement brings more flexibility. Realtors are no longer required to display the commission split on the MLS listing in MN. This opens the door for more direct negotiation between agents, sellers, and buyers. The seller might pay a lower commission upfront, or the commission might be shared differently between the buyer’s and seller’s agents.

No worries on our part

Here at Real Estate Corners, we still follow the NAR rules while ensuring our clients still have control over selling their homes in Minneapolis through for sale by owner. Our flat-fee MLS service and FSBO package are still affordable. If you choose our full representation service, you get the same advantages, too.

So, if you’re selling your home, don’t hesitate to call us at (612) 483-1230. We’ll provide all the support you need to succeed without shortchanging you.

Whether you’re hunting for your dream home or selling one, you’re likely to encounter the Multiple Listing Service in MN. Known as MLS, this database is a vital marketing tool for real estate agents and brokers to locate homes that match their clients’ needs. It lists all properties currently for sale in specific geographic regions of Minnesota and is maintained, created, and managed by participating real estate professionals.

Our experts here at Real Estate Corners can list your property on the MLS for a fixed price to enhance its visibility and increase the chances of a quicker sale. And if you’re buying a new home while you’re selling your current one, we can assist you with both transactions — we can help you sell your current home and find you a new home to buy. We offer rebates to buyers and sellers who use our services! If you choose Real Estate Corners to represent you as the buyer of your new home, you can receive a 1% rebate of the selling price at closing. And if Real Estate Corners helps you find a new home and represents you as the buyer, you’ll get a 0.5% cash rebate (up to $4,000) upon successful closing.

Do you really need the MLS?

The short answer is yes. Listing your house on the Multiple Listing Service in MN can help you sell your home quickly. Without this listing, many potential buyers might never see your property.

Don’t worry. Our FSBO package starts with a minimal flat fee and maintains your listing on the MLS for six months, with no hidden fees and the freedom to make unlimited changes or edits.

When you list your home on the MLS, it also appears on major real estate websites such as Zillow, Realtor.com, and Trulia. Our team at Real Estate Corners actively forwards email and phone leads to you and assists with home showings. We also feature your ad and listing on our website and offer a no-cost cancellation at any time!

List your property today

Call (612) 483-1230 to learn more about our Multiple Listing Service solutions in MN. We’ll help you get started here at Real Estate Corners, whether you’re buying or selling a house.

Navigating contracts and paperwork in a for sale by owner transaction in MN can be challenging. As an FSBO seller, managing listing documents, contracts, and insurance papers on your own can become an overwhelming task. This is precisely why we suggest partnering with a flat-fee FSBO company like ours for support.

At Real Estate Corners, we will put your property on the Multiple Listing Service with our flat-fee MLS Service. We are not traditional real estate agents who ask for a 6% commission from a successful sale. Instead, we charge a small fee for our service, which simplifies marketing your home to thousands of prospective buyers. Additionally, we offer professional advice when navigating FSBO contracts.

What is an FSBO contract?

An FSBO contract lays out all the critical terms and conditions, including how you’ll close the deal, the deadlines you need to meet, and any contingencies that allow for a smooth sale. Whether you’re selling or buying a home for sale by an owner in MN, the responsibility of drafting this document might fall on you. Our flat-fee FSBO MLS listing company is here to help you dot the i’s and cross the t’s. And if you need it, we can connect you with a top-notch real estate attorney.

Must-have items in an FSBO contract

Contingency clauses are necessary in an FSBO contract because they provide a safety net allowing parties to withdraw under specific conditions. These clauses typically cover financing, inspections, appraisals, and the sale of the current home. Essential components of the for sale by owner contract in MN should comprise:

• Confirmation of a clear title
• The full and legal names of all parties involved
• The agreed-upon purchase price
• A defined deadline for the transaction
• Detailed property descriptions
• An outline of closing costs
• Mandatory property disclosures
• A designated area for signatures

Let Real Estate Corners remove the complexity from drafting for sale by owner contracts in MN. Our expertise ensures a seamless process for both buyers and sellers. Contact us at (612) 483-1230 for professional advice and support.

