ListingSpark Reviews: Is This FSBO Service Worth it?

Steve Nicastro's Photo
By Steve Nicastro Updated April 11, 2024

SHARE

ListingSpark, a flat fee MLS listing service operating in multiple cities across Texas, offers an affordable way to list homes on major platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com, saving on traditional commissions.

ListingSpark receives positive reviews from clients who appreciate its substantial real estate commission savings and comprehensive support. Clients praise the company's professionalism, ease of use, and excellent customer service.

When we compared ListingSpark to similar services, it scored good marks for its competitive pricing and service quality.

However, some competitors offer better visibility and transparency regarding the company's operations and customer experiences. We recommend comparing ListingSpark to a few alternatives to make an informed decision. Read on to decide if ListingSpark is right for you.

Our ListingSpark rating

ListingSpark provides cost-effective, virtual, full-service real estate brokerage solutions, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) access.

Our analysis found that it provides comprehensive support for sellers at competitive prices. It's known for its seamless selling process, commission savings, and customer service.

Customer reviews for ListingSpark are generally positive, highlighting the company's professionalism, ease of use, and savings.

However, some reviews mention occasional delays in response times or issues with specific features, indicating areas for improvement.

Overall, reviews suggest that ListingSpark is a reliable and effective option for those looking to sell their properties efficiently and affordably.

Is ListingSpark right for you?

ListingSpark is ideal for budget-conscious sellers seeking a cost-effective alternative to traditional agents, offering a virtual full-service approach.

However, it may lack personalized support and additional services compared to competitors, potentially limiting its appeal.

While ListingSpark's transparent pricing and competitive fees make it attractive, some reviews mention occasional delays in support and the absence of extra services like staging.

In contrast, Clever Real Estate offers top-rated agents at a 1.5% listing fee and full-service support, making it a compelling alternative for sellers seeking comprehensive assistance at a low cost.

⛔ Do you really want to sell FSBO?

Selling your home without an agent, even with ListingSpark, demands significant time and effort without any guarantees.

Research from Clever Real Estate also reveals that sellers who enlist an agent typically sell for nearly $50,000 more on average than those who don't, surpassing potential commission savings.[1]

Clever Real Estate collaborates with top-tier agents offering full-service support for just 1.5% in listing fees. Save thousands on agent commissions while ensuring expert assistance. Learn more today!

ListingSpark vs. alternatives

ListingSpark is a viable option for sellers looking to maximize control over their home sale process. However, exploring alternatives is crucial to finding the best fit for your needs.

Company
Clever Rating
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Good digital support
4.0
Our rating
$99 to $599 upfront + 1% at closing
4.6/5 (587 reviews)
Learn More
On listwithclever.com
4.0
$0–395
4.2/5 (103 reviews)
Learn More
On listwithclever.com
A basic, no-frills option
4.0
Our rating
$95+
4.8/5 (112 reviews)
Learn More
On listwithclever.com
Best for user friendliness and customer experience
3.5
Our rating
$399 - $999+
4.9/5 (9,000+ reviews)
Learn More
On listwithclever.com
Best range of plans
4.5
Our rating
$0 to $599 upfront + 0.5% at closing
4.5/5 (111 reviews)
Learn More
On unrealestate.com

In-depth breakdown

Service quality

📊 Our rating: 5.0
  • Offers comprehensive virtual full-service for sellers, including pricing guidance, professional photography, and MLS listing submission.
  • Clients can choose an "agent on demand" for guidance or have a dedicated agent included.
  • Proactive communication and seamless collaboration with Spark Title for faster closings.

ListingSpark offers a virtual full-service model tailored to sellers' needs, providing essential tools and support for a successful home selling experience. 

However, ListingSpark may not provide additional services such as staging advice, hosting open houses, or coordinating ancillary services like cleaning, landscaping, or repairs.

Sellers should consider their requirements and whether additional support beyond the core listing services is necessary for their home-selling journey.

Breaking down ListingSpark's offerings

ListingSpark offers virtual consultations for sellers and provides an "agent on demand" service for basic plan clients. Included services:

  • Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).
  • Pricing guidance.
  • Professional photography.
  • MLS listing submission.
  • Support throughout due diligence and closing processes, including virtual attendance.

Additional features include a 150-point marketing plan and open house signage, but ListingSpark doesn't offer home preparation services.

The Spark Plan costs $1,499, and the Premium Plan is $2,999, with no mention of minimum fees or location-based variations.

