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Best flat fee MLS listing services | Services by state | Pros and cons of flat fee MLS listings | How to improve your listing | Flat fee MLS alternatives | FAQ
A flat fee MLS listing service is a way to get your home listed on the multiple listing service (MLS) without a realtor. An MLS listing drastically increases the odds of finding a buyer when selling FSBO — and you can avoid paying a listing agent commission, which averages 2.5–3% of your final home sale price.
A basic flat fee MLS listing costs around $100–400. For this amount, a broker will post your home to the MLS with details about how to contact you. But you’ll largely act as your own realtor, so expect to put in a lot of time and effort. And keep in mind that you could be disappointed with the savings. Homes sold without a realtor sell for an average of 6% less.
If you’re up for the challenge of selling FSBO, there are plenty of decent flat fee MLS listing services to choose from. These companies offer good value and have consistently high customer ratings.
If you’re on the fence about using a flat fee MLS service, a discount realtor could be a better alternative.
Companies like Clever Real Estate negotiate lower listing fees with top realtors at brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX. You get the full support of a great local agent, but pay a fraction of the 3% listing fee agents typically charge. Learn how Clever can help you save on your next home sale.
Should you use a flat fee MLS listing service?
Pros
- More potential buyers see your listing.
- You save on realtor commission.
- You have more control over how you sell your home.
- You can choose a plan that fits your needs.
Cons
- Your home may sell for less if you don’t have a realtor.
- You may miss out on interested buyers.
- You still have to offer a buyer’s agent commission.
- You act as your own realtor, which is hard work and can lead to legal risks.
If you’re selling without a realtor and don’t already have a buyer, you should absolutely consider using a flat fee MLS listing service.
This service is an easy way to get your property listed on the MLS, which greatly increases the number of buyers who’ll see your listing. The MLS is the primary source buyer’s agents use to find properties for their clients. And MLS listings automatically get syndicated to major listing websites, including Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin.
Many sellers who forgo a realtor do so to save money on realtor fees. But in general, you should sell without a realtor only if you have experience in real estate. You need to be comfortable pricing a home and negotiating.
If you’re not confident negotiating with an experienced realtor, you risk losing money on your home sale. Homes sold without an agent sell for an average of 6–26% less, more than negating any commission savings.
Only 8% of homes are successfully sold for sale by owner (FSBO) — and in half of those cases, the seller already knows the buyer.
Benefits of using a flat fee MLS listing service
👍 Far more buyers see your listing when it’s on the MLS
The MLS is the main way buyers and their agents find listings. It’s the first source most buyer’s agents go to when looking for properties to show their clients. And MLS listings are syndicated to the biggest real estate websites, including Zillow and Realtor.com, so the listings can reach a large audience. More potential buyers means you’re more likely to sell for a price you’re happy with.
👍 You pay less in commission
The biggest advantage of a flat fee MLS listing company is that you can avoid paying a seller’s agent commission, which is currently 2.72% on average. On a home sale, that can add up to thousands of dollars. In contrast, the cost to list on your local MLS without a realtor is only a few hundred dollars.
Don’t forget that although you can avoid the seller’s agent commission, chances are you’ll still have to pay the buyer’s agent commission, which is currently 2.65% on average. Failing to offer a competitive buyer’s agent commission could make your house extremely difficult to sell.
👍 You can control more aspects of the sale
Flat fee MLS services can be appealing for sellers with a DIY mentality. You control nearly every aspect of the sale, including pricing, marketing, showings, and negotiations.
You also interact directly with buyers and buyer’s agents. This direct communication can make negotiations more pleasant and personal. As Indiana seller Troy Janes notes, “only communicating through forms delivered by realtors makes the process impersonal.”
👍 You can choose the services you need
Many flat fee MLS companies allow you to tailor your package to your experience level. If you’ve already bought and sold a few houses, you may want a package that includes just the MLS listing and a few other items. That way you don’t waste money on services you don’t need.
If you want some more help, many companies offer add-ons like broker assistance and contract reviews. Of course, the more items you add, the more expensive your plan is.
Drawbacks of using a flat fee MLS listing service
👎 Your house may sell for less
Real estate data shows that FSBO homes sell for anywhere from 6% to 26% less than homes sold with an agent. By comparison, the average listing agent charges 2.5–3%, meaning your savings on realtor fees could be canceled out by a lower sale price.
