Your local Illinois 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 Illinois’ housing market, that can save you $7,000 on a median home!
No wonder home sellers from Springfield to Chicago are using a Flat Fee MLS Illinois 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 Prairie 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 Illinois. Start your dream home search now!
We reviewed over 50 national and local Flat Fee MLS services in Illinois 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: Illinois’ 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. List With Freedom | $89 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. Beycome | $99 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. Homecoin | $149 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 6. Flat Fee Group | $295 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 7. Circle One Realty | $295 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 8. MLS Town | $175 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 9. ListHomeFlatFee.com | $199 | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 10. iRealty Flat Fee Brokerage | $299 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 11. Prello Realty | $295 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Key Takeaways
- A Illinois Flat Fee MLS listing gets your home on the MLS for a fixed upfront fee, up to $300. That saves you almost $7,000 on a $308,200 median home in Illinois.
- 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 Illinois 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 Illinois.
What Is an Illinois Flat Fee MLS Listing Service?
An Illinois 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 Illinois 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 Illinois 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 Illinois Flat Fee MLS services provide add-ons like a yard sign, lockboxes, etc., to attract buyers without the high fees.
Reviews: 11 Best Illinois’ Flat Fee MLS Listing Services in 2026
Many Illinois 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 Prairie State. We’ve compared their fees, features, and overall effectiveness to help you make an informed decision:
1. Houzeo: Illinois’ #1 Flat Fee MLS Service
100% ONLINE
Listing Fee: $249Houzeo dominates the Flat Fee MLS market with over 20k active Illinois 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 Illinois 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 Illinois Flat Fee MLS service:
- Max Exposure: Your Illinois 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, highest savings, and access to Houzeo technology features. A licensed broker will also assist you with pricing your home, offer negotiations, inspection, 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. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Flat Fee Group
🏆 CUSTOMIZABLE SERVICES
Listing Fee: $295Flat Fee Group is one of those real estate companies in Illinois that allows you to list your home on the MLS within 48 hours and provides a variety of MLS services through their packages.
- MLS Entry Package – $145: You can list your vacant land on the local MLS. It is also syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more. You can upload 1 photo for a listing term of 3 months.
- MLS Basic Package – $295: You can list your home for 6 months with 25 photos. You also get full-service broker support and a standard yard sign. Necessary contracts, forms, disclosures, and addendums are also included.
- MLS Classic Package – $495: This includes MLS Basic Package services with a 12-month listing term. You get the additional benefit of a lockbox combo.
- MLS Elite Package – $495: This top-tier plan includes all features of the MLS Classic Package and allows you to stay listed until your home sells. You also get assistance with contract review, offer guidance, and negotiations. Plus, it includes showing scheduling, professional photography and a yard sign.
Here are some advantages of choosing Flat Fee Group:
- Full Service Realtor Support: All the packages come with comprehensive realtor services to help you throughout the sale process.
- Yard Sign Included: The Elite package comes with a professional yard sign. Meanwhile, the Basic and Classic packages include a standard yard sign, upgradeable to a professional one.
- Free Required Forms: You receive sales contracts, addendums, and all state-required disclosure forms at no extra cost.
- Market Exposure: Your property is syndicated to Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and hundreds of other real estate websites.
Here are some drawbacks of using Flat Fee Group:
- Limited Photo Uploads: All home-selling plans allow uploading only up to 25 photos, which may restrict how well you can showcase your property.
- No Mobile App: Flat Fee Group does not offer a dedicated mobile app, reducing on-the-go convenience for sellers.
- Limited Coverage Area: Flat Fee Group serves only 42 counties in Illinois. If your property is outside their service area, you won’t be able to list with them.
- No Credible Online Reviews: The company has little to no presence on trusted review platforms, making it difficult to gauge customer experiences.
Flat Fee Group has a rating of 2.7 stars out of 5 from 10+ reviews on Houzeo.
» Is Flat Fee Group legit? Read our in-depth reviews on Flat Fee Group and choose accordingly.
Our Take: Their packages are comprehensive. If you choose to list with them, do keep in mind that they cover only some Illinois counties. Also, they have limited technology and lack customer service reviews from credible websites.
7. Circle One Realty
LOCAL REALTOR SUPPORT
Listing Fee: $295Circle One Realty offers 4 Flat Fee MLS packages that provide cost-effective solutions for home sellers.
- MLS Entry Package – $145: You can list your vacant land on the local MLS. It is also syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more. You get to upload 1 photo for a listing term of 3 months.
- MLS Basic Package – $295: You can list your home for 6 months with 25 photos. You also get full-service realtor support and a standard yard sign.
- MLS Classic Package – $495: This includes MLS Basic Package services with a 12-month listing term. You also get the additional benefits of a lockbox combo and professional photography.
- MLS Elite Package – $495: This top-tier package includes all the features of the MLS Classic Package. Additionally, you can list your home until it sells or you get to cancel the listing.
Here are some advantages of listing with Circle One Realty:
- Full Service Realtor Support: All the packages come with comprehensive realtor services to help you throughout the sale process.
