Your local California 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 California’s housing market, that can save you $23,000 on a median home!
No wonder home sellers from San Diego to San Francisco 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.
We’ve spent hundreds of hours researching the best Flat Fee MLS listing services in the Golden State. Check out our rankings so you can confidently pick the right service for you!
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.
For Home Buyers: Houzeo has the most number of houses for sale in California. Start your dream home search now!
We reviewed over 50 national and local Flat Fee MLS services in California 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.
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Rankings: California’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. Congress Realty | $299 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 4. List With Freedom | $89 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. Brokerless | $99 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 6. Beycome | $99 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 7. Homecoin | $149 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 8. CA Flat Fee | $500 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 9. MLS Town | $95 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 10. VIP Realty | $350 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 11. Mills Realty | $299 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Key Takeaways
- A California Flat Fee MLS listing gets your home on the MLS for a fixed upfront fee, up to $300. That saves you almost $23,000 on a $838,400 median home in California.
- 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 California are Houzeo.com, HomeZu, and List With Freedom.
- Houzeo is the largest Flat Fee MLS listing service in America. Houzeo also has the most number of homes for sale in California.
What Is a California Flat Fee MLS Listing Service?
A California 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. For a typical property, that’s over ,000 in the seller’s pocket.
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 California: Get your home on your local MLS 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 California Flat Fee MLS services provide add-ons like a yard sign, lockboxes, etc., to attract buyers without the high fees.
Reviews: 11 Best California’s Flat Fee MLS Listing Services in 2026
Many California 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 11 best options available to you in the Golden State. We’ve compared their fees, features, and overall effectiveness to help you make an informed decision:
1. Houzeo: California’s #1 Flat Fee MLS Service
100% ONLINE
Listing Fee: $249Houzeo 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
SIMPLE, LOW-COST MLS LISTING
Listing Fee: $399HomeZu 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. Congress Realty
TRANSPARENT PRICING
Listing Fee: $299Congress 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 4 photos.
- Plus Package – $399: This plan includes everything from the Basic package. Additionally, you can upload the maximum MLS-allowed photos, manage showing requests, and connect directly with buyers and agents.
- 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: 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.
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.
- 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 a few drawbacks:
- 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: Your listing expires after just 6 months regardless of any package you choose. You must purchase an MLS extension for $50 if your property hasn’t sold by then, which means you’re paying extra to keep your home visible to buyers.
Congress Realty has received a stellar 4.8-star rating based on more than 120 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.
4. List With Freedom
EXPERIENCED BROKER
Listing Fee: $89List With Freedom is a popular Flat Fee Multiple Listing Service that offers 3 packages:
- Gold Package – $89 + 0.5% at Close: You can list your home for 6 months with 25 photos and make unlimited changes. Online showing service, open house, a professional yard sign, and other services are available at additional charges.
- Platinum Package – $195 + 0.25% at Close: You get everything in the Gold plan, but instead of 25 photos, you can list with the maximum number of photos.
- Platinum Plus Package – $395 + 0.25% at Close: This package provides a 12-month listing term with an online showing service, virtual tour, and other features. Add-on services come with additional costs.
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 0.5% when your property is sold. This can significantly increase your expenses at closing.
- Costly Add-Ons: Optional services like virtual tours, open houses, and offer reviews increase transaction costs. List With Freedom charges $49 for a yard sign, and you have to pay the installation costs.
- 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. You miss out on instant mobile notifications when buyers express interest. Also, it becomes less convenient to manage features like one-tap responses to inquiries or quick photo uploads.
List With Freedom has a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 840+ 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: List With Freedom charges a 0.25% – 0.50% compliance fee at closing, which can significantly increase your expenses. Instead, opt for a Flat Fee MLS service that discloses all its fees upfront so you don’t get any surprises later.
