Buyer Beware

When you consider listing your property you need to know the importance of your local Multiple Listing Service.

The InterMountainMLS.com is the ONLY official MLS for Licensed Realtors® and buyers in Idaho, and UtahRealestate.com the ONLY one for Utah.

You can't go wrong when you choose a Licensed Realtor® who is a member, but there are companies out there to avoid at all costs and there are a few things you need to watch out for when you choose an agent to represent you in the buying or selling process. This is, without any doubt, the single most important part of selling your property.

If you want to see ALL the potential buyers, go with your Official MLS.
If you just want to see a few of the buyers who happen to subscribe to a different service, go with one of them to see their limited membership. 

"We'll put you on the MLS"

When an agent says, “We'll put you on the MLS," ALWAYS ask, "Which MLS?" There are companies out there promoting their system but nothing out there can even come close to the IntermountainMLS because you see everyone, not just those who have subscribed to that system. ALL licensed Realtors belong to their respective OVVICIAL MLS shown above. 

The biggest violators are those Online Real Estate firms and Flat Rate Listing folks. Most of these guys aren't even licensed, which is why they can't use the official MLS system and create their own in an attempt to con sellers into thinking they are getting a good deal.

Flat Fee Firms

When you see the claim, "List on the Realtors MLS for a low flat fee," two words. Buyer Beware. Most of these firms are not registered with the Department of Real Estate, are not licensed and therefore not subject to the protection of the Real Estate Division. They don't actually break the law because they do send you some basic materials for your money of technically you made a purchase.
Will they help you sell your property? Your chances are about 1 in 100, but a lot of people spend the money in an effort to save some commissions. But these firms don't care because after you, there are other suckers they can reel in.

Online Firms

There are scams out there from folks promising the world, a good example is many of the USell or HelpUSell guys. They can make all sorts of claims and have no fear of reprisal from the Real Estate division because quite frankly, they aren't Members! In fact, many Aren't Even Licensed.

There is no law preventing someone from taking money from someone else as long as no criminal activity takes place and these folks know how to stay just under the radar while fleecing you out of money. The chances of you taking them to court are slim, and they know it.

Out of State and Online Systems

These guys are pretty good at getting your money. There is usually a fee up front, followed by more fees, and more on top of that for everything you want, like a sign, a contract review, presenting offers, attending the closing...you know, the stuff you would expect. Idaho Law is VERY CLEAR, all these MUST be done by the Licensed Real Estate agent as a part of their representation, but then again these guys aren't licensed so they don't care.

Some Red Flags, Just Walk Away...

  • Charging up Front Fees to "Get Things Going." Companies chaging these up front fees know their chances of success are close to "0" but they don't care, they have your money.
  • Charging Extra for Pictures. Any professional agency will put their best foot forward and do what it takes to succeed, and may include a host of things. Charging for what they should be doing anyway is just Wrong.
  • Being Evasive or Vague on the "MLS Listing."
  • "We can help you and with our firm you won't have to Pay a commission to a Selling Agent." Idaho Law is very specific here as well, you MUST pay a commission to any licensed Real Estate Agent that sells your listing when they have a Buyer/Broker agreement in place, but again, these guys aren't licensed and therefore not bound by the Division of Real Estate. To recover any damages you would need to proceed in Civil Court.
  • Charging Extra for Sales Materials or a Sign. Same as the up front fees, they know you won't sell so they'll bleed you as dry as possible till you wise up.
  • Charging Extra for Documents or to "Attend the Closing." Idaho Law is Clear, the Licensed Agent MUST do this, to include everything TO and THROUGH the Closing. (Again that Licensed term.)
I hope you are starting to get the picture. Unless you are dealing with a Licensed Realtor®, the odds of you working with a crook are quite high. But with so many homes on the market right now these crooks find plenty of suckers in folks thinking they will save a buck.

Sure you might sell if you keep dropping your price enough, and that's what they tell you when you call and complain that you aren't getting any traction. Drop it low enough and someone will eventually buy, is that what you want?

Instead of thinking like that, why not just Hire us? We have All the Tools to get the job done without having to low-ball your price.

Rick Mayer, Ph.D

27 Canterbury Ln.
Logan, UT 84321
801-913-5566
Rick@Mayer.Realtor
Moving to Idaho.
Also licensed in UT.

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