FAQ

I've read all the frequently asked questions, but still have a question?
I've read all the frequently asked questions, but still have a question? If you still have questions, please email admin@flatfeenw.com, or call 503-889-6169.

I'm ready to start, what do I do?
Send an email to admin@flatfeenw.com with subject line "Contract request”. You can also call 503-889-6169 to request the service contract. After you decide on which service you want, you can also send the payment through Paypal to admin@flatfeenw.com, or our preferred method is a check to our office: Rio Realty LLC, 16567 NW Meadow Grass CT, Beaverton, Oregon 97006 (Payment is due within 5 days of the listing begin active.)

What areas do you service?
RMLS™ provides a searchable database for real estate information in our service areas.

Our primary service area provides comprehensive coverage of available listings in the following counties: Baker, Clackamas, Columbia, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Lane, Morrow, Multnomah, Umatilla, Union, Wasco, Washington and Yamhill Counties in the state of Oregon, Our company is only licensed in Oregon (although RMLS© does services some Washington areas). Please see http://www.rmls.com/RC2/pdf/RMLSCoverageArea.pdf for the latest coverage area.

In addition, Rio Realty LLC can also submit listings from other counties such as: Benton, Clatsop, Deschutes, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, Sherman and Tillamook Counties in Oregon. Rio Realty LLC is only licensed in Oregon. This information was obtained from http://www.rmls.com. Please see http://www.rmls.com/RC2/pdf/RMLSCoverageArea.pdf for the latest coverage area.

How can your real estate company afford to do this?
I thought that I could offer this service to our clients and hope that our clients might use for additional services and or refer people to us. I also noticed that one of the companies that offer this service was from out of State. Additionally, before I became a real estate agent I sold my house in California and did a similar type of sale with an agent for a flat fee.

How fast can I get my house listed?
Usually the listing is ready the same day, but I need to ask for 24 hours after all completed paperwork is received. To speed up the process, please fill out all the items required to input the listing & initial or sign every page. In the details page of the listing, the items that have a box around the answer are required fields.

Is this available for lots and farms?
Yes. Just email a request for the listing contract and specify your needs. Email to admin@flatfeenw.com.

Why should I list with you instead of continuing to sell on my own?
The exposure that you get on the RMLS cannot be matched. Advertising in papers or magazines will not get the same exposure. About 72% of all home searches start on the internet. Most people will eventually talk to an agent. If you do not feel comfortable with negotiating the sale of your home on your own, then I recommend using a real estate professional or a real estate attorney.

If you do not feel comfortable with negociating the home on your own, the I recommend using a real estate professional or a real estate attorney.

What is the RMLS?
The Realtor Multiple Listing Service© (RMLS) is an extensive database of information on real estate properties listed by real estate brokers. Only associated Brokers may list homes in the RMLS. This site provides a central destination for the majority of homes for sale and easier searching.

Is listing in the RMLS important in selling a home?
Yes. Realtors search RMLS for homes for Buyers. They set up alerts when homes match their client’s needs and an email is sent out automatically to alert the buyer of the new homes on the market. Also a price change can trigger the alert. The public searches RMLS and agents sites which are fed data from the RMLS. More people looking at your home = more possibilities of selling.

What is the difference between an electronic lock box and a combo box?
The electronic lock box can only be opened by a real estate broker that is a member of our RMLS. This creates an electronic record of the entry. I highly recommend using the electronic lock box. The combo box is a combination lock box that builders and contractors use that will hold your key inside. This is not as safe and secure because the access code can be mishandled.

What if I decide I want to have Rio Realty LLC do a full service listing?
You can upgrade to full service with us and will be credited the amount paid initially toward the commission at closing. Don't wait until there is a problem in the negotiations of the contract to convert to a full representation deal.

How much commission should I offer the Buyer's Agent?
That is total your choice. I have mostly seen 2.5%-3%. You have to set the commission on the listing contract because it is shown in the private Broker's area of your listing. Also there needs to be a clear understanding by the buyer’s agent of how much commission is being offered.

Can I change my price later?
Yes. You can modify your listing at any time.

Can I cancel my listing?
Yes, you can cancel or withdraw the listing at anytime. If you cancel, then there is a re-listing fee. Email for pricing.

Do I have to use your sign?
No, but having our sign leaves no question that you will work with an agent if they happen to drive by with their clients. We recommend using our sign & post. The sign does take at least 3 business days to place. The company I use to install the post is now required to call Dig from the City of Portland to mark the utilities. This delays the process. It is a professional post, sign and flyer box with our “for sale” real estate sign.

What forms do I use?
Although our scope is limited, Rio Realty LLC can provide the forms for the listing as well as any counter offers and other forms like the disclosures & addendums, etc.

Can I pay by something other than check?
Yes. We have set up a business Paypal account. Send payment to admin@flatfeenw.com. I ask for an additional $9 to cover the Paypal processing fee.

If Rio Realty LLC has a buyer who wants to buy my home do I have to pay you the Buyer's commission?
If Rio Realty LLC has a buyer who wants to buy my home do I have to pay you the Buyer's commission? It is not common that we find someone to buy one of our listings but it can happen. If this is the case we would be due the commission being offered.

What kind of digital image format should I use for my listing?
We are able to upload only JPEG file format (.jpg or .jpeg file). The maximum file size is 2.5MB, but we recommend to keeping them smaller so that the images will load quickly for the person viewing your home. All uploaded photos will be sized to 640 pixels wide by 480 pixels tall. Photos that are taller than they are wide may be distorted in the process.

Are there limitations that I might have listing my home on RMLS©?
There is a big advantage for you to list your home on the RMLS©. One thing you should know is that we are not allowed to have personal promotion for agents or home owners in public remarks (the details of the listing that most people will read about your home). The listing will have you, the seller, as the main contact and the home will be listed as a limited representation listing. Any agent looking at the RMLS details of the page will know it is a limited representation listing. Rio Realty LLC and your listing agent will still be listing in the MLS details because we are the ones listing the home.

How many photos are will show up on my listing?
Up to 16 photos on www.rmls.com. Only 1-4 photo will show up on www.realtor.com. If you are able to, please resize photos to 640 wide by 480 tall.

What if I decice to list with a full service agent?
I can offer a refund of your listing fee if you alllow Rio Realty LLC to refer you to another a real estate agent. You must inform us prior to contacting another agent or Rio Realty LLC will not be able to do a referal. The refund is only given when the house closes escrow and you, the seller uses the refered agent. Email admin@flatfeenw.com with any questions or to start a the referal process.

Can I see your sign?
Please follow this link.

Do you offer a price guarntee?
Yes. If you see an advertised price with the same basic services, please email the information to admin@flatfeenw.com. Include as much details as possible in the email. I would be happy to beat the price by 10%. This needs to be an advertised price and needs to be within the first 7 days of the active listing.