Houzeo Reviews 2024

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  Written by Michael Warford

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  Edited by Josiah Wilmoth

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  Reviewed by Steve Nicastro

Key takeaway: Houzeo is praised for its user-friendly interface and responsive customer service. However, concerns arise regarding partner agent reliability and certain policies like refunds and listing visibility. Explore alternative flat fee MLS listing providers for a potentially smoother selling experience.

Houzeo boasts an impressive average customer rating of 4.9/5 across more than 9,000 reviews on platforms like Google and Trustpilot. It mainly reflects users’ experiences with its customer service team, particularly during the initial listing setup phase.

However, reviews covering the entire selling process are harder to find. Some complaints mention listing errors, fewer buyer requests, and issues with lead forwarding.

Some concerns also include inconsistent realtor quality and a restrictive refund policy, which doesn’t allow customers to recover costs if dissatisfied with the service.

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Houzeo overview | Alternatives | Reviews | Key considerations | Fees & listing packages

What is Houzeo?

Houzeo is a flat fee MLS listing service operating nationwide, designed primarily for homeowners selling a house without a realtor.

Houzeo lists homes for sale on the MLS^ℹA comprehensive database created and maintained by real estate professionals where they share detailed information about properties they have listed for sale., a key database used by real estate professionals. This significantly enhances the likelihood of finding a buyer, as evidenced by a study indicating that 86% of sellers use the MLS to sell a house, making it the primary listing source, ahead of methods like yard signs.¹

Houzeo offers an online dashboard and utilizes third-party brokers for listing and selling homes. Sellers pay a flat fee upfront for listing on the local MLS, and some plans include extra closing fees. 

Depending on the plan, the company provides different support and services, such as broker assistance, a showings platform, and contract review. However, availability and pricing of services and plans vary by location. 

Houzeo alternatives

» Want more options? View a complete list of flat fee MLS alternatives to Houzeo

Should you use Houzeo?

Houzeo is best suited for homeowners who:

• Value user-friendly platforms and positive customer service experiences, particularly during the initial setup phase.
• Are comfortable with independently managing their listings, given its easy-to-use online dashboard and generally responsive customer support.

However, it may not be the ideal choice for sellers who: 

• Seek comprehensive support throughout the entire selling process. Houzeo’s issues with partner agent quality, restrictive refund policy, and listing visibility could pose challenges for those prioritizing full-service assistance.
• Want to avoid high fees. Exercise caution, as Houzeo’s fees may be higher than some competitors, especially when additional services are necessary.

While a flat fee MLS service like Houzeo can save you money, it’s important to weigh those savings against potential losses in your final sale price. A discount broker offers more support than a flat fee MLS and provides traditional realtor services at a lower listing fee.

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Houzeo reviews: Customers speak out

✅ Easy to use online dashboard

Houzeo offers a straightforward and intuitive online platform designed to simplify the home selling process. Its user-friendly interface has garnered positive feedback and high ratings on platforms like Trustpilot.

With four distinct packages tailored for sellers across all 50 states, starting at around $400, Houzeo ensures inclusion in the local multiple listing service (MLS), enhancing your listing’s visibility.

However, to access the full range of features, such as direct management of showing requests and offers, opting for one of Houzeo’s premium plans is necessary.

Good customer support, easy to understand platform, saved time and money! We are happy with our experience with Houzeo. – Joseph Gray, TrustPilot, 5 stars. 

✅ Users praise Houzeo’s customer service 

With numerous positive reviews across platforms like Trustpilot and Google, Houzeo’s support team has earned a reputation for being helpful, efficient, and responsive. Sellers appreciate the assistance provided during the initial listing setup phase and throughout the selling process. 

Ken was extremely helpful. I had my property listed in the fall, but took the listing down because it’s a seasonal property and we wanted to put it up again in the spring. Ken was able to pull all of the old information into a new listing, and even gave me a discount code for my renewal. The service was great.” – Christie Derrico, TrustPilot, 5 stars. 

Not all reviews are positive, however. Some users in online forums and testimonials have noted challenges such as limited responses and insufficient showings even with competitively priced properties. Others have had positive experiences with multiple showings and good feedback, yet faced difficulties receiving offers, even after reducing prices.

