MLS is the most powerful tool in U.S. real estate. Homes listed on the MLS sold faster and for 17% more than off-MLS homes, according to a Bright MLS study.
So, whether you are selling a ranch house in Charlotte or a bungalow in Raleigh, you need to be on the North Carolina MLS to get top dollar for your property.
Only Realtors have access to the MLS. And to list you, they will charge a 3% listing agent commission. You will also have to pay the buyer agent another 2.5% to 3% in commission. Gosh… That’s thousands of dollars of your home equity.
But it’s 2023. Some of the best Flat Fee MLS North Carolina services and For Sale By Owner websites will get you listed on the local MLS within 24 to 48 hours, and for just a few hundred dollars. You get the savings and you retain full control of your sale!
⚡ 4 Powerful FSBO Tips
- List on MLS in North Carolina: MLS is the most powerful tool for home sellers. It gives you maximum exposure to home buyers and buyer agents. More exposure means more competition and a higher sale price for you.
- Price Your Home Competitively: Pricing your home right is probably the single most important factor in selling your North Carolina home fast. Pricing too high means more days on market. Pricing low means multiple offers and a bidding war.
- Get Professional Photos: 90% of home buyers search for homes online. You are competing for clicks on Zillow and Houzeo. Get pro photos done – more clicks online means more showings and more offers!
- Offer a Competitive Buyer Agent Commission: We hate commissions. But you can make buyer agents work for you by paying them a commission. Check with local realtors what a competitive commission is in your area.
What is MLS in Real Estate?
MLS or the Multiple Listing System is a local database real estate agents use to list properties for sale. Only licensed real estate agents have access to the MLS.
There are 20+ local MLS’ in North Carolina. You must list your property only on your local North Carolina MLS. Only then the local buyer agents will be able to find your listing.
⚡ Flat Fee MLS North Carolina: Houzeo automatically assigns you the right local MLS for your property.
What are the Benefits of Listing on the MLS in NC?
There are 5 key benefits of being on the MLS.
- Max Exposure = Higher Sale Price: MLS listings get syndicated to Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, and hundreds of other websites. All that exposure means more competition for your property and a higher sale price. Listings on the MLS sold for 17% more than off-MLS listings – That’s thousands of dollars in your pocket!
- Marketing to Buyer Agents: 86% of home sales involve buyer agents who have access to the MLS. Thus, MLS is the most efficient way to market your house to buyer agents.
- Attracting More Buyer Agents: MLS’ allows you to incentivize buyer agents with a competitive commission. Given that most transactions involve a buyer agent, this will allow you to attract top-dollar for your property.
- Faster Sale: Bright MLS found that listings on the MLS sell faster than those not on the MLS. This makes sense given all the extra exposure MLS provides.
- Getting Cash Offers: Almost all North Carolina cash home buyers scour the MLS for properties. This includes iBuyers, investors, and home flippers.
Should I List on MLS with a Full-service Realtor in North Carolina?
We do not recommend listing with a full-service Realtor in North Carolina. The 3% listing agent commission a Realtor will charge you is too expensive. And the biggest benefit a North Carolina Realtor provides is access to the MLS.
You can list on your local MLS with Flat Fee MLS services. You’ll be in control of your sale, and save thousands in commission.
⭐ Houzeo Reviews: Houzeo is the only Flat Fee MLS service with 5-star ratings from thousands of home sellers!
How to Get an MLS Listing in North Carolina Without a Realtor?
Only licensed real estate agents have access to North Carolina MLS. There is no way to list on MLS without using an agent.
But you don’t have to pay thousands in commissions to get on this MLS. You can just opt for a Flat Fee MLS listing service. With a Flat Fee MLS listing, you pay a small fee instead of a full listing agent commission. It is the fastest way to get listed on the MLS and hit the North Carolina real estate market.
You can get listed faster with high-tech FSBO sites like Houzeo than with a traditional full-service Realtor. And save thousands!
⚡ Register Now: You can start your listing for FREE and pick an MLS plan only when you’re ready!
