Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay less than 3% to a Buyer's Agent?
While there is no “standard commission rate”, the prevailing market rate on just about 99% of all listings is 3%. National Agent Network is a buyer agent friendly company and does not want to give any Realtor an excuse for not showing your house to one of their buyers. However, one of the great things our company offers that most companies do not, is that if you find a buyer who is unrepresented by an agent, you do not have to pay the 3% commission. It’s yours, you keep it.
How long does it take for my listing to show up on MLS, Realtor.com site and the other sites?
From the time we get all your paperwork, photos, lockbox up, etc., we have about a 48 hour or less turn around time before your home shows up on MLS. Once active, it shows up instantly on MLS. Realtor.com and all the local MLS websites take data from MLS and usually will have your property up within 24 to 48 hours after. However, we have absolutely no control over these sites and they can sometimes take longer than that. Realtor.com will usually change the data around, that is why we suggest you look at the local MLS website, if one is available.
How much extra does it cost me for the sign and lockbox?
There is no charge for the Sign or the Supra Lockbox. We use the Supra Lockbox (the one that Realtors use) - not the Combination Lockbox that has no security on it. We provide one sign for free and if it gets stolen or damaged - it will cost you $90.00 to replace it.
Our Company also allows you to put your phone number on our sign and will provide you with a blank sign rider to do that. We don't know of any other Real Estate Company that will let you put your name on their sign. If someone is driving by - they will call you directly. If they don't have a Buyer's Agent representing them - and they buy your home - then you don't owe the 3% Commission.
How many photos will be on my listing?
All MLS’s allow for multiple photos, but each is a little different, so ask your agent. The websites that take data from MLS, like Realtor.com, each have their own limit which we have absolutely no control over.
Can you use my pictures that I have taken to put on my listing?
You may use your own photos as long as they are in the proper format (JPG is best). We can also take photos for you at no extra charge. We have a wide-angled lens for our DSLR so each of your rooms will look its best.
How long is my listing agreement?
Our listing agreement is for 6 months, but you may cancel it at anytime as long as the property is not under contract or there are no active negotiations.
How long has National Agent Network been in business?
We were founded in Austin Texas in the Summer of 2000.
Will I be negatively affected by listing with you - Will Realtors not want to show my home?
Not at all. National Agent Network agents have listed and sold thousands of homes in Texas since our founding and have had buyers agents from almost all companies show our listings and submit offers on behalf of their clients. The selling agent receives the same commission from the sale of your home as any other listing they may show.
The reality of the market today is that 80%+ of home buyers are using the internet to find homes and are telling their agent which homes they want to see. Buyer’s don’t care who the listing agent is as long as they get the house the want.
Someone told me that it is illegal to get a rebate?
They are absolutely WRONG. Section 535.147 (c) of the Rules of the Texas Real Estate Commission states: It is not a violation of this section for a licensee to pay a portion of the licensee's fee or commission to a party in the transaction. A licensee who intends to pay a portion of the licensee's fee or commission to a party the licensee does not represent must obtain the consent of the party represented by the licensee prior to making the payment.
If I use you as my Buyer's Agent - how do I get my rebate?
We have several ways to give the rebate. The most common way is for us to cut you a check after the property has closed and funded. We can also negotiate off the sales price or to give it as a credit for your closing costs on the settlement statement. We need to know before a contract is executed if you choose to go this route.
Do I have to report the rebate to the IRS?
As anything with the IRS, check with your accountant. We asked the IRS back in 2001 how this should be treated and they told us that it should be taken off the basis of property value. Again, if you need further help, talk to your accountant, but we do not issue a 1099 for this.
In order for me to get the rebate - do you only show a couple of houses and that's it?
No, there is not a specific amount of houses that we show in order for you to get the rebate. However, it must be a "reasonable" amount. For example, we are not going to show you 50 houses. In order to get the rebate - we will ask you to do some leg work – narrow it down to the neighborhood or area you want to be in, drive by them just to make sure the location is acceptable and then give us the list. It is typically not more than about 10 homes to qualify for the rebate.
