MLS is the most powerful tool in real estate. Homes listed on MLS sell for 17.5% more than those that aren’t on MLS. Whether you’re in Cleveland, Columbus, or Dayton, listing on your local MLS allows you to reach thousands of serious buyers and their agents.
Only licensed agents can access the MLS. But a Flat Fee MLS Ohio service like Houzeo can get you the same MLS exposure. Instead of the 3% commission, you pay between $249 and $349, saving over $6000 on an average $265,200 Ohio home.
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 Ohio. Start your dream home search now!
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Key Takeaways
- Why List on MLS? To reach buyers and agents! 86% of buyers are represented by an agent, and the local MLS is where agents look for homes. The MLS also shares your listing on major sites like Zillow, Redfin, & Realtor.com.
- Get Maximum Exposure: Houzeo is the largest Flat Fee MLS listing service in America with the most number of homes for sale in Ohio. When you list with Houzeo, your home is on your local MLS and in front of interested buyers within 48 hours, without the 3% listing agent fee.
- Beware of “Too-Good-to-Be-True” Pricing: A $99 listing can quickly turn into $500+ with hidden fees. Read reviews and understand all costs before you commit.
- First Impressions Matter: High-quality photos and a compelling description will help your home stand out. Your listing should make potential buyers want to schedule a tour right away.
- Don’t Overprice Your Home: A common mistake is pricing too high. Look at what similar homes have sold for (“comps”) and set a competitive price that’ll attract buyers from day one.
- Market Beyond the MLS: Share your listing on social media and hold an open house to maximize your reach and get more offers.
What is MLS in Real Estate?
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is the go-to database of homes for sale. Only licensed agents can access it. According to NAR, an overwhelming 84% of buyer agents use the MLS to find properties for their clients.
Think of the MLS as the main hub for property information. Once your home is listed, its details are automatically broadcast to hundreds of popular real estate websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Trulia. This gives your home maximum exposure without you having to manually post it everywhere.
MLS listings showcase everything a buyer’s agent needs to know about houses, including:
- Detailed property information like square footage, taxes, and room dimensions.
- A compelling property description and high-resolution photos.
- The listing price, property taxes, and days on market.
This helps buyer agents narrow down listings to best match their clients’ requirements.
How Many MLSs are in Ohio?
The Buckeye State has more than 18 separate Multiple Listing Services. Each one serves a specific geographic area; some cover multiple counties, while others might only serve a single city. This fragmented structure means that your home’s location determines the MLS you need to be on to get maximum exposure.
Some of the most popular MLSs in Ohio include:
- Columbus and Central Ohio Regional MLS: Based in Central Ohio, this is one of the largest MLSs in the region, serving dozens of counties across the state. It covers major hubs like Columbus and the surrounding metro area, including Franklin, Delaware, Licking, and Fairfield Counties
- Greater Portsmouth Area Board of REALTORS®: This MLS is one of the key MLSs in Southern Ohio. It serves high-demand markets throughout Scioto County and neighboring areas, supporting buyers and sellers in communities like Portsmouth, Wheelersburg, New Boston, and riverfront towns.
- Heartland Board of REALTORS®: This MLS is the primary real estate database for North-Central Ohio. It covers important markets such as Marion, Bucyrus, and Upper Sandusky, helping connect agents and buyers across this region.
- Western Regional Information Systems & Technology (WRIST): This MLS serves West-Central Ohio, covering counties like Shelby, Champaign, Miami, and Auglaize. It includes communities such as Sidney, Urbana, Troy, Marysville, and the Indian Lake area. Sellers with suburban, rural, or lake-area properties across the western region can list their homes here for strong local exposure.
If your home isn’t on any local Ohio MLS, you’re playing hide-and-seek with buyers. Spoiler alert: they’re not going to find you. To get the offers rolling in fast when you’re selling your home FSBO, your listing needs to be visible on your local Ohio MLS now!
How to List on MLS in Ohio?
You have 3 main ways to list on the MLS in Ohio. You can pay a flat fee for a DIY sale, hire a discount broker for partial support, or choose a full-service agent. Each option offers a different balance of cost and hands-on help:
1. Flat Fee MLS Services:
A Ohio Flat Fee MLS service is the most budget-friendly way to gain MLS exposure. For a one-time, upfront fee, often between $249 and $349, a licensed broker lists your property on the local MLS.
This option is great for sellers who can manage their own pricing, showings, negotiations, and closing paperwork.
2. Discount Brokers:
Discount brokers offer a hybrid model that strikes a balance between savings and professional guidance. Instead of the standard 3% listing agent fee, they charge a reduced rate, typically between 1% and 2%.
