Curious about the competition

ISellRiverview · #**1 Curious about the competition** 08-07-2007, 08:10 AM

I had someone contact me yesterday who has his home listed through BuyOwner.com. I really know nothing about this company - do they put homes on MLS for sellers? How much do they charge?

This person wants to list with a realtor but of course doesn't want to pay the "high" commission. I sent him the argument for using a realtor, but I am curious about how far services like BuyOwner.com go...do they use MLS? Or is it basically advertising your home the internet? I'd just like more info so I can strengthen my argument against going FSBO.

ericbramlett · 08-07-2007, 08:24 AM

I'm not sure about that particular company. There are many companies that do offer flat-fee MLS listings in the neighborhood of $500. That will typically get the seller pictures, a sign, & a lockbox.

Ryan Ward · 08-07-2007, 08:35 AM

They are a dime a dozen. Here in Atlanta, we have have 2 listing services. One of which no agent that I know uses to look for houses and that's the one that these companies usually list homes in as it is less expensive. Do they tell the buyers that? Nope.

So, I guess it's best to do some reseach on that company as you can make some valid arguments against using them if you are armed with all of the facts.

ISellRiverview · 08-07-2007, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alpharettaagent

So, I guess it's best to do some reseach on that company as you can make some valid arguments against using them if you are armed with all of the facts.

That's what I am trying to do but when you look up info on BuyOwner.com, they want you to provide them all your info before they really tell you much about their services. That's why I thought I'd ask here as well.

ericbramlett · 08-07-2007, 08:45 AM

Just provide your info - use a hotmail address or something. Ask them to send over their marketing pieces.

Eric Blackwell · 08-07-2007, 09:29 AM

Liane;

Here is some specific info re: BuyOwner...(the following is my opinion only...). They moved into Louisville with a vengeance a few years ago. The brother of a local radio talk personality owned the office and the talk personality plastered his persona EVERYWHERE pushing them.

I became a "mystery shopper" more out of curiousity than anything else. In our local case, they are not members of the board of REALTORS, but affiliate with someone who is for the cases where someone wants to "be on the MLS".

While (for many good reasons) we should not discuss the practices of other REALTORS or plain old real estate agents, (since we all run our businesses individually and to do otherwise would be a violation of anti-trust law), I'd ENCOURAGE you to become a mystery shopper. It will provide you with all of the info that you need. if your experience is similar to mine, they will call you quarterly trying to see if you are ready do sell yet...(my wife is just SSOOOO stubborn...grin)

Bottomline is that as times have become tighter for sellers, they (or at least many of them) seem to need REALTORS capable of marketing their homes as opposed to just "listing" them.

Exposure + Experience = results

Best;

Eric

ISellRiverview · 08-07-2007, 09:40 AM

Thanks Eric. Yes I may have to do that. I was more curious about the MLS part of it than anything...but I guess that just depends on the local office huh.

lovelytulips · 08-13-2007, 06:14 PM

Have you tried looking up some of the homes on that website on your MLS? If you don't find any of them, I would guess the don't offer listing in the MLS. You could also call your association and ask if that company is an affiliate member with listing priviliges.

JeepOnRock · 08-15-2007, 08:19 PM

I sent you a couple of blog posts I did on AR that you might be able to use. I didn't want to pimp my stuff there... here. Besides, I don't think I'm allowed to do live links yet here.

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