Best flat fee MLS listing services for Michigan | Should you use a flat fee MLS listing service? | What's included with a flat fee MLS listing | Typical pricing | Top alternatives | FAQ
If you're selling for sale by owner (FSBO) in Michigan, a flat fee MLS listing service can get 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 a 2.5–3% commission 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.
Additionally, FSBO homes 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 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, Michigan has plenty of 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 flat fee MLS listing services in Michigan: 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 an MLS listing with photos, syndication to real estate sites like Zillow and Realtor.com, and a way to receive leads from buyers and buyers' agents.
Higher-priced service packages tend to offer more assistance with the sale, which you might need if you're not as experienced. For example, Unreal Estate in Michigan offers a 30-minute broker form review as an optional add-on. For an extra 1% of the sales price, Houzeo offers virtual agent support with pricing, offers, negotiations, and closing paperwork.
However, if you're considering spending thousands of dollars on a flat fee MLS service, you're probably better off hiring a low commission realtor who knows the local market and can provide hands on support for similar savings.
How much do flat fee MLS services cost?
In Michigan, the flat fee MLS listing services we reviewed have entry-level packages ranging from $95 to $349. Most of these basic packages come standard with 6–25 photos and a 3–12 month listing term.
Many flat fee MLS companies in Michigan also have higher-tier packages ranging from $895 to $1,499. The packages include extra services like professional photography and virtual broker assistance.
Typically, the cheaper the plan, the less that’s included. And you often have to pay extra for useful features, such as lock boxes, additional photos, and unlimited changes to your listing. For example, Modern Way Realty's $295 basic plan includes only 10 photos with your listing. To get a plan with 25 photos, you'll need to pay an additional $100.
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 flat fee MLS listing services in Michigan: 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
Modern Way Realty offers three do-it-yourself packages and two full–service plans, providing options for different sellers’ needs. The pricing is competitive, and all plans include basic features like lead forwarding and a listing term of six months or more. Sellers wanting agent support can select a full-service plan.
Online reviews are highly positive, with reviewers reporting prompt, professional, and knowledgeable service. Most experienced a smooth selling process.
There are no hidden fees, and you can cancel your listing anytime as long as your property isn’t under contract.
Pros
- All plans allow you to list for sale, rent, or lease.
- The company offers do-it-yourself and full–service plans to suit different sellers’ needs.
- All plans include a personal property page for easy sharing on social media.
Cons
- Agent phone and email support is only available with the full-service plans.
- The Basic plan doesn't include ShowingTime to help schedule open houses.
Listing Fee
Overview
Service package
Availability
Homecoin offers one low-cost MLS listing package and many à-la-carte services to customize it. This option is ideal for experienced FSBO sellers who know exactly what services they need. However, the add-ons are more expensive than competitors. If you think you need add-ons like a lockbox or yard sign, another FSBO website might be a better pick.
You can order a Real Estate Comps Report without purchasing the package.
Customers say that Homecoin offers a great service and is easy to work with. Reviewers also mention the convenient online platform and professional, responsive customer service.
Canceling a listing is free, and you can do it anytime there isn’t an active offer.
Pros
- Comprehensive Real Estate Comps Report with comparable sales, property details, and market trends
- 12-month listing term with unlimited photos
- Fully online listing management
Cons
- No full-service option for additional support
- Add-on costs can accumulate quickly
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
Flat Fee Group is a nationwide company that matches you with a local listing broker. In Michigan, the listing broker is Jeff Kermath of Kermath Realty. You can choose from four plans with varying levels of agent support. These plans are similar to what you'd get through Kermath Realty directly, but some features and pricing are different.
Online reviews for Jeff Kermath are largely positive. Reviewers report an easy listing process, quick turnaround times, and responsive customer service. However, some reviewers felt their interactions with the broker weren’t professional.
You can cancel anytime as long as you aren’t under contract.
Pros
- The listing process is all online, and you can review the listing before it goes live.
- You can list for sale or for rent.
- You can list as "coming soon" on most plans.
