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 without breaking the bank.
The average commission rate for full-service listing agents in Space City is approximately 3%. Based on the median sale price for Houston homes, as of January 2020, that translates to about $7,050.
In contrast, typical rates for flat-fee MLS companies in Houston are in between $45 and $1,195. Nationwide, 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 Houston 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 Houston.
Top Houston Flat-Fee MLS Companies in 2020
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.
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
As of August 11, 2020, FlatFeeByYou has an average rating of 4.4/5 based on 25 reviews across Google, Yelp, and Facebook.
National Flat-Fee MLS Services & Brokers Operating in Houston
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 in Houston
The Houston real estate market is stable. According to Zillow, the median home value rose 2.8% over the past year and is expected to increase by 3.3% in the next year. 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