The best MLS services | FAQ about flat-fee MLS companies | Other ways to save on your sale
Whether you’re selling a home in Anchorage or a cabin near the Artic Circle, paying 6% in realtor fees is a lot.
That’s why some sellers use a flat-fee MLS company to list their home on the MLS — the main place where realtors find homes to show their clients — in exchange for a small one-time fee.
What’s the catch?
- Less support: You manage your own sale — without a full-service agent to handle pricing, photography, paperwork, and negotiations.
- Lower sales price: For sale by owner (FSBO) homes usually sell for significantly less than homes sold by agents — 6% less on average compared to agent-represented properties.
- You still pay a buyer’s agent fee: 88% of buyers work with an agent — who still needs to get paid. In Alaska, you’re on the hook for 2.04%-2.87% of the final sale price.
If you want to save on fees but aren’t ready for a “Do-It-Yourself” experience, Clever can match you with full-service realtors who work for a low flat fee of 1.5%.
Clever is the best alternative to the full DIY approach if you're in Alaska! You'll save thousands on listing fees, while still getting the support you need to sell your home fast AND for top dollar.
» SAVE: List with a full-service agent for just 1.5%
If you’re still interested in finding flat-fee MLS listing options in Alaska, read on! We’ve reviewed the best (and worst!) services in The Last Frontier.
The 5 best Alaska flat-fee MLS companies
Congress Realty
Congress RealtyPrice Range
$299
Number of Photos
Listing Term
6 months
- Congress Realty is a licensed brokerage in Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington that specializes in flat-fee MLS listing services
- Free comparative market analysis (upon request)
- You set buyer’s commission (Congress Realty recommends 3%)
- Listings typically go live in 1 business day
- Free, unlimited changes
- Your phone number displayed on the MLS listing
$299
- 6-month listing on MLS
- Syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more
- 4 photos
- Downloadable contracts, addendums, and disclosure forms
- ShowingTime showing scheduling and feedback service
A-la-carte services include: more photos, open house advertisements, listing renewals, professional photography, yard signs, lockbox, and more.
Pros
- Pay no buyer’s agent commission if you find the buyer
- Free, unlimited changes
- Wide variety of a-la-carte services
- Home buyer rebates if you buy with Congress Realty (in states where available)
Cons
- May not cover every part of your state
- Fewer photos than other comparable flat-fee MLS services
Mr. Alaska Real Estate
Mr. Alaska Real EstatePrice Range
$299
Number of Photos
25+
Listing Term
N/A - information not available
- Mr. Alaska Real Estate (aka Sun Properties LLC) has been serving Alaskan home buyers and sellers since 1996
- Specializes in discount listings, free buyer representation, FSBO services, and flat fee MLS listings
- Also offers contract writeups ($450) and contract review/counter offer writeups ($250), which can be purchased separately
- Buyer’s agent commission required — percentage or fixed dollar amount
$299 - Flat Fee MLS Service
|
Non-MLS, a-la-carte services:
Contract Write-Up - $450
- Turns verbal agreements into professional, written purchase agreement
- Helps with counter offers, addendums, extensions, and more
- Provides required disclosure forms for purchase agreement
- Advises on appraisal and home inspection process
- Provides “Fast Track” briefing to help expedite the loan process
Contract Review and Counter Offer Write-Up - $250
- Will review offer letter and prepare counteroffer
- Unlimited revision cycles, until you and the buyer come to an agreement
Pros
- No restriction on the number of photos you can include in your listing
- Make unlimited changes to your listing with no additional fee
- Can include open houses in your listing
Cons
- Only one pricing tier on offer
As of August 17, 2020, Mr. Alaska Realty does not have any third party reviews, but has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau.
Flat Fee Group
Flat Fee GroupPrice Range
$199-479+
Number of Photos
32
Listing Term
Monthly up to until sold
- Flat Fee Group is a national network of independent brokers that offer flat-fee MLS services in Alaska
- Pay no buyer’s agent commission if you find an unrepresented buyer
- Buyer and agent inquiries forwarded to you
- Contracts, disclosures, and addendums included
$199 - Basic
| $399 - Showcase
$549+0.5% at closing ($1,000 max) - Premium
$479+0.5% at closing - Full Service
|
Pros
- Work directly with the broker, not a referral service
- Buyer inquiries forwarded directly to you
- Pay no commission if you find an unrepresented buyer
Cons
- No information on whether changes are included or cost additional fees. Contact broker for details
As of August 6, 2020, no third-party review information was available for Rick Davis. We will update when this information becomes available.
