$15,624 – that’s how much Ohioans paid in agent commissions on an average $260,400 home last month. Classic rip-off, right? Home prices in OH will continue to rise, and so will commissions. But there’s an alternative! Going FSBO.
FSBO is powerful. Millennials are leading the way, with over 55% considering selling their homes by owner. From Cleveland to Cincinnati, selling For Sale By Owner (FSBO) is the #1 way to save thousands in the Buckeye State.
The best For Sale By Owner websites in Ohio will double your savings. You save 3% on the listing agent commission. With the NAR Settlement, you save on the 3% buyer agent commission too. That’s potentially a cool $15,624 IN YOUR POCKET!
Rankings: 7 Best For Sale By Owner Websites in Ohio
| FSBO Website | Listing Fee | 100% Online* | MLS Access | Online Showings & Offers | 5 Star Customer Service** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Houzeo.com | $399 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. Ohio Team Results Realty | $299 | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. FSBO.com | $399 | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. Flat Fee Realty | $199 + 0.25% | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. ForSaleByOwner.com | $0 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 6. Zillow For Sale By Owner | $0 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 7. Craigslist | $0 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
For 100% online, only FSBO sites with online showings, inspection scheduling, offer management, and mobile apps have been considered.
For 5-star reviews, customer ratings above 4.75 out of 5 have been considered.
Types of FSBO Websites 🚀
There are two types of FSBO websites in Ohio you can choose from:
- Paid FSBO Websites: These websites list your property on the MLS for a flat fee. The MLS syndicates your listings to Zillow, Redfin, Trulia, and other websites.
- Free FSBO Websites: When you list for free, your listings are visible on the website and not on the MLS. No MLS exposure means less buyers and a lower sale price.
Reviews: 4 Best Paid FSBO Websites in Ohio
1. Houzeo.com
BEST FSBO WEBSITE
Listing Fee: $3994.9/5
Houzeo offers 4 FSBO MLS listing Plans:
- Bronze: $399 + $350 at closing
- Silver: $409 + 0.5% at closing
- Gold: $429 + 0.5% at closing
- Platinum: $499 + 1% at closing
👉 Our Take: We recommend the GOLD plan. Which gives you access to Houzeo Tech. You can easily manage showings, negotiations, etc.
- Maximum Exposure
- 5-star Customer Service
- 100% Online
- No Hidden Fees
- Free Home Value Estimator
Houzeo’s services are limited in Wyoming, South Dakota, and West Virginia. This means your listings may take more than 12 hours to get updated.
Houzeo is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by thousands of home sellers on Google & Trustpilot.
» Houzeo Reviews: With over 10,000+ happy customers, Houzeo is the most trusted FSBO website.
Houzeo.com is one of the best FSBO sites in Ohio. They provide advanced technology, a seamless user experience, and listing exposure.
Houzeo’s Flat Fee MLS listing service helps you save thousands on Realtor commissions. You get dedicated customer support, which makes the home-selling process smooth and effortless. In addition, Houzeo covers 47 states and DC.
2. Ohio Team Results Realty
Decent Local Option
Listing Fee: $299 - $9995/5
Team Results Realty offers four package options to sellers in Ohio:
- Showcase Package – $299: This package provides a listing term of 6 months with the maximum number of photos allowed by the MLS. You also get a For Sale yard sign, printable flyers, and a listing on other websites.
- Showcase+ Package – $379: This package offers everything from the Showcase package, plus showing service and feedback.
- Premium Package – $699: In addition to everything in the Showcase+ package, this package offers CMA, contract review, key box, and unlimited open houses.
- Full-Service Package – $999: Besides everything from the Premium package, this plan offers a listing term of “until sold.” Moreover, you get agent representation, negotiation, closing documents review, and e-signature service.
👉 Our Take: The availability of several packages allows house sellers to select the services they desire. These packages are all-inclusive and cover all the services a seller would require.
Here’s how Team Results Realty can be beneficial for you:
- Market Exposure: Besides the local MLS’, your listing is syndicated to websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and many more. This provides maximum exposure and helps your property sell fast.
- Unlimited Listing Changes: Unlike other Flat Fee MLS companies, Team Results Realty Ohio allows you to make unlimited changes to your listing without an additional cost.
- Unlimited Photos: Team Results Realty Ohio allows you to upload as many photos as the MLS allows without an additional cost.
In our research, we found no red flags with Team Results Realty. It provides stellar customer support to Ohio home sellers.
Ohio Team Results Realty has 5 out of 5 stars with 80+ reviews on Zillow.
» Team Results Realty Reviews: See what past sellers have to say about the company.
Team Results Realty is one of the best local Flat Fee MLS service providers in Ohio. With over 20 years of experience, Scott Marvin and Terry Carter have been helping home sellers get the best price and great customer support.
All MLS packages offered by Team Results provide a maximum number of photos to be uploaded allowed by the MLS. Photos help to showcase your property more prominently and also pace up your sale.
3. FSBO.com
HIGH ADDITIONAL FEE
Listing Fee: $99 to $399FSBO.com has 2 packages for FSBO home sellers.
- Basic Package – $99: This package includes listing your property on FSBO.com and Redfin for 6 months.
- MLS Package – $399: With this package, you can list your property on the MLS for 6 months and upload up to 20 photos.
👉 Our Take: We recommend the $399 MLS package, as it gives you maximum exposure through an MLS listing. Your listing is syndicated to popular real estate websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and hundreds of others.
