Best flat fee MLS listing services for Pennsylvania | 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 Pennsylvania, a flat fee MLS listing service can post 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 listing 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, Pennsylvania has several 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 Pennsylvania flat fee MLS listing services: 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. Most basic packages come standard with 6–25 photos and a 3–12 month listing term.
Higher-priced service packages tend to offer more assistance with the sale, which you might need if you're not as experienced. For example, in Pennsylvania, HomeZu by Simple Choice Realty offers a contract review by a real estate agent as part of its premium plan. For an extra 1% at closing, Houzeo offers virtual broker assistance to help you with pricing and paperwork.
While these extras are helpful, the costs can easily add up into the thousands — and when it comes to pricing and contracts, it's probably better to have someone local to your market.
If you need extra support from a realtor, you may be 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 Pennsylvania, the flat fee MLS listing services we reviewed have entry-level packages ranging from $100 to $400. These basic packages are geared toward FSBO sellers who just need to get their home on the MLS.
Most flat fee MLS companies in Pennsylvania also have higher-tier packages ranging from $750 to over $1,000. These packages usually include extra services like contract reviews and access to an agent when you need some advice.
Typically, the cheaper the plan, the less that’s included. And you may have to pay extra for important items, such as lock boxes, additional photos, and changes to your listing. For example, Flat Fee Realty charges Pennsylvania home sellers $50 to upgrade their plan from 6 photos to 25.
How do flat fee MLS listing 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 Pennsylvania flat fee MLS listing services: 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
HomeZu by Simple Choice Realty offers two pricing plans, and both include all the essentials you’d expect from a flat fee MLS service. You get a six-month listing, 25+ photos, free listing changes, and lead forwarding. You can also cancel anytime for free.
Upgrading to the Contract Review plan gets you a single contract review by a realtor. Additional reviews cost $100 each, which can quickly increase your final bill.
HomeZu by Simple Choice Realty offers good overall value and is highly rated by customers. However, other companies offer more no-frills plans that are better suited for experienced sellers.
The company retains 0.1% of the buyer’s agent commission at closing. You’ll have to take that into account when deciding what buyer’s agent commission to offer.
Pros
- Both plans come with high photo limits.
- Lead forwarding and disclosure forms are included.
- Cancellation and listing edits are free.
Cons
- The entry-level plan is more expensive than other companies.
- The company retains a portion of the buyer’s agent commission.
- You get only one contract review with the premium plan.
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
Service packages
Availability
Flat Fee Group is a nationwide flat fee MLS company with different brokers and prices in each state. In Pennsylvania, the listing broker is HomeZu by Simple Choice Realty. So when you use Flat Fee Group, you actually hire HomeZu, which has great customer reviews.
Flat Fee Group's plans are slightly different than HomeZu's plans if you go through it directly. For example, Flat Fee Group’s Premium plan offers a longer listing term and more photos than HomeZu's similarly priced plan.
On the other hand, Flat Fee Group's contract review package is more expensive than HomeZu's. So if you need a contract review, you’re better off hiring HomeZu directly rather than using Flat Fee Group.
Pros
- The Premium package offers great value for the cost.
- Online reviews from customers praise the customer support.
- Plans include lead forwarding and phone and email support.
Cons
- You can find cheaper broker assistance elsewhere.
- The company doesn't offer no-frills options for experienced sellers.
- Flat Fee Group's contract review package is more expensive than HomeZu's.
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
Flat Fee Realty offers one of the cheapest flat fee MLS plans in Pennsylvania at just $179. The plan is a good option if you need a no-frills package. You can also upgrade your photo limit to 25 for just $50, which still makes the overall cost great value.
However, Flat Fee Realty retains 0.25% of the buyer’s agent commission, which is a high percentage. You'll have to account for that charge when setting a buyer’s agent commission.
Flat Fee Realty serves most of the state, but there are some notable gaps. For example, the company doesn't cover Erie, Scranton, Altoona, State College, and Wilkes-Barre.
Pros
- The company offers a very low-priced plan for those who just want the basics.
- Status and price changes are free.
- You can upgrade to 25 photos for just $50.
Cons
- The company retains 0.25% of the buyer’s agent commission.
- You can't upgrade to a longer listing term.
- The entry-level plan includes only six photos.
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
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
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
FSBO.com is a national brand that offers one flat fee MLS package, which isn't great value. For $400, all you get is a 6-month MLS listing, 20 photos, and a listing on FSBO.com. The company outsources its MLS listings to third-party brokers in each state, and their service quality varies.
If you just want to list on FSBO.com, you have to pay $99.95, which is a rip-off. Most other FSBO sites let you do that for free.
On the plus side, listing on FSBO.com might help you find buyers who are specifically looking for FSBO properties.
There aren’t many customer reviews for the company, and the existing reviews are negative. The Better Business Bureau gives it a C+ rating.
Pros
- Basic packages can work for confident sellers.
- You can cancel the listing anytime, but there are no refunds.
Cons
- Its FSBO Package doesn't include an MLS listing.
- Its MLS Package offers only a six-month MLS listing.
Top alternatives to flat fee MLS listing services in Pennsylvania
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. 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 Pennsylvania's real estate laws and FSBO paperwork requirements.
» LEARN MORE: How to sell without a realtor in Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, we recommend HomeZu by Simple Choice Realty because its plans include many useful features at a reasonable cost. Flat Fee Realty is another good option for its low cost. Learn more about other flat fee MLS companies in Pennsylvania.
Do I have to pay a buyer's agent commission in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
You can get on the MLS in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania home selling guides
How to Sell a House without a Realtor in Pennsylvania: 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 Pennsylvania: 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 Pennsylvania: "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.