8 Best Flat Fee MLS Texas Listing Services (2023)

What is the MLS? | What to consider before using a flat fee MLS service | Other ways to save on realtor commissions

8 best flat fee MLS listing services in Texas

Unreal Estate: Best for price for sellers

Pros

• Three budget-friendly flat fee options to choose from.
• Flexibility to determine the commission for a buyer's agent.
• Listings remain active for a minimum of six months.

Cons

• Only the premium plan fulfills all our criteria for essential service quality.
• Concierge service information is challenging to locate.
• No packages provide the maximum number of listing photos.

👋 Sell FSBO and save thousands on agent commission List your house for sale using Unreal Estate today for as low as $99.

Unreal Estate fees and services

Unreal Estate, previously known as USRealty, has been conducting business since 2007. The company operates in 33 states and Washington, DC.

Customers have given Unreal Estate an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on over 230 reviews across platforms like Google, Trustpilot, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Some reviewers say they would use the service again after saving thousands of dollars on commission. Others complained about hidden fees and the quality of customer service.

The Basic plan is priced at $99 and includes 15 photos and a listing on the MLS for 6–12 months. More expensive plans offer nice-to-have additional features, such as automated call forwarding and unlimited listing edits. If you choose to cancel your listing, you won't have to pay a fee.

ISoldMyHouse.com: Best for experienced sellers

Pros

• The process is 100% online.
• The company has an online resource guide for selling FSBO.
• Both plans allow you to schedule open houses.

Cons

• The cost of upgrades can quickly add up.
• The entry-level package only allows up to 10 photos, which can limit the potential buyers see.
• The packages are more expensive than other flat fee MLS options in Texas.

ISoldMyHouse.com fees and services

ISoldMyHouse.com offers two affordable, basic MLS listing plans that may work well for experienced sellers. While it has an online resource guide to help FSBO sellers, first-time sellers may need more expert support than these services provide.

Add-on services are available, like a lockbox, custom printed yard sign, or featured listing, but these upgrades can quickly add up.

Online reviews are positive, with reviewers experiencing prompt and professional customer service, an easy listing process, and traffic to their listing.

You can make changes to your listing using the Get Support page. Additionally, you can get a refund (minus a $10 credit card processing fee) if the request is placed before the listing is entered on the MLS. Some other exclusions may apply.

Flat Fee Group: Best for sellers wanting realtor support

Pros

• All plans include the maximum number of photos allowed by the MLS.
• The ShowingTime app is included on all plans, making appointment scheduling easier.
• Sellers who choose a full service plan work with a licensed, local broker.

Cons

• The $299 Full Service plan includes $1,999 due at closing.
• There are few differences between the three full-service plans.

Flat Fee Group fees and services

Flat Fee Group is a nationwide company that provides local independent real estate brokers, so no middleman is involved. The two Full Service plans include direct agent involvement.

Online reviews are positive. Reviewers had a high-quality experience with professional and responsive customer service. Many people are repeat customers.

You can cancel and relist with another agent, but it isn’t clear if there are any associated fees.

Congress Realty: Best for sellers willing to pay for quality customer service

Pros

• ShowingTime and DocuSign are included on all plans.
• Unique add-ons include electronic lockboxes and social media marketing.
• Higher-level plans include automatic call forwarding, so buyer leads go straight to your phone.

Cons

• Basic plans allow only limited photos and listing changes and don't include automated phone lead forwarding.
• Plans start at $299, making this one of the pricier options for an entry-level listing.
• Sales comps and agent support are only available on the Full Service plan.

Congress Realty fees and services

Congress Realty offers four plans and several add-ons, although those extras can add up quickly. The company is licensed in the states where it operates, so customers work with local brokers. The Full Service plan is the only package that includes agent support.

The Basic and Plus plans are limited and include some restrictions (like the number of photos allowed or the number of changes to the listing) that some competitors don't have.

One add-on is Professional Document Services for $500. But you may be able to find a competitor plan that includes that service and more for the same or less.

Online reviews are positive. Reviewers experienced high-quality and professional customer service and prompt, knowledgeable responses.

A cancellation policy isn’t on the website, but the company claims that it's committed to resolving any issues with your listing — and reviews seem to support this claim

Creekview Realty: Best for inexperienced sellers

Pros

• The company is highly rated by customers.
• Plans include an electronic lockbox (with a deposit), plus professional photography and a comparative market analysis (for a fee).
• The four-step online process is easy and straightforward.

Cons

• Its basic listing plan is twice as expensive as others on the list.
• Optional upgrades can add up quickly, especially if you select Plan B.

