Is a Flat Fee MLS Listing the same as a regular MLS Listing

Is a Flat Fee MLS Listing different from a regular MLS Listing?

The quick answer to this question is a flat fee MLS listing is no different than a traditional listing. A flat fee MLS listing looks just like all the other listings in the MLS. However, the service you are getting from the listing broker can vary depending on the agreement you have with the listing brokerage. Here are some things you should know.

About the different MLS’s

All flat fee MLS listing companies should use the local MLS to list your property. If they are not then you are not getting a true MLS listing for your location. There are national MLS’s available where your property can be listed and it will show up on 3^rd party websites like Zillow and Realtor.com but it will not show up in the local MLS where local real estate agents and their buyers are looking for homes. It is very important that your flat fee listing be listed on the MLS that serves your region or it will likely not be seen by the buyers in your location. (At Team Results Realty we always list your property in your local MLS so you don’t miss any buyers)

Will my flat fee listing look the same as other listings?

YES it will look exactly the same as far as the public display goes. Nobody will be able to tell it is a flat fee listing except for real estate agents looking in the MLS. In many cases even the real estate agent will not know the difference depending on the type of service you are getting from your flat fee listing broker.

There are 3 basic types of flat fee listing.

MLS Entry Only

An MLS entry only listing is just as it sounds. Once the listing broker places your listing in the appropriate MLS their services have basically ended. Other than some price changes or certain tweaks to the listing the service is complete. In most cases you as the seller will sign a waiver of duties statement removing the listing broker from all of the normal duties they would perform as a listing agent. Once your listing is activated you will represent yourself and handle all of the duties such as showings, offers, contracts, negotiations, etc on your own. Basically you are own your own once the property is listed.

Limited Service

This listing is much like and MLS Entry Only except the broker may offer some additional services such as showing support or counseling on the sale. Typically you will handle your own sale with a limited service listing but the broker could assist in some ways.

Full Service Flat Fee MLS

This is a full service MLS listing just like if you hired a traditional real estate company to sell your property. While some of the listing process may be automated you will receive full representation from your listing agent. They owe to you and will perform the same duties that a traditional real estate agent will do. With a full service flat fee MLS listing you should expect the listing broker to help you with pricing, manage the showings, negotiate the sale, handle all paperwork, work through inspections, and ultimately close the sale. (At Team Results Realty we offer all three of these listing plans)

Hopefully this information helps you understand how a flat fee listing works with the MLS. A flat fee listing is a true MLS listing just like all other MLS listings. More and more people are beginning to realize that they can utilize the power of the MLS through a flat fee listing broker to sell their property and save lots of money in commissions. If you have questions about our listing plans please give us a call.

How to List on the MLS without a REALTOR

If you are in the market to sell your home then you understand how powerful the Realtor MLS can be when marketing your home. The MLS syndicates your property listing to hundreds of real estate website within minutes of being listed in the MLS. So you are probably wondering how to list on the MLS without a Realtor.

The answer is you can’t…. However there is a way to get on the MLS and pay a very low fee to a listing broker.

First I should explain that the MLS is a listing database used by licensed Real Estate Brokers and Agents. Brokers and Agents have to obtain a license and complete many hours of training before they can use the MLS. Brokers and Agents are also required to complete many hours of continuing education and pay monthly and annual membership fees to use the MLS. For this reason the MLS will only allow licensed agents and brokers to list in the MLS.

There is a Solution for you

We offer a very low flat fee MLS listing. Our lowest fee to get on the MLS is only $299. This is a full MLS listing and will appear just like all other MLS listings. Your contact information will be placed in the MLS and all buyers leads are sent directly to you. Real estate agents will see your name and phone number in the MLS and will know to call you direct. Buyers will NOT be able to tell that your listing is different from all the other MLS listing. Your listing will be displyed on 100’s of websites like Zillow and Homes.com and will give your property massive exposure that you can’t get from a regulare FSBO listing.

You can also offer a commission to the buyer’s realtor if you choose but this will not be shown on your MLS listing. All commissions are negotiable and can be negotiated in the purchase contract outside of the MLS listing.

One more thing to mention

If the buyer does not have an agent you do not pay any buyer agent fees. However you can utilize our optional easy offer plan to help facilitate the sale or if you choose you can do it all on your own.

This is a great solution for sellers who want to do For Sale By Owner (FSBO), save money and utilize the MLS to sell their home.

Blog