Your local Bakersfield MLS is the #1 tool to market your home for sale. A Flat Fee MLS listing will get you listed on your local MLS for a flat fee, instead of a 3% commission. In Bakersfield’s housing market, that can save you over $10,000 on a median home!
No wonder home sellers from Oildale to Taft are using a Flat Fee MLS California listing to sell their home! But beware of cheap $99 or $149 services. Many have hidden costs, overpriced upgrades, and may end up costing you hundreds or thousands more.
Houzeo is America’s best home buying and selling platform.
For Home Sellers: List your home for a Flat Fee, and save 2.5% to 5.5% on the listing agent commission! That’s thousands of dollars extra in your pocket.
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We reviewed over 50 national and local Flat Fee MLS services in Bakersfield using public information you can verify: search results, broker websites, customer reviews, and FAQs. Instead of just looking at the price, we evaluated each company on four key pillars that matter most to sellers:
- Customer Ratings and Reviews: We analyzed verified customer feedback from platforms like Trustpilot, Reddit, BBB, and Yelp. A strong track record of recent positive reviews indicates a company’s quality and reliability.
- Pricing and Transparency: We focused on companies that offer straightforward, competitive pricing. Additionally, we prioritized value for money and flagged any hidden fees that could impact your savings.
- Core Services and Technology: A high ranking requires more than just an MLS listing. We evaluated the quality of each company’s technology, including tools for managing listings, scheduling showings, and reviewing offers.
- Customer Support: We assessed the responsiveness and expertise of each company’s support team. Services that offer consistent, high-quality assistance rank higher than those with limited or unreliable support.
Yes! You can list your home for sale or search millions of homes on the Houzeo mobile app!Download now on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
We’ve spent hundreds of hours researching the best Flat Fee MLS listing services in Bakersfield. Check out our rankings so you can confidently pick the right service for you!
Rankings: Bakersfield’s Best Flat Fee MLS Companies in 2026
| Flat Fee MLS Service | Price | 100% Online | Offer Management | Showing Management | 5-star Reviews | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Houzeo | $299 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. HomeZu by Simple Choice | $399 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 3. OwnerEntry.com | $299 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. List With Freedom | $89 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. Congress Realty | $99 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 6. Homecoin | $149 | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 7. MLS Town | $295 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Key Takeaways
- A Bakersfield Flat Fee MLS listing gets your home on the MLS for a fixed upfront fee, up to $300. That saves you over $10,000 on a $415,000 median home in Bakersfield.
- Cheap $99 to $149 services will get you a bare-bones listing. They often come with expensive add-ons and hidden costs.
- The 3 best Flat Fee MLS listing services in Bakersfield are Houzeo.com, HomeZu, and OwnerEntry.com.
- Houzeo is the largest Flat Fee MLS listing service in America. Houzeo also has the most number of homes for sale in Bakersfield.
What Is a Bakersfield Flat Fee MLS Listing Service?
A Bakersfield Flat Fee MLS service allows homeowners to list their property on the MLS for a fixed fee, bypassing the traditional listing agent commission. This approach provides you with increased exposure while maintaining control over the sale process.
Why Does MLS Exposure Matter?
The MLS is the most powerful marketing tool for sellers. 88% of home buyers search the MLS for their new homes. Additionally, homes on the MLS sell for 17.5% more than those not on the MLS.
Listing on the MLS broadcasts your home to a massive audience. But, how does this work?
- First, your house is on a database used by agents searching for properties for their clients.
- Second, it automatically shares your listing to top real estate websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin, among others.
This increased exposure may generate more buyer inquiries, more showings, and more offers, which is what ultimately drives a higher final sale price.
👉 List on MLS in Bakersfield with Houzeo: Get your home seen by more buyers for just $249!
Flat Fee MLS vs. By Owner vs. Agent: Which Is the Best?
It depends on whether your focus is cost savings or convenience.
