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Edited by Kristen Klempert
Written by Dennis Shirshikov
Edited by Kristen Klempert
Top California Flat-Fee MLS Companies | Best for Inexperienced Sellers | Best for Hard-to-Sell Homes | Most Affordable Prices | Other Alternatives | Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, when selling a house, you pay a 3% commission to your listing agent and 3% to the buyer’s agent. You can avoid the listing agent’s fee if you sell For Sale By Owner (FSBO), but you’ll have to do all the tasks an agent would — including listing your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
Buyers agents use MLSes to see which homes are on the market. Since home search websites get their data from MLSes, most buyers end up finding their home via the MLS, either through their agent or on sites like Zillow.
Unfortunately, you can’t just post your home in the MLS yourself. But if you’re selling your home without a realtor, you can hire a flat-fee MLS service to do it for you. These companies cost far less than a real estate agent, but not all of them offer the same features or affordable prices.
If you want to avoid overpaying for realtor fees but still want hands-on support from your agent, we recommend checking out Clever Real Estate. Clever negotiates flat 1.5% listing fees with top California agents from trusted brands like Keller Williams and RE/MAX. You’ll get guaranteed full service from a great local agent, but pay a fraction of the typical price.
💰 Find top local agents, get a flat 1.5% listing fee now!
Who are California flat fee MLS listings best for?
Flat fee MLS listing services are best for home sellers who have lots of experience with real estate transactions and are comfortable selling without a realtor. You’ll need to be confident that you can handle almost every aspect of the sale that a real estate agent would typically take care of.
If you’re determined to list your house “for sale by owner,” it’s worth investing in a basic flat fee MLS listing. This ensures that as many buyers see your listing as possible.
But selling your home without a realtor is a big time and work commitment. You’ll have to handle a lot of tasks, including pricing, listing descriptions, photography, marketing, showings, and negotiations. And remember that even though you won’t pay a traditional listing fee, you’ll still probably be on the hook for the buyer’s agent commission, which typically runs between 2-3%.
The average California home seller is better off working with a flat fee real estate agent or discount realtor who charges reduced listing fees but still offers the same basic services and support as a typical realtor. You’ll still save thousands of dollars on realtor fees, but you’ll avoid the hassle and frustration of trying to sell by owner.
Top 3 flat fee MLS listing companies
Here are three of the best flat fee MLS services in California, so you can find one that fits your needs.
Top flat-fee MLS companies in California
🥇 HomeListers: Best for inexperienced sellers
🥈 Flat Fee Guru: Best for hard-to-sell homes
🥉 MLS Town by Berg Properties: Most affordable prices
| HomeListers | Flat Fee Guru | MLS Town | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,295 (at closing) | $595-$3,995 | $95-$895 |
| Number of Photos | Max allowed | 20-50 | 8 to Max allowed |
| MLS Listing | 6 months | 6 months to Unlimited | 3 months to 2 years |
| Pricing Assistance | ✅ | 💰 | 💰 |
| Negotiation Support | ✅ | 💰 | 💰 |
| Yard Sign | ❌ | 💰 | ❌ |
| Open Houses | ❌ | 💰 | ❌ |
Not seeing a company you like? Check out the best nationwide flat-fee MLS companies!
🥇 HomeListers: Best for inexperienced sellers
Since 2000, HomeListers has been helping Californians sell their home For Sale By Owner. While the company’s only package is a bit expensive, it includes a comprehensive array of services. In fact, while you’re responsible for showings, HomeListers says they will handle every other aspect of your sale.
Plus, there’s no upfront cost. You don’t pay the $1,295 until you close on your home, which can be a big benefit to inexperienced sellers that are unsure how long it will take to find a buyer.
HomeListers’ packages
| Price | Professional Recommendation |
|---|---|
| $1,295 | Your property will be listed for six months with the maximum number of photos on the MLS. Plus, aside from showing your house, you'll receive all the support you need to sell your house. |
Other considerations with HomeListers
- If you decide to switch to a traditional listing agent, HomeListers will recommend an agent. However, that brokerage will be required to pay a $1,295 fee at closing.
If you want a safety net while selling your house, HomeListers is a great option. You get control over your listing but have a professional to turn to for advice or support during the more difficult parts of the home sale.
🥈 Flat Fee Guru: Best for hard-to-sell homes
While Flat Fee Guru‘s packages are more expensive than competitors’, each option can help you sell if your home is in less-than-ideal condition or in a cold market. Even the basic package includes a decent number of photos and showing service and feedback.
Getting feedback from buyers after a showing can be invaluable with a hard-to-sell house. It will give you a better understanding of how to market the home and make it more appealing to buyers.