5. Brokerless
INEXPENSIVE PACKAGES
Listing Fee: $99Brokerless offers 3 Flat Fee MLS listing packages to home sellers:
- $99 MLS: It includes a listing term of 6 months on the local MLS and other IDX websites with 6 photos. It also provides you with the required forms and state disclosures. Your contact will be shown on the MLS for buyers to contact you.
- $149 MLS: This package offers you a listing term of 6 months with 25 photos. All other services offered are similar to the $99 package.
- $188 MLS: While the services remain the same, this package offers you a listing term of 12 months and 25 photos.
The following are the advantages of listing with Brokerless:
- Market Exposure: Your listing gets syndicated to Zillow, Trulia, MSN.com, and hundreds of other local real estate websites.
- Low-Priced Packages: Brokerless offers affordable packages for FSBO home sellers.
- Seller Disclosures: All the state-required disclosures and forms are provided in all their packages.
- Free Status Change: You can change the status of your listing with Brokerless any time you find a buyer.
In our research, we found some drawbacks with Brokerless:
- No à la carte Services: The packages lack customization and the services are minimal without customer assistance.
- Customer Complaints: Many customers have complained about unprofessional behavior.
- No Home Valuation: None of the packages provide a comparative market analysis for home valuation.
- Limited Digital Capabilities: They do not offer essential features like virtual showings or online showing management.
- No Mobile App for iOS or Android: You manage all property tasks through their web browser. You miss out on instant mobile notifications when buyers express interest, and it becomes less convenient to respond to inquiries.
Brokerless Inc. has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 100+ reviews on Google.
» Brokerless Reviews: Here are reasons why Brokerless Inc may not be right for you.
👉 Our Take: Brokerless offers Flat Fee MLS services at economical rates for FSBO home sellers. However, we do not recommend it due to limited services, customer complaints, and a lack of home valuation service.
6. Beycome
TECH-DRIVEN PLATFORM
Listing Fee: $99With Beycome, you can choose from 3 Flat Fee MLS packages to list your house:
- Basic Package – $99: You can upload the maximum number of photos allowed by the MLS, and your house is listed for 2 years.
- Enhanced Package – $399: Along with the features in the Basic Package, you get 25 HDR photos and a personalized yard sign.
- Concierge Service – $599 + 1% at Close: You can avail of an immersive 3D tour. You also get negotiation and paperwork support, along with home valuation and pricing assistance.
Here are the advantages of listing with Beycome:
- Effective Marketing Tools: You can schedule open houses and get customizable flyers and brochures.
- Unlimited Photos: You get to upload as many photos as you want, helping you showcase your house better. Moreover, the higher-priced packages include an additional 25 professional HDR pictures.
- Free Access to Legal Forms: You can access all the paperwork for selling your house without a Realtor for free. You also get paperwork support.
In our research, we came across some drawbacks of listing with Beycome:
- Limited Support: You don’t get negotiation and paperwork support in the Basic and Enhanced packages. You may have to opt for an upgrade to avail them.
- Misleading MLS Placement: Some customers have reported being listed on the wrong MLS, resulting in poor local exposure.
- Limited Regional Availability: Beycome is not available nationwide and only operates in 12 states. If you reside outside these states, you will need to seek other Flat Fee MLS listing services.
- Mandatory Cancellation Fee: You need to pay a $25 cancellation fee if you choose the Recommended Enhanced package and decide to terminate your listing early (except in Georgia). This adds an extra cost if your plans change or you’re unsatisfied with the service.
- 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.
Beycome has 4.4 out of 5 stars from 770+ reviews on Google.
» Beycome Reviews: Is Beycome the best option to sell your home? Read our in-depth review to find out!
👉 Our Take: We recommend Beycome for sellers seeking a Flat Fee MLS service with excellent customer support. If you need help with negotiation and paperwork, Beycome is a great choice.
7. Homecoin
AFFORDABLE SERVICE
Listing Fee: $149Homecoin 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.
8. CA Flat Fee
GREAT LOCAL EXPOSURE
Listing Fee: $500CA Flat Fee is a full-service flat fee real estate brokerage in Southern California.
