Published
-
Written by
-
Edited by Jessica Johansen
Written by Jon Stubbs
Edited by Jessica Johansen
Best flat fee MLS listing services for Colorado | Who do flat fee MLS listings work best for? | How flat fee listing services work | Typical pricing | Top alternatives | FAQ
What is a flat fee MLS listing?
A flat fee MLS listing allows sellers without a realtor to post their home on the multiple listing service (MLS), the same place where realtors list their clients’ homes.
An MLS is an online database of homes for sale in a particular area. Home buyers and their agents use the local MLS to find homes that the buyers want to view. If your home isn’t listed on the MLS, most buyers won’t even know it’s an option.
To get your home listed on the MLS, you need to either hire a realtor or use a flat fee MLS listing service. You can’t list on the MLS yourself, since only licensed real estate agents can access the database.
If you’re selling for sale by owner (FSBO), a flat fee MLS listing service can post 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 commission.
How much can you save with 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
- You can pay a few hundred dollars to a company instead of a 2–3% commission to a listing agent.
- You can control more aspects of the marketing and negotiations.
- You can choose from service packages with varying levels of support.
Cons
- FSBO homes generally sell for less than homes sold with an agent.
- Your contact info won’t be posted to public sites like Zillow. Buyers will have to get it from your MLS broker, who may be slow to respond.
- Flat fee MLS companies often charge hidden fees, like a percentage of the sale at closing.
If you’re not ready to sell FSBO but still want to save, Clever Real Estate can connect you with top local agents for just a 1.5% commission. You’ll still save thousands, but you’ll have a real estate expert on your side.
Best flat fee MLS listing services in Colorado
| Company | Our Rating | Listing Fee | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Best for showcasing your home
|
57 reviews
|
$299 upfront + 0.5% at closing
|
Denver Metro and Front Range areas
|
Learn More |
|
23 reviews
|
$399 upfront + 0.25% at closing to $699 upfront + 0.25% at closing
|
Colorado areas including Fort Collins and Northern Colorado, Denver/Boulder, and Colorado Springs
|
Learn More |
|
6 reviews
|
$249 + 0.5% of buyer’s agent commission at closing
|
Nationwide, including 40 counties in Colorado
|
Learn More |
|
86 reviews
|
$3,400 ($500 upfront + $2,900 at closing)
|
Colorado Springs and surrounding areas
|
Learn More |
|
60 reviews
|
$299–399
|
Nationwide, excluding ND
|
Learn More |
|
53 reviews
|
$399–549 upfront + 0.5% at closing (min. $1,500)
|
Front Range, Western Slope, Eastern Plains
|
Learn More |
|
50+ reviews
|
No data
|
No data
|
Learn More |
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
HybridMLSListings offers only one flat fee MLS package, but it should meet most sellers’ needs. The plan includes plenty of photos, making it a good service for showing off your home.
One downside is that the company offers only a six-month listing term. But in most cases, this should be plenty of time to sell your home.
You can cancel your listing anytime without any fees or penalties.
Pros
- The plan includes plenty of photos.
- The company has high customer ratings.
Cons
- s You get only a six-month listing term.
- A 0.5% commission is due at closing.
Seller MLS Option: $299 upfront + 0.5% at closing
- 6-month MLS listing
- 40 photos
- 1:1 licensed realtor consulting
- Preparation and review of all necessary Colorado contracts
- Disclosure forms
- Comparative market analysis
- Showing service and feedback
- Management of buyer and realtor calls and questions
- Negotiations on your behalf
- Order and review of all title documents
- Coordination of and help with closing
Add-ons:
- Yard sign with frame ($125)
- Yard sign without frame ($45)
- Lockbox ($35)
- Premium brochure box ($35)
HybridMLSListings covers the Denver Metro and Front Range areas, including Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Jefferson, and more.
It also covers specific neighborhoods and communities in the Denver Metro area, including Cherry Hills Village, Englewood, Greenwood Village, Littleton, Lone Tree, and more.
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
Home Savings Realty is a good choice for less-experienced sellers who want premium features like professional photography. The company offers three packages with the same features but different listing terms: one month, three months, or until sold.
While the lowest-priced plan includes premium services, $399 is a high price to pay for just a one-month listing. If you think your home will sell quickly, you can likely find a cheaper short-term listing with another company.
