The best MLS services | FAQs about flat fee MLS companies | Other ways to save on your sale
Whether you're selling a quarry cottage in Little Rock or a ranch in Fort Smith, 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 Arkansas, you’re on the hook for 2.36% to 3.09% 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 Arkansas! 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 Arkansas, read on! We’ve reviewed the best (and worst!) services in The Natural State.
The 5 best Arkansas flat fee MLS companies*
Flat Fee Realty Northwest Arkansas | Small Fee Realty | Flat Fee Group | Flat Fee Realty | Houzeo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price range | $299 | $375–750 | $499 | $299 | $279–399 |
Money-back guarantee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Unlimited listing updates | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | 💰 |
Downloadable forms | ❌ | 💰 | 💰 | ✅ | 💰 |
For sale sign | ✅ | ✅ | 💰 | ❌ | 💰 |
Lockbox | ❌ | 💰 | 💰 | ❌ | ❌ |
* 💰 indicates extra fee or premium purchase required | |||||
Flat Fee Realty Northwest Arkansas
Flat Fee Realty Northwest ArkansasBest For
Inexperienced sellers looking for a-la-carte marketing options.
Price Range
$299
Pros:
- Offers services for various property types.
Cons:
- Key benefits aren't listed upfront, you have to sign up.
Small Fee Realty, LLC.
Small Fee RealtyBest For
Sellers who anticipate their home selling quickly.
Price Range
$375-750
Pros:
- Includes a 1% listing commission package with no upfront fee.
- Payment options are available for the premium package.
- Provides the option for a realtor to handle showings for your home or to do it yourself.
Cons:
- Seller representation fee of 0.75% is due at closing.
Flat Fee Group Arkansas
Flat Fee GroupBest For
Experienced sellers who need only a basic MLS listing
Price Range
$299-499
Pros:
- You can set up a free FSBO web page along with your MLS listing.
- Includes a 1% listing commission package with no upfront fee.
- Home is listed until sold and you can cancel the listing at any time (unless the home is under contract.)
Cons:
- Does not include professional photos in the basic package, which some competitors include.
Flat Fee Realty Arkansas
Flat Fee RealtyBest For
Sellers who are certain their home will sell quickly.
Price Range
$199
Pros:
- Offers free state disclosures and status/price changes.
- Ability to cancel at any time.
Cons:
- Photos cost an additional fee of $50.
- Fewer website listings compared to competitors in the area.
Houzeo Arkansas
HouzeoBest For
Sellers looking for a lot of a-la-carte options
Price Range
$279-399
Pros:
- You can fill out, sign, and submit all your seller's paperwork on the Houzeo app.
- When you enter your address, Houzeo auto-fills publicly available data about your property.
- Houzeo lets you buy additional services like contract reviews, agent showings, and professional showings a la carte.
Cons:
- You have to pay extra for pricing assistance — several local competitors offer this for free.
- You're limited to 10 free changes for price, status, and description in their two most popular packages. Most competitors offer unlimited free changes.
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 upfront flat fee.
Further, some flat fee MLS companies offer à 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 Arkansas?
Typically, you should expect to pay about $300-500 for a flat fee MLS listing in Arkansas. However, we've seen basic plans for as low as $280 and more comprehensive services that charge as much as $750.
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 2.35% to 3.08% 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 buyer's agent commissions in Arkansas range from 2.36% to 3.09%.
» READ: Average Real Estate Commission in Arkansas
How do I sell by owner in Arkansas?
Arkansas is a "buyer beware" state, which means sellers are not legally required to make disclosures — outside of those required by federal law. However, many sellers still disclose aspects of their property in order to put buyers at ease.
Common disclosures for sellers include:
- Building and safety information
- Utilities
- Environmental information (like erosion, noise pollution, and whether it's in a flood plain)
- Sewer and wastewater treatment
» READ: How to Sell a House for Sale by Owner in Arkansas
What are the alternatives to using a flat fee MLS service in Arkansas?
Discount and flat fee real estate agents
Discount real estate brokers will list your property for as little as 1% — but keep 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 Arkansas.
In Arkansas, Clever offers low 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, helping you accurately price your home, get high-quality photography, negotiate with prospective buyers, and complete paperwork.
You'll pay only a little more than you'd pay a flat fee MLS service, but you'll save hours of effort by not having to do everything 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.