From Rock Rapids to Fort Madison, home sellers saved up to $6,807 on an average $226,900 home with Flat Fee MLS Iowa services. Instead of a 3% agent commission, you list your house on the local MLS for a flat fee, typically under $450.
But beware! Many of these services are infamous for hidden fees, which are disclosed to you only at the closing table. To save you from such unpleasant surprises, we’ve spent hundreds of hours researching the best Flat Fee MLS Iowa listing services.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Flat Fee MLS saves you a whopping $6,500 on a median-priced $226,900 2-bed Iowa home for sale.
- The 7 best Flat Fee MLS Iowa services include Houzeo, PROmetro Realty, List With Freedom, ByOwner, ISoldMyHouse.com, Flat Fee Group, and Flat Fee Realty.
- Houzeo is Iowa’s #1 Flat Fee MLS service because of its MLS exposure, quick listing process, smart tech, and 5-star customer support.
- Other companies include PROmetro Realty, rated 5/5 stars, List With Freedom, rated 4.7/5 stars, and ByOwner, rated 4.6/5 stars.
- Some Iowa Flat Fee listing services sneak in hidden fees that drastically increase your expenses. So check the company’s policies thoroughly to avoid surprises on closing day.
- To sell your Iowa home quickly, a few mistakes to avoid are overpricing, including inaccurate listing details, and failing to market your property effectively.
Rankings: 7 Best Flat Fee MLS Iowa Companies in 2025
| Flat Fee MLS Service | Price | 100% Online | Offer Management | Showing Management | 5-star Reviews | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Houzeo | $449 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. PROmetro Realty | $195 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 3. List With Freedom | $89 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. ByOwner | $99 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. ISoldMyHouse.com | $299 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 6. Flat Fee Group | $75 - $2,500 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 7. Flat Fee Realty | $199 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Reviews: 7 Best Flat Fee Listing Services in Iowa
1. Houzeo – Iowa’s #1 Flat Fee MLS Service
100% ONLINE
Listing Fee: $399Houzeo is Iowa’s leading high-tech platform that simplifies home sales with fast listing and online offers. Whether you live in Des Moines or Cedar Rapids, you can choose from three Flat Fee MLS packages:
- Silver Package – $399: You can upload 24 photos, and your listing term will be 6 months. You can also make unlimited changes to your listing.
- Gold Package – $449: You can post the maximum number of photos, avail licensed broker assistance, get access to Iowa seller disclosures, and a premium yard sign.
- Platinum Package – $499: You get virtual full assistance from a licensed broker and a 12-month listing term.
Here’s why homeowners trust Houzeo as the #1 Iowa Flat Fee MLS service:
- Max Exposure: Your Iowa home listing is syndicated to popular real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, etc., increasing its visibility.
- Quicker Sale: Houzeo’s Homes For Sale page showcases your home to thousands of buyers, which may result in a faster sale.
- 100% Online: You can list your home, manage offers, and close deals, all at your fingertips with a powerful Houzeo Mobile App.
- 5-star Customer Service: You have access to listing support and chat services 6 days a week.
- No Hidden Fees: What you see is what you pay. Houzeo mentions all of its fees upfront on its website.
There are no dealbreakers with Houzeo.
» Is Houzeo Legit? Discover why so many homeowners are choosing Houzeo to list their properties.
Thousands of Iowa homeowners gave Houzeo top ratings of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Home sellers also praise the Houzeo Mobile App, which helps them list, manage, and close their home sales seamlessly—right from their phones.
» Houzeo Reviews: Read in detail why Houzeo is an “Excellent” choice for more than 11,000 happy home sellers.
👉 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. PROmetro Realty
COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGES
Listing Fee: $195PROmetro Realty offers 3 different MLS listing packages:
- Starter Package – $195: This package includes legal forms, a yard sign, and a lockbox. The upfront fee is non-refundable, and an additional $2,800 is due at closing.
- Pro Package – $495: With all the features of the Starter package, you also get a pre-listing appraisal, open house, online ads, 3D tour, and detailed floor plan upgrade. You need to pay an additional $4,500 at closing.
- Premier Package – $895: You get all the services from the Pro package, along with aerial photos and video. However, 1% of the sale price has to be paid at closing.
Prometro Realty’s packages have certain advantages:
- Professional Guidance: Each package offers legal documentation, e-signing, and expert representation.
- Market Exposure: Your property will be visible on all the top real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, etc.
- Advanced Marketing: The Pro and Premier plans include targeted online ads, 3D tours, and floor plans.
- Appraisal Services: The Pro and Premier packages provide pre-listing or complete appraisals for accurate pricing.
