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 without breaking the bank.
The average commission rate for full-service listing agents in America's Finest City is approximately 3%. Based on the median sale price for San Diego homes, as of January 2020, that translates to about $18,180.
In contrast, typical rates for flat-fee MLS companies in San Diego are in between $49-$999. Nationwide, the most basic plans can be as low as $50 to $99, while more comprehensive services range upwards of $1,000 to $3,000.
It's important to remember that every San Diego flat-fee MLS service is different. When evaluating offerings, be sure to read the fine print: look at things like the length of the listing term (and how much it costs to extend); whether there's a fee to make changes to your listing; how many photos are allowed; the policy on buyer's agent commission; and more.
>> LEARN more about flat-fee MLS services and how to evaluate them.
To help you make the right choice, Clever has picked some of the top flat-fee MLS services across San Diego.
Top San Diego Flat-Fee MLS Companies in 2020
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
As of August 11, 2020, Realty Connection Group has an average rating of 5/5 based on 5 reviews across Google and Yelp.
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
As of August 6, 2020, Yager Realty has an average rating of 4.6/5 based on 50 reviews across Google and Yelp.
National Flat-Fee MLS Services & Brokers Operating in San Diego
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
As of August 4, 2020, Congress Realty has an average rating of 4.8/5 based on 30 reviews across Yelp and Zillow.
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 in San Diego
The San Diego real estate market is leveling off. According to Redfin, the median sale price rose 6.0% over the past year and is expecting to decline by 0.8% in the next year. To realize your home's full value (or ideally more), it's important to weigh all of your options for selling before making a final decision.
- Flat-Fee Real Estate Agents
- Discount Real Estate Agents
- Low-Commission Real Estate Agents
- 1% Commission Real Estate Agents
- Sell to an iBuyer