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Edited by Josiah Wilmoth
Written by Michael Warford
Edited by Josiah Wilmoth
Best Texas flat fee MLS listing services | How do flat fee MLS listings work? | Alternatives | FAQ
If you’re selling for sale by owner (FSBO) in Texas, a flat fee MLS listing service can get your home on the multiple listing service (MLS) for a one-time fee starting as low as $100. You get the same online visibility as you would selling with a realtor, without having to pay 2.5–3% 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 to sell your house?
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, so it’s best if you have some experience with real estate transactions.
Here are the pros and cons of using a flat fee MLS listing 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, Texas 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.
Quick view: 8 best Texas flat fee MLS listing services
| Company | Our Rating | Listing Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Best price for our readers
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111 reviews
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$0–599 upfront + 0.5% at closing
Use code “Clever” to save
|
Learn More |
|
170+ reviews
|
$600–1,400
|
Learn More |
|
8 reviews
|
$275–475
|
Learn More |
|
103 reviews
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$270–295
|
Learn More |
|
105 reviews
|
$299–499 or $399 upfront + 0.5% at closing
|
Learn More |
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No online reviews
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$168–248
|
Learn More |
|
Reviews vary by location
|
$299–1,289
|
Learn More |
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4,500+ reviews
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$329–379 upfront + percentage at closing
|
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 multiple listing service (MLS), the same place where realtors list their clients’ homes.
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.
How do flat fee MLS listing services work?
Texas flat fee MLS listing companies charge a fixed dollar amount to post your house on the local multiple listing service (MLS), a regional database of properties that are for sale in your area. These services are typically a lot cheaper than selling with a traditional realtor. But you get what you pay for: Aside from the MLS listing, the company will provide few (if any) of the services you’d expect from a real estate agent.
What do you get with a flat fee MLS listing?
The most basic packages typically include a six-month MLS listing with just six photos. Higher tier packages will include higher photo limits (typically up to 50) and a longer listing period (typically up to 12 months).
Many packages also include extra items, the most common being yard signs, pricing assistance, and lockboxes. These extra items are sometimes free or available for an extra charge.
Also be sure to keep an eye out for listing change fees. While some flat fee MLS companies allow for some or even unlimited free listing changes, others do not. Even a few changes can quickly add a significant charge to your final bill.
Flat fee MLS listing services typically don’t include broker assistance, meaning you’ll largely be left on your own to manage the pricing, marketing, and negotiations. While some premium plans include broker assistance with contracts and closing paperwork, the cost often makes them poor value for money.
If you’d prefer to have some help from a realtor, you may be better off hiring a discount broker who knows the local market and can provide hands on support for similar savings.
How much do flat fee MLS listing services cost?
Flat fee MLS listing companies in Texas can cost anywhere from less than $100 to over $1,000, with most falling in the $200–300 range for an MLS listing and a couple free services, like disclosure forms and flyers. Typically, the cheaper the plan, the less that’s included. And you may have to pay extra for important items, such as lockboxes, extra photos, and changes to your listing.
Full breakdown: 8 best Texas flat fee MLS listing services
Listing Fee
Editor’s take
Overview
Availability
Unreal Estate offers three paid listing packages and a Concierge service, so you can choose your level of support. If you have FSBO experience, Unreal Estate is a good fit. Keep in mind, though, that Unreal Estate makes money by taking 0.5% of the buyer’s agent commission.
Avoid the 0.5% upcharge! We’ve partnered with Unreal Estate to get you a better rate. List today for as low as $99. Use code “Clever” to get the best deal.
Pros
- Choose from three affordable flat fee options.
- Select the amount of commission you’ll pay a buyer’s agent.
- Listings last for at least six months
Cons
- Only the premium plan meets all of our key service quality standards.
- Details of Concierge service are difficult to find.
- No packages offer the maximum number of listing photos.
