The best flat-fee MLS services | Other ways to save | Additional resources
If you’re selling your home for sale by owner (FSBO) in San Diego, hiring a flat-fee MLS service can help you increase your listing’s visibility to potential buyers.
The average commission rate for full-service listing agents in California is approximately 3%. Based on the median sale price for San Diego homes — which as of August 31, 2022 was $833,333 — that translates to about $25,000.
In contrast, you'll pay between $49 and $999 to list your home with flat-fee MLS companies in San Diego. The most basic flat-fee real estate packages will offer little more than a listing on the MLS, but more comprehensive packages could include additional services like help with negotiations and paperwork.
That being said, using a San Diego flat-fee MLS company to sell FSBO comes with additional costs in terms of time, energy, and your final sales price. You'll have to manage your own sale — from scheduling showings to drafting contracts. And, FSBO homes usually sell for 6% less on average than agented properties.
If using a flat-fee MLS company is still the right choice for your sale, we've picked some of the best flat-fee MLS services in San Diego.
But, if you're not ready to sell FSBO, one of your best options is to work with a discount real estate company like Clever. With Clever, you'll only pay 1% or $3,000 to list your home instead of the typical 3%. And, you'll get full-service support from a great San Diego realtor so you can sell for top dollar!
💰 SAVE: List with a full-service agent for just $3,000 or 1%
The best San Diego flat-fee MLS companies
Every San Diego flat-fee MLS service is different. When evaluating the following options, be sure to read the fine print. Look at things like the length of the listing term, fees to change your listing, how many photos you can add, and more.
» MORE: Find out how to evaluate flat-fee MLS services
Karchin
KarchinPrice Range
$300
Number of Photos
Listing Term
Until sold
- Jef Karchin is a California licensed broker who specializes in flat-fee MLS listing services for San Diego, Los Angeles, and other parts of Southern California
- You choose the buyer agent commission (2-3% recommended)
- Listing can be changed once for free
- Agent will visit your home to offer assistance (only in San Diego)
$300 - MLS Listing
|
A-la-carte options include: lockbox rental, virtual tour, sign rental and full closing support.
Pros
- Buying assistance and fee rebate offered if Karchin is used to buy a house after selling
- In-person agent support for San Diego sellers
- Opportunity to add virtual tour within the same platform
Cons
- Only one photo for primary MLS listing
As of August 11, 2020, Jef Karchin has an average rating of 5/5 based on 1 review on Zillow.
Associated Brokers SDC
Associated Brokers SDCPrice Range
$49+
Number of Photos
N/A - information not available
Listing Term
Until sold
- Associated Brokers SDC is a California licensed brokerage that offers MLS listing services in San Diego
- Listed the same day you submit the paperwork
- Free listing changes
- Closing and marketing assistance available for additional fees
- Full-Service option available for 3.9% (including buyer’s agent commission)
$49 - MLS Listing
| 3.9% - Full Service
|
Available closing paperwork packages include:
- $150 - Review of written offers and counter-offer assistance
- $1,500 - Complete representation during closing and escrow assistance
- $3,000 - Completion of all closing paperwork for both buyer and seller (assuming no other agent and FSBO)
Pros
- Free changes
- CMA and pricing assistance offered (upon request)
- Closing paperwork services available for additional costs
Cons
- No physical materials available (flyers, signs, etc.)
As of July 30, 2020 Associated Brokers SDC has an average rating of 5/5 based on 1 review on Google.
Realty Connection Group
Realty Connection GroupPrice Range
$95
Number of Photos
Max. allowed on MLS
Listing Term
12 months
- Realty Connection Group is a Southern California real estate brokerage that offers a variety of home buying and selling services
- Free home valuation provided with all packages
- No minimum buyer’s agent commission (2.5-3% recommended)
- Full Service package available for 1% seller’s agent commission if Realty Connection Group brings the buyer
$95 - Flat Fee MLS Listing
| 1% - Full Service
|
Pros
- Free CMA/valuation included with basic package
- Inquiries go directly to the seller
- Unlimited photos
Cons
- No renewal options
- No refunds
Yager Realty
Yager RealtyPrice Range
$299-$999
Number of MLS Listing Photos
15-45
Listing Term
6 months up to until sold
- Yager Realty is a licensed real estate brokerage that offers flat-fee MLS listings and other for sale by owner (FSBO) services to sellers throughout California
- Downloadable contracts and disclosures included with basic plan (no advice)
- For sale sign and property flyer included with basic plan
- Requires minimum buyers agent commission of 2-3%
- Additional $150 to remove listing from MLS at closing
- Offers an array of a-la-carte services, including lockbox rental, extra photos, home valuations / market reports, open house advertisements, and more
$299 - Bronze Plan
| $999 - Gold Plan
$699 + .75% at closing - Platinum Pan
|
Pros
- Access to 84+ MLSs in CA
- 15 photos included with basic plan
- For sale sign and flyer included
Cons
- Requires minimum buyer’s agent commission of 2-3%
- No coaching or support included with base plan
- $150 fee to remove listing from MLS due at closing
National flat-fee MLS services in San Diego
Didn't find a great option in local flat-fee MLS companies? These national brands operate in the San Diego area, too.
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
Houzeo
HouzeoPrice Range
$79-999
Number of Photos
6 to max allowed
Listing Term
3 months to Until Sold
- Houzeo is a national flat-fee MLS referral service that connects you with local brokers and agents who will list your home on the MLS for a pre-negotiated rate
- Draft your listing, upload photos, set your price, and sign MLS contracts via Houzeo’s 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
$79 - Bronze
| $279 - Gold
|
Houzeo also offers a-la-carte services like professional photography, pricing assistance, contract review, etc.
Packages and prices may differ from market to market. Some states require additional closing fees or have limited services.
Pros
- Free cancellation anytime (no refunds)
- Freedom to specify any buyer’s agent commission
- Listings typically go live within 24 hours
Cons
- Currently limited coverage in IA, KS, MO, MS, NE, ND, SD, WV, and WY
- “Free changes” only apply to listing price, status, and property description; $10 for additional changes
As of August 10, 2020, Houzeo has an average rating of 4.8/5 based on 21 reviews on Google.
Alternatives to Flat-fee MLS services in San Diego
To sell your home for top price, it’s important to weigh all of your options before making a final decision. A San Diego flat-fee MLS company may make the most sense for your sale, or one of these options may work better.
- The Best Low-Commission Real Estate Agents
- What to Know Before Selling to an iBuyer
- How to Sell Your Home to a Cash Buyer
For most sellers, though, working with a company like Clever is the best way to maximize your savings while selling your home for top dollar.