A Flat Fee MLS service in Houston, TX, will list your house on the MLS for a fraction of the cost you’d pay traditionally. No shit! From Fort Bend to Harris County, you can save thousands by not paying the 3% listing agent commission.
Houston Flat Fee MLS companies are a great way to save money and sell your home. High-tech listing services like Houzeo automatically assign the right MLS paperwork and get your house listed within 24-48 hours for a FLAT FEE.
Houzeo discloses all fees on its Flat Fee MLS Texas pricing page. But, most Flat Fee companies don’t bother to do that. Shady operators will sneak in hundreds of dollars in hidden fees at closing. Buyer beware!
This is the biggest disadvantage of using Houston Flat Fee MLS services. Itโs also why you need to carefully review the Flat Fee MLS service before you list. Weโve spent thousands of hours researching and reviewing the best Flat Fee MLS services in Bayou City. Here are our top picks.
Rankings: 8 Flat Fee MLS Houston Companies in 2024
Flat Fee MLS Service | Price | Additional Fees | 100% Online | Offer Management | Showing Management | 5-star Reviews | Mobile App |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Houzeo | $399 | None | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ |
2. List With Freedom | $295 | 0.25% Commission | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ |
3. FlatFeeByYou | $295 | None | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ |
4. Creekview Realty | $600-$1400 | None | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ |
5. FSBO.com | $399 | None | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ |
6. Flat Fee Group | $299-$1289 | None | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ |
7. BuySelf Realty | $299 - $599 | None | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ |
8. Texas MLS Broker | $375 | None | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ |
Reviews: 8 Best Houston, TX Flat Fee Listing Companies
1. Houzeo
#1 Flat Fee MLS Service
Houzeo.com
Houzeo is real estate company headquartered in New York.
Houzeo offers 4 Flat Fee MLS packages.
- Bronze Package โ $399: This package offers Houzeo listing only for 6 months with 24 photos.
- Silver Package โ $399+0.5% at Close: This offers maximum photos upload and provide you with seller disclosures.
- Gold Package โ $429+0.5% at Close: It is Houzeoโs signature MLS package and includes all the technology Houzeo is known for like, Houzeo Showings, Houzeo Offers, and DigiTransact.
- Platinum โ $449+1% at Close: It includes the assistance of a licensed broker to help you with negotiations, seller disclosures, and closing.
๐ย Our Take:ย We recommend the GOLD plan. Youโll have access to Houzeo tech, making managing showings and offer negotiations easy! Confirm all prices on your particular state’s pricing page before you list.
ยปย Houzeo Reviews:ย Houzeo is 100% online. You can finish listing formalities in less than 60 mins.
Houzeo is America’s #1 Flat Fee MLS service because of 4 reasons:
- Max Exposure:ย Houzeo MLS packages give you access to the MLS, Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, and 100s of other websites.
- 5-star Customer Service: Houzeo has a fully staffed customer service desk available 6 days a week. Chats and emails are open 7 days a week.
- 100% Online: Houzeo is high-tech platform with its easy listing, fast changes, onlineย showings, and onlineย offers. Houzeo mobile appย is also very powerful.
- No Hidden Fees: In most states, you’ll be paying just a small flat fee to list on MLS by owner. And remember, all fees are disclosed upfront, so there are no Houzeo hidden fees. You get to bypass the listing agent commission.
There areย no dealbreakers with Houzeo.
ยป Is Houzeo Good for You? ย Houzeo addresses all Houzeo complaints from home sellers.
Houzeo is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by thousands of home sellers on Google & Trustpilot.
ยปย Houzeo Reviews:ย Houzeo isย ratedย “Excellent“ by 8,000+ home sellers.
Houzeo.com is Texas’ #1 ranked Flat Fee MLS service. Houzeo provides an unbeatable combination of max savings, 5-star customer support, and cutting-edge technology.
In Texas, the Bronze package costs $399. The Silver package costs $409 +0.5% at close and the Gold package costs $429 +0.5% at close. The Platinum package costs $449 +1% at close.
ยป Flat Fee MLS Texas: Check our rankings of the best Flat Fee MLS companies in Texas.
๐ Need Help? Schedule a FREE Consultation
An Houzeo expert can answer all your questions regarding our packages.
