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👉 Sections: Flat fee MLS companies by state | Alternatives | Drawbacks | Benefits | Best flat fee MLS companies | FAQ
A flat fee MLS listing company gets you on the multiple listing service (MLS) — the main directory of homes for sale used by realtors and sites like Zillow — for a flat fee, typically between $100 and $400. That way, you avoid paying a percentage-based commission to a listing agent, which is on average 2.72% of your final home sale.
The savings you get from flat fee listings can come at a cost, though.
With a flat fee MLS listing service, you’ll largely act as your own realtor, so expect to put in a lot of time and effort. And you could still be disappointed with the savings. Homes sold by owner tend to sell for less, and some flat fee MLS services charge hidden fees at closing.
If you’re thinking of using a flat fee MLS listing service, a great alternative is using a low commission realtor. They’ll handle the entire sale process for you, but you’ll still save big on commission fees.
For example, Clever Real Estate negotiates low 1.5% listing fees with top realtors at brokerages like Keller Williams, Berkshire Hathaway, and RE/MAX. You’ll get the dedicated service of a great local agent, but pay a fraction of the 3% commission agents typically charge. Learn how Clever can help you save thousands on your sale!
Can you really save with a flat fee MLS listing service?
If you have experience in real estate and are comfortable pricing and negotiating, a flat fee MLS service could save you money on realtor fees.
But if you’re not confident going toe-to-toe with a more experienced realtor, you risk losing money on your home sale. On average, homes sold without an agent sell for significantly less, so any savings you get from the lower listing fee may be negated by the lower sale price.
Only 8% of homes are successfully sold for sale by owner (FSBO) — and in half of those cases, the seller already knows the buyer.
Fortunately, selling without a realtor isn’t the only way to save money on listing fees. A growing number of real estate brokerages offer legit alternatives to flat fee MLS companies — providing similar savings without the risk.
With Clever, for example, you can get a top local realtor without paying traditional prices. Clever’s listing fee of 1.5% is a fraction of the 2.5–3% traditional real estate agents charge. You’ll save thousands AND get the reassurance of having a pro on your side.
Flat fee MLS listing without a realtor: Pros and cons
Drawbacks of a flat fee MLS listing
👎 Your house may sell for less
Studies show that FSBO homes sell for anywhere from 5.5% to 26% less than agent-represented homes. By comparison, the average fee collected by a listing agent is 2.5–3%, meaning your savings on realtor fees could be negated by a lower sale price.
Real estate agents can price homes effectively by performing a comparative market analysis (CMA), which is based on data from the multiple listing service (MLS). Only people with an active real estate license can access the MLS.
People without access to the MLS often struggle to price their homes correctly. Less-experienced home sellers may also have difficulty 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.
💰 Save money with Clever and still get a top agent 💰
👎 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 could face legal risks
Legal risks increase when you don’t have a real estate agent. In most states, liability in a home sale falls on the seller. That means you’ll have to disclose known defects with the home. Failing to do so could leave you open to legal or financial risks later on.
For example, if you fail to disclose a leaky roof, the buyer could hold you liable for the costs of the repairs and even take you to court for your failure to disclose them.
Legal risks can also make it harder to find buyers. Our Data Center’s recent survey of home buyers found that fear of legal risks was the number one reason why they’d refuse to buy a FSBO home.
Even if you get a lawyer to help with closing, that doesn’t usually protect you from liability claims. While a lawyer can help with paperwork, it’s not typically their job to make sure you’ve disclosed everything you’re supposed to. Your best bet for ensuring you meet your disclosure obligations is hiring a real estate agent.
Finally, while some states have “buyer beware” laws where sellers face fewer legal risks, even in these states you still have some legal obligations about hazards and defects that you must disclose. For example, federal law requires sellers to disclose the presence of lead paint, regardless of which state they live in.
👎 Selling without a realtor is a lot of work
Selling a house is a full-time job, and if you’re using a flat fee MLS company, you’ll essentially be acting as your own agent. Many sellers who choose to sell without a realtor often find that the amount of work is the biggest challenge.
For example, according to our own Data Center’s 2022 survey, the most challenging aspects of selling a home according to sellers are:
- Preparing a house to sell (30%)
- Pricing a house correctly (20%)
- Finding a qualified real estate agent (19%)
- Attracting buyers (11%)
- Negotiating with buyers (10%)
- Filling out paperwork (8%)
A flat fee MLS listing service typically doesn’t help address any of these issues, which are traditionally handled by a real estate agent. For that reason, if you’re worried about having the time or ability to tackle any of the above issues, you’re probably better off with a realtor. Otherwise, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of work.