- Investor Package – $500+$5,000: This package gives you access to real estate photography, scheduled showings, offer negotiations, and full-time agent representation.
- Standard Package – $700+$7,000: In addition to the benefits of the basic package, your home is featured on social media for more exposure. Also, you get twilight and drone photos to showcase your property with stunning aerial views.
- Deluxe Package – $1,000+$10,000: The package offers everything included in the Standard package. Additionally, CA Flat Fee offers a 3D layout and an HD tour video of your home.
Here are some green flags of CA Flat Fee:
- Free Consultation: CA Flat Fee agents offer a 15-minute consultation explaining how each service benefits you in detail so you can choose the right plan.
- Full-Time Agent Representation: Your home showings, price negotiations, and purchase contract are all managed by the CA Flat Fee agents.
- Excellent Customer Service: According to their reviews, you get reliable service that guides you through each stage of your home selling process.
- Good Market Exposure: Your property is marketed on the MLS and other online marketplaces. This gives your property maximum exposure and attracts more buyers.
Here are some red flags associated with CA Flat Fee:
- Suitable for High-End Properties: CA Flat Fee specializes in luxury properties. Therefore, if you want to sell a low-priced home, it may not be the ideal choice.
- Limited Coverage: CA Flat Fee only operates in Southern California. If you’re anywhere outside, you need to consider other Flat Fee MLS companies.
CA Flat Fee has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars from 100+ reviews on Google.
👉 Our Take: CA Flat Fee is a good option for luxury home sellers in Southern California. However, they may not be the best fit for those with lower-priced homes or sellers outside their coverage area.
9. MLS Town
BUDGET FRIENDLY
Listing Fee: $295MLS Town covers 100+ markets in Northern California and offers 4 Flat Fee MLS listing packages to sell your house:
- Basic Package – $95: MLS Town’s basic package offers a listing term of 3 months with 8 photo uploads.
- Annual Package – $295: The package includes a 12-month listing with 16 pictures. Additionally, it offers unlimited listing changes and open house schedulings.
- 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 offer negotiation support.
- Full Service Listing Broker Package: The full service package includes everything from the Premium Plus Package. It also offers 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.
10. VIP Realty
LOCAL EXPOSURE
Listing Fee: $350VIP Realty offers 2 packages, including one full-service package:
- Basic Package – $350 + $5,000: The package includes a yard sign and lockbox along with scheduled showings. You also get expert negotiation and full-time agent representation.
- Standard Package – $600 + $6,000: This package includes all the features from the previous plan. Additionally, it comes with Google PPC campaigns, twilight or drone photos, and more.
VIP Realty offers some benefits to home sellers:
- Market Exposure: Your listing gets syndicated to Realtor.com, Yahoo.com, MSN.com, and other top real estate websites. Their marketing plan also includes paid ad campaigns and YouTube shorts for maximum exposure.
- Local Expertise: Their agents know the local market well and can help you set a competitive price for your home.
- Full-Time Agent Representation: Both packages offered by VIP Realty include full-time agent representation, making your home-selling process seamless.
In our research, we came across some major drawbacks of VIP Realty:
- No À La Carte Options: The MLS packages come as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. You may not be able to personalize or tailor the packages to your specific needs or preferences.
- Pricing Plans Difficult to Access: VIP Realty’s pricing plans are not mentioned upfront on their homepage. You will have to go through their website to find the exact prices.
VIP Realty has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars from 15+ reviews on Google.
👉 Our Take: The full-service packages are expensive compared to the ones offered by other Flat Fee MLS companies. However, VIP Realty has an aggressive marketing strategy, and you get a negotiation expert, ensuring your home-selling process goes seamlessly.
11. Mills Realty
COST-EFFECTIVE PACKAGES
Listing Fee: $299Mills Realty is a flat fee MLS real estate brokerage in California.
