FSBO or For Sale By Owner homes sell for 30% less than the homes listed on the MLS. Not only that but homes listed on the MLS sell for 17.5% more than off-market properties. FSBO MLS listing boosts your chances of selling your home by 14.8%.
Furthermore, listing on the MLS can attract cash buyers for faster sales.
However, the MLS is restricted only to real estate agents. But you can access it through Flat Fee MLS Listing services. It’s less costly than hiring an agent.
Instead of spending 3% to 6% on Realtor commissions to get you on the MLS, opt for a Flat Fee MLS service like Houzeo that can get you on the MLS at a nominal fee of $399.
With Houzeo not only does your listing go on MLS in under 24 hours but also your listing gets syndicated on top real estate websites like Redfin, Zillow, and Trulia through the power of the MLS.
Steps to Get a For Sale By Owner MLS Listing
Listing on MLS by owner is easier than ever. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Find the Best Flat Fee MLS Listing Service
Research, compare, and find a flat fee MLS listing service known for its transparency and value. Consider its pricing, coverage, add-on services, and reviews to make an informed decision.
👉 Flat Fee MLS Listing services: Choose from the best Flat Fee MLS services.
2. Choose a Listing Plan
Most flat-fee MLS listing services offer DIY MLS listing plans that range from basic to comprehensive coverage. The basic plan will list your house on the MLS for a few days and it will get maximum visibility until it sells.
In a comprehensive plan like Houzeo’s Gold plan, you can get add-on features like managing showings, comparing and countering offers, etc.
3. Craft a Killer Description
When listing without a Realtor, make the features of your home stand out. Highlight your home’s unique selling points, and emphasize what makes it special. Let’s take two examples.
Example 1: A two-bedroom home with spacious living.
Example 2: Embrace the warmth of this sun-drenched two-bedroom haven, featuring an expansive living area, perfect for entertaining loved ones.
As you can see, Example 1, isn’t an attractive description. But you can make it vivid and engaging like Example 2.
4. Click High-Quality Photos
Homes photographed professionally sell 32% faster. So, hire a real estate photographer or click photos that showcase your home’s best features. Declutter, and stage your home, and use natural light when you click photos.
5. Sign the Listing Agreement
Complete the necessary seller disclosures with accuracy and sign the listing agreement. If there are no complications, your house will get listed within 24 to 48 hours.
Pros and Cons of a For Sale By Owner MLS Listing
These pros and cons can help you make an informed decision about your For Sale By Owner MLS Listing.
✅ Pros
- Faster Sales: Homes listed on the MLS have faster sales due to the increased visibility and exposure to a wide audience of potential buyers.
- Exposure: Listing on the MLS provides exposure to a broader audience, as many real estate agents and online platforms use the MLS to find properties for their clients.
- Credibility: MLS listings are considered more credible and reliable by buyers, as the information is verified and used by real estate professionals.
- Affordable Access to the MLS: By listing on the MLS without a real estate agent, you can save on commission fees while still gaining access to a widely used platform in the real estate industry.
❌ Cons
- Budget for Buyer’s Agent Commission: You can skip on the listing agent’s commission but have to pay for your buyer’s agent commission which could be 0.5% -3%.
- Pricing Challenges: Most FSBO sellers might underestimate their home price and list it on MLS which will make it hard to earn profit.
- Paperwork: FSBO sellers may not be aware of all the paperwork that is needed when selling a home.
- Limited Exposure to Non-MLS Buyers: You may not get local exposure when selling a home. To get local exposure as well consider putting an FSBO yard sign.
Alternate Ways You Can List Your House on the MLS
Given below are the other ways to list on the MLS:
1. List With a Low Commission Real Estate Agent
Low-commission real estate agents offer professional help without breaking the bank. They charge 1% to 1.5% in commissions compared to traditional rates. Discount brokers also help you with paperwork, negotiate offers, assist you with open houses, and help you keep more money in your pocket.
2. List With a Full-Service Agent
A full-service agent can be another option for your home sale. These agents will assist you in listing your property on MLS until closing. Full-service real estate agents charge commissions from 2.5% to 3%.
» Top Real Estate Agents: Find out America’s Top 10 real estate agents.
Is For Sale By Owner MLS Listing a Good Choice?
Yes! For Sale By Owner MLS, the listing is a good choice for home sellers who want to save on commissions and list their homes on the MLS. You should choose the best Flat Fee MLS service like Houzeo which lets you list on the MLS in less than 24 hours and attracts local and nationwide buyers.
Eager to Know How Houzeo Works?
We’ve got you covered. Check out the following video to understand how Houzeo works and why it is one of the best For Sale By Owner websites in the U.S.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why it is one of the best Flat Fee MLS Listing services in America.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to list on MLS?
Realtors charge 2.5% to 3% commission to list a house on the local MLS. Flat Fee MLS companies on the other hand typically charge $300 to $400 for the same which makes it an affordable option.
How to get an MLS listing without a Realtor?
If you are selling your house without a Realtor, you can save big. on commissions. Here's how you can list on the MLS:
1. Find a listing service
2. Choose a listing plan
3. Write a killer description
4. Click great photos of your house
5. Sign the listing agreement.
What is Flat Fee MLS Listing service?
A Flat Fee MLS Listing service is where you can list your home on the MLS for a flat fee instead of a commission paid to traditional agent. By utilizing a flat fee MLS listing service, you can save thousands of dollars in commission fees compared to traditional real estate agents.
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