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2. List With Freedom
NO PRICING ASSISTANCE
ListWithFreedom
ListWithFreedom provides 3 packages:
- Gold Package – $149: This package allows a listing term for 6 months and 6 photo uploads with unlimited changes.
- Platinum Package – $195: This is the most popular package with 6 months listing term. It allows you to upload a maximum of 25 photos.
- Platinum+ Package – $295: With this plan, the listing term is 12 months, with an online showing scheduler and maximum photo uploads. However, you must pay an additional 0.25% fee at closing.
๐ Our Take: ListWithFreedom can be a decent choice for experienced sellers. However, they offer limited services like limited photo allowance and overpriced add-ons.
ListWithFreedom is one of the oldest Flat Fee MLS services based out of Florida. Here are some of its best features:
- Affordable Pricing Plans: ListWithFreedom listings start at $149.
- Unlimited Listing Changes: You can make unlimited modifications to any of their packages.
- Buyer Leads Forwarding: All buyer leads are directly forwarded to you with no agent involvement.
ListWithFreedom has two major drawbacks you should know about:
- Hidden Costs: ListWithFreedom charges between 0.1% to 0.25%ย at closing (over your one-time flat fee payment). This closing cost is not mentioned on their pricing page.
- Average Customer Reviews: ListWithFreedom does not enjoy robust customer reviews. Past sellers said that their experience was just average, thanks to the lack of pricing and negotiation assistance.
ListWithFreedom has a 4.2 out of 5ย stars rating from 1,800+ reviews on Trustpilot.
ยป ListWithFreedom Reviews: Is ListWithFreedom Legit? Read our blog to find out.
Ralph Harvey headed List With Freedom has affordable listing packages that are ideal for an experienced seller. The listing process is quick and simple.
But you can only get MLS listings with List with Freedom as they do not provide any pricing or negotiation assistance. If you are new to the real estate market you will need guidance throughout the selling process!
3. FlatFeeByYou
Local Option
FlatFeeByYou
FlatFeeByYou offers 3 packages to sellers.
- Basic Package โ $45: The package includes a listing period of 6 months with 6 photos. Other services include a comparative report and free broker consultation.ย
- Best Package โ $95: The services offered with this package are similar to that of their Basic Package with free broker consultation, unlimited price changes, and description updates.
- Premium Package โ $295: The package includes everything from their Best Package with a professional photoshoot.
๐ Our Take: FlatFeeByYou offers affordable packages to home sellers. You get free unlimited status and listing updates with all the packages.
In terms of value, Flat Fee By You is a good option. Here are some of its advantages.
- Affordable Packages: Flat Fee By You provides an entry-level package of $45. The premium plan includes a professional photo shoot for your home.ย
- State-Wide Coverage: Flat Fee By You covers most of Texas. The company has offices in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas.
- Market Exposure: Your listing gets syndicated to Zillow, Trulia, and other real estate websites.
In our research, we found some major deal breakers with Flat Fee By You.
- 0.5% Commission at Closing: Some sellers have mentioned that FlatFeeByYou charges sellers a 0.5% commission at closing. They fix the buyer agent commission at 3%, out of which they pocket the 0.5% commission.ย
- Additional Charges:ย They charge you extra for forms and disclosures, but the amount is not specified on their website.
FlatFeeByYou hasย 1.8 out of 5 stars from 10+ reviews on Yelp.
ยป FlatFeeByYou Reviews: Check FlatFeeByYou com reviews and choose accordingly.
Flat Fee By You offers its services at a very low price. But they do charge some hidden fees which are not disclosed on their website.
Reviewers discuss the company charging 2.5% for buyer’s agent commissions and 0.5% at closing. Their packages have only a 6-month listing term, so if the house doesn’t sell within that timeframe, you’d have to renew it for the same price.
4. Creekview Realty
EXPENSIVE PACKAGES
Creekview Realty
Creekview Realty offers 2 expensive MLS listing packages, including one full-representation package.
- Basic Package โ $600: It includes a listing term of 6 months. Other services include realtor key box usage, CSS scheduling service, yard sign, and all forms. You can cancel your listing at any time.
- Full-Representation Package โ $1,400: The package has all the services from the basic package. Additionally, you get full representation services, including contracts, repair negotiations, and other paperwork assistance.