Unreal Estate, formerly known as USRealty, has been in business since 2007. The company operates in 33 states plus Washington, DC.
Customers rate Unreal Estate 4.3 out of 5 across 230+ reviews on Google, Trustpilot, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Many users praise Unreal Estate for saving them thousands of dollars and call themselves repeat customers. Others raise concerns about hidden fees and customer service quality.
The Basic plan costs $99 for 15 photos and a listing on the MLS for 6–12 months. More expensive plans include nice-to-have features like automated call forwarding and unlimited edits to your listing. You won’t pay any fees if you cancel your listing.
Unreal Estate is available nationwide, excluding South Dakota.
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Availability
Creekview Realty offers more support than many flat fee MLS listing companies, making it a good choice if you’re inexperienced or have a complicated sale.
However, that extra support comes at a cost. While other services in Texas cost a few hundred dollars, Creekview Realty costs $600–1,400. And you still won’t get the full service that you would from a traditional realtor.
Pros
- You’ll get the support and many of the services that traditional agents offer.
- The company is highly rated by customers.
Cons
- It’s more expensive than many other flat fee MLS listing services.
- The photo limit depends on the size of your house and your location.
Creekview Realty offers two packages: Plan A ($600) and Plan B ($1,400). Plan A provides an MLS listing for six months, a key box, a schedule service, and other basics. Plan B also includes support with contracts, documentation, and negotiations, which can be helpful for inexperienced sellers.
The company’s online reviews are positive. Reviewers liked the high-quality customer service, prompt and knowledgeable responses, and easy process.
The website says you can cancel a listing anytime, but it doesn’t clarify if you get charged for canceling.
Creekview Realty is available in Austin, Bryan–College Station, Central Texas, Corpus Christi, Dallas–Fort Worth, El Paso, Highland Lakes, Houston, Killeen–Fort Hood, Longview, McAllen, San Antonio, Tyler, and Waco.
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Availability
Texas MLS Broker offers affordable, no-frills packages that are best if you’re an experienced seller. You can be confident you’re not paying for anything you don’t need.
The company is also a good option if you need a flexible listing term. While six months is the standard term, Texas MLS Broker has listing terms of 3 to 12 months, depending on the package.
Pros
- The packages are affordable.
- You get a flexible listing term of 3–12 months.
- A comparative market analysis is included in all plans.
Cons
- There are fewer extras than other flat fee MLS listing companies offer.
- The broker support on higher-cost plans is limited compared to some competitors.
- The standard package includes only a three-month listing.
Texas MLS Broker offers three plans, with the lowest tier providing a three-month listing and the highest tier a 12-month listing. The two higher-tier packages include a contract review by a broker and advice by email only.
Online reviews are limited and vary significantly. One-star reviews report slow customer service and errors in the listing that took several days to fix. Five-star reviews report a positive experience and properties selling quickly.
You can cancel your listing anytime unless the property is under contract.
Texas MLS Broker is available in Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and surrounding areas.
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Availability
Fizber has some solid deals, but they’re state-specific. You’ll need to contact Fizber directly for details (we recommend using the pop-up chat).
We don’t recommend using Fizber’s agent matching service or free CMA service.
Pros
- You get great customer support.
- Fizber does a good job of promoting your listing on social media.
- The prices are fair.
Cons
- You can’t vet brokers beforehand.
- You can’t see which states offer more photos or longer listing terms without asking the chat.
- The company farms out some services to Sold.com, which we have negatively reviewed.
Fizber has three plans, but only two provide an MLS listing. The plans are affordable, but they come with only the basics. You won’t get agent support or add-ons like yard signs and lock boxes. Additionally, the website contains conflicting information about the plans and pricing, so you may want to clarify offerings with a representative.
Online reviews are mainly good, with most people reporting a good customer experience. However, there’s a risk of getting a broker who’s not a good fit for your sale, as mentioned in some negative reviews.