Benefits of a flat fee MLS listing
👍 You’ll 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.
👍 Flat fee MLS companies may work for experienced sellers
If you have experience selling homes, then there are likely fewer risks with using a flat fee MLS listing service for you than for most people. That experience comes in handy when overcoming some of the drawbacks of a flat fee MLS listing provider since you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed by all the work.
Sellers who have experience with marketing homes, know how to price them fairly, and are comfortable negotiating with buyers may get by fine without the services of a listing agent.
Also, if you’d prefer taking a more DIY approach, then a flat fee MLS listing service may be better suited to you. You’ll have total control over who you show your property to, how high or low you’re willing to price it, and your timeline for selling.
👍 In hot markets, desirable properties can sell themselves
A flat fee MLS listing service also has benefits if you live in a particularly hot property market where homes “sell themselves.” Because homes in such markets are almost guaranteed to sell, there is less need for a realtor to help market your home.
However, even in a hot housing market, you should still only list on the local MLS by yourself if you already have experience selling a home.
You may have little trouble finding buyers and getting competitive offers. But other aspects of the sale, like paperwork and ensuring you’ve met your disclosure requirements, can cause problems for inexperienced sellers no matter how favorable the market is. In that case, you’re better off hiring a discount realtor to avoid costly mistakes.
Flat fee MLS listing companies in your state
Nationwide flat fee MLS listing service providers are available in most states, but some companies offer more limited coverage. To see what flat fee MLS services are available where you live, click on your state below.
What are the best flat fee MLS listing services?
The best flat fee MLS provider — or, rather, the best of the worst since all of these companies come with big risks — depends on what you’re looking for, where you live, and your experience selling homes.
If you’re interested in going the extreme DIY route, then a service that only offers an MLS listings and nothing else is probably the most cost effective option. 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.
And remember that many flat fee MLS companies only operate in certain states, so check out what’s available in your state to find the service that’s best for you.
Company | Our Rating | Availability | Listing Fee | |
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Best online experience
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500+ reviews
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AL, CA, CT, FL, GA, IL, MN, NC, SC
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$99–599
|
Learn More |
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100+ reviews
|
33 states and Washington, D.C.
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$99–599
|
Read More |
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100+ reviews
|
AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, MI, MN, MO, NC, NY, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI
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$95
|
Learn More |
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150+ reviews
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Nationwide
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Free–$395
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Read More |
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4,500+ reviews
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Nationwide
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$99–349+
|
Read More |
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No online reviews available
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Nationwide
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$179+
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Read More |
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Nationwide
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$99.95–399.95
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Read More | |
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40+ reviews
|
49 states (everywhere but North Dakota)
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$299–399
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Read More |
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No online reviews available
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Nationwide
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$199–399
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Read More |
Listing Fee
Editor’s take
Overview
Availability
beycome is best for experienced sellers, since it’s more DIY than similar flat fee MLS services. The company’s tech-savvy platform allows you to manage the entire sale process from one online dashboard.
Pros
- Customer service is available seven days a week in English and Spanish.
- All packages include free unlimited updates.
- All packages provide free access to legal forms and disclosures.
Cons
- Only the Concierge service offers a comparative market analysis (CMA).
- The Basic and Enhanced packages are more DIY, which may be challenging for first-time sellers.
- While the Concierge service offers more support, you may get better value and savings with a discount listing service.
beycome offers two packages: Basic ($99) and Enhanced ($299). With the Basic package, you can add the maximum picture allowance on the MLS, make unlimited changes to your listing, and get free legal forms and disclosures. The Enhanced package also offers marketing tools, like a featured listing on beycome’s website, brochures, and flyers.
beycome’s third offering, a Concierge service, costs $599 up front and 1% of the sale price at closing (with a $999 minimum). You’ll get help with your sale from listing to closing, including a CMA, pricing assistance, and paperwork support. At this point, you’ll find better value with a discount listing service like Clever, which offers the same services and more for a 1.5% listing fee.
beycome has a 90-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind about selling FSBO. However, you won’t get your money back if you close, are under contract, or receive at least two credible offers within 90 days.
beycome is available in AL, CA, CT, FL, GA, IL, MN, NC, and SC.
» MORE: Read our full Beycome review
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.
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 in 33 states, including Florida.
Listing Fee
Editor’s take
Overview
Availability
Homecoin lets sellers select only the services they want by offering a variety of à la carte services. The low Flat Fee MLS Listing service costs $95 for a 12-month listing and unlimited photos. Some services are free, like a open house kit. But the price of some services, like professional photos, varies by area.
Pros
- The whole process is conducted online, which can be convenient.
- You can get a home value report, comparable sales, and disclosures for free.