In our research, we found some limitations with PROmetro Realty:
- Expensive Packages: The packages are super costly. Other Flat Fee MLS companies can help you list and sell your home for much less.
- Inadequate Information: Necessary information, such as listing terms and the number of photos allowed, is unclear.
PROmetro Realty has an excellent rating of 5 out of 5 stars from 25+ reviews on Google.
👉 Our Take: PROmetro Realty has a clear pricing structure and discloses all the additional costs involved. However, although comprehensive, their packages are expensive. You can get similar services for a lower cost with other Flat Fee MLS services.
3. List With Freedom
COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGES
Listing Fee: $89List With Freedom is a popular Multiple Listing Service that offers 3 packages:
- Gold Package – $89: You can list your home for 6 months with 25 photos and unlimited changes. Online showing service, open house, a professional yard sign, and other services are available at additional charges.
- Platinum Package – $195: You get everything in the Gold plan, plus you can list your property for 6 months with the maximum number of photos.
- Platinum Plus Package – $395: This package provides a 12-month listing term with an online showing service, virtual tour, and other features. Add-on services cost extra.
Here are some advantages of choosing List With Freedom:
- Affordable Pricing: List With Freedom offers affordable listing packages starting at just $89.
- Unlimited Listing Changes: List With Freedom lets you make unlimited listing changes, regardless of the plan you choose.
- Nationwide Coverage: Their service is available in 45+ states across the U.S.
Some drawbacks of using List With Freedom include:
- Extra Charges: You need to pay a compliance fee of 0.25% to 0.5%. This is applicable only when your property sells.
- Expensive Add-Ons: Add-ons like virtual tours, open houses, and offer reviews increase transaction costs. List With Freedom charges $49 for a yard sign, and you are responsible for 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.
List With Freedom has a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating from 790+ reviews on Google.
» List With Freedom Reviews: Should you opt to sell with them? Check out our review!
👉 Our Take: List With Freedom charges 0.25% – 0.50% compliance fee at closing that can significantly increase your expenses. Instead, you must opt for a Flat Fee MLS service that discloses all its fees upfront so you don’t get any surprises later.
4. ByOwner
AFFORDABLE OPTION
Listing Fee: $195ByOwner provides only one MLS listing package. Although the base price is $195, it varies depending on the state.
- Flat Fee MLS Listing- $195: You can list your property on the MLS along with Zillow, Trulia, and other popular real estate websites. The package also includes social media support and customer support.
ByOwner provides one flat fee package, which has the following benefits:
- Cost Saving: ByOwner helps you list your house at an affordable flat rate.
- Professional Support: They offer you social media support, real estate photography, agent consultation for pricing and advertising, contract negotiation, etc.
In our research, we found a few drawbacks of ByOwner:
- Varying Costs: ByOwner offers a single flat fee package, but the costs vary by state. In some states, it costs $99 with 0.25% at closing, while in others, the price is $499 with 0.10% at closing.
- Extra Cost for Yard Sign: You have to pay extra for essential services like $59.95 for a yard sign.
- Limited Coverage: The company is licensed in only 17 states. In other states, they operate as a referral 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.
- 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.
ByOwner has 4.3 out of 5 stars from 45+ reviews on Google.
👉 Our Take: ByOwner offers only a single Flat Fee MLS service. Therefore, you get limited choices. Furthermore, the exact cost of the package varies according to state.
5. ISoldMyHouse.com
NO HIDDEN FEES
Listing Fee: $299ISoldMyHouse.com offers 2 Flat Fee MLS packages to suit your needs:
- Get LISTED – $299: This package includes a listing term of 6 months and allows you to upload up to 10 photos of your home. It also comes with quick online customer service.
- Get SOLD – $399: With this package, you get a listing term of 12 months. You can upload the maximum photos allowed by the MLS and get online customer support.
Add Ons:
- 1 Month Featured Listing- $25
- 1 Realtors Combo Lockbox- $50
- 2 Realtors Combo Lockboxes- $90
- 1 Custom Printed Yard Sign- $75
- 2 Custom Printed Yard Signs- $140
Here are the benefits of choosing ISoldMyHouse.com:
- Maximum Exposure: Your listing is syndicated to major real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, etc., giving it nationwide exposure.
- FSBO Listing: Your home listed as ‘For Sale By Owner’ on ISoldMyHouse.com’s website. This makes your property accessible to buyers looking for such properties.
- Buyer Leads Forwarded: The buyer leads are forwarded to you, so you can negotiate directly without involving any agent.
