✏️ Editor’s Note: Realtor Associations, agents, and MLS’ have started implementing changes related to the NAR’s $418 million settlement. While home-sellers will likely save thousands in commission, compliance and litigation risks have significantly increased for sellers throughout the nation. Learn how NAR’s settlement affects home sellers.
86% of sellers listed their homes on the MLS in 2024. In fact, they sold for 17.5% more than the houses off market. That’s just what the MLS does. It offers maximum listing exposure and ensures a faster sale.
However, access to the MLS is restricted only to real estate agents. They charge up to a 6% fee to list your home. That’s thousands of dollars you’ll have to spend!
But there’s a way around this – you can list your home via Flat-Fee platforms. Websites like Houzeo can help you list your home on the MLS within 24 hours for just $399.
Home prices in the U.S. are rising but are expected to reduce further as the year progresses. So, if you want to sell your house, now is the time!
MLS is Key for Sellers 💯
- Most homes in the U.S. sell via the MLS. The MLS gives you unparalleled exposure to both buyer agents and buyers.
- Homes on MLS sold for 17% more than non-MLS listed homes, according to a Bright MLS study. MLS homes also sold faster.
- MLS listings get syndicated to Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, and hundreds of other websites giving your property critical exposure.
- There are 600+ MLS’ in the U.S. It is critical you list on your local MLS. This ensures your listing is viewable to your local buyer agents.
What is MLS in Real Estate?
Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a database that enables real estate agents and brokers to list and view homes for sale. An MLS listing includes all the information about your property, such as its price, description, and photos.
The homes listed on MLS are syndicated to various online real estate websites. This amplifies the exposure your property gets.
Only licensed real estate agents have access to the MLS. Consequently, only real estate agents can create MLS listings.
» List with Houzeo: List on MLS by owner with Houzeo.com without a real estate agent license.
Benefits of Listing a Home on MLS
Here are some benefits of listing your house on the MLS:
- Get Maximum Exposure: When you list on MLS, your listing gets syndicated to hundreds of real estate websites such as Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, and Realtor.com. This boosts your property’s visibility to potential buyers.
- Market to Buyer Agents: According to NAR, 86% of home buyers purchased their homes through a buyer agent last year. Listing on MLS is the most effective way to market your property to potential buyers.
- Get Cash Offers: You can get better and even multiple cash offers at the same time. It is also easier to negotiate if you list on the MLS.
- You Can Sell Faster: Homes listed on MLS are sold 17% faster than those that were not listed on MLS.
What is a Flat Fee MLS listing?
A flat fee MLS listing service will list your house on the MLS at a flat rate. Unlike hiring RE agents, you can skip paying a hefty sum as a commission with a flat fee MLS service.
There are two types of flat fee services:
- MLS Entry-Only Services: They only list your home on the local MLS for you. Some might also syndicate it to other websites like Zillow and Trulia.
- MLS Packages: They provide additional services, besides listing on the MLS, like photography, yard signs, and showings.
America’s 5 Best Flat Fee MLS Services to List on MLS Yourself:
| Flat Fee MLS Service | Price | Additional Fees | 100% Online | 5-Star Reviews | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Houzeo | $349 | None | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. FSBO.com | $99.95 | None | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. List With Freedom | $195 | None | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. Beycome | $399 | None | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. Homecoin | $95 | None | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Reviews: 5 Best Flat Fee MLS Companies
1. Houzeo.com
4.9/5
(5,465 reviews)
Queen's Take
Houzeo offers the best combination of maximum savings, advanced technology, 5-star customer support, and listing exposure.
Houzeo offers 4 comprehensive Flat Fee MLS listing plans.
- Bronze – $379+: In this basic plan, you get a 6-month listing term with 24 photos. You get unlimited listing changes and open houses.
- Silver – $399+: In the silver plan, you can list 24 photos for 6 months. You also get a yard sign and unlimited listing changes.
- Gold – $379+: Gold is Houzeo’s signature MLS package with tech features like Houzeo Showings, Houzeo Offers, and DigiTransact.
- Platinum – $349+: This is the ultimate flat fee plan with a 1-year listing term and virtual full-service from a licensed broker.
👉 Houzeo Reviews: Find out why Houzeo is America’s #1 MLS listing service!
Houzeo has the best tech available for a Flat Fee MLS platform. Check out Houzeo Reviews.
- Maximum Savings: With Houzeo you save at least 3% on listing agent commission. All fees are disclosed upfront, so there are no Houzeo hidden fees.