Steps to List Your Home on the MLS
- Research to discover the best Flat Fee MLS listing services near you.
- Purchase a Flat Fee MLS listing plan.
- Provide your property details.
- Attach professional photographs with your listing.
- Sign the listing agreement.
- Review the draft listing and get on the MLS.
What is a Flat Fee MLS North Carolina Listing?
Flat Fee MLS is a type of listing service that lists your home on the MLS for a small flat fee. Unlike traditional Realtors, Flat Fee MLS listing services do not charge you a hefty commission of 3%.
Flat Fee MLS listings are typically known as “entry-only” listings or Flat Rate MLS listings. The broker or the company only helps the seller list on MLS for a flat fee. If you need additional help or services, you have to pay additional charges.
Here’s how you can get listed on the MLS in 4 steps:
- Find the Best Flat Fee MLS Listing Service: Choose a Flat Fee MLS listing service to list your house on the local MLS. Several Flat Fee MLS companies are notorious for very high hidden fees. Research Flat Fee MLS listing services in North Carolina before you choose one.
- Choose a Listing Plan: Most services offer a DIY North Carolina MLS listing plan and a virtual full-service plan. In a virtual full-service plan, a licensed real estate broker provides all the assistance virtually.
- Provide Property Photos and Information: Attach good-quality pictures of your house. Opt for professional North Carolina real estate photographers. Homes photographed professionally sell 32% faster. Also, professional photos make your listing more attractive and appealing. Remember, you’re competing for clicks online.
- Sign the Listing Agreement: You will be required to sign the listing agreement and complete North Carolina’s seller disclosures. If everything is in order, the real estate broker will list your home within 24 to 48 hours!
How Much Does it Cost to List on MLS in North Carolina?
It depends on whether you’re working with a full-service or a Flat Fee MLS service like Houzeo.
A full-service agent generally charges you around 2%-3% commission. On the other hand, you can potentially save a lot by using a Flat Fee MLS listing service. Houzeo costs $349 for most home sellers.
Here’s how much a Flat Fee MLS By Owner listing costs:
- Upfront Flat Fee: This is the amount you’ll pay to get on the MLS. Typically it is between $300 and $500.
- Fees at Closing: Most Flat Fee MLS services will not charge any additional fee unless you are in a minimum service state.
- Hidden Charges: Many unscrupulous brokers will reel you in with a $99 listing. Beware – that’s just the start. You’ll be paying $500+ in hidden fees. A $50-yard sign will be sold you to for $135. Some brokers may demand extra charges at closing when it would be too late to do anything.
» SAVE: Houzeo discloses all its fees upfront on the pricing page.
What are the Best Flat Fee MLS Listing Services in NC?
| Flat Fee MLS Service | Price | Hidden Fees | 100% Online | Offer Management | Showing Management | 5-star Reviews | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Houzeo | $349 | None | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. Clickit Realty | $995 | None | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. Carolina Realty Solutions | $399 | None | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. United Brokers | $875 | None | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. List With Freedom | $295 | ⚠️ 0.25% | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 6. Homecoin | $95 | ⚠️ $450 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 7. Carolina Listing Express | $195 | None | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
*Varies across states
1. Houzeo.com
#1 Flat Fee MLS Service
Houzeo.com
- Listing Fee: $399
- Available nationwide
4.9/5
(4,523 reviews)
4.9/5
(4,523 reviews)Houzeo offers 4 Flat Fee MLS packages.
- Bronze Package – $329+: This package offers Houzeo listing only for 6 months with maximum photos.
- Silver Package – $399+: This includes everything that home sellers typically look for.
- Gold Package – $379+: It is Houzeo’s signature MLS package and includes all the technology Houzeo is known for Houzeo Showings, Houzeo Offers, and DigiTransact.
- Platinum – $349+: It includes the assistance of a licensed broker to help you with negotiations, disclosures, and closing.
👉 Our Take: We recommend the GOLD plan. You’ll have access to Houzeo tech, making managing showings and offer negotiations easy!
