Houzeo does not have any hidden fees. All costs are mentioned on the Houzeo pricing page and are also disclosed to you before payment. This includes the listing plan price, any applicable closing fee, and the optional add-ons you choose.
Many sellers get confused with Houzeo’s pricing structure. The Bronze plan ($399) has no closing fee, while the Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans include a 0.5% to 1.25% closing fee. This fee ensures that you get support from listing to closing, including contract review and licensed broker assistance.
Because of this transparent pricing, Houzeo has a 4.9-star rating on review platforms like Google and Trustpilot. Independent third-party publishers like Clever Real Estate and Real Estate Bees have also ranked Houzeo as the #1 Flat Fee MLS company in the US.
Key Takeaways 🗝️
- Houzeo charges no hidden fees. All costs, including optional add-ons, are clearly listed on its pricing page.
- There is a closing fee, ranging from 0.5% to 1.25%, on Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans. The Bronze plan has no closing fee.
- There is no cancellation fee in most states. Georgia has a $25 termination fee due to local MLS rules.
- Refunds are available within 7 days of purchase if the listing is not live, the Listing Agreement is unsigned, and no draft listing has been assigned. There’s a $50 non-refundable deposit.
- Houzeo has a 4.9-star rating on both Google and Trustpilot based on 1,700+ and 3,500+ reviews, respectively.
What is Houzeo?
Houzeo is a real estate platform serving both home buyers and sellers in the US. Founded in 2017, the company has partnered with over 200 MLS boards nationwide, listed over 25,300 homes, and helped sellers save more than $320 million in listing agent commissions.
Buyers can browse over 1.5 million active listings nationwide on its homes for sale page. Houzeo also operates as a Flat Fee MLS service that helps sellers get their homes on the MLS without paying the steep 3% listing agent fee.
Houzeo is ranked as the #1 Flat Fee MLS listing service in the US by independent publishers like Clever Real Estate and Real Estate Bees. Additionally, Houzeo reviews reflect a 4.9-star rating on both Google and Trustpilot, from over 1,700 and 3,500 verified sellers, respectively.
Does Houzeo Charge Hidden Fees?
No. Houzeo charges no hidden fees. All costs are disclosed on the Houzeo pricing page before you enter a payment method. This includes the base listing fee, the closing percentage, and optional add-ons.
The base listing fee varies by state due to local MLS requirements. The closing percentage is displayed alongside each package before purchasing a plan. Optional add-ons are available at an additional cost but are entirely at the seller’s discretion.
Yes. Houzeo publishes its full pricing, including base listing fees, closing percentages, and optional add-on costs, on its pricing page before you enter your card details. You can review all package terms and applicable fees without creating an account or submitting any payment information.
What Fees Does Houzeo Not Charge?
Houzeo does not charge any hidden fees, a claim backed by verified sellers on Google and Trustpilot, like Dan Wall and Kimberly Jarrett. Both confirmed that every cost was disclosed before signing up, with no additional charges arising at closing.
Houzeo does not charge any of the following fees:
- Account creation
- MLS data entry fees
- Listing changes fees
- Showing scheduling fees
- Offer review fees
- Buyer inquiry management fees
- Cancellation fee*
*Except for Georgia, because the MLS charges it, not Houzeo.
Sellers on eligible plans can make unlimited changes to their listing at no additional cost. Buyers pay nothing to browse listings, use calculators, or manage scheduling and showings.
Houzeo for Buyers
Houzeo gives home buyers access to a database of over 1.5 million active listings nationwide. The platform supports the buying process through advanced search tools, quick filters, offer submision platform, showings platform, etc.
Houzeo Fees for Buyers
Houzeo charges buyers nothing to browse listings on the platform. The only potential cost for them is the buyer agent commission, which is not a Houzeo fee. It is negotiated directly between the buyer and their agent through a buyer-broker agreement.
In many US real estate transactions, the seller covers the buyer agent commission as part of the purchase offer negotiation. However, this depends on the terms of the final contract.
As per the NAR settlement in 2024, sellers are not obligated to pay buyer agent commission anymore. Subsequently, the buyer agent commission is no longer displayed on the MLS listing.
Yes. Home buyers don’t pay anything to browse homes, schedule a showing, or submit an offer. The agents buyers work with may pay a referral fee to Houzeo.
Free Services for Buyers
Buyers get the following tools and services at no cost:
- Access to over 1.5 million verified property listings nationwide.
- IntelliSearch, an AI-powered search tool for finding homes by specific criteria.
- DigiTransact, a digital platform for managing offers and transaction documents.
- Mortgage Calculator for estimating monthly payments.
