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Richard Haddad , Executive Editor Richard Haddad Executive EditorRichard Haddad is the executive editor of HomeLight.com. He works with an experienced content team that oversees the company’s blog featuring in-depth articles about the home buying and selling process, homeownership news, home care and design tips, and related real estate trends. Previously, he served as an editor and content producer for World Company, Gannett, and Western News & Info, where he also served as news director and director of internet operations.
If you’re considering selling your home without the help of a real estate agent, you may want to use a flat fee MLS service to reach potential buyers. A flat fee MLS company helps “for sale by owner” (FSBO) sellers to list their homes in the local multiple listing service (MLS) without the assistance of a Realtor®.
In this article, we explain the pros and cons of using a flat fee MLS service, how they work, and what you might pay. We’ll also give you an overview of some flat fee MLS listing services that are available throughout the U.S. To help you decide whether a listing service is the right choice for you, we spoke with HomeLight Elite real estate agent, Brett Keyser, who sells homes 60% faster than the average agent in Sarasota, Florida.
“The number one reason people go with flat fee MLS service is that they’re looking to save money,” says Keyser.
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Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes. Mentions of flat fee MLS companies and links in this post do not constitute an endorsement.
A flat fee MLS is a limited service that helps sellers get their FSBO homes on the local multiple listing service (MLS). The MLS is a private directory of for-sale homes that real estate professionals use to share home details with each other.
Because the local MLS is one of the best ways to market your home to potential buyers and get maximum exposure, it’s vital to list your home on the local MLS.
Although typically only licensed real estate agents can access and post listings on a local MLS, there are a number of different services that provide MLS services for a flat fee. These flat fee MLS companies enable FSBO sellers to bypass the traditional agent and get their home included on the MLS.
You have many local and national choices regarding flat fee MLS services. Fees range from $89 to $1,299, depending on your service level. Some listing services offer more options at better rates, and some options are only available if you pay an add-on fee or upgrade your service level. Limited agent assistance may also be available at an additional cost.
As you consider your options, you will want to weigh the different services and fees against the possible benefits and drawbacks.
Let’s take a look at some examples of flat fee MLS listing companies in the U.S.
Note: Individual program details can change — please visit a provider’s website for the most current information on rate packages, fees, service areas, and more. HomeLight always recommends doing your own research to determine which selling option is best for your situation.
Established in 1997 in Atlanta, Georgia, FSBO.com covers major MLS in the U.S. except North Dakota. Their MLS package includes an FSBO listing on their website and an MLS listing with syndication for six months. All other options vary by state or may be available at an added cost. Once you order the MLS package, FSBO.com refers your request to an agent who will contact you to complete your listing.
Because FSBO.com is a nationwide flat fee MLS company, you’ll be paired with a third-party broker in the market where you are selling your home. As such, the company does not appear to have a Google business or Yelp profile for unbiased companywide reviews, and service may vary from state to state. FSBO.com holds a 4 out of 5-star rating on the Better Business Bureau website, but it is averaged from only two reviews.
FSBO.com
Phone: 800-690-5802
Unreal Estate gives sellers the opportunity to reach millions of buyers by listing on the MLS, Realtor.com, Trulia, and Zillow without working with a real estate agent. The company, formerly USRealty, offers a variety of plans and pricing options, including a free starter plan where homeowners only pay if they sell their home.
Service areas: Serves 49 states (all except South Dakota) and Washington D.C.
Unreal estate received an average of 4.2 out of five stars on Trustpilot. Reviewers mentioned how fast and affordable the service is, with one reviewer reporting that they “saved a ton.”
Established in 2017 in New York, New York, Houzeo covers all major MLS in Florida. They charge more than most flat fee listing services but offer a wide range of helpful add-ons that are priced a la carte. They offer four levels of service ranging from Bronze to Platinum.
Service areas: Throughout the U.S. (limited coverage in South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming)
Houzeo holds a 4.9-star rating with Google customer reviews. Positive reviews speak of the service clients received from their assigned reps, such as expert knowledge, responsiveness, professionalism, and prompt problem-solving. A few negative reviews speak of errors on the MLS, a refund complaint, and confusion with the website interface.
houzeo.com
Phone: 844-448-0110
Established in 1997 in Marlborough, Massachusetts, ISoldMyHouse.com covers major MLS in the U.S. except for North Dakota. Their two packages are limited to six months of basic MLS services that vary only by the number of photos you can list and include syndication. Depending on your location, your listing may be referred to an agent who will contact you to complete your listing. Their website includes informational videos and blogs to assist your FSBO efforts.