A traditional agent offers a full-service experience but charges a steep commission. For Sale By Owner sites in California save you that fee, but cut you off from the MLS. This limits your buyer pool. Flat Fee MLS gives you the critical MLS exposure you need. However, you may have to handle tasks such as pricing, marketing, and negotiations.
| Features | Traditional Agent | FSBO | Flat Fee MLS |
| Cost to Seller | High commission | No cost | Low cost |
| Control | Less control | Total control | Total control |
| MLS Exposure | Yes | No | Yes |
| Yard Signs | Yes | No | Optional* |
| Lock Box | Yes | No | Optional* |
| Negotiation Assistance | Yes | No | Optional* |
*The best Bakersfield Flat Fee MLS services provide add-ons like a yard sign, lockboxes, etc., to attract buyers without the high fees.
Reviews: 7 Best Bakersfield Flat Fee MLS Listing Services in 2026
Many Bakersfield Flat Fee MLS companies promise significant savings. However, they differ in critical areas, such as customer support, technology, and pricing transparency.
We have listed the 7 best options available to you in Bakersfield. We’ve compared their fees, features, and overall effectiveness to help you make an informed decision:
1. Houzeo: Bakersfield’s #1 Flat Fee MLS Service
Houzeo dominates the Flat Fee MLS market with over 80k active California real estate listings. You get to choose from three packages:
- Silver Package – $249 + 0.5% at Close: This package offers MLS visibility for 6 months with 24 high-quality photos. You can take charge of showings and make unlimited changes to your listing. You also get a yard sign for free, if you submit a selfie with it.
- Gold Package – $299 + 1% at Close: You get all the Silver package benefits, plus unlimited photo uploads. Relevant documents, like California seller disclosures, automatically get assigned to you. You can review and sign them digitally.
- Platinum Package – $349 + 1.25% at Close: You get all the features in the Gold plan, along with a year-long listing duration. It also includes dedicated concierge support designed specifically for new home sellers.
Here’s why homeowners trust Houzeo as the #1 California Flat Fee MLS service:
- Max Exposure: Your California home listing will be visible on your local MLS and major real estate platforms like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com.
- 100% Online: You can list your home, manage offers, and close deals, all at your fingertips with the powerful Houzeo Mobile App. To simplify the process, Houzeo will automatically assign the correct MLS paperwork based on your address.
- Instant Social Sharing: You can share your home listing with just a tap across social platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and X.
- 5-Star Customer Service: You can get prompt, expert answers from Houzeo’s 5-star support team via chat 6 days a week. This helps you keep your home sale on track.
- No Hidden Fees: What you see is what you pay. All fees are disclosed upfront.
There are no dealbreakers.
» Is Houzeo Legit? Find out why savvy homeowners choose Houzeo to sell smarter, faster, and on their terms.
Houzeo boasts a 4.9 out of 5-star rating. Home sellers love its quick listing process and mobile app.
» Houzeo Reviews: Check out testimonials by over 11,000 satisfied customers who opted for Houzeo.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Houzeo’s Gold Plan for most home sellers. It gives you maximum exposure, big savings, and access to Houzeo's high-tech tools. You also get licensed broker assistance with home pricing, offer negotiations, inspections, and closing.
2. HomeZu by Simple Choice
HomeZu by Simple Choice operates in multiple states with different Flat Fee MLS packages. However, they do have one standardized package across all states:
- Basic Package – $399 + 0.1% at Close: This package includes a 6-month MLS listing with up to 20 photos, a FSBO yard sign, and all necessary seller disclosure forms.
Here are some advantages of listing with HomeZu by Simple Choice:
- Market Exposure: Your home is listed on popular real estate websites like Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and others, maximizing buyer visibility.
- Free Listing Changes: You can make updates to your listing without paying any additional fees.
- Automatically Assigned Seller Disclosures: HomeZu by Simple Choice provides all necessary state-mandated disclosures to streamline your listing process.
- Free Open House Ads: You can add 2 open house ads on the MLS for no extra cost to help attract potential buyers.
Here are some deal breakers we found that you should consider before listing your house with HomeZu by Simple Choice:
- Varying Prices: Package prices differ by state, which may create uncertainty when opting for a plan.
