FAQ

General MLS Questions


What is the MLS? The MLS, or Multiple Listing Service, is an extensive database of homes for sale, land/lots for sale and homes for rent listed by Real Estate Agents. It is made up of Broker members who agree to share their listings with one another to find ready, willing and able renters for their properties more quickly than they could on their own. It is a system that is available only to Real Estate Agents who are members of that MLS. For more information Click Here.

Why do I need the MLS? The MLS is very different from sites such as Craigslist, Zillow, or any other For Rent By Owner website. By listing in the MLS, renter's will know that you are serious about renting and can be assured that you are a legitimate owner. Furthermore, for your own assurance, the tenant's agent will usually have pre-screened the tenant before contacting you to view it - giving you confidence that only a qualified tenant is coming to view your home. Agents do not want to waste their time showing a home to a renter who is not qualified and neither do you. The MLS will give you the exposure and credibility you need to rent your home quickly.

Will my property go into the same MLS to which Real Estate Agents belong? Real Estate Agents usually belong to their local MLS and have access to those listings. We belong to the Georgia MLS only which covers most of the state of Georgia. Click Here to view the GAMLS coverage area.

Is the MLS the best way to rent my home? Yes, tenants working with agents are very serious about renting. They are typically well qualified and the credit check is usually run for you (since agents do not want to waste their time with un-qualified renters). By listing your home for rent in the MLS you will get a high quality MLS listing, listed on 100's of real estate websites such as Realtor.com, Apartments.com, Doorsteps.com, Homes.com, ListHub.com and more with access to the Realtor community ready to show and rent your home. For more information about why listing in the MLS is best Click Here.

MLS & Internet Sites Questions


What is the difference between real estate websites such as Realtor.com and the MLS? Real Estate websites like Realtor.com display condensed versions of listings that they receive directly from the MLS itself. Unlike the MLS which is updated instantly, the real estate websites are updated anywhere from every 4 hours (Realtor.com) to 1-5 business days. It is dependent on when each real estate website updates their information.

Can I keep the listing on Zillow / Trulia that I currently have? YES! As of January 2021 Zillow Group is no longer pulling rental properties from the MLS to display on their site. Therefore, you may keep the Zillow listing you may have and you may also advertise your home for rent wherever else you wish in addition to your MLS listing.

Can I go to a website and see my MLS listing? Yes, you may go to Realtor.com, Doorsteps, Aparments.com, Homes.com and many other public websites in your area to view a condensed version of your listing. Keep in mind that this is NOT your actual MLS listing. Only licensed agents belonging to the MLS will be able to see your actual MLS listing with all of the detailed information.

Can I go to a website to print color brochures of my listing? Yes. Realtor.com and others offer the ability to print a color brochures of your listing to hand out to potential renters. You may also request a distributable flyer version of your MLS listing from us.

What real estate internet sites will my listing appear on? Your listing will appear on possibly 100's of real estate websites. The MLS sends your listing information directly to real estate websites such as Realtor.com, Doorsteps.com, Homes.com, and Listhub.com. The MLS also sends your listing information to other real estate agencies / brokerages (such as Remax, Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, etc) who belong to that MLS system.  Unlike other company's, we have the MLS send your listing information to every real estate website available.

Can I control what is displayed on the real estate websites? The MLS has partnership arrangements with the various real estate sites to provide condensed listing information and photos. Every real estate site is different regarding what they choose to display. We are not able to edit the various real estate sites, we can only edit your MLS listing - which in turn, sends your listing information to these sites.

Will my contact information appear on the real estate websites? Most real estate websites, such as Realtor.com, are partnered with the MLS and are designed to drive leads to Real Estate Agents and typically do not allow owner's names or contact information to appear. This restriction is the same for every company that lists properties in the MLS and we, nor anyone else, cannot override this arrangement. We will, however, forward any leads we receive through these websites directly to you via email. Unless you opt out, Your property listing address, MLS number and your phone number WILL appear on our SelectPremiumHomes.com website, that renter's are directed to when calling. It is important to note that, unlike other flat rate companies, we do not work directly with renter. Therefore we do not try and "work the lead" (either by claiming they found the renter for you from the lead and then taking the renter's agency compensation you are offering or by steering them towards another property which will also pay them a renter's agency commission). Regarding the MLS system itself, your contact information will appear here and agents will contact you directly for showings, inquiries and contract presentations.

How will you forward leads to me? Any real estate agent wanting to show your home will contact you directly for showings and contract presentations. If a renter finds your home via a real estate website, such as Realtor.com, Oodle, Trulia, etc., we will collect and email their contact information directly to you. We are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year so you will never miss a lead. Further, unless you opt out, Your property listing address, MLS number and your phone number WILL appear on our SelectPremiumHomes.com website, that renter's are directed to when calling.

