Top Washington flat-fee MLS companies | Best for hard-to-sell homes | Best for pricing assistance | Best for a simple selling process | Other alternatives | Frequently asked questions
In Washington state, selling your home can be expensive. Sellers traditionally cover commission for both a buyer’s and seller’s agent, and with each agent collecting about 3%, you could pay 6% of the home’s value just in agent fees.
If you’re hoping to reduce these costs, selling without a realtor allows you to avoid paying for a listing agent. But then you’ll need to handle all aspects of the sale yourself. That includes listing the property on the most widely used database of homes on the market: The Multiple Listing Service.
Only agents can put properties on the MLS, however, a flat-fee MLS service is a real estate brokerage that will list your home for a discounted rate. But they’ll offer few other services so it’s important to evaluate your choices before buying a flat-fee MLS package.
Check out how three flat-fee MLS services in Washington can help you make sure your home gets the exposure it needs for you to find a buyer.
Selling a home without a real estate agent isn’t right for everyone. Our friends at Clever can connect you with a full-service agent and save you thousands. Find out more!
Top Flat-Fee MLS Companies in Washington
🥇 FlatList.com: Best for hard-to-sell homes
🥈 Congress Realty: Best for pricing assistance
🥉 Houzeo: Best for a simple selling process
| Flat List | Congress Realty | Houzeo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $299 | $299-$399 |
| Number of Photos | 25 | 4 | 6 to max allowed |
| MLS Listing | 12 months | 6 months | 3-6 months |
| Pricing Assistance | ❌ | ✅ | 💰 |
| Negotiation Support | 💰 | ❌ | 💰 |
| Yard Sign | ✅ | 💰 | 💰 |
| Open Houses | ✅ | 💰 | ❌ |
Not seeing a company you like? Check out the best nationwide flat-fee MLS companies!
🥇 FlatList.com: Best for hard-to-sell homes
FlatList.com’s Washington broker, Angela Height, has over 20 years of experience helping sellers list their homes. While the company only offers one package, it’s comprehensive and offers more photos and a longer listing term than most competitors.
FlatList.com’s package
| Price | Professional Recommendation |
|---|---|
| $299 | This reasonably priced package includes a one year listing as well as up to 25 photos. If you’re worried that you won’t attract a buyer right away, a longer listing time and the opportunity to include numerous photos for no extra fee can be very attractive. |
Other considerations about FlatList.com
- You can receive broker assistance with all offers for $950 at closing.
🥈 Congress Realty: Best for pricing assistance
Congress Realty has earned plenty of positive reviews from past clients, with many praising the strong communication and easy selling process. And if you need more assistance than what’s included in the package, services like professional photography are available for an additional fee.
Congress Realty’s package
| Price | Professional Recommendation |
|---|---|
| $299 | This package includes a comparative market analysis to help you price your property. Unfortunately, the package includes just four pictures, which isn’t enough for most sellers. But you can upgrade to an unlimited number of pictures for $50. |
Other considerations about Congress Realty
- A full-service package is available for 0.5% at closing.
🥉 Houzeo: Best for a simple selling process
If you’re hoping for a stress-free sales process, Houzeo has a simple listing process, much of which can be handled online. You’ll be able to complete simple forms to list your property, manage offers, and access seller disclosures to make completing your sale easier. And with most homes listed in just one business day, your home will be viewable by potential buyers very quickly.
Houzeo’s packages
| Package | Price | Professional Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | $299 | With only six pictures and just a three month listing, this package may not give you the time or attention you need to sell your property. Upgrading to another package may be the better option for most sellers. |
| Silver | $329 | This package is described as the “Best Value,” and it earns its name. It includes 24 pictures and a six month listing. You can also make up to 10 changes to your listing at no added cost. |
| Gold | $399 | The big additional feature of this package is unlimited photos. Paying extra for more pictures may be worth it if you have many features you need to advertise with your property. |
Other considerations about Houzeo
- A la carte services, like contract review, are available.
Alternatives to flat-fee MLS companies in Washington
If you want to save money listing your home but want more support than a flat-fee MLS company will offer, you have other options. Take the time to consider working with:
- Discount brokers: For a lower commission rate, typically 1% to 2%, a discount agent will provide all the services of a traditional realtor.
- iBuyers: iBuyers will buy homes that meet their requirements in a matter of days. However, they charge service fees (5% to 14%), and their offers are non-negotiable.
Want to learn more about how you can save money listing your house? If you want a full-service agent at a lower cost, we can’t recommend Clever Real Estate enough. Find out more about their agent-matching service and 1% commission (or $3,000 fee on homes under $350,000).
FAQs about Flat-Fee MLS Companies in Washington
What is the best flat-fee MLS provider in Washington?
FlatList.com is the best flat-fee MLS provider in Washington for those that have hard-to-sell homes, while CongressRealty is ideal for those that need pricing assistance. Both companies have their pros and cons, which is why it’s best to understand how such services work before making a decision. Look into our complete guide to flat-fee MLS providers to learn more.
How much do flat-fee MLS services cost in Washington?
The costs of flat-fee MLS services in Washington typically run from $300 to $400, and additional a la carte services (like broker assistance) add another $1,000 to the bill. Inexperienced sellers may find such offerings lacking in terms of support, which is why local discount real estate companies often are a better choice. Check out the best low commission real estate companies near you to find out more.
Are flat-fee MLS companies in Washington worth it?
Washington flat-fee MLS companies like FlatList.com and CongressRealty can be worth the money if you’re simply looking to get your property seen by as many buyers as possible. However, selling without an agent often means lower sale prices — which is why many sellers prefer working with a 1% agent in their area. Learn more about 1% commission realtors and how they compare to flat-fee MLS companies.
What is a flat-fee MLS company?
A flat-fee MLS company charges a set fee to list your home on the local Multiple Listing Service. This database of properties is widely used by real estate agents and online home search websites generate their lists of available properties from it.
Only real estate agents can list a property on the MLS, so if you don’t hire a listing agent, you’ll need to work with a flat-fee MLS service if you want your property to be included.
How do I tell if a flat-fee MLS company is legit?
The experiences of past customers can provide invaluable insight into whether a flat-fee MLS company is legitimate or not. Read reviews left by other clients who have used the same service and pay attention to common complaints or trends. If you see that many past sellers have had issues with a particular company, chances are you will too.
Do you need to pay a buyer’s agent commission with a flat-fee MLS company?
You should pay a commission to a buyer’s agent even if you list For Sale By Owner. Most home buyers are represented by agents, and those agents may steer their clients to other homes if you pay less than the standard commission. Plus, many MLSes require you to offer a buyer's agent commission. The only way to avoid paying is if you find a buyer without a real estate agent.
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