Creekview Realty fees and services

Creekview Realty offers two plans: one MLS listing only and one full service. The website provides only limited details about the services included in Plan A, which is expensive compared to other MLS listing only services. If interested, we encourage you to talk with customer service before signing a listing agreement to make sure the service fits your needs.

Plan B offers full agent support, such as handling contracts, negotiations, and documentation, which may be helpful for inexperienced sellers who want agent support at a flat fee rate.

Online reviews are positive, with reviewers claiming high-quality, professional customer service and an easy process.

According to the website, you can cancel anytime, but it's unclear if there's a cancellation fees.

Flat Fee By You: Best for experienced sellers wanting a cheap bare-bones listing

Pros

• The company offers a basic, no-frills MLS plan.
• All plans include a six-month listing term, access to ShowingTime, and a comparative market analysis (CMA).
• All plans include access to Zipforms service for easy electronic signatures on documents.

Cons

• Online reviews are low, with negative reviews reporting poor customer service.
• For lease/rental orders do not include form support, yard signs, ShowingTime, and Zillow websites.

Flat Fee By You fees and services

Flat Fee By You offers no-frills, low-cost MLS listing services. The entry-level plan may be best for selling lots or properties that don’t need many photos. While the Best and Premium plans include a free broker consultation, the company is likely better for experienced sellers who don’t need as much agent support.

Online reviews are limited but low overall. Many reviewers report experiencing poor customer service and that the process did not proceed as described on the website. There was also some confusion about fees.

If you’re interested in using Flat Fee By You, we recommend interviewing the broker first before signing a listing agreement. Ask about any fees, like whether Flat Fee By You takes any percentage of the buyer’s agent fee and what to expect from the free broker consultation.

Texas MLS Broker: Best for sellers wanting to sell a lease

Pros

• All plans work for properties that are for sale or lease.
• All packages include a comparative market analysis (CMA).

Cons

• Broker advice on higher-tier plans is only through email.
• Expedited service for same-day listing is extra ($250).
• Entry-level plan only provides a three-month listing term.

Texas MLS Broker fees and services

Texas MLS Broker is affordable but may be best for experienced sellers. While the higher-tier plans include contract review and some agent support, the advice is by email only, which may not work for some customers who want to discuss the information. All packages include a comparative market analysis, which can help with pricing.

Online reviews are limited and varied. For instance, one-star reviews report slow customer service and errors in the listing that took several days to correct. Five-star reviews report an easy process and quick sales.

We recommend talking with the broker before signing a listing agreement to make sure the service is a good fit for you.

Unless your listing is under contract, you can cancel anytime.

Houzeo: Best for sellers wanting a national brand

Pros

• The process is 100% online, which is convenient for many sellers.
• You can complete and submit paperwork using the Houzeo mobile app (except with the Bronze package).
• Unlimited listing changes and open houses are available on most plans (except with the Bronze package).

Cons

• Its entry-level package charges $25 per listing change.
• The call forwarding service isn’t available on lower-priced plans.

Houzeo fees and services

Houzeo is a national, proven brand, which may appeal to some sellers. Houzeo’s online platform is streamlined and easy to use, and most plans include a convenient mobile app. Broker support is all completed virtually, and higher-tier plans include a percentage (0.5% or 1%) due at closing in addition to the flat fee.

Online reviews are largely positive, indicating quality, professional customer service. Some negative reviews report unexpected fees and difficulties when canceling a listing.

You can cancel your MLS listing anytime as long as it’s not under contract. A $25 termination fee may apply.

What is a flat fee MLS listing service?

A flat fee MLS listing service charges a set rate (usually $99–599) to list your home on the local multiple listing service (MLS). The MLS is a database of property listings that only licensed real estate agents and brokers can access. Getting listed on the MLS means getting your property seen by local agents and potential buyers across sites like Zillow and Realtor.com.

Using a flat fee MLS listing service instead of a traditional listing agent could save you thousands on realtor fees. It's a good option for experienced sellers.

But getting a flat fee MLS listing comes with trade-offs. Homes sold without a realtor tend to sell for less, negating a lot of the commission savings. And sellers sometimes get stuck with flat fee listing brokers who don't forward buyer leads or respond quickly.

For many sellers, there are better alternatives that let you save on realtor fees while still getting support from a Texas agent. For instance, you can use a reputable discount real estate broker that provides traditional realtor services — but for a more competitive commission rate, often as low as 1–2%.

» SAVE: Get a quality, full-service agent for half the typical commission

What to consider before hiring a flat fee MLS service

Before using a flat fee MLS service, consider these questions:

• How savvy are you at negotiating?
• How familiar are you with home-selling laws in your state?
• How much of the sale process are you willing to handle on your own?

