Listing your house on the MLS is a proven way to increase exposure and attract more buyers, with 88% of sellers using it.[1] Traditionally, a real estate agent lists your home on the MLS for a 3% commission. Only licensed realtors have access.
If you're selling without a realtor, you can still get on the MLS through a flat fee MLS listing service. These companies have licensed brokers who list your home on the MLS for a few hundred dollars. But they typically provide minimal support beyond the listing itself.
To help you navigate your options, we’ve reviewed the 5 best flat fee MLS services based on cost, reliability, and features.
But know that selling without a realtor comes with risks. Homes sold without an agent go for about $50,000 less on average than those sold with one.[2]
If you want to save on fees without risking a lower sale price, consider working with a full-service agent who charges a lower rate. Free services like Clever Real Estate can help you quickly find top-rated agents in your area with a 1.5% commission rate. Sellers save an average of $7,000 while still getting expert support and top dollar for their homes.
The best flat fee MLS listing services
Flat fee MLS listing reviews
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Editor's Take
Service packages
Locations
Homecoin is a flat fee MLS listing service that's easy to use. It charges $95 for an MLS listing, and you can purchase additional services à la carte. However, its add-ons are pricey compared to similar companies.
If you want a DIY sale and a no-frills MLS listing, Homecoin offers the best MLS package. But if you need extra services, you're better off looking elsewhere.
Pros
- Highly affordable
- User autonomy in the sales process
- Positive customer feedback
Cons
- Limited support
- Extra fees for additional services
- Availability limited to 22 states
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Editor's Take
Service packages
Locations
HomeZu stands out in the flat fee MLS market with its high customer satisfaction ratings. It typically offers a single MLS package across most states, but some areas benefit from an upgraded premium option, which notably includes a contract review by a licensed agent.
The basic package is well-regarded for its value, allowing for over 25 photos, free cancellations, and listing adjustments. However, extending the listing to 12 months incurs an additional $99 fee. While the contract review option is priced competitively, it's worth noting that only one review is included, with each subsequent review costing $100, potentially adding up for those requiring multiple reviews.
Additionally, HomeZu takes a small percentage (0.1%) of the buyer's agent commission.
Pros
- High customer ratings
- Value-packed basic MLS package
- Free listing modifications and cancellation
Cons
- Premium features can be costly
- Contract Review package isn’t available everywhere
- Retains a small percentage of the buyer's agent fee
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Editor's Take
Service packages
Locations
ISoldMyHouse.com offers homeowners a budget-friendly solution to sell their properties through its flat fee MLS listing service. It has various service levels tailored to sellers' needs, including connections to full-service agents at discounted rates.
Known for its user-friendly platform, the company garners positive reviews for ease of use, commission cost savings, and responsive customer support. However, it may lack the in-person agent support and comprehensive services found with some competitors.
Pros
- Affordable listing options
- Mostly positive customer reviews
- Responsive customer service
Cons
- Basic package lacks comprehensive services
- Primarily online customer service interactions
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Editor's Take
Service packages
Locations
Beycome, based in South Miami since 2020, offers budget-friendly MLS listing packages for sellers. Known for its easy-to-use platform and innovative services, from basic listings to concierge support, it focuses on saving costs and giving control to homeowners.
Customers appreciate its straightforward approach and the savings they achieve, but note the lack of in-person support.
Ideal for tech-savvy users, Beycome may fall short for those seeking full-service real estate guidance. While it offers unique benefits like cashback for buyers, it is recommended that you compare it with other services for a complete picture.
Pros
- Affordable service packages
- User-friendly platform
- Cashback incentives for buyers
Cons
- Limited in-person support
- Not ideal for extensive guidance
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Editor's Take
Service packages
Locations
Unreal Estate has a variety of plans at competitive rates. Its Starter plan gets you on the MLS; you don't have to pay until your house sells. However, this package allows only five photos, which likely isn't enough to properly display your home.
The Basic plan has a reasonable price, but the photo limit is still low at 15, and you have to settle for chat- or email-only support. We think the Deluxe and Premium plans offer the best overall value, since they both have high photo limits.
Note: Clever has partnered with Unreal Estate, so if you use code Clever, Unreal Estate drops the 0.5% charge on its Basic, Deluxe, and Premium plans. Instead, you pay a flat rate of $99, $250, or $450.
