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How to use the Arizona MLS to buy or sell a home
By Billy | February 10, 2010
When buying or selling Arizona real estate, one of the most important tools you can utilize is the Arizona MLS. The Arizona MLS is a multiple listing service which offers a browseable database of houses 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 the Phoenix area the AMRLS, which is the fifth largest in the nation, is made up of five separate associations. Other smaller cities such as Payson have their own MLS. Overall, there are 15 multiple listing services in Arizona. It is vital when listing your home that you are placed in the right MLS database. 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 are not aware 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 browsing the Arizona MLS, you will find that it offers a variety of information on each home including: the address, the square footage, upgrades, accessibility features, maps and amenities. 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 show foreclosures, pre-foreclosures and investment 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 several advantages. The main advantage is that it exposes your home to hundreds of realtors, thereby increasing your chances of selling your home faster. 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 is a huge motivator for the Arizona real estate community to find you a buyer. “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 Maricopa County, you can search the Arizona MLS for free at: http://www.anthonyboydston.com/listings. If you want to sell your home, please contact Arizona Real Estate Consultant Anthony Boydston at 602.904.1496.
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