- Unclear Policies: HomeZu’s refund and cancellation policies aren’t clearly mentioned on their website.
- No Mobile App: You must manage all property tasks through a web browser. You miss out on instant mobile notifications when buyers express interest, and it becomes less convenient to respond to inquiries.
- Not Fully Online: You cannot complete the entire home-selling process digitally. You’ll need to handle certain tasks through phone calls or in-person interactions, which can slow down your transaction.
HomeZu by Simple Choice has 4.9 out of 5 stars from 100+ reviews on Google.
👉 Our Take: HomeZu by Simple Choice offers features like free listing changes and included required disclosures. However, you should carefully research the company due to their varying state-based pricing and unclear refund and cancellation policies.
3. OwnerEntry.com
OwnerEntry offers 3 Flat Fee MLS packages:
- Silver Package – $199: Your listing will be active for 6 months with unlimited photos. You also get marketing flyers and brochures and unlimited changes to your listing.
- Gold Package – $299: Along with everything from the Silver Package, your listing validity is 12 months. You also get unlimited phone and email support with this package.
- Platinum Package – $399: Your home will be listed on the MLS until it’s sold. With the features of Gold Package, you also get Concierge service and assistance with contracts, disclosures, and forms. OwnerEntry also provides complete contract review, professional marketing flyer, and promotional property flyer email blast.
Here are some advantages of choosing OwnerEntry:
- Maximum Exposure: OwnerEntry ensures your home is listed on major MLS platforms and sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, Redfin, and more.
- Flexible Listing Changes: You can make unlimited edits and updates to your listing in all of their Flat Fee MLS packages.
- Unlimited Photos: All flat fee packages of OwnerEntry allow you to post the maximum number of photos allowed by the MLS.
OwnerEntry has a few drawbacks:
- Limited Marketing Tools: OwnerEntry does not provide essential marketing tools such as a yard sign, which can limit your home’s visibility in the neighborhood.
- Not 100% Online: OwnerEntry does not provide a mobile app to support a smoother, more convenient home-selling experience.
- No Offer Management: You lack a centralized system to track, compare, and manage multiple offers. This makes it difficult to organize competing bids and can lead to confusion when handling negotiations with several interested buyers.
- Lack of Assistance: The Concierge service is available only for scheduling showings. Also, the assistance with forms and disclosures is available only with the platinum package.
OwnerEntry has earned a 4.9-star rating from over 120+ customer reviews on Google.
👉 Our Take: OwnerEntry is a great choice with more than decent customer reviews. They offer unlimited listing duration in the higher-tier plan and valuable customer support services. However, some essential features like a yard sign, lockbox, and more are not included in their packages.
4. List With Freedom
List With Freedom is a popular Flat Fee Multiple Listing Service. The company provides 3 packages and several options.
- Gold Package – $89 + 0.5% at Close: You can list your home on MLS within 24 hours for 6 months with 25 photos and make unlimited changes. You also get listings welcome calls and required listing forms and disclosures. Call/chat/email support is provided 7 days a week. Customer service is in English and Spanish.
- Platinum Package – $195 + 0.25% at Close: You get everything in the Gold plan. Instead of 25 photos, you can list with the maximum number of photos.
- Platinum Plus Package – $395 + 0.25% at Close: You get everything from the Platinum Package, You also get professional yard, unlimited open houses, 5 open house directional signs, virtual tour, and a personal transaction co-coordinator.
Options or Add-on:
- Professional yard sign – $49
- House directional sign (5) – $49
- Open Houses – $25
- Post your virtual tour – $40
- Personal transaction co-coordinator – $395
- Contract prep, offer & counteroffer review – $595
Here are some advantages of choosing List With Freedom:
- Affordable Pricing: Listing packages start as low as $89, making home selling accessible and budget-friendly.
- Unlimited Listing Changes: Regardless of the plan you choose, you can update your listing as often as needed at no extra cost.
- Extensive Nationwide Coverage: List With Freedom operates in over 45 states, providing broad market access for sellers across the U.S.