People without access to the MLS often struggle to price their homes correctly. Realtors price homes by using MLS data to do a comparative market analysis (CMA) of similar homes in the area. You can get a CMA for free from a realtor. But if you’re a less-experienced seller, you may have a hard time negotiating contingencies, closing costs, and repairs with the buyer.
If you want to save money without the risk of selling for less, we recommend working with a low commission real estate company, like Clever Real Estate. You’ll still save money on realtor commission, but you’ll have a full-service real estate agent to help you get the best price for your home.
All the savings, none of the risk. Find a great agent with Clever!
👎 You may miss out on leads
Some buyer’s agents avoid working with FSBO sellers because they’re concerned about doing twice the amount of work for the same pay. As realtor Kristyn Grewell says, a FSBO sale means “the buyer’s agent is really going to be running both sides of that transaction to make sure everything’s done properly.” For this reason, FSBO listings can get fewer potential buyers.
Missing out on leads is an especially big problem in areas where similar properties are for sale. Grewell notes that “if there are plenty of options [for a buyer’s agent] to present to a customer and they are similar, it’s possible that [the FSBO] property might not be presented.”
Even if you’re an experienced seller, most buyer’s agents have no way of knowing that. If they have the option, they’ll often choose to show the property with the agent since it presents less risk.
👎 You won’t save on buyer’s agent commission
Even if you don’t sell with a listing agent, you’ll still likely have to pay a buyer’s agent commission, which averages about 2.65%.
In a recent survey by Clever Real Estate, nearly half of sellers incorrectly believed that buyers pay the real estate commission. But the seller almost always pays the real estate commission for both the seller’s and buyer’s real estate agents.
Sellers offer a buyer’s agent commission to incentivize agents to show their house to buyers.
Since 90% of buyers use an agent, if you don’t offer a competitive buyer’s agent commission, you might struggle to find a buyer and sell for the price you want.
👎 You’ll be on your own
When you use a flat fee MLS company, you essentially act as your own agent, which is a full-time job.
In our Data Center’s 2022 survey, the most challenging aspects of selling a home according to sellers were:
- Preparing a house to sell (30%)
- Pricing a house correctly (20%)
- Attracting buyers (11%)
- Negotiating with buyers (10%)
- Filling out paperwork (8%)
Legal risks are also challenging. For example, if you fail to disclose defects about your property, you could be in legal and financial trouble later on. Having a real estate attorney is usually not enough to protect against these legal problems. They can make sure your paperwork is in order, but it’s not their job to ensure you follow your state’s disclosure requirements.
A flat fee MLS listing service typically doesn’t offer help in these areas unless you pay for a full-service upgrade. However, upgrades like pricing assistance, contract reviews, and negotiation help typically aren’t local — and that local expertise is usually what makes an agent worth paying for.
If you’re worried about having the time or ability to sell FSBO, you’re probably better off with a low commission realtor.
How to choose a flat fee MLS listing service
1. Educate yourself on the FSBO process
You need to learn how to be your own realtor before listing your house FSBO. That includes learning about local, state, and federal real estate laws, especially disclosure requirements. Educating yourself on the FSBO process can help you determine what you can do yourself and what you need from a flat fee MLS service.
This education can also help you convince buyer’s agents to show your house to clients. FSBO seller Troy Janes recommends “learning as much as you can about the process. … Buyer’s agents get a little nervous about working with FSBO sellers, but if you can show them that you know what you are doing, it helps.”
If you want some extra help, you can hire a transaction coordinator or real estate attorney. They can assist with paperwork, escrow, title, and closing requirements.
2. Compare multiple companies
Shop around before you decide on a flat fee MLS company. You can start by reading customer reviews on third-party sites like Google and Trustpilot. Pay attention to each service’s coverage areas, photo limits, term lengths, listing change policies, and cancellation policies.
Prices can vary a lot from one company to the next, even when the services are similar. But don’t just choose the option that looks the cheapest. Often, the “cheapest” flat fee MLS companies make money by charging extra for tools you need, like listing edits and lead forwarding.
Always read the contract carefully. While many flat fee MLS companies are reputable and honest, others are notorious for burying hidden fees in their contract.
3. Find a listing package that offers the right level of support
Most flat fee MLS companies offer plans with different levels of support. Many even allow you to customize your package with à-la-carte services.