ISoldMyHouse.com has a 4.7 out of 5-star customer rating on Google reviews. Happy customers praised the easy online process, responsiveness of staff, and were satisfied with the money they saved. Unsatisfied reviewers expressed concerns about a lack of professionalism or poor communication with their company representative.
Established in 2005 in Boynton Beach, Florida, List With Freedom covers all MLS in the U.S. except Alaska, Hawaii, and Kansas. Their Silver package offers basic listing services with one photo. They offer four levels of service ranging from Silver to Platinum+.
List with Freedom holds a 3.9-star Google customer rating. Happy customers praised the simple process and the money they saved. One reviewer added that they were pleased with the “tools and contacts to make our home look beautiful.” Unhappy customers expressed concerns over the response they received from their listing, communication issues, or a lack of customer service.
| Services | FSBO.com | Unreal Estate | Houzeo | ISoldMyHouse.com | List With Freedom |
| Cost | $400 | $0-$249 | $299-$1,299 | $299-$399 | $89 -$295 |
| Turnaround | Varies | 48 hours | 36 hours | Varies | 24-48 hours |
| Listing Term | 6 months | 6-12 months | 3-12 months | 6 months | 6-12 months |
| Updates | Unknown | Unlimited for paid plans | $25 each | Unknown | Unlimited |
| Forms | Unknown | State sales agreement – Premium plan | Disclosures with upgrade | Unknown | Disclosures |
| Number of Photos | 20 to Max | 15-Max | 6-Max | 6-10 or 25 | 1-Max |
| Photo Assist | No | No | No | No | No |
| Yard Sign | Add-on | Upgrade | Add-on or upgrade | No | No |
| Marketing Assist* | Print on Demand | Upgrade | No | No | No |
| Syndication | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lockbox | No | No | Add-on | No | Upgrade |
| Showing Assist* | No | No | Upgrade | No | Add-on or upgrade |
| Pricing Assist/Market Analysis* | Add on | No | Upgrade | No | No |
| Open House* | Limited | No | Upgrade | No | Add-on or upgrade |
| Offer/Negotiation Assistance* | No | Yes | Upgrade | No | No |
| Money-Back Guarantee | Cancel anytime | Yes | Cancel anytime | Yes | Cancel anytime |
| Closing Assist* | No | Yes | Upgrade | No | No |
| Agent Assist* | No | Yes | Upgrade | Upgrade | No |
* Limited assistance through the platform.
A flat fee MLS service might be the right choice for you if:
You’re looking to save on the cost of a real estate commission.
Homesellers who hire a listing agent typically pay a 5% to 6% real estate commission, which is split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. A listing service can help you eliminate the cost of a listing agent (2.5% to 3%). Instead, you’ll pay a flat fee of $89 to $1,299, depending on the company and level of service you choose. But, you’ll still pay the buyer’s commission in addition to the cost of any other services you use to help you sell your home.
You have a desirable home and it’s a hot market.
A desirable home in a hot market may sell itself. Listing your home in the MLS may bring multiple buyers and competitive offers your way. However, you’ll still be responsible for all aspects of your home sale.
You want to be very involved in your home sale.
If you have previous home selling experience, and you’re craving a challenge, you may want to take full control of your home sale. A FSBO sale may be your chance to shine. A flat fee MLS is the first step in your home-selling journey.
You don’t want to work with a listing agent.
Not all agents are the same. That said, for whatever reason you choose not to work with an agent, a flat fee MLS company allows you to forgo the services of a licensed agent and still get your home listed on the MLS.
You have the time and energy to invest in the home-selling process.
Depending on the level of service you purchase from a flat fee company, you may need to take on a variety of tasks normally handled by a real estate agent.
“Until they sell their own house, a lot of people don’t realize what goes into listing, marketing, selling a property, and overseeing the transaction,” says Keyser.
Even with a flat fee listing service, you’ll typically need the time, energy and know-how to: