7 Flat Fee MLS Companies in Texas

What is a flat fee MLS listing service in Texas?

A flat fee MLS is a service specifically designed for FSBO (For Sale By Owner) home sellers, allowing them to list their property on the local multiple listing service without needing a traditional real estate agent. The MLS is an exclusive database that compiles homes currently on the market, facilitating the exchange of information among real estate professionals.

Agents representing buyers utilize the MLS to discover properties that meet their clients’ criteria, access comprehensive details and disclosures, and organize property viewings. Since most leading home search platforms derive their listings from the MLS, having your home listed there is crucial for achieving widespread visibility.

Typically, only licensed real estate professionals can post listings on the MLS. However, flat fee MLS services offer a workaround for FSBO sellers, allowing them to list their homes on the MLS directly. This enables homeowners to maximize their property’s exposure while avoiding the costs of engaging a traditional real estate agent.

How much does a flat fee MLS service cost in Texas?

In Texas, home sellers can choose from a wide array of flat fee MLS services, including local, regional, and national companies offering different degrees of support. It’s important to note that not all flat-fee MLS companies offer the same quality of service. Therefore, when evaluating your options, comparing the various services and fees is crucial to understanding the potential advantages and disadvantages.

Prices for flat fee MLS listings in Texas vary significantly, ranging from $89 to $1,299, based on the level of service chosen. Additional features, such as extra photo uploads, lock boxes, and marketing materials, might be available for an extra charge. Some companies also offer limited agent assistance for an additional fee.

Here are some examples of flat fee MLS listing companies in the Lone Star State.

Flat fee MLS listing companies in Texas

Disclaimer: 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.

How would a Texas seller benefit from a flat fee MLS service?

There are a few situations in which a Texas seller would benefit from an MLS listing service. Here are a few examples of why you might consider using one.

1. Save on commission costs: Avoid the traditional 5%-6% real estate commission by not paying the listing agent’s 2.5%-3% fee, only the buyer’s agent commission.
2. Desirable home in a hot market: Leverage the MLS to attract multiple buyers and offers, handling the sale process independently.
3. Full involvement in the sale: Ideal for experienced sellers or those seeking a challenge, offering complete control over the FSBO selling process.
4. Avoid working with a listing agent: Use a flat fee MLS service to list on the MLS without the need for a traditional agent.
5. Commitment to the selling process: Be prepared to undertake tasks usually handled by a real estate agent, depending on the chosen service level.

Keep in mind however, you still have to do a lot of the legwork of selling the home yourself. Reviewing offers and making counter offers, calculating closing costs, handling local real estate transfer taxes, and any other process nuances will still fall to you as the seller.

Pros and cons of using a flat fee MLS listing service

There are a few pros and cons when working with an MLS listing service. Here are some of the main ones to keep in mind.

Pros:

• Avoid paying the listing agent’s commission, usually between 2.5% to 3%.
• Take charge of your home sale personally.
• Manage every detail of the sale process from beginning to end.
• Know the listing service costs upfront.
• Ensure your home is listed on the MLS and various third-party websites.
• Increase visibility to conventional buyers and their agents.

Cons:

• Must still compensate the buyer’s agent with a commission.
• Handle all challenges that could delay or jeopardize the sale yourself.
• Proceed through the sale without the advice of a local expert, as it’s a do-it-yourself approach.
• Potentially face legal liabilities and risks.
• Sell your home for less than if you had hired a traditional real estate agent.

How do I list my home with a flat fee MLS service?

Listing your home with an MLS service isn’t complicated, but there are a few key takeaways to the process that you should know.

1. Research the service: Look into local flat fee MLS services, comparing packages, prices, and reviews. Ensure you understand what’s included, such as the number of photos, free forms, and extra costs for add-ons. Consult sites like the Better Business Bureau.
2. Register and choose a package: Sign up on the service’s website, pick your preferred plan, and pay the fee upfront.
3. List your property: Provide a detailed home description and upload photos. Complete the disclosure form if available.
4. Sign the agreement: Carefully read and sign the listing agreement, checking for cancellation terms and commission obligations.
5. Check your listing: Verify its accuracy and completeness after it goes live on the MLS and other real estate websites.

Are flat fee MLS listings effective in Texas?

Selling your home by owner may seem easier, and utilizing a flat fee MLS service can be effective. Still, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), it’s not a popular option.

NAR reported that 2023 FSBO sales accounted for only 7% of recent home sales — the lowest since 2021. Additionally, most FSBO sellers (57%) sold their homes to someone they knew, which suggests the home’s potential market price was somewhat skewed.

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Alternatives to flat fee MLS services in Texas:

1. Full-service real estate agents: They handle marketing, pricing, negotiations, and more, offering expertise on market dynamics. HomeLight can connect you with top-selling agents in your area.
2. Flat fee real estate agents: These agents charge a fixed amount instead of a commission, simplifying budgeting for the sale. However, they may not be as motivated to maximize your home’s selling price.
3. Cash sales: Companies like iBuyers or “We Buy Houses” groups offer a fast, cash purchase of your home, though typically at a lower price. HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can provide a cash offer quickly, with the possibility to close in as few as 10 days.

Will I save money with a flat fee MLS listing service?

Though you will save money on the commission fees, you may lose out in the long run.

NAR research shows that  FSBO homes sold for around 23% less than homes sold by an agent. The median selling price for an FSBO was $310,000, while the median sale price of homes sold by an agent was $403,000.

So, while a flat fee MLS can be an effective tool, it’s important to remember that selling your home FSBO could result in less overall profit once it is said and done.

What if I need to sell my Texas home fast

If you need to sell your home quickly, you have options. Consider working with a We Buy Houses company or an iBuyer. These companies will purchase your home in almost any condition, often in days. Be prepared to lose money, though; they typically pay less than if you sold your home on the open market. However, when time is of the essence, these can be a good option.

HomeLight also offers Simple Sale, which can expedite the process or connect you with a local agent to give you more options.

What else should I know about selling a house in Texas?

While there are no strict rules for using flat fee MLS listing services, sellers must comply with local disclosure laws, which can differ by state and location. Although not mandatory, hiring a real estate attorney is advisable for FSBO sellers to navigate the complexities of disclosures and contracts, avoiding costly legal issues post-sale.

Key points to remember include:

• Unlike traditional agents whose fees are contingent on the sale, flat fee services are paid upfront, regardless of whether the house sells.
• Some services may change names frequently, complicating the tracking of their success rate.
• Often, these services include the seller’s contact info directly in the listing, shifting more communication responsibilities to the seller.
• There may not be a dedicated individual to assist sellers through the listing service, a stark contrast to traditional agents.
• While flat fee services charge a fixed rate, traditional agent fees can be negotiated.

Ready to sell your Texas home?

Selling a house is akin to taking on another full-time job. With a traditional real estate agent, sellers gain a knowledgeable partner focused on selling their property. Conversely, For Sale By Owner (FSBO) sellers must tackle many responsibilities typically handled by an agent. This can be daunting, especially for those with existing full-time commitments and limited knowledge of the real estate process.

Utilizing a flat fee MLS listing service can ease some of these challenges, offering varying levels of support depending on the package chosen. Yet, choosing a flat fee service primarily to cut costs on agent commissions may not always be wise.

Sellers often still need to cover the buyer’s agent commission and MLS service fees, and might end up selling their property for less than if they had engaged a traditional agent. Still have questions? HomeLight can connect you with proven, top-performing agents in your local Texas market today to assist you.

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