The best flat-fee MLS services | Other ways to save | Additional resources
If you’re selling your home for sale by owner (FSBO) in Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach is approximately 3%. Based on the median sale price for Virginia Beach homes — which as of May 31, 2021 was $271,633 — that translates to about $8,149.
In contrast, you'll pay between $99 and $2,995 to list your home with flat-fee MLS companies in Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach.
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 Virginia Beach realtor so you can sell for top dollar!
💰 SAVE: List with a full-service agent for just $3,000 or 1%
The best Virginia Beach flat-fee MLS companies
Every Virginia Beach 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
Southerland Real Estate
Southerland Real EstatePrice Range
$495-4,995 (+$99 transaction fee at closing)
Number of Photos
N/A - information not available
Listing Term
N/A - information not available
- Southerland Real Estate is a licensed, Virginia real estate brokerage that specializes in flat-fee MLS listing services in Hampton Roads
- Listing is typically live on MLS within 48 hours
- Set your own buyer’s commission
- Money-back guarantee available for Basic and Agent Assist packages
- Built-in property valuation report, staging advice, for sale sign, and lockbox
- Additional $99 transaction fee due when house sells
$495 (+$99) - Basic Package
| $4,995 (+$99) - Luxury Listing Package
|
Pros
- Offers money-back guarantee if you decide to list with a full-service agent referred by Southerland Real Estate
- Property valuation report, staging advice, and professional photography included in base package
Cons
- Additional $99 transaction fee is due at closing
- Website is not clear regarding listing terms and number of photos on your listing
As of August 10, 2020, Steve Southerland (principal broker) has an average rating of 5/5 based on 78 reviews across Zillow and Realtor.com
- Zillow: 5/5 (61 reviews)
- Realtor.com: 5/5 (17 reviews)
Cottage Street
Cottage Street RealtyPrice Range
$299-999
Number of Photos
8-30
Listing Term
6 months up to until sold
- Cottage Street Realty is a flat-fee MLS service operated by Flat Fee Group, a licensed real estate brokerage in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.
- Contracts, addendums, and disclosures
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- Printable color flyer
- A-la-carte services include signs, market analyses, open house announcements, and more
- Unlimited listing changes can be purchased for $45
$299 - Basic package
| $599 - Premium package
|
A-la-carte services include signs, market analyses, open house announcements, and more
Unlimited listing changes can be purchased for $45
Pros
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- 50 photos in base package
Cons
- $45 for unlimited listing changes
- Market analysis not included in base package
DNK Real Estate
DNK Real EstatePrice Range
$249-799
Number of Photos
6-25
Listing Term
12 months
- DNK Real Estate is a licensed real estate brokerage in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia that specializes in flat-fee MLS listing services
- DNK Real Estate offers flat fee MLS listing services, as well as full- and limited-service real estate agents
- The company offers many a-la-carte services with their flat fee packages, but all their services are non-refundable
- A-la-carte services include: Expedited flat fee mls listing, uploading extra photos, virtual tours, yard signs, realtor lock box, and printable flyers
- It typically takes two to three business days to list with DNK Real Estate
- Buyer’s agent commission isn’t required, but if a buyer’s agent brings a buyer you’re expected to pay their commission fee
- Sales comps are available at certain pricing tiers
$249 - Basic
| $499 - Deluxe
| $799 - Premium
|
Pros
- 1% limited service options available for home sellers that need help with contracts
- Lots of a-la-carte options help home sellers customize the service to their needs
Cons
- Upsells on services that are standard for other flat fee MLS services, e.g., $10 for extra photo uploads, $25 to change listing info, etc.
- Other flat fee MLS services charge less and provide more out of the box
- $2000 non-refundable fee to use access 1% limited-service agent
- Need to pay for sales comps in your area
National flat-fee MLS services in Virginia Beach
Didn't find a great option in local flat-fee MLS companies? These national brands operate in the Virginia Beach area, too.
MLS My Home
MLS My HomePrice Range
$49-99
Number of Photos
5-25
Listing Term
6 months
- MLS My Home is a nationwide flat-fee MLS referral service that connects you with local brokers and agents who will list your home on the MLS for a pre-negotiated rate
- Listings posted on the MLS within 24-48 hours
- Buyer and agent inquiries forwarded to you
- Set your own buyer’s agent commission (within a required range in some locations, e.g. 2-3%)
- Pay no buyer’s agent commission if you find an unrepresented buyer
- Cancel anytime
$49
| $69
|
Available packages, services, and pricing depend on location. Check the website for details about your local options.
Pros
- Cancel anytime
- No commission if you find the buyer
- Buyer inquiries forwarded directly to you
Cons
- Limited options and many states
- No built-in home valuation
- May not offer complete coverage in your state
As of August 17, 2020, MLS My Home has an average rating of 2.5/5 based on 280 reviews across Trustpilot, Yelp, and Facebook.
- Trustpilot: 2.6/5 (236 reviews)
- Yelp: 1/5 (18 reviews)
- Facebook: 2.7/5 (26 reviews)
- BBB: F
Note: MLS My Home will refer you to an independent, local broker who’s level of service and customer reviews may vary from MLS My Home’s, so be sure to research the broker before signing a listing agreement.
Flat Fee Group
Flat Fee GroupPrice Range
$399-479+ (varies by state)
Number of Photos
25
Listing Term
6 months up to until sold
- Flat Fee Group is a network of independent brokers that offer flat-fee services in their respective state(s)
- Pay no buyer’s agent commission if you find an unrepresented buyer
- Buyer and agent inquiries forwarded to you (in most states)
- Contracts, disclosures, and addendums included (in most states)
$399 - Showcase
| $549 - Premium
|
Packages, services, and pricing vary by state. Check the website for details about options in your area.
Pros
- Work directly with the broker, not a referral service
- Buyer inquiries forwarded directly to you
- Pay no commission if you find an unrepresented buyer
Cons
- As of August 10, 2020, does not have an independent broker in Montana, West Virginia, and Wyoming
- Experience and service quality may vary depending on your state’s broker
As of August 10, 2020, no third-party review information was available for Flat Fee Group. However, as a network of independent brokers, you can check the website, find your state’s broker and research their individual reviews.
Alternatives to Flat-fee MLS services in Virginia Beach
To sell your home for top price, it’s important to weigh all of your options before making a final decision. A Virginia Beach 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.