SimplyFSBO: Should You Use It for Your Home Sale?

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By Steve Nicastro Updated March 13, 2024

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SimplyFSBO is a flat fee MLS listing service that allows homeowners to sell properties without traditional agent commissions. Sellers list a home on the MLS without a realtor and on various platforms, receive guidance from local professionals, and market their homes to reach buyers.

The company offers personalized assistance from dedicated "FSBO Advisors" who coordinate pricing, photography, and marketing.

Known for its cost-effective approach, SimplyFSBO provides comprehensive support and marketing services and has earned praise for its user-friendly interface.

While SimplyFSBO excels in support and marketing, competitors may offer broader agent networks and additional services. We recommend comparing alternatives to ensure the best fit for your needs.

Our SimplyFSBO rating

Is SimplyFSBO right for you?

The company is available only to residents of the Quad Cities of Iowa and Illinois: Davenport and Bettendorf of southeastern Iowa and Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline in northwestern Illinois.

SimplyFSBO generally excels in providing homeowners with cost-effective solutions for selling properties without traditional real estate agent commissions.

Pros

  • Offers cost savings on traditional agent commissions with flat fee listings.
  • Provides personalized guidance and support from FSBO Advisors.
  • Maximizes property exposure

Cons

  • Packages are more expensive compared to other FFMLS services.
  • Service is limited to the Quad Cities area, restricting broader accessibility.
  • Lacks additional services like staging advice and open houses.

Our analysis of the company also found that it offers comprehensive support throughout the selling process. It's known for its user-friendly platform, responsive customer support, and success in home sales.

Customer reviews generally lean toward the positive side, highlighting the platform's effectiveness, although some may desire additional services or support in certain areas. Overall, the reviews reflect satisfaction with SimplyFSBO's offerings and outcomes.

SimplyFSBO vs. alternatives

When comparing the company to alternatives, it's clear that SimplyFSBO stands out for its user-friendly interface, comprehensive support, and inexpensive offerings.

Yet, some competitors may offer more extensive agent networks and additional services like staging advice and negotiation support.

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
Best for user friendliness and customer experience
3.5
Our rating
$399 - $999+
4.9/5 (9,000+ 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
4.0
$0–395
4.2/5 (103 reviews)
Learn More
On listwithclever.com

How SimplyFSBO Works

SimplyFSBO provides a platform for homeowners to sell a house without a realtor and traditional agent commissions, offering guidance from local professionals and listing homes on various real estate websites.

Properties listed on SimplyFSBO receive exposure on well-known sites like Zillow, Trulia, and the SimplyFSBO network, making home listings more visible.

The company also leverages social media and Google advertising to promote listings to actively searching homebuyers.

However, it's important to note that SimplyFSBO listings don't automatically appear on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) unless the MLS option is selected. The MLS is the primary listing method for 86% of sellers. According to the National Association of Realtors, it offers greater exposure for listings.[1]

» COMPARE: Companies that list your home on the MLS

In-depth breakdown

Service quality

📊 Our rating: 3.5
  • Personalized assistance from dedicated FSBO Advisors.
  • Access to a team of local experts and legal professionals.

SimplyFSBO offers services to empower homeowners to sell their properties without traditional agent commissions.

These services include: 

  • Personalized assistance from FSBO Advisors.
  • Access to local experts and legal professionals.
  • Comprehensive support and strategic marketing efforts to reach potential buyers.

However, SimplyFSBO may not offer additional services such as staging advice, hosting open houses, or coordinating services like cleaning, landscaping, or repairs, which some sellers may find valuable in their selling journey.

Breaking down SimplyFSBO's offerings

SimplyFSBO offers two main packages for sellers: the Essential package priced at $599 and the Professional package priced at $2,500.

The Essential package includes services such as pricing guidance, professional photography, listing description creation, and MLS listing submission.

The Professional package includes all the features of the Essential package along with additional services such as a pre-market value estimate, comprehensive pricing strategy, and a dedicated FSBO Advisor for personalized assistance throughout the selling process.