Pros
- Only pay for MLS listing if you sell
- User-friendly online platform
- Discount through using Clever referral code
Cons
- Limited photos allowed
- Less personalized support
Flat fee MLS listing services near me
There are hundreds (if not thousands) of flat fee MLS companies in the United States. Some offer services nationwide, while others are local.
A regional service may provide more local market knowledge, more control over your listing, and better communication.
Also, many national services refer you to a local realtor or brokerage. So you might as well skip the intermediary and work directly with a flat fee listing service in your area.
Find your state below to compare flat fee MLS listing services near you.
Should I use a flat fee MLS listing service?
A flat fee MLS listing service may be the right fit if:
- You're a highly experienced seller
- You want a hands-on, DIY sale
- You're in a hot seller's market
- Your home is very desirable because of its location, renovations, etc.
This service is likely not the right fit if:
- You don't have much experience with home sales
- You don't have a lot of time and energy to dedicate to the sale
- You're in a buyer's market, and homes are harder to sell
If you have the know-how to sell for sale by owner (FSBO), a flat fee MLS service can be a valuable tool. This approach offers financial benefits and grants you complete control over the sale process from start to finish.
But if your primary goal is to save money, consider the advantages of using a low-commission agent instead. You can save thousands on realtor commission while still getting full support. You'll have an expert negotiator advocating for your best interests, likely getting you a higher sale price and better terms than you could achieve on your own.
» Find the best low-cost agents near you.
Which flat fee MLS listing service should I use?
When comparing flat fee MLS services, consider your specific needs and goals, because they'll dictate which features matter most to you. We've broken down some of the most important factors when evaluating different companies:
| Feature | Why it's important |
|---|---|
| Cost vs. services | Comparing costs can help you avoid overpaying. Many flat fee MLS listing companies offer similar services at very different price points. And some include extra support at no additional cost, which is especially helpful for first-time sellers. |
| Which MLS? | If the company you choose can't list your home on your local MLS, you may not reach the right audience. You can find out what your local MLS is through the National Association of Realtors. |
| Number of photos | You need comprehensive photos of your home's exterior and interior to market it well. Look for companies that offer 25+ photos. Avoid plans with low limits, like under 10 photos. |
| Listing term | If your house doesn't sell within your initial listing term, you'll have to pay more to keep your MLS listing active. FSBO homes often take longer to sell, so it's wise to have at least a 6-month listing. |
| Help with valuations and home pricing | Some companies help you set a competitive list price, usually via a CMA report. This is a key benefit. Proper pricing requires expertise and local market knowledge, and it's one of the biggest factors in determining how quickly your house sells (or if it sells at all). |
| Ability to make changes to your listing | If you're new to FSBO and still learning how to market your home, being able to change your listing without penalty is helpful. Many companies offer at least some free listing changes. |
| Broker direct or referral service? | Some flat fee MLS companies are just intermediaries that connect you with a local broker. If you work directly with the broker instead, you're more likely to get services and a price consistent with the terms listed when you chose the service. |
| Buyer inquiry forwarding | Some flat fee plans charge extra to automatically forward buyer inquiries to you. Legally, the flat fee MLS company’s contact info must appear on the MLS listing. Without buyer lead forwarding, you'll depend on the company to manually forward buyer inquiries. Lags may cause you to miss out on leads. |
| Cancellation policy | Some MLS listing companies charge a fee to take down your listing. A few also lock you into a listing agreement for a set period of time, which can make it difficult to switch to a full-service agent if you want to. |
| Built-in agent support* | Some companies offer built-in support that can be incredibly valuable to inexperienced home sellers: they'll review contracts, help prepare counteroffers and disclosures, and calculate closing costs. |
| *In states with minimum service requirements, the real estate agent who lists your home on the MLS may be required to provide you with assistance without additional costs. | |
How much does a flat fee MLS listing cost?
The cost of a flat fee MLS listing service depends on what level of service you want. Plans vary, but they may look like this:
| Type of plan | May cost | May include |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $100–400 | 6-month MLS listing 4+ photos Lead forwarding |
| Premium | $400–1,000 | 12-month MLS listing 25+ photos Marketing materials Phone or email support |
| Broker support | $500–1,500 upfront and 0.5–1% at closing | Pricing assistance Help negotiating with buyers Contract review Dedicated agent support |
| Optional add-ons | $25–100 each | "For sale" signs Lockboxes Virtual tours Marketing tools |
The value of each type of plan depends a lot on the company.
