The best flat-fee MLS services | Other ways to save | Additional resources
If you’re selling your home for sale by owner (FSBO) in Chicago, 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 Illinois is approximately 3%. Based on the median sale price for Chicago homes — which as of May 31, 2021 was $269,000 — that translates to about $8,070.
In contrast, you'll pay between $79 and $795 to list your home with flat-fee MLS companies in Chicago. 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 Chicago 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 Chicago.
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 Chicago realtor so you can sell for top dollar!
💰 SAVE: List with a full-service agent for just $3,000 or 1%
The best Chicago flat-fee MLS companies
Every Chicago 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
MLS Town
MLS TownPrice Range
$175-295
Number of Photos
1-25
Listing Term
4-12 months
- MLS Town is a licensed, Chicago real estate brokerage that specializes in flat-fee MLS listing services
- You set buyer’s agent commission (MLS Town recommends 2.5%)
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- Unlimited listing changes and open house postings
- Listing is live within 24-48 hours
- Offers money-back guarantee if you decide to list with a full-service agent referred by MLS Town
$175 - 4 Month package
- 4-month listing on MLS
- Syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more
- 1 exterior photo
- Unlimited open house postings
- Unlimited listing changes
- Free sales contracts and required forms
- No cancellation fee
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
$295 - 12 Month package
- Same as 4 Month package, plus:
- 12-month listing on MLS
- 25 photos
A-la-carte services include yard signs, lockboxes, professional photography, floor plan, and appointment setting
Pros
- Unlimited listing changes and open house postings
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- No cancellation fee
- Offers money-back guarantee if you decide to list with a full-service agent referred by MLS Town
Cons
- Only 1 exterior photo in base package
- No built-in home valuation
As of August 17, 2020, MLS Town has an average rating of 5/5 based on 30 reviews on Google.
Prello Realty
Prello RealtyPrice Range
$295-795
Number of Photos
25
Listing Term
6 months up to until sold
- Prello Realty is a licensed, Illinois real estate brokerage that specializes in flat-fee MLS listing services
- You set buyer’s agent commission (Prello Realty recommends 2.5% to 3%)
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- Unlimited listing changes
- Unlimited open house postings
- Contracts and disclosures
- A-la-carte services include signs, lockboxes, brochure boxes, and more
- Offers money-back guarantee if you decide to list with a full-service agent referred by Prello Realty
$295 - MLS Basic Package
| $495 - MLS Plus Package
|
A-la-carte services include signs, lockboxes, brochure boxes, and more
Pros
- Offers money-back guarantee if you decide to list with a full-service agent referred by Prello Realty
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- Unlimited listing changes
- Unlimited open house postings
Cons
- Doesn’t offer full coverage in Illinois — see website for details on specific MLS access
- No built-in home valuation or market analysis
Mentor Listing
Mentor Listing RealtyPrice Range
$299-399
Number of Photos
1-25
Listing Term
6 months
- Mentor Listing Realty is a licensed real estate brokerage that specializes in flat-fee MLS listing services in Indiana and Illinois
- Unlimited listing changes
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- No cancellation fee
- Unlimited open house postings
- Broker support and assistance
- As of August 17, 2020, Mentor Listing Realtor is a member of MLSs in 62 counties in Indiana and 10 counties in Illinois
- A-la-carte services include signs, lockboxes, market surveys, flyers, and full representation options
$299 - Basic package
| $349 - Standard package
$399 - Premium package
|
A-la-carte services include signs, lockboxes, market surveys, flyers, full representation options, and listing renewal
Due to Indiana state laws, listing agent is required to attend closing, and an additional $200 is due at closing
Pros
- Unlimited listing changes
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- No cancellation fee
- Unlimited open house postings
- Broker support and assistance
Cons
- As of August 17, 2020, Mentor Listing Realtor is a member of MLSs in 62 counties in Indiana and 10 counties in Illinois
- Only 1 photo in base package
- Additional $200 closing fee in Indiana
National flat-fee MLS services in Chicago
Didn't find a great option in local flat-fee MLS companies? These national brands operate in the Chicago area, too.
Flat Fee Realty
Flat Fee RealtyPrice Range
$199
Number of Photos
Listing Term
6 months
- Flat Fee Realty is a nationwide flat-fee MLS referral service, licensed in Connecticut, that connects you with Illinois 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 - MLS Listing package
- 6-month listing on MLS
- Syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more
- 6 Photos
- Free state disclosures
- Unlimited listing changes
- No cancellation fee
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
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
$199-399
Number of Photos
6 to max allowed
Listing Term
3-6 months
- Houzeo is a flat-fee MLS referral service that connects you with Illinois 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
$199 - 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’s 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 Chicago
To sell your home for top price, it’s important to weigh all of your options before making a final decision. A Chicago 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.