Listing Upgrades
- Professional Photography: $225
- Comparative Market Analysis: $100
- Additional Yard Sign: $50
๐ Our Take: The packages are expensive for the services they provide. Additionally, you need to pay for extra services such as photography and a lockbox. Similar packages are available elsewhere for much less.
ยป What is Creekview Realty?ย Read our blog to make an informed decision.
Creekview Realty may be an excellent option if you are an inexperienced seller or expect a complicated sale. Here are some of its advantages.
- Local Expertise: You can count on their agents for their valuable insights about the local Texas market.
- Full Coverage in Texas: With offices in Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston, Creekview has a good reputation and serves the majority of Texas markets.
ยปย Pros and Cons of Creekview Realty:ย Read our blog to make an informed decision.
In our research, we found some primary deal breakers with Creekview Realty.
- Expensive Packages: Creekview Realty offers 2 expensive packages. You get similar services for much less.ย
- Insufficient Information on Website: Creekview Realty’s website doesnโt mention how many photos you can upload or how many changes you can make to your listing.
Creekview Realty hasย 4.8 out of 5 stars out of 90+ reviewsย on Google.
ยป Creekview Realtyย Reviews: Read our blog to know more.
Creekview Realty has been designed to provide home sellers with everything they need to sell their homes successfully. But they don’t provide enough options to their sellers.
Home sellers who want to save money may find the company’s 2 packages too expensive. Packages and additional services are not listed on the company’s website. Selling a home with them as a first-time seller can be challenging.
5. FSBO.com
NATIONAL REFERRAL COMPANY
FSBO.com
FSBO.com has 2 packages for FSBO home sellers:
- $99.95 – FSBO Package: This package lists your property on FSBO.com and Redfin for 6 months. You can upload unlimited photos and a video. It allows you to make changes and cancel your listing anytime.
- $399.95 – MLS Package: With this package, your property is listed on the MLS for 6 months with 20 photos. Your listing is syndicated to Zillow, Realtor, and Trulia.
Listing Upgrades
- Classic FSBO.com Yard Sign w/ Stand: $75
- Open House Posting: $50
- Directional Arrow – For Sale By Owner: $12
- Sign Riders: $12
๐ Our Take: FSBO.com has been in business since 1997. They allow you to customize the plans by offering some services separately. You can add or skip these services based on your needs.
ยป Pros and Cons of FSBO.com: Read to know what sellers have to say about FSBO.com
Here are some key highlights of listing with FSBO.com:
- Multiple Categories of Listings: You can feature your listing in a special section dedicated to foreclosure, pre-foreclosure, tax lien, or bankruptcy.
- User-Friendly Interface: The website is easy to navigate. This helps you to easily create your listing and add property information.
- Nationwide Coverage: With FSBO.com your property gets a nationwide exposure.
During our research, we identified several disadvantages of listing with FSBO.com:
- Limited Automation: FSBO.com shares your information with a local broker who does the listing for you. You have to do all the paperwork manually.
- Unpredictable Broker Quality: Sellers are connected with local brokers for listing. Moreover, online FSBO.com reviews are mixed.
- Extra Charges for Listing Photos: You need to pay $50 extra for uploading more than 20 photos to your listing.
- Expensive ร la carte Services: You need to pay $50 – $150 for services like e-lockbox rental, showings, yard signs, and open house postings.
FSBO.com has no credible customer reviews on popular review sites like Google or Trustpilot.
ยป FSBO.com Reviews: Read why the oldest FSBO website isnโt the best anymore.
FSBO.com is available in all states with coverage in 50+ markets. FSBO allows sellers to list their property for sale while saving on the listing agent commission.
But you should know that additional services can add up to a total of $335 in costs! For example, If you wish to avail of CSS showing service, and e-lockbox rental, then you have to pay $75 and $150 over your flat fee package
6. Flat Fee Group
CUSTOMIZABLE PACKAGES
Flat Fee Group
Flat Fee Group offers 3 – 4 packages depending on the state.
- Common services include an MLS listing within 48 hrs and a listing term of 6 to 12 months. You get access to broker assistance with their full-service packages, which are expensive.