⛔️ Higher fees than its competitors

While the platform’s pricing is competitive, it may not always be the most cost-effective option, especially when considering additional services like changes to listings or adding extra photos. 

Sellers should carefully assess their budget and compare the total costs of using Houzeo against other flat fee MLS services to ensure they’re getting the best value.

Additionally, be aware of any potential hidden fees or charges associated with specific services. One user reported being charged extra fees unexpectedly: 

They tell you no additional fees but then have you using their contracted companies for closing and their fees are completely NOT UP FRONT and FAR more expensive than they should be. They mandate you to pay fees that should be optional. – Alexis Cox, TrustPilot, 1 star.

⛔️ May charge for certain services that are free elsewhere 

Houzeo may charge for extra services some users deem essential for listing. This can include additional fees for services such as changes to listings or adding extra photos, which could contribute to higher overall costs.

Sellers should carefully review the terms and conditions of Houzeo’s packages and compare them with competitors to ensure they’re not paying for services commonly provided at no extra cost elsewhere. 

What should have been a $400 flat fee ended up being over $700 by the time you add on all the extra fees, which you don’t see until after you pay for the service package. – Unnamed user, TrustPilot, 1 star.

⛔️ There may be high fees to cancel

Houzeo’s refund policy is described as restrictive by some customers. 

Houzeo’s policy states that a refund request can be considered if it’s made within 14 days of the order, the listing agreement hasn’t been signed, the listing isn’t live, and no draft listing has been assigned. 

If you meet all four of those conditions, you may request a refund less a non-refundable $50 deposit. There have been instances where customers struggled to obtain refunds, with one customer noting a particularly challenging experience in getting a partial refund after dissatisfaction with the service.

Complete deception. I paid for this service thinking that I’d get the same exposure as a local realtor could provide but I was wrong. Yes, I was provided an MLS listing however no local realtor has my listing appear in their searches. Therefore, I have basically paid $400 for nothing. Houzeo refuses to refund me even though I believe not providing what you advertise is immoral. Avoid at all cost! Hire a normal realtor. – Pierre Blake, TrustPilot, 1 star.

⛔️ Agent quality varies

The experience with Houzeo can vary significantly based on the partner agent assigned to the customer. Houzeo relies on local real estate agents to post listings on the MLS, and customers often interact more with these agents than with Houzeo directly. 

Some customers have reported unresponsiveness and service quality issues from these agents, which can impact their overall experience. For instance, one reviewer expressed disappointment, stating: 

I was VERY DISAPPOINTED. My property is in Colorado. They only have ONE realtor in Colorado. So, I interviewed her and proceeded. First off, she was unfamiliar with my town in Southwest Colorado, as she focuses on the Denver area. She was minimally interested in helping me, immediately she failed to notate the names of agents / buyers who contacted her so that I had no leads to follow up with… –  PK Von Laue, TrustPilot, 1 star.

Listing with Houzeo: Key things to consider

Houzeo offers unique advantages and challenges for those considering a flat fee MLS service. 

Pros include an easy-to-use dashboard and positive customer service feedback. However, be mindful of potential costs like listing change fees, especially in the Bronze package, and the varying levels of support from partner agents. 

Houzeo’s refund and cancellation policy is also more restrictive than other companies, with specific conditions and a non-refundable deposit.

Additionally, depending on your area, your agent may not be local. For instance, one customer we found on Reddit had only one option for an agent, and they were 600 miles away.

The bottom line: Exploring options like Real Estate Witch for negotiated low listing fees with full service might offer more savings with less risk.

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How Houzeo works

Houzeo has four service packages in most states, with its cheapest plan typically starting at $400. Actual prices may vary widely by state. For instance, the entry-level Bronze package is $399 in many states, but some states may require an extra .50% fee at closing. 

To check the prices for your state:

• Go to Houzeo’s website
• Click the Pricing tab
• Scroll down to the map or click the “Select your state to get exact pricing” text
• Select your state

When you list with Houzeo, you use its IntelliList Listing Management system to provide details about your property for the local MLS and Houzeo.com. The details include property type, number of rooms, and square footage. You also create the listing description and add photos.

Since Houzeo is a third-party service, it doesn’t directly post your listing. Instead, it forwards the information to a local listing broker who posts your home on the MLS. You can review and approve the final listing beforehand. Once on the MLS, your listing is syndicated to real estate websites like Zillow and Trulia.