How do I know you will pass on leads to me instead of taking them yourself? Any leads we receive regarding your property are forwarded directly to you via email for contacting. We are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year so you will never have to wait to receive your leads. Further, unless you opt out, Your property listing address, MLS number and your phone number WILL appear on our SelectPremiumHomes.com website, that renter's are directed to when calling. It is important to note that, unlike other flat fee companies, we do not work directly with renters. Therefore we do not try and "work the lead" (either by claiming they found the renter for you from the lead and then taking the renter's agency commission you are offering or by steering them towards another property and collecting that renter's agency commission). We sell and rent hundreds of homes each year through our company which attests to the fact that our clients are actually selling and renting their homes instead of just listing them.

How long will it take for my MLS listing to appear on the various real estate sites? Unlike the MLS, which is updated instantly, the real estate websites are updated anywhere from every 4 hours (Realtor.com) to 1-5 business days. When your listing will appear on any one site is dependent on when that site updates their information.

MLS Marketing Options Questions


Should I have a lockbox? A lockbox is highly recommended if you are not able to allow access to the home in a timely manner. A lockbox is designed to hold your house key and allows licensed agents access to the key via a special key card used to open the box. The lockbox records the agent's information such as time of entry, date, name and company. A lockbox provides access when the owner is away, assuring full exposure to agents and their prospective renters. They are completely removable and controllable by you and fit conveniently over the door frame, not the handle, so you may simply slip it off the frame and bring it inside whenever you need privacy. For more information and to see a picture of a lockbox Click Here

I have a sign, why should I use yours? Once listed in the MLS, you will need to remove any For Rent By Owner (FRBO) signs from your property. This is an MLS rule and regulation and applies to every company who lists homes in the MLS. We recommend that you replace your sign with our agency sign upon listing in the MLS. Our agency sign reassures agents that your home is actively listed on the MLS. You may also use a generic "Home For Rent " or "For Rent Sign" but it may not say the words "By Owner" on it.

How do I receive the Lockbox / Sign? Lockboxes and Signs are shipped via USPS Priority Mail or FedEx. They will usually arrive to the shipping address you provide within 1-2 days (excluding Sundays).

How do I receive my lockbox or sign FIRST, before my listing is active in the MLS? Once you begin to list your home for rent on our website you will see a "listing start date" field. In this box you may put the date you wish your listing to be active in the MLS. If you have ordered any marketing materials, once your listing and payment have been received, we will process your listing and send the materials out to you via USPS's priority mail or FedEX. Materials usually arrive within 1-2 days (excluding Sundays).

How do I return your lockbox? Lockboxes are the property of Select Premium Properties, Inc. and are to be returned within 10 days following closing or ending of your listing. The return address label will be included in your shipment. Signs ordered do not need to be returned.

Can I use my own exterior home photo for the MLS? Yes! An exterior photo of the home is required by the MLS. Instructions on how to send the photo(s) to us will be provided once listed.

How does the additional photo option in the MLS work? Your listing includes 5 photos for the $195 price. However, if you choose the additional photos option, you may send us up to 40* of your own photos of your property to appear in the MLS for only $35. Instructions on how to send the photos to us will be provided once listed. With the additional photos option you will be able to show potential renters from all over the world every aspect of your property. They will be able to view the best features your home has to offer such as a great master bedroom, kitchen, deck, stream, ponds, pool etc.

Can I add a Virtual Tour to my listing? Yes! A link to your virtual tour can be added to your MLS listing. Simply provide us with the link when listing on our site, or send it to us via email, and we will add it to the appropriate places in your MLS listing. There is NO extra cost for adding a virtual tour link to your listing.

How do I get the free forms and contracts you offer? Once listed, a confirmation / information email will be sent to the email address you provided. This email contains very important listing information as well as the forms library.

Specific MLS Questions


What is Your Coverage Area? We belong to the GAMLS which is the primary MLS for 44 major counties. However, any home owner anywhere in Georgia can list in the GAMLS for greater exposure of their property. Just remember there may be another, smaller, MLS that covers these non-primary counties as well. Click Here for the Georgia MLS Coverage Information. CarolinaListingExpress.com covers the major metropolitan areas of North Carolina and parts of South Carolina. ListingExpress.com covers Maryland, Virginia, Southeastern Pennsylvania and Washington DC.

What is the name of the listing agency (company) that will appear on my listing? The name of our company is Select Premium Properties, Inc. and this is the name that will appear as your listing agency. GeorgiaListingExpress.com is the name of our listing website and it will NOT appear in your MLS listing. Appearances matter and our professional company name will help to assure your listing is treated the same as any other listing within the Realtor community.

