FAQ Topics
For Sale by Owner University
FSBO University
What is For Sale by Owner University, and is it included in my listing?
Moving Forward Real Estate Group has partnered with For Sale by Owner University, the only comprehensive online school designed to teach you everything you’ll need to successfully sell your property. It’s like having a full-service Realtor to help you every step of the way…without having one. It is included in the Serious and Urgent programs.
How long is my enrollment good for?
The enrollment period depends on the program you choose. If you need to extend the enrollment period that is included with your program, let us know.
What will I learn, and will it help me sell my property faster?
As mentioned, FSBO University can be considered a substitute for having a full-service Realtor without paying full price. You’ll learn everything you need to know - from the decision to sell your property to handing over the keys at closing. Although there is no guarantee that you’ll sell faster, it’s safe to say if you follow what is taught, you will increase the chances of selling faster (and for more money!).
Marketing & Exposure
Marketing & Exposure
Does FSBO University teach anything about marketing?
Yes. FSBO University will teach you everything you’ll need to know to effectively market your home - including how to advertise, how to price your home correctly, how to create social media promotions and more.
What is the MLS?
The MLS stands for the Multiple Listing Service. It’s the database that nearly all properties (approximately 95%) are bought and sold from.
Why is the MLS important?
Since approximately 95% all properties are bought and sold via the MLS, that would mean that only 5% of homes successfully sell without it. Chances are, if your property is not in the MLS, it will most likely fail to sell.
Can I list my property in the MLS without a Realtor?
No. Without exception, only properties that are listed by licensed real estate brokers can be added to the MLS.
How can Moving Forward Real Estate Group afford to include professional pictures?
The owner of Moving Forward Real Estate Group is also the owner of Moving Forward Photography, a full-service, professional real estate photography company. Photography is not included with the No Hurry program.
Can I provide my own pictures? If so, how many?
You can add as many photos as you’d like, but one of them must be a front exterior. If you are providing other professional photos (not taken by Moving Forward Photography), proof of copyright will be required, without exception.
Do photos make a difference?
Yes. Buyers expect to see photos, so it’s important to provide them. It's also been proven that professional pictures may lead to a higher final sale price and a quicker sale.
What websites will I be on, and how much exposure can I expect to receive?
All listings will be added to Realtor.com. Serious and Urgent clients will receive the same websites and exposure that nearly every MLS listing has (from other real estate companies), including hundreds of company websites (i.e.: REMAX, Coldwell Banker, Redfin, etc.), tens of thousands of individual Realtor websites, and popular 3rd party real estate websites, such as Zillow and Trulia.
How much do additional professional photos cost?
If additional photos are needed above and beyond what is included in the Serious and Urgent programs, a fee of $10 per photo will be applied. No photos are provided with the No Hurry program.
What is a Matterport 3D virtual walkthrough?
Matterport is the world’s leading provider of 3D virtual real estate technology. It’s the closest way of viewing a property without being there.
See it in action!
Do you provide Open House Services?
No. However, if you are looking to host an open house, Moving Forward Real Estate Group will inform local Realtors and their buyers via the MLS Open House portal at no extra charge. For up-to-date tips and tricks to maximize the experience of your Open House, be sure to review the topic Open Houses in the Marketing Your Home Lesson via FSBO University.
Listing and Paperwork
Listing and Paperwork
Does FSBO University teach anything about paperwork, disclosures or contracts regarding the real estate process?
Yes. FSBO University offers digital access to all paperwork, disclosures and contracts with full explanations provided by a licensed attorney.
Who needs to sign the listing agreement?
All owners of the property must sign the listing agreement. If you are currently married and the house was purchased before getting married, your spouse will need to sign the listing agreement. If the house is in a trust, a copy of the trust indicating who has the authority to sign on behalf of the trust is required (only the authorizing party(s) may sign). If the current owners are deceased, the Executor of the estate will sign (proof of executorship must be provided).
How fast will my property be listed in the MLS?
We will do our best to have your listing activated within the hour of receiving your payment, paperwork, and pictures – if received before 7pm. Any listings received after 7pm will be listed by noon the following day. An exterior picture must be provided within 24 hours after your listing is active.
