Houzeo provides flat fee MLS listing services with four unique packages for sellers handling their own sales across all 50 states. The cost of these packages varies by location, typically around $400, including an MLS listing and up to 24 photos.
Listing with Houzeo ensures inclusion in the local multiple listing service without a realtor, thereby enhancing the visibility of your listing. [A recent industry study revealed that 86% of sellers used the MLS, making it the most popular listing method, surpassing even traditional yard signs.][1]
The platform is known for its ease of use, as evidenced by its largely positive online feedback and high rating on Trustpilot.
However, it's crucial to weigh the potential limitations of Houzeo's plans. While offering a range of services, they might lead to higher overall costs and lower profits than other flat fee MLS companies or a full-service realtor.
We recommend thoroughly comparing your options to make an informed decision. Read on to learn if Houzeo is the right choice for you.
Our Houzeo Rating
Houzeo offers a range of packages for flat fee MLS listing services nationwide. The platform is known for its user-friendliness, featuring tools for scheduling showings and reviewing offers.
Houzeo's customer feedback is also generally positive, with high ratings on platforms like Google and Trustpilot.
Is Houzeo the right choice for you?
Whether Houzeo is the right choice depends on your specific needs and preferences as a seller.
Houzeo offers a range of plans, some of which provide comprehensive tools and resources for those looking to sell their property independently.
The platform's advanced features, like the Houzeo Offers Platform, can be highly beneficial for sellers comfortable handling their real estate transactions.
Yet, it's crucial to weigh the costs, including the Gold plan's additional 0.5% closing fee and the Platinum plan's 1.0% fee. Comparing Houzeo with other MLS services ensures you choose a service that meets your financial goals.
» Review the best flat fee MLS listing services
⛔ Are you sure you want to sell FSBO?
Selling FSBO requires a lot of time and effort, and a recent study by Clever found that sellers who use an agent sell for nearly $50,000 more on average than those who don’t, negating any potential commission savings.
Clever Real Estate negotiates with top-performing agents who provide full service for only 1.5% in listing fees. Save thousands in real estate agent commissions today! Learn more.
Houzeo vs. top alternatives
Exploring various flat fee MLS companies is beneficial when considering a basic MLS listing service. While Houzeo offers a range of packages, other services might provide similar options at more competitive prices.
Our full Houzeo review
Service
📊 Our rating: 3.0
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Houzeo offers a diverse range of services catering to various FSBO market needs. However, it's important to weigh the value of these services against their cost.
While Houzeo's packages include several benefits, they may not always present the best value for money. Comparable services or even more comprehensive options might be available at lower prices with other flat fee MLS providers.
✍ Houzeo's flat fee MLS plans and pricing
The Bronze plan is its most basic offering, providing local MLS listing access for six months and 24 listing photos, among other features.
The Silver plan starts at $399 and includes a six-month listing with an allowance for 24 photos. While this plan does not include advanced marketing tools like Facebook and Google advertising, it may suit sellers looking for basic MLS listing services.
Houzeo's Gold plan, touted as their most popular option, is priced at $429, with an additional 0.5% fee due at closing (minimum $999 charge). This plan encompasses a range of advanced features, including managing your showings and offers on Houzeo's website and app and making unlimited listing changes. It's designed to appeal to sellers seeking enhanced control and support in their real estate transactions.
A standout feature of the Gold plan is the Houzeo Offers Platform, which empowers sellers with tools to review, compare, and respond to offers effectively. The platform facilitates counteroffers and solicits potential buyers' highest and best offers.
Finally, the Platinum plan is its most extensive offering and includes additional features like pricing assistance, a custom yard sign, and a "Coming Soon" listing option. It'll cost you the most, with a minimum fee of $499 plus 1% at closing.
Why do all the work of selling FSBO only to end up with less money than you would have with an agent? Clever offers you bigger savings without sacrificing the service you expect from a traditional realtor.
With Clever:
✅ You'll pay only 1.5% to list your home
✅ You'll work with a full-service realtor from a top broker
✅ You get a free service, with zero obligation — you can walk away at any time
Saving on realtor fees doesn't have to mean sacrificing service. Find a top local agent today!
⚠️ Read the fine print
Carefully review the terms of Houzeo's plans. While the Silver, Gold, and Platinum packages advertise "unlimited free changes," this benefit has certain restrictions. Key listing elements such as price, description, and status are subject to a cap of 10 changes across all these plans.
Marketing
📊 Our rating: 3.0
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Houzeo ensures your property is listed on the local MLS regardless of your chosen plan. Additionally, your listing will be syndicated on major real estate websites, including Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and Houzeo's own site.
Listing with Houzeo.com could significantly increase your exposure, as the site receives over 200,000 monthly visits, primarily through organic search methods like Google.
However, it's noteworthy that Houzeo doesn't provide advanced marketing services like Facebook or Google advertising.
Also, the extent of MLS coverage may vary. While some metropolitan areas offer multiple MLS options, there's a possibility that your listing might be placed on only one MLS platform through Houzeo. This factor could influence the overall visibility and reach of your property listing.
Customer experience
📊 Our rating: 4.5
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Houzeo has garnered many positive reviews, with over 2,000 5-star reviews on TrustPilot alone.
Most of these reviews commend the company for its efficient customer service, user-friendly seller platform, and streamlined listing process.
| 🟢 Top positive theme | 🔴 Top negative theme |
|---|---|
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Positive themes. Many customers have appreciated Houzeo's customer service team, highlighting their helpfulness and efficiency.
