What is the MLS?
MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service—a database of properties for sale. There are many MLS databases around the country, and they can only be accessed by members of the local MLS organization. MLS is crucial to property sellers because it feeds hundreds of real estate websites, reaching thousands of buyers and agents.
Why is Flat Fee MLS better than For Sale By Owner?
MLS is the main tool that buyers and their agents use to research available properties. In fact, it's estimated that up to 80% of properties are sold through the MLS. FSBO listings aren't included in the MLS—which means FSBO sellers are missing out on the most important marketing service out there. Flat Fee MLS is the best of both worlds: It gives you all the exposure a full-service agent would, without forcing you to pay their hefty commission.
Will all buyers and their agents have access to my Flat Fee MLS Listing?
Yes! Agents and brokers will see your listing through their direct MLS access. Buyers can see it at hundreds of websites, like Realtor.com, Yahoo!, MSN and other real estate sites.
Do real estate agents recommend Flat Fee MLS properties to their buyers?
Absolutely. Your listing will show how much you're offering for the buyer’s agent commission—and that's what they're concerned about. (Beware: Some real estate agents may tell you that Flat Fee MLS listings are less interesting to buyer’s agents, in an effort to secure a full-service contract from you.)
Who gets a commission from a Flat Fee MLS Listing?
Only the buyer's agent, if there is one. If your buyer doesn't have an agent, you won't pay any commission at all.
Avex is the best choice for Flat Fee MLS because:
- We have the easiest-to-use website, and we let you manage your account and listing online.
- We offer many complimentary property marketing services, making it simple for you to find cost-effective ways to advertise to potential buyers.
- There are no hidden fees and you can cancel whenever you want.
- Our one-on-one customer service is fast and available 24/7.
Which states does Avex serve?
Avex is a licensed real estate broker for the state of Illinois.
In which MLS databases do Avex listings appear?
Avex listings appear in the MRED MLS, which includes the MLSNI MLS and the MAP MLS. MRED is the third-largest MLS in the United States and includes most of northern Illinois.
Should I purchase or use Avex services in a particular order?
Yes. You should purchase all the services that you wish to use in your first online purchase. After you complete your online purchase you will receive an email explaining how to schedule the services. We recommend completing the services in this order: coordinate sign installation, ship lock box, complete warranty application, schedule and complete staging services, schedule and complete photography session, complete and submit the MLS Input Form.
How much time is required before my listing will appear in the MLS?
After you purchase an MLS listing through Avex you will need to complete and fax an MLS Input Form, available in the My Account section of our website. This form collects information about your property like the number of bedrooms and the description buyers see online. After we receive your MLS Input Form, we will enter your information into the MLS within two business days. Your listing is viewable by other real estate professionals as soon as we complete that entry. Within two additional business days your listing will be published on
Realtor.com. Within two more business days your listing will be published on other broker sites.
What if I need to change my listing?
You can make unlimited updates to your listing by accessing your Avex online account.
Can I buy property through Avex?
No. Avex's goal is to help owners successfully market and sell their properties. We believe that representing buyers would create a conflict of interest that wouldn't be helpful to the buyer or the seller.
How are offers to buy collected and presented to me?
When a potential buyer faxes their offer to us, we convert the fax to a PDF and email it to you. We forward any and all offers, and leave the analysis to you. (Some Flat Fee MLS firms will charge you a commission or fee to collect and present an offer to you, but Avex does not.)
Will Avex charge the buyer any fees?
No. But as is standard in the industry, Avex will charge the buyer's broker a fee of $200 for real estate services. Since some firms charge up to $500, Avex rates are considered fair and reasonable.
Will Avex hold escrow payments?
No. But many other parties to your transaction will be happy to hold your buyer’s escrow payment. Most Avex customers ask the buyer’s broker or the seller’s lawyer to hold escrow. Strict laws govern the handling of escrow payments and it is safe and common to hold the money with either of these parties.
Can I cancel my listing?
Yes, you can cancel your Avex listing without penalty at any time through a simple email.
Do you offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes, we offer a full money-back guarantee and will refund your Flat Fee MLS listing fee if you sell your property using one of three full-service real estate agents we recommend. (We're able to offer this guarantee because we collect a referral fee from the agent you choose.)
Marketing Your Property
How will buyers and their agents contact me?
Your MLS listing will instruct potential buyers or their agents to call Avex’s hotline and enter your MLS ID number. Their call will be automatically routed to your phone number. This way, you can talk to them directly. Avex protects your privacy and safety by never providing your name or phone number online.
Who will show my property to buyers and their agents?
You are responsible for showing your home to interested buyers and their agents. Avex offers free home brochures templates and tips for a successful showing to help you get your home ready.
How can I best market my property?
With a bit of research, attention to detail and a professional attitude, you can advertise your home better than the average real estate agent. Avex provides a robust library of free information to our customers. Plus, Avex offers the same marketing services used by traditional agents.
What are Avex photography services?
Avex has partnered with the leading Chicago property photography service to give our customers access to the same quality of photos used by professional real estate agents. We offer photography, virtual tour and panoramic view packages to meet all your needs.
What are Avex real estate sign services?
Avex offers a variety of full color real estate sign sizes and post installation services. Signs are shipped directly to your home and custom printed with your MLS ID number to help interested buyers contact you to request a viewing.
What are Avex real estate staging services?
Through Avex you have access to our premier staging provider offering years of experience positioning homes to sell faster and for more money. Our packages range from a consultation to full photostaging of your property.
What are Avex home warranty services?
Avex offers home warranty services through Home Warranty of America, a financially stable and experienced firm. Through our special partnership we are able to provide free coverage during property listing period when you purchase a 13 month post-sale policy.
What are the standard shipping times for signs and lock boxes?
You should receive your real estate sign or lock box within 5 business days. Please note that holidays and weekends are not included within the five business day calculation.
How much time is required to schedule a sign installation?
After you purchase the Gold Level real estate sign package, you will need to complete sign installation request which is available in the My Account section of our website. We will process your request within two business days and you will be contacted by your sign installer within an additional two business days to agree on a date.
How much time is required to schedule a professional photo shoot?
After you purchase a professional photography package, you will need to complete a photo shoot request form which is available in the My Account section of our website. We will process your request within two business days and you will be contacted by your photographer within an additional two business days to agree on a shoot date.
How much time is required to schedule a professional staging consultation?
After you purchase a professional staging package, you will need to complete a staging request form which is available in the My Account section of our website. You will be contacted by your stager within two business days to agree on a consultation date.
