Best flat fee MLS listing services for Colorado | Should you use a flat fee MLS listing service? | How flat fee listing services work | Typical pricing | Top alternatives | FAQ
If you're selling for sale by owner (FSBO) in Colorado, a flat fee MLS listing service can get your home on the MLS for a one-time fee starting at about $100. You get the same basic visibility as you would selling with a realtor, without having to pay 2.5–3% 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 listing 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, Colorado has several 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 Colorado flat fee MLS listing services: Quick view
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 photos, a listing description, and a way to receive inquiries from buyers (either through an automated system or text/call forwarding).
Most MLS packages include 6–25 photos and a 3–12 month listing term. If you want your listing to stand out, you can pay more for additional features. In Colorado, for example, HybridMLSListings offers a yard sign for $125. Flat Fee Realty offers an upgrade from 6 to 25 photos for $50.
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 extras can be helpful, the costs can easily add up into the thousands — and when it comes to pricing and contracts, it's probably better to have someone local to your market.
If you need extra support from a realtor, you may be better off hiring a low-commission real estate broker who knows the local market and can provide hands on support for similar savings.
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 are geared toward FSBO sellers who just need to get their home on the MLS.
Typically, the cheaper the plan, the less that’s included. You usually have to pay extra for the most desirable features, such as lock boxes, additional photos, and changes to your listing.
Many Colorado Flat fee MLS companies also have higher-tier packages ranging from $399 to $5,000. The packages include extra services like open house advertising, contract reviews, and guidance on negotiations, allowing you decide how much support you need.
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.
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 Colorado flat fee MLS listing services: Full breakdown
About our rankings
To find the best flat fee MLS services in each state, we spent dozens of hours researching companies across the country. Our research process involved:
- Investigating more than 140 local flat fee MLS services to ensure our information about service packages, cost, and contract terms is up to date
- Mystery shopping over 20 flat fee MLS companies to gain insight into the consumer's experience
- Interviewing sellers and real estate agents who have experience with flat fee MLS services
- Combing through Google, Trustpilot, BBB, and Facebook reviews for each business
- Browsing user forums like Reddit and Bigger Pockets for additional perspectives
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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%.
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 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 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 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?
You should expect to offer a 23% 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 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 2.53% 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.