Negative themes. One noteworthy concern among some customers relates to the handling of their listings. As Houzeo isn't a licensed broker, it can't act as a real estate agent and relies on external agents or brokers to manage MLS listings.
This arrangement has frustrated some users, particularly when changes or corrections to listings are needed. The responsiveness of these third-party agents can vary, potentially impacting the overall customer experience.
Is Houzeo accredited by the BBB?
Houzeo isn't currently accredited by the Better Business Bureau. While Houzeo operates as a legitimate business, it hasn't undergone the BBB's accreditation process. BBB accreditation is optional for companies and is often pursued to showcase a commitment to trustworthiness and ethical practices.
The absence of BBB accreditation doesn't imply a lack of service quality or reliability, but readers should consider various sources of customer feedback and reviews to gain a better understanding of Houzeo's reputation.
Cost
📊 Our rating: 3.0
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The company offers four distinct packages: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
The cost of Houzeo's packages varies, with its Bronze package now starting at $399. However, there's a notable increase in charges, as even the basic packages now include an additional 0.50% fee at closing.
Notably, the $399 Bronze and Silver packages don't include call forwarding, meaning that Houzeo may retain buyer leads generated from your listing rather than directing them to you. This could impact sellers looking to manage their leads directly.
The cost of these packages can vary significantly depending on your state. This variation is partly due to Houzeo's operational model, as it's not a licensed brokerage and relies on a network of licensed agents for MLS listings. In states with fewer Houzeo-affiliated agents, the upfront costs tend to be higher.
Houzeo's pricing structure, when compared with other flat fee MLS listing services, reveals a notable difference. While Houzeo offers a range of plans, its pricing, particularly for the Silver plan, tends to be higher than some of its competitors. Other flat fee companies often offer similar services for under $300 and provide basic services at a more budget-friendly price.
Here are the minimum fees for each of Houzeo's plans:
| Package | Houzeo price range |
| Bronze (basic) | $399 ($0 at closing) |
| Silver (mid-tier) | $999+ ($399 plus .50% at closing) |
| Gold (advanced) | $999+ ($399 plus .50% at closing) |
| Platinum (all-inclusive) | $999+ ($499 plus 1% at closing) |
Selling your home FSBO is challenging. Add in a lower selling price and out-of-pocket expenses, and you'll save WAY less than you planned — but still be stuck with most of the work.
There's a better option. Clever pre-negotiates cheaper listing fees with the top agents in your area. You pay just a 1.5% listing fee, while getting the support of a full-service agent.
User friendliness
📊 Our rating: 5.0
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Houzeo’s platform is one of the best we’ve seen. It simplifies the complex process of listing a home on the MLS. The platform guides users through each step with clarity, supported by an array of instructional guides and videos for additional assistance.
The platform isn't only straightforward but also educational. It provides valuable insights into MLS requirements, including useful tips on what to avoid when creating your listing description. This educational approach helps users navigate the MLS listing process more confidently.
One cool feature worth calling out is the flexibility Houzeo offers in specifying the commission you're willing to pay to the buyer's agent. This feature adds an element of control and customization for the seller.
Next steps
Before deciding, we suggest exploring other flat fee MLS listing services. Some options provide comparable or superior packages to Houzeo, often at more affordable rates.
Additionally, considering low-commission real estate companies could be beneficial. These firms typically offer comprehensive services to sellers but at commission rates that are more competitive than the industry norm.
Methodology
We evaluated each flat fee MLS (FFMLS) and for sale by owner (FSBO) listing service based on five core criteria and created a weighted score:
- Quality and range of services (25% of final score)
- Brand recognition and marketing methods (25%)
- Customer reviews and experience (15%)
- Cost value (25%)
- User friendliness (10%)
Quality of services
Essential services. We examine whether the FFMLS companies offer fundamental services such as local MLS listings, syndication to popular sites like Zillow and Trulia, maximum photo allowances, unlimited free listing changes, and continuous active listing until sale closure.
Value-added services. We identify and acknowledge services that truly enhance the selling and management process, such as unlimited listing changes, professional photography, and efficient online dashboards.
Conversely, we also note the absence of crucial features like call forwarding, which can significantly impact a seller's ability to manage their leads directly. Services that withhold essential features like call forwarding, potentially keeping buyer leads from sellers, are viewed critically as they may not fully support the seller's best interests.
Marketing
Visibility and reach. We assess the effectiveness of each company's marketing strategies beyond the MLS baseline. This includes additional marketing efforts like social media promotion, digital advertising, and the company's own website traffic and visibility.
Customer experience
Our evaluation includes:
Review analysis. We aggregate and analyze customer reviews from various online platforms, creating a weighted average rating. A sentiment analysis program is employed to identify prevalent themes and insights.
BBB complaints. We check for any complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau, considering how these might reflect on the company's customer service and reliability.
Cost
Pricing comparison. We carefully examine the total costs of each company’s services, including any extra fees at closing. By comparing these costs to other brands and national averages, we assess their overall value for money.
Our analysis highlights any hidden charges, like a closing fee some services impose, ensuring you understand the real cost of using a flat fee MLS service. This helps you make informed decisions about which service offers the best value.
User friendliness
Ease of use. The user-friendliness of the company's app or portal is evaluated, focusing on the simplicity of uploading and managing listings and the overall user experience.