If you're selling your home for sale by owner (FSBO) in Rhode Island, 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 the The Ocean State is approximately 3%. Based on the median sale price for Rhode Island homes, as of November 2019, that translates to about $9,090.
In contrast, typical rates for flat-fee MLS companies in Rhode Island are in the $79 to $999 range. 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 Rhode Island 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 the state of Rhode Island.
Top Rhode Island Flat-Fee MLS Companies in 2020
Entry Only
Entry OnlyPrice Range
$399-999
Number of Photos
20
Listing Term
6 months
- Entry Only is a real estate brokerage licensed in CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT that specializes in flat-fee MLS services
- You set the buyers commission (1% minimum) and pay no commission if you find the buyer
- Buyer and agent inquiries forwarded to you
- Free cancelation anytime
- Free, unlimited photo edits
- A variety of a-la-carte services like additional photos, longer listing contracts, listing on a second MLS, custom yard sign, lockbox, custom domain name, and more
$399 - Basic
| $699 - Enhanced
$999 - Premium
|
Available a-la-carte services include: more photos, longer listing contract, listing on a second MLS, custom yard sign, lockbox, custom domain name, and more
Pros
- Work directly with a local broker, not a referral service
- Free cancelation anytime
- 24/7 receptionist
- Double money back guarantee if you decide to sell with a realtor Entry Only refers you to (up to $999)
Cons
- No built-in home valuation or CMA
As of August 5, 2020, Entry Only has an average rating of 4.9/5 based on 529 reviews across Trustpilot, Google, and Facebook.
- Trustpilot: 4.9/5 (345 reviews)
- Google: 4.9/5 (103 reviews)
- Facebook: 5/5 (81 reviews)
- BBB: A
MLS Island Rhode Island
MLS IslandPrice Range
$299
Number of Photos
Unlimited
Listing Term
6 months
- MLS Island Rhode Island is part of the MLS Island network, a nationwide flat-fee MLS service
- Phone support and advice 7 days a week
- Pay no commission if you find a buyer
- All state-required documents and forms included
- Lists to the Rhode Island statewide MLS
- $299
- 6-month listing on MLS
- Syndicated to Realtor.com, RILiving.com, Homes.com, and more
- Unlimited photos
- Downloadable contracts and forms
- Professional advice and phone support
- Free open house management
Pros
- Covers all of Rhode Island
- Buyers and agents contact you directly (who find your listing on statewidemls.com, Realtor.com, RILiving.com, Homes.com, etc.)
Cons
- Limited options — only one listing package available
- No built-in support or review with contracts, disclosures, counteroffers, etc.
- Limited information available on the website (policy on listing changes and cancellations, how much — contact service directly for more details
N/A — as of January 13, 2020, no third-party review information was available for MLS Island. We will update when this information becomes available.
beycome
beycomePrice Range
$99-299
Number of Photos
36
Listing Term
Until sold
- Beycome is a real estate brokerage that offers flat-fee MLS listing services to for sale by owner (FSBO) sellers in Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Georgia, and Rhode Island.
- Beycome’s lower-tier programs are also offered in California and South Carolina.
- Listing will be syndicated on other sites like Realtor.com, Zillow, Redfin, IDX, and more
- Listing typically goes live within 36 hours
- Unlimited changes, photos, and no expiration on listing term
- Built-in comparative market analysis (CMA) tools
- Offers a 90-day money-back guarantee
$99 - Flat Fee MLS
| $199 - Flat Fee MLS Premium
|
Pros
- All inquiries and leads directly forwarded to you
- Built-in home valuation tools
- Unlimited listing term
- 90-day money-back guarantee (unless you close, are under contract, or you receive at least 2 legitimate offers)
- Live customer support
Cons
- While beycome offers more built-in services than most flat-fee MLS companies, you’ll still get limited service and support with your listing
- Free downloads for forms and documents, but no support or legal oversight
- Flat Fee MLS Max package not offered in California or South Carolina
As of July 31, 2020, Beycome has an average rating of 4.4/5 based on 228 reviews across Zillow, Facebook, and Google.
National Flat-Fee MLS Services & Brokers Operating in Rhode Island
FSBO.com
FSBO.comPrice Range
$399.95
Number of Photos
20
Listing Term
6 months
- FSBO.com is a flat-fee MLS referral service that connects you with licensed brokerage MLSmart Realty, LLC. MLSmart Realty then refers you to a regional Rhode Island broker who will list your home on your local MLS for a pre-negotiated rate
- Set your own buyer’s agent commission (FSBO.com recommends 2-3%)
- Edit or cancel anytime (may include an additional fee)
- A-la-carte services include custom yard sign, same day MLS entry, listing on a secondary MLS, Realtor.com Showcase listing, negotiation services, and more
$399.95 - Rhode Island Flat Fee MLS
- 6-month listing on MLS
- Syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more
- Up to 20 MLS photos
- FSBO.com Listing
- Unlimited photos on FSBO.com
- Video Upload on FSBO.com
A-la-carte options (purchased directly from local broker) include: custom yard sign, same day MLS entry, listing on a secondary MLS, Realtor.com Showcase listing, negotiation services, and more
Pros
- Set your own buyer’s agent commission
- A-la-carte services available
Cons
- Only one package to choose from
- No home valuation included
As of August 12, 2020, FSBO.com has an average rating of 4.9/5 based on 26 reviews on Zillow and an A+ rating with Better Business Bureau.
Note: As a referral service, the reviews and service quality of your local FSBO.com broker may vary. Be sure to research your broker before signing a listing agreement.
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 Rhode Island 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 7, 2020, Houzeo has an average rating of 4.8/5 based on 21 reviews on Google.
Alternatives to Flat-Fee MLS in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island real estate market is increasing rapidly. According to Zillow, the median home value rose 3.4% over the past year and is expected to see an increase of 4.1% in 2020. 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