Will Real Estate Agents call you or me? You. Your contact information is listed in the MLS listing with specific instructions for agents to deal directly with you for showings, inquiries and contract offers. Your MLS listing also comes with the valuable Showing Time service which will allow you to update your own showing instructions to agents.

What is the Showing Time Service the MLS offers? The Showing Time Service is a service provided by the MLS. It allows agents to schedule appointments online via an app or call into the Showing Time service to set up appointments. The Showing Time service gives you peace of mind that it is a licensed real estate agent wanting to show your home since only licensed agents can use the service. With the Showing Time service, you can update your showing instructions and receive a valuable feedback form from the agent once the property has been shown. This service is included with your MLS listing at no additional charge, however, it can be turned off at any time by your request.

How Do I Know it is an Agent calling and Not an impostor? The MLS Offers a Showing Time Service which will give you peace of mind that it is a licensed real estate agent wanting to show your home since only licensed agents can use the service. If an agent contacts you without using the service, you may ask them for their name and license number and look them up via the Real Estate Commission website.

What if I am already working with a listing agent? The MLS only allows a property to be listed with one agent at a time. If you are in a contractual arrangement with another agent or your property is currently listed in the MLS, this is not intended as a solicitation of your business or that listing. We honor and respect relationships with other agents.

Do I have control over all of the MLS listing information? The MLS mostly has pre-arranged fields with the choices pre-determined and no one can customize these fields. However, you can add your own description/remarks, directions and other fields that the MLS allows. All customized information is subject to Fair Housing and MLS rules and regulations.

How do I make changes to my MLS listing? For legal purposes, all changes to your listing must be made on our Listing Change form (available once listed). We cannot accept changes by email or phone calls. You may make as many changes as you wish on any one Listing Change form for a small fee of $20.00 and the changes are usually made within a few hours of being received. Changes made within 24 hours of listing are free of charge.

Will it cost me to make changes to my listing? Changes to your listing must be made on our Listing Change form (available once listed). You may make as many changes as you wish on any one form for a small fee of $20.00. The changes are usually made within a few hours of being received. Changes made within 24 hours of listing are free of charge.

MLS Listing Duration Questions


How long is the listing period? Listing periods for rental homes are in 3 month increments. Additional 3 month periods are available for $95.00. However, most homes are rented within the first few weeks of listing and rarely is a second listing period needed.

Am I locked in for the full listing period? No. This is just a marketing period giving us the authority to advertise your property in the MLS. You can extend or shorten your listing as you wish, and withdraw at any time.

Can I cancel / withdraw my listing with your company at any time? You may cancel/withdraw your listing with us at any time by using our Listing Withdrawal form (provided to you once listed). Email and phone call requests for cancellations/withdrawals cannot be accepted. The cost to withdraw the listing early is $45 due to the great deal of additional work required both in regards to the MLS and the associated public web sites, and our own internal database. $25 of this fee goes directly to the GAMLS for their fee to withdraw a listing early.

What if I want a different start date for my listing? Once you begin to list your home or land on our website you will see a "listing start date" field. In this box you may put the date you wish your listing to be active in the MLS. If you have ordered any marketing materials, once your listing and payment have been received, we will process your listing and send the materials out to you via USPS's Priority mail or FedEx. Materials usually arrive within 1-2 days (excluding Sundays).

Can I List in the "Coming Soon" Category in the MLS? Yes, the MLS now has a "Coming Soon" category. The Coming Soon feature in the MLS is a very useful marketing tool. By listing in this category you are alerting agents and their renters to the fact that your home will be ready for showing soon. The MLS allows your home to be in this category for up to 21 days before activating it.

Tenant's Agent and Contract Questions


What Will a Tenants Agent do for ME? There are many things that the tenant's agent will do for you when listing your home in the MLS. A tenant's agent will typically:

    1. Run the credit / background check on the tenant. You may also choose to run your own checks if you wish.
    2. They will show the home for you and only show your home to qualified renters, saving you valuable time and trouble.
    3. When a suitable tenant is found, the agent will write the lease agreement for you and present it directly to you.
    4. They will collect the tenant's first month's rent and security deposit.

Other things to keep in mind:

Safety! Realtors are licensed professionals who will only show your home to renters they are working with. You never know who is contacting you from a Craigslist, Zillow or Newspaper ad.

Many renters that are moving from out of town or with a job relocation program will only work with a real estate agent. Out of town tenants rely on the knowledge and expertise of an agent to show them homes that fit their moving criteria.

Agents will typically use only the MLS to find homes for rent for their tenants.

By listing with our company you always reserve the right to rent the property on your own to a tenant not working with an agent. If this happens no further compensation is due to anyone.

