Frequently Asked Questions and Sample Forms

What is the MLS? The Multiple Listing Service is the primary data source for real estate agents to advertise and find property for sale. It allows real estate brokers representing sellers under a listing contract to widely share information about properties with real estate brokers who may represent potential buyers for the property. The purpose of the MLS is to distribute information so that, when a real estate agent represents a potential home buyer, s/he may search the MLS system and retrieve information about all homes for sale in a given area or price range.

What counties are covered by MLS? Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Lassen, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, Ventura, Yolo

What does my listing look like in the MLS? The same as any other MLS listing with all applicable searches included.

Click here to view a sample MLS listing.

How do I send pictures of my home for the MLS listing? Take pictures of your property with a digital camera and email the photos to us, or if you don't have a digital camera, you may take traditional photos and have them scanned and put on a CD that you can mail to us. A listing may be started and pictures added soon afterward. The number of pictures you send us depends on which package you choose.

What is a virtual tour? A movie-like, online tour of your property which gives the viewer a sense of actually walking through your space.

What if I want a virtual tour of my property? Virtual tours are done by are done outside company at an additional cost to you. You may go to sacramentovirtualhometours.com and find out more information. Regardless of the company you use, virtual tours are not uploaded until you have an active listing with an agent on the MLS.

How long does it take to list my property on the MLS? Within one business day when all agreements have been returned. Once you have chosen a package and completed the purchase, you will be asked to fill out our MLS form about your property.

Click here to view a sample MLS form from our website.

On what other websites is my property advertised? Depending on your package and the type of property you have, it can be advertised in several other listing services such as Realtor.com and Loopnet.com for commercial listings.

What if a potential buyer contacts RealtyAid.net directly? We give the potential buyer your contact information. In addition, all packages include a sign with your phone number on it.

Who is REALTYAID.net for? Our website and services are designed to assist For Sale by Owner (FSBO sellers). Our packages are designed to provide sellers with all the tools necessary to sell their property and save money in the process. Selling your home on your own can save you thousands of dollars in commissions. However, we do also offer traditional real estate agent services with commission for those who want full service of their listing. In addition, we can also help you find a home to buy.

What happens once I purchase a package and submit the completed MLS form? Once we receive your payment and MLS form, we will email or fax you the listing agreement, which is the contract between you, the seller, and us, the listing broker. This agreement will set out the conditions of the listing, which will generally include the length of the listing period, the desired sales price, the amount you paid as well as the buyer's agent commission, and any other pertinent information. Once you have read the terms of the agreement and approve, you will sign it and fax or mail it to us. Once we receive your signed listing agreement, we will upload your information to the MLS and send your package items (disclosures, signs, etc, depending on your package choice). You will receive a copy of your MLS listing as well.

Click here to view a sample listing agreement for Economy Package

Click here to view a sample listing agreement for Deluxe Package

Click here to view a sample listing agreement for Premium Package

Click here to view sample disclosures for ALL Packages

Click here to view a sample addendum for ALL Packages

What if I find my own buyer while my property is listed, will I owe a commission? NO! This is the advantage of using our company to advertise your property and provide you with the tools to sell your property. If you find a buyer you pay no other fees to real estate agents. However, if the buyer is represented by an agent and you agree to pay a commission of 1-3% when you fill out the online form, then that money is paid through escrow to the buyer's agent at the closing of the sale.

How long is my property listed? Six months and you may cancel the listing at anytime if it does not sell, but no refund. Once the sale of your home goes pending (offer is accepted), it is your responsibility to contact us in order to update your listing so that no other buyers try to contact you. Once it is sold, contact us to update your listing as sold.

What if I want help with the paperwork? With all three packages we provide a complete package of necessary legal documents that are required for the sale of property. If the paperwork is over whelming, please call us for more information.

Do I need to buy a lock box? No. However, you may choose to purchase a lock box (a) if no one is living on the property that you are selling, or (b) you would like potential buyers and their agents to view the property when you are not at home.

Are you licensed and insured? Yes, we are licensed by the California Department of Real Estate. We belong to the Sacramento Association of Realtors, the California Association of Realtors and the National Association or Realtors. We also carry Errors and Omissions Insurance and internet liability insurance.

Need more information or have concerns please call (916) 288-HOME(4663)