You can cancel your listing anytime unless the property is under contract. However, the company may charge a cancellation fee in some markets.
Fizber is available nationwide.
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Availability
Congress Realty is a licensed brokerage that offers four affordable MLS listing plans and good customer service. It also provides add-ons so you can tailor the services to your needs.
However, lower-priced packages don’t include some features that most MLS listing services provide. For instance, the Basic plan only offers up to four photos and limits the number of changes to the listing.
Pros
- All plans include a showing schedule tool.
- The customer support is responsive and knowledgeable.
Cons
- The Basic plan only allows up to four photos.
- The Basic and Plus plans don’t offer unlimited changes to your listing.
- Sales comps are available only on the Full Service plan.
Congress Realty offers four MLS listing packages and has good online reviews. Unlike many flat fee MLS services, it’s licensed in the states where it operates, so there’s no intermediary.
The Basic and Plus plans aren’t great value. They have some strict limits, especially on photos and listing changes, that comparable packages by competitors don’t have.
Only the Full Service plan comes with agent support and sales comps to help you price your home. But the price for the Full Service plan can quickly add up since it includes a percentage at closing.
Pros
- You can extend your listing term from six months to two years for only $50.
- The company offers a competitively priced full-service plan.
- All packages include the ShowingTime appointment tool and DocuSign.
Cons
- The Basic package includes only four photos, which isn’t enough for most properties.
- The Basic package doesn’t include automated phone lead forwarding.
- The Full Service plan doesn’t include the marketing add-ons.
Congress Realty is available in AZ, AK, CA, ID, LA, MT, NV, NM, OR, TX, UT, and WA.
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Availability
Texas MLS Flat Fee offers three MLS listing plans at affordable prices. The service is completely paperless and has online tools to simplify the selling process, making it one of the most convenient options.
However, the company doesn’t provide agent support, which may make it less useful for inexperienced sellers.
Pros
- The process is paperless.
- Various online tools make the process easier.
- You can create color brochures with the flyer creator tool.
Cons
- There are no customer reviews.
- The Silver package allows only six photos.
- The company doesn’t provide a comparative market analysis or agent support.
Texas MLS Flat Fee offers is a paperless service with three affordable MLS listing plans.
Currently, there are no online reviews. We recommend talking to a customer service representative to make sure the service fits your needs.
You can cancel a listing anytime, and you’ll receive a full refund if you cancel before your listing is posted on the MLS.
Texas MLS Flat Fee is available statewide.
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Availability
Three of the four Flat Fee Group plans offer direct support from a local agent, making it a good choice for inexperienced sellers.
However, carefully compare its plans to other MLS listing companies’ to ensure you get the best value. The cost of its plans are more expensive than some competitors’.
Pros
- You work directly with a state broker.
- You get good customer service.
- All plans allow the maximum number of photos.
Cons
- MLS Only plan costs more than some competitors.
- Extra charges at closing can be high.
Flat Fee Group is a nationwide flat fee MLS company with different brokers managing MLS listing services in each state. Because each Flat Fee Group office operates independently, pricing, service packages, and customer satisfaction may vary by location. However, customer reviews tend to be positive overall.
A key benefit of working with Flat Fee Group is that you’ll know who you’re working with right from the start. This means you can check their customer reviews ahead of time. The company’s brokers are usually highly experienced, and many also run their own flat fee MLS companies.
In most states, plans range from self-service to full broker support, providing options for both experienced FSBO sellers and less experienced sellers.
Pros
- The company is available nationwide.
- It offers a variety of service options, ranging from just an MLS listing to full agent support.
- Customer ratings are generally positive.
Cons
- Prices vary a lot between states.
- Service offerings are inconsistent between states.
Flat Fee Group is available nationwide.
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Availability
Houzeo offers a ton of à la carte options and an easy way to manage your listing online.