What is the difference between a "tenant's agent" a "renter's agent" and a "listing agent"? A renter's agent is the Real Estate agent who actually rents the property. They are also called tenant's agents. So the terms renting agent and tenant's agent are basically the same. The Listing Agent is the Real Estate agent who lists your home for rent in the MLS. In other words, we are the Listing Agency and the Real Estate Agent who brings a tenants and rents your home is the Renting Agency or Tenant's Agency.

With your company I understand I am saving commission on the "listing" side by going flat rate, but do I still have to pay a renter's agent? Any Real Estate Agent bringing a ready, willing, and able renter with a satisfactory lease contract will be due a small "renting" commission of your choice. 25% of one month's rent is common, and is recommended on our website, you may offer whatever commission amount you wish. Examples are 50%, $200, $1.

If I find my own tenant will I still have to pay a renting commission? No. If you find your own tenant, who is not working with an agent, there is no commission due to anyone.

Will A Renter's Agent work directly with me instead of a Listing Agent (you)? Yes. In fact, many agents prefer to work directly with the Owner instead of having to go through the Listing Agent (us). It allows them to show the home and conduct negotiations directly with you, cutting out the "middle man" so to speak. Furthermore, the commission to the Renter's Agents is the same regardless of what you paid to list in the MLS.

Are you involved with the lease contract? To save on commission, you will handle many details of the lease yourself including negotiating lease contracts. As a licensed real estate company, however, we are still required by law to process and maintain many documents relating to the listing and rental of your home. We are required by law to keep and retain on file for 3 years documents such as listing agreements, lease contracts and the like.

Are you involved with negotiations? We are not involved in contract negotiations. You will handle all showings, inquiries, and lease presentations on your own.

General Questions


How do I know you are a legitimate Real Estate company? We, Select Premium Properties, Inc. are a fully licensed Real Estate Company. The principal broker/owner of the company is Stephanie Smith - Georgia license number: 366731 You may view our company and broker information on the Georgia Real Estate Commission website Click Here Put in Stephanie Smith (J.) or license number 366731.

What are my responsibilities to you once listed? We are a Licensed Real Estate agency and have many laws and regulations we need to comply with. In turn, there are laws and regulations you will also need to comply with.

Within 24 hours of a Lease Contract being signed by you, we will need

1. A copy of the lease contract
2. A completed Under Lease form (provided to you once listed).

Failure to abide by the above regulations may result in a fine from the MLS. Any fine issued by the MLS will be charged directly to the owner.

Why Do You Need a Copy of the Lease Contract? We are a Licensed Real Estate agency and have many laws and regulations we need to comply with. As the Listing Agent, we are required by law to maintain proper records regarding your listing including the Listing Agreement, Lease Contract and all other papers related to your listing. These requirements apply to every company that lists homes in the MLS, regardless if you pay flat rate or pay a standard listing commission.

How long will it take ME to list my home for rent on your website? We try to make the listing process as fast and easy as possible. Our website uses state-of-the art mouse / touch pad signatures. This means that everything can be filled out, read and signed online. There is no need to mail or fax any paperwork to us. Click Here for More Information.

Once you receive my listing, how long will it take YOU to list my home in the MLS? Depending on the time of day, listings are usually entered into the MLS system the same day everything is received. You may also choose a future start date to ensure the property comes on the market on the day you would like.

MLS Listing Cost and Payment Questions


What is the total cost of my listing? The cost to list your home in the MLS system is $195.00. If you choose marketing materials such as signs and lockboxes, those fees will apply. Other fees such as returned check fees, lost/damaged materials fees and late fees to overdue balances may also apply. However, the general cost to list your home for rent with us is $195.00.

How do I pay for my MLS listing? Payment is due at the time of listing. Unlike other companies, we do not ask for payment until you have gone through the listing process and viewed all of the listing information. At the end of the listing process you will be able to pay online by credit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Alternatively, you may choose to send us a check or money order. However, the listing will not be entered into the MLS and marketing options will not be shipped until payment has been received.

Changing Your MLS Listing Questions


Do I have control over all of the MLS listing information? The MLS mostly has pre-arranged fields with the choices pre-determined and no one is able to customize these fields. However, you are able to add your own description/remarks, directions and other fields that the MLS allows. All customized information is subject to Fair Housing and MLS rules and regulations.

How do I make changes to my MLS listing? For legal purposes, all changes to your listing must be made on our Listing Change form (available once listed). We cannot accept changes by email or phone calls. You may make as many changes as you wish on any one Listing Change form for a small fee of $20.00 and the changes are usually made within a few hours of being received. Changes made within 24 hours of listing are free of charge.

Will it cost me to make changes to my listing? Changes to your listing must be made on our Listing Change form (available once listed). You may make as many changes as you wish on any one form for a small fee of $20.00. The changes are usually made within a few hours of being received. Changes made within 24 hours of listing are free of charge.

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