Top Indiana Flat-Fee MLS Companies | Best for Hard-to-Sell Homes | Best for Inexperienced Sellers | Best Bang for Your Buck | Other Alternatives | Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re selling your Indiana home, you can expect to pay a commission. You’ll usually have to pay your listing agent 3% of your home’s value and pay a comparable rate to the buyer’s agent.
A 6% commission can be very expensive. But if you want to avoid this cost by selling your home without a realtor, you need to be aware of the challenges — including listing your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
Local MLS databases provide data for websites that buyers use to determine what properties are for sale. If your property isn’t in the MLS, you’ll miss out on most potential buyers. The good news is, a flat-fee MLS service can get your For Sale By Owner (FSBO) property onto the MLS.
You pay an upfront fee for this service, but it will be well below the 3% commission you’d owe a listing agent. Different flat-fee MLS services offer different features, though. You’ll want to research your options. Here are three of the best flat-fee MLS services in Indiana so you can find the right one for you.
Not sure if selling your house without a realtor is right for you? Our friends at Clever can connect you with a full-service agent and save you thousands. Find out more!
Top flat-fee MLS companies in Indiana
🥇 Mentor Listing Realty: Best for hard-to-sell homes
🥈 Flat Fee Realty: Best for inexperienced sellers
🥉 Flat Fee Group: Best bang for your buck
| Flat Fee Realty | Mentor Listing Realty | Flat Fee Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $599 | $299-$399 | $399-$599 |
| Number of Photos | Varies | 1-25 | Max Allowed |
| MLS Listing | 6 months | 6 months | 6-12 months |
| Pricing Assitance | ✅ | 💰 | ❌ |
| Negotiation Support | ✅ | 💰 | ❌ |
| Yard Sign | ✅ | 💰 | ✅ |
| Open Houses | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Not seeing a local company you like? Check out the best nationwide flat-fee MLS companies!
🥇 Mentor Listing Realty: Best for hard-to-sell homes
Like its competitors, Mentor Listing Realty’s packages last for six months. But if you think it will take longer to secure a buyer, this is the only option that allows you to renew your listing for an affordable price ($99). You can also update your listing an unlimited number of times without paying anything extra, which is helpful if your property isn’t selling and you need to make modifications.
Past reviewers also indicate that Mentor Listing is quick to respond to questions and very helpful throughout the process.
Mentor Listing Realtys’s packages
| Package | Price | Professional Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $299 | The biggest drawback to this package is it only includes 1 photo. Without more pictures in your listing, it will be very hard to attract buyers. |
| Standard | $349 | The only difference between this package is it includes 6 photos. Given that, it might be worth it to spend more on the premium package to better showcase your house. |
| Premium | $399 | Compared to competitors, this a very affordable premium package and will fit the needs of most sellers. |
Other considerations about Mentor Listing Realty
- Mentor Listing Offers negotiation, contract, and closing services for $499. While that is very affordable, it also means those types of support are not included in the packages above.
- There’s a $200 fee due at closing to cover an agent being present at closing.
If you think you won’t be able to sell your home within six months, Mentor Listing Realty is your best and most affordable option in Indiana.
🥈 Flat Fee Realty: Best for inexperienced sellers
If you’ve never sold a home before or need extra help, Flat Fee Realty provides more guidance than most other companies. If you live in the Indianapolis metro area, a licensed agent will come to your home for a consultation, pricing assistance, and provide tailored advice. The package also includes professional digital photos.
However, know that Flat Fee Realty also works with buyers. If one of their agents represents the buyer, it could create a conflict of interest. Plus, Flat Fee Realty would then collect the buyer’s agent commission you offer.
Flat Fee Realty’s package
| Price | Professional Recommendation |
|---|---|
| $599 | Considering all of the services included, this package is a bargain. Except for showing your house, Flat Fee Realty will help you with almost every step. However, for more experienced sellers, there are definitely cheaper options that just provide you with the basics. |
Other considerations about Flat Fee Realty
- Flat-fee Realty also offers services and consultations by the hour/job. This could include staging advice, open houses, or preparation of marketing materials.
Flat Fee Realty is a great fit for sellers who want extra help to ensure they don’t make any rookie mistakes.
