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Best flat fee MLS listing services for Arizona | Should you use a flat fee MLS listing service? | What’s included with a flat fee MLS listing? | Typical pricing | Top alternatives | FAQ
If you’re selling for sale by owner (FSBO) in Arizona, a flat fee MLS listing service can get your home on the MLS for a one-time fee starting around $100. You’ll get the same basic visibility as you would selling with a realtor, without having to pay a 2.5–3% commission to a listing agent.
The downside is that you have to do most of the work yourself — which is often a lot more than first-time FSBO sellers realize.
FSBO homes also sell for an average of 6% less than comparable homes sold with an agent. So you need to weigh the commission savings against the potential profit loss — especially since you still need to pay a buyer’s agent if your buyer uses a realtor.
Should you use a flat fee MLS service?
Using a flat fee MLS service instead of a real estate agent can save you thousands in realtor commission. But you’ll work hard to earn those savings by doing the tasks a realtor normally does.
Here are the pros and cons of using a flat fee MLS service:
Pros
- Commission savings. You pay a few hundred dollars to a brokerage instead of a 2–3% commission to a listing agent.
- Control over the sale. Because you’re selling without a realtor, you have direct control over pricing, presentation, and negotiations.
- Pay-per-service. Many flat fee MLS companies offer multiple service packages and add-ons (such as a lockbox or help reviewing offers) so you can pay only for what you need.
Cons
- Lower sale price. FSBO homes generally sell for less than homes sold with an agent. In 2022, the median sale price for FSBO listings was $225,000, compared to $345,000 for agent listings.
- Missed leads. MLS rules prevent your contact info from being posted to public sites like Zillow. Unless your MLS package comes with automated lead forwarding, buyers have to go through your broker, who may be slow to respond.
- Hidden costs. Flat fee MLS companies often charge fees for their most valuable add-ons. And in most cases, you should still expect to offer seller concessions to help the buyer cover some costs.
If you’re on the fence about selling FSBO but still want to save, we recommend using an alternative like Real Estate Witch. We can connect you with top local agents who offer a 1.5% listing commission through its network. You’ll still save thousands, but you’ll have a full-service realtor by your side.
If you decide a flat fee MLS listing is right for you, Arizona has plenty of decent listing services to choose from. We’ve compiled a list of regional and nationwide companies that offer good value at various price points.
Best flat fee MLS listing services in Arizona: Quick view
Company | Our Rating | Listing Fee | Availability | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best for sellers wanting agent support
AZ Flat Fee |
350 reviews
|
$3,850–10,000
|
Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, Tucson
|
Learn More |
FlatList.com |
55 reviews
|
$299
|
AZ, CA, GA, HI, ID, IL, NV, OR, WA
|
Learn More |
Mountain Lake Realty |
20 reviews
|
$295–1,200 or 0.25% at closing
|
Most of Arizona
|
Learn More |
Congress Realty |
100+ reviews
|
$299–499 or $399 upfront + 0.5% at closing
|
12 states
|
Learn More |
Sell By Owner Arizona |
52 reviews
|
$299–499
|
Most of Arizona
|
Read More |
Unreal Estate |
100+ reviews
|
$0–599 upfront + 0.5% at closing
Use code “Clever” to save
|
Nationwide, excluding SD
|
Learn More |
Flat Fee Group — Arizona |
104 reviews
|
$299–999
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More |
What is a flat fee MLS listing?
A flat fee MLS listing allows sellers without a realtor to post their home on the local multiple listing service (MLS), the main online database where realtors list their clients’ homes for sale and find available listings for buyers.
Once on the MLS, property listings get syndicated to popular home buying websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin. If your home isn’t listed on the MLS, most buyers won’t even know it’s an option — so it’s pretty much a necessity.
While you’d normally hire a realtor to handle your listing, since only licensed real estate professionals can access the MLS, a flat fee MLS service provides a low-cost workaround. With this type of brokerage, you get a legal MLS listing through a licensed broker without having to pay for the other services a realtor typically provides.