- Free Cancellation: ISoldMyHouse.com allows you to cancel your listing any time before signing the listing agreement.
Here are some red flags to consider before choosing ISoldMyHouse.com:
- Poor Customer Reviews: Some customers have reported poor customer service. This includes confusing instructions and being redirected to a different service after already making a payment.
- Limited Marketing Support: ISoldMyHouse.com does not offer services such as professional real estate photography and showing management, limiting your marketing options.
- Lack of Agent Support: You don’t get agent assistance for selling your home. You need to handle everything from pricing and negotiations to paperwork and closing.
- Expensive Add-ons: Some important features as yard signs and lockboxes are not included in the packages. They require additional charges.
ISoldMyHouse.com has a 4.6 out of 5 rating based on 60+ reviews on Google.
» ISoldMyHouse.com Reviews: Read our in-depth analysis before making your choice.
👉 Our Take: ISoldMyHouse.com is a solid option for sellers who prefer to manage their sales independently. However, we don’t recommend them for those who need agent support, marketing assistance, or reliable customer service.
6. Flat Fee Group
CUSTOMIZABLE PACKAGES
Listing Fee: $295Flat Fee Group is a network of independent brokers who charge a flat fee to list your home on the MLS. They offer 2 to 4 packages depending on the state where you are selling your property.
- Basic Package – $295: You get a 6-month MLS listing with 6 photos. Your listing syndicates to Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com and many more. You receive all necessary contracts, forms, disclosures, and addendums needed to sell your property.
- Showcase Package – $395: You can upload up to 25 photos, get your listing promoted on social media sites, and receive all potential buyer leads forwarded directly to you.
- Full Service Package – $995: You get full realtor support with broker contract review and assistance with negotiations with the buyer. You also get a showing-scheduling service to manage appointments and agent requests.
Flat Fee Group offers certain advantages:
- Multiple Packages: The packages differ in services offered. You can select the package that suits your real estate needs.
- Maximum Market Exposure: Your property gets listed on many popular websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, etc. This market exposure will help you sell your house faster.
- Access to Legal Documents: Flat Fee Group provides you with state-wise contracts, forms, and seller disclosures. This saves you time by eliminating the need to gather documents from different sources.
Flat Fee Group has several drawbacks:
- No Uniform Pricing: The prices and services are not standardized and vary by state, so you may encounter unexpected fees.
- Inconsistent Service Quality: Based on the package chosen, you can upload from 10 to 99 photos and list your house from 3 months until it’s sold.
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: When you choose Flat Fee Group, you’ll work with an independent flat-fee brokerage. The quality of service may vary depending on the broker you’re matched with, leading to inconsistent experiences for homeowners.
7. Flat Fee Realty
LIMITED SERVICES
Listing Fee: $199Flat Fee Realty offers a single listing package to get your home on the MLS:
- $199 Package: This plan offers a 6-month listing term with up to 5 property photos. Your home is listed on the local MLS and syndicated to Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com for maximum exposure. You also get free listing status and price changes.
These are some pros of Flat Fee Realty in the areas it operates:
- Free Listing Updates: Sellers can update the status or price of their listing at no additional cost.
- Cancellation Flexibility: You can cancel your listing anytime without penalties, offering greater control over the process.
- Broad MLS Exposure: Your listing gets syndicated to major real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com, maximizing visibility.
In our research, we have found certain drawbacks of Flat Fee Realty:
- Limited Photos: The base package only includes up to 5 photos, which may not be sufficient for attracting buyers.
- Photo Upgrade Fee: To add more than 6 photos, you must pay an extra $50, increasing the overall cost.
- No Full-Service Support: The package does not include real estate agent assistance for negotiations, pricing guidance, or listing agreement reviews, which can be challenging for inexperienced sellers.
- Hidden Commissions: The brokers charge a closing transaction fee of 0.10% to 0.25% of the sale price. Apart from this, there may be additional fees after your listing is completed, as well. These charges are not mentioned upfront but rather in FAQs.
- Unclear Cancellation Fees: Even though no cancellation fees are disclosed upfront, they are buried deep in the FAQs.
Flat Fee Realty has a rating of 2.7 out of 5 stars from 5+ reviews on Houzeo.
» Flat Fee Realty Reviews: Check out our in-depth analysis of their services.
👉 Our Take: Flat Fee Realty can be a good option for experienced sellers who can handle the sale independently. However, we do not recommend them for their limited services and lack of transparency with charges.