At a minimum, your flat fee MLS plan should include:
- A 6–12 month listing term
- A decent photo limit (preferably 25 or more)
- Free listing changes
- Lead forwarding
Depending on your experience, you may also want:
- Professional photography
- Pricing assistance
- Marketing materials
- Electronic lockboxes
- An online dashboard to manage showings and offers
- Broker assistance (this add-on usually costs a lot more money)
It may be worth the money to upgrade your plan so your listing looks more professional. As real estate agent Brian Wittman points out, “Most homes are sold by starting on the internet, so you want to show it in its best light — making sure the house is cleaned up and staged, that you have quality photography, 3D floor plans, and so on.”
What is the best flat fee MLS listing service?
The best flat fee MLS provider depends on your experience selling homes, the level of support you want, and where you live.
If you’re interested in going the extreme DIY route, then a service that offers only an MLS listing is probably the most cost-effective option. For example, Homecoin offers a package starting at $95 that doesn’t include much assistance beyond a basic MLS listing.
But if you need even a few extras, like key boxes, disclosure forms, or closing assistance, you’ll want a company that offers a more comprehensive package. For example, Beycome has a premium-tier plan that includes extra features like a comparative market analysis, a dedicated closing coordinator, and negotiation and paperwork support.
Many of the best flat fee MLS companies only operate in certain states or cities. Check out the flat fee MLS companies in your state to find the best listing service near you.
The best flat fee MLS companies, ranked
Company | Our Rating | Availability | Listing Fee | |
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Best price for our readers
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111 reviews
|
Nationwide, excluding SD
|
$0–599 upfront + 0.5% at closing
Use code “Clever” to save
|
Learn More |
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587 reviews
|
AL, CA, CT, FL, GA, IL, MN, NC, SC, TX
|
$99 to $599 upfront + 1% at closing
|
Learn More |
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112 reviews
|
AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NY, OH, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI
|
$95
|
Learn More |
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537 reviews
|
Nationwide, excluding ND and WY
|
$399 + 1% at closing in most states
|
Learn More |
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105 reviews
|
AZ, AK, CA, ID, LA, MT, NV, NM, OR, TX, UT, WA
|
$299–499 or $399 upfront + 0.5% at closing
|
Learn More |
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60 reviews
|
Nationwide, excluding ND
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$299–399
|
Learn More |
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Reviews vary by location
|
Nationwide
|
$299–1,289
|
Learn More |
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103 reviews
|
Nationwide
|
$270–295
|
Learn More |
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
beycome offers three flat fee packages, ranging from a basic MLS listing to mostly full service. The Basic plan is competitively priced and includes lots of helpful features, making it a good choice for experienced FSBO sellers.
The concierge service isn’t worth the money. It offers hands-on support with pricing, negotiating, and closing. But it costs about the same as some leading low-commission brokerages — and you still have to do some of the work yourself.
beycome has a 90-day money-back guarantee. However, you won’t get your money back if you close, are under contract, or receive at least two credible offers within 90 days. You can cancel anytime.
Online reviews are positive. Reviewers report a high-quality, professional experience, quick responses, knowledgeable information, and no hidden fees.
Pros
- Listings appear on the MLS within 36 hours.
- Customer service is available in English and Spanish via phone, chat, and email.
- All plans include a listing until sold and the max photos allowed by the MLS.
Cons
- A comparative market analysis is included only with the Concierge Service.
- Agent support is included only with the Concierge Service.
Basic Package: $99
- List until sold
- Max photos allowed by MLS
- Unlimited listing changes
- Open house scheduler
- Home visit manager tool
- Access to legal forms and disclosures
- Customer service in English and Spanish
Enhanced Package: $399
Includes Basic plan, plus:
- 25 professional HDR photos
- Customizable flyers and brochures
- Personalized yard sign
- Printable promotional items
- Open house package
- Craigslist easy click and share ad
- Virtual tour YouTube video
- Listing featured on beycome.com
Concierge Service: $599 upfront + 1% at closing (min. $999)
Includes Enhanced plan, plus:
- Comparative market analysis
- Home valuation service and pricing assistance
- Full marketing support
- Immersive 3D tour
- Full negotiation and paperwork support
- Dedicated closing coordinator
beycome operates in AL, CA, CT, FL, GA, IL, MN, NC, SC, and TX, although its Enhanced Package isn’t available in CA or MN, and its Concierge Service isn’t available in CA, CT, MN, or TX.