- Home Worth Calculator for checking estimated property values.
- Home buying guides and local market trends.
- Houzeo Mobile App for browsing and managing listings on Android and iOS.
- Closing Costs Calculator for estimating total purchase costs.
- Guides on neighborhoods, Best Places to Live, Cheapest Places to Live, Expensive Places to Live, and Safest Places to Live.
Houzeo for Sellers
Houzeo offers four Flat Fee MLS listing packages for home sellers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Prices range from $399 to $499 for most states, allowing sellers to list on MLS and avoid the traditional 3% listing agent commission.
What is a Flat Fee MLS Listing?
A Flat Fee MLS listing is a service that allows home sellers to list their property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for a flat upfront fee. It replaces the traditional 3% listing agent commission.
Most companies only charge an upfront fee. However, you only get a bare MLS listing that gets you on the MLS. You will need to pay for optional add-ons, and you may still not get them.
In contrast, reputable companies charge a percentage fee at closing. The fee ensures you get end-to-end support, from listing right up to closing. Houzeo offers both models, letting sellers choose a DIY listing or full-service support, without paying the steep 3% listing agent commission.
What Is Included in Houzeo’s Flat Fee MLS Plans?
| 🥉 Bronze Plan (True Flat Fee) | 🥈 Silver Plan (Best for DIY sellers) | 🥇 Gold Plan (Best for most sellers) | 👑 Platinum Plan (Best for first-time sellers) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $399+ | $449+ | $479+ | $499+ |
| $0 at Close | +0.5% at Close (Minimum $999 due) | +1% at Close (Minimum $999 due) | +1.25% at Close (Minimum $999 due) |
| 6-month MLS listing with 24 Photos | Everything from the Bronze Plan | Everything from the Silver Plan | Everything from the Gold Plan |
| Listing on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor, Redfin, and more | Maximum Photos | Premium Yard Sign ($49) | 12-month MLS listing |
| 10 Free Listing Changes | Unlimited Listing Changes | Licensed Broker Assistance (Contract Review, Real Estate Forms, Pricing Assistance) | Virtual Full-Service with Licensed Broker (Inspection Response, Offer and Repair Negotiations, Appraisal and Closing Doc Review) |
| 3 Open House Postings | Unlimited Open Houses | Contract to Close Consulting | Rush Service (Draft in 12 hours) |
| Yard Sign ($49) | Houzeo Mobile App | Houzeo Offers (Review, Compare, Counter, and Request Offers) | Max Exposure with Additional MLS (Only Upon Request, and where available) |
| Houzeo IntelliList (100% online listing with easy changes) | Spotlight Listings | Sellability Report (Pricing Assistance, Photo Review) | Full Comparative Analysis (CMA) |
| Houzeo Showings (Showing calendar and online dashboard) | – | Review & Compare Offers | – |
| Seller Disclosures | – | In-App Call/Chat with Broker | – |
| Cancel Anytime | Coming Soon | – | |
| – | – | Personal Concierge | – |
| – | – | Post Your Virtual Tour | – |
Houzeo is known for its transparent rate structure and professional listing agents. Seller Garry Grissom was very happy with Houzeo’s customer service and praised the company’s transparency with the fees and the agent’s professionalism.
Note that Houzeo’s Flat Fee MLS pricing varies by state due to local requirements.
Yes. Houzeo is designed to be accessible for first-time home sellers. The platform provides a step-by-step listing process, which includes a guided dashboard. Broker support is available on select plans.
Sellers can list their property on the MLS, manage showings, review offers, and handle transaction documents entirely online through DigiTransact.
Houzeo uses a flat fee pricing model. This makes costs predictable upfront. It is particularly useful for first-time sellers unfamiliar with traditional agent commission structures.
Yes. Houzeo offers unlimited free listing changes on its Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans. Sellers can update their listing price, photos, descriptions, and other MLS fields at no additional cost.
The Bronze plan includes 10 listing changes. Changes are subject to MLS processing times, which vary by local board and are outside Houzeo’s control.
Why Do Houzeo’s Fees Vary by State?
Local MLS requirements vary by state. Houzeo adjusts its base listing fee accordingly. Each MLS sets its own rules, and those costs factor into what Flat Fee MLS providers charge sellers. The exact fee depends on which MLS serves your area.
For example, base prices in Wyoming start at $649, while Nebraska ranges from $449 to $599. Use the interactive map below to see costs in your area:
Closing Fee: Is This a Hidden Fee?
No. Closing fees are not hidden charges. They are mentioned on every package before signing up. The closing fee percentage generally ranges from 0.5% to 1.25%.
