7 Flat Fee MLS Companies in Illinois to Sell Your FSBO Home
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McCoy Worthington, Contributing AuthorClose
McCoy Worthington Contributing AuthorMcCoy Worthington is a freelance writer and full-time copywriter. His professional experience branches across magazine writing, PR, social media, and content marketing. He’s passionate about learning, education, and telling the stories of people and companies around the world.
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Richard Haddad, Executive EditorClose
Richard Haddad Executive EditorRichard Haddad is the executive editor of HomeLight.com. He works with an experienced content team that oversees the company’s blog featuring in-depth articles about the home buying and selling process, homeownership news, home care and design tips, and related real estate trends. Previously, he served as an editor and content producer for World Company, Gannett, and Western News & Info, where he also served as news director and director of internet operations.
If you’re thinking about selling your home in Illinois, you likely want to pocket as much money as possible. And you can avoid paying your seller’s real estate agent’s commission if you sell on your own. However, if you’re thinking about taking the for sale by owner (FSBO) route, your home won’t just automatically show up on online listings.
That’s where a flat fee multiple listing service (MLS) may come in handy. These services let you show off your home online without having to enlist the help of a full-service agent.
Still, before you jump on the first flat fee MLS service you see, it pays to do some research. Here’s what to keep in mind if you’re considering these services, along with a breakdown of seven flat fee MLS companies in Illinois.
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Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only. Links and mentions of Illinois flat fee MLS companies in this post do not constitute endorsements.
What is a flat fee MLS listing service?
Flat fee MLS listing services are designed for FSBO sellers who want to feature their home on the MLS without paying for a full-service agent’s help. The MLS is a private directory of for-sale homes that real estate professionals use to share home details with each other. It’s built to help agents display their client’s homes and locate available houses for clients who want to buy.
Listing your home on the MLS is important because it exposes your listing to buyers’ agents. This database also auto-populates many of the most prominent property search websites. Flat fee MLS listing companies ask you to pay a one-time fee, and they’ll post your listing on this valuable database. In turn, your house’s listing will pop up on multiple home-search sites and reach more buyers.
How much does a flat fee MLS service cost in Illinois?
Flat fee MLS services aren’t one-size-fits-all. In Illinois, these services cost more or less, depending on the company and the perks you choose. As a whole, flat fee MLS services in Illinois range from around $100-$800. Some packages may include expanded services at an additional cost, such as professional photography, yard signs, lockboxes, or broker support. Others may offer basic MLS access and limited photo uploads.
Flat fee MLS listing companies in Illinois
It’s important to understand that not all flat fee MLS companies provide the same services. It’s a good idea to examine each MLS listing company’s options and make sure the company fits your personal selling situation before you commit. They may also deliver more or less hands-on service, depending on whether they’re a local, regional, or national company.
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.
Unreal Estate
Unreal Estate gives sellers the opportunity 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-$599
Additional service notes:
- MLS listing time: 6 months
- Minimum of 5 listing photos (depending on package)
- Deluxe and premium packages include yard sign
Unreal Estate has an average of 4.6 out of five stars on Google. Reviewers mentioned how fast and affordable the service is, with one reviewer reporting, “Phenomenal company to work with that puts its clients in the driver seat!”
unrealestate.com
Phone: 866-534-3726
Prello Realty, Inc.
Prello Realty is a discount real estate brokerage that offers flat fee MLS services. It has been operating since 2001 and is locally owned and operated.
Service areas: Serves the Chicago Metro Area
$295 MLS Basic – Includes a six-month MLS listing and a yard sign.
$495 MLS Plus – Upgrades you to a nine-month MLS listing with a yard sign and professional photography.
$795 MLS Pro – Includes a one-year MLS listing, a professional yard sign, a lockbox, and showing scheduling assistance.
Prello Realty has 4.6 out of 5 stars (over 40 reviews) on Google. Reviewers praise the company’s experience and communication.
prellorealty.com/flat-fee-mls-listing
Phone: 773-472-8900
Circle One Realty
Circle One Realty is a top-rated, locally-owned real estate company that offers flat fee MLS services.
Service areas: Based in Yorkville, serves the greater Chicago area
$145 MLS Entry – This package is only for vacant land. It includes a three-month listing on the MRED MLS with one photo and full-service Realtor® support.