- Advanced Tech: Houzeo’s tech is stellar. You get an intuitive seller’s dashboard, free mobile app, and 100% online paperwork.
- Maximum Exposure: Your home is listed on 100+ real estate websites like Zillow and Trulia. This ensures maximum eyeballs on your property.
- Nationwide Coverage: Houzeo covers 47 states and DC.
👉 Houzeo Customer Reviews: Houzeo is rated “Excellent” with a 4.9 out of 5-star rating by 5,000+ home sellers on Google reviews and Trustpilot.
In our research, we found no major red flags with Houzeo. Customers have consistently given positive reviews about their experience.
» Houzeo Complaints: Find out what sellers said about Houzeo.
Houzeo is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 5,000+ customers on Google and Trustpilot.
» Houzeo Reviews: Over 5,000 home sellers have rated Houzeo as “Excellent.”
2. FSBO.com
2.7/5
(5 reviews)
Queen's Take
FSBO.com offers For Sale By Owner services, saving you money on costly commissions. They do not, however, directly list you on the MLS.
FSBO.com offers 2 packages for FSBO home sellers.
- Basic Package – $99.95: This is a basic plan where your property is listed on FSBO.com and Redfin for 6 months. You do not get MLS listing in this plan.
- MLS Package – $399.95: The package includes an MLS listing term of 6 months with up to 20 photos.
Additional Services
- Classic FSBO.com Yard Sign w/ Stand: $60
- Directional Arrow – For Sale By Owner: $12
- Open House Directional Arrow: $12
- Sign Riders: $12
👑 The Queen’s Take: FSBO.com offers For Sale By Owner services, saving you thousands on hefty commissions. However, they do not list you on the MLS directly. Instead, they connect you with a broker at the state level.
👉FSBO.com Pricing: Read to know more about FSBO.com pricing.
FSBO.com can be useful for experienced home sellers.
- Multiple Listing Categories: You get to highlight your listing in specific sections dedicated to foreclosure, pre-foreclosure, tax lien, or bankruptcy.
- User‑Friendly Interface: FSBO.com has a simple website that is easy to navigate. It has a basic interface that enables you to create your listing by adding relevant information.
👉 Pros and Cons of FSBO.com: Read the benefits and drawbacks of listing with FSBO.com.
In our research, we found some drawbacks of FSBO.com.
- Extra Charges for Listing Photos: If you want to add more than 20 photos to your listing, you have to pay extra fees of $50 to $60.
- Expensive à La Carte Services: For add-on services like e-lockbox rental and showing service you have to pay $150 and $75 respectively. These services are costly compared to other Flat-fee MLS service providers.
- Limited Tech: FSBO.com lacks automation features. You have to manage your listings on your own.
- No DIY Resources: FSBO.com does not provide any resources to enhance your listing experience.
FSBO.com has no reviews from credible sources.
» FSBO.com Reviews: Read to learn more about FSBO.com
3. List With Freedom
4.1/5
(1849 reviews)
Queen's Take
ListWithFreedom offers affordable packages. However, additional services like showings and open houses come with extra charges. Often, these services cost much less.
ListWithFreedom gives you a choice of 3 Flat Fee plans.
- Gold Package – $149: This basic plan offers a 6-month listing term with 6 photos. For an extra price, you may add an online showing service, an open house, and a virtual tour
- Platinum Package – $195: This is simply the basic plan rebranded with 25 photos instead of 6 on the MLS.
- Platinum Plus – $295: With this plan, the listing term doubles. You get an online showing scheduler and maximum photo uploads. However, you must pay an additional 0.25% fee at closing.
👉 Pros and Cons of List With Freedom: Check out the pros and cons of List With Freedom.
ListWithFreedom offers the following benefits to home sellers.
- Refund Policy: You can request a refund if your home is not listed on the MLS within 14 days of placing your order.
- Market Exposure: Your listing gets syndicated to websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and major brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX.
- Unlimited Listing Changes: You can make any changes to your listing without paying extra bucks.
ListWithFreedom has certain drawbacks that can derail a smooth sale.
- Hidden Costs: ListWithFreedom charges 0.25% at closing in addition to the upfront flat fee payment.
- Not for First-time Sellers: ListWithFreedom does not offer much assistance when actually required. New home sellers can find it difficult without the guidance of experienced real estate professionals.
- Limited Tech: ListWithFreedom’s technology is sub-par. They lack several key features such as offers platform, mobile app etc.
