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Edited by Jessica Johansen
Written by Jon Stubbs
Edited by Jessica Johansen
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:
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 extra fees for their most valuable add-ons. And in most cases, you still need to pay a buyer’s agent, so you may save less than you think.
If you’re on the fence about selling FSBO but still want to save, we recommend using an alternative like Clever Real Estate. Clever 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
| Company | Our Rating | Listing Fee | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Best for sellers wanting robust plans at good value
|
306 reviews
|
$295–495
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Most of New York
|
Learn More |
|
112 reviews
|
$95
|
AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NY, OH, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI
|
Learn More |
|
396 reviews
|
$199–999
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More |
|
396 reviews
|
$395 to $695 upfront + 1% at closing
|
New Jersey and New York
|
Learn More |
|
111 reviews
|
$0–599 upfront + 0.5% at closing
Use code “Clever” to save
|
Nationwide, excluding SD
|
Learn More |
|
60 reviews
|
$299–399
|
Nationwide, excluding ND
|
Learn More |
|
4,500+ reviews
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$329–379 upfront + percentage at closing
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More |
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
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.
Silver: $295 ($395 for Albany and Southern Adirondack regions)
- 6–month MLS listing
- Listing on Northern Star Realty’s site
- 20 photos
- Unlimited listing changes
- Unlimited open house listings
- Customer support by email
- Contracts, disclosures, and forms
- Marketing support
- Printable flyer
- Virtual tour link added to listing
Gold: $395 ($495 for Albany and Southern Adirondack regions)
Includes Silver plan, plus:
- 12–month MLS listing (free extension)
- 50 photos
- Unlimited photo changes
- Broker support by email, text, or phone
- Comparative market analysis
- Yard sign
- ShowingTime
- Broker assistance with written offers
- Seller’s net sheet prepared for you
- Professional virtual tour video with music
The Silver plan is only for listings under $350,000. The Gold plan is for listings up to $450,000. Contact the company for a custom quote on homes over $450,000.
Northern Star Realty is available in most of New York.
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
- The Real Estate Comps Report includes comparable sales, property detail, market trends, and more.
- You get a 12-month listing term and unlimited photos.
- You manage the listing process all online.
Cons
- There’s no full-service option for sellers who need more support.
- The cost of add-ons can add up quickly.
MLS Listing: $95
- 12-month MLS listing
- 25+ photos
- 10 listing changes
- Yard sign (sign post rental $99+)
- Open house kit
- Comparable sales
- Home value report
- Call forwarding
- Cancel anytime
- Lockbox rental ($125)
- Pro photography (cost varies)
- Help with forms (cost varies)
Homecoin is available in AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NY, OH, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, and WI.
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.
Bronze: $199
- 3-month MLS listing
- 6 photos
- Unlimited listing changes
- Online showing appointment scheduler
- Yard sign
- Printable MLS sheet and flyer
- Addendums, contracts, and disclosures
- Professional photography ($199)
- 3D photography and floor plan ($299)
- Sales comps ($99)
Silver: $399
Includes Bronze plan, plus:
- 6–month MLS listing
- Max photos allowed by MLS
- Sales comps
Gold: $699
Includes Silver plan, plus:
- 12–month MLS listing
- Contract review and offer advice
Platinum: $999
Includes Gold plan, plus:
- List until sold
- Sign post
- Combo key lockbox
- Professional photography
- 3D photography and floor plan
- Negotiations and guidance by agent
- Online electronic signature for contracts
Terms and conditions for Staten Island listings may be different. Contact the broker for more information.
Flat Fee Group is available nationwide.
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.
Flat Fee MLS Listing Plan: $395
- 6-month MLS listing
- 6 photos
- Unlimited listing changes
- Full email and phone support
- Upgrade to 25+ photos ($100)
- Legal service by Walkow Law Office ($595)
- Unlimited open house postings ($100)
- Realtor digital lockbox (199)
- Additional MLS listing for the same property ($199)
- Professional photography ($199)
- In-home staging consultation ($99)
- Add or replace photos after initial MLS upload ($59)
- Comparative market analysis ($59)
- “For sale” sign ($29)
- Yard sign package (“for sale” sign + 4 open house signs: $49)
- Professional real estate sign post ($149)
- Solid steel sign frame ($49)
- Outdoor info/flyer box ($29)
- Listing extensions ($99–199)
Professional Agency Plan: $695 upfront + 1% at closing
Includes Flat Fee MLS Listing Plan, plus:
- Listing until sold with free rolling 1-year extensions
- Unlimited seller-hosted open houses (agent-hosted open houses available on request)
- 3D photo and floor model (limited time only)
- 365-day 9 a.m.–9 p.m. live customer service with online appointment scheduling
- Yard sign package
- Realtor digital lockbox
- Professional agent consultation on pricing, clean up, repair, and staging ideas
- Full paperwork support from contract review to closing
- Dedicated professional guidance on negotiation, inspection, appraisal issues, and more
Realmart Realty is available in New Jersey and New York.
