The best flat fee MLS services | Other ways to save | Additional resources
If you’re selling your home for sale by owner (FSBO) in Madison, 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 Wisconsin is approximately 3%. Based on the median sale price for Madison homes — which as of August 31, 2022 was $360,667 — that translates to about $10,820.
In contrast, you'll pay between $225 and $599 to list your home with flat fee MLS companies in Madison. 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 Madison 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 Madison.
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 pay only 1.5% to list your home instead of the typical 3%. And you'll get full-service support from a great Madison realtor so you can sell for top dollar!
💰 SAVE: List with a full-service agent for just 1.5%
The best Madison flat fee MLS companies
Every Madison 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
Madison Flat Fee Homes
Madison Flat Fee HomesPrice Range
$450+
Number of Photos
35
Listing Term
12 months
- Madison Flat Fee Homes is a licensed real estate brokerage that specializes in flat-fee MLS listing services
- In addition to Madison, also services Dane, Columbia, Sauk, Iowa, Rock, Jefferson, Dodge, and Grant counties
- Home valuation and comparative market analysis (CMA) included
- You choose the buyer’s agent (Madison Flat Fee Homes recommends 3%)
- Pay no buyer’s agent commission if you find an unrepresented buyer
- Listings typically go live in 24 hours or less
- Free listing term renewal and no cancellation fees
- Negotiation and closing services available for additional fee
$450 - Full Service Flat Fee MLS Listing Plan
- 12-month listing on South Central Wisconsin MLS and WIREX (Wisconsin-wide MLS)
- Syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more
- At least 35 professionally taken photos
- In-person listing appointment to go over CMA and set price
- Yard sign
- Printable property brochure
- Lockbox
- Showing scheduling and feedback through ShowTime
$950 - Negotiations and Closing Services (does not include MLS access as a standalone service)
- Contract presentation and negotiation
- Counteroffer preparation, presentation, and finalization
Additional fees may apply for: Homes with acreage, homes above 4,000 sqft, or multi-unit apartment buildings
Pros
- Designated listing agent, administrative assistant, negotiation specialist, and transaction coordinator with purchase of both packages ($1,500 total)
- Built-in home valuation and CMA
- Work directly with the broker, not a referral service and receive an in-person listing appointment
- Yard sign, printable property brochure, lockbox, showing scheduling included
- Pay no buyer’s agent commission if you find the buyer
- No cancellation fee
Cons
- Only one flat-fee MLS listing option
Madcity Homes
Madcity HomesPrice Range
$500+
Number of Photos
N/A - Information unavailable
Listing Term
6 months
- Madcity Homes is a licensed, real estate brokerage based in Madison, WI, that specializes in flat-fee MLS listing services
- Set your own buyer’s agent commission (2%, 2.5%, or 3%)
- Retain the right to FSBO
- Listing is posted within 24 hours of listing appointment
- Professional photos available
- Printable property data sheets
$500 - Flat Fee MLS package
| $500 + $2,500 at closing - Broker Management package
|
A-la-carte services include signs and installation, brochure box, 6-month listing extension, and 6-month re-listing
Pros
- Professional photos available with base pricing
- Comparable sales summary
Cons
- Website unclear on number of photos uploaded to MLS
Sconsin Sells
Sconsin SellsPrice Range
$299-$499
Number of Photos
25-50
Listing Term
3-12 months
- Sconsin Sells is a licensed, Wisconsin real estate brokerage that specializes in flat-fee MLS listing services
- You set buyer’s commission (Sconsin Sells recommends 2%)
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- Retain right to FSBO in base package
- Seller disclosures and forms provided
$299 - Silver Listing
| $499 + 1% at close - Platinum Listing
|
A-la-carte services include photo upgrades, expedited listing, showing appointment service, commercial ads, lockbox, yard sign, and more
Pros
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- Retain right to FSBO with base package
- 25 photos in base package
- Phone and email support
Cons
- No built-in home valuation or market analysis for base package
- Additional fees for open house postings
As of August 11, 2020, Sconsin Sells has an average rating of 4.4/5 based on 14 reviews across Google, Facebook, and Realtor.com.
- Google: 5/5 (3 reviews)
- Facebook: 4.4/5 (7 reviews)
- Realtor.com: 4/5 (4 reviews)
- BBB: A+
National flat fee MLS services in Madison
Didn't find a great option in local flat fee MLS companies? These national brands operate in the Madison area, too.
Flat Fee Realty
Flat Fee RealtyPrice Range
$249
Number of Photos
Listing Term
6 months
- Flat Fee Realty is a nationwide flat-fee MLS referral service, licensed in Connecticut, that connects you with Wisconsin brokers and agents who will list your home on the MLS for a pre-negotiated rate
- You set buyer’s agent commission
- MLS photo upgrade available for $50
- State disclosures and forms available
- Unlimited listing changes
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- Refund available within 30 days of purchase
$249 - MLS Listing package
- 6-month listing on MLS
- Syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more
- 6 Photos
- Free state disclosures
- Unlimited listing changes
- No cancellation fee
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
MLS photo upgrade available for $50
Pros
- Unlimited listing changes
- No cancellation fee
- Free state disclosures
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- Refund available within 30 days of purchase
Cons
- No built-in home valuation or market analysis
- Limited coverage in rural areas
As of August 11, 2020, no third-party reviews exist for Flat Fee Realty. We will update when this information becomes available.
Houzeo
HouzeoPrice Range
$275-375
Number of Photos
6 to max allowed
Listing Term
3-6 months
- Houzeo is a flat-fee MLS referral service that connects you with Wisconsin 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
| $375 - 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 listing’s price, status, and property description; $10 for additional changes
As of August 10, 2020, Houzeo has an average rating of 4.8/5 based on 21 reviews on Google.
Alternatives to flat fee MLS services in Madison
To sell your home for top price, it’s important to weigh all of your options before making a final decision. A Madison 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.