But it has expensive add-ons, which make it a worse deal. For example, under the Bronze plan, you’ll have to pay $25 to make a single change to your MLS listing. Other flat fee MLS companies either charge less for changes or give you a certain number of changes for free.
Houzeo’s competitors offer packages with more built-in services and value at a similar price point, without the unexpected fees.
Pros
- The company has a great website.
- You have a lot of à la carte options.
- The process is completely online.
Cons
- There are high fees for services that are free with other MLS listing companies.
- The company has a restrictive refund and cancellation policy.
- The Platinum plan comes with closing fees.
- Houzeo offers limited service, which isn’t helpful for inexperienced sellers.
Houzeo offers four plans. The Gold and Platinum plans include a percent due at closing.
Positive online reviews indicate that Houzeo’s tools are easy to use, and many customers report a positive customer service experience. But negative reviews report unexpected fees and difficulties when trying to cancel a listing.
You can cancel anytime unless your contract is pending. But you may need to pay a $25 cancellation fee may.
Houzeo is available nationwide.
Alternatives to using a flat fee MLS listing service
Discount real estate brokers
If you want to save money but you don’t want to deal with the hassle of trying to sell your house completely on your own, a discount real estate broker is a good alternative. The best discount brokers provide the same services as traditional real estate agents — but for a 1–2% commission instead of the typical 3%.
For most home sellers, a good place to start is Clever Real Estate, which negotiates 1.5% listing fees with top agents at brokerages like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and others. You’ll save thousands on realtor fees and be able to choose your own agent from a trusted real estate brand.
Flat fee real estate agents
While most real estate agents work for a percentage-based commission, some also work for a fixed dollar amount. If you choose to work with a flat fee real estate broker, we recommend one that offers full service. Limited or reduced service flat fee real estate agents will often leave you managing important and difficult steps of the home selling process yourself.
With a full service, flat fee real estate broker — like Clever or Houwzer — you’ll get all the services that you would get with a traditional realtor, but often at a much lower price. That way you can rest assured knowing that you’ll still have a realtor on your side helping you with marketing, negotiating, pricing, showings, and paperwork.
Sell FSBO without an MLS listing
The MLS is often the most effective way to get your home noticed, but it’s certainly not the only way. Here are other places where you can list your home for sale that aren’t on the MLS.
- List FSBO on Zillow: Zillow is the world’s largest real estate website and anybody can list on it for free. There is a catch though: if you don’t have a real estate agent, your listing will be relegated to a separate and much harder to find section of the site. So, while you’ll technically be on Zillow, most potential buyers on the site will likely never see your listing.
- Sell your house on Craigslist: While not as popular as it used to be, Craigslist still attracts a large audience and is completely free to list your house on. Beware, however, that it tends to attract a lot of scammers. And the serious buyers who are on the platform are often investors who are looking for a good deal, so they may try to aggressively bargain you down on the sale price.
- Use another free FSBO site: Aside from Zillow and Craigslist, other websites like Forsalebyowner.com and Facebook Marketplace also let you list your house for free. However, these sites won’t get you on the MLS, which will severely limit the number of potential buyers who will actually see your listing.
FAQ
What is the best flat fee MLS listing service in Texas?
Creekview Realty is one of the best flat fee MLS providers in Texas. The company offers comprehensive MLS listing services and support from a licensed agent, making it a great choice for inexperienced sellers. However, its services are more expensive than other companies'. To learn more about other options, check out our complete guide to flat fee MLS services.
How much do flat fee MLS listings cost in Texas?
Texas Flat fee MLS listing services can cost anywhere from $95 to $299 for a basic package, while more comprehensive services can cost almost $1,400. Sellers looking for more dedicated support but that still want to save money should consider working with a local discount real estate company. Read more about the best discount real estate companies.
Are flat fee MLS companies in Texas worth it?