Pros
- All packages include professional photography.
- The company gives you referrals for inspectors, appraisers, and title companies.
- You get to choose between three listing terms.
Cons
- The company doesn’t offer any add-ons.
- The only difference between plans is the listing term.
Flat Fee 1: $399 upfront + 0.25% at closing
- 1-month MLS listing
- Professional sign
- High-quality photography
- Professional brochure
- Lockbox
- Colorado real estate contract and closing services
- Referrals to inspectors, appraisers, title companies, and lenders in Northern Colorado
Flat Fee 2: $549 upfront + 0.25% at closing
Includes Flat Fee 1, plus:
- 3-month MLS listing
Flat Fee 3: $699 upfront + 0.25% at closing
Includes Flat Fee 1, plus:
- List until sold
Home Savings Realty is available in Colorado areas including Fort Collins and Northern Colorado, Denver/Boulder, and Colorado Springs.
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
Flat Fee Realty offers one barebones MLS listing package. The service is great for sellers who have FSBO experience and only need the basics.
For just $249, you get a six-month listing term and six photos. Six months should be enough time to sell most homes.
Flat Fee Realty also matches you with an independent broker in Colorado. While most brokers who partner with referral companies like Flat Fee Realty are reputable, there’s a chance you’ll be matched with a subpar agent.
Pros
- The company offers a low-priced plan for those who just want the basics.
- Listing changes are free.
- You can upgrade to 25 photos for just $50.
Cons
- The company retains part of the buyer’s agent commission.
- You can’t upgrade to a longer listing term.
- The entry-level plan includes only six photos.
Premium MLS: $249 upfront + 0.5% of buyer’s agent commission at closing
- 6-month MLS listing
- 6 photos
- Unlimited listing changes
- State disclosures
- Broker assistance
- Transaction guidance
Upgrades:
- 25 photos ($50)
- 6-month MLS listing extension ($100)
Flat Fee Realty — Colorado offers MLS coverage in the following areas:
Denver Metro (Metro List): Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Gilpin, Jefferson
Boulder/Longmont and Northern Colorado MLS (IRES): Boulder, Larimer, Logan, Morgan, Weld
Colorado Springs (Pikes Peak): El Paso, Park, Teller
Grand County MLS: Grand County
CREN (Colorado Real Estate Network): Alamosa, Archuleta, Conejos, Costilla, Delta, Delores, Gunnison, Hinsdale, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, Rio Grande, Saguache, San Juan, San Miguel
Aspen/Glenwood Springs MLS: Pitkin County, Garfield County
Vail MLS: Eagle County
Pueblo MLS: Pueblo County
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
Pro Flat Fee Realty advertises itself as a full-service, flat rate brokerage. Instead of charging a small commission at closing like other Colorado flat fee MLS services, Pro Flat Fee Realty charges $2,900, which is equal to 0.5% commission on a $580,000 home.
The company’s package is a bit pricier than other flat fee MLS services, but you get full service from an agent. This includes help with pricing, marketing, negotiations, paperwork, and closing.
Pros
- You get full service from an agent.
- The plan includes premium services like social media marketing and professional photography.
Cons
- The company operates only in Colorado Springs.
Flat Fee Full Service Listing: $3,400 ($500 upfront + $2,900 at closing)
- List until sold
- Professional photography
- Social media marketing
- 24/7 virtual brochure sign
- Open houses
- Lockboxes
- Simplified scheduling
- Pricing strategy
- Management of selling process from start to close
Pro Flat Fee Realty is available in Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas.
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
ISoldMyHouse.com offers two flat fee MLS plans, both of which are fairly barebones and best for experienced DIY sellers. Both offer lead forwarding, online support, and free cancellation. The higher-priced plan includes a longer listing term (in some states) and higher photo limit, making it better overall value.
The company also has an online library of resources to help new FSBO sellers. However, it doesn’t offer broker assistance, so it may not be the best choice if you need extra support.
Customers commend the company’s customer service and ability to answer questions quickly.
Pros
- Its simple plans are a good fit for experienced sellers.
- It offers several add-ons to customize your package.
Cons
- The only difference between the packages is the number of photos allowed.