What’s included with a flat fee MLS listing?
At minimum, a flat fee MLS listing package should include an MLS listing with photos, syndication to real estate sites like Zillow and Realtor.com, and a way to receive leads from buyers and buyers’ agents.
Higher-priced service packages tend to offer more assistance with the sale, which you might need if you’re not as experienced. For example, Flat Fee Group in Arizona offers options for limited and full agent support throughout the selling process. Congress Realty offers contract negotiation and review on some of its plans.
While these extras can be helpful, the costs can easily add up into the thousands — and when it comes to pricing and negotiations, it’s probably better to have someone local to your market.
If you need extra support from a realtor, you may want to consider hiring a low commission realtor who knows the local market and can provide hands on support for similar savings.
How much do flat fee MLS services cost?
In Michigan, the flat fee MLS listing services we reviewed have entry-level packages ranging from $99 to $299. Most of these basic packages come standard with 6+ photos and a 3–6 month listing term.
Many flat fee MLS companies in Arizona also have higher-tier packages ranging from about $1,000 all the way up to $10,000. These packages include extra services like professional photography, pricing support, and virtual broker assistance through negotiations and closing.
Typically, the cheaper the plan, the less that’s included. And you often have to pay extra for useful features, such as lock boxes, additional photos, and unlimited changes to your listing. For example, Sell By Owner Arizona’s $299 basic plan includes only 6 photos. To get 25 photos with your listing, you’ll need to opt for the $499 plan.
How do flat fee MLS services work?
Most flat fee MLS listing services follow the same basic steps. To get an MLS listing, you can:
- Visit the company website and choose a service package.
- Place an order online or over the phone.
- Fill out forms with your home’s information and submit photos.
For basic MLS listings, that’s pretty much it! If your service package includes additional features like a lawn sign, lockbox, or professional photography, you’ll coordinate with the company to pick up items or schedule a photo shoot.
Once the company lists your home on the MLS, a broker will likely manage your listing and forward buyer leads to you.
Best flat fee MLS listing services in Arizona: Full breakdown
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
AZ Flat Fee offers three flat fee packages, all with assistance from a full-service realtor. You get help with marketing, scheduling, paperwork, negotiations, and more.
These packages may be particularly helpful for first-time home sellers or those who don’t want to fully manage the FSBO process. However, experienced FSBO sellers may not need all the support and can find cheaper alternatives.
Online customer reviews are highly positive, with clients reporting quality customer service, an easy selling process, and excellent advice.
There are no hidden fees, and you can cancel anytime. You can contact customer service by text, email, or phone.
Pros
- AZ Flat Fee has an easy three-step process that starts with a free consultation.
- You get the support and expertise of a full-service listing agent.
- Reviews consistently mention excellent customer service.
Cons
- Fees are higher than many other flat fee companies.
- There isn’t a basic option for experienced sellers who don’t need agent support.
Basic: $3,850 ($3,500 commission + $350 retainer fee)
- Full-service listing
- Professional photos
- Full-time agent support
- Scheduling
- Yard sign
- Lockbox
Standard: $5,500 ($5,000 commission + $500 retainer fee)
Includes Basic plan, plus:
- Zillow 3D video
- Twilight or drone photos
- Open house
- Paid social media ads
- Reverse prospecting
Luxury: $10,000 ($8,500 commission + $1,500 retainer fee)
Includes Standard plan, plus:
- 3D premier Matterport
- Increased ad spend to 3x marketing exposure
- Custom marketing
- Broker-only tour
AZ Flat Fee is available in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, and Tucson.
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
FlatList.com provides a basic, affordable MLS listing service that’s best for experienced FSBO sellers. The plan includes a six-month listing term, 25+ photos, and unlimited listing changes.
Online customer reviews are very positive, with reviewers commenting on the easy listing process, prompt customer service, and savings.
While agent support isn’t included with the package, many reviewers note that the realtor provided prompt answers to questions, giving them confidence in selling their homes themselves.