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
In most states, HomeZu offers a single Basic plan (also called the MLS Listing plan) for $399 that includes all the essentials you’d expect from a flat fee MLS service. You get a six-month listing, 25 photo limit, free listing changes, and lead forwarding. You can also cancel anytime for free.
In a handful of states and regions — including Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and New England — HomeZu offers multiple plans. These plans and their pricing vary from state to state, but they usually allow you to upgrade if you want broker assistance or a contract review. The upgrade costs about $300–600 extra.
A few states offer no-frills plans. For example, in Georgia, HomeZu has a $299 plan, but it includes only three photos, so it’s not a good deal for most sellers.
Pros
- Basic plans come with a high photo limit.
- Lead forwarding and disclosure forms are included.
- Cancellation and listing edits are free.
Cons
- The Basic plan is more expensive than other companies’.
- The company takes a portion of the buyer’s agent commission.
- It offers only one plan in most states.
MLS Listing/Basic Plan: $399 upfront + 0.1% at closing
- 6-month MLS listing
- 25 photos
- Free listing changes
- Lead forwarding
- Phone and email support
- Disclosure forms
Note: In a handful of states, HomeZu offers premium packages with a contract review or full broker support. Services and pricing vary by state, but these packages generally costs $700–999. Contact HomeZu directly to see if premium packages are available in your area.
HomeZu is available nationwide, excluding North Dakota and Wyoming.
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
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.
Basic: $299
- 6-month MLS listing
- 4 photos
- 5 listing changes
- DocuSign
- ShowingTime
- State forms and disclosures
- Seller’s contact information on MLS listing
Plus: $399
Includes Basic plan, plus:
- Max photos allowed by MLS
- 10 listing changes
- Automated phone lead forwarding
Premium: $499
Includes Plus plan, plus:
- Unlimited listing changes
- Unlimited open house postings
- Listing posted on CongressRealty.com and social media
Full Service: $399 + 0.5% at closing
Includes Premium plan, plus:
- Dedicated support from an experienced agent, including help with negotiations, paperwork, and closing
- Sales comps
Add-ons:
- 2-year MLS extension ($50)
- Virtual tour ($350)
- Yard sign ($150)
- Lockbox ($50+)
Congress Realty is available in AZ, AK, CA, ID, LA, MT, NV, NM, OR, TX, UT, and WA.
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
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’s service packages vary by state. To see which services are available in your area, go to flatfeegroup.com and select your state on the map.
Flat Fee Group is available nationwide.
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
Fizber is a nationwide flat fee MLS company that helps sellers market their FSBO properties. Anyone can list their home for free on the Fizber website.
The company also has two paid plans that 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.
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.
MLS Boost: $270
- 6-month MLS listing
- 6 photos
- Unlimited listing changes
- Lead forwarding
- Forms and disclosures
- Your contact info in MLS
- Customer service 7 days/week
- Online showing scheduler ($59)
- Virtual tour ($40)
- Open house advertisement ($25)
Premium MLS Boost: $295
Includes MLS Boost plan, plus:
- 12-month MLS listing
- Unlimited photos
- Online showing scheduler
- Virtual tour
- Open house advertisement
Fizber charges an additional 0.5% at closing in CO, ND, SD, and WY.
Fizber is available nationwide.
Find the best flat fee MLS listing service near you
The best flat fee MLS services aren’t always the big national brands. Local companies sometimes offer better rates and service. They have a stronger grasp of the local market and can often provide more personalized support.
Our team analyzed hundreds of national and local services to find the best companies in each state. Click on your state below to see which flat fee MLS services are available in your area.
What do you get with a flat fee MLS listing service?
Flat fee MLS companies offer a way for you to list on the MLS for a flat fee when you’re selling your house. While some throw in other very basic extras, the actual MLS listing is typically all you get unless you opt for an upgraded package.
More expensive packages or pricing tiers may include services like:
- Marketing on social media sites
- Lockbox
- Online appointment scheduling
- DocuSign
- Professional photography
- Pricing advice for your area
- Negotiation support with buyers
- Help with closing paperwork
These upgraded packages are rarely a good value. If all you’re looking for is an MLS listing, you’ll probably want to steer clear of these upgraded packages. And if you do need additional support beyond a simple MLS listing, you’re better off going with one of the companies that we’ll cover in the next section.