- Its packages don’t include as many services as some other companies.
Get LISTED!: $299 upfront + 0.5% and $250 at closing
- 6-month MLS listing
- 6 photos
- Schedule open houses
- Online customer support
- Lead forwarding
- Custom, printed sign ($75)
- Realtors combo lockbox ($50)
- One-month featured listing ($25)
Get SOLD!: $399 upfront + 0.5% and $250 at closing
Includes Get LISTED! plan, plus:
- 25 photos
Colorado has minimum service laws that make
ISoldMyHouse.com is available nationwide, excluding ND.
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
Flat Fee Group is a nationwide company that matches you with a local listing broker.
The Colorado branch offers two flat fee MLS packages: Showcase and Premium. Both include the maximum photos allowed by the MLS. This number of photos is rare for the Showcase’s price point. So if you have a home that you want to show off, Flat Fee Group could be a good choice.
Both packages also come with agent assistance, including contract reviews and negotiation advice. Reviews for listing broker Deni Niethammer are highly positive, with customers praising the agent’s responsiveness and real estate knowledge.
Pros
- You get the maximum number of photos allowed by the MLS.
- You get realtor support for document reviews and negotiations.
Cons
- There’s no basic listing option available.
- With pricing starting at $399 + $1,500 at closing, FSBO sellers who want a no-frills MLS listing may want to look elsewhere.
Showcase: $399 upfront + 0.5% at closing (min. $1,500)
- 6-month MLS listing
- 32 photos
- Phone and email support
- Printable color flyer
- CSS showing service and feedback
- Contract review and offer advice
- Help with contracts, addendums, and disclosures
- Title documents review
- Agent assistance with negotiations
Premium: $549 upfront + 0.5% at closing (min. $1,500)
Includes Showcase package, plus:
- Yard sign with frame
- Comparative market analysis
Flat Fee Group — Colorado is available in the Front Range, the Western Slope, and the Eastern Plains.
Front Range: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, El Paso, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, Park, Teller, Weld
Western Slope: Delta, Dolores, Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Jackson, La Plata, Mesa, Moffat, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, Routt, San Juan, San Miguel
Eastern Plains: Baca, Bent, Cheyenne, Crowley, Custer, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Lincoln, Otero, Phillips, Prowers, Sedgwick, Washington, Yuma
Overview
Service packages
Availability
Colorado Realty 4 Less has one service package that costs about 0.5% at closing. The service is actually less expensive than many other flat fee listing services in Colorado, since many charge 0.5% on top of an initial flat fee.
Here’s the cost breakdown, based on the listing price:
$0–299,000: $1,500
$300,000–599,000: $2,500
$600,000–999,000: $3,500
$1,000,000+: $5,000
The listing package offered through Colorado Realty 4 Less includes premium services, like open house support, automated showing services, and professional photography.
Customer reviews are positive, with previous sellers praising the savings and outstanding customer service from listing broker Kathleen Haas.
Pros
- The company has excellent customer reviews.
- You get help with pricing and marketing your property.
Cons
- The company offers only one package.
- You can expect to pay a minimum of $1,500, compared to a few hundred dollars for a basic MLS listing.
Smart MLS Listing: $1,500–5,000 (depending on sale price)
- Flexible listing term (6-month average)
- Professional photo rebate (up to $250)
- Open house support
- Exposure on social media including Facebook and Instagram
- Comparative market analysis
- Advice on pricing and offer terms
- Advice on repairs and improvements to the property to enhance marketability
- Automated showing service and agent feedback
- Professional property brochures (if requested)
- Yard sign and lockbox (if needed)
Colorado Realty 4 Less is available in these Colorado counties:
Adams, Alamosa, Arapahoe, Archuleta, Baca, Bent, Boulder, Broomfield, Chaffee, Cheyenne, Clear Creek, Conejos, Costilla, Crowley, Custer, Delta, Denver, Dolores, Douglas, Eagle, Elbert, El Paso, Fremont, Garfield, Gilpin, Grand, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Huerfano, Jackson, Jefferson, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Lake, La Plata, Larimer, Las Animas, Lincoln, Logan, Mesa, Mineral, Moffat, Montezuma, Montrose, Morgan, Otero, Our, Park, Phillips, Pitkin, Provers, Pueblo, Rio Blanco, Rio Grande, Routt, Saguache, San Juan, San Miguel, Sedgwick, Summit, Teller, Washington, Weld, Yuma
Who do flat fee MLS listing services work best for?
