5 Flat Fee MLS Companies in Charleston
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Joseph Gordon EditorClose
Joseph Gordon EditorJoseph Gordon is an Editor with HomeLight. He has several years of experience reporting on the commercial real estate and insurance industries.
If you’re planning to sell your Charleston home without hiring a real estate agent, a flat fee MLS listing service can help you reach buyers. With this approach, you pay a set fee to list your home on the local multiple listing service (MLS) without committing to a full-service agent. This allows you to market your home more effectively while maintaining control over the sale process.
In this guide, we’ll explore how flat-fee MLS services work in Charleston, what they cost, and which companies provide them. We’ll also outline the pros and cons to help you determine if this option is right for your home sale.
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What is a flat fee MLS listing service in Charleston?
A flat fee MLS service allows For Sale By Owner (FSBO) sellers to list their homes on the multiple listing service without hiring a traditional real estate agent. The MLS is the primary database agents use to find homes for buyers, making it a key tool for getting maximum exposure.
Because only licensed agents and brokers can list homes on the MLS, FSBO sellers must use a flat fee MLS service to gain access. This option allows homeowners to market their property on the same platforms as agent-listed homes while avoiding the commission fees associated with a full-service agent.
How much does a flat fee MLS service cost in Charleston?
The cost of a flat fee MLS service in Charleston varies by company and package. Some services charge as little as $100, while others offer premium plans costing thousands. Higher-priced packages typically include additional services such as a comparative market analysis, professional photography, and contract assistance.
In the next section, we’ll explore some of the top flat fee MLS companies in Charleston, including their pricing and features.
Flat fee MLS listing companies in Charleston
Editor’s note: Individual program details can change. Please visit a provider’s website for the most current information on rate packages, fees, service areas, and more. HomeLight always recommends doing your own research to determine which selling option is best for your situation.
Carolina Realty Solutions
Carolina Realty Solutions, established in 2003, has revolutionized the real estate market in the Carolinas by offering customized services to buyers and sellers. Recognizing the desire for more flexible and transparent real estate transactions, the company introduced flat fee MLS-entry-only listings and 1% full-service listings, saving clients millions in transaction costs.
Service areas: South Carolina and North Carolina
$549
Clients have praised Carolina Realty Solutions for their exceptional service and significant cost savings. The testimonials reflect the company’s ability to streamline the selling process, exemplified by a client who experienced a smoother transaction and saved thousands of dollars with their assistance They have a Yelp review rating of 3.7.
Website: carolinarealtysolutions.com/charleston/listing-program/
Phone number: 704-343-0931
Unreal Estate
Unreal Estate allows sellers to reach millions of buyers by listing on the MLS, Realtor.com, Trulia, and Zillow without working with a real estate agent. The company, formerly USRealty, offers a variety of plans and pricing options, including a free starter plan where homeowners only pay if they sell their home.
Service areas: Serves 49 states (all except South Dakota) and Washington D.C.
Cost of service: $0-$449
Additional service notes:
- MLS listing time: Six months
- Minimum of five listing photos (depending on package)
- Deluxe and Premium packages include Q&A with a licensed broker
Unreal Estate received an average of 4.2 out of five stars on Trustpilot. Reviewers mentioned how fast and affordable the service is, with one reviewer reporting that they “saved a ton.” It holds a 4.6-star rating on Google.
Phone: 866-534-3726
Flat Fee Group
Flat Fee Group is a national group of independent real estate brokers that help FSBO sellers in various U.S. metros. All brokers and agents working with Flat Fee Group are independent, not third-party referral sites. The local brokers are available for interviews before booking the service.
Service areas: Serves 50 states, including South Carolina
Cost of service: $299 to $999, depending on the package
Additional service notes:
- MLS listing time: Six months
- Up to 20 photos allowed, yard sign and lockbox included
- Some packages come with a market analysis, and the premium package includes help with negotiations
Listed under Listing Results, LLC, Flat Fee Group earned an average of 4.8 stars out of 5 on Better Business Bureau. Reviewers commented on receiving outstanding services with this company, with one stating, “I absolutely don’t know why anyone would sell a home any other way.”
Website: flatfeegroup.com/SouthCarolina/
Phone number: 855-279-6624
Byowner.com
Byowner.com offers MLS listing services nationwide, claiming it provides the greatest property exposure without the traditional 6% commission. Listing options start at $499, scaling to a professional representation listing package for $1,995.
