The best flat-fee MLS services | Other ways to save | Additional resources
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 to potential buyers.
The average commission rate for full-service listing agents in Maryland is approximately 3%. Based on the median sale price for Baltimore homes — which as of August 31, 2022 was $354,500 — that translates to about $10,635.
In contrast, you'll pay between $249 and $999 to list your home with flat-fee MLS companies in Baltimore. 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore.
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 1.5% to list your home instead of the typical 3%. And, you'll get full-service support from a great Baltimore realtor so you can sell for top dollar!
💰 SAVE: List with a full-service agent for just 1.5%
The best Baltimore flat-fee MLS companies
Every Baltimore 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
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
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
Mr. Lister Realty
Mr. Lister RealtyPrice Range
$450-650
Number of Photos
20-30
Listing Term
12 months
- 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
| $650 - Sellers Choice
|
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
National flat-fee MLS services in Baltimore
Didn't find a great option in local flat-fee MLS companies? These national brands operate in the Baltimore area, too.
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 services in Baltimore
To sell your home for top price, it’s important to weigh all of your options before making a final decision. A Baltimore 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.