Multiple Listing Services in this area (MLS) (FMLS)

What is a listing service, and how does it work for the seller?  The listing service is a database of most all the properties currently on the market in the area.  Brokers participate in one or both listing services. The Atlanta area is somewhat unique in having two listing services. MLS was started by the Dekalb County Board of Realtors and is the primary service for listings inside I285. FMLS was started to cover the suburban area around Atlanta and is the primary service for the suburbs. Now, they both have 90 something percent overlap in listings with MLS having perhaps a slight edge in total number of listings. The reason MLS has the most listings are based on economics rather than which is best. Most all Brokers belong to both listing services which allows them to list their properties in both service. Some brokers, however, forgo FMLS and simply belong to MLS. Since the cost to belong to MLS is a monthly fee which every agent pays regardless of how many listings they have and FMLS charges a fee for every home listed and sold. So, it cost the agent/broker an additional fee to belong to FMLS. As a seller you want to be sure your broker belongs to both listing services so your home is seen by the most agents and buyers. It cost you, the seller, nothing since the fee is collected from the broker. By belonging to the listing services, broker agree to some split of commission on the sale of the properties. This means that if I list your property on the listing services for you, but another agent finds a buyer for your house, that other broker or agent is entitled to part of the commission you have agreed to in the lsiting contract.  The big advantage to you, as the seller, is that every single broker and agent participating in the listing service has an incentive to sell your home.  This effectively puts every agent in the area to work selling your home!  The first place a buyers agent looks is always in one of the listing services.  There is simply no better way to gain instant and widespread exposure for your home than listing it in one, or preferrably both, of the listing services. So, the first thing I'll do as your agent is get your home listed in both MLS and FMLS!  When another agent is searching for a home to meet the needs of a buyer, the agent will search the data base of the listing service they use on the buyers criteria for price range and features.  So I'll enter all the important information about your home, such as location, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and any special features.  I'll also take photos of your house and include them with your listing.  Agents and buyers alike are always more likely to look at listings with photos.