Q. What separates Oyster Realty from other real estate brokerages?

Because our mission is to lessen the burden of today’s high brokerage fees to the consumer we offer multiple types of listing and buying services with a range of payment options. These are designed to allow every client to choose the best form of payment and the appropriate level of services to meet their comfort level and buying/selling needs. We call our services value-based because you end up paying for exactly the level of services you actually use. These services are the basis of our tagline, "Real Estate Done Your Way.™"

Q. Other agents I’ve talked to have told me you are a “discount broker” and that I’ll “get what I pay for”. Is this true?

Actually, YES, YOU WILL GET EXACTLY WHAT YOU PAY FOR (and not a penny less, either). In any other industry this is considered a "good" business decision! So, rather than commit to paying one high rate whether your agent performs well or not, with Oyster Realty’s services you get to choose the pricing and services you really think you need. Simply select the services you want and we'll deliver them according to your directions and at a fair market rate. So now ask your other agent what they are willing to guarantee to you in exchange for their premium fees!

Q. What Realtor® Boards do you belong to?

We are currently licensed in Maryland and are a member of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors®. We are also members of the Maryland and National Boards of Realtors® and subscribe to thier strict Code of Ethics.

Q. Will you list my home on the Internet?

Yes! As licensed Realtors®, Oyster Realty works through the local MLS to add our listings to their high-traffic real estate website partners. Plus, we always ensure our client’s MLS listing is “opted-in” so that it is available for display on all of our competitor’s corporate websites for maximum exposure to buyers. The most commonly used sites are: Realtor.com®, Homeseekers.com, HomeAdvisor.com and Cyberhomes.com.

Q. What kind of advertising will you do for my home?

Oyster Realty’s vary in terms of the type and frequency of advertising. Most listing services include advertising in the Multiple Listing System (MLS), on the Realtor.com® website, and on all other REALTOR® affiliated websites. Clients of our Deluxe Agent Listing Services might also be advertised every month on Comcast’s Home Preview Channel 281 which reaches over 600,000 cable subscribers throughout the Baltimore/Washington region.

Q. Is it true you automatically give financial help at settlement to first-time home buyers?

We certainly do. After the last five years of rapidly appreciating home values younger buyers are having a difficult time finding affordable housing in the Baltimore/Washington region. In order to help assist new buyers into their first home our company has committed to contributing 25% of our co-op selling commission to your closing costs at settlement. This usually amounts to several thousand dollars of financial assistance that can be a big help in the purchase of your first home. Certain lender restrictions usually apply so be sure to call us for more details on how to qualify properly.

Q. I’m no longer a first-time buyer. Can I qualify for a rebate when I buy a house through your company as well?

We offer every home buying client the ability to qualify for one of our purchase rebates. We "reward" proactive home buyers (those who bring to our attention the next home they purchase) a 20% rebate at settlement. We offer a similar rebate of 30% to any client who hires us to handle their next purchase with a new home builder. And we also offer a 25% rebate to any client who sells their existing home through us also uses our services to settle on their new home at the same time. There is a limit of one rebate per client/per transaction to a maximum benefit of 30%.

Q. Why is using a licensed Realtor® and listing our home in the MLS database so important?

Using a professional MLS listing works because almost 90% of all home shoppers use a REALTOR® at some point in their home buying process. And the buyers using REALTORS® have all been financially qualified by a bank before they begin looking for homes. This means you won’t be wasting any time with people who do not have the ability to purchase your home. This all translates into better buyers, quicker sales, and fewer surprises along the way.

Q. Should I accompany each REALTOR® and their customers to show them the features of our home?

Never, never, and never. Industry feedback from customers has demonstrated that they would prefer you NOT walk through the home with them. It is a good idea, however, for you to offer to answer any questions but only after they have viewed your home with the REALTOR®, and only if asked directly to do so. Your best bet is to take a walk or do some work outside or in a separate room while the showing is taking place.