Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Blue City Listings a real estate broker or agent? No. We are not a real estate broker: we are a real estate technology company. We provide a sophisticated real estate search and listing management capability that can be used by consumers and real estate professionals
Why is the Internet important when selling your home? Today over 75% of buyers start their search for a new home on the Internet, so having it advertised on our premiere website will result in maximum exposure.
Who do I contact to get more information about a property? Please contact one of the many real estate professionals in that area to learn more about a particular property. The easiest way to do this is to click on the agent/broker's Web address in your search results to get to the listing agent/broker's Web site directly. Alternatively, you can click on the thumbnail image on the property detail page.
Is Blue City Listings a free service? Yes. Blue City Listings is 100% free for consumers to use the property search and search agent functions. There is no charge to become a registered user of Blue City Listings. "Click on Join BlueCityListings"
Is there a cost to have my properties included in Blue City Listings? Yes, and it is minimal...
- Real Estate Agents & Brokers: with a annual fee of $249.00 includes unlimited Listings for the first year.
- Landlords & Property Managers: with a annual fee of $249.00 includes unlimited listings for the first year.
- For Sale By Owner "FSBO": with a fee of $249.00 includes your listing untill it sells.
Rebates:
Real Estate Brokerage Office Sponsorship -
- 2 - 5 Agents $348.00 per year
- 6 - 20 Agents $708.00 per year
- 21 - 60 Agents $1188.00 per year
- 61 - 100 Agents $2388.00 per year
- 101 - plus Agents $3588.00 per year
What other technologies/services will be available to help market my self and the properties that I have listed?
Personal-Audio & Property-Audio recorder wave file upload - will be offered in phase 2 of site roll-out. You will beable to record in your voice allowing you to create a personal description/history about you and also create one for the property you are listing and when your done recording you will beable to save the wave file that you can upload to your BlueCityListings profile and property listing detail; You can also place the files on your own web site, emails to your customers, etc. If a prospect cliks on the Play-Button it will play your wave-file recording to them. Example: PersonalAudiofile PropertyAudiofile Purchase the Recorder for $38.95 plus $9.00 S&H.
Fax-on-Demand Powered By CendaFax - will be available in phase 2-3 of site roll-out. (You will be able to purchase packs of 20-pages for $9.95 Or a pack of 40-pages for $14.95) Or you can sign up for your own CendaFax number account $19.95 monthly plus a one-time setup of $44.95 includes 100 pages of outbound fax pages. Use for all your listing(s) Fax-on-Demand and go green with your personal faxing as well.
Professional-Virtual-Tours - will be available in phase 2-3 of site roll-out. (You will be able to purchase for $125.00 that will include 5-Virtual Tour Views example: Front Yard, Back Yard, Kitchen, Living Room, Etc. You may purchase additional Virtual Tour Views for $15.00 ea. Also included you will receive 15- Still Pictures. *Price subject to mileage. Example: http:// You may use your own or a 3rd party virtual tour link on the site as well.
Add your Listing to our Open House "Calendar"
Get a Domain Name from ZinZippy.com and point it to your BlueCityListing url or have us do it for you $15.00. Example: http://www.17deacon.com/
*Please If you have other ideas or suggestions that can help you and improve the site-service offerings. send email to Feedback@BlueCityListings.com
As a "FSBO" For Sale By Owner do I have to offer a Buyer's Agent Commission? No, Although you have the option to offer one as an incentive to Real Estate Agents to help you find a buyer - the commission is typically 2% - 3%. If you find your own buyer, you don't pay any commissions you would keep that $ amount.
As a "FSBO" For Sale By Owner can I get my property on local MLS? Yes, It cost an additional $149.00 for a local MLS listing and you must offer a Buyer's Agent Commission - the commission is typically 2% - 3% you must decide at time of MLS listing. However you still handle calls, showings, Qustions, and signage. You will work with one of our Blue City Listings Broker Affiliates.
What are the steps to get on the MLS Listing System?
1.Order an MLS Listing for a low flat fee through our online form.
2.BlueCityListings.com will call a local agent in its broker network who will contact you directly and provide you with the necessary paperwork.
3.Return the completed paperwork to the agent who will place your home on your local MLS within 24 hours at no additional charge.