Ohio discount brokers offer essential services, including pricing assistance, negotiation support, and closing coordination. They use technology to make the process more efficient. Sellers who want expert support without the high cost of a traditional agent can go this route.
3. Full Service Agents:
A traditional full-service agent offers the most comprehensive home-selling support. They manage every aspect of the sale, including professional marketing, open houses, negotiations, and all the paperwork.
However, this full support comes at the highest cost, typically a 2.5% to 3% fee. This brings the total commission to 5% to 6% when you include the buyer’s agent fee. This option is best for sellers who need total support throughout the sale.
How to List on MLS Without a Realtor in Ohio?
Well, you can’t…unless you’re an agent. Only they can access the MLS.
But today, you don’t need to hire a full-commission agent. You can figure out how to list on MLS with a Flat Fee MLS listing service in Ohio. Skip paying a 3% commission. Instead, pay a small one-time fee and pocket the savings while still getting MLS exposure.
How to List on MLS in Ohio By Owner?
Listing a house for sale on the MLS by owner is easy with Flat Fee MLS services. With the right plan, you can prepare a detailed listing with quality photos, set a competitive price, and complete the paperwork to maximize your home’s exposure.
1. Find an Affordable Flat Fee MLS Service
The best Flat Fee MLS companies in Ohio can get your home on the MLS for just $249 to $349. That’s pennies compared to what an agent takes – 3%!
Choose a company that lets you handle everything online. That includes adding your listing details, photos, description, and signing the agreements. This saves you time on agent follow-ups and paperwork.
Ensure that you check the company’s reviews on credible sites, such as Google and Trustpilot. Look for customer testimonials to help you evaluate the trustworthiness of the listing service.
2. Choose a Listing Plan That Works for You
The right listing plan impacts both your budget and selling timeline. When you compare Flat Fee MLS companies in Ohio, look for a package that offers affordability, market exposure, and essential features. Here’s what you should look for in a plan:
- Sufficient Listing Duration: Since homes in Ohio can spend around 48 days on the market, opt for a plan with at least a 6-month duration. This gives you ample time to attract offers and negotiate the best deal without the pressure of an expiring listing.
- Essential Marketing Tools: The best plans include marketing materials to enhance visibility. A free yard sign is a valuable tool to grab the attention of local buyers and drive-by traffic. Also, ensure that the plan includes the maximum number of photos allowed on the MLS.
- Unlimited Changes: The ability to make unlimited changes to your listing without extra fees is another important feature. This allows you to update the price, add new photos, or revise the description as market conditions change.
3. Describe Your Ohio Home and Add Photos
The property description is your opportunity to help buyers imagine themselves living in your home. So, go beyond basic facts and be as detailed as possible:
- Highlight Key Features: Focus on the most desirable aspects of your Ohio home. Mention specific selling points like a renovated kitchen with quartz countertops or a spacious primary suite with an ensuite bath.
- Tell a Story: Instead of just listing features, describe the experience. For instance, “Enjoy morning coffee on the porch overlooking the rolling Hocking Hills landscape” is more engaging than “has a back patio.” Keep the description around 250 words, as buyers aren’t likely to read a lengthy text.
And please, ditch those blurry, low-quality photos. Professional photos are often the first thing that captures a buyer’s attention online. Get your home professionally photographed to showcase its natural lighting, spacious interiors, and that “wow” factor.
4. Set Your Asking Price
With the number of homes for sale in Ohio rising, accurate pricing is crucial. Too high – you’ll scare off buyers. Too low, and you’ll give away your house like it’s a garage sale. Use a Comparative Market Analysis report to get an estimate of home values in your neighborhood.
But that’s just the starting point. You must also consider several other factors to determine the best list price:
- Desired Profit: Calculate the net proceeds you want to walk away with after all expenses are paid. Your list price should support this financial goal.
- Closing Costs: Be sure to factor in costs such as agent commissions, taxes, and other fees that affect your net amount.
- Market Health: Analyze local market conditions. A seller’s market may allow for a higher asking price, while a buyer’s market demands a more competitive one.
- Room for Negotiation: Add a small buffer to your asking price. This will give you space to negotiate and offer concessions, such as repair credits, without affecting your profit.
If you underprice your home, you’ll leave money on the table. That lost profit could have gone toward the down payment on your next house. A competitive price will attract more qualified buyer leads.
5. Sign the Listing Agreement
Ohio’s paperwork can be tricky. You must read the listing agreement carefully to avoid potential legal issues. Before you sign, check the following clauses:
- Listing Duration: This specifies the length of time your property will be listed. Ensure this timeline aligns with your selling goals.
