HomesByOwner.com ...
Home of Des Moines' Best Home Values!
HomesByOwner is Des Moines' premier high-traffic For Sale By Owner internet leader since 1994! Our "user-friendliness" has earned us many positive reviews over the years. Talk to your neighbors, relatives, students, faculty, and co-workers. Chances are you know someone who has used HomesByOwner.com with great success. Welcome!
Fact is, 85% of all Des Moines home buyers search the internet. The proud capitol of Iowa attracts buyers from around the Midwest and from around the world. HomesByOwner.com is consistently ranked at the top of all major search engines. In combination with our super-efficient 20+ web site exposure network, we consistently hold top positions on all search engines! More buyers and sellers use HomesByOwner.com than all other FSBO sites combined!
The traditional real estate marketing system in America is broken. Since 1996 we've listened, learned and have developed a proven alternative. Buying and selling FSBO benefits consumers. Anytime a middleman is involved in any business transaction, costs and inefficencies go up. Eliminate the middleman (agent) and everybody wins...Sam Walton and Michael Dell figured that out a long time ago. Today, the internet has empowered buyers and sellers. Since 1996 we've "de-mystified" the selling and buying process online and have assisted thousands of buyers and sellers in saving millions of dollars. We'd be delighted to help you buy and sell this year too!
" Thank You for the services you provided on my FOR SALE BY OWNER Listing. Using your M.L.S. MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE,(REALTOR SITE WITH 1,800 REALTORS) We were abloe to save $8,000.00 in commissions versus using a full service broker. We were getting calls from prospective buyers and agents the same day the listing was posted on the M.L.S. We had our house sold in 3 weeks in a very weak housing market. By using your services, we were able to reach the same market as a full service broker without paying full service fees. I am recommending you to everyone that I know that is trying to sell their house "By Owner"
Sincerely, Brent Thompson(Very satisfied FSBO SELLER) Grimes, Iowa
MLS Available! – List in the local Realtor® MLS!
List your home in the Realtor® MLS (Multiple Listing Service) for one low Flat Fee.
Maximum Exposure MLS Package - Only $495
- No hidden costs
- Save thousands in real estate commissions
- National MLS coverage
- MLS provided by licensed real estate agents in your area
- More details...
Maximize your exposure!
If you sell your home yourself, you do not pay any other fees or commissions. If a real estate agent brings an offer which you decide to accept, you pay a commission of 3%. Compare this to the 6 or 7% you would normally pay!
The most you will pay under this program is $495 plus 3%. But if you find the buyer yourself, you'll still save the 3%!!!
Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
Place your home in the local MLS to provide the ultimate exposure for your property.
- No hidden costs
- Keep your "for sale by owner" status
- Save thousands of dollars in listing commission
- Same MLS listing service used by real estate agents in your area
- Expose your home to thousands of buyers and their agents in your area for six months
- Nationwide MLS coverage
- Multiple Listing Service provided by licensed real estate agents in your area
- Plus, your home will get additional exposure through Realtor.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)?
MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service. The MLS Listing System is a database of homes for sale in a specific area and is run by the local Board of Realtors®. It's the traditional method agents use to find homes for their buyers or to advertise their listings to other agents.
What are the steps to get on the MLS Listing System?
- Order an MLS Listing for a low flat fee by selecting our Maximum Exposure Package.
- A local agent in the national broker network will contact you directly and provide you with the necessary paperwork.
- Return the completed paperwork to the agent who will place your home on your local MLS within 48 hours at no additional charge.
- The agent will contact you directly to confirm your home has been placed on the MLS Listing System and provide you with the MLS Listing number for your property. Your home will be advertised for six months.
- When a Realtor® brings you a buyer that results in a successful home sale, you pay the Buyer's Agent a commission (typically 2.5-3%)
How much does it cost to get on the MLS?
It costs a one time, up front, flat fee of $495, which includes all the other features in the Maximum Exposure package.
How long does my home stay on the MLS Listing System?
Your home will be advertised on your local MLS Listing System for six months. It will likely appear on Realtor.com as well.
Do I get a refund if my home doesn't sell or I convert to an agent before the six months is up?
There is no refund if your home doesn't sell.
What is the benefit of putting my home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)?
There is one very significant benefit to having your home listed on the MLS - EXPOSURE to the local pool of real estate agents! The fact that you have your home for sale in the MLS will now be known by the hundreds, if not thousands, of real estate brokers and Buyers' Agents in your market who are helping buyers find homes.
What does it mean to "co-op"?
Co-op (cooperative payment) means that you would be willing to pay a Buyer's Agent a fee for bringing a buyer to you. Typically, a Buyer's Agent is paid 2.5% - 3.0% of the sales price. It is necessary to list the commission amount you are willing to pay on the MLS when you fill out the MLS listing agreement.
If I do not want to "co-op" with a Real Estate Agent, is the MLS Listing still a good idea for me?
No. A Buyer's Agent expects compensation. Without offering it, an agent will have no reason to bring a buyer to your home.
Do I have to pay an agent if I put my home on the local MLS Listing Service but find the buyer myself?
NO! In this scenario, you would have only spent $495 to get on the MLS Listing System.
So what are my cost savings with putting my home on the MLS Listing System as opposed to going with a full-service Real Estate Agent?
Let's go through both scenarios with the assumption that you are selling your home for $200,000. One scenario uses a regular full-service Seller's Agent with a 7% commission. The second scenario saves you thousands by using our Maximum Exposure MLS service.
| Traditional Real Estate Transaction | Maximum Exposure MLS Listing | |
| Your costs | $14,000 (7% of $200,000) |
$495 (Maximum Exposure Package Fee) $6,000 (3% "CO-OP" fee paid to an agent if they bring a buyer) |
| Total paid after sale | $14,000 | $6,495 |
| Savings | Savings of $0 | Savings of $7,505 !!! |
Refund Policy
When a property is requested to be placed on the MLS Listing System, it is understood that there are no refunds given after the MLS Lisitng number has been assigned to the property by the broker through the MLS Listing service.
If I place my home on the Multiple Listing Service, buyer agents will not show my home anyway.
The threat of blackballing is a myth. Most agents are willing to bring you a buyer as long as you are willing to pay them a commission. Agents are very comfortable showing homes listed with other real estate companies, which is essentially how your home appears to them on your local MLS. It benefits them because they are able to help their customer find the house of their dreams (yours), plus they get paid for this service by you. And some commission for them is better than none.
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Find Your Dream Home
View Homes for sale by owner in the Des Moines, IA area.
Customer Testimonials
“I need to report to you that this house has been sold - thanks...”
— Peggy D.
Search Via Map
Browse homes for sale in Des Moines, IA area via the interactive map.
How much will I save?
Spotlight Home:
Spotlight Home:
3.5 Miles North of Ankeny on Hwy 69
$649,000
This one of a kind walk-out ranch built in 1997, in Creekview Acres, with approximately 4800 square feet finished was custom designed by well-known, highly respected, Des Moines architect, Jack Goodri... More
Advertise Your Property
Your for sale by owner home can receive maximum exposure by advertising with us
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