Best flat fee MLS listing services for New York | 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 New York, 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.
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 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:
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, New York 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 New York: 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 $695 and an extra 1% at closing, Realmart Realty offers full paperwork support from contract review to closing and professional guidance through negotiations. Houzeo offers a similar plan costing $349 upfront and 1% at closing.
While these extras can be helpful, the costs can easily add up into the thousands — and when it comes to pricing and negotiations, it's probably better to have someone local to your market.
If you need extra support from a realtor, you may want to consider 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 New York, the flat fee MLS listing services we reviewed have entry-level packages ranging from $99 to $299. Most of these basic packages come standard with 6+ photos and a 3–6 month listing term.
Many flat fee MLS companies in New York also have higher-tier packages ranging from about $1,000 all the way up to 1% of the sale price at closing, plus the upfront fee. The packages include extra services like professional photography, pricing support, and virtual broker assistance through negotiations and closing.
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, Houzeo's $329 basic plan includes only 6 photos and charges sellers $25 per listing change. To get the maximum number of photos allowed by the MLS, you'll need to pay about $400.
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 New York: 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
Northern Star Realty offers two flat fee plans with good value. The Silver plan includes key features for experienced FSBO sellers, plus additional features like a virtual tour link. The Gold plan includes more agent support and other services that are helpful for less-experienced sellers.
Online reviews are highly positive, with many reviewers noting prompt, helpful service and an easy listing process.
There are no hidden fees, and you can cancel anytime. You can get a full refund within 30 days if your property hasn’t been listed yet.
Pros
- The company offers two packages to serve both experienced and less-experienced sellers.
- Online reviews are highly positive.
- The company offers add-ons like a one–year home warranty and broker negotiating.
Cons
- Packages cost more in the Albany and Southern Adirondack regions.
- You need to contact the company for a custom quote if your home's listing price is over $450,000.
Listing Fee
Overview
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 New York, you’ll work with Jack Yao, who has over 19 years of home-selling experience.
Plans range from basic to nearly full service, so you have options whether you're an experienced or less-experienced FSBO seller. You can customize your plan with optional add-ons.
Online reviews are positive. Reviewers mention high-quality customer service and an efficient selling process. However, some negative reviews indicate slow responses.
There are no hidden fees, and you can cancel anytime as long as a contract isn’t pending.
Pros
- All plans include a showing appointment scheduler.
- You can add optional services to any plan.
- Phone and email support is available seven days a week.
Cons
- The Bronze plan includes only six photos and a three-month listing term, which may not be enough for some properties.
- The cost of the optional services can add up quickly.
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
Realmart Realty offers two packages for listing your home on the MLS. Both packages come with the opportunity for support selling your home, and the more expensive plan offers many upgrades compared to the basic plan.
There's a cancellation fee of $25 if you cancel the listing within 30 days. The company offers a 100% money-back guarantee if you're referred to and work with a qualified full-service broker.
Reviews of its services are mixed. Many reviews commend its professionalism and easy listing process, but a handful of reviews claim rude and unethical treatment from specific agents.
Pros
- The company offers lots of optional add-ons, allowing you to essentially customize your plan.
- The Professional Agency Plan offers support for setting the list price, negotiations, and more.
- The company offers a 100% money-back guarantee if you're referred to and work with a qualified full-service broker.
Cons
- The basic plan allows only six photos.
- The cost of à-la-carte options can add up quickly.
- The Professional Agency Plan includes a 1% fee at closing in addition to the flat fee.
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
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
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 New York
Discount real estate brokers | FSBO without the MLS | Flat fee real estate agents
Sell with a discount real estate broker
A top discount real estate broker provides the same level of service as a traditional real estate agent — 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 New York's real estate laws and FSBO paperwork requirements.
» LEARN MORE: How to sell without a realtor in New York
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 New York?
In New York, we recommend Unreal Estate for its affordable plans with basic features, Northern Star Realty for its robust packages at good value, and Realmart Realty for its customizable plans. Learn more about other flat fee MLS companies in New York.
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 New York?
You can get on the MLS in New York 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 New York home selling guides
How to Sell a House without a Realtor in New York: 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 New York: 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 New York: "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.