» Houzeo Reviews: 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: 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. This is rare in today’s world.
- 100% Online: Houzeo is high-tech. For you, this means easy listing, fast changes, online showings, and online offers. Houzeo Mobile App is also very powerful.
- No Listing Commission: In most states, you’ll be paying just a small flat fee to list on MLS. Houzeo covers 47 states + DC! And remember, all fees are disclosed upfront, so there are no Houzeo hidden fees. You get to bypass the listing agent commission!
There are no dealbreakers with Houzeo.
» Houzeo Reviews: Houzeo is rated “Excellent” with a 4.9 out of 5 star rating by 4,521 home sellers on Google Reviews and Trustpilot!
Houzeo is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by thousands of home sellers on Google & Trustpilot.
» Houzeo Reviews: Check out how Team Houzeo has addressed all Houzeo complaints from home sellers.
Houzeo.com is North Carolina’s #1 ranked Flat Fee MLS service. Houzeo provides an unbeatable combination of max savings, 5-star customer support, and cutting-edge technology.
Houzeo’s Bronze package is priced at $99. The Silver package is priced at $379, and the Gold package is priced at $379 + 0.5% (Minimum $995) at closing. The full-service Platinum package costs $349 + 1% (Minimum $995) at closing.
2. Clickit Realty
UNLIMITED LISTING CHANGES
Clickit Realty
- Listing Fee: $299 - $995
- Available throughout NC
- 4/5
(66 reviews)
4/5
(66 reviews)Clickit Realty offers multiple packages. Price varies in different states.
- Common services include an MLS listing with a listing term of 6 months. In all the packages you get access to free listing changes, all state disclosures and contracts, and dynamic color flyers. You can also speak to professional agents at no extra cost.
👉 Our Take: You must research the costs according to your state before you make a decision.
Clickit Realty offers its services in all the states of the U.S. Some of the advantages are as follows:
- Market Exposure: Get listed on many popular websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, HotPads.com, Yahoo Homes, and many more.
- Money Back: If you wish list your house with a full service broker, Clickit Realty will refer you to a top broker and give you a full refund at closing.
- Customizable Packages: You can customize your package with Clickit Realty for small additional fees.
- State Disclosures: Clickit Realty provides all necessary contracts, forms, disclosures, and addendums that you will need.
- Buyer Lead Forwarding: All buyer leads are forwarded to you. So you can directly contact the buyers/agents.
- Speak with Real Estate Professionals: This service is available in all packages. Major doubts can be cleared with an agent for pricing support, tips, home improvements needed, etc.
In our research, we have found certain drawbacks of Clickit Realty.
- Disappointing Service: Several past home sellers mention rude and inattentive calls with the management. Even in the full-service plan, reviewers’ disappointment with the service was a recurring theme.
- Additional Fees: The closing costs can differ significantly depending on your state and choice of listing. You must budget for these if you do not want to be caught off-guard.
Clickit Realty reviews have 4 out of 5 stars from 66 total reviews on Google.
» Clickit Realty: Check out Clickit Realty’s reviews on Google.
Clickit Realty has grown to serve clients throughout the United States by connecting independent, flat-fee real estate brokerages with sellers.
Although they are licensed only in the States of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, and Connecticut. Clickit Realty works with different flat-fee brokers in other states, and not every homeowner will have the same experience.
3. Carolina Realty Solutions
GOOD LOCAL EXPOSURE
Carolina Realty Solutions
- Listing Fee: $399 - $549
- Covers major parts of NC
- No credible reviews were found.
Carolina Realty Solutions offers one Flat Fee MLS package and two full-service packages.
- Flat Fee MLS listing Program – $399: Includes 24 photos and a listing term of 6 months (can be extended up to 2 years for free). You also get a lockbox for realtor access, a yard sign, and showing management.
- Full-Service Plan 1 – $549 + 1% at Closing: It offers 100% seller guidance from start to finish. A highly desirable offering.