For example, ISoldMyHouse.com has a $299 basic plan that includes a 6-month MLS listing, 6–10 photos, and lead forwarding. Homecoin's basic plan costs $95, but you get much more: a 12-month listing, unlimited photos, lead forwarding, and state and federal disclosure forms.
As for premium plans, Beycome's enhanced package costs $399 and includes quite a few marketing tools, including professional photos, custom flyers, a yard sign, a virtual tour, and open house support. Unreal Estate, on the other hand, has a deluxe package costing $139 upfront plus 0.5% at closing, and the only marketing support is a yard sign.
How much can I save with a flat fee MLS listing?
You could save thousands of dollars on real estate commissions by using a flat fee MLS listing service.
Exactly how much you save depends on your home's sale price. Here are some examples at different price points, with a traditional 3% listing agent commission and $300 for a basic flat fee MLS listing.
| Home sale price | 3% listing agent fee | Flat fee MLS listing | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $6,000 | $300 | $5,700 |
| $500,000 | $15,000 | $300 | $14,700 |
| $1,000,000 | $30,000 | $300 | $29,700 |
On the surface, these savings look appealing. But remember that homes sold without an agent sell for about $50,000 less on average than homes represented by an agent.[2] So if you sell on your own and save $10,000 in listing agent fees, but you sell for $50,000 less than you would with an agent, you'd walk away with $40,000 less overall.
What are the pros and cons of a flat fee MLS listing?
Pros
- Save money on realtor commission
- Pay only for the services you need
- More control over your sale
Cons
- Homes sold without a realtor make less
- Deals can fall through during negotiations
- Being your own realtor is hard work
Learn more about these benefits and risks
✅ You can save money on realtor commission
You could save thousands of dollars using a flat fee listing service instead of paying a listing agent commission. Most flat fee MLS listing companies charge just a few hundred dollars — and some no-frills options are less than $100.
By comparison, a traditional listing agent charges around 2.5–3% of the final sale price. On a $500,000 home sale, a 3% commission would cost you $15,000. But be aware that selling without a realtor comes with risks that could mean you lose money in the long run.
✅ You can pay just for the services you need
Many flat fee MLS listing companies let you pick the services you need. In addition to an MLS listing, they often offer à-la-carte services like pricing assistance, lockboxes, yard signs, and marketing materials.
You don't have to pay for services you won't use. For example, if you're comfortable negotiating with buyers but want help with closing, you can opt for a plan that includes support with closing but not negotiations.
✅ You have more control over your sale
If you want control over how your home is priced and marketed, selling without a realtor may be appealing. While it’s more work for you, you get the final say over every step of the home selling process.
This control means you negotiate directly with buyers or buyer's agents. Troy Janes, who sold without a realtor, explains, “We could speak directly with the seller and negotiate the terms of the deal rather than going through the formal, time-consuming process of filling out forms for every little thing.”
❌ Homes sold without a realtor make less
Data from the National Association of Realtors reveals a notable difference in sale prices between homes sold with and without a realtor. On average, sellers using an agent earn over $50,000 more than those who use it alone.[2] Another study reports that agents frequently secure sales at the full asking price, or even higher.[1]
This significant difference in sale prices negates any savings from bypassing the typical 2.5–3% listing agent commission. A realtor's expertise and negotiation skills can be crucial in maximizing your home's sale price.
These homes sell for less for many reasons. DIY sellers can make serious pricing mistakes or fail to negotiate effectively with experienced buyer's agents.
Another factor is buyer agents' reluctance to show flat fee MLS listings. Many assume that working with FSBO sellers is more challenging, as it often requires them to handle tasks typically done by the seller's agent. They may prioritize other listings, resulting in less exposure and competition for FSBO properties, negatively impacting the final sale price.
❌ Deals can fall through during negotiations
Some buyer's agents can be aggressive when negotiating with FSBO sellers. They assume the seller is inexperienced and doesn’t know what a fair deal looks like. As realtor Kristyn Grewell says, “There are some agents that are kind of bulldogs out there, especially when it comes to negotiations after we're under contract, like for repairs.”
Buyer's agents may demand that you make repairs, or they'll walk away. However, if they were dealing with a listing agent, they’d likely show more flexibility. The listing agent could make a counteroffer, such as a home warranty instead of repairs, which sellers are less likely to think of themselves.
Similarly, some FSBO sellers can be too inflexible. Grewell notes: “If you get yourself stuck saying I'm not doing any repairs, and you don't have [an agent] saying, just spend the $1,000 dollars and get this to closing, sometimes [the seller] will get tunnel vision and let a deal go because they're being stubborn.”