- Professional Photography: The Classic and Elite packages include professional real estate photography to enhance your listing’s appeal.
- Yard Sign Included: The Elite package comes with a professional yard sign. Meanwhile, the Basic and Classic packages include a standard yard sign, upgradeable to a professional one.
Our research uncovered some deal-breakers you should consider before choosing Circle One Realty:
- Limited Coverage: They cover only 44 counties in Illinois. If your house is outside those areas, you cannot list with Circle One Realty.
- Not 100% Online: The tech stack of Circle One Realty is modest. Many procedures, like form filling and listing, need to be manually completed. Paperwork for selling your house might delay the listing process.
- Entry Package for Vacant Land Only: You can only list vacant land on the MLS with this package. The listing lasts just 3 months and includes only one photo.
- Sellers may Require Add-ons: Circle One Realty offers comprehensive packages, but add-ons for custom needs may raise costs.
Circle One Realty is rated 5 out of 5 stars from 250+ reviews on Google.
» Circle One Realty: Read our in-depth review to know more about the company.
👉 Our Take: Most reviewers praise Circle One Realty for their expertise, and their packages are comprehensive. If you choose to list with them, do keep in mind that they cover only some Illinois counties, and their limited tech may slow down the listing process.
8. MLS Town
👍 LOCAL BROKER SUPPORT
Listing Fee: $175MLS Town offers two flat-fee MLS listing packages in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs:
- $175 Package: This package includes a 4-month MLS listing with 1 photo upload. You also receive free sales contracts, required disclosure forms, and open house postings.
- $295 Package: The only difference is that this package includes a 12-month MLS listing with up to 25 photo uploads. All other features remain the same as the $175 plan.
Here are some advantages of choosing MLS Town:
- Local Broker Support: Listings are handled by a local Chicago-area licensed broker.
- Free Required Forms: You receive sales contracts and all state-required disclosure forms at no extra cost.
- Listing Flexibility: Free open house postings and unlimited listing changes are included.
- Market Exposure: Your property is syndicated to Zillow, Trulia, MSN.com, and hundreds of other real estate websites.
Here are some drawbacks of using MLS Town:
- No Yard Sign or Lockbox Included: These must be purchased separately, increasing your total expense.
- Limited Customization: They offer very few à la carte services, leaving little room to tailor your package.
- Not Comprehensive: They do not provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and also lack showing & offer management platforms.
- Lack of Technology: They do not have a mobile app, and the process is not fully online.
MLS Town has a 5-star rating from 60+ reviews on Google.
👉 Our Take: The packages are fairly basic. While you do get support from a local broker, essential marketing items like a yard sign and lockbox cost extra, which increases your overall expense. There’s also no CMA included, and the process is not fully online.
9. ListHomeFlatFee.com
COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGES
Listing Fee: $199ListHomeFlatFee.com offers three flat-fee MLS packages for selling homes in Illinois:
- Bronze – $199: This package includes a 3-month MLS listing with up to 5 photo uploads and a yard sign. You receive all state-required disclosures & related forms and can make unlimited listing changes. In addition, you get assistance with contract review, offer guidance, and agent negotiations.
- Silver – $299: This package includes a 6-month MLS listing with up to 30 photo uploads. All other features are the same as the Bronze package.
- Gold – $599: This package includes a 12-month MLS listing and professional photography with up to 25 photo uploads. It also provides property pricing assistance and comes with a combination lockbox.
Here are a few green flags if you choose to list with ListHomeFlatFee.com:
- Seller Disclosures: All state-required disclosures and forms are included in every package.
- Unlimited Listing Changes: You can make free, unlimited updates to your listing at any time.
- Offer & Negotiation Support: All plans include contract review, offer guidance, and negotiation assistance.
- Direct Buyer Leads: All buyer inquiries and leads are forwarded directly to you.
Here are some deal breakers of ListHomeFlatFee.com:
- Misleading Pricing Assistance: The “Property Pricing Assistance” add-on does not include help with choosing your listing price.
- No CMA Provided: They do not suggest a listing price and do not provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).
- Limited Media in the Gold Plan: Even the $599 Gold package does not include marketing videos, 3D Matterport tours, video walkthroughs, or drone photography. These all require extra payment.
- Lack of Technology: They do not offer an offer management platform or a showing management tool.
ListHomeFlatFee.com has a 5-star rating from 20+ reviews on Google.
👉 Our Take: ListHomeFlatFee.com can be a good option for first-time sellers, especially the $299 Silver plan, as it includes contract review, offer guidance, and negotiation support. However, they do not provide pricing assistance or a comparative market analysis, and the process is not fully online. They also lack an offer and a showing management platform.
10. iRealty Flat Fee Brokerage
EXPERT ADVICE
Listing Fee: $299iRealty Flat Fee Brokerage offers 3 flat fee packages:
- Package 1 – $299: This package allows you to list for 6 months with unlimited photos on the MLS. It includes unlimited listing updates and open house postings. You get appointment scheduling and an offer management app. You also receive support from a local Illinois broker, including help with contract negotiations.
