Expert: Sue Bernstein - 6/26/2004

Question
I have friends who want to attempt "for sale by owner". They are looking for a legitimate way to get themselves listed on the MLS. They mistakenly tried one of those internet $300 will do it things and lost their money.
My question is- Can nonrealtors get listed on the MLS somehow?
Thanks  

Answer
Dear Connie,

No, non-realtors cannot list their homes in the mls.  Realtors pay many hundreds of dollars a year for the privilage of listing in the mls, one of their most important tools of the trade.  As a realtor, I strongly believe that it is in the homeowners best interest to list with a realtor so my response will reflect my beliefs.  Your friends are probably selling the largest investment that have ever owned yet they feel they have the tools and the knowledge to do it themselves.  Besides the mls most states have many disclosure and retrofit requirements that if your friends are not aware of they could find themselves in trouble once escrow has opened.
If your friends feel strongly that they can do it themselves there are sites on the internet that list "for sale by owners".  These might prove helpful.

I am sorry I couldn't be more helpful and I wish your friends the best of luck

Sue Bernstein