Alternatives to using a flat fee MLS listing service
If you’re worried about selling FSBO but still want to save on realtor fees, a discount real estate broker — like Clever or Redfin — is a better option. With a discount real estate broker, you’ll still get all the advantages of having your own agent, but you won’t have to worry about paying full price.
While discount brokers are usually more expensive than flat fee MLS services on paper, in the long run they could save you more money. Unlike when you list on the MLS without a realtor, your agent will help with marketing, pricing, and negotiations, all of which can result in a higher sale price.
Clever offers better service and great savings
National
- Listing fee: 1.5% (min. $3,000)
- Available nationwide
- Full service, zero trade-offs
Sellers save an average of $5,625 when they list with Clever, compared to a traditional 3% listing fee.*
*Average savings based on listing fees at four common price points: $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $750,000.
Clever has a 4.9 out of 5 rating (1,995 total reviews) on popular review sites like Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.
Clever is available to sellers and buyers nationwide.
If you’re looking to save money, but you’re worried that a flat fee MLS service presents too many risks, our friends at Clever offer the best alternative.
With Clever, you’ll still get significant savings and your own full-service real estate agent — all for just a 1.5% listing fee. While that’s higher than the typical flat MLS listing fee, most flat fee MLS companies also don’t provide you with your own agent.
Redfin is a recognizable brand with some savings
National
- Listing fee: 1.5% (min. fees vary)
- Available in 80+ U.S. markets
- Listings featured on Redfin app
Sellers save an average of $5,541 when they list with Redfin, compared to a traditional 3% listing fee.*
*Average savings based on listing fees at four common price points: $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $750,000.
*Accounts for Redfin’s average minimum fee across all U.S. markets.
Redfin has a 3.7 out of 5 rating (301 total reviews) on popular review sites like Google, Yelp, and Consumer Affairs.
Redfin is available in 80+ U.S. markets, giving it near-nationwide coverage.
Redfin offers a standard 1.5% listing fee that can represent significant savings compared to the national average of 2.72%. And the rate can be lowered if you sell and buy with Redfin. However, Redfin utilizes a team-based approach, meaning that instead of having a single agent handle most of your transaction, different members of Redfin’s team will handle different stages of your sale.
» MORE: Read our full Redfin review.
Houwzer provides savings for high-value homes
Regional
- Listing fee: 1%
- Limited service area
- Premium marketing
Sellers save an average of $7,000 when they list with Houwzer, compared to a traditional 3% listing fee.*
*Average savings based on listing fees at four common price points: $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $750,000.
Houwzer has a 4.8 out of 5 rating (1,400 total reviews) on popular review sites like Google, Yelp, and Zillow.
Houwzer is available in the following areas: FL, MD, NJ, PA, VA, DC.
Houwzer offers a 1% listing fee as opposed to the average 2.72% charged by traditional real estate agents. It caps its commission at $10,000, which makes it a good option if you’re selling a high-value home. This is especially true for homes above $1,000,000 — where Houwzer’s flat-fee would represent less than 1% of the sale price. Like Redfin, Houwzer uses a team-based approach.
» MORE: Read our full Houwzer review.
Can I get an MLS listing without a realtor?
Technically, only a licensed real estate agent or broker can post on the MLS — meaning you need to go through a realtor to get your listing added to the database.
When you use a flat fee MLS company, you technically have an agent, but they only post your MLS listing. You do the majority of the work to sell your house yourself.
Do you live in a minimum service state?
Fourteen states have minimum service laws for real estate brokers. In these states, all real estate brokers — including flat fee MLS services — must legally provide a minimum level of service to clients. The actual services that must be provided vary by state, but they all go beyond just an MLS listing.
If you live in one of these states, you may have to pay more for a flat fee MLS provider than you would in states without minimum service laws — however, you will typically get more comprehensive services.
Because true flat fee MLS companies are either difficult or impossible to find in a minimum service state, you’re often better off opting for a discount real estate broker instead. You’ll still get a discount on your commission fees, and you’ll get a level of service that usually goes beyond what is mandated by law.
How to improve your flat fee MLS listing
It’s not enough to just get your home onto the MLS — you also have to make it look amazing to potential buyers. If you decide to sell without a realtor, you need a listing that stands out and addresses what buyers are looking for. Here are some tips to optimize your flat fee MLS listing.