Service areas: Serves 50 states, including South Carolina
Cost of service: $499
Byowner.com received an average of 4.3 out of 5-star ratings on Facebook. People described the service as an excellent way to sell property and a “money saver.” One reviewer said Byowner.com kept them up to date with each stage of the selling process and was quick to respond.
Website: byowner.com/state/south-carolina
Phone number: 800-296-9637
Homecoin
Homecoin prides itself on believing that selling a home shouldn’t be expensive. Emphasizing clarity in what can be the most significant financial decision of one’s life, Homecoin champions a model where technology meets traditional real estate processes.
Service areas: Virginia and 20 other states
Cost of service: $95
Additional service notes:
- 12-month MLS listing
- Unlimited photos
- 10 listing changes
- Optional add-ons available
Homecoin receives high praise for its user-friendly platform and cost-effective approach to listing homes. The company’s responsive customer support is particularly noted, which assists sellers throughout the process, from forwarding inquiries to providing timely reminders. They have a Google review rating of 5.0.
Website: homecoin.com/flat-fee-mls
Phone number: 888-400-2513
How would a Charleston seller benefit from a flat fee MLS service?
A flat fee MLS service can be a smart choice if you want to reduce costs and maintain control over your home sale. Unlike a traditional listing where sellers pay a real estate commission of 5% to 6%, a flat fee MLS allows you to avoid the listing agent’s portion, typically 2.5% to 3%.
This approach works well for sellers who:
- Are confident in handling the sales process themselves (FSBO sale).
- Have a highly desirable home in a competitive market.
- Prefer not to work with a licensed agent.
- Have time to manage listing details, marketing, and negotiations.
Even with a flat fee service, you’ll still need to manage tasks like setting a selling price, writing a compelling listing description, coordinating showings, and handling legal disclosures.
Pros and cons of using a flat fee MLS listing service
Pros:
- Avoid paying the listing agent commission (2.5% to 3%).
- Maintain full control over the sale process.
- Pay a known, upfront cost rather than a commission.
- Gain MLS exposure without hiring a traditional agent.
- Reach buyers and their agents on top real estate platforms.
Cons:
- You’ll still need to offer a commission to the buyer’s agent.
- Managing negotiations and legal paperwork falls on you.
- No professional guidance from a local agent.
- Increased risk of pricing mistakes and liability issues.
- Homes often sell for less compared to agent-assisted sales.
How do I list my home with a flat fee MLS service?
- Vet the service: Research local flat fee MLS companies, compare pricing, and check Better Business Bureau ratings.
- Register and select a plan: Choose a package that fits your needs and pay the upfront fee.
- Enter your property details: Upload photos, complete the listing, and fill out the required forms.
- Sign the listing agreement: Review the contract to ensure you understand any restrictions.
- Review your live listing: Once active, confirm your home appears correctly on third-party sites like Zillow and Realtor.com.
Are flat fee MLS listings effective in Charleston?
Since most buyers start their search online, having your home on the MLS increases visibility. Buyer’s agents also rely on MLS data, making it an essential tool for marketing your property effectively.
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Alternatives to flat fee MLS services in Charleston:
- Flat fee real estate agent: A limited-service agent who charges a set fee instead of a percentage.
- Discount broker: Offers lower commission rates while still providing some agent services.
- Full-service local agent: Works to sell your home at the best price with full support.
Will I save money with a flat fee MLS listing service?
While you’ll save on commission, data from the National Association of Realtors shows FSBO homes sell for about 14% less than agent-represented homes. If maximizing profit is your priority, hiring an agent may be the better option.
What if I need to sell my Charleston home fast?
For a quick sale, consider an iBuyer or a purchase-your-home company. These services make fast cash offers but typically pay below market value. Simple Sale can also connect you with potential buyers for a faster transaction.
What else should I know about selling a house in Charleston?
Sellers must comply with local disclosure laws. Hiring a real estate attorney can help navigate contracts and disclosures.
Key points to remember:
- Flat fee MLS services require upfront payment, regardless of sale outcome.
- Some companies frequently change names, making it hard to track reputation.
- Sellers handle all buyer communications directly.
- There’s often no dedicated support person to guide the sale process.
- Agent commissions can sometimes be negotiated with full-service agents.
Ready to sell your Charleston home?
Selling FSBO can be time-consuming, and while a flat fee MLS service can help, it’s not the best fit for everyone. If you’re looking for professional guidance, HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing local agent to help you sell your home for the best price.
Editor’s note: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes. Links and mentions of Charleston flat fee MLS companies in this post do not constitute an endorsement.
Header Image Source: (Cody Silver/Unsplash)
At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict editorial integrity in each of our posts.
