How to use the Arizona MLS to buy or sell a home
When selling or buying Arizona real estate, one of the most invaluable tools you can utilize is the Arizona MLS. The Arizona MLS is a multiple listing service which offers a database of homes for sale. An Arizona real estate agent can search listings on the Arizona MLS for you, or you can access it at no cost on the Web. You can also list your property for a flat fee in the Arizona MLS if you choose not to have a realtor help you.
The Arizona MLS consists of several local associations of Realtors. In Mohave County, the WARDEX represents realtors in Bullhead City, Lake Havasu City and Kingman. In Maricopa and Pinal counties, the AMRLS, which is the fifth largest in the nation is comprised of five separate associations. Other small cities, such as Prescott, have their own MLS. Overall, there are 15 multiple listing services in Arizona. It’s important when listing your property that you are placed in the correct MLS. A Bullhead City property would need to be listed in the WARDEX to be visible to local realtors. So if you are wanting to relocate from Yuma to Phoenix, you would need to contact a realtor who is a member of the AMRLS and not your local realtor in Yuma. Most homebuyers and sellers do not realize that even though an Arizona real estate consultant is licensed to buy and sell homes in the entire state, they may be only a member of one MLS system.
When searching the Arizona MLS, you will find that it offers a variety of specifics on Arizona homes such as: the address, the square footage, number of bedrooms and baths, upgrades, amenities, the age of the home, accessibility features and schools districts. Some listings will also link to a virtual tour. The Arizona MLS offers sales data so you can identify similar sold properties and do comparisons so you know what to offer. The MLS will also list pre-foreclosures, foreclosed homes and bank-owned properties. Searching the Arizona MLS is a easy way to save time and the cost of gas and will help narrow down your choices before visiting each property.
Being listed in the Arizona MLS has many key advantages. The main advantages is that it advertises your home to many realtors, thereby increasing the chance of selling your home quickly. If you are a “for sale by owner” seller, you can handle your own contract negotiations while having access to state-approved realtor purchase contracts. It also allows you to offer a set commission upfront to any broker who brings a successful buyer. This could also be considered a “finder’s fee” which can be a huge motivator for Arizona realtors to find you a buyer quickly. “For Sale by Owner ” sellers can also save as much as 3% on a sale.
The MLS is a vital marketing tool and is one of the keys to sales success. If you are searching for a home in the Phoenix area, you can access the Arizona MLS for free at: http://www.anthonyboydston.com/listings. If you want to sell your home, please feel free to contact Arizona Real Estate Consultant Anthony Boydston at 602.904.1496.