ListWithFreedom has a 4.1 out of 5 stars rating of 1,800+ reviews on Trustpilot.
» ListWithFreedom Reviews: Is List With Freedom worth it? Read our blog to find out.
4. Beycome
4.5/5
(558 reviews)
Queen's Take
Beycome has a user-friendly interface and cost-saving potential. However, their customer reviews paint a mixed picture, with both positive and negative experiences.
Beycome offers 3 FSBO packages. Prices may vary state-wise.
- Basic Package – $99: This is a basic listing service for experienced sellers. You get services like a local MLS listing, unlimited updates, an open house scheduler, etc.
- Enhanced Package – $399: You get to upload 25 professional HDR pictures. This plan also includes customizable flyers and brochures, promotional items, personalized yard signs, etc.
- Concierge Service – $599+ 1%: This plan is essentially a virtual full-service package. Services include negotiation and paperwork assistance and full marketing support.
👑 The Queen’s Take: Beycome has a user-friendly interface and cost-saving potential. However, their customer reviews paint a mixed picture, with both positive and negative experiences.
👉 Beycome Pros and Cons: Beycome’s pros and cons unveiled!
Beycome is a decent choice for the few states it covers.
- Affordable Basic Package: Beycome offers all basic services and state-required forms for just $99. This is a decent option for experienced sellers who need just a simple listing service.
- Unlimited Listing Changes: You can make any number of changes to your listing at no additional cost.
- Market Exposure: Beycome will list your home on sites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and Coldwell Banker.
Beycome has a few drawbacks that you should be aware of.
- Expensive Add-Ons: A $99 listing is almost always too good to be true. Many costs add up during the closing stage which can completely derail a successful sale.
- Limited Tech: Beycome.com has a basic website. You have to manage leads, inspections, appraisals, etc offline.
- Upselling Title Service: Beycome is known to spam customers to upsell their Title service.
- Limited Coverage: Beycome does not offer nationwide coverage. Currently, Beycome is available only in 10 states.
Beycome has 4.5 out of 5 stars from 500+ reviews on Google Reviews.
» Beycome Reviews: Know what customers have to say about Beycome.
5. Homecoin
4.6/5
(50+ reviews)
Queen's Take
Homecoin offers a single MLS listing package, priced at $95. You can avail of their rental lockbox, professional real estate photographs, or signposts at additional costs.
Homecoin offers a single Flat Fee plan which requires many upgrades.
- Flat Fee MLS Listing – $95: This is a basic MLS listing plan with a 12-month listing term.
Additional Services
- Listing Changes: $5 per change
- Lockbox: $125
- Photography: Varies
- Sign Post: $99
- FSBO Listing: Free
👉 What Is Homecoin: Read to find out more about the company.
Homecoin can be useful for experienced home sellers.
- Affordable Package: Experienced home sellers who don’t require any broker assistance can opt for Homecoin’s $95 listing plan.
- Online Paperwork: You can complete all the required paperwork online for a quick listing.
» Advantages of Using Homecoin: Read this blog to find out.
Homecoin has several shortcomings!
- Expensive Add-Ons: The $95 plan may seem affordable. However, it is only a minimal listing option. For everything else, you must pay extra!
- Limited Tech: Although Homecoin claims to be 100% online, the tech is pretty basic. The dashboard is clunky and does not auto-populate your listing data.
- Limited Coverage: Homecoin is present only in 22 states in America. So, home sellers living outside their coverage area cannot avail of their services.
- Limited Listing Changes: Homecoin provides only 10 MLS listing changes. Every additional change costs $5. This might be an issue if your home does not sell quickly.
Homecoin.com has a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 50+ sellers on Google.
» Homecoin Reviews: Read this to find out more about Homecoin.
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💡 Cheapest Ways to List on MLS: Paying 3% of the purchase price as real estate commission can become an unwelcomed expense if you are an experienced seller. We recommend opting for a Flat Fee MLS Package for listing For Sale By Owner on MLS.
How to List Your House on MLS?
You can list your house on the MLS using several methods, using a full service realtor or a Flat Fee MLS service. However, the steps to listing on the MLS are the same.
Here we can look through the basic steps of “how to list on the MLS”.
- Do Your Research: There are several ways to access the MLS, hiring a real estate agent is just one of them. You should know all your options before proceeding.
- Find What Suits You Best: Most companies offer a range of Flat Fee MLS listing packages, differing in features according to the seller’s experience, the listing term, and MLS coverage.