4.The agent will contact you directly to confirm your home has been placed on the MLS Listing System and provide you with the MLS Listing number for your property. Your home will be advertised for six months.
5.When a Realtor® brings you a buyer that results in a successful home sale, you pay the Buyer's Agent a commission (2-3%)
MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service. The MLS Listing System is a database of homes for sale in a specific area and is run by the local Board of Realtors®. It's the traditional method agents use to find homes for their buyers or to advertise their listings to other agents.
How much does it cost to get on the MLS?
It costs an additional one time, up front, flat fee of $149.
How long does my home stay on the MLS Listing System?
Your home will be advertised on your local MLS Listing System untill it sells. It will likely appear on Realtor.com as well.
Do I get a refund if my home doesn't sell or I convert to an agent?
There is no refund if your home doesn't sell. However, if you're unsuccessful at selling your home yourself and wish to use an agent, call us and we'll refer you to an agent in our broker network. If the home sells through our agent, we'll deduct the $149 MLS Listing charge off the listing commission at closing.
What is the benefit of putting my home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)?
There is one very significant benefit to having your home listed on the MLS - EXPOSURE to the local pool of real estate agents! The fact that you have your home for sale in the MLS will now be known by the hundreds, if not thousands, of real estate brokers and Buyers' Agents in your market who are helping buyers find homes.
What is the difference between a Seller's Agent and a Buyer's Agent?
A Seller's Agent lists the property, represents the seller and is legally obligated to put the seller's interests above all others. A Buyer's Agent represents the purchaser in the transaction and puts the buyer's interests above all others.
What does it mean to "co-op"?
Co-op (cooperative payment) means that you would be willing to pay a Buyer's Agent a fee for bringing a buyer to you. Typically, a Buyer's Agent is paid 2% - 3.0% of the sales price. It is necessary to list the commission amount you are willing to pay on the MLS when you list your home with the real estate agent.
What are the benefits of using a Lock Box?
A Lock Box allows you to show your home to buyers while you're not there. This combination lock box is typically hung on the front door and keeps your key safe.
Everyone is busy, and many times you can't be there to show your home when the buyer or agent wants. Typically used by agents for years, a Lock Box ensures you won't miss out on a potential buyer. You can change the code daily if you want to prevent people from accessing your home without an appointment.
If I do not want to "co-op" with a Real Estate Agent, is the MLS Listing still a good idea for me?
No. A Buyer's Agent expects compensation. Without offering it, an agent will have no reason to bring a buyer to your home.
Do I have to pay an agent if I put my home on the local MLS Listing Service but find the buyer myself?
NO! In this scenario, you would have only spent $249 BlueCityListings.com fee plus $149 Local MLS listing fee.
Note: According to the National Association of Realtors, 75% of homes are sold through MLS listings; only 16% of FSBOs are sold without the listing.
Whats included "For
- No hidden costs
- Keep your "for sale by owner" status
- Save thousands of dollars in listing commission
- Same MLS listing service used by real estate agents in your area
- Expose your home to thousands of buyers and their agents in your area
- Local MLS coverage and Nationwide coverage through Realtor.com
- Multiple Listing Service provided by licensed real estate agents in your area
- Plus, your home will get additional exposure through Realtor.com Statistics show FSBO homes with an MLS Listing sell faster!
To see the steps involved in ordering an MLS Listing for a flat fee, or if you have other questions, see our FAQ’s What are the steps to get on the MLS Listing System?.
Whats included "For
- Our realtor will assist you with the paperworks from the begining to closing of escrow
- All the require forms you need to sell your house
- Keep your "for sale by owner" status
- Save thousands of dollars in listing commission
- Same MLS listing service used by real estate agents in your area
- Expose your home to thousands of buyers and their agents in your area
- Local MLS coverage and Nationwide coverage through Realtor.com
- Multiple Listing Service provided by licensed real estate agents in your area
How Do I become an Affiliate Realtor Broker and How does it works?
- First you must be a Blue City Listings paying member.
- BlueCityListings.com will assign you the MLS Flat Fee listings in your area.
- You earn a fee to place it on your local MLS, using your broker's license and board affiliation.
- Seller is the listing contact and shows the property.
- You receive your fee immediately upon placement of the listing in the MLS.
- If the Sellers need help buying a NEW home, you automatically get that referral.