Here are some drawbacks of using List With Freedom:
- Extra Charges: You need to pay a compliance fee of 0.25% to 0.50% when your property is sold. This can significantly increase your expenses at closing.
- Costly Add-Ons: List With Freedom has costly options such as open houses, personal transaction coordinator, contract prep, offer and counteroffer review which increases the final transaction cost of the packages.
- Limited Online Showing Service: Online showing services are not available in all areas. Additionally, if the service is included in your listing package, the company doesn’t provide a refund or credit.
- No Mobile App: You handle all property management tasks through a web browser. Absence of mobile app becomes inconvenient.
List With Freedom has a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 850+ reviews on Google.
» List With Freedom Reviews: Is this flat fee company the right choice for your home sale? Read our in-depth review to find out!
👉 Our Take: We don’t recommend List With Freedom for most home sellers. Their 0.25% – 0.50% compliance fee at closing can significantly increase your expenses. Instead, you must opt for a Flat Fee MLS service that discloses all its fees upfront so you don’t get any surprises later.
5. Congress Realty
Congress Realty offers the following Flat Fee MLS packages with various features tailored to sellers’ needs:
- Basic Package – $299: With the Basic Package, you can list your home on the MLS for 6 months with up to 6 photos. You are allowed up to 5 listing changes. You receive all state forms and disclosures, sales comps upon request, and can manage showing requests.
- Plus Package – $399: This plan includes everything from the Basic Package. Additionally, you get automated lead forwarding, up to 10 listing changes, and the ability to upload the maximum number of photos allowed by the MLS.
- Premium Package – $499: Along with the Plus package features, you get unlimited listing changes and open house postings. Additionally, your listing appears on social media and CongressRealty.com.
- Full Service Package – $399 + 0.5% at Closing: In this package, you additionally get contract review, and full negotiation and paperwork support from a dedicated 24/7 experienced agent. However, you have to pay an additional 0.5% at closing.
Marketing Add-ons:
- MLS Extension – $50
- eLockbox – $295
- Yard Signs – $150
- Virtual Tour – $350
- Key Lockbox – $50
- Professional Document Services – $500
Listing with Congress Realty offers the following advantages:
- Maximum Exposure: Congress Realty gets your home listed on top real estate websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Trulia, ensuring broad visibility.
- Access to Essential Documents: All the necessary state forms and seller disclosures are provided for a compliant transaction.
- Enhanced Marketing: The Premium and Full Service packages feature your home on social media channels to attract more buyers.
Congress Realty has some drawbacks that sellers must know:
- Lack of Proper Communication: Customers have reported that calls and messages are sometimes not promptly addressed.
- Expensive Marketing Tools: Congress Realty charges an additional $150 for a yard sign, $350 for a virtual tour, and $50 for a key lockbox, which can increase your overall expenses.
- Extra $500 for Doc Assistance: Along with marketing tools, the company charges an additional fee for assistance with paperwork and transaction documentation.
- No Mobile App: They do not have a dedicated mobile app. You handle all property management through a browser-based platform. You miss instant notifications when buyers express interest, making on-the-go management less convenient.
- Limited MLS Exposure Period: You get only 6 months of listing period with every package. To keep your home visible to buyers for a longer duration, you must pay extra $50.
Congress Realty has received a stellar 4.8-star rating based on more than 125+ customer reviews on Google.
» Congress Realty Reviews: Should you choose it? Read our in-depth analysis before you make a decision.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Congress Realty to sellers seeking affordable MLS access with basic support. However, their lower-tier plans lack key features like contract review and full negotiation assistance.
6. Homecoin
Homecoin offers a single Flat Fee MLS package:
- Listing Package – $149: You get a 12-month listing term with a free Homecoin sign.
Additional Services:
- Post Rental: $99+ (price varies by area)
- Lockbox Rentals: $125 (price varies by MLS)
- Pro Real Estate Photography: $182 (price varies by area)
- Seller Agent (varies): You can avail two packages for seller agent. Standard package costs $149/hr and the premium package costs $2,999.
