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12 min read Apr 29, 2023

How To List On MLS For Sale By Owner in Tennessee (2023 Update)

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 an apartment in Nashville or a single-family home in Memphis, you need to be on the Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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

  1. List on MLS in Tennessee: 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.
  2. Price Your Home Competitively: Pricing your home right is probably the single most important factor in selling your Tennessee home fast. Pricing too high means more days on market. Pricing low means multiple offers and a bidding war.
  3. 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!
  4. 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.
» List on MLS with Houzeo.com: Houzeo is America’s #1 Flat Fee MLS site.

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 10+ local MLS’ in Tennessee. You must list your property only on your local Tennessee MLS. Only then the local buyer agents will be able to find your listing.

Flat Fee MLS Tennessee: Houzeo automatically assigns you the right local MLS for your property.

What are the Benefits of Listing on the MLS in TN?

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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

We do not recommend listing with a full-service Realtor in Tennessee. The 3% listing agent commission a Realtor will charge you is too expensive. And the biggest benefit a Tennessee 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 Tennessee Without a Realtor?

Only licensed real estate agents have access to Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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

  1. Research to discover the best Flat Fee MLS listing services near you.
  2. Purchase a Flat Fee MLS listing plan.
  3. Provide your property details.
  4. Attach professional photographs with your listing.
  5. Sign the listing agreement.
  6. Review the draft listing and get on the MLS.

What is a Flat Fee MLS Tennessee 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:

  1. 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 Tennessee before you choose one.
  2. Choose a Listing Plan: Most services offer a DIY Tennessee 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.
  3. Provide Property Photos and Information: Attach good-quality pictures of your house. Opt for professional Tennessee 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.
  4. Sign the Listing Agreement: You will be required to sign the listing agreement and complete Tennessee’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 Tennessee?

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 TN?

Flat Fee MLS ServicePriceAdditional Fees100% OnlineOffer ManagementShowing Management5-star ReviewsMobile App
1. Houzeo$399None
2. ResultsMLS$399None
3. Tennessee Flat Fee MLS$149Varies. Typically 0.25%
5. For Sale Martin Properties $295$45
4. List With Freedom$2950.25%
6. Flat Fee Group$399*None
7. FSBO$3990.5%

*Varies across states

1. Houzeo

#1 Flat Fee MLS Service

Houzeo.com

Houzeo Logo
  • Listing Fee: $399
  • Available nationwide
  • Houzeo has 4.9 out of 5 stars 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:

  1. Max Exposure: Houzeo MLS packages give you access to the MLS, Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, and 100s of other websites.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 Tennessee’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 costs $379, and the Gold package costs $379 + 0.5% at closing. The full-service Platinum package costs $349 + 1% at closing.

2. ResultsMLS

MID-RANGE OPTIONS

ResultsMLS

: flat-fee-mls-tennessee-resultsMLS.
  • Listing Fee: $399-$5,000
  • Covers only major MLS’ in Tennessee
  • 4.5 Stars 4.4/5 (24 reviews)

ResultsMLS offers 2 Flat Fee MLS Packages and 1 Full Service Package.

  • Solo Package – $399: This DIY package includes 10 photos and a listing term of 3 months. You also get contracts, addendums, disclosures, and yard signs. They charge extra for listing changes.
  • Partner Package – $1,119: You get the help of an agent who reviews the Contracts and Addendums. It includes 25 photos, a listing term of 6 months, and 3 free listing changes. You also get Showing Scheduling service and Solicited Realtor Showing Feedback.
  • Client Package – $5,000: Includes 50 photos and a negotiable listing term. This is a full-service package that requires very little effort from your end.

Listing Upgrades: In the cheaper plans, you have to purchase upgrades separately. You must account for these before investing.

  • Limited free changes. You pay for additional changes to your listing
  • Fee at closing: You must pay a non-negotiable 2% agent fee on closing

👉 Our Take: ResultsMLS Tennessee packages are quite expensive compared to other Flat Fee MLS companies. It’s best to compare prices before investing.

ResultsMLS offers Full-service packages that are a good choice for new home sellers.

  • Money-back Guarantee: ResultsMLS offers a money-back guarantee if you chose to list with one of their partner agents. They will refund your listing fee after closing.
  • Good Market Exposure: Your home gets listed within 48 hours on sites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com. But you will have to buy their most expensive package for a long-term listing. Sites like Houzeo offer similar services for a more reasonable price.

The biggest red flag for ResultsMLS is their overprized packages when compared to competitive websites.

  • Expensive Package: The most basic package only allows you to post 10 images for just 3 months. The upgraded packages start from $1,000-$5,000 which is higher than most competitive flat fee platforms.
  • Hidden Costs: Past sellers have complained about the lack of customer support and hidden fees disclosed at Closing. For example, you will have to pay a non-negotiable fee of 2% for the selling agent- this is not mentioned on the pricing page!

