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Edited by Kristen Klempert
Written by Michael Yessis
Edited by Kristen Klempert
Top Maine flat fee MLS listing companies | Best for affordable support | Best for hard-to-sell homes | Best for inexperienced sellers | Other alternatives | Frequently asked questions
Selling your home without a realtor can save you money on real estate agent commissions in Maine. Sellers traditionally pay a 6% commission split between the buyer’s and listing agents. This fee is cut in half when forgoing a listing agent.
There are drawbacks to the savings, though. You have to manage all aspects of the sale, including making sure your property is listed in the multiple listing service (MLS). Most home buyers indirectly use the MLS to find properties because this database serves as the source of information for popular online home search websites.
Only a licensed agent can list a property on the MLS, so some sellers pay a flat fee MLS listing service a more affordable fee to get their home listed.
If you want to avoid overpaying for realtor fees but still want hands-on support from your agent, we recommend checking out Real Estate Witch. We negotiate flat 1.5% listing fees with top Maine 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 Maine 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. Even though you won’t pay a traditional listing fee, it’s still typical for sellers to offer a 2—3% concession to help the buyer pay their real estate agent’s commission.
The average Maine 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 Maine flat fee MLS listing companies
If you’re considering this option, here are three of the best flat fee MLS listing companies in Maine.
Top Flat-Fee MLS Companies in Maine
🥇 Landfall properties: Best for affordable support
🥈 Discount Realty: Best for hard-to-sell-homes
🥉 EntryOnly.com: Best for inexperienced sellers
| Landfall Properties | Discount Realty | EntryOnly.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $299-$999 | $499-$1,499 |
| Number of Photos | Max allowed | 3 | 20 |
| MLS Listing | Up to 2 years | 6 months to until sold | 6 months |
| Pricing Assistance | ❌ | 💰 | 💰 |
| Negotiation Support | ❌ | 💰 | 💰 |
| Yard Sign | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Open Houses | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Not seeing a company you like? Check out the best nationwide flat fee MLS companies!
🥇 Landfall properties: Best for affordable support
Landfall Properties has a five-star rating with many sellers touting the company’s broker’s professionalism and responsiveness. However, most of the reviews are from sellers who listed in other states (Landfall Properties is located in New Hampshire and works with sellers throughout New England).
The biggest benefit Landfall Properties can offer sellers is access to technology and data to help them sell more efficiently. Its package includes a virtual tour to help attract more buyers and showing feedback to see what about your home is standing out — good or bad — to buyers.
Landfall Properties’ package
| Price | Professional Recommendation |
|---|---|
| $499 | While this is the only flat-fee package Landfall Properties offers, it will meet the needs of most sellers. It includes a yard sign, state forms, showing feedback, and a virtual tour for your listing. |
Other considerations about Landfall Properties
- A full-service option is available for a 1% listing fee and a 2% buyer’s agent commission.
🥈 Discount Realty: Best for hard-to-sell homes
Discount Realty claims to be the only Maine-based flat fee MLS service, so if that’s a priority of yours, this is your only option. The company can also be a great fit for sellers with hard-to-sell homes. Packages include a respectable number of photos and there’s a very affordable option that lets sellers list their property until it sells.
However, know that there are no recent reviews for Discount Realty and you should take that into consideration when weighing your options.
Discount Realty’s packages
| Price | Professional Recommendation |
|---|---|
| $299 | This entry-level package includes a 6 month listing with up to 30 pictures. But for sellers who worry their home will take longer to sell, you can upgrade to an Until Sold package for $499. All of the other features remain the same, but you won’t have to worry about paying more to relist your home if your property doesn’t sell quickly. |
| $999 | For $999, you can get help from a broker throughout your transaction. This includes a market analysis to help with pricing; assistance with negotiations; and an agent attending inspections and closing. You pay $299 up front and the remaining $700 at closing if you opt for this package. |
Other Considerations about Discount Realty
- A full-service option is available for 3.5% commission total (including 2% commission to the buyer’s agent).
- Discount Realty requires sellers to offer a minimum of 1% to buyer’s agents.
🥉 EntryOnly.com: Best for inexperienced sellers
EntryOnly.com has numerous five-star reviews. Many clients indicate they’ll use this service again because of the prompt communication and helpful advice and reminders. For inexperienced sellers, this is essential.
However, know that EntryOnly.com isn’t based in Maine. While looking through the company’s reviews, focus on sellers who also listed in Maine to make sure they also had a great experience.
EntryOnly.com’s packages
| Package | Price | Professional Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $499 | The basic package includes 20 photos to effectively showcase your property. Your home will be listed on the MLS for 6 months, and you’ll be able to make changes any time for free. However, there is no additional help with any of the more difficult parts of selling. |
| Enhanced | $999 | With this package, EntryOnly.com will review any contracts you receive, explain them, and answer your question. If you've never sold a house before, this assistance can be invaluable. |
| Premium | $1,499 | This package is basically a full-service option. EntryOnly.com will help with negotiations and offer advice through closing. |
Other considerations about Entry Only.com
- EntryOnly.com also offers a la carte options like extending your listing to 12 months.
Alternatives to flat fee MLS companies in Maine
There are other ways to save money on listing commissions without sacrificing professional expertise and service. Discount brokers and agents will perform all the same tasks and provide the same quality advice as a traditional agent but for a reduced commission, typically 1.5% to 2%.
Don’t work with a flat fee MLS company because you think it’s your only option. If you want a full-service agent at a lower cost, try Real Estate Witch. Learn more about our agent-matching service and 1.5% commission savings now!
FAQs about flat fee MLS companies in Maine
What is the best flat fee MLS provider in Maine?
Landfall Properties is the best flat fee MLS provider in Maine for those looking for affordable packages, while Discount Realty is better for those that have a hard-to-sell home. There are pros and cons to each option, which is why it’s best to understand how flat fee companies work before making a decision. To learn more, read our complete guide to flat fee MLS services.
How much do flat fee MLS services cost in Maine?
Flat fee MLS providers charge around $300 to $500 for a bare-bones package. Some companies offer tiered packages with additional support and services, costing as much as $1,500 for the most comprehensive package. Those looking for an affordable option while still receiving full-service support may find that working with a discount company is a better option. Check out the best low commission real estate companies near you to find out more.
Are flat fee MLS companies in Maine worth it?
Working with a flat fee MLS company in Maine such as Landfall Properties will get your property on the market — but provide little else. Given that for sale by owner (FSBO) properties often sell for less, those looking to make the most money off their sale should instead work with a local discount agent. Work with one of the best 1% commission realtors in Maine today.
What is a flat fee MLS company?
A flat fee MLS company is a service that charges a flat rate to list a home for sale on the multiple listing service (MLS). Sellers who do not work with a listing agent typically use a flat fee MLS company because homeowners can't access the MLS on their own. Plus, while these companies offer less support, it costs significantly less to work with them than a traditional real estate agent.
How do I tell if a flat fee MLS company in Maine is legit?
Reading past company reviews; if multiple sellers have had the same problem, there's a good chance you'll experience the same issue. But sellers in Maine should take note of where the reviewer was selling their house. Many flat fee MLS companies that service Maine also work with sellers across New England, and service may vary from state to state.
Do I need to pay a buyer's agent commission with a flat fee MLS company?
Buyer's agents negotiate their fees with the buyer. However, it's common for home sellers to offer a concession of 2—3% to help the buyer cover their agent's fee. You can offer this concession voluntarily, or the buyer may request it.
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