$295 MLS Basic – This package includes six months on the MRED MLS, up to 25 photos, a yard sign, and full-service Realtor support.
$495 Classic – This package upgrades you to a 12-month listing, professional photographer access, and a lockbox.
$495 (Marked down from $645) MLS Elite – This package includes showing appointment scheduling. Your listing will remain on the MLS until it is sold or canceled.
Circle One Realty has 5 out of 5 stars (over 200 reviews) on Google. Reviewers praise the company’s responsiveness and the ease of doing business with them.
circleonerealty.com
Phone: 630-528-2300
Mentor Listing Realty
Mentor has been in business for 16 years. It operates in both Illinois and Indiana. In addition to the company’s traditional packages, Mentor Listing Realty also offers add-ons and choices you can pick and choose from.
Service areas: Northern Illinois, including Boone, Will, DuPage, Kane, Cook, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, Grundy, and DeKalb Counties
$299 Basic – This package includes a six-month MLS listing, one photo, broker assistance, state contracts, and disclosures.
$349 Standard – This option upgrades your plan to include six photos.
$399 Premium – This package raises your photo allotment to 25 photos.
Mentor Listing Realty’s principal broker Brian Waters has 5 out of 5 stars (4 total reviews) on Zillow. Reviewers praise his guidance and ability to save his clients thousands through Mentor Listing Realty.
mentorlisting.com
Phone: 866-269-1006
beycome
beycome operates in Illinois and multiple other states. It provides MLS services and allows you to upload details and manage your listing on the company’s online platform.
Service areas: Serves all of Illinois
$99 Basic Package – This package includes maximum photos allowed by the MLS, and a listing on the MLS that lasts until your property is closed or you cancel. It also features an open house scheduler, legal forms, customer service, and disclosures.
$399 Enhanced Package – With this package, you receive the perks of the Basic Package plus 25 professional photos, a photography session, flyers, a brochure, a lock box, digital advertising, and a virtual tour video.
$599 Concierge Service – This package adds the assistance of dedicated experienced personnel, Comparative Market Analysis, 3D tour, drone photos, valuation and pricing assistance, full marketing support, and access to a closing coordinator.
beycome has 4.5 out of 5 stars (over 600 reviews) on Google. Reviewers praise the company’s customer service and professionalism.
beycome.com
Phone: 804-656-5007
Houzeo
Houzeo is a tech-focused website geared toward FSBO sellers. The platform lets sellers choose from simple flat fee plans as well as more individual service options.
Service areas: Serves MRED MLS, including Boone, Bureau, McHenry, Clark, Cook, De Witt, DeKalb, DuPage, Kankakee, Ford, Grundy, Henry, Iroquois, Champaign, Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, Lee, Livingston, Marshall, McLean, Ogle, Putnam, Stark, Vermilion, Logan, Whiteside, Will counties
$399 Bronze – This package is best for experienced sellers. It includes a six-month MLS listing and 24 photos.
$409 Silver + 0.5% at close – This package is suitable for DIY sellers. It includes everything in the Bronze package, plus a premium yard sign, and access to the Houzeo mobile app.
$429 Gold + 0.5% at close – This option includes everything in the Silver package, plus assistance from a licensed broker. It also features contract to close consulting and a call forwarding service.
$449 Platinum + 1% at close – In addition to the features in the lower-tier packages, this option includes service from a virtual broker. It also includes a 12-month listing and rush service.
Houzeo has 4.9 out of 5 stars (over 1,500 reviews) on Google. Reviewers praise the company’s value and customer service.
houzeo.com/flat-fee-mls/illinois
Phone: 844-448-0110
FSBO.com
FSBO.com is a national flat fee MLS service that’s been in business for more than 20 years. The company offers a single, basic flat fee MLS service for Illinois.
Service areas: Serves all of Illinois
$399.95 Flat Fee – This basic package includes a six-month MLS listing with up to 20 photos.
FSBO.com has an A+ rating but is not BBB-accredited. BBB reviews praise the company’s support from the beginning to the end of the selling process.
fsbo.com/mls/state/show/name/IL
Phone: 800-690-5802
Which Illinois sellers might benefit from a flat fee MLS service?