Homecoin offers the following advantages to home sellers:
- Free Disclosures: You get all the necessary state and federal seller disclosures.
- Covers 22 States: You can avail Homecoin services in 22 states across America. Some of the major states they cover are Florida, California, Texas, and Arizona.
In our research, we found some limitations of Homecoin, which could make your experience less satisfactory:
- Essentials as Add-Ons: Homecoin will charge you extra for essential features like showing management and a lockbox.
- Variable Pricing by Location: Prices vary by location depending on your state. This makes it difficult to budget accurately without first checking your specific area’s pricing.
- No Offer Management: You lack a centralized system to track, compare, and manage multiple offers. This makes it difficult to organize competing bids and can lead to confusion when handling negotiations with several interested buyers.
- No Mobile App for iOS or Android: You manage all property tasks through their website. You miss out on instant mobile notifications when buyers express interest, and it becomes less convenient to respond to inquiries or upload photos on the go.
- Delayed Buyer Communication: You don’t receive buyer inquiries directly. All messages from interested buyers go to Homecoin first and then get forwarded to you. This creates an unnecessary delay in communication.
Homecoin has 4.4 out of 5 stars from 140+ reviews on Google.
» Homecoin Reviews: Is the company worth it? Read our blog to find out.
👉 Our Take: Homecoin offers only a single package for listing on the MLS. While the $149 flat fee is definitely attractive, the additional features, such as professional photography and lockbox rentals, come with a hefty price tag.
7. MLS Town
MLS Town covers 100+ markets in Northern California and offers 4 Flat Fee MLS listing packages to sell your house:
- Basic Package – $95: With MLS Town’s basic package, you can list your house for 3 months and upload up to 8 photos.
- Annual Package – $295: The package includes a 12-month listing with 16 pictures. Additionally, it offers unlimited listing changes and open house scheduling.
- Premium Plus Package – à la carte customized: This package allows you to list your home for a maximum of 2 years. Along with uploading the maximum number of photos, you get unlimited MLS market analysis and negotiation support.
- Full Service Listing Broker Package: The full service package includes everything from the Premium Plus Package plus unlimited support from a local agent for a seamless listing process.
For California home sellers, MLS Town provides significant advantages:
- Good Local Exposure: MLS Town covers 100+ markets in Northern California, ensuring maximum visibility for your home among nearby buyers.
- À La Carte Services: It offers a fully customizable à la carte plan that is tailored to your specific selling needs.
- Essential Disclosure Forms: MLS Town gives you access to standard California seller disclosure forms and documents.
- Transaction Coordination Services: It provides transaction coordination services for smoother paperwork handling.
MLS Town has some drawbacks that you must consider:
- Expensive Customer Support: MLS Town charges $75 for every 30 minutes of assistance. So, the more questions you have, the higher your overall costs will be.
- Complicated and Inconvenient Payment Process: MLS Town requires manual check payments, PayPal with added fees, or limited digital payment options.
- Limited Automation: Most of the paperwork for selling a house is done manually, which can make the process time-consuming.
MLS Town has a 5-star rating from 60+ reviews on Google.
👉 Our Take: MLS Town’s packages include charges of $75/30 minutes for listing support services. Therefore, these packages may become expensive for new sellers who may benefit from additional guidance throughout the selling process.
🚩 Do Bakersfield Flat Fee Listing Services Have Hidden Fees?
Yes. Many Flat Fee MLS services charge hidden fees in Bakersfield, raising your home sale cost. For example, some companies may list your property for $99 but add undisclosed fees of $300 or more for extras like a yard sign or lockbox.
Watch out for these sneaky fees that you may encounter at closing:
- Cancellation Fee ($50–$100): If you take your home off the market before the listing agreement expires, you may have to pay an early termination fee.
- Listing Modification Fee ($25-$75): Need to change your asking price, update photos, or correct property details? Many services charge a fee for each modification made after the initial listing is published.
- Closing Fee (0.25%-1.25%): Some companies charge a percentage of the home’s sale price at closing, sometimes called a “compliance fee” or “success fee”.