🚩Beware: Various Iowa Flat Fee MLS Companies Have High Hidden Fees
The biggest issue with Iowa Flat Fee MLS services is the high hidden fees. For example, some companies offer a $99 MLS listing but charge an undisclosed extra fee of $300+ for add-ons like a yard sign or lockbox. These hidden fees make your home sale more expensive, which ruins your experience with all the nickel and diming!
👉 Ready to List Your Home? Houzeo discloses all its fees upfront on the Flat Fee MLS Iowa pricing page!
How Does a Flat Fee Multiple Listing Service in Iowa Work?
A Flat Fee MLS listing service allows you to list your home on the MLS for a fixed fee. However, only licensed agents have direct access to the MLS. They partner with agents, all you have to do is choose a plan that suits your needs. And voila! You save thousands.
With thousands of Illinoisans and Nebraskans moving to Iowa, your property will gain exposure to a larger pool of potential buyers. Once your property is listed on the MLS, agents can share it with interested buyers looking for houses for sale in Iowa.
How Much Can You Save With a Flat Fee MLS Service in Iowa?
In Iowa’s affluent cities like Ames, West Des Moines, and Council Bluffs, the median home prices can be fairly high. Selling your home through a traditional agent could cost you thousands of dollars in commission fees.
However, with top Iowa Flat Fee MLS listing services like Houzeo, you can save up to $6,807 when selling a $226,900 home in the Hawkeye State. You can use these savings to put your kids through college, upgrade your kitchen, or enjoy a luxury cruise!
| Service Provider | MLS Listing Fee in Iowa | Savings |
| Traditional Agent | 3% Commission – $6,807 | $0 |
| Houzeo | Fixed Fee – $449* | $6,358 |
How to List My Home on MLS in Iowa via Houzeo?
Here’s how to sell a house by owner in Iowa with Houzeo:
- Create Your Account: Download the Houzeo Mobile App or go to Houzeo.com and click “Start Listing Now.” You’ll then have to provide basic information, like your name, contact details, etc., to set up your account.
- Add Property Details and Photos: Go to the Houzeo dashboard and click “Sell a Property.” Submit details about your home, such as the number of rooms and baths, square footage, etc. Also, upload high quality pictures and highlight what makes your Iowa home special!
- Choose Your MLS Plan: Houzeo offers 3 flat fee packages. Once you select a plan, the necessary documents will be automatically assigned to you.
- Set Your Asking Price: Use online tools such as a home worth calculator to check the value of your home and set the asking price accordingly.
- Sign the Listing Agreement: Review and sign the listing agreement and complete the paperwork. If everything is in order, the real estate broker will make your listing live within 48 hours.
Pros and Cons of Listing With Iowa Flat Fee MLS Services
Here are some pros and cons of listing your Iowa home with Flat Fee MLS services:
✅ Pros
- Great Savings: For a Flat Fee MLS service in Iowa, you typically pay a fixed MLS listing cost, up to $300. With an affordable Flat Rate MLS service, you can list your home for sale by owner and save up to $12,081 on an average $226,900 home.
- Max Exposure: Your home listing is shared with major Iowa real estate websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Trulia. This makes your home visible to local and national buyer agents.
- Full Control: Just like with the best For Sale By Owner sites in Iowa, you can set your price, negotiate directly with buyers, and control the showing schedule with a Flat Fee Iowa real estate broker.
❌ Cons
- Limited Support: When you choose pocket-friendly plans ranging from $75 to $99, you likely end up handling a lot of paperwork, pricing, and negotiation all by yourself.
- Add On Charges: Even some of the best Flat Fee MLS Iowa listing services do not offer critical marketing tools like yard signs, open house schedules, and pricing assistance in their basic packages. You will likely pay $500 to $1,000 more in add-ons.
- Hidden Fees: One of the biggest cons of working with Flat Fee Iowa listing services is the hidden fee disclosed at the closing table. It’s so late you can’t even back out of the contract now!
- 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 Iowa home.
Mistakes to Avoid With an Iowa Flat Fee MLS Service 🚫
To sell a home successfully in Iowa, ensure that you do not:
- 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 Iowa 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 Iowa’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 good enough reason to overlook crucial documents like an Iowa seller disclosure. Remember to consult with a real estate attorney to verify your contracts.
- Provide Incomplete or Inaccurate Listing Details: Falsifying your listing information is the fastest way to get sued in Iowa. Not only do you risk the deal falling through, but the MLS will also penalize you with a hefty fine. Double-check your listing to avoid more expenses.
- Dismiss Buyer Inquiries and Offers: Serious buyers have many housing options to choose from in the current Iowa real estate market. 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 $449?
» Houzeo Reviews: Read what over 11,000 customers have to say about Houzeo—Iowa’s #1 home selling website.