- Fee Details: This section should clearly define the flat fee you are paying upfront. It should also specify any commission you agree to offer a buyer’s agent.
- Cancellation Clause: Understand the terms for terminating the agreement. Some contracts may include an early termination fee, so it is important to know your options if you become dissatisfied with the service.
To make this easier, Houzeo automatically assigns you the right input forms, federal and state seller disclosures, and other required documents. These documents are based on your home’s address and the MLS where it will be listed. This drastically reduces the likelihood of you filling out incorrect paperwork.
How Does a Flat Fee MLS Ohio Listing Save You Money?
Flat Fee MLS services in Ohio save you money by eliminating the 3% listing agent commission. Instead, they charge you a small upfront fee anywhere between $249 and $349. That’s thousands of dollars in your pocket in cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Dayton.
For example, an agent would cost you around $7,956 for a home priced at $404,00. On the other hand, with Houzeo, you’d save almost $6000!
How to List Your Property on MLS in Ohio for Free?
You can’t list on MLS in Ohio for free because there aren’t any free MLS listing services. FSBO websites in Ohio do offer free listings, but your home will only be on that FSBO company’s website and not the MLS.
To sell your Ohio home fast and for top dollar, listing it on the MLS is key.
What are the Benefits of Listing on the MLS in Ohio?
The MLS is Ohio’s most effective home-selling tool. It connects you with agent-represented buyers, cash investors, and major real estate sites. More exposure means faster offers and a higher sale price. Here are 4 reasons why you should list your home on the MLS in Ohio:
- Additional Marketing to Buyer Agents: 84% of home sales involve buyer agents who scour the MLS for homes. So, if you want to market your house efficiently to those who can actually bring in offers, the MLS is your best bet.
- Potential Cash Offers: Almost all Ohio cash home buyers explore the MLS for investment properties. That includes iBuyers and home flippers. If you’re not on the MLS, you’re hiding your house from buyers who can close the deal quickly.
- Higher Price: MLS is the most powerful tool in real estate. Homes listed on the MLS sell for an average of 96.9% of their asking price. Homes not on the MLS sell for just 85%.
- Max Exposure: There’s no point fixing up your home if no one knows it’s for sale. An MLS listing ensures maximum exposure, sending your property to Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, etc. More eyes = more competition = a higher sale price.
Powerful Tips to Market Your MLS Listing in Ohio
In the Ohio real estate market, you can’t just throw your home on the MLS and hope for the best. A strong marketing strategy is essential to attract buyers. It should combine cutting-edge tools like virtual tours with a savvy use of social media and traditional methods, including open houses.
- Create Virtual Tours: Buyers will probably think you’re stuck in the 90s if your listing doesn’t have a virtual tour. Offer 360-degree views and guided video walkthroughs to keep them interested.
- Use Social Media: Social media isn’t just for cat videos and brunch pics. They’re also perfect for posting virtual tours and highlighting your home’s “best features.” Local Facebook groups and Instagram stories are great ways to reach potential buyers.
- Host Open Houses: An open house is the best way to connect with potential buyers. In fact, 4% of buyers found their dream home through an open house. Schedule them on weekends to attract larger crowds and increase your chances of getting more offers.
👉 Ready to list? Take the first step with Houzeo and get on your local MLS now!
3 Mistakes to Avoid While You List on MLS in Ohio 🚫
Mistakes, such as overpricing, neglecting minor repairs, and selecting the wrong flat-fee MLS service, can make your home sale challenging. Avoid these errors to save time, reduce stress, and improve your chance of a successful sale.
- Overprice Your Home: You might think your home is worth a million bucks, but an unrealistic listing price can drive away serious buyers. Use a home worth calculator to set an appropriate value for your house.
- Neglect Home Preparation: Buyers prefer move-in-ready homes, not some damp renovation site. Enhance your curb appeal, declutter, and complete minor repairs to attract the best offers.
- Choose the Wrong Flat Fee MLS Service: Hidden fees, outdated technology, and poor customer support can cost you your time, money, and sanity. Avoid unnecessary expenses by selecting a reliable service that offers transparent pricing and top-tier support.
How Quickly Will Your Home Sell Once You List on MLS in Ohio?
In just a couple of weeks…but only with a high-tech Ohio Flat Fee MLS provider like Houzeo. Your home can be on your local MLS within 24 hours, instantly reaching thousands of buyers. With the right price and accurate paperwork, you’ll be on the fast track to a successful sale!
» Houzeo Reviews: Read what customers have to say about Houzeo—Ohio’s #1 Flat Fee MLS service.
