Here are some of the most common questions home sellers ask about Flat Fee MLS listings, along with concise answers.
1. What is a Flat Fee MLS listing?
A Flat Fee MLS listing allows you to pay a one-time fee to have your home listed on your local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) without paying a traditional listing commission.
2. How much can I save?
Many sellers save thousands of dollars by avoiding a 3% listing commission while still exposing their property to the same MLS used by all agents.
3. Will my home appear on Zillow, Realtor.com, and other websites?
Yes. MLS listings automatically syndicate to major real estate websites such as Zillow, Realtor.com, Homes.com, Redfin, and many brokerage websites.
4. Do I have to pay a buyer's agent commission?
No. In fact, the buyer agent commission can no longer be posted on the MLS. Buyer agent commission is a negotiable part of the sales contract, Just like the sales price. All real estate companies must follow this NAR rule. There is no longer and "commission field" to post on the MLS. Posting a buyer agent commission is strictly prohibited by the MLS.
5. Can I sell my home without paying a 6% commission?
Yes. Many sellers use Flat Fee MLS services specifically to avoid the traditional commission model while maintaining MLS exposure.
6. Is a Flat Fee MLS listing legal?
Absolutely. Flat Fee MLS listings are offered by licensed real estate brokers and are legal in all 50 states where permitted under state licensing laws.
7. Who handles showings?
The buyer agent handles the showings just like all other listings. If a buyer comes to you directly, you will show the home.
8. Who negotiates offers?
It depends on your flat fee listing plan. With a full service plan, your listing broker handles negotiations.
9. Can I make changes to my listing?
Yes. Most companies allow you to update the price, description, photos, or listing status during the listing period.
10. How many photos can I upload?
It depends on the package and MLS, but many Flat Fee services allow the max allowed by the local MLS
11. Can I use professional photos?
Yes. In fact, professional photography is highly recommended because it often leads to more showings and stronger offers.
12. What happens when I receive an offer?
The offer is typically sent directly to you by email. Discuss this with your listing broker.
13. Do I need a real estate attorney?
No, you do not need an attorney. REALTORS® handle real estate transactions. Title companies handle the closing and legal transfer.
14. Is a Flat Fee MLS listing the same as "For Sale By Owner"?
No. When you are on the MLS, your listing is the same as all other listings. However, with a flat fee listing, you can sell directly to a buyer.
15. How long does it take to get listed?
Many Flat Fee MLS companies can activate your listing within 24 to 48 hours after receiving your completed paperwork and photos.
16. Can I cancel my listing?
Most companies allow cancellation at no charge. Ask your listing broker and ask to see the listing agreement.
17. What if I need help during the sale?
Many Flat Fee MLS companies offer optional services or (Full Service Plans) such as:
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Contract review
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Pricing assistance
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Offer negotiation
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Transaction coordination
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Closing support
18. Will agents show my home?
Yes. Since your home is listed on the MLS, licensed real estate agents searching for homes for their buyers can typically find and schedule showings just like any other MLS listing.
19. Is Flat Fee MLS right for every seller?
All sellers should use and flat fee listing and in most cases use the brokers full service option.
20. What's the biggest advantage of a Flat Fee MLS listing?
You receive the same MLS exposure used by traditional agents while paying a fixed upfront fee instead of a percentage-based listing commission, helping you keep more of your home's equity.
21. Are there any back end or closing fees?
Each flat fee company is different and a question you should ask before listing, also ask the see the listing agreement.
22. Why don't all sellers use a flat fee listing?
There are 2 reasons: most sellers are not aware this option is available and the other reason is that some sellers think this option is too good to be true. Flat Fee MLS Listing has been proven to be the best way to sell because of the money savings and it's the same service used by 6% agents. You can also sell directly to a buyer as a FSBO and not pay any commission.
21. Are there any back end or closing fees?
Each flat fee company is different and a question you should ask before listing, also ask the see the listing agreement.
22. Why don't all sellers use a flat fee listing?
There are 2 reasons: most sellers are not aware this option is available and the other reason is that some sellers think this option is too good to be true. Flat Fee MLS Listing has been proven to be the best way to sell because of the money savings and it's the same service used by 6% agents. You can also sell directly to a buyer as a FSBO and not pay any commission.