EZ Choice Realty - Non Association/MLS Membership FAQ
Most Brokers require their agents to join an Association of Realtors. Why is EZ Choice Realty different?
Most offices practice under the principal that the Broker decides what the agents can do, what they can charge, and how they can market. EZ Choice Realty believes that agents should be allowed to decide those things for themselves.
That is why EZ Choice Realty has created multiple “divisions,” each separately licensed and each with different Association and MLS requirements. By “moving” your license between these “divisions,” based on your level of Association and MLS participation, EZ Choice Realty is able to accommodate all agents regardless of their Association and MLS participation.
What if I decide to cancel my Association or MLS membership, or if I elect to join one while an active member of EZ Choice Realty?
Because of the unique set up EZ Choice Realty offers, you are free to change your participation status as you wish. All EZ Choice Realty requires is that you provide the office written notification of your change, within 48 hours, so that they may “move” your license accordingly.
How do I search for property if I can’t get into the MLS?
Without Association or MLS membership agents will not be able to search the actual MLS, however, there are many other options at their disposal. Websites like Realtor.com, Trulia.com and Zillow.com allow anyone to perform property searches for themselves or others and provide a plethora of information including sales figures, comparables and listing agent contact information. In addition, each agent is given a ListingBook account and will be able to search the MLS for active and sold properties and to set up auto notifications very similarly to the way a Realtor does.
How do I list a property in the MLS if I am not a member?
Even though agents will not have direct access to the MLS they may still list properties by using a revised listing contract and uploading their listing to the MLS through www.EZChoiceMLS.com for $69 per property listing. The agent will be listed as the contact person in the MLS.
How do I show property if I do not have a SUPRA lockbox key?
Showing property, for a Non-Realtor agent, is one of the more complicated steps. Agents will need to contact each listing agent and arrange access to each of the properties. Some properties will be vacant and on coded lockboxes, therefore, the listing agent will simply be able to provide a code allowing the agent access to the home. Other properties will be tenant or owner occupied and accommodations for the resident to let the agent and their buyer into the home can be made.
On occasion special arrangements may need to be made for properties with SUPRA Electronic Lockboxes. For these properties, either the listing agent will have to accompany the showing or the agent may elect to contact another member of EZ Choice Realty and to arrange to have a Realtor assist with the showing for compensation.
How do I get access to contracts if do not have access to the online tools that Realtors do?
EZ Choice Realty has created a website which allows agents to download and print updated and approved contracts, addendums and forms which will permit them to operate their business and to access the forms from any internet connection, whether they are a member of an association or not.
Can I make a “full-time” living in Real Estate without belonging to an Association or the MLS?
Although there is no limit to the number of transactions an agent can have without Association membership and MLS access, the limitations, obstacles and lack of Realtor designation will make it difficult to work Real Estate “full-time” and to earn a “full-time” income. Non-Association and Non-MLS agents wishing to make Real Estate a “full-time” carrier should look at this as a temporary option and should plan to join an Association of Realtors and the local MLS as soon as financially possible.