- Silver Package – $299: This package offers a 6-month listing period with 5 photo uploads and unlimited price changes. It also provides you with the required forms and state disclosures.
- Gold Package – $449: This package includes all the features from the previous plan. You get 15 photo uploads, a lockbox, and a yard sign. It also includes showing management and automated lead forwarding.
- Platinum Package – $449 + 1/2% at closing: This package allows you to list your home until it gets sold. It includes uploading the maximum number of photos, posting open houses, additional marketing, and assistance with reviewing and negotiating offers.
Here are some advantages of choosing Mills Realty:
- Market Exposure: Your listing gets syndicated to Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and hundreds of other local real estate websites.
- Seller Disclosures: All state-required disclosures and forms are provided in every package.
- Unlimited Price Changes: You can change the price of your listing with Mills Realty at any time.
Here are some drawbacks of using Mills Realty:
- Cancellation Fees: There is a 25% cancellation fee if the cancellation is made before the property is listed on the MLS. There is no refund after the property is listed.
- Photography & Tours Not Included: None of their plans include professional photography and video or 3D virtual tours. You need to pay extra to access these services, and the costs are not disclosed.
- No Home Valuation: None of the packages provides a comparative market analysis for home valuation.
Mills Realty has a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 10+ reviews on Google.
👉 Our Take: While the Platinum plan is attractive because it allows your home to remain listed until it sells, there are still some drawbacks. Mills Realty does not provide an offer management platform or a comparative market analysis report, and the process is not fully online.
🚩 Do California Flat Fee Listing Services Have Hidden Fees?
Yes. Many Flat Fee MLS services charge hidden fees in California, 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.
Local Flat Fee Listing Services in California
How Does a Flat Fee Multiple Listing Service in California Work?
A Flat Fee MLS service provides the marketing power of the MLS without the high commission. Only licensed agents can access the MLS. So these services partner with California real estate brokers to get your home listed.
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 26,000 New Yorkers moving to California, the chances of your property getting multiple offers are high. Once your property is on the MLS, agents can share it with interested buyers looking for houses for sale in California.
How Much Can You Save With a Flat Fee MLS Service in California?
Almost $23,000!
That’s the power of flat fee listings in California. Traditional listing agents can’t survive without their 3% MLS listing fees. But that would cost you tens of thousands of dollars in cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose. For example, for a home priced at $838,400, you would have to pay $25,152 in agent fees.
On the other hand, Flat Fee California MLS listing services charge you a one-time upfront fee of just $249 to $349. So, you’d save almost $23,000!
How to Choose the Best Flat Fee MLS Service in California 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 California 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 California home in a few clicks. Get started now!
Should You Choose the Cheapest Flat Fee MLS Service in California?
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. Congress Realty
Our research of the three best Flat Fee MLS California 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 Congress Realty 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 | Congress Realty |
| Listing Price | $249 | $399 | $299 |
| Hidden Charges | No | No | No |
| 100% Online | Yes | No | No |
| Expensive Add-ons | No | No | Yes |
| Showings Management | Yes | No | Yes |
| 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 California?
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 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 California Flat Fee MLS Services
A California 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 California 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 $45,863 on an average $838,400 home.
- Max Exposure: With a flat fee listing, your home will be visible on major California 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 California listing service.
❌ Cons
- Hidden Fees: One of the biggest cons of working with Flat Fee California 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 California 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 California home.
Mistakes to Avoid With a California 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 California before setting your listing price.
- Forget to Prepare Your Home: Most buyers aren’t interested in shabby homes needing repairs and maintenance. If you’re serious about selling, improve your curb appeal, declutter your home, and make minor fixes to attract offers.
- Neglect Marketing Efforts: MLS exposure is great, but it’s not enough in California’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 increase your offers.
- Ignore Legal and Paperwork Requirements: FSBO paperwork is complex. But that’s not a reason to skip a California 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 California. 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 real estate companies 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 about Houzeo – California’s #1 home buying and selling website.
