The best flat-fee MLS services | Other ways to save | Additional resources
If you’re selling your home for sale by owner (FSBO) in Houston, 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 Space City is approximately 3%. Based on the median sale price for Houston homes — which as of May 31, 2021 was $285,927 — that translates to about $8,578.
In contrast, you'll pay between $45 and $1,195 to list your home with flat-fee MLS companies in Houston. 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 Houston 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 Houston.
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% or $3,000 to list your home instead of the typical 3%. And, you'll get full-service support from a great Houston realtor so you can sell for top dollar!
💰 SAVE: List with a full-service agent for just $3,000 or 1%
The best Houston flat-fee MLS companies
Every Houston 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
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
Eagle Realty Services
Eagle Realty ServicesPrice Range
$495
Number of Photos
16
Listing Term
12 months
- Eagle Realty Services is a licensed, Texas real estate brokerage that specializes in flat-fee MLS listing services in Houston
- Listing is live within 24-48 hours of purchase
- Full broker representation for a flat fee
- Unlimited open house postings
- Comparable market analysis (CMA)
- Cancel anytime
$495 - 12 Month Listing package
- 12-month listing on MLS
- 16 Photos
- Syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more
- Lockbox
- Yard sign
- Unlimited open house postings
- Comparable market analysis (CMA)
- Full broker representation
- Offer negotiation
- Title form preparation
- Cancel Anytime
Lease/Rental listing and 1% commission packages also available
Pros
- Unlimited open house postings
- Comparable market analysis (CMA)
- Full broker representation with base package
- Cancel anytime
Cons
- No budget listing options
As of August 5, 2020, no third-party review information was available for Eagle Realty Services. We will update when this information becomes available.
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
National flat-fee MLS services in Houston
Didn't find a great option in local flat-fee MLS companies? These national brands operate in the Houston area, too.
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.
FSBO.com
FSBO.comPrice Range
$399.95
Number of Photos
Varies by state
Listing Term
6 months
- FSBO.com is a nationwide flat-fee MLS referral service that connects you with licensed brokerage MLSmart Realty, LLC. MLSmart Realty then handles the listing or refers you to a local brokers who will put your home on the MLS for a pre-negotiated rate
- Set your own buyer’s agent commission (FSBO.com recommends 2-3%)
- Making changes to your MLS listing may have additional fees
- Cancel anytime (possible additional fee)
$399.95 - MLS package
- 6-month listing on MLS
- Syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more
- Approx. 20 photos
- Yard sign (where available)
FSBO.com also has a package for listing on their website — not the MLS — for $99.95
Services, price, and details of FSBO.com flat-fee MLS packages vary by state. States with minimum service requirements may also have additional fees due at closing. Check the website for specifics in your area.
Pros
- Set your own buyer’s agent commission
Cons
- Only one package to choose from
- Experience, additional fees, and service quality may vary depending on your state’s broker
- Doesn’t have full coverage in every state and not available at all in North Dakota
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.
Alternatives to Flat-fee MLS services in Houston
To sell your home for top price, it’s important to weigh all of your options before making a final decision. A Houston 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.