In states where Houzeo has limited coverage, such as South Dakota, Wyoming, and West Virginia, the closing fee percentage may be higher. Additionally, listings in South Carolina’s Hilton Head MLS and Beaufort County MLS carry an additional 0.5% fee at closing.
No. Houzeo has no hidden fees. If you find a buyer without an agent, you would still only pay the closing fee listed in your package details.
Optional Add-ons
Houzeo offers optional add-on services for sellers who want extra features beyond their base plan. Rush Service and Additional MLS Access are included with the Platinum plan. Bronze, Silver, and Gold plan users can purchase both as add-ons at an additional cost.
Coming Soon is included with the Gold and Platinum plans. Bronze and Silver plan users can purchase it as an add-on at an additional cost.
| Add-on | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rush Service | $99 |
| Additional MLS Access | $199 |
| Coming Soon | $199 |
Houzeo also offers a yard sign and a premium yard sign for $49 each. Sellers who submit a selfie with the yard sign and the house receive a full refund. Seller Debbie Orlando submitted her photo, and the customer support team promptly initiated her refund.
Some states or MLSs require a listing agent’s yard sign, which is also available for purchase. However, refunds do not apply to those signs.
How Much Do You Actually Save With Houzeo?
You save $11,564 on a $398,771 median-priced home in the US with Houzeo. A traditional listing agent charges 3% commission to list a home on the MLS, which amounts to $11,963 in listing commission alone.
On the other hand, Houzeo’s Bronze plan charges a flat fee of $399 for the same MLS listing. This means you will save a whopping $11,564 compared to the traditional listing fee.
Here’s the breakdown of your total savings:
| Traditional listing agent commission | $11,963 |
| Houzeo’s Bronze package fee | $399 |
| Your savings | $11,564 |
Seller Charlene Scher, a former real estate agent, saved approximately $9,000 on their transaction by listing their secondary home through Houzeo. They credited the platform for simplifying agent assignment and communication throughout the process.
It depends. Houzeo does not mandate buyer agent commission payments. However, if the buyer is represented by an agent, you may need to offer a buyer agent commission as part of your listing.
This is negotiated between the buyer, their agent, and the seller and is not a Houzeo fee. If you find a buyer without an agent, no buyer agent commission applies.
How Houzeo Compares to Its Alternatives
| Features | Houzeo | Traditional Agents | FFM Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $399 to $499 (most states). | None | $99 to $999+ |
| Closing Percentage | $0 on Bronze plan and 0.5%-1.25% on Silver to Platinum plans (minimum $999). | 5.5%-6% commission (2.5%-3% listing commission + 3% buyer agent commission). | Varies; some charge 0% to 1%. |
| Broker Support | Available on Gold and Platinum plans. | Full-service, dedicated agent. | Limited; varies by provider. |
| Refund Policy | Available under specific conditions. | Varies by agent agreement. | Rarely offered. |
| Cancellation Fee | None in most states; exception in Georgia. | Varies by agent contract. | Varies by provider. |
| Mobile App Access | Yes, available on iOS and Android. | Rarely | Varies by provider. |
What is Houzeo’s Cancellation Policy?
Houzeo allows cancellation as long as there are no unexpired, active offers on the listing and no offer has been accepted or is currently under consideration. You can cancel anytime through Houzeo’s dashboard.
There is no cancellation fee in 49 states. The only exception is Georgia, where a $25 termination fee applies due to local MLS rules.
To reinstate a cancelled MLS listing within the original listing term, you must pay a reinstatement fee. It equals the cost of a new listing in your state.
What is Houzeo’s Refund Policy?
Houzeo offers a full refund minus a $50 non-refundable deposit if all four conditions are met:
- The refund is requested within 7 days of the order.
- The Listing Agreement has not been signed.
- The listing is not live on the MLS.
- No draft listing has been assigned.
Optional add-ons such as yard signs and lockboxes are non-refundable. Seller Sonny requested a refund through Houzeo’s chat support. Representative Joseph processed the same without complications.
Houzeo Reviews
Houzeo holds a 4.9-star rating on Google, based on over 1,700 verified reviews. It also holds a 4.9-star rating on Trustpilot, based on over 3,500 verified reviews.
Reviewers are home sellers across the United States who have used Houzeo’s Flat Fee MLS services. Independent publishers like Clever Real Estate and Real Estate Bees also back this, as they have ranked Houzeo as the #1 Flat Fee MLS listing service in the US.
What Do Houzeo Users Say?
✅ Stefanie Pebler credited support representative Alex for the clarity, professionalism, and guidance received throughout the home-selling process. They noted that Houzeo went beyond transactional service by educating them through each step. They also recommended Houzeo to homeowners considering selling their property.