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, our partners at Clever 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
- The company offers three affordable options.
- The Starter package charges nothing upfront.
- You choose the buyer’s agent commission.
Cons
- The Starter package includes a cancellation fee if you cancel during the term of the agreement.
- The company charges a portion of the buyer’s agent commission, which could buyer’s steer agents away from showing your home.
- Phone support is only available at higher price points.
Starter: 0.5% at closing
- 6-month MLS listing
- 5 photos
- Email Q&A with a licensed broker
- Live chat support
Basic: $99 upfront + 0.5% at closing (or just $99 through Clever)
Includes Starter plan, plus:
- 15 photos
- 2 listing changes
- Email support
- Lead caller ID
- No cancellation fee
Deluxe: $139 upfront + 0.5% at closing (or just $250 through Clever)
Includes Basic plan, plus:
- 25 photos
- 4 listing changes
- Phone support
- Optional “for sale” sign
- Call forwarding
Premium: $249 upfront + 0.5% at closing (or just $450 through Clever)
Includes Deluxe plan, plus:
- 45 photos
- Unlimited listing changes
- Sales agreement form(s) review
- 30-minute broker form review
- Buyer qualification information
Unreal Estate is available nationwide, excluding South Dakota.
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.
Get LISTED!: $299
- 6-month MLS listing
- 6 photos
- Schedule open houses
- Online customer support
- Lead forwarding
- Custom, printed sign ($75)
- Realtors combo lockbox ($50)
- One-month featured listing ($25)
Get SOLD!: $399
Includes Get LISTED! plan, plus:
- 12-month MLS listing (in some states)
- 25 photos
ISoldMyHouse.com is available nationwide, excluding ND.
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
Houzeo is one of the most well-known flat fee MLS brands. It stands out for its online dashboard, which lets you easily manage your listing. With its higher-priced plans, you can also manage showings and compare offers online.
However, Houzeo’s plans don’t provide great overall value. The two top-tier plans cost at least $999. While they do include some virtual broker assistance, you can get the same service for less with other local flat fee companies.
Most Houzeo reviews online are positive. But the most common complaints are about Houzeo being slow to fix problems, like listing errors. A few customers also complained about hidden fees.
Pros
- You can fill out, sign, and submit all your seller’s paperwork on the Houzeo app.
- When you enter your address, Houzeo autofills publicly available data about your property.
- It offers additional services like contract reviews, agent showings, and professional showings for an extra fee.
Cons
- Most plans provide poor value overall.
- You have to pay extra for pricing assistance.
- Its least expensive package charges $25 for each listing change and open house.
Bronze: $329
- 3-month MLS listing
- 6 photos
- Used when selling land or lot
- IntelliList listing management
- Cancel anytime
- Listing changes ($25 each)
- Open houses ($25 each)
- Custom yard sign ($49)
Silver: $399
Includes Bronze plan, plus:
- 6-month MLS listing
- Max photos allowed by MLS
- Unlimited listing changes
- Unlimited open houses
- Custom yard sign ($49, money back if you send a selfie with the yard sign)
- Houzeo mobile app
- Houzeo Showings
Gold: $379 upfront + 0.5% at closing (min. $999)
Includes Silver plan, plus:
- Custom premium yard sign
- Houzeo Offers platform
- Federal and state disclosures
- Rush service (draft in 12 hours)
- Personal concierge
- Call forwarding service
- Virtual basic service with licensed broker
Platinum: $349 upfront + 1% at closing (min. $999)
Includes Gold plan, plus:
- 12-month MLS listing
- Listings on additional MLS
- Virtual full service with licensed broker
Houzeo is available nationwide.
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 Clever Real Estate. Clever gives you the opportunity to interview multiple full-service agents until you find the right fit. All of Clever’s 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?
We recommend offering a competitive buyer's agent commission. This will incentivize buyer's agents to show your home to their clients. In New York, the average buyer's agent commission is 2.36%.
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 2.5–3% 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.
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