❌ Being your own realtor is hard work
When you sell without a realtor, you take on most of the tasks a realtor would do. This includes writing a listing description, pricing your home, taking photos, marketing, hosting showings, negotiating with buyer's agents, and closing.
Even if you choose a pricier flat fee MLS plan with extra support, it'll usually fall short of what you’d get with a full-service realtor. If any issues arise, you'll be responsible for dealing with them. As Grewell says, all of this work can leave FSBO sellers feeling like they’re “just putting out fires and it can be very stressful.”
Flat fee MLS listing vs. full-service realtor
Choosing between a flat fee MLS listing service and a full-service realtor comes down to cost and the level of support you want.
Flat fee MLS services are cheaper, offering basic listing access for 6–12 months. However, you miss out on a realtor's expertise and hands-on service. Many FSBO sellers find the process challenging — about 10% eventually hire an agent after struggling to close the deal.
Flat fee MLS companies provide essential services like MLS access and basic marketing, with optional upgrades for more features. While premium packages can include additional support, the costs often add up, making a discount agent a better value if you want hands-on help.
Full-service agents manage every part of the sale, including pricing, marketing, negotiations, and paperwork. They also vet buyers to prevent deals from falling through. For many sellers, the expertise and peace of mind are worth the commission.
Alternatives to a flat fee MLS listing
Suppose you’re looking to save on real estate agent commission but are wary of the heavy lifting that typically comes with an FSBO listing. In that case, there are several alternative options worth considering.
Sell with a discount real estate broker
Discount realtors provide real estate services for a reduced commission or flat fee. They're a good option to avoid the risks of using a flat fee MLS service but save money on realtor commissions.
Discount real estate brokers are more expensive than flat fee MLS services, but you're more likely to sell for a better price because you’re working with an expert. Many discount realtors offer the same full service as traditional real estate agents, so you don’t need to worry about sacrificing quality for savings.
Sell FSBO without an MLS listing
Technically, you don’t need an MLS listing to sell your house. You can simply advertise it for sale on a few websites. Some of these sites are exclusively for real estate listings, while others have various items for sale.
Free FSBO listing websites include:
- Craigslist
- Facebook Marketplace
- ForSaleByOwner.com
- Zillow
However, selling FSBO without an MLS listing is rarely successful.
Your listing won’t be reposted to other sites like Realtor.com. The only people who see it will be those who visit the particular site you posted on. Also, buyer's agents heavily rely on the MLS to find homes for their clients. If your home isn’t on the MLS, not many buyers or buyer's agents will see it.
Many of the buyers who do visit FSBO websites are real estate investors. They usually want to buy homes for less than market value and flip them for a profit, so they probably won't offer a fair price.
Finally, even if you don't use the MLS, you must still follow local real estate laws and FSBO paperwork requirements.
FAQ about flat fee MLS listing services
What is the best flat fee MLS listing service?
The best flat fee MLS listing service depends on how much experience you have selling homes and how much support you need.
A no-frills plan may be best if you're a highly experienced seller. For example, Homecoin has a $95 flat fee plan for sellers who want a more DIY approach.
If you need more support in certain areas, like contracts or pricing, you should see what add-ons or premium plans are available in your area. For example, HomeZu has a contract review package where an agent reviews your sale agreement before you make it final.
Is a flat fee MLS legal?
Flat fee MLS listings are legal, but some states have minimum service laws that require companies to provide more than an MLS listing. Some states require only a little extra support, while others require much more hands-on service. If you live in a minimum service state, flat fee companies may be more expensive.
States and territories with minimum service mandates include AL, DC, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, MO, OR, TX, UT, WA, and WV. Additionally, DE, FL, NV, NM, OH, PA, TN, and WI have minimum service legislation but allow consumers to waive these requirements if they choose to work with a flat fee MLS service.
Do you need a flat fee MLS listing service to get your home on Zillow?
No. You can post your home for sale by owner (FSBO) on Zillow for free without working with a real estate agent or paying an MLS listing service to list your home for you.
Do flat fee MLS listings work?
Choosing a flat fee service ensures that the greatest number of interested buyers sees your home and is an effective way to save on commission costs. However, having your home seen by buyers is only part of the home selling process.
Unless you're willing to devote the substantial time and effort necessary to sell your home FSBO, you can expect mixed results using a flat fee MLS listing company.