Are you on the market to buy your dream home in Minnesota? Looking at the homes for sale by owner listings in MN is a good start. At Real Estate Corners, we have an up-to-date selection of properties that are also posted on the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to help sellers promote their houses to buyers like you. We also work with buyers to eliminate the stress of finding the perfect property and negotiating with sellers.

Although we can help you find a home, we also want you to consider these factors for a more rewarding and faster search:

Check the local laws

Are you coming from another state? Take the time to review real estate transaction laws in Minnesota, as they might be different from what you’re used to.

Consider getting an attorney

Homes for sale by owner transactions in MN involve significant legal paperwork. The good news is that a seasoned real estate attorney can take care of most of these for you. If you need one, feel free to ask us, and we will recommend a trustworthy lawyer to support you.

Arrange a professional home inspection

A thorough inspection can uncover any potential problems in the property. It’s important to carefully examine the inspection report and inform the FSBO seller of any required repairs or consider renegotiating the offer based on the findings.

Use our service

At Real Estate Corners, we specialize in assisting buyers interested in homes for sale by owners in Minnesota. We can act as your buyer’s agent and offer a cash rebate after a successful closing. Here’s a breakdown of how our rebate system works:

• Option 1: If you’ve already found the ideal home, let us represent you as the buyer. Upon the successful completion of the sale, we offer a 1% cash rebate of the sale price, with a maximum of $4,000.

• Option 2: If you’re selling your current home in Minnesota and also looking to purchase a new one, we can assist in both selling and buying. When we represent you as the buyer for your next home, you’re eligible for a 0.5% cash rebate (up to $4,000) after the sale closes successfully.

Choose the option that best suits your needs, and benefit from our expertise and financial incentives. Are you ready for a rewarding home-buying experience? Talk to us today by calling (612) 483-1230.

The journey to buy homes from sale by owner in MN can be complex, especially in a fluctuating housing market. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to invest, navigating the Minnesota market requires knowledge and planning. Here’s a seven-step guide to streamline your process of buying an FSBO home in Minnesota.

Step 1: Check your financial health

Assess your financial readiness before diving into the search for homes for sale by owner in MN. Calculate how much you can afford, check your credit score, review your debt-to-income ratio, and ensure you have a steady employment history to present to lenders.

Step 2: Prepare for future costs

Even before you commit to a purchase, it’s wise to start saving for the down payment and closing costs. Homes for sale by owner in MN typically require a 20% down payment, and buyer closing costs in Minnesota range from 2% to 5% of the property’s total purchase price.

Step 3: Get mortgage pre-approval

Securing a mortgage pre-approval is essential. It not only determines your borrowing limit but also includes a letter indicating your seriousness as a buyer to the FSBO seller.

Step 4: Search for FSBO homes

While many people rely on real estate agents to access the MLS, reputable FSBO flat-fee MLS listing services provide similar access. Spend time visiting potential homes and attending open houses to find the right fit among the homes for sale by owner in MN.

Step 5: Make an offer

Once you’ve found your ideal home, make an offer that includes your proposed price, proof of funds, preapproval letter, purchase terms, and contingencies. Be prepared for the seller’s response—whether it’s a counteroffer, acceptance, or rejection.

Step 6: Get ready for appraisal and inspection

When your offer is accepted, you can arrange for a professional inspection to identify any issues with the property. An appraisal will assure your lender of the property’s value and help ensure adequate loan funding.

Step 7: Finalize the deal

The final step is closing the deal on your chosen home. This involves settling closing costs, completing paperwork, and receiving the keys.

Seeking assistance?

For guidance in purchasing homes for sale by owners in MN, consider consulting with experts at Real Estate Corners. Contact them at (612) 483-1230.