- All listings include free call forward and information by text so you don’t miss leads.
Cons
- The add-on options for help from a real estate agent can add up.
- There isn’t a full-service option, so first-time and less experienced sellers may want to look elsewhere.
- If you need all the services, the price may be higher than other flat fee MLS listing companies.
Sellers who only need help with the MLS listing can get a lot of value for an affordable price. But first-time and less experienced sellers may want to shop around first to ensure they get the right level of support.
Online reviews are positive. Customers like the easy process, online platform, and automated features. Communication from Homecoin was professional, helpful, and timely.
You can cancel your listing without a penalty unless you haven’t rejected an offer. The cancellation process is easy from you Homecoin account.
Homecoin is available in 15 states, including Florida.
Listing Fee
Editor’s take
Overview
Availability
Fizber has some solid deals – but they’re state-specific and you need to contact Fizber directly for details (we recommend the pop-up chat box).
We don’t recommend using Fizber’s agent-matching or free CMA service.
Pros
- Great customer support
- Free Fizber listing showcases your home
- Fair prices
Cons
- Can’t vet brokers beforehand
- Can’t see which states offer more photos or longer listing terms without asking the chat
- Farms out some services to Sold.com, which we have negatively reviewed
Fizber boasts a variety of plans, ranging from free to $395. But watch out because you’ll only get an MLS listing if you pay for a plan that is $295+. That’s about average for a flat fee MLS service, but definitely not the best deal around. Getting listed on the MLS is crucial if you want to find buyers, so we don’t recommend wasting your time with any plan that doesn’t include it.
And Fizber hardly gets high marks for convenience. Unlike most of its competitors, Fizber doesn’t offer add-ons, like yard signs and lock boxes. If its current plans don’t have what you need, you’ll have to buy those items yourself or look for an alternative service that has a plan better suited to you.
Fizber is available nationwide.
» MORE: Read our full Fizber review
Listing Fee
Editor’s take
Overview
Availability
Houzeo offers a ton of extra à la carte options and an easy way to manage your listing online.
However, there are varying state-specific prices and its refund policy is overly restrictive. FSBO sellers who wish to take their FSBO work offline are better served elsewhere.
Pros
- Great website
- Lots of à la carte options
- Good for tech-oriented sellers
Cons
- Extra fees and additional services can add up
- Restrictive refund and cancellation policy
- Platinum plan comes with closing fees
On the surface, Houzeo’s MLS listing fees — which start at $199 — don’t seem like a bad deal for a flat fee MLS company. However, they come with less than what other competitors offer.
You’ll also need to pay attention to additional charges, which can make Houzeo a worse deal. For example, under the Bronze Plan, you’ll have to pay $25 to make a single change to your MLS listing — meaning just a few changes could quickly end up costing you a lot of money.
In contrast, other flat fee MLS companies either charge less for changes or give you a certain number of changes for free.
Houzeo is available Nationwide.
Listing Fee
Editor’s take
Overview
Availability
Flat Fee Realty offers an MLS listing for a flat fee that is comparable to many competitors.
But prices and service vary a lot depending on location. In many states, other options offer better value for money.
Pros
- Available in most states
- Competitively priced in some places
Cons
- Prices and service vary a lot between states
- Few add-ons and limited service
Flat Fee Realty offers a decent product, but it doesn’t really stand out above the competition in any meaningful way. With listing fees ranging from $179–299, it has fairly competitively priced packages and is available across most of the country.
It also gives you the option to upgrade your MLS listing’s photo limit to 25 photos from the original 6 for a reasonable $50 — which we recommend given how persuasive photos can be for buyers.
In many states, you’ll also get disclosure forms and free changes for essential listing information (like status and price).
But prices and services do vary by state, so whether or not Flat Fee Realty is a good deal will depend on where you live. If you can get a package that’s closer to $200 and comes with disclosure forms and free changes to your listing, then Flat Fee Realty is a good option. Otherwise, you’re probably better off with a different company.
Flat Fee Realty is available nationwide.
Listing Fee
Editor’s take
Overview
Availability
FSBO.com’s MLS package is a competitively priced option for experienced FSBO sellers looking for a no-frills offering.
The company’s FSBO package isn’t worth the fee. Both options are available nationwide.
Pros
- Provides online exposure and an option to list on your local MLS
- Easy-to-use website offers supplemental materials like yard signs and legal forms in one convenient place
Cons
- Brokers may charge additional fees outside of advertised pricing
- MLS services are outsourced to independent brokers, so quality of service is inconsistent
FSBO.com is not worth the money it charges, and we don’t recommend it for most sellers. While it advertises two plans — one for $99.95 and the other for $399.95 — we don’t recommend the $99.95 package since it won’t get you on the MLS. We can’t stress this enough: An MLS listing is all but essential when selling a home since it’s how you’ll get your listing on sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin.