Flat Fee Guru’s packages
| Package | Price | Professional Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $595 | Compared to other entry-level packages, this one is more expensive. However, it offers more photos (20), a virtual tour, and showing services and feedback, which typically aren't included in a basic package. |
| Premium | $2,495 | With this package, you'll receive almost all of the support and services you'd get with a traditional agent. But know that you'll only communicate with the agent via the phone or email. They'll never actually see or show your house. |
Other considerations about Flat Fee Guru
- Flat Fee Guru also offers a private sale package for $3,995. They’ll represent both you and the buyer, and you won’t have to pay any additional buyer’s agent commission.
As a local brokerage, Flat Fee Guru can offer you the advice and service you need if your home will be difficult to sell. However, you’ll have to pay extra for the additional support.
🥉 MLS Town by Berg Properties: Most affordable prices
For homeowners in Northern California, MLS Town’s best selling point is its low-priced packages. Its packages are priced well below competitors, plus broker support is available by the hour. This is a great option for sellers that want flexible services and maximum savings.
MLS Town is part of the family-owned brokerage Berg Properties. And while the parent company is highly rated, most of the reviews are from sellers in Chicago, where the company is based.
MLS Town’s packages
| Package | Price | Professional Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $95 | This incredibly affordable package gives you the option to pay for additional hourly support from a local agent. However, given it's only for 3 months and includes just 8 photos, it might only be a good fit for sellers in hot markets. |
| Annual | $295 | Considering the 12-month listing term, number of photos, and included agent support, this package will give most sellers the biggest bang for their buck. |
| Premium Plus | $895 | Unless you know your home will take a while to sell, this package might not be worth it for an experienced seller. It includes a Competitive Market Analysis and an unlimited listing term, but those alone might not justify the higher price. |
Other considerations about MLS Town
- There’s a full-service option available for a 1% listing commission
- With most packages, additional agent support can be purchased at a rate of $75 per 30 mins.
If you know exactly what services and support you need, MLS Town is a great option. It has the lowest prices and flexibility in the amount of agent assistance you receive, so you can be confident you’re not spending more than you need to.
Alternatives to Flat-Fee MLS Companies in California
If you want to avoid high listing commissions when selling your house, flat-fee MLS companies aren’t your only option. Be sure to consider these alternatives before deciding how to list your home:
- Discount brokers: With a discount brokerage, you pay a lower listing commission, typically 1% to 2%, and receive almost all the same services as a traditional agent. But remember, you’ll still need to offer a competitive buyer’s agent commission.
- iBuyers: iBuyers are cash buyers that will purchase qualifying homes in a matter of days. However, their services are not available everywhere in California, and they charge non-negotiable service fees (5% to 14%).
Not convinced selling without an agent is right for you? If you want a full-service experience while saving money, we can’t recommend Clever Real Estate enough. Learn more about their agent-matching service and 1.5% commission savings now!
» MORE: How to sell a house in California in 9 steps
FAQs about flat-fee MLS companies in California
What is the best flat-fee MLS provider in California?
HomeListers is the best flat-fee MLS company in California for inexperienced sellers, while Flat Fee Guru is ideal for those looking to list a hard-to-sell property. Both of these have their own pros and cons, which is why it’s important to understand more about how flat-fee MLS companies work to find the best option for you. Look into our complete guide to flat-fee MLS services to learn more about them.
How much do flat-fee MLS services cost in California?
California flat-fee MLS services typically charge anywhere from $200 to $400. However, prices may run as low as $95 and be as steep as $2,495, depending on the services you require. Sellers looking for a complete service package without breaking the bank may find that there are discount companies in California that offer a full-service agent for a much cheaper fee. Check out our guide to find the best low commission real estate companies near you!
Are flat-fee MLS companies in California worth it?
In general, flat-fee MLS providers in California, such as Flat Fee Guru, are worth the cost if you want to advertise your property on the MLS. However, keep in mind that homes sold without an agent often sell for less, so you may be interested in working with a 1% agent instead. Check out our recommendations for 1% commission realtor in California!
What is a flat-fee MLS company?
A flat-fee MLS company lists properties on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for a set fee that typically costs less than hiring a listing agent. If a home isn't listed on the local MLS, it will be significantly harder to find a buyer.
However, flat-fee MLS companies will not offer many additional services or support. You'll need to be prepared to handle most of your home sale alone if you opt for a flat-fee MLS package instead of working with a real estate agent.
Do you need to pay a buyer’s agent commission with flat-fee MLS?
It’s customary for home sellers to pay a 2.5% to 3% commission to buyer’s agents. If you offer less than the standard fee, agents are likely to steer their clients to other properties. As a result, it will be more difficult to find a buyer.
You can avoid commission only if an unrepresented buyer purchases your home. However, most people do get professional help when purchasing a home, so it’s very difficult to find buyers who don’t have an agent.
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