- Full-Service Plan 2: There is no upfront listing fee for this plan. You will pay 2% of your home sell price at the time of Closing.
👉 Our Take: We recommend the $549 Full-Service Plan 1 by Carolina Realty Solutions. Carolina Realty Solutions is best for local homeowners looking for a personalized real estate service.
Carolina Realty is a suitable choice for home sellers looking for a local Flat Fee Listing Company.
- Manage House Showings: Carolina Realty gives you access to the ShowingTime app to make managing house showings easy.
- Additional Services Available: Provides you with a yard sign and a lockbox for the buyer’s agent.
- Extend your Listing Term: The seller can extend their listing for up to 2 years without paying extra fees. Although, in a perfect situation your home will sell within a month of listing!
Carolina Realty has a few red flags that can make your selling experience subpar.
- High Commission Fee: You must pay a 4% commission fee on closing even on the $549 package. And a 5% commission on closing if you opt for the Full-service Plan-2.
- No Direct Connect with the Buyer: The website does not allow you to connect with buyers directly. This can lead to miscommunication between you (the seller) and your potential buyer!
- Limited Coverage: Carolina Realty is unavailable throughout North Carolina. They don’t offer services in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, and Cleveland counties. Your listing information will be passed to local real estate brokers which delays your listing time.
No credible reviews were found.
Carolina Realty Solutions’ listing puts your home on the North Carolina MLS to give it the maximum exposure. They offer personalized services at an affordable price.
However, you should know that Carolina Realty is not available throughout Carolina. You may also incur additional costs of up to 4%- 5% over your selected listing package.
Best Flat Fee MLS Listing Services Near Me North Carolina
Local North Carolina Flat Fee MLS listing services will provide packages for listing your home on local MLS for a flat fee.
- Flat Fee MLS Charlotte: Charlotte, North Carolina Flat Fee MLS listing providers maximize your home’s exposure & have the local market expertise. The fixed fee MLS rate in Charlotte ranges between $195 to $995.
- Flat Fee MLS Raleigh: Raleigh Flat Fee MLS listing services give your home the most exposure on the local MLS. The fixed fee MLS rate is between $195 and $995.
- Flat Fee MLS Greensboro: Greensboro Flat Fee MLS listing services garner more attention for your home by showcasing your MLS listing to relevant buyers. The fixed-rate starts from $99.
- Flat Fee MLS Asheville: Listing on the Asheville MLS for a flat fee will get your home sold cheaper than a real estate agent. The flat fee MLS listing in Asheville will start from $95.
- Flat Fee MLS Wilmington: You can list on the Wilmington, North Carolina Flat Fee MLS using the companies mentioned here. The basic plans start from $95.
My Responsibilities with an NC Flat Fee MLS Listing Service
With a Flat Fee MLS “only” listing, you are essentially your own agent. From showings to negotiations, you control everything. Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth listing process with a Flat Fee MLS company:
- Provide Accurate Information: While listing your property yourself, be sure to provide accurate information.
- Use Own Photos: Make sure you own the copyright for the photos you upload. You can either click the photos yourself or hire a professional real estate photographer.
- Ensure MLS Listing Status is Updated Promptly: Mark your listing as “Sale Pending” within 24 hours (or sooner) after accepting an offer. Provide executed documents, promptly. MLS fines can absolutely ruin your day.
- Ensure “Active” Listings are Available for Showings: If a listing is “Active” on the MLS, make sure it’s available for showing. When you go live on the MLS, ensure you’re ready to show your property.
How to Get on MLS for Free?
You can list on the MLS without a full-service agent, but it is never going to be free.
Home sellers can list on the For Sale By Owner websites that provide nationwide coverage for free. But the exposure offered will not be as efficient as MLS. Because homes listed on the MLS sell faster and for 17% more.
This is where Houzeo can help!
Houzeo offers affordable MLS listing services. Your listing gets syndicated to 100+ real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and others. This guarantees maximum exposure.
How Long Does it Take to List a House on North Carolina MLS?