If you think that selling without a realtor is right for you, you can benefit from using a good flat fee MLS listing service — just be sure to fully consider the trade-offs.

Potential benefits

You can control the process

Since you’re selling FSBO, you're in charge of the marketing, showings, and negotiations. This can make the experience more personal for you and the buyer.

You get online exposure for your listing

Using a flat fee MLS listing service gets your home on the Texas MLS and popular home-buying websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin. Having this exposure will make your listing easy for agents and buyers to find, especially considering that 96% of buyers use these online resources in their home search.

You save on listing fees

A flat fee listing service may cost you only $99–499 for a basic plan. A Texas listing agent would likely cost you thousands in commission.

You can choose the services you need

Many flat fee MLS companies have different packages so you can find the level of support you need to sell your home. A less experienced seller could look for packages that provide some agent support on offer and contract reviews. But more experienced sellers may only need a bare-bones listing.

Potential drawbacks

You risk a lower sale price

Homes sold without a real estate agent tend to sell for significantly less than those sold with an agent. In 2022, the typical FSBO home sold for just $225,000 — a full $120,000 below the median sale price of homes sold through an agent.

You may miss leads

Your contact information will be hidden in the "agents remarks" section of the MLS, which is only visible to agents. You'll get most leads through your broker, but not all brokers are quick to forward leads. Look out for customer reviews that note a lack of lead activity despite a high number of property views.

You still need to pay a buyer's agent commission

Most buyers work with an agent, and sellers usually pay for that agent. It's in your best interest to offer a standard buyer’s agent commission (usually 2.5–3%). Most buyers can't afford to pay their agents out of pocket, so they'll likely pass over your home if you require them to pay that fee.

You may face hidden fees

Flat fee MLS companies are somewhat notorious for charging hidden fees on top of the flat fee you pay upfront. Some charge a fee for necessary features like listing changes or collect an extra 0.5–1% at closing. Others retain part of the buyer's agent commission (which you pay) for themselves. Look out for customer reviews that mention hidden fees.

You're on your own

When you list with a flat fee MLS service, you're essentially selling your home by owner. You're in charge of pricing, marketing, photography, showings, open houses, offer reviews, negotiations, closing paperwork, and more.

Flat fee MLS listing fees may be higher in Texas

In minimum service states like Texas, real estate brokers — including flat fee MLS companies — are required by law to provide certain services to their clients throughout the home-selling process. As a result, you may have to pay more to list with a flat fee MLS provider in these states.

Given the potential risks and additional costs, it may be worth exploring alternative ways to save on realtor commissions in Texas.

Texas flat fee MLS listing services by city

In Texas, you'll also find some smaller flat fee MLS companies that operate in certain cities. These local companies are more likely to offer flexible service packages and have more area expertise than the national brands.

How to list on the MLS by owner in Texas

Top alternatives to a flat fee MLS listing service in Texas

Sell with a discount broker

The best discount realtors offer the same services as a traditional real estate agent, but at a much more competitive rate — as little as 1–1.5%.

For most sellers in Texas, Clever Real Estate offers the best value. When you request an agent through Clever, it sends you multiple agent matches from well-known brokerages like Keller Williams, Berkshire Hathaway, and RE/MAX.

Every agent in Clever's network is hand-selected based on experience, sales performance, customer ratings, and local market knowledge — so you know you're getting a quality agent in your corner.

Once you select an agent, they'll take care of the details — including pricing, marketing, showings, negotiations, and closing paperwork. Better yet, they'll sell your home for a 1.5% listing fee (about half the typical rate).

Sell with a flat fee realtor

Instead of working on commission, flat fee brokers offer a set rate. The rate can vary from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

Depending on your home's sale price, you could save a lot of money using a flat fee realtor. For example, you could pay a flat $5,000 listing fee on a million-dollar home instead of the traditional 3%, which would be $30,000.

But you might not receive the same level of service as you would with a full-service discount broker.

If you decide to go with a flat fee realtor, consider whether you want an agent who works for a national brand or a local Texas realtor who may be more familiar with your local market.

» MORE: The Best Flat Fee Real Estate Agents and Brokers

Try selling 'for sale by owner' without an MLS listing

Technically, it’s possible to sell your house without listing it on the MLS. But this method usually only works if you already have a buyer lined up.

Without a Texas MLS listing, fewer buyers will know your house is for sale. The MLS is the main way real estate agents find properties for their clients. It also guarantees that your listing gets on popular home-buying websites, including Zillow.

If you forgo an MLS listing, you’ll have to rely on less-effective sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Or you can hope that a buyer sees the "for sale" sign in your yard.

» LEARN: FSBO vs. Realtor Facts and Statistics

FAQ about flat fee MLS listings in Texas

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