Marketing

📊 Our rating: 4.5
  • Wide range of marketing services, including professional photography, MLS listing submission, and a 150-point marketing plan.
  • Exposure on major platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com

ListingSpark's services cater to sellers' diverse needs, providing tools and resources to effectively market their properties.

With advanced marketing strategies and extensive website reach, including exposure on major platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com, ListingSpark ensures maximum exposure to potential buyers.

The platform aims to maximize each property's exposure through professional photography, MLS listing submission, and a 150-point marketing plan.

Customer experience

📊 Our rating: 4.0
  • High customer praise, boasting an aggregate rating of 4.4/5 across various platforms.
  • Customers commonly commend the platform for its ease of use and cost-effectiveness.

ListingSpark has positive customer reviews overall, with an aggregate rating of 4.4/5 based on close to 200 reviews from Facebook and Google.

Positive themes commonly highlighted by customers include the platform's affordability, ease of use, and the significant savings it offers on commissions. However, some customers have reported occasional delays in responsiveness and minor issues with specific features.

Cost

📊 Our rating: 3.0
  • Offers packages catering to various seller needs and budgets.
  • However, its starting plan is pricier compared to competitors in the market.

ListingSpark's FFMLS packages cater to various seller needs and budgets. 

  • The Spark Plan, priced at $1,499, offers essential services for sellers looking for a cost-effective option.
  • On the other hand, the Premium Plan, priced at $2,999, provides additional features and support for sellers seeking more comprehensive assistance.

However, compared to other companies in the market, ListingSpark's pricing is notably higher than its peers Homecoin ($95), Houzeo ($399-999), and FSBO.com ($399.95).

PackagePriceFeatures
Spark Plan$1,499Basic MLS listing, professional photos
Premium Plan$2,999Dedicated agent, 150-point marketing plan

ListingSpark history and company information

ListingSpark, established in 2013, was created to assist home sellers in selling their properties while optimizing their savings. Since then, the company has experienced rapid growth, introducing a buyer's agent program in 2016 and expanding into new markets such as San Antonio, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Houston. To date, ListingSpark has facilitated the sale of over 6,210 properties, enabling sellers to achieve an average savings of $10,250.[2]

ListingSpark locations

ListingSpark operates in various cities across Texas, including Amarillo, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Waco, Abilene, College Station / Bryan, Corpus Christi, Temple, Lubbock, Longview, Highland Lakes, Tyler, and San Angelo.

Next steps: Should I use ListingSpark?

Your success with a flat fee MLS company depends on the package and services you select. Utilizing these platforms is cost-effective, and there's little downside to exploring your options. 

However, 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.

👋 Next Steps: Talk to an expert

If you're weighing your options for buying or selling a house, Clever can help!

Our fully licensed concierge team can answer your questions and provide objective advice on getting the best outcome with your sale or purchase.

When you enter your info below, we'll ask you a few questions about your situation via a short form. Then our concierge team will be in touch shortly to help.

This service is free, and there’s never any obligation to move forward with us.

FAQ

Is ListingSpark legit?

ListingSpark is a legitimate real estate brokerage operating in multiple cities across Texas. It was founded in 2013 and has facilitated thousands of property sales since its inception.

How much does ListingSpark cost?

ListingSpark offers different pricing plans tailored to sellers' needs. The Spark Plan starts at $1,499, while the Premium Plan is priced at $2,999. These plans vary in service level, catering to different seller preferences and budgets.

What do customer reviews have to say about ListingSpark?

Customer reviews for ListingSpark are generally positive, with many clients praising the company's professionalism, efficiency, and cost-saving benefits. Clients have highlighted the ease of the selling process and the substantial commission savings. However, reviewing multiple sources and considering individual experiences is best before deciding.

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%)

Service quality

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 credit additional services that genuinely aid in selling and managing the sale, like unlimited listing changes, professional photography, or an efficient online dashboard. Superfluous offerings that don't substantially enhance the selling process are not factored in positively.

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 scrutinize the actual costs of the company's services, comparing them against other brands and national averages to determine overall cost-effectiveness and value for money.

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.

Related reading

Article Sources

Authors & Editorial History

Our experts continually research, evaluate, and monitor real estate companies and industry trends. We update our articles when new information becomes available.

Better real estate agents at a better rate

Enter your zip code to see if Clever has a partner agent in your area
If you don't love your Clever partner agent, you can request to meet with another, or shake hands and go a different direction. We offer this because we're confident you're going to love working with a Clever Partner Agent.