What it is and why is it important if you are selling a property?
When listing a property for sale "Maximum Exposure" is one of the key components to a successful marketing program.
Today the majority of buyers start their search on-line. Unlike years ago when the real estate companies were the "Gate-Keepers" of information, today access to information is unlimited. The World-Wide-Web has opened the doors to vast amounts of information including how buyers shop for real estate.
MLS® - The Multiple Listing Service is well known by consumers in today's real estate world. In Canada the MLS® system is managed by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and various regional real estate boards including the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) of which the REALTORS® in Whistler are members. The benefits of having your property listed on MLS® are very obvious. REALTOR® to REALTOR® cooperation is the key. Exposing your property to a multitude of REALTORS® who are acting as Buyer Agents increases the chances of finding the Right Buyer for your property. MLS® offers both a REALTOR® log-in Property Search site and a public Property Search site (Realtor.ca / MLS.ca).
WLS - In Whistler there is also a cooperative listing system exclusive to members of the Real Estate Association of Whistler (REAW) known as the Whistler Listing System (WLS). As with the MLS® system the WLS offers a REALTOR® log-in Property Search site and a public Property Search site (WhistlerListings.com).
Sellers in Whistler can get the benefit of having double exposure if their REALTOR® uses both MLS® and WLS.
This is where the additional exposure of Broker Reciprocity comes in. In Canada the majority of the Real Estate Companies and their REALTORS® participate in BROKER RECIPROCITY. In basic terms it is a Cooperation Agreement between Brokerages to share their listings on other Brokerages' and REALTORS'® websites. Thereby having your property on potentially hundreds of websites.
So as a Seller, choosing an Agent that can provide (offer) Maximum Listing Exposure, REALTOR® Cooperation and Local Product Knowledge will ensure you are getting the best Representation possible.
At Sutton WestCoast Realty we are a full MLS® and WLS Reciprocity Broker. We allow our MLS® and WLS listings to be shared on other Reciprocity Brokers’ and Agents’ websites both locally, regionally and nationally who are members of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) and the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). When selling your property this is a strong tool, giving your property the best possible exposure and a true sense of REALTOR® cooperation.
Not all real estate companies participate in Reciprocity, so if you want the maximum on-line exposure possible list with a Reciprocity Broker. If you are not sure, just ask!
Real Estate Wise is offered by Ron Mitchell / REALTOR® / Managing Broker
Sutton West Coast Realty - Whistler. The information provided here is for consumer knowledge only and is not intended to cause or induce breach of an existing agency agreement. E&O.E)