- Get Professional Photographs: 87% of buyers rely on photographs to make a decision. Accordingly, getting professionally clicked photos of your house can help you sell your house faster.
- Create a Listing: While creating a listing for your local MLS, go with a catchy headline, comprehensive description, and attractive photographs.
- Get listed on MLS: After finalizing these all prospects, forward the same to the listing agent and get your property listed on the MLS.
How to List on MLS Without a Realtor Near You
How Much Does it Cost to List on MLS
The cost of listing on the MLS depends on the method you use. You can pick a full service agent or a flat fee MLS service.
A full service agent will require you to pay a seller agent commission of 2-3%. A flat fee MLS service will get you listed at a flat rate.
However, beware of hidden charges and fees at closing. Some sites may not be upfront about these costs.
Alternatives to Listing on MLS By Owner
There are alternative ways to List on the MLS By Owner, and they are as follows.
- Going Completely FSBO: ‘For Sale By Owner’ refers to selling real estate without the assistance of a real estate agent or broker. Many For Sale By Owner MLS listing services like Houzeo, Zillow, Craigslist, and ForSaleByOwner.com offer free listings on their respective websites.
- Discount Real Estate Brokers: A discount real estate broker offers all the services that a traditional real estate agent does for a fraction of the cost. They typically sell your house for a 1% commission compared to the 2.5% to 3% charged by a traditional real estate agent charges.
» Creative Ways to Market an FSBO House: Find out 18 Creative Ways to Market a House For Sale By Owner Homes.
How to List on MLS via Houzeo.com?
List your home on MLS via Houzeo.com in 4 simple steps!
- Start Your FREE Listing: On your browser, go to Houzeo.com and click on “Start Free Listing” at the top right corner.
- Add Information About the Property & Photos: Register, and on your Houzeo dashboard click “Sell a Property“. Provide your property information, select a buyer agent commission, and upload photos.
- Choose a Listing Plan: Houzeo offers 4 MLS listing packages. We recommend the GOLD package as it will give you access to all of Houzeo’s technologically advanced features, like listing management, scheduling showings, and offer and lead management.
- Complete the Listing Documents: Listing docs will be automatically assigned to you based on your listing agent, property type, and local MLS. Completing the listing paperwork will take about 20 to 30 minutes.
If everything is in order, your listing will be live on your local MLS within 24-48 hours!
Level up Your Listing Game with Houzeo!
Choose Houzeo to get the best market exposure and powerful tools to navigate the MLS journey.
START YOUR MLS LISTING NOW
Final Word
Listing in the MLS is a great way to boost the sale of your property. However, it can be expensive as access to MLS is restricted to real estate agents.
Even if you are new to selling, listing on MLS for sale by owner with a Flat Fee MLS broker like Houzeo can gain you profit.
» Houzeo Reviews: Check out what FSBO sellers have to say about listing with Houzeo.com
Frequently Asked Questions about Listing on MLS
1. Is Flat Fee MLS legal?
Flat Fee MLS is legal all over the United States. In fact, the US Department of Justice just updated their bulletin highlighting the benefits of Flat Fee MLS for For Sale By Owner home sellers.
2. Are Flat Fee Realtors good?
Some home sellers assume that since flat-fee realtors are working for lower fees they might not provide you with good services but there are thousands of home sellers who’ve already tried these flat-fee realtors and they have saved thousands of dollar with the best services!
3. Can I request to add open houses easily?
Our IntelliList Listing Management system makes requesting open houses to be added a breeze!
4. How much money can I actually save?
You can save up to 100% of the real estate commissions! With the Flat Fee MLS listing on Houzeo, you save the 3% listing agent commission. You’re obligated to pay the buyer’s agent the commission you offered if they’re represented by an agent, but if you procure a buyer with no agent involved, you can save even that!
5. How to sell your house in 2024?
If you want to sell your home in 2024, you must follow these tips:
1. List on MLS.
2. Offer a competitive buyer's agent commission.
3. Set a competitive pricing for your house.
4. Use professional photography.
» List on America’s #1 FSBO Site and save thousands of commission.
6. Do I need to sign a contract to list my home on MLS?
Yes, but these contracts for Flat Fee MLS listings are generally “entry-only”. That means they’re limited to the agent entering your listing into the MLS. And they can be canceled/terminated anytime with no penalty!
7. Can you list rentals on the MLS?
Yes, you can list rentals on the MLS. Listing rentals on the MLS can boost your visibility and give you a competitive edge. Accordingly, you can close the rental transaction faster.
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