Rafay Qamar, a top-selling real estate agent in Chicago, says that he believes flat fee MLS services are generally not a good option for luxury sellers because selling your home for the right price requires careful home preparation and marketing.
“There’s too much that goes into it,” says Qamar. “There has to be a story. There has to be a picture for quality, qualified buyers to come through.”
However, he does think sellers in Illinois who are investors and who know what they’re doing, or those who have experience selling on their own, could benefit from a flat fee MLS.
What are the pros and cons of a flat fee MLS listing?
Here are some pros and cons of using a flat fee MLS listing service in Illinois:
Pros
- Sellers retain more control over a property transaction.
- It’s a way to access the MLS as an FSBO seller.
- It allows you to avoid paying real estate agent commissions to a listing agent.
Cons
- Selling a home on your own requires heaps of time, expertise, and energy.
- Sellers will need to navigate paperwork and legal issues on their own.
Will I save money with a flat fee MLS listing service?
You may be wondering, “Will my home sell for less if I use a flat fee MLS service, or will I really save money?” The answer is that it depends.
While you’ll be skipping your real estate agent’s commission fees, using a flat fee MLS service also means you’ll be selling your house on your own. So you’ll be investing substantial time and work doing everything from marketing, determining a price, and negotiating, to staging your home, managing repairs and upgrades, juggling paperwork, and more.
Qamar says the seller often doesn’t have time to handle the work that goes into selling a house on their own.
“Maybe the seller isn’t able to cater to all the buyers appropriately during their timeline, and they probably don’t have the experience of buying and selling real estate – especially during difficult times, navigating through ups and downs, or negotiating and handling multiple offers,” he says. “They might also be exposing themselves to litigation by not filling proper disclosures forms, things like that.”
Sellers who aren’t experienced also often end up netting fewer proceeds when all is said and done. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median price for an FSBO sale is $310,000. That’s less than the median agent-assisted transaction. What’s more, HomeLight data found the top 5% of real estate agents in the U.S. sell homes for as much as 10% more than the average real estate agent.
How Much Is Your Illinois Home Worth Now?
Get a near-instant real estate house price estimate from HomeLight for free. Our tool analyzes the records of recently sold homes near you, your home’s last sale price, and other market trends to provide a preliminary range of value in under two minutes.
Alternatives to a flat fee MLS services in Illinois
Not sure you want to use a flat fee MLS service? You still have alternative options. Here are a few:
Option 1: Hire a full-service real estate agent
Full-service real estate agents are experienced at selling homes and tackling all of the tasks that go into landing a successful sale. That includes things like marketing, pricing, negotiations, fielding calls from potential buyers, and more.
Qamar says that, especially in the current market, it can pay to go with a real estate agent that has experience.
HomeLight can connect you with a trusted agent in your market. Our platform scans your local area and finds top-selling agents that fit your selling situation.
Option 2: Flat fee real estate agents
Rather than taking a commission, flat fee real estate agents agree to help you sell your house for a lump sum. This route can make it easier to budget for a property transaction because you’ll know exactly how much money you’ll be pocketing after the sale. At the same time, flat fee real estate agents don’t have a compelling reason to sell your house for a high price. That means they may not work as hard on negotiations, marketing, pricing, or other tasks that full-service agents prioritize.
Option 3. Sell for cash
If you want to expedite the home-selling process, you can also seek a cash offer from a house-buying company, such as an iBuyer or a We Buy Houses investor group. If you sell your home for cash, you likely won’t receive an offer as high as you would if you listed your home. However, it’s a way to cash in on your home quickly without having to spend time and energy prepping for a sale.
One easy and convenient way to sell your home fast for cash is to use HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform. This tool allows you to bypass repairs, showings, and commissions and presents you with a cash offer in as little as a week. You’re under no obligation to accept offers, but if you do, this method makes it possible to close in as few as 10 days.
Weigh your options and sell your Illinois home
Listing your house on the MLS is crucial if you want to sell your home in Illinois, and a flat fee MLS is one avenue to help you do it. Still, you have plenty of choices when it comes to selling your Illinois house. The key to landing a successful sale is weighing your options and finding the best solution for your situation. With that strategy in mind, you’ll have what you need to secure a smooth home sale in Illinois.
Header Image Source: (Steve Enoch / Unsplash)
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