๐ Our Take: Flat Fee Group works on an agent referral model. It works with a variety of flat-fee brokerages, and no two homeowners will have the same experience.
ยป Pros and Cons of Flat Fee Group: Read our in-depth analysis of Flat Fee Group.
Flat Fee Group offers its services in all the states of the U.S. Some prosย of Flat Fee Group are as follows:
- Customizable Packages: You can customize your package with Flat Fee Group for a small additional fee.
- State Disclosures: Flat Fee Group provides all necessary contracts, forms, disclosures, and addendums that you will need.
- Market Exposure: Get listed on many popular websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, HotPads.com, Yahoo Homes, and many more.
In our research, we have found certain consย of Flat Fee Group:
- Limited Automation: Youโll have to conduct tours and communicate with buyers on your own. The listing process is manual and time-consuming.
- Additional Fees: The closing costs can differ significantlyย depending on your state and choice of listing. You must budget for these if you do not want to be caught off-guard.
- No Credible Reviews: Flat Fee Group has no credible reviews on any of the review websites.
ยป Houzeo vs. Flat Fee Group: Understand how Houzeo exceeds all expectations with this in-depth comparison.
Flat Fee Group has no customer reviews on popular sites like Google or Trustpilot.
ยปย Flat Fee Group Reviews:ย Read our in-depth reviews on Flat Fee Group and choose accordingly.
Since its founding in 2003, the Flat Fee Group has grown to serve clients throughout the United States by connecting independent, flat-fee real estate brokerages with sellers.
Flat Fee Group.comโs pricing and multiple packages may seem attractive in listing a property for a flat fee. However, it works with a variety of different flat-fee brokerages, and not every homeowner will have the same experience.
In Texas, Flat Fee Group offers 2 Flat Fee MLS packages โ MLS Only package at $199 and an MLS Only+ package at $399. Two Full-Service packages are also available at $999 and $499 + $1699 at Closing.
7. BuySelf Realty
BEGINNER FRIENDLY
BuySelf Realty
BuySelf Realty offers 2-3 Flat Fee MLS packages depending on the state/county you are in.
- Common services includes free disclosure forms, no hidden fees guarantee, showing requests will directly go to you, and a right MLS guarantee. The Total package usually contains a deluxe signpost and closing guarantee.
๐ย Our Take: For a budget-friendly listing, we suggest going with the Standard package in any state/county as it covers all the key services at a reasonable price.
ยป What is BuySelf Realty? Read our in-depth analysis of BuySelf Realty before choosing them.
Founded by Albert Hepp, BuySelf Realty Inc is a Flat Fee MLS listing service that serves all the states in the U.S.
- Free Listing Changes:ย You can make as many changes as you want free of cost.
- Market Exposure: Your listing will be posted on hundreds of websites likeย Zillow.com, HomeFinder.com, Yahoo Real Estate, Trulia, and cyberhomes.
- Rush Service Available: They have the provision of prompt services if you are looking for a quick sale.
- Pay Later Option: This offer is available in all packages. It comes with a no-interest option but you have to pay in 6 months.
In our research, we found some major deal breakers ofย BuySelf Realty Inc.ย
- Minimal Offline Services:ย They do not provide in-person meetings with the listing agent. Only specific packages offer a session with a real estate professional to answer your queries.
- No Mobile App:ย Even though they offer support via phone or email, they do not have the convenient option of a mobile app.
Buyself Realty Ilc has an impeccable rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 240+ total reviews on Google Reviews.
ยปย BuySelf Realty Reviews:ย Read our reviews to know more about them.
BuySelf Realty offers its services across all the states and DC. With its cost-efficient packages, BuySelf Realty typically offers good services for first-time home sellers.
However, for a more complicated deal, you might need actual broker assistance which BuySelf Realty lacks.
In Houston, they offer an Economy Package at $299 and a Standard Package at $399. There is also a Total Package for $599.
8. Texas MLS Broker
GREAT LOCAL EXPOSURE
Texas MLS Broker
Texas MLS Broker has 3 Flat Fee MLS packages for sellers.
- Standard Listing โ $275: This package includes a listing term ofย 3 months andย a maximum number of photos allowed by the MLS. You also get online broker support, CMA, contracts, and state disclosures.