- Addendum and Open House Fees ($25-$50): Fees may apply for processing addenda to your contract or for posting and updating open house schedules on the MLS. Moreover, each action could incur a separate charge.
👉 Pro Tip: Always read the terms and conditions, confirm all fees upfront, and compare providers to avoid unpleasant surprises.
How Does a Flat Fee Multiple Listing Service in Bakersfield Work?
A Flat Fee MLS listing service allows you to list your home on the MLS for a fixed fee. However, only licensed agents have direct access to the MLS. They partner with agents, all you have to do is choose a plan that suits your needs. And voila! You save thousands.
The process is simple: you pay a one-time flat fee to the service. A licensed broker then puts your home on the MLS. This ensures your property gets the same exposure, all while you save thousands by avoiding the commission.
With over 74,000 Texans and Washingtonians moving to California, your property will gain exposure to a larger pool of potential buyers. Once your property is listed on the MLS, agents can share it with interested buyers looking for houses for sale in Bakersfield.

How Much Can You Save With a Flat Fee MLS Service in Bakersfield?
Over $10,000!
That’s the power of flat fee listings in Bakersfield. Traditional listing agents can’t survive without their 3% MLS listing fees. But that would cost you tens of thousands of dollars in neighborhoods like Seven Oaks, Laurelglen, and Oleander-Sunset. For example, for a home priced at $415,000, you would have to pay $12,450 in agent fees.
On the other hand, a Flat Fee Bakersfield MLS listing service like Houzeo charges you a one-time upfront fee of just $249 to $349. So, you’d save over $10,000!
How to Choose the Best Flat Fee MLS Service in Bakersfield for Your Home Sale?
Selecting the best Flat Fee MLS service is crucial to a successful home sale and can save you thousands in commissions. The right company provides maximum exposure and the support you need, while the wrong one can lead to hidden costs and frustration.
Ask yourself these questions before choosing a provider:
- What Level of Support Do You Need? Determine if you are comfortable managing the sale yourself or if you need assistance. Some services only provide a barebones listing, while others offer support with contracts, negotiations, and paperwork.
- What is the True Cost? Look beyond the initial listing fee. Check for additional charges, such as fees for listing changes, yard signs, lockboxes, or a percentage-based fee at closing.
- How Quickly Will Your Home Be Listed? Ask about the turnaround time from when you submit your information to when your listing goes live on the MLS. Top services can get your home listed within 48 hours.
- What MLS and Syndication Coverage is Included? Confirm that your home will be on your local Bakersfield MLS. Your listing should also be syndicated to major real estate sites like Zillow and Realtor.com for maximum visibility.
- How Accessible is Customer Support? Before, during, and after your listing is active, you may have questions. Verify the company’s support hours to ensure you can get help when you need it.
The answers to these questions will help you select a service that aligns with your budget, selling strategy, and desired level of involvement.
👉 List your Bakersfield home with Houzeo in just a few clicks. Get started now!
Should You Choose the Cheapest Flat Fee MLS Service in Bakersfield?
No, cheap Flat Fee MLS services may not be the right choice for you as they typically provide only bare-bones listings. Additionally, some charge extra for essentials like yard signs, showings management, or lockbox access, raising your total costs.
Customer reviews of many low-cost listing services also mention limited support, inconsistencies in services, and slower listing timelines. The cheapest option may save money upfront, but could cost more later. Compare overall value, read reviews, and pick a service that balances affordability with quality.
Houzeo vs. HomeZu by Simple Choice vs. List With Freedom
Our research of the three best Flat Fee MLS Bakersfield listing services reveals key differences in cost and convenience.
Houzeo offers the most affordable and technologically advanced option with a fully online process. Competitors like HomeZu and OwnerEntry.com come with less automation and costly add-ons.