Flat Fee Realty
Flat Fee RealtyPrice Range
$199 (+ 0.5% at closing)
Number of Photos
Listing Term
Until Sold
- Flat Fee Realty is a nationwide flat-fee MLS referral service, licensed in Connecticut, that connects you with Alaska brokers and agents who will list your home on the MLS for a pre-negotiated rate
- You set buyer’s agent commission
- MLS photo upgrade available for $50
- State disclosures and forms available
- Unlimited listing changes
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- Refund available within 30 days of purchase
$199 + 0.5% at closing - MLS Listing package
- Listed on MLS until sold
- Syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more
- 6 Photos
- Free state disclosures
- Unlimited listing changes
- No cancellation fee
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- Broker assistance
- Transaction guidance
MLS photo upgrade available for $50
Pros
- Unlimited listing changes
- No cancellation fee
- Free state disclosures
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- Refund available within 30 days of purchase
Cons
- No built-in home valuation or market analysis
- Limited coverage in rural areas
As of August 11, 2020, no third-party reviews exist for Flat Fee Realty. We will update when this information becomes available.
Houzeo
HouzeoPrice Range
$245-399
Number of Photos
6 to max allowed
Listing Term
3-6 Months
- Houzeo is a flat-fee MLS referral service that connects you with Alaska brokers and agents who will list your home on your local MLS for a pre-negotiated rate
- Draft your listing, upload photos, set your price, and sign MLS contracts via Houzeo’s online dashboard
- Autofills listing details using publicly available info about your home to expedite the listing process
- Home valuation not included in service
- Does not require that you offer buyer’s agent commission
- Listing is typically live within 24 hours of submission
$245 - Bronze
| $399 - Gold
|
Pros
- Free cancellation anytime (no refunds)
- Freedom to specify any buyer’s agent commission
- Listings typically go live within 24 hours
Cons
- Limited coverage in rural areas
- “Free changes” only apply to listing price, status, and property description; $10 for additional changes
As of August 7, 2020, Houzeo has an average rating of 4.8/5 based on 21 reviews on Google.
Hidden costs of flat-fee MLS companies
Some companies claim to offer flat-rate MLS services but charge "hidden" fees at closing. We've even seen some companies that claim to offer a "free" MLS listing only to charge you a percentage of the sale price at closing.
These predatory practices could cost you thousands of dollars when you expect to pay only a few hundred.
Always make sure to read the fine print for any service. Look out for "closing fees" or "admin fees" that you'll owe the broker in addition to an up-front flat fee.
Further, some flat-fee MLS companies offer a la carte services like photography, paperwork help, and signage. These services can reduce some of your DIY work, but watch out. These add-ons can add up!
At a certain point, you may be better off finding a full-service agent who charges a clear and upfront discounted rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much do flat-fee MLS services cost in Alaska?
Typically, you should expect to pay about $200-500 for a flat-fee MLS listing in Alaska. However, we've seen basic plans for as low as $199 and more comprehensive services that charge as much as $500.
Do I still need to pay the buyer's agent commission?
Although you'll save some money by not having to pay commission to a listing agent (typically 2.13%-2.95% of the sale price), we strongly recommend offering a commission to the buyer's agent. This will incentivize agents to bring their clients to your home.
How much to offer a buyer's agent is up to you, but most selling agent commissions in Alaska range from 2.04%-2.87%.
» READ: Average Real Estate Commission in Alaska
How do I sell by owner in Alaska?
California real estate laws require sellers to disclose all important information about their property, including:
- Building and safety information
- Utilities
- Environmental information (like erosion, noise pollution, and whether it's in a flood plain)
- Sewer and wastewater treatment
You'll share all of this information in the California Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement. Your listing broker will provide this document for you to fill out.
» READ: How to Sell a House for Sale by Owner in Alaska
What are the alternatives to using a flat-fee MLS service in Alaska?
Discount and flat-fee real estate agents
Discount real estate brokers will list your property for as little as 1% — keeping in mind that you usually still have to pay a 2.6–3% buyer’s agent fee.
We’ve reviewed four national and regional discount brokers that operate in Alaska.
In Alaska, Clever offers the lowest rates, with an added advantage: Clever lets you compare multiple agents from major brands like Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX.
Clever matches home sellers like you with pre-vetted, full service agents for only a 1.5% listing fee. That's half the rate agents typically charge, letting you keep thousands more in your pocket when your home sells.
Your Clever agent will handle everything for you, from helping you accurately price your home to high-quality photography to negotiating with prospective buyers and filling out the paperwork.
You'll pay only a little more than you'd pay a flat-fee MLS service but save hours of effort by not having to do it all yourself!
Selling without an MLS listing
It's always possible to try selling your house by owner without listing on the MLS. But this makes sense only if you already have a potential buyer lined up.
That's because not listing on your local MLS means not getting the most effective exposure for your property. MLS listings are posted to every major real estate website. Plus, real estate agents access MLS listings to find properties for their clients.
If you don't secure an MLS listing, you'll be limited to sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace and relying on a yard sign.