There are no hidden fees, and you can cancel your listing anytime. However, no refunds are given.
Pros
- FlatList.com is an affordable option for experienced sellers.
- You get key basic features that some companies charge more for, like a six-month listing and up to 40 photos.
- The company provides resources for sellers to learn more about the MLS listing process and real estate transactions in Arizona.
Cons
- The plan doesn’t include agent support.
- The company doesn’t offer advanced features, like DocuSign or automated appointment scheduling.
Arizona Flat Listing Fee MLS Service: $299
- 6-month MLS listing
- 40 photos (ARMLS) or 25 photos (all other AZ MLS)
- Unlimited listing changes
- Buyer lead forwarding
- All required forms and disclosures
- Electronic lockbox ($100 rental fee)
FlatList.com is available in Arizona, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
Mountain Lake Realty in Arizona offers five packages to meet different sellers’ needs, including a plan with virtual support from a full-service agent. You can add services à la carte, but the cost of these services can add up.
The entry-level $299 package is only for flippers, realtors, investors, and builders. For other sellers, plans start at $499. Each plan has a minimum or maximum home value requirement.
Most online reviews are positive. Reviewers note that the realtor was helpful, prompt, and responsive. However, a few reviewers didn’t like the realtor’s communication style.
Pros
- Mountain Lake Realty offers a variety of plans.
- The company offers aerial drone photography and wide angle HDR photography as an add-on.
- All plans include a contract review by the realtor.
Cons
- The Basic MLS Package is only for realtors, investors, flippers, and builders.
- The add-ons can quickly become costly.
Basic MLS Package: $299 (max $999K home value)
- 6-month MLS listing
- Seller report
- Disclosures
- Phone and email forwarding
- 2 scheduled open houses
- Contract review
- ShowingTime
Dash List: $499 (max $999K home value)
Includes Basic MLS Package, plus:
- List until sold
- Professional photography
- DocuSign
- 5 scheduled open houses
- Electronic lockbox
VIP Package: $899 (max $1.2M home value)
Includes Basic MLS Package, plus:
- DocuSign
- 10 scheduled open houses
- VIP service
Virtual Full Service: $1,200 (max $1.2M home value)
Includes VIP Package, plus:
- Professional photography
- Electronic lockbox
- Sign with post install
Free Listing: 0.25% at closing (min. $500K home value)
Includes Basic MLS Package, plus:
- DocuSign
- 10 scheduled open houses
You can cancel anytime. The company may charge a travel fee, which varies by location.
Mountain Lake Realty is available in most of Arizona.
Listing Fee
Overview
Availability
Congress Realty offers four MLS listing packages and has good online reviews. Unlike many flat fee MLS services, it’s licensed in the states where it operates, so there’s no intermediary.
The Basic and Plus plans aren’t great value. They have some strict limits, especially on photos and listing changes, that comparable packages by competitors don’t have.
Only the Full Service plan comes with agent support and sales comps to help you price your home. But the price for the Full Service plan can quickly add up since it includes a percentage at closing.
Pros
- Extend your listing term from six months to two years for only $50
- Offers a competitively priced full-service plan
- All packages include the ShowingTime and DocuSign
Cons
- Basic package limited to four photos, insufficient for most properties
- No automated phone lead forwarding in the basic package
- Full Service plan lacks marketing add-ons
Congress Realty is available in AZ, AK, CA, ID, LA, MT, NV, NM, OR, TX, UT, and WA.
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
Sell By Owner Arizona offers three basic listing packages. These packages are suitable for experienced FSBO sellers.
The plans are affordable, but they’re not great value. The number of photos is limited for the two lower-cost packages, and the basic plan includes only a three-month listing, which may not be enough in slower markets. Also, some features that competitors offer aren’t available, like ShowingTime and DocuSign.
Online reviews are positive. Reviewers report quality customer service, prompt and professional responses, and an easy listing process.
You can cancel anytime as long as a contract isn’t pending. There are no cancellation fees.