Flat fee MLS listing companies in Texas like Fizber and Creekview Realty are worth it if all you’re looking for is to list your property. However, properties sold without an agent often sell for less, which is why sellers that want to maximize profit prefer working with a discount agent. Learn more about the best 1% commission realtors.
What is a flat fee MLS company?
A flat fee MLS listing service allows you to get your property listed on the multiple listing service (MLS) without hiring a traditional real estate agent.
It's far cheaper to use a flat fee MLS service than to hire a full-service agent. However, you will get limited or no assistance during the sales process so you need to be prepared to handle all of the steps of the transaction on your own.
How do I tell if a flat fee MLS company is legit?
The best way to tell if a flat fee MLS company is legitimate is to carefully read the fine print of their contract. If there are many hidden fees the company doesn’t clearly disclose, this is a big red flag. You could end up paying more than expected, and the company’s attempts to obscure the true costs suggest they have poor business practices.
Do you need to pay a buyer’s agent commission with a flat fee MLS?
Sellers have a choice about how much commission to offer a buyer’s agent. Generally, sellers offer between 2.5% and 3%. Even as a FSBO seller, you probably want to offer a competitive buyer's agent commission as an incentive for agents to bring their buyers to see your property.
How do I get an MLS listing without a realtor?
Only individuals or companies with a real estate license can list properties on the MLS. You can pay a real estate agent or a flat fee MLS brokerage to list your home on the local Texas MLS for you. Read more about how flat fee MLS services work.
What is included in a Texas flat fee MLS listing?
The specific services and items included in your Texas flat fee MLS listing will depend on which company you use. At a minimum, you’ll typically get a listing of at least six months with a six-photo limit. Many companies offer packages with longer listing terms and higher photo limits. Some companies also offer pricing assistance, yard signs, listing changes, and lockboxes for free, while others charge extra for them. Learn more about what you get from a Texas flat fee MLS service.
Methodology
Our team of researchers and mystery shoppers spent weeks looking into various Texas flat fee MLS listing companies to find the best ones for you. In coming up with our rankings, we considered price and the range of services offered as the most important factors. However, we also took into account other factors, like the number of areas served, customer service, and customer reviews. We update our reviews on a regular basis to ensure they are providing you with the most up to date information.
More ways to save on realtor fees
Low Commission Real Estate Agents: Trying to save money on your next real estate transaction? Check out our rankings of the top real estate agents and companies that offer low commission fees.
2% Real Estate Commission Companies: Compared to the 3% listing fee that realtors typically charge, a 2% commission can net you some serious savings. We rank the best 2% commission companies that can help you keep more money in your pocket.
Top 12 Best for Sale by Owner Websites: If you want to go it alone, selling for sale by owner (FSBO) can save you a lot in fees. We take a look at the top FSBO websites, including their benefits and red flags to watch out for.
Negotiating Realtor Fees | 5 Tips to Lower Commission: Realtor fees aren’t set in stone. Check out some of the best strategies for negotiating realtor fees down while still getting full service from your agent.
More Texas home selling guides
How to Sell a House without a Realtor in Texas: Thinking about selling your house for sale by owner in Texas? Find out how to do it, as well as the costs, regulations, and alternatives.
Top 5 “We Buy Houses for Cash” Companies in Texas: We buy houses for cash companies can help you sell fast, but not all are created equal. Make the most informed decision with our rankings of the top 5 we buy houses for cash companies in Texas.
Realtor Fees in Texas: Wondering what average realtor commission is in Texas? We break down typical real estate agent fees for buyers and sellers — and we look at how you can save money on realtor fees on your next real estate transaction.
The True Cost to Sell a House in Texas: From realtor fees to closing costs, there are a lot of expenses to keep track of when selling a house in Texas. In this article we break down what the true cost to sell in Texas is so you can be better prepared.
Steps to Selling a Home in Texas: Selling a house is a lot of work. Whether you’re planning to sell with a realtor or do most of the work yourself, we take you step by step through the process of selling a house in Texas.
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