The first step in adding a product is to register and become approved as a Vendor.
This feature will be added in the near future allowing vendors to add their own products and is currently unavailable until we finish Beta testing. Our staff will input your product or service as we test the system.
It is assumed your product or service will be generally related to the real estate industry or a business model that supports real estate transactions.
This video shows the process for uploading an item to your store.
Let’s assume your product is a property for sale. For marketing purposes, we want a broad distribution network. If the property is uploaded to an MLS via an Agent or Broker, you already have great exposure, (but are obligated for the commissions you have agreed to pay). Additionally, the MLS has agreements to distribute the listings in multiple outlets as well. These redundant sites are somewhat helpful, but especially so for those who want to bypass the MLS.
Currently Zillow is by far the best option for listing your property outside the traditional MLS to get decent exposure for your property. We suggest creating a Zillow listing for the details, then add a link from Zillow to your napleswfl.com product.
The benefit of this approach is flexibility. You can offer your property as a traditional sale or as an auction. You are not obligated for any commissions unless you choose to do so.
Many agents are taught to “maximize” their clients and customers. (Try to sell them the in-house listings and those with the highest commissions.)
This short-sighted approach is not in your best interest as a principal. Side stepping this practice means you need to make sure your property gets exposure to buyers or sellers without the assistance of an agent.
There are ways to minimize commissions, such as flat fee listings in the MLS. Unfortunately, the MLS usually expects you to offer a Buyer Agent commission.
Zillow does not require this, leaving you in more control, but at the expense of more limited exposure.
That said, certainly there is more than enough eyeballs on Zillow to make this monopoly-busting approach viable.