- Package 2 – $499: You can list on the MLS for 12 months with professional photos. Additionally, you are provided a lockbox.
- Package 3 – Full Service – $99 + 1% at close: You can list on the MLS until your home sells. You get full à la carte services, along with a lockbox, yard sign, and professional real estate photography. Additionally, the $99 fee is refundable at closing.
Here are a few green flags if you choose to list with iRealty Flat Fee Brokerage:
- No Limits on Edits or Photos: You can update your listing as many times as needed and upload unlimited photos at no extra cost.
- Broker Support: You get online support from a local broker during the transaction.
- Unlimited Open Houses: All 3 packages offer unlimited open houses. You are also given access to the showing scheduling app.
- Comprehensive Packages: All packages include a yard sign, selling forms, and required disclosures. You also receive assistance with contract negotiations, market analysis, and a closing cost estimate.
Here are some deal breakers of iRealty Flat Fee Brokerage:
- Limited Coverage: iRealty Flat Fee Brokerage only serves in state of Illinois, so if your property is located outside the state, then you cannot use their services.
- No Mobile App: iRealty Flat Fee Brokerage doesn’t have a high-tech mobile app for convenience.
iRealty Flat Fee Brokerage has a 5-star rating from 10+ reviews on Google.
👉 Our Take: We recommend iRealty Flat Fee Brokerage for first-time home sellers as all their packages have live broker support and comprehensive customer service. They also have updated tech support and provide all the required state forms and disclosures.
11. Prello Realty
LOCAL EXPERTISE
Listing Fee: $295Prello Realty offers 3 Flat Fee MLS packages:
- MLS Basic Package – $295: Your home will be on the local MLS and major sites like Zillow, Trulia, and Redfin. The listing term is 6 months.
- MLS Plus Package – $495: It includes everything from the Basic Package plus professional photography of your property. The listing term is 9 months.
- MLS Pro Package – $795: You get everything from the previous packages, along with a combination lockbox and appointment for scheduling home showings.
The positive standout points of Prello Realty are:
- Yard Sign With Every Package: The Basic and Plus packages include a standard yard sign, while the Pro package includes a professional one.
- Free and Unlimited Listing Changes: If you opt for their Pro package, you can modify your listing anytime at no extra cost.
- Free Open House Advertising: With the Pro package, Prello Realty advertises your open house on the MLS, Realtor.com, Trulia, and Zillow for free.
The drawbacks of listing with Prello Realty are:
- Limited Customization: You may have to purchase add-ons, which can increase the total transaction cost.
- Unclear Communication: Some customers report a lack of communication, leading to potential surprises during the transaction process.
- Narrow Coverage: Prello Realty operates exclusively in Illinois. If your property is located in another state, you cannot use their flat fee services. Furthermore, they cover only half of the counties in the state.
Prello Realty has 4.6 out of 5 stars from 50+ reviews on Google.
» Prello Realty Reviews: Read our in-depth review of Prello Realty.
👉 Our Take: Prello Realty offers free and unlimited listing changes and open house advertising. However, some negative reviews mention poor communication, listing mistakes, and rushing deals. Additionally, their services cover only half of Illinois' counties.
🚩 Do Illinois Flat Fee Listing Services Have Hidden Fees?
Yes. Many Flat Fee MLS services charge hidden fees in Illinois, 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.
Find a Flat Fee MLS Listing Service Near You
How Does a Flat Fee MLS Listing Service in Illinois 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 Illinois flat fee 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 200,000 Americans moving to Illinois, 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 Illinois.
How Much Can You Save With a Flat Fee MLS Service in Illinois?
Almost $7,000!
That’s the power of flat fee listings in Illinois. 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 Chicago, Naperville, and Rockford. For example, for a home priced at $308,200, you would have to pay $9,246 in agent fees.
On the other hand, Flat Fee Illinois MLS listing services charge you a one-time upfront fee of just $249 to $349. So, you’d save almost $7,000!
How to Choose the Best Flat Fee MLS Service in Illinois 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 Illinois 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 Illinois home with Houzeo in just a few clicks. Get started now!
Should You Choose the Cheapest Flat Fee MLS Service in Illinois?
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 Illinois 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 List With Freedom 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 | List With Freedom |
| Listing Price | $249 | $399 | $89 |
| Hidden Charges | No | No | No |
| 100% Online | Yes | No | No |
| Expensive Add-ons | No | No | Yes |
| 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 Illinois?
You can list your home on MLS in Illinois 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 Illinois Flat Fee MLS Services
An Illinois 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 Illinois 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 $-232 on an average $308,200 home.
- Max Exposure: With a flat fee listing, your home will be visible on major Illinois 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 Illinois listing service.
❌ Cons
- Hidden Fees: One of the biggest cons of working with Flat Fee Illinois 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 Illinois 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 Illinois home.
Mistakes to Avoid With an Illinois 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 Illinois 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 repairs.
- Neglect Marketing Efforts: MLS exposure is great, but it’s not enough in Illinois’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 an Illinois 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 Illinois. 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 about Houzeo – Illinois’ #1 home buying and selling website.
