If you're selling your home for sale by owner (FSBO) in Baltimore, 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 Charm City is approximately 3%. Based on the median sale price for Baltimore homes, as of January 2020, that translates to about $3,450.
In contrast, typical rates for flat-fee MLS companies in Baltimore are in between $249-$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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore.
Top Baltimore Flat-Fee MLS Companies in 2020
Cottage Street
Cottage Street RealtyPrice Range
$299-999
Number of Photos
8-30
Listing Term
6 months up to until sold
- Cottage Street Realty is a flat-fee MLS service operated by Flat Fee Group, a licensed real estate brokerage in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.
- Contracts, addendums, and disclosures
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- Printable color flyer
- A-la-carte services include signs, market analyses, open house announcements, and more
- Unlimited listing changes can be purchased for $45
$299 - Basic package
| $599 - Premium package
|
A-la-carte services include signs, market analyses, open house announcements, and more
Unlimited listing changes can be purchased for $45
Pros
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- 50 photos in base package
Cons
- $45 for unlimited listing changes
- Market analysis not included in base package
As of August 4, 2020, Cottage Street Realty has an average rating of 5/5 based on 10 reviews across Google, Yelp, and Zillow.
DNK Real Estate
DNK Real EstatePrice Range
$249-799
Number of Photos
6-25
Listing Term
12 months
- DNK Real Estate is a licensed real estate brokerage in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia that specializes in flat-fee MLS listing services
- DNK Real Estate offers flat fee MLS listing services, as well as full- and limited-service real estate agents
- The company offers many a-la-carte services with their flat fee packages, but all their services are non-refundable
- A-la-carte services include: Expedited flat fee mls listing, uploading extra photos, virtual tours, yard signs, realtor lock box, and printable flyers
- It typically takes two to three business days to list with DNK Real Estate
- Buyer’s agent commission isn’t required, but if a buyer’s agent brings a buyer you’re expected to pay their commission fee
- Sales comps are available at certain pricing tiers
$249 - Basic
| $499 - Deluxe
| $799 - Premium
|
Pros
- 1% limited service options available for home sellers that need help with contracts
- Lots of a-la-carte options help home sellers customize the service to their needs
Cons
- Upsells on services that are standard for other flat fee MLS services, e.g., $10 for extra photo uploads, $25 to change listing info, etc.
- Other flat fee MLS services charge less and provide more out of the box
- $2000 non-refundable fee to use access 1% limited-service agent
- Need to pay for sales comps in your area
As of August 4, 2020, DNK Real Estate has an average rating of 4.9/5 based on 10 reviews across Facebook and Zillow.
Mr. Lister Realty
Mr. Lister RealtyPrice Range
$450-$650
Number of Photos
20-30
Listing Term
1 year
- Mr. Lister is a licensed Maryland real estate brokerage that specializes in flat-fee MLS listing services
- Listings typically go live in 24 hours
- Pay no buyer’s agent commission if you find a buyer
- Your phone number included on MLS listing and buyer inquiries forwarded directly to you
- Cancel anytime
- $450 - Quick List
- 1-year listing on MLS
- Syndicated to Realtor.com and numerous other websites
- 20 Photos
- Unlimited agent support
- Sales contract template
- $650 - Sellers Choice
- Same as Quick List package, plus:
- 30 photos
- 2 free listing changes
- Professionally installed yard sign
- 2 open house announcements on MLS and Realtor.com
- Settlement sheet review
- Closing cost estimate
Also offers MLS listing packages for rental properties and vacant land. See website for pricing details
Pros
- Work directly with the broker, not a referral service
- Cancel any time
- Home buyer rebate if you also buy a home with Mr. Lister
Cons
- No free changes with the Quick List package and only 2 with the Sellers Choice
- No built-in home valuation service
As of January 15, 2020:
National Flat-Fee MLS Services & Brokers Operating in Baltimore
One Rate MLS
One Rate MLSPrice Range
$275
Number of Photos
Max allowed by MLS
Listing Term
Until sold
- OneRateMLS is a nationwide 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
- State required disclosures and forms provided
- Buyer leads forwarded directly to you
- No cancellation fees
- Personal property website
- Pre-negotiate buyer’s agent commission
$275 - MLS Pro
|
Pros
- Unlimited photos and listing term for a low price
- Buyer leads are forwarded directly to you
- No cancellation fees
Cons
- No built-in home valuation or market analysis
N/A — as of August 12th, 2020, no third-party review information was available for OneRateMLS. We will update when this information becomes available.
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 Baltimore
The Baltimore real estate market is steadily cooling down. According to Redfin, the median sale price rose 1.0% over the past year and is expected to decline by 2.7% 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