It takes about 2 days to make an MLS listing live after submitting all the paperwork and listing contract.
Most North Carolina Flat Fee MLS services forward the order to local real estate brokers. The broker then sends you the paperwork that you have to complete manually. Your listing goes live within 2 days of submission.
Houzeo instantly assigns you the right paperwork based on your location and region. And it is all digital. After you have submitted all the documents, your North Carolina home will be listed within 24 hours, in most cases even sooner!
How Does a Flat Fee MLS North Carolina Listing Save You Money?
Traditional listing agents charge about 3% listing commission. Flat Fee MLS North Carolina listing services charge you a flat fee of about $300 to $500, saving you thousands in commission.
You only have to pay the buyer agent commission if you sell to a represented buyer. You keep the entire sale amount if you find an unrepresented buyer.
86% of buyers are represented by an agent. We recommend you offer a competitive buyer agent commission to get top dollar for your property.
| Service | Traditional Agents | Houzeo |
|---|---|---|
| Listing Agent Commission | 3% | $349 flat fee |
| Buyer’s Agent Commission | 2.5% – 3% | 0-3% |
| Total Commission | 5.5% – 6% | 2.5%* |
Other Alternatives
Apart from real estate agents in North Carolina and Flat Fee MLS companies, here are the other ways to list your home:
- Take the FSBO Route: In an FSBO sale, you won’t be marketing your property in traditional ways available with Realtors. Instead, you will DIY your marketing strategy using for sale by owner yard signs and For Sale By Owner websites. The best FSBO sites in North Carolina are Craigslist, Zillow, and ForSaleByOwner.com.
- Opt for a Discount Real Estate Broker: Work with a North Carolina discount real estate broker if you want to list on the MLS without paying a 3% commission. Along with an MLS listing, discount brokers offer all services offered by traditional brokers, but for discounted rates. Some discount brokers worth mentioning are Homie and Houwzer.
Final Word
Getting on the MLS is the best way to market your house to buyer agents. Houses listed on the MLS sell faster and for more. Only licensed real estate agents can get you on the MLS but they charge you a 3% agent commission.
List with Flat Fee real estate companies like Houzeo to bypass the hefty listing commission.
With Houzeo you get:
- An MLS listing within 48 hours
- Maximum exposure
- 5-star customer support team to assist you
All of this and more, just for a small flat fee of $349.
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 the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
FAQs on How to List on MLS Without a Realtor in North Carolina
1. Can a private seller list on North Carolina MLS?
Only licensed real estate agents can list on North Carolina MLS. However, private sellers can work with a Flat Fee service to get on the MLS without paying the 3% listing agent commissions. Check out our rankings for the top Flat Fee MLS services that will save thousands in commissions and get you on the MLS within 48 hours.
2. What does it cost to list on North Carolina MLS?
It depends on whom you are working with. Traditional Realtors charge 2.5% to 3% commission to list a house on the local MLS. On the other hand, a low-commission broker will charge you around 2% commission for an MLS listing. The best option would be to work with a Flat Fee MLS North Carolina company. They will get you listed for $300 to $400. Check out Houzeo's Flat Fee MLS plans that will save thousands in commissions.
3. Can anyone list a house on North Carolina MLS?
Only licensed real estate agents can list houses on the North Carolina MLS. As a For Sale By Owner seller, you can work with Flat Fee services that offer entry-only listings. Unlike traditional realtors, they do not charge a 3% commission. Check out the best Flat Fee services near you.
4. When do MLS listings go live?
Depending on the agent or the listing service you work with, it can take up to 2 business days to make your listing live. With Houzeo’s fast listing service, you can get listed within a few hours. Discover how Houzeo works.
5. Is listing on North Carolina MLS worth it?
Yes, listing on the North Carolina MLS is completely worth it. Your listing gets syndicated to various local North Carolina real estate websites which guarantee maximum exposure and more offers for your home. As per a study, homes listed on the MLS sell for 25% more than the asking price. Check out our in-depth research on the benefits of an MLS listing.
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