How long will my property be listed in the MLS?
The length of your listing is determined by the program you choose.
No Hurry: 2 months
Serious: 6 months
Urgent: Unlimited (May cancel and relist at no charge. Some restrictions do apply.)
Can I make changes to my listing, and how long until it is updated?
Yes. Simply log into your account and choose, “Update My Listing.” All changes and updates are typically made the same day, provided they are requested before 7:00pm. Any change requests submitted after 7:00pm will be updated by noon the following day (including weekends and holidays).
E-signatures will be required for changes to the listing agreement to include: price changes, marketing periods, buyer commissions, cancellations, etc.
Can I cancel my listing or get a refund?
Yes, you can cancel your listing with written notice.
Yes, you can get a full refund, minus $50, within 24 hours of purchasing your listing, provided the listing has not been activated in the MLS.
Do you provide all the required forms I'll need to sell my home?
Yes. As part of the online process, you'll receive all of the necessary paperwork, including: the listing agreement, legal disclosures and the Property Input Form.
Our Competition
Our Competition
Does FSBO University teach anything about other Flat Fee Companies or discount Realtors?
Yes. To provide full transparency, FSBO University has devoted an entire lesson on flat fee companies. Be sure to check out the Quick Access Chart to get an immediate side-by-side comparison and a full write up complete with Pros and Cons of each.
No other flat fee company includes professional photography. How can you afford to do this?
The owner of Moving Forward Real Estate Group is also the owner of Moving Forward Photography, a full-service professional real estate photography company. Free photography is not included with the No Hurry program.
Do you offer a price match guarantee?
As a company, we do our best to stay aware of the market and our competition. To date, Moving Forward Real Estate Group offers the best value, not only in Illinois, but in the entire nation. If you find another service that provides a better value, please let us know. We will investigate it and make a decision to either provide an equal or better value.
My Responsibilities
My Responsibilities
Does FSBO University teach or explain anything about what my responsibilities are throughout the transaction?
Yes. FSBO University makes it very clear what responsibilities home sellers will encounter throughout the processes. In addition to what the responsibilities are, it also provides suggestions, tools and solutions for these responsibilities.
Do I have to schedule my own showings?
All showing requests will be directed to you. If you’d like Moving Forward Real Estate Group to schedule your showings, a small fee of $50/month will apply.
Can I negotiate directly with my buyer?
The Illinois Real Estate License Act of 2000 (Revised in 2020) dictates that all Illinois Licensed Realtors must provide a minimum level of service for all clients to include delivery of all offers, negotiating all offers on behalf of clients and answering all questions regarding the negotiations and offer. If there is no buyer’s broker involved, Moving Forward Real Estate Group will allow you to negotiate directly with the unrepresented buyer, provided that request is made in writing.
The Cost
The Cost
Does FSBO University teach anything about the cost of selling a home?
Yes. FSBO University devotes an entire section on teaching you exactly what it will cost to sell your property…in many instances, down to the penny.
Do you provide a discount to military veterans and/or first responders?
Yes. All veterans and first responders receive free real estate listings. Please contact our office for further information.
If I find my own buyer, is a commission due?
No. The listing agreement between Moving Forward Real Estate Group and the home seller is an Exclusive Agency Listing Agreement. This type of agreement provides that a commission is payable if a buyer’s brokerage has procured a buyer. No commission is due if you procure your own buyer.
The Buyers
The Buyers
Does FSBO University teach anything about dealing or negotiating with buyers?
Yes. FSBO University provides an entire section teaching home sellers how to negotiate to their advantage from the moment the showing request is made to getting final signatures on an offer.
Do I qualify for the (almost) Instant $500 cash?
All buyers should qualify if they are not contractually obligated with a competing Realtor, are pre-qualified to purchase and agree to present meaningful offers within 30 days.
Is the (almost) Instant $500 a credit at closing?
No. Moving Forward will pay $500 before viewing the first property together.
Is there any paperwork required to take advantage of the (almost) Instant $500 cash?
Yes. When you click the Get Started link, you will be guided through the process and paperwork.
Affordable, Paperless and Fast!
Have your listing up
by the end of the day
Learn from Realtors
how to be successful