If you’re planning on selling your home, you may be wondering how to get your property listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS is a database of properties for sale that is available to licensed real estate agents and brokers. Listing your property on the MLS can increase your property’s visibility and attract more potential buyers.

One way to list on MLS without paying a listing agent commission is to use a flat fee MLS service or sell FSBO (for sale by owner). Flat fee MLS services allow you to pay an up-front, one-time fee to have your property listed on the MLS, without having to pay a commission to a listing agent at closing. This can save you thousands of dollars in commission fees, while still getting your property in front of a large audience of potential buyers. It’s important to note that when you use a flat fee MLS service, you will still need to pay a commission to the buyer’s agent if they bring a buyer to your property that ultimately makes an offer.

Another option to list on MLS is to use a discount real estate brokerage. Discount brokerages such as SimpleShowing offer a 1% commission rate, which can lead to dramatic savings compared to traditional real estate brokers. Most discount brokerages will list your property on the MLS for free as part of their service and also provide negotiation support as well. It’s important to research discount brokerages thoroughly to ensure that they are reputable, have good reviews and will provide quality service.

Understanding MLS

If you are planning to sell your home, you may be wondering how to list your property for free on MLS. Before we dive into that, let’s first understand what MLS is and how it works.

History of MLS

MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service. It is a database of property listings that are available for sale or rent. The concept of MLS was first introduced in the late 1800s by real estate brokers who wanted to share information about their properties with other brokers.

Over time, MLS has evolved into a comprehensive database that is widely used by real estate agents and brokers. In the United States, there are over 800 MLSs that cover different regions and areas. Each MLS is owned and operated by a group of local or regional real estate professionals who are members of the MLS.

How MLS Works

MLS is a cooperative system that allows real estate professionals to share information about their properties with other members of the MLS. When a property is listed on MLS, it is visible to all members of the MLS. This means that the property can be marketed to a wider audience, increasing the chances of finding a buyer or tenant.

To list a property on MLS, you must be a licensed real estate agent or broker who is a member of the MLS. As a member, you can access the MLS database and enter information about your property, such as its location, price, and features. Other members of the MLS can then view your listing and contact you if they are interested in the property.

How to Avoid Listing Agent Commission

For Sale By Owner

Nearly 70% of home sellers use a large brokerage to sell their home – examples include Keller Williams, ReMax and Coldwell Banker. While they will not charge you any up-front fees, the total commission paid at closing will be about 5-6% of the home’s sales price. In order to avoid most of these commission fees, you may opt to sell FSBO, which means you’ll avoid 100% of the listing commission fees – which are typically around 3%. The only downside is that FSBO listings generally do not leverage the MLS. Instead, you would simply list on Zillow.com and stick a sign in your yard. Because you’d have no listing broker, you would be unable to access the MLS.

Flat-Fee MLS Services

Another option is to use a flat-fee MLS service. These services allow you to list your property on the MLS for a one-time fee, typically ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. This can be a more affordable option than hiring a traditional real estate agent who charges a commission fee.

With a basic flat-fee MLS service, you’ll typically have access to a range of basic services, including yard signs and a lockbox for as low as $200. However, keep in mind that you may still be responsible for handling the negotiations and closing process on your own.

With a 1% commission broker such as SimpleShowing, you can get access to the MLS, plus assistance with marketing, negotiation, paperwork and closing.

Overall, both FSBO and flat-fee MLS services can be great options for homeowners looking to sell their property and save money on commission expenses.

Steps to List on MLS for Free

If you’re looking to sell your home, listing on the MLS is a great way to get your property in front of thousands of potential buyers. Here are the steps you need to take to list on the MLS for free:

Prepare Your Property

Before you list your property on the MLS, you need to make sure it’s in good condition. This means cleaning, decluttering, and making any necessary repairs. You want your property to look its best so that potential buyers are impressed and interested.

Complete Required Paperwork

To list on the MLS, you will need to complete the listing paperwork. This includes a listing agreement and a property disclosure statement. Make sure you read and understand these documents before signing them. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask your real estate agent.

Create a Compelling Listing

Your listing is what will attract potential buyers, so it’s important to make it as compelling as possible. Include high-quality photos of your property, a detailed description, and any unique selling points. Make sure your listing is accurate and up-to-date.

By following these steps, you can list on the MLS for free and increase your chances of selling your property quickly and at a good price.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Free MLS Listings

If you’re looking to sell your home, you may be considering a free MLS listing or an FSBO listing. While it may seem like a great way to save money, there are both advantages and disadvantages to this approach.

Pros of Free Listings

1. Cost Savings: The biggest advantage of a free MLS listing is the cost savings. By choosing a free listing, you can save thousands of dollars in commission fees.
2. Increased Visibility: A free MLS listing can also increase the visibility of your home. Since it will be listed on the MLS database, it will be visible to a large number of potential buyers and their agents.
3. Flexibility: With a free MLS listing, you have more flexibility in how you market your home. You can choose to work with a real estate agent or sell your home on your own.

Cons of Free Listings

1. Limited Expertise: One of the biggest disadvantages of a free MLS listing is not being able to rely on the knowledge or expertise of an agent if you encounter a tricky legal situation, a problem with the appraisal or a bad inspection.
2. Less Support: With a free MLS listing, you may receive less support from a real estate agent. You will be responsible for marketing your home, scheduling showings, and negotiating with potential buyers and agents directly.
3. Lower Sale Price: Finally, a free MLS listing may result in a lower sale price for your home. Since you won’t have the support of a real estate agent, you may not be able to negotiate the best possible sale price.

In conclusion, a free MLS listing can be a great way to save money on commission fees and increase the visibility of your home. However, it’s important to consider the potential limitations and drawbacks before making a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated MLS listing services for private sellers?

If you’re a private seller looking to list your property on the MLS, there are several top-rated services available. Some of the most popular ones include Houzeo, Beycome, Homecoin and ForSaleByOwner.com.

How can a homeowner list their property on the MLS without an agent?

If you’re a homeowner looking to list your property on the MLS without an agent, you can use a flat fee MLS listing service mentioned above. Technically, your property will still be listed by a broker, however, you will not have a dedicated real estate agent. These services allow you to list your property on the MLS for a one-time fee, which is often much lower than the commission you would pay a real estate agent.

What are the typical costs associated with a flat fee MLS listing?

The cost of a flat fee MLS listing can vary depending on the service you use and the location of your property. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars for a flat fee MLS listing. It’s important to research different services and compare their pricing and features before making a decision.

Is Flat Fee MLS the same as For Sale By Owner?

For Sale By Owner listings typically do not leverage the MLS at all. In other words, the homeowner might simply stick a sign in their yard or list their home on Zillow. In this scenario, there will be no listing fees or service fees involved at all. That said, most FSBO listings will still offer a buyer agent commission. Flat fee services, on the other hand, almost always leverage the MLS. As a result, there will be some sort of listing fee or listing commission paid up front or at closing.