While Houzeo’s technology streamlines the listing process, the absence of direct realtor support in creating and managing listings is notable. Service levels differ across packages, affecting the overall cost and support.

Houzeo fees and listing packages

Bronze package

👍 What we like:

• Easy to manage your listing online

👎 What we don’t like:

• $25 fee per change
• Six-month listing period
• Few photos for your listing

The Bronze package from Houzeo, their most affordable option at $399, is known for its user-friendly online dashboard for managing listings. 

However, it comes with limitations like a $25 fee for each listing change, a shorter three-month listing period, a limit of six photos, and lacks features such as online showings and offer management. 

While its affordability is a plus, these constraints might require users to weigh the pros and cons, especially considering the potential need for listing changes.

Silver package

👍 What we like:

• Unlimited changes
• Easy to manage your listing online
• Includes maximum allowed photos
• Ability to manage showings online

👎 What we don’t like:

• Expensive for what you get
• Has an additional fee at closing in many states
• Yard sign not included
• No disclosure forms

The Houzeo Silver package offers several features advantageous to experienced sellers. It includes unlimited listing changes, maximum photos on MLS, and a six-month listing. This package is particularly suitable for those comfortable handling the sales process independently.

It’s priced at $399 plus additional closing fees. While this is higher than some alternatives, comparing its value against other services is crucial. Notably, the Silver package excludes services like virtual broker support or disclosure forms.

The Silver package could be a good choice for those committed to using a flat fee MLS company, especially if it’s priced competitively compared to higher-tier options. However, thorough research and comparison are recommended to ensure you receive the best value.

Gold package

👍 What we like:

• Call forwarding service
• Access to Houzeo’s mobile app
• Ability to receive and make counter offers online

👎 What we don’t like:

• Expensive
• Has an additional 0.5% fee at closing
• Yard sign not included

The Gold package from Houzeo offers features such as call forwarding, use of its mobile app, and online counteroffer capabilities. It includes some virtual broker services for assistance with forms and contracts. 

However, the package is priced higher, starting at $429 with an additional 0.5% closing fee. 

The price difference between the Silver and Gold packages may be small in certain states, making the Gold package potentially more appealing for the added services. However, note that the broker services are virtual and limited, requiring specific requests for assistance.

Platinum package

👍 What we like:

• One-year listing with max photos
• Contract review
• Pricing assistance

👎 What we don’t like:

• Expensive, including an extra charge at closing (usually 1%)
• Some of the additional services aren’t available in all states
• Broker services are virtual and don’t include help with marketing

The Platinum package from Houzeo is their most premium option, priced at $499 with an additional 1% closing fee. It offers a one-year listing, maximum photos, and virtual broker services including contract review and pricing assistance. 

However, it is more expensive than other packages and some services may not be available in all states. The broker services are virtual and do not include marketing support. 

Readers should also be aware that customer complaints mention inconsistent service quality among Houzeo agents — and you can’t switch agents once you sign the listing agreement.

Given its cost and the availability of similar services at potentially lower prices from other flat fee MLS companies or low-commission brokerages, it’s important to consider all options carefully before deciding.

Houzeo reviews: The bottom line

Houzeo offers a user-friendly platform and solid customer service, but it may not always be the most cost-effective option.

While Houzeo boasts high customer ratings, concerns about partner agent reliability, restrictive refund policies, and potential service limitations persist. If you’re looking for a smoother experience or better pricing, exploring local flat fee MLS companies or low-commission real estate agents might offer more personalized service and greater value.

“If a homeowner is determined to do a flat fee MLS, some agents in the area may offer this service,” says Kristyn Grewell, a real estate agent with over 15 years of experience in the Oklahoma City market.

“That can be better than using the flat fee companies because they have a local contact. However they need to understand they will not receive the same level of service the agent offers other clients,” she says. 

Ultimately, sellers should carefully consider their needs—whether it’s cost savings or comprehensive support—before committing to a flat fee service like Houzeo.

FAQ

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Sources

1. National Association of Realtors, ‘2023 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report,’ Accessed March 12, 2024. https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2023-home-buyers-and-sellers-generational-trends-report-03-28-2023.pdf ↩︎