When I see something wrong or unjust, I don’t stay quiet—I sound the alarm. But when I come across something truly exceptional, I believe in praising it just as loudly—and that’s exactly what I’m doing here. My experience with Houzeo, especially with the help of Alex, is nothing short of outstanding. The level of support, clarity, and professionalism was beyond what I expected. They don’t just provide a service—they guide you, educate you, and walk alongside you as you sell your property. If you’re even considering selling your home, don’t hesitate—this is a service you can trust with confidence. I’m genuinely grateful for the experience, and I can say without hesitation: you will be glad you chose Houzeo.
Source: Trustpilot
✅ Sharon Richardson, a senior seller, described Houzeo as easy to work with despite limited familiarity with online platforms. They found the site clear and the support team responsive. They also credited Houzeo with saving them a significant amount of money and stated they would use the platform again.
I am a senior and so not great with everything being on line;however, I found Houzeo great to work with. Their site is clear and if you have any questions they are quick to help you. Their chat line is also helpful. I would use them again. It saved me lots of money.
Source: Google
✅ Chris P, a verified buyer and seller, credited Houzeo with saving several thousand dollars in real estate fees. They described Houzeo as the modern alternative to traditional real estate agents for both buying and selling a home and praised the platform for the overall experience.
Wow, what a great service. Traditional real estate agents will soon be extinct. This is the new way not only to sell a house, but buying as well. Saved several thousands in real estate fees. Thank you Houzeo team, well done.
Source: Trustpilot
Houzeo Complaints
Christy Collins initially left a one-star review after missing the closing fee disclosed on Houzeo’s pricing page. They requested a refund before their listing went live and before signing any agreements with the broker. Houzeo processed the refund in accordance with its refund policy. They later revised their review to reflect the resolution.
I am revising a previously given 1 star review for houzeo. I signed up to use their gold plan and did not see the 1% fee on your sale price upon close. I had not even posted my house yet and decided I did not want to pay 0.5-1%, when I am managing my listing. In a chat I asked ~10 times for a full refund since my listing had not gone live and I had not signed any of the contracts with the realtor/broker. I then had to send an email to customer service to request a refund. They did not agree to a full refund until I posted a 1 star review. I did eventually get a refund, but after a lot of hassle. They state they have a flat rate fee, which is not accurate when you are taking 0.5-1% of the final sale price of the home, since that is variable. I wish they would actually offer a flat rate fee, even if it was a little higher. Although I think $250 is more than enough if you are managing your own listing.
Source: Google
Sharon White revised their initial one-star rating after their concern was resolved. The delay in communication stemmed from an agent managing two clients with the same name. Once clarified, the agent became responsive and assisted with the technical aspects of the listing. They stated that any decision to leave Houzeo would be personal and unrelated to the quality of service.
I initially had given a 1 star rating. I’ve come back to add an average rating. The agent is human and had 2 clients with same name, so there was a mix up and delay in communication. It is labor intensive, but I’m old so the technical piece is challenging. Once on board with communication, the agent was easier to reach and assisted with some of the technical issues. If we move away from this platform, it will be for personal reasons and not the Houzeo service. No one can sell or speak to your home better than you.
Source: Trustpilot
Gardenspot Cabin reported two listing errors on their MLS posting: an incorrect lot size and a property type mislabeled as a lot rather than a house. Both issues were resolved over several days. Houzeo offered a $50 credit toward a future listing as part of the resolution. The seller temporarily removed the listing during the correction process.
Our initial listing was ‘edited’ with an incorrect lot size by Houzeo. It took many days to resolve the situation. Additionally, our property was miss labeled in the MSL as a lot, not a house. This greatly restrict our visibility. We decided to remove our listing to get it reset and asked Houzeo to suspended our service and repost it when things were correct. They offered us a $50 discount on our next listening. Not happy!
Source: Trustpilot
Some reviews claim Houzeo has hidden fees because sellers purchase a flat fee MLS package, expecting to pay only an upfront cost. Houzeo’s pricing cards disclose the closing fee percentage, but sellers sometimes overlook it at the time of purchase. This leads some to perceive the closing fee as undisclosed, even though it is listed on the pricing page.
Is Houzeo’s Pricing Really Transparent?
Yes. Houzeo’s pricing is transparent. All costs, including the flat fee MLS package, optional add-ons, and the closing fee percentage, are disclosed on the pricing page before purchase.
Most complaints about hidden fees stem from sellers overlooking the closing fee at checkout rather than from undisclosed charges. There is no cancellation fee in most states, and refunds are available within 7 days of purchase if eligibility conditions are met.