Let’s see how the features, fees, and services of these companies compare to help you make an informed selling decision:
| Factors | Houzeo | HomeZu | OwnerEntry.com |
| Listing Price | $249 | $399 | $299 |
| Hidden Charges | No | No | No |
| 100% Online | Yes | No | No |
| Expensive Add-ons | No | No | No |
| Showings Management | Yes | No | No |
| Offer Management | Yes | No | No |
| Mobile App | Yes | No | No |
| Seller Disclosures | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing Assistance | Yes | No | No |
How to List Your Home on MLS Without a Realtor in Bakersfield?
You can list your home on MLS in California without a traditional agent by using a Flat Fee MLS service. Your home will be on the local MLS and major home sites like Zillow, Trulia, and Redfin.
High-tech Flat Fee MLS services like Houzeo can provide you with the required forms and ensure that your listing complies with all MLS rules. You can handle the showings, negotiations, and offers, making the process straightforward.
Pros and Cons of Listing With Bakersfield Flat Fee MLS Services
A Bakersfield Flat Fee MLS service provides significant cost savings and gives you full control over the sale process. However, this approach carries the risk of hidden fees and limited professional support. Here are some pros and cons of listing your Bakersfield home with a Flat Fee MLS service:
✅ Pros
- Great Savings: With a traditional agent, you have to pay a steep 3% listing commission. However, with an affordable flat rate MLS service, you can list your home For Sale By Owner and save up to $22,576 on an average $415,000 home.
- Max Exposure: With a flat fee listing, your home will be visible on major Bakersfield real estate websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Trulia, increasing its exposure.
- Complete Control: You can set your price, negotiate directly with buyers, and control the showing schedule with a flat fee Bakersfield listing service.
❌ Cons
- Hidden Fees: One of the biggest cons of working with Flat Fee Bakersfield companies is the hidden fees disclosed at closing. Unfortunately, by then, it’s so late you can’t even back out of the contract!
- Additional Charges: Even some of the best Bakersfield Flat Fee MLS listing services do not offer yard signs and pricing assistance in their basic packages. As a result, you will likely pay $500 to $1,000 more in add-ons.
- Limited Support: You will have to handle the paperwork, marketing, and closing of your home sale, all on your own.
- Time Commitment: Flat Fee MLS services mostly offer virtual broker assistance. You will have to dedicate significant time to market, list, and eventually sell your Bakersfield home.
Mistakes to Avoid With a Bakersfield Flat Fee MLS Service 🚫
To sell successfully with a Flat Fee MLS service, avoid common pitfalls like wrong pricing, inaccurate property details, and paperwork errors. Such errors waste time and cost top-dollar offers.
So, when selling your home, ensure that you don’t:
- Overprice Your Property: An unrealistic listing price can drive away serious buyers and increase your home’s days on market. Compare the house prices in Bakersfield before setting your listing price.
- Forget to Prepare Your Home: Most buyers aren’t interested in shabby homes needing repairs and maintenance. But if you’re serious about selling, enhance your home’s curb appeal, declutter your space, and make minor repairs.
- Neglect Marketing Efforts: MLS exposure is great, but it’s not enough in Bakersfield’s competitive market. Use traditional marketing tactics like yard signs to attract drive-by traffic. Learning how to sell a house on Facebook Marketplace is another great way to get more offers.
- Ignore Legal and Paperwork Requirements: FSBO paperwork is complex. But that’s not a reason to skip a Bakersfield seller disclosure. Also, consult an attorney to verify contracts.
- Provide Incomplete or Inaccurate Listing Details: Falsifying your listing risks lawsuits, failed deals, and heavy MLS fines in Bakersfield. Double-check your listing to avoid more expenses.
- Dismiss Buyer Inquiries and Offers: The number of homes for sale in the market is rising, giving buyers more options to choose from. Hence, respond promptly to all inquiries and offers to avoid losing out on a serious buyer.
- Choose the Wrong Flat Fee MLS Service: The wrong flat fee company will drown you in hidden fees, outdated tech, expensive add-ons, and poor customer support. Why throw away more than $500 for nothing when you can get superior service at just $249?
» Houzeo Reviews: Read what over 11,000 customers have to say – Bakersfield’s #1 home buying and selling website.