🥉 Flat Fee Group: Best bang for your buck
The Flat Fee Group is a network of independent flat-fee MLS service providers across the country. Joshua Vida is the broker that lists homes in Indiana, and his customer reviews show he has a solid track record.
However, know that brokers that are members of the Flat Fee Group often offer different or more affordable packages if you contact them directly. So instead of going through the Flat Fee Group website, consider contacting the broker directly.
Flat Fee Group’s packages
| Package | Price | Professional Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $399 | While this isn't the most inexpensive basic package in Indiana, it is the most comprehensive. If you want a good deal but don't want to sacrifice the number of photos you get, this is a great option. |
| Showcase | $599 | This package is a 12-month listing and includes showing appointment services, but if you think you can sell your home in less time, the increase in price might not be worth it. |
Other considerations about Flat Fee Group
- Full-service package is available for $599 up front and 1% at closing.
If you want a comprehensive package but don’t want to spend more than you have to, Flat Fee Group is a great option in Indiana.
Alternatives to flat-fee MLS companies in Indiana
Flat-fee MLS companies are not the right fit for all homeowners. If you don’t think you have enough time or experience in selling a home, you might want to consider other options. Otherwise, your house might sell for significantly less, or not at all.
Another way to save money on listing commissions is using a discount broker. Agents with these brokerages are full-service and work for a reduced rate, typically 1% to 2% (plus a buyer’s agent commission). Compared to working with a traditional agent, you’ll still save money but won’t have to deal with the stress of selling your house on your own.
Want to save money selling your home, but want more support than a flat-fee MLS company will offer? We can’t recommend Clever Real Estate enough. Learn more about their agent-matching service and 1% commission (or $3,000 fee on homes under $350,000).
Sellers Can Save Thousands With Clever
Our friends at Clever Real Estate negotiate with top-performing agents so you don’t have to. Start saving thousands today.
FAQs about flat-fee MLS companies in Indiana
What is a flat-fee MLS company?
If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner, you will probably need to use a flat-fee MLS company. These companies exist to allow sellers to get their homes listed on the Multiple Listing Service when they don't have an agent.
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a local database of homes on the market. Most home search websites get their data from it, as do agents helping clients find properties. Sellers can't list their own homes on it, but flat-fee MLS services can do it for them.
Some flat-fee MLS services offer assistance with the home sale process beyond just listing your home. For example, they may provide blank sales contracts. But the extent of the support they offer is limited and well below what a full-service agent would provide.
How do I know if a flat-fee MLS company is legit?
Always read the contract terms carefully, to determine if a flat-fee MLS company is legitimate. Specifically, be on the lookout for unexpected expenses. If you find there are fees you don’t understand or that weren’t disclosed up front, consider looking for a different company.
Reading past reviews can also give you insight into the company’s business practices. If most customers report dissatisfaction with specific issues, it’s likely the same problems will crop up again if you use the service.
How much do flat-fee MLS services cost in Indiana?
In Indiana, companies may charge as little as $200 while others charge as much as $1,000.
The level of service you receive is generally linked to the amount you pay. If you simply want to list your home on the MLS, you’ll pay less. If you want additional assistance such as pricing support, expect the fee to be higher.
Do you need to pay a buyer’s agent commission with flat-fee MLS?
The only way to avoid paying commission to a buyer’s agent is to find a buyer who is not represented by a real estate agent. Most buyers hire a real estate professional to help them find a home, so that’s likely going to be difficult or impossible.
Buyer’s agents are usually paid a commission of 2.5% to 3% by home sellers. While you could theoretically offer less than the standard commission, this will make it more difficult to sell your property. Agents won’t have an incentive to bring buyers to view it and are likely to steer buyers to other homes where sellers offer a higher commission rate.
Are seller disclosures required in Indiana?
Indiana law requires sellers to complete a real estate sales disclosure. They must provide it to prospective buyers prior to accepting an offer. In addition to providing insight into defects, sellers must also disclose:
-Whether aluminum wiring was included in any improvements
-Whether there have ever been hazardous materials on the property, such as lead paint
-Whether the property is located within one mile of an airport
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