Flat fee MLS services are best for home sellers who want to sell without a realtor but need the marketing exposure the MLS provides.
Some service packages include only a basic MLS listing and leave the rest of the selling process to the seller. This type of package might work for you if you’re experienced with real estate sales.
Other service packages offer more assistance with the sale, which you might need if you’re not as experienced. For example, Pro Flat Fee Realty in Colorado offers a social media marketing plan and professional photography. HybridMLSListings provides negotiation support.
While these extra services may be helpful, they’re not a replacement for the time and attention you’d receive from a full-service agent.
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.
What do flat fee MLS services include?
At minimum, a flat fee MLS package should include photos and a short description of the property. Most packages include 6–25 photos and a 3–12 month listing term.
The minimum might be enough for an attractive house in an up-and-coming neighborhood. But if you want your listing to stand out, you can pay more for additional features.
In Colorado, HybridMLSListings offers a yard sign for $125. Flat Fee Realty offers an upgrade from 6 to 25 photos for $50.
While some extra features may legitimately increase your home’s marketability, be wary of add-ons with little value. For example, many flat fee MLS packages provide a lockbox for an added fee. A lockbox is essential for selling FSBO, but it’s something you can purchase yourself for about $50.
How much do flat fee MLS services cost?
In Colorado, the flat fee MLS listing services we reviewed have entry-level packages ranging from $249 to $399. These basic packages can work for FSBO sellers who just need to get their home on the MLS.
These Colorado companies also have higher-tier packages ranging from $399 to $5,000. The packages include extra services like open house support. For some sellers in competitive markets, these add-ons might be worth it.
Generally, if you’re considering spending thousands of dollars on a flat fee MLS service, you should also consider a discount real estate broker. For just a bit more money, you could have a full-service real estate agent to help you strategically market your home, negotiate with buyers, and close.
Flat fee MLS service fees may be higher in Colorado!
In minimum service states, real estate brokers — including flat fee MLS companies — are required by law to provide certain services to their clients.
While minimum service requirements very by state, they often include having a broker help with accepting, reviewing, and negotiating offers. As a result, you may have to pay more to list with a flat fee MLS provider in these states. In Colorado, most flat fee MLS listing services charge an additional 0.5% commission at closing.
Given the higher price tag, it may be worth exploring alternative ways to save on realtor commissions in Colorado. One of the best options is finding a full-service real estate agent who offers a commission discount.
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
Top discount brokers provide the same services as traditional real estate agents — but for a 1–2% commission instead of the typical 3%.
A great local agent will list your home on the MLS and provide all the expert support you need to sell quickly and for top dollar. You won’t have to worry about doing all the work of selling your home yourself like you would if you sold FSBO.
For most sellers in Colorado, Clever Real Estate offers the best value. Clever matches sellers with real estate agents from top brokerages in Colorado and throughout the U.S.
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 Colorado’s real estate laws and FSBO paperwork requirements.
» LEARN MORE: How to sell without a realtor in Colorado
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 Clever Real Estate. Clever gives you the opportunity to interview multiple full-service agents until you find the right fit. All of Clever’s 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 Colorado?
In Colorado, we recommend HybridMLSListings for its high photo limit, Home Savings Realty for its variety of listing terms, and Flat Fee Realty for its budget-friendly packages. Learn more about other flat fee MLS companies in Colorado.
Do I have to offer a buyer's agent commission in Colorado?
We recommend offering a competitive buyer's agent commission. This will incentivize buyer's agents to show your home to their clients. In Colorado, the average buyer's agent commission is 2.79%.
How do I get on the MLS in Colorado?
You can get on the MLS in Colorado 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 are flat fees 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 and Companies: We’ve done a lot of the research for you. Discover the best low commission real estate agents and companies to help you save on your home sale.
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: In this guide, we cover the steps to selling without a realtor, plus the pros, cons, and costs.
More Colorado home selling guides
How to Sell a House without a Realtor in Colorado: 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 Colorado: 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 Colorado: “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.
Leave a Reply