1. Write a compelling listing description
Your listing description should be concise — less than about 250 words — to comply with MLS rules and to grab buyers’ attention. Focus on items that are likely to be most important to buyers, including:
- Number of rooms and bathrooms
- Recent renovations, especially for kitchens and bathrooms
- Outdoor spaces
- Garage and parking
- Nearby amenities, such as schools and transit
- Unique features, such as architectural style, views, or waterfront access
Avoid using phrases like “motivated seller” or “fixer upper,” since they invite lowball offers. Specifics are powerful, as are brand names. Don’t just say your kitchen is updated. Talk about the stainless steel Viking appliances and Silestone waterfall countertops.
Try to frame items as benefits instead of features. Benefits are far more attractive than features. For example, a swimming pool is a feature, but having a private backyard oasis for long summer afternoons is a benefit.
2. Offer a buyer’s agent commission
You should offer a buyer’s agent commission that’s competitive with rates in your area, usually around 3%. Many local MLSs require a minimum buyer’s agent commission, while others allow you to offer no commission. But if you offer a low buyer’s agent commission or none at all, it’ll be harder to sell your home. Buyer’s agents are less likely to show homes without a guarantee of fair payment.
As realtor Kristyn Grewell says, “Agents are not going to work for free. In the U.S., buyers in most markets have no expectation of having to pay a commission to an agent. Offering none is not going to get your house shown.”
3. Get professional-quality photos
Buyers are visual. When they look at a home listing, they likely look at the photos first. That means getting good photos should be your highest priority. Great listing photos require proper staging, lighting, and composition. Photos that look unprofessional can turn off potential buyers.
Unless you have experience taking high-quality photos, you should hire a professional photographer, preferably one with real estate experience. Many flat fee MLS services offer photography as part of their standard package or upgrades.
4. Nail your list price
Pricing a home for your market is one of the hardest aspects of selling FSBO — and it’s one of the riskiest to get wrong. Set your listing price too high, and you’ll drive away buyers. Set it too low, and you’ll leave money on the table.
Look at similar properties online to get an idea of how much to list your home for. Consider the following factors when comparing your house to others that have recently sold:
- Location and proximity to amenities
- Square footage
- Number of bedrooms
- Age and condition of the house
- Recent updates and renovations
- Unique features
- Curb appeal
If you want to make sure you price your home right, it’s best to work with a realtor. A realtor will conduct a professional comparative market analysis to see how your home compares to local competition. To pinpoint its fair market value, they’ll also consider how inventory, buyer demand, time on market, and other factors may have shifted since a comparable home has sold.
5. Invest in home-selling tools
Although your MLS listing will increase your home’s visibility to buyers, you should still do everything you can to spread the word and make your home more enticing to buyers.
Invest in high-quality yard signs and flyers, as well as tools for showings. These tools include a lockbox and a scheduling service so buyer’s agents can easily contact you and schedule showings. Most flat fee MLS services offer these products, either as part of a package or as an add-on that costs extra.
The lockbox is especially important. Grewell says that “buyers are accustomed to … having free reign when they go into a house, they feel comfortable and they can go into the cabinet and check things out. Often FSBO properties aren’t set up that way. Often, [the sellers] don’t leave and they … [hover], and buyers are often uncomfortable.”
Investing in an electronic lockbox is a good way to avoid this problem. It allows buyer’s agents to show your house to their clients without you being there. Creating that extra level of comfort for buyers can lead to more interest and hopefully more offers.
6. Respect your obligations to the MLS listing service
Once you choose a flat fee MLS service, you’re often asked to sign an exclusive listing agreement that comes with certain requirements. Pay close attention to these.
For example, if you accept an offer, you usually must inform the listing company right away — within one day. This same rule applies when you officially close.
FAQ
Do flat fee MLS listings work?
Yes, but they’re not ideal for most sellers. While a flat fee MLS listing can lead to a sale, they are also fraught with legal and financial risks. Our Data Center survey has found that the overwhelming majority of sellers prefer to work with an agent. Want the savings of FSBO without the risk? Find out what real estate companies charge the lowest commission fees.
What is the best flat fee MLS listing service?
That depends on what services you need and the type of property you’re selling; we’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular options and their pros and cons. If you're looking for a flat-fee real estate company, Clever Real Estate is a great option.
How much do flat fee MLS listings cost?
Flat fee MLS services cost between $99–499. The average is close to $299. This does not include fees for add-on services like professional photos. Some states also have minimum service laws where flat fee MLS listing fees are typically higher.