Pros
- The Maximum Exposure plan lets you list for up to one year.
- All plans include at least one flyer template.
Cons
- The Economy Package and Most Popular plan don’t include many photos.
- You can only add open house information by buying an add-on. The Unlimited option costs $99.
- None of the plans offer showing support or agent consultations.
Economy Package: $299
- 3-month MLS listing
- 6 photos
- Sell by Owner Arizona property webpage
- Contracts and disclosures
- Printable color flyer template
Most Popular: $399
Includes Economy Package, plus:
- 6-month MLS listing
- 12 photos
- Open house posted on Sell By Owner Arizona webpage
- 3 printable color flyer templates
Maximum Exposure: $499
Includes Most Popular package, plus:
- 1-year MLS listing
- 25 photos
- Yard sign
- Virtual tour posting
*Shipping isn’t included in the flat fee price.
Sell By Owner Arizona is available in most of Arizona.
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
Unreal Estate is a nationwide flat fee MLS service with a wide range of plans and good reviews. Notably, Unreal Estate offers a Starter package with no up-front costs — you just pay 0.5% at closing.
But the company’s two top-tier plans offer the best overall value. You get a higher photo limit, phone support, and lead forwarding.
Unreal Estate’s pricing includes a flat fee plus 0.5% at closing. However, we have an exclusive agreement with Unreal Estate. The company drops the 0.5% charge on most plans when you use code “Clever,” so you get a flat rate of $99–450 no matter how much your home sells for.
Pros
- Offers three affordable options
- No upfront cost with the Starter package
Cons
- Cancellation fee for the Starter package
- Phone support limited to higher-priced plans
Starter: 0.5% at closing
- 6-month MLS listing
- 5 photos
- Email Q&A with a licensed broker
- Live chat support
Basic: $99 upfront + 0.5% at closing (or just $99 through Clever)
Includes Starter plan, plus:
- 15 photos
- 2 listing changes
- Email support
- Lead caller ID
- No cancellation fee
Deluxe: $139 upfront + 0.5% at closing (or just $250 through Clever)
Includes Basic plan, plus:
- 25 photos
- 4 listing changes
- Phone support
- Optional “for sale” sign
- Call forwarding
Premium: $249 upfront + 0.5% at closing (or just $450 through Clever)
Includes Deluxe plan, plus:
- 45 photos
- Unlimited listing changes
- Sales agreement form(s) review
- 30-minute broker form review
- Buyer qualification information
Unreal Estate is available nationwide, excluding South Dakota.
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
Flat Fee Group is a nationwide company that matches you with a local listing broker.
A key benefit of working with Flat Fee Group is that you’ll know who you’re working with right from the start. In Arizona, the listing broker is Jeffrey Davis, who has over 20 years experience.
Plans range from self-service to full broker support, providing options for both experienced FSBO sellers and less experienced sellers.
Online reviews are highly positive, with reviewers reporting high-quality customer service and an efficient selling process.
There are no hidden fees, and you can cancel anytime as long as a contract isn’t pending.
Pros
- You know the specific broker you’ll work with.
- All plans besides Entry Only include some agent support.
- The Full Service plan and Max Plan include a listing term and photo allowance that fit most sellers’ needs.
Cons
- You can make only three listing changes on the Full Service plan.
- Only agents, investors, and flippers qualify for the Entry Only plan.
Entry Only: $299
- 3-month MLS listing
- 5 photos
- Listing contracts (no sales contracts)
- Only for agents, investors, and flippers
Full Service: $499
- 6-month MLS listing
- 25 photos
- 3 listing changes
- All contracts from list to sale
- Publish open houses
- Limited broker support (e.g., limited review escrow documents, offer review, and limited admin support)
- Lead forwarding
- Showing scheduler
Max Plan: $999
Includes Full Service plan, plus:
- 1-year MLS listing
- Max photos allowed by MLS
- Full broker support (e.g., the broker negotiates, does a full offer review and comps, and follows up with showings)
- Full admin support with contracts
- Optional video upload
Flat Fee Group provides MLS coverage in all 50 states, including Arizona.