- Premium Listing โ $375: The package includes a listing term of 6 months and a maximum number of photos allowed by the MLS. You also get a broker contract review by email.
- Showcase Listing โ $475: With this package, you get a listing term of 12 months and the maximum number of photos allowed. You also get an option to pay at closing instead of the upfront fee. However, this would cost you $975.
Listing Upgrades
- New Photos: $25
- Change in Description: $25
- Commission Change: $25
- Open House Announcements: $49
- Scheduledย Open House Announcements: $79 (Invoiced Separately)
๐ย Our Take: Texas MLS Broker is a decent local option for home sellers. You can customize your packages by paying some extra bucks.
With Texas MLS Broker, you can sell your home for an affordable price and handle most of the process yourself. Here are some of its advantages.
- CMA in All Packages: You may use CMA to estimate your home’s worth and set an appropriate listing price.
- Market Exposure: Your listing gets syndicated to Zillow, Realtor.com, and hundreds of other real estate websites.
According to our research, there are some major deal breakers with Texas MLS Broker.
- Poor Customer Reviews: Home sellers have often complained about the company’s inconsistent customer service.
- Limited Coverage: Texas MLS Broker serves only in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth.ย
Texas MLS Broker has 2.5 out of 5 stars from 8 reviews on Yelp.
ยป Texas MLS Broker Reviews: Check Texas MLS Broker Yelp reviews and choose accordingly!
Texas MLS Broker is an online-only company based in San Antonio. If you are okay with virtual assistance only, then you should consider this company. In terms of pricing, the company offers three fairly standard packages.
The packages aren’t particularly outstanding. The most expensive plan includes an 18-month MLS listing, but most sellers won’t want to keep their house on the market for that long.
Texas MLS Broker has some online reviews, most of them negative. So, selling with the company would be a bit risky.
๐ฉ Beware: Flat Fee MLS Companies have High Hidden Fees
The biggest issue with Texas Flat Fee MLS services is that they have a lot of hidden fees that they donโt disclose on their pricing pages. These hidden fees can decrease your net proceeds.
ยป FACT: Houzeo discloses all its fees upfront on the Flat Fee MLS Texas Pricing page.
ยป Seller Closing Costs Texas: Find out how much is the closing cost for home sellers in Texas.
- โ๏ธ What is Houzeo? Houzeo is a tech-centric For Sale By Owner website and real estate platform that gives you access to tools only real estate agents have. Hereโs how Houzeo works to maximize your savings and exposure.
How Do Houston Flat Fee MLS Listing Services Work?
A Flat Fee MLS listing in Houston is an MLS entry-only service that lists your home on the local MLS at a flat rate.
To list your home on the MLS through a Flat Fee Listing Houston Service, you first need to choose a package that suits your home-selling needs.
The fixed-fee listing agent will make your listing live on the MLS and other real estate websites in Houston. Once the MLS listing is live, buyer agents can view your property on the MLS and subsequently recommend it to prospective buyers.
Listing your home with a Flat Fee MLS in Houston service saves you thousands of dollars in commissions. Because you are not listing with a traditional listing agent, you wonโt have to pay their 3% commission.
๐ List Your Houston Home for Sale: Start your listing for FREE and pick an MLS plan only when youโre ready!
What to Consider Before Hiring a Houston Flat Fee MLS Service?
When selecting a flat fee MLS listing service, consider the following factors:
- Savings: Compare the pricing structures of different services to find one that aligns with your budget. Ensure you understand exactly what services are included in the flat fee package and if there are any additional costs.
- MLS Coverage: Verify which MLS databases the flat fee service has access to. Check whether it covers the geographical area where your property is located. Also, ensure the service can list your home in the relevant TX MLS databases.
- Customer Support: Evaluate the level of customer support provided by the Flat Fee MLS service. Check if they offer assistance with inquiries, negotiations, or offer management.
What Do You Get With a Houston Flat Fee Listing?
With a Houston flat fee listing, you typically receive the service of listing your property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for a one-time fee. This allows your property to be visible to Realtors in Texas and potential buyers across the state.
Some Houston flat-fee MLS services offer additional marketing tools and resources for an extra fee. This may include staging help, virtual tours, professional photography, and more. These additional tools can help enhance the visibility of your listing.