Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do I Need to Register?

Basically because we are required to have you register and enter into a non-exclusive business relationship before showing you all of Lincoln’s listings. It is required by the Multiple Listing Service.

What if I Don’t Register?

You will still be able to view our real estate listings and the listings from most of Lincoln’s real estate companies. You will not be able to see listings from HOME Real Estate or Woods Bros. For the most complete search in Lincoln, we highly recommend taking time to register.

If I Register, Will an Agent Contact Me?

Not unless you want us to … really! We’re just complying with the MLS rules above. If you want us to contact you, there are plenty of ways for you to let us know: Live chat, contact forms, email addresses. And we would like to talk to you … but only when you are ready and would like some help!

The Fine Print in the Registration Process Says I am Now Your Client!

Yes … another MLS requirement. But rest assured that this is a non-exclusive arrangement. You are free to work with other real estate companies. That said, we want to earn your business and hope you will give us a try.

Why Do You Need to Send a Confirmation Email as Part of the Registration Process?

Another MLS requirement … we’re required to make sure that we have a valid email address for everyone who is registered.

Can’t I Find All of the Listings in Lincoln On Another Web Site Without Registering?

Nope. It’s a requirement for all real estate companies big and small. Other web sites that want to offer all of the properties available in Lincoln on their sites must also follow these same VOW procedures.

If the Other Companies Didn’t Want to Share Listings Before, What’s Changed?

Basically, there was a settlement in a court case between the U.S. Justice Department and the National Association of Realtors that created the VOW process. The litigation came about because some real estate companies were trying to prevent other companies from accessing their listings. VOW leveled the playing field and mandated that this sort of sharing take place. Nebraska Home Sales supports the settlement and other efforts to maintain an open and competitive real estate marketplace for home buys and sellers. Competition is best for the consumer!

So This Site Contains All of the Listings in Lincoln?

Well, almost all of them. There is still a process that allows home sellers to exclude their listings from all internet marketing. This is tiny fraction of the market because the internet is where most home searches take place. This site also does not include all of the homes that are for sale by their owners without the help of a real estate agents. These are homes for sale … but they aren’t listings. By the way, if you are selling your home yourself, make sure to take advantage of a free listing on our web site. We just don’t want to give people the impression that this site includes all “by owner” homes because those aren’t available from the Multiple Listing Service.

Anything Else I Should Know?

You will need to sign in each time you come to the web site to search VOW listings. And you will be required to renew your password every 90 days. These are both VOW requirements. We are also required to maintain a record of your registration information and your activity on the site. We value your privacy and will only share this information with the MLS to the extent that it is required to demonstrate compliance with MLS and VOW rules. (Translation: No telemarketing, spam or door to door sales people will bug you because you registered on this site.)