ResultsMLS has 4.3 out of 5 stars (24 total reviews) on the popular review site Google Reviews.

The ResultsMLS platform allows homeowners to list and sell their homes by themselves. They have helped list and sell over 4,000 homes since inception.

But ResultsMLS packages can burn a hole in your pocket. Even the most basic package starts at $399 with only a 3-month listing term. If you are looking for pricing and negotiation assistance you may end up spending over $5,000 with ResultsMLS!

3. Tennessee Flat Fee MLS

ECONOMICAL ALTERNATIVE

Tennessee Flat Fee MLS

Flat-Fee-MLS-Tennessee-Tennessee-Flat-Fee-MLS
  • Listing Fee: $99-$149
  • Only 6 photos allowed
  • No credible reviews were found.

Tennessee Flat Flat Fee MLS offers 2 FSBO MLS Listing Packages.

  • MLS By Owner Package – $99: Includes 6 photos and 6 Months of Local MLS Listing. You get state-required forms and disclosures and free status changes. You can select a buyer’s agent commission of your choice.
  • MLS By Owner Package – $149: The services are similar to the $99 package with 25 photos (or max allowed).

👉 Our Take: Tennessee Flat Fee MLS  is low on tech and offers no upgrades. But if you are okay with some manual processes, opt for the MLS By Owner Package priced at $149.

Tennessee Flat Fee MLS is a good option for TN home sellers on a tight budget.

  • Affordable Packages: Tennessee Flat Fee MLS offers all basic services and state-required forms for just $99.  This is a decent option for experienced sellers who need just a simple listing service.
  • Package Upgrade: You can upgrade the basic package to add a virtual tour on Realtor.com.

Before opting for Tennesse Flat Fee MLS you should know they have a few red flags.

  • Additional 0.25% Fee at Closing: Tennesse Flat Fee MLS refers your listings in Tennesse to ListWithFreedom.com or other Flat Fee Brokers. They typically charge a 0.25% fee at closing. So make sure to read the listing agreement carefully.
  • Low Technology: Tennessee Flat Fee MLS has a very basic website that is low on tech.
  • Limited Listing Photos: The $99 package allows only 6 photos which limits your exposure and buyer interest.
  • No à la carte Menu: You don’t get to customize your package. You will not even find a ‘For Sale’ yard sign or lockbox on the website.
  • No Free Listing Changes: You cannot make free changes to your listing information or photos! You need listing changes to showcase your home in the best possible way. Sites like Houzeo offer unlimited changes and customized yard signs. 

No credible sources available for reviews.

Tennessee Flat Fee MLS helps sellers identify those discount brokers who offer the lowest “fee for service” within their local market. If you are on a tight budget it could be a good choice for you.

Note that their website is very low on tech and does not offer any additional services. To sell your home fast you need more than just a listing!

⚠️ You Should Know: Cheap listing packages like $99 usually come with additional costs. These costs can be up to 0.25% of the home sale price.

Best Flat Rate MLS Listing Services Near Me

Here are our Tennessee Flat Fee MLS Reviews for listing services near you.

  • Flat Fee MLS Knoxville: All Flat Fee MLS Knoxville, TN listing companies give your home the most exposure on the local MLS. These fixed-rate services are customizable in exchange for a few more dollars.
  • Flat Fee MLS Nashville: Flat fee MLS Nashville, TN listing companies list your property on the local MLS listing to provide ultimate marketing exposure.

My Responsibilities with a TN 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 Tennessee MLS?

It takes about 2 days to make an MLS listing live after submitting all the paperwork and listing contract.

Most Tennessee 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 Tennessee home will be listed within 24 hours, in most cases even sooner!

How Does a Flat Fee MLS Tennessee Listing Save You Money?

Traditional listing agents charge about 3% listing commission. Flat Fee MLS Tennessee 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.

ServiceTraditional AgentsHouzeo
Listing Agent Commission3%$349 flat fee
Buyer’s Agent Commission2.5% – 3%0-3%
Total Commission5.5% – 6%2.5%*
*Applicable only if you sell your house to a represented buyer

Other Alternatives

Apart from real estate agents in Tennessee 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 Tennessee are Craigslist, Zillow, and ForSaleByOwner.com.
  • Opt for a Discount Real Estate Broker: Work with a Tennessee 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.

What is Houzeo?

An overview of what the platform is all about

Start Your MLS Listing NOW!

» 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 Tennessee

1. Can a private seller list on Tennessee MLS?

Only licensed real estate agents can list on Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee MLS?

Only licensed real estate agents can list houses on the Tennessee 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 Tennessee MLS worth it?

Yes, listing on the Tennessee MLS is completely worth it. Your listing gets syndicated to various local Tennessee 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.

How To List On MLS By Owner Tennessee

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