Is the flat fee MLS legal?
Yes, listing your home on the MLS without an agent for a flat fee is totally legal. However, if you sell without an agent, make sure you make all mandatory disclosures and properly complete paperwork, or you could leave yourself open to future legal problems.
Do buyer’s agents avoid flat fee listings?
Although your property may be a bit more work for a buyer's agent than a conventional listing, most agents will not outright avoid showing your property to a prospective buyer just because it's a flat-fee listing. BUT they may avoid it if you don't offer a competitive buyer's agent commission (usually 2.5–3%).
Are flat fee real estate agents good?
Just as with traditional agents, flat-fee agent quality varies. Some are great; others may be inexperienced or unprofessional. Always check company reviews before settling on any flat-fee service.
How do I get on the MLS without a realtor?
Only licensed realtors can list a home on the MLS. If you don’t want to work with a full-service agent, you’ll need to use a flat fee MLS service to get your home on the MLS.
Is for sale by owner worth it?
Selling without an agent is possible, but the latest statistics show that FSBO listings sell for anywhere from 5.5-26% less than agented listings. Many FSBO listings also fail to sell at all. It may not be worth it for you.
How can I avoid paying realtor fees?
Using a flat fee MLS company can help you avoid paying a typical listing commission, but you’ll still have to offer a competitive buyer’s agent commission if you want your home to reach its largest potential audience. To avoid all realtor fees, you’d have to sell as an FSBO (for sale by owner) listing and find an unagented buyer.
Does it cost money to list on the MLS?
Only a licensed realtor can list a property on the MLS. So yes — in order to get your property on the MLS, you’ll either have to sign with an agent or pay a flat fee MLS service to do so.
How do I sell by owner on the MLS?
FSBO sellers who want to list their property on the MLS will have to go through a licensed realtor — either by signing with a conventional agent or paying a flat fee MLS service.
Will agents contact me with a flat fee MLS listing?
Yes. Your contact information will be included in the “Showing Instructions” section of your MLS listing. Buyer's agents will contact you directly if they want to show your home. They may also want you to sign a commission agreement before showing your home to their buyer.
Related reading
What Companies Offer the Lowest Real Estate Commission Fees? If you’re looking to save money on your home sale, you have more options than just flat fee MLS services. Check out which brands offer the lowest commission fees.
Top 12 Best for Sale by Owner Websites: Want to sell your home for sale by owner? Find out which websites offer the best prices and services if you’re looking to sell without a realtor.
Should You Avoid Listing FSBO on Zillow? Read This First: Is it worth it to list FSBO on Zillow? Find out the true cost of Zillow for sale by owner fees, tips to improve your listing, and more.
Top 2% Real Estate Commission Companies: Getting a 2% real estate commission can save you thousands of dollars on your home sale! Read about top 2 percent commission realtors here.
tom says
Boothbay, Maine area please. Thanks.
Bjorn Benson says
Hi, Great advice. Any suggestions for Tacoma, WA? Thanks.
Jessica says
Do you have a recommendation for South Carolina? Thanks!
Don Woods says
Hi Ryan
Loved the article. I live in St.George,Utah and the market is pretty hot for sellers. Who do you recommend for the Southern Utah area.
Mary Haines says
I live in Overland Park, Kansas and apparently Kansas laws require realtors to provide more services in order to provide a flat fee listing which drives up the price. Can you recommend one for my area?
Diane Smith says
Hi Ryan,
Thank you so much for your insightful post. We have a house in western Riverside County, California and are battling the Zestimate issues, also. This is because the tract is fairly new (2012-2013) and very few houses have sold in the past 3 years, particularly no NexGen homes, as we have. My mother was a real estate broker with her own office in California, and my father joined her after his retirement, so I am very familiar with the real estate world – just disappointed with the service we have received in our last couple of transactions. Therefore, FSBO this time. Would you please send information on good Flat Fee MLS services for the Eastvale/Corona, California area? Thanks so very much. You are a godsend!
Crystal Baker says
Hi, could you please send me your recommendation for a flat fee service in Florida? We are selling our home in Marion County. Thank you!
Whitney says
Ryan,
Thanks for such an informative article on options for FSBO options. I’ve listed my home on Zillow and Trulia in Knoxville, TN. I’m thinking of branching out to include an MLS listing. Would you mind sharing your findings for companies in this area?
Thanks!
Whitney