- BEST OF ALL- IF THE SELLER WANTS TO REVERT BACK TO A FULL SERVICE LISTING, YOU GET THAT LEAD AND GAIN THE LISTING COMMISSION.
- (Register Now to be an Affiliate Realtor Broker AffiliateRealtor@BlueCityListings.com)
What does Beta mean? We are currently in Beta mode, which means that we want your feedback to fix bugs and improve features to build a great real estate service. When we have tested everything, released the full version of our Web site and are nationwide then we will no longer be in Beta.
Is Blue City Listings a nationwide service? No, but we anticipate strong regional coverage within 2008.
How do I find out about open houses and schedule a showing? It is recommended that the listing party include showing information/instructions when completing a property listing form which can then be reviewed on a property details page. Alternatively you can call or email the listing party using the information on the property detail page.
I found an error in a listing. What can I do? If you believe there is an error in one of listings, for example if a property we list for sale has just been sold or withdrawn, please click on the Report an error link next to a property to tell us about it and we'll contact the listing party and promptly update our index.
How do I pay for services? We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express and Discover through the site check out system. We also accept (IMS) International Monetary Systems - once you have registered your Blue City Listings account you will need to send an email to PayIMS@BlueCityListings.com please include you IMS# in the subject line.
Who charges my credit card for membership, postings? Blue City Group, Inc. --------------------- 300 Hylan Drive Suite 750 Rochester, NY 14623 585.202.7528
Can I feature the Blue City Listings results for a particular city on my own web site? Yes, and it is easy through the Blue City Listings "Hotlinks" capability
Does Blue City Listings feed any other nationwide search engine? Yes, we feed CoStar.com and Loopnet.com for commercial properties. Trulia.com, Zillow.com, oodle.com, Lycos.com, PropSmart.com and Google Real Estate for all residential properties. Please let us know if you feel there are others we need to be adding to our automatic syndication of Blue City Listings.
What types of properties does Blue City Listings index? Single Family, Multi-Family, Apartments, Commercial and Lots/Land (adding soon HUD-Homes, Foreclosures, Auctions and Business opportunities)
How long does a listing stay on Blue City Listings? There is no limit as long as you are a current paying member, however the default is 30 days at which time the listing is moved to the "archived" state. However, the member who manages the listing can change property details and listing status (active, sale pending, sold and archive) at anytime. These changes are tracked by Blue City Listings in the form of an property audit trail with a time-date stamp for each status change.
How does Blue City Listings get sold property listings when some MLS IDX rules don't allow this? And, How often are listings updated on Blue City Listings? Once a Blue City Listings member has posted a listing, they can change the listing status at any time.
Are there copyright restrictions associated with the images? The thumbnail images identified by Blue City Listings Search are made available strictly as a navigational tool consistent with well established search engine principles and "fair-use".
What are the steps to sign up and list "FSBO" For Sale By Owner on BlueCityListings.com Listing System?
1.Click on Join BlueCityListings.com
*Create account - User Name & Password
*Click on Continue
2.Check your email for confirmation
*Click on the link in the email to verify your account
3.Click on Login use your User Name & Password
*Click on My Profile
*Name: Optional
*Title: For Sale By Owner
*Phone/Fax/Mobile/Other Phone
*Click on Update
4.Click on My Listings
*Select Listing Type
*Enter address of the property for sale
*Click on Save
5.Click on Features under My Listings
*Add all that applies Including (Buyers Agent Commission % or Amount)
Note: You can add make changes at any time even after you post the listing
6.Click on Photos under My Listings
*Add photos
Note: You can add delete photos at any time even after you post the listing
7.Click on Post Listing under My Listings
*Go through checkout system
If you decide to upgrade/add to local MLS
8.A BlueCityListings.com local affiliate broker/agent Realtor will contact you directly and provide you with the necessary paperwork.
9.Return the completed paperwork to the agent who will place your home on your local MLS within 24 hours at no additional charge.
10.The agent will contact you directly to confirm your home has been placed on the MLS Listing System and provide you with the MLS Listing number for your property. You will want to add MLS number to your listing on BlueCityListings.com. Your home will be advertised 12 months or longer if needed.
11.When a Realtor? brings you a buyer that results in a successful home sale, you pay the Buyer's Agent a commission (% or Dollar Amount) specified at time of listing.
