To clarify some basics

[JimmyG]

I thought I pretty well understood what OR offers and I can't believe my good fortune to discover it. But, especially after poking around the forum I've become confused on a couple of points and would love to have clarification on whether this program will serve my needs.

1. I can use the installed software on my own site. If my agent buddies want to add their listings to the software is that within the spirit and letter of the license? And, considering #2...

2. Is there any function inherent in the software that will allow me to make my co-workers pay a nominal fee for adding a listing. Is this where the PayPal addon I saw mentioned comes into play?

3. There is a way through the admin panel to locate an earlier listing and modify it or delete it. Right?

4. If we wind up with 1000 listings are we going to overstress the software?

Thanks a lot for any feedback.

[pbflash]

1. yes
2. not built in, you would need to use the paypal addon
3. yes
4. not unless you have a really bad server.

[JimmyG]

This is great. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for the software and quick response.

[John_Patrick]

I'm a Realtor in Washington. Are you a Realtor? If so, then all you need to do is have them fill out a referral form for every lead you send them from thier listing. When they receive the info from open-realty they it will come from your sites email that you setup. That way they don't have to pay you until they sell something and you'll get alot more money from them that way.

You will also get the leads so you can track the progress of it simply by discussing it with them. You can also take the lead if they aren't planning on contacting them.

Now if you're not a Realtor, then you can do the very same thing, only it's called a "Finders Fee". If they want to use your site they have to agree to give you a finders fee of let's say 2.5% of thier commision.

How's that sound?

JP

[JimmyG]

Ok, now that's sounding very good.

I've been going over this in my head and a few bucks for a listing doesn't sound like much at all. Better than nothing but not too impressive. I also couldn't figure out any reason why I'd use my traffic building experience to do anything for the site.

So you have more experience with this. We're talking (perhaps) 2 1/2% of what the agent actually makes? So if they get 3% I'd negotiate for a couple of percentage points of that commission?

Hmmm. But I'm thinking once the browser/buyer sees the listing he just calls his agent and gives them the address or even the zip code and I'm cut out of the process. There's no point in emailing me for more information, right? How do I get around that?

Hey, and thanks for clueing me in.

[jared]

JimmyG, Welcome to the Open Realty forums.

I think a finders fee may be illegal in most areas using the business model you suggest. I'd be sure to check with state laws before you ever charge a commission on a real estate web site. When you say "Get Around That" is the first sign that your state may frown on the very notion.

I live in King County Washington (Seattle Area) and its not legal to list properties for percentages unless you are a licensed agent or broker. Its also not legal to charge any percentage of a sale for services (any services) as you suggest without a state license (in my area). Even employment services in our county are required to have an criminal background check and pass the state audit commission inspection because the use of %%%%%% PERCENTAGE comes up. They are issued the same class of license that a mortgage lender is issued. I've seen where people have gotten into hot water for selling manufactured homes the way you suggest without a car dealers license or a realtors license. Either one is required, excluding private sales.

I'm certain it must differ elsewhere but it would seem that the Association of Realtors would certainly prevent such a thing from happening without the requirement of being licensed. Flat fee will keep you out of legal trouble I'd bet.

Essentially what you are talking about is side stepping the license process and becomming a commissioned "sales or rep" of sorts.

Just some friendly thoughts of caution.

~ Jared

[JimmyG]

I suspect that you're correct and I'd be walking on thin ice. I may double check with the correct authorities but especially in light of the complications I noted above I may not even bother doing that and just stick with the listing fee model.

I think I'll also poke around and see if I can discover what some other websites are charging for the service.

Thanks for the cautionary note.

[jared]

No Problem,

Best wishes and success in your business ventures.




~ Jared