Top alternatives to flat fee MLS listing services in Colorado
Discount real estate brokers | FSBO without the MLS | Flat fee real estate agents
Sell with a discount real estate broker
A top discount real estate broker provides the same level of service as a traditional real estate agent — but for a 1–2% commission instead of the typical 3%.
With this type of company, a local agent will list your home on the MLS and provide the localized expertise to help you sell for your asking price. And you won’t have to worry about doing all the work of selling your home yourself like you would if you sold FSBO.
Sell FSBO without an MLS listing
It’s possible to sell a home without using an agent or listing on the MLS, especially if you already have a buyer lined up. But if you need to drum up interest in your home, you’ll need to look for creative ways to market it.
Get started by listing your home on free FSBO listing websites like:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist
- ForSaleByOwner.com
- Zillow
- Trulia
You’ll also need to familiarize yourself with Arizona’s real estate laws and FSBO paperwork requirements.
» LEARN MORE:How to sell without a realtor in Arizona
Sell with a flat fee real estate agent
Flat fee real estate agents work for a flat rate instead of the standard 3% commission most listing agents charge.
Flat fee agents can provide great savings. For example, if you’re selling a $500,000 house, a flat fee agent may charge you a set $5,000 fee instead of 3%, which would be $15,000.
But it’s important to research the brokerage before signing a contract. Many flat fee brokerages claim to provide full service, but they may actually cut corners on service to meet their price point.
To make sure you have the right realtor before committing, try a free service like Real Estate Witch. We give you the opportunity to interview multiple full-service agents until you find the right fit. All of our agents offer a flat fee of $3,000 on homes less than $200,000 and just 1.5% commission for homes above $200,000.
FAQ about flat fee MLS listings
What is the best flat fee MLS company in Arizona?
In Arizona, we recommend Congress Realty for its affordable plans with key features, Flat Fee Group for its quality broker support and expertise, and Mountain Lake Realty for its variety of plans. Learn more about other flat fee MLS companies in Arizona.
Do I have to pay a buyer's agent commission with a flat fee MLS service?
You should expect to offer a 2—3% concession to help the buyer pay their real estate agent. This isn't mandatory, but it may help make your home more affordable for buyers.
How do I get access to the MLS in Arizona?
You can get on the MLS in Arizona by either hiring a listing agent or using a flat fee MLS service. You can't post on the MLS yourself, since only licensed real estate agents can access the MLS.
What is a flat fee in real estate?
A flat fee is a one-time fee paid to a real estate agent or MLS service instead of a commission. Most real estate agents charge a commission of 2.5–3% of the home's sale price. Some agents work for flat fees starting at $3,000, but they may limit the level of service they provide.
More ways to save on realtor fees
Top 10 Low Commission Real Estate Agents + Companies: Why pay full commission when you can get full-service realtors for lower commission? We break down how to access quality agents for less.
Top 2% Real Estate Commission Companies: A 2% real estate commission can save you a lot of money on your home sale compared to a traditional commission. Check out our handpicked list of top 2 percent commission realtors.
How To Sell Your House Without A Realtor: Looking to sell your house “for sale by owner” to save money? Our comprehensive guide breaks down the exact steps, as well as outlining pros, cons, and alternatives.
More Arizona home selling guides
How to Sell a House without a Realtor in Arizona: Selling FSBO means saving on realtor commission, but there’s plenty of work you’ll need to do to earn those savings. Learn about required paperwork, state laws, costs, and more.
Average Real Estate Commission in Arizona: Even if you decide to sell without a realtor, it’s still a good idea to offer a buyer’s agent commission. Learn how much this could cost you.
Top “We Buy Houses” Companies in Arizona: “We buy houses” companies offer to buy homes quickly, even if they’re in poor condition. If you need to sell fast, find out if one of these agencies can help.