Marketing

📊 Our rating: 5.0
  • Cost-effective marketing strategies that maximize exposure on top real estate sites.
  • Leverages social media advertising, Google Adwords, and major search engines.

SimplyFSBO provides comprehensive services to sellers, including professional photography, 3D virtual walk-throughs, and detailed floor plans to showcase their properties.

Their listings are featured on prominent real estate platforms such as Zillow and Trulia and various social media channels, connecting with a vast network of local buyers and reaching thousands of potential buyers.

Additionally, sellers can access full-service licensed support and MLS access through a top-performing real estate agent in the Quad Cities, further enhancing their listing's visibility and potential for a successful sale.

Customer experience

📊 Our rating: 5.0
  • Generally positive customer reviews.
  • Praise for professionalism, responsiveness, and excellent service
  • No BBB complaints.

SimplyFSBO has garnered positive reviews on Facebook and Google, with an impressive aggregate rating of 4.8/5 from 68 reviews on Facebook and 4.9/5 from 82 reviews on Google.

Customers often highlight the professionalism, responsiveness, and excellent service the team provides, particularly mentioning the helpful guidance and support throughout the selling process.

Customers frequently commend SimplyFSBO for the professionalism of its brokers, who are praised for their quick responses and expert assistance. Additionally, customers appreciate the beautiful photographs, professional guidance, and exceptional service of agents.

No BBB complaints or accreditation are available for SimplyFSBO, which might limit the availability of verified customer reviews through this platform. However, the positive feedback on Facebook and Google suggests a generally favorable impression among customers.

Cost

📊 Our rating: 3.0
  • Transparent, but higher pricing than competitors.
  • Pricing is consistent and carries no hidden fees.

When examining the cost of FFMLS packages compared to other companies, it's evident that SimplyFSBO is priced on the higher side, especially when compared to alternatives like HomeCoin, which offers MLS listings for a flat fee of $95, and Fizber, with packages ranging from $95 to $295. 

The premium pricing of SimplyFSBO can be attributed to its comprehensive and value-adding services, but it may not be the most cost-effective choice for all sellers.

On the plus side, SimplyFSBO stands out for its clear pricing strategy, ensuring sellers know all the costs upfront without any surprise fees. This clear and straightforward pricing is particularly helpful for sellers who value knowing exactly what they're paying for.

SimplyFSBO history

SimplyFSBO was established by Bob Strupp, a seasoned real estate agent affiliated with eXp Realty. The company's headquarters is at 1909 E 60th Circle, Davenport, Iowa, 52807.

SimplyFSBO locations

SimplyFSBO is available to residents of the Quad Cities of Iowa and Illinois: Davenport and Bettendorf of southeastern Iowa and Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline in northwestern Illinois.

Next steps: Should I use SimplyFSBO?

When choosing a flat fee MLS company, the success you experience hinges on the package and services you opt for. Exploring these platforms can be cost-effective with little to no risk involved.

However, it's worth considering low-commission real estate companies as well. These firms often provide sellers with comprehensive services at commission rates that are more competitive than the industry norm.

For instance, Clever Real Estate provides sellers with top-rated agents at a fraction of the cost of typical agents. 

👋 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 SimplyFSBO legit?

SimplyFSBO is a legitimate platform for homeowners to sell their properties without traditional agent commissions. Founded by Bob Strupp, a real estate agent with eXp Realty, SimplyFSBO provides a reliable and transparent service for selling homes.

How much does SimplyFSBO cost?

SimplyFSBO offers different packages with varying costs to suit sellers' needs. Pricing ranges from an Essential package starting at $599 to a Professional package at $2500. The Essential package requires an upfront payment, while the Professional package is paid at closing.

What do SimplyFSBO reviews say about the company?

Reviews for SimplyFSBO are generally positive, with customers praising the platform for its user-friendly interface, professional guidance, and successful home sales outcomes. Clients appreciate the responsive support team and efficient services SimplyFSBO provides.

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 aren't factored 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 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

[1] National Association of Realtors – "Quick Real Estate Statistics".

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