If you want an MLS listing with FSBO.com, you’ll have to pay for the $399.95 plan, which is expensive for a simple MLS listing service. That makes FSBO.com poor value for the money, especially given that you’ll have to pay even more money for most add-ons.
FSBO.com is available Nationwide.
Listing Fee
Editor’s take
Overview
Availability
ISoldMyHouse.com offers little more than an MLS listing, but at a higher price than much of the competition. Most sellers can find a better deal elsewhere.
Pros
- Lots of free learning materials for new FSBO sellers
- Available nationwide
Cons
- Overpriced
- Few add-ons
- Limited support
Like FSBO.com, ISoldMyHouse.com isn’t a great deal for most sellers. It’s expensive and doesn’t offer enough features or add-ons to justify its high costs.
Fees range from $299–399, which is slightly higher than the industry average. And if you live in a minimum service state, you’ll have to pay even more.
It also offers fewer add-ons than most of the competition and has one of the more restrictive cancellation policies among flat fee MLS providers.
The one thing ISoldMyHouse.com does have going for it is that it offers free learning materials for FSBO sellers. These materials are useful for those new to selling without a realtor, but all of the material can be downloaded for free anyway on ISoldMyHouse.com’s website, so it shouldn’t factor into your decision to use its paid services.
ISoldMyHouse.com is available in 49 states (everywhere but North Dakota).
Listing Fee
Editor’s take
Overview
Availability
Flat Fee Group’s pricing and service varies a lot by state. While in some states it’s a good deal, for most an alternative service will offer better value for money.
Pros
- Available nationwide
Cons
- Prices vary a lot between states
- Service is inconsistent between states
Flat Fee Group’s MLS listing fees and services vary a lot by state, which means it could be a competitive option or poor value for the money depending on where you live. Unfortunately, this inconsistency makes it difficult to say whether or not it’s right for you.
Flat Fee Group’s fees in most states are between $299 and $399. But some states, like Washington, fall below that range and others, like Utah and Nevada, fall above it. And in some states, you’ll have to pay 1% at closing, which largely defeats the entire purpose of a flat fee MLS in the first place.
Everything else, including additional services and cancellation policies, also vary a lot from one state to the next. If you’re considering Flat Fee Group, you’ll have to compare it to other options in your particular state.
Flat Fee Group is available nationwide.
What does an average flat fee MLS service offer?
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
- Staging help
- 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 flat fee MLS providers
For most sellers, 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 flat fee of $5,000 as opposed to the average 2.72% charged by traditional real estate agents. That makes it a good option if you’re selling a high-value home — typically above $500,000 — where Houwzer’s flat-fee would represent less than 1% of the sale price. Like Redfin, Houwzer utilizes a team-based approach.
» MORE: Read our full Houwzer review.
Can I get an MLS listing without an agent?
Technically, no. Only a person or company with a real estate license can post on the MLS. Because flat fee MLS providers have real estate licenses, they can list on the MLS on your behalf.
When you use a flat fee MLS company, you’ll technically have an agent — but they’re only your agent on paper. They won’t do much that a traditional agent would do, aside from get you your MLS listing. In effect, you’ll be selling without an agent and doing the majority of the work of selling 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 do decide to sell without a realtor, you’ll 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. Describe your listing properly
Avoid using phrases like “motivated seller” or “fixer upper,” as 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.
When you can’t tap into the prestige of a brand name, try to frame things in terms of 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. Get professional quality photos
Buyers are visual. When you look at a home listing, you almost certainly go to the photos first. That means getting good photos should be your highest priority.
There are a lot of factors that go into taking a great listing photo, like proper staging, lighting, and composition. Unfortunately, an unprofessional looking photo can turn off potential buyers, so you’ll either need to learn how to take amazing photos yourself or hire someone to do it for you.
✍️ EDITOR’S NOTE
Unless you have experience taking high-quality photos, you should hire a professional photographer, preferably one that has real estate experience. Many flat fee MLS services also offer photography as part of their standard package or upgrades.
3. 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.
4. 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!
Invest in some high-quality yard signs and flyers, as well as a lockbox to make showings easier. Most flat fee MLS services offer these products, either as part of a package or as an add-on that you’ll have to pay extra for.
5. Respect your obligations to the MLS listing service
Once you choose a flat fee MLS service, you’ll often be asked to sign an exclusive listing agreement that comes with certain requirements. Pay close attention to these.
For example, generally if you accept an offer, you 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