Cons
- The Bronze plan includes only six photos, which may not be enough to showcase your property.
- The In Your Home plan is only available in Southeast Michigan.
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
Kermath Realty is a flat fee MLS service with Jeff Kermath as the listing broker. The company offers four plans ranging from basic to agent-supported. Most plans include a virtual tour. The Gold and Premium plans differ only in pricing, so you can get a top-tier plan with a lower up-front cost.
Online reviews for Jeff Kermath are mostly positive, with customers reporting an easy listing process, fast turnaround times, and responsive customer service. However, more than one customer felt like interactions with the broker weren’t professional.
There are no hidden fees, and you can cancel anytime as long as you aren’t under contract.
Pros
- Most plans include a virtual tour.
- All plans include at least a six-month listing term.
- Buyer leads are forwarded to you.
Cons
- The Bronze plan includes only six photos.
- Digital signatures are included only with the agent-supported plans.
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
Unreal Estate is a nationwide flat fee MLS service with a wide range of plans and good reviews. Notably, Unreal Estate offers a Starter package with no up-front costs — you just pay 0.5% at closing.
But the company’s two top-tier plans offer the best overall value. You get a higher photo limit, phone support, and lead forwarding.
Unreal Estate’s pricing includes a flat fee plus 0.5% at closing. However, we have an exclusive agreement with Unreal Estate. The company drops the 0.5% charge on most plans when you use code “Clever,” so you get a flat rate of $99–450 no matter how much your home sells for.
Pros
- Offers three affordable options
- No upfront cost with the Starter package
Cons
- Cancellation fee for the Starter package
- Phone support limited to higher-priced plans
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
The Flat Fee Pros offers several plans with varying levels of agent support, which can be helpful for less experienced sellers. However, more experienced FSBO sellers may find the Basic plan pricey compared to competitors. Be aware that the Bronze plan includes an extra fee at closing.
There are no online reviews from credible sites. We recommend talking to the broker first to ensure their process and communication style works for you.
Pros
- Most plans offer some agent support, which may be helpful for less experienced sellers.
- All plans include at least a six-month listing term.
- All plans include marketing materials, like a printable color flyer and yard sign.
Cons
- The plans are expensive compared to competitors, especially the Basic plan.
- The Basic plan doesn't include phone or email support.
- There are no online reviews from credible sites.
Listing Fee
Overview
Availability
Houzeo is a nationwide flat fee MLS company designed primarily for For Sale By Owner (FSBO) sellers. With an impressive average customer rating of 4.9/5 across thousands of reviews, Houzeo stands out as a prominent player in the industry. It provides an easy-to-use online dashboard, simplifying the management of property listings for sellers.
However, it's important to note that its fees are often higher than some competitors, especially when additional services are required. Service quality can vary based on the partner agent assigned to the customer, potentially leading to inconsistent experiences. Additionally, Houzeo's refund policy is considered restrictive by some customers.
One of Houzeo's key strengths is its nationwide presence, allowing sellers to list their homes on the MLS, a crucial database used by real estate professionals. This significantly enhances the chances of finding a buyer. The company offers various pricing packages with different levels of support and services, but pricing and availability can vary by location.
Pros
- User-friendly online dashboard
- Positive reviews of its customer service
- Extra services available, including contract reviews and professional showings (for a fee)
Cons
- High fees for some services
- Varied service quality
- Restrictive refund policy
Top alternatives to flat fee MLS listing services in Michigan
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. 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 Michigan's real estate laws and FSBO paperwork requirements.
» LEARN MORE: How to sell without a realtor in Michigan
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 Michigan?
In Michigan, we recommend Unreal Estate for its affordable plans and Modern Way Realty for its range of plans to suit different sellers needs. Learn more about other flat fee MLS companies in Michigan.
Do I have to pay a buyer's agent commission with a flat fee MLS company?
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 access to the MLS in Michigan?
You can get on the MLS in Michigan 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 is a flat fee 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 Michigan home selling guides
How to Sell a House without a Realtor in Michigan: 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 Michigan: 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 Michigan: "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.