If you're selling your home for sale by owner (FSBO) in Texas, 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 Lone Star State is approximately 3%. Based on the median sale price for Texas homes, as of November 2019, that translates to about $7,410.
In contrast, typical rates for flat-fee MLS companies in Texas are in the $45 to $1,195 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 Texas 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 Texas.
Top Texas Flat-Fee MLS Companies in 2020
Congress Realty
Congress RealtyPrice Range
$299
Number of Photos
4
Listing Term
6 months
- Congress Realty is a licensed brokerage in Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington that specializes in flat-fee MLS listing services
- Free comparative market analysis (upon request)
- You set buyer’s commission (Congress Realty recommends 3%)
- Listings typically go live in 1 business day
- Free, unlimited changes
- Your phone number displayed on the MLS listing
$299
- 6-month listing on MLS
- Syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more
- 4 photos
- Downloadable contracts, addendums, and disclosure forms
- ShowingTime showing scheduling and feedback service
A-la-carte services include: more photos, open house advertisements, listing renewals, professional photography, yard signs, lockbox, and more.
Pros
- Pay no buyer’s agent commission if you find the buyer
- Free, unlimited changes
- Wide variety of a-la-carte services
- Home buyer rebates if you buy with Congress Realty (in states where available)
Cons
- May not cover every part of your state
- Fewer photos than other comparable flat-fee MLS services
As of August 4, 2020, Congress Realty has an average rating of 4.8/5 based on 30 reviews across Yelp and Zillow.
Creekview Realty
Creekview RealtyPrice Range
$495-1,195
Number of Photos
Max allowed on MLS
Listing Term
6 months
- Creekview realty is a licensed real estate brokerage that specializes in MLS listings and other for sale by owner (FSBO) services across Texas
- Also offers full-service, flat-fee representation
- Listings can be posted on the same day if they are properly submitted before 11am (weekdays only)
- Cancel any time without penalty (no refunds)
$495 - Plan A
| $1,195 - Plan B
|
A-la-carte services:
- Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) - $100
- Electronic Lockbox - $100 deposit
- Professional Photographer - $175
- Flyer Box - $25
Pros
- Legal forms included with package
- No fee to change listing description or pictures
- Free yard sign with basic package
Cons
- Entry-level package pricier than similar flat-fee MLS listing services
- No built-in home valuation
- The only option for listing term is 6 months
As of August 4, 2020, Creekview Realty has an average rating of 4.7/5 based on 129 reviews across Google, Yelp, and Facebook.
FlatFeeByYou
FlatFeeByYOUPrice Range
$45-295
Number of Photos
6-Max allowed on MLS
Listing Term
6-12 months
- FlatFeeByYOU is a licensed texas real estate brokerage that specializes in flat-fee MLS listing service
- Includes a comparative market analysis (CMA) in basic package
- Status/description updates and price changes allowed in higher-tiered packages
- Cancel anytime — refund available if you haven’t yet signed your listing agreement
- Set your own buyer’s agent commission
- Avoid paying buyer’s agent commission if you bring in your own buyer
- 24-hour turnaround to get you listed on the MLS
$45 - Basic
| $95 - Best
|
Pros
- Cancel anytime with no fee — refunds available if no listing agreement signed
- CMA included with basic package
- Changes and updates included in higher-tiered packages
Cons
- Doesn’t offer full coverage in Texas — see website for details on specific MLS access
- Lockbox not included
- Photo assistance only available in Premium package
As of August 11, 2020, FlatFeeByYou has an average rating of 4.4/5 based on 25 reviews across Google, Yelp, and Facebook.
TexasMLSBroker.com
TexasMLSBroker.comPrice Range
$175-399
Number of Photos
10-50
Listing Term
6-18 months
- TexasMLSBroker.com is a real estate brokerage that offers flat-fee MLS listing services to for sale by owner (FSBO) sellers across the state of Texas
- Listings go live within 2 business days
- Same-day listing option for additional $100
$175 - Standard MLS
| $280 - Premium MLS
|
Pros
- Will answer questions and offer guidance via email, per minimum service requirements
- No fee for changes to listing — listings are updated within 24 hours of request
- Exclusive agency agreement lets you retain the right to sell “by owner” and avoid a buyer’s agent fee
- Cancel listing at any time (if not under contract) with no fee — no refunds
- Set your own buyer’s agent commission
Cons
- No initial refund period
- No built-in home valuation
As of August 8, 2020, TexasMLSBroker has an average rating of 4.34/5 based on 19 reviews across the U.S. Directory of Real Estate and Yelp.
- U.S. Directory of Real Estate: 4.5/5 (17 reviews)
- Yelp: 3/5 (2 reviews)
National Flat-Fee MLS Services & Brokers Operating in Texas
Houzeo
HouzeoPrice Range
$275-399
Number of Photos
6 to max allowed
Listing Term
3 to 6 months
- Houzeo is a flat-fee MLS referral service that connects you with Texas 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
$275 - 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 listings price, status, and property description; $10 for additional changes
As of August 11, 2020, Houzeo has an average rating of 4.8/5 based on 21 reviews on Google.
Alternatives to Flat-Fee MLS in Texas
The Texas real estate market is steady. According to Zillow, the median home value rose 3.3% over the past year and is expected to see an increase of 3.8% 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