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According to the National Association of Realtors, approximately seven percent of U.S. home sales in 2023 fell under the ‘for-sale-by-owner’ category, better known as FSBO. The popularity of FSBO continues to grow steadily, primarily due to the cost savings involved. Even though going this route means that sellers are responsible for marketing and staging their own homes, they still save more money than they would have when listing with a real estate agent.
Recent legislation and lawsuit settlements may reduce commission costs but are also expected to decrease the number of practicing real estate agents. Experts agree that the current climate reinforces the value of using MLS flat fee listing services.
What Is A Flat Fee Listing Service?
The most efficient way for your property to receive market exposure is through a Multiple Listing Service. Real estate agents can access the local MLS and ensure advertising for their clients’ homes on popular real estate sites such as Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and Trulia. Agents will also list their properties on social media platforms and agency websites.
FSBO home sellers without a real estate license can leverage MLS listings and other marketing tools by signing up with a flat fee MLS listing service. For a flat fee, considerably lower than a real estate commission, the FSBO seller can get their property on the local MLS and access services such as marketing, staging, closing, and other paperwork assistance.
Benefits Of An MLS Flat Fee Listing Service
The immediate benefit that most FSBO sellers see when using an MLS flat fee listing service is the cost savings, especially when compared to real estate fees and commissions. But other benefits include:
- Exposure to local buyers through primary mortgage and real estate companies.
- Assistance with marketing, including space for posting photographs and property descriptions.
- Access to all MLS listings for price and staging comparisons.
- Flexibility on open houses or showings by appointment.
- Assistance with legal documents and closing comparisons.
What Will The Future Of Real Estate And The MLS Listing Service Look Like?
The legislative climate and changes in commission rules nationwide mean real estate agents face a much more competitive industry. Boston real estate broker Saad Munir told Newsweek, “Agents will need to have an excellent idea of their value proposition. I think this is going to drive out a lot of agents.”
Vishal Garg, CEO of digital mortgage lender Better.com, remarked that a $100 billion industry may decrease to $50 billion within a few years.
The changes in commission rules give buyers more transparency and discourage real estate agents from steering buyers toward higher-priced homes so they can earn higher commissions.
The need for more agents and complications arising from changes to rules and new legislation may also encourage more sellers to consider the FSBO model and the use of MLS flat fee services. MLS flat fee listing services are gaining momentum throughout the U.S., examples include: flat fee MLS in Pennsylvania, flat fee MLS services in Georgia, and MLS flat fee provider throughout New England.
How MLS Flat Fee Listing Services Work
Is It Worth It To Obtain A Real Estate License?
If a seller wants their property listed in front of a maximum number of potential buyers, they need to list their home with the MLS. Getting a real estate license may make sense for some sellers, primarily if they work in a related field such as mortgage services or underwriting. Though obtaining a real estate license varies from state to state, it can be a costly and lengthy process. Shifting market trends and new legislation will require agents to update their education continuously.
Preparing Your Property For An MLS Flat Fee Service
To prepare your home for an MLS flat fee service, use the following steps:
- Locate and review all documents related to the purchase of your home.
- Clean and declutter your property. Store personal photos and other artifacts that may distract and discourage potential buyers.
- Stage your home in a way that highlights the functionality of each room.
- Hire a professional photographer or take a series of photographs showing the different features of the property.
Basic flat-fee listing services typically cost about $400. These packages include a six-month listing of the property, assistance with marketing and showing your home, space for 25 photographs, and help with processing closing documents. To save thousands of dollars compared to hiring a real estate agent, consider selling your property FSBO with the assistance of an MLS flat-fee service.
HomeZu’s Online Flat Fee Listing Services Will Have You Selling Your Home In Five Easy Steps:
- Choose your State and select the best plan for you.
- Create your listing and submit your information for broker review.
- Decide if you want to show your home through open houses, private appointments, or a combination.
- Review your offers and decide which makes the most sense for your situation. In addition to the dollar amount of the offer, consider closing costs, time constraints, and repair and inspection demands.
- Sign your closing papers, prepare to celebrate, and move into your new home.
Experts predict the FSBO listing trend will grow in the future. However, the future is now for many sellers who already understand the advantages of MLS flat fee services. By contracting a flat fee service, you can save money and retain full marketing advantages – make sure to start your search with HomeZu.