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.
- Simple User Interface: Its basic interface lets you input relevant information to create your listing.
During our research, we identified several disadvantages of listing with FSBO.com. Here’s some of them:
- Limited Automation: You have to manage all the paperwork manually as there is no online automation available.
- Unpredictable Broker Quality: There is no way to tell which local broker will list your property. Online reviews for FSBO.com are mixed, which indicates good service in some places only.
- Extra Fees for Listing Photos: You have to pay $50 to $60 extra if you want to upload more than 20 photos to your listing.
- Expensive à la carte Services: Services like e-lockbox rental and showings service are priced at $150 and $75 respectively.
FSBO.com has no customer reviews on popular review sites like Google or Trustpilot.
» Forsalebyowner.com Reviews: Explore why the oldest FSBO site may not be the best choice in 2023.
FSBO.com is accessible nationwide, providing coverage in over 50+ markets.
Apart from listing your house, For Sale By Owner, FSBO.com offers no major services. The à la carte items are expensive, and you’re charged extra for uploading more than 20 photos.
4. Flat Fee Realty
UNLIMITED LISTING TERM
Listing Fee: $99 - $5954.3/5
FlatFeeMLSRealty offers three real estate listing packages to suit different needs and budgets:
- Silver Package – $99: This package includes a 3-month listing term and up to 15 photos with 10 listing changes.
- Gold Package – $249: This package comes with a 6-month listing term and enables you to include up to 50 photos with unlimited listing changes.
- Platinum Package – $549: This package has unlimited listing terms and changes with 25+ HD photos.
👉 Our Take: Flat Fee Realty is an affordable option. However, they do charge additional fees for optional upgrades like additional photos and listing changes.
These are some pros of Flat Fee Realty in the areas it operates:
- Cost-Effective: Flat Fee Realty offers an affordable flat fee listing package.
- Free listing Changes: You can make changes to your listing without paying any additional fees.
- Easy Cancellation: You can cancel anytime and get a refund within 30 days of purchase. If you decide not to sell your home, some of your listing fees will be refunded.
In our research, we have found certain drawbacks of Flat Fee MLS Realty.
- Not for First-Time Sellers: Flat Fee MLS Realty may not be ideal for you if you are a first-time seller. You’ll have to conduct tours and communicate with buyers on your own.
- Expensive Add-ons: For services like professional photography, you have to pay an additional $460 with the Silver package and $300 with the Gold package.
Flat Fee MLS Realty has 4.3 out of 5 stars from 90+ total reviews on Google.
» Flat Fee Realty Reviews: Read our in-depth review of Flat Fee Realty.
Flat Fee Realty offers a single MLS package that varies from state to state. With this package, you get free listing changes and related seller disclosures.
However, Flat Fee Realty requires you to pay a minimum 2% buyer agent commission, 0.25% of which goes as a kickback to your listing agent. This means you end up paying a small commission to the listing agent at closing.
Reviews: 3 Best Free FSBO Websites in Ohio
5. ForSaleByOwner.com
OPTIONAL FREE LISTING
Listing Fee: $0 - $4953.4/5
- ‘Do It Yourself’ FSBO Package – $0
- ‘Closing Assistance’ Package – $495
- Nationwide Coverage
- Control and Flexibility
- Direct Buyer Interaction
- No MLS Listing
- Lack of Technology
- Privacy Violation
- Lead for Rocket Homes
ForSaleByOwner.com has a rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars on BestCompany.com.
» ForSaleByOwner.com Reviews: Read this blog to learn more.
ForSaleByOwner.com has been operating since 1999. You can list your single-family home, condo, or townhouse at no cost. Moreover, they provide tools to help you calculate your home’s worth and access to legal forms.
Although ForSaleByOwner.com offers various paid services, their agent support package is similar to what you’d pay to a traditional Realtor. And none of the packages include a For Sale By Owner MLS listing in Ohio.
6. Zillow For Sale By Owner
REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE
Listing Fee: $01.4/5
- FSBO Listing on Zillow – $0
- Zillow Premier Agent – 3% commission
- No Fees
- Free Cancellation
- Maximum Market Exposure
- Nationwide Coverage
- User-Friendly Interface
- Offers Rental Services
- Slow Listings
- Inaccurate Zestimate
- Limited Support
- Lead for Real Estate Agent
- Hide FSBO Listings
Zillow has a rating of 1.4 out of 5 stars from 350+ reviews on Trustpilot.
» Zillow For Sale By Owner Reviews: Read our in-depth review on Zillow.
Zillow is the most popular Ohio real estate website. To list your home, you can simply sign up and create your free account.
However, Zillow’s FSBO listings do not appear on the MLS and are hidden in the ‘Other Listings’ tab. This limits the exposure on your property.
7. Craigslist
BIGGEST CLASSIFIEDS
Listing Fee: $01.4/5
- FSBO Listing on Craigslist – $0
- User-Friendly Website
- Free FSBO Listing
- Good for Distressed Property
- Huge Traffic
- Lowball Offer
- Scammers and Pranksters
- Short Lifespan of Ads
Craigslist has a poor rating of 1.4 out of 5 stars from 300+ reviews on Trustpilot.
» How to Sell a House on Craigslist: Learn the step-by-step process of selling your home on Craigslist.
Craigslist is the biggest classifieds website in the U.S. In terms of traffic, it is the second most visited website, with more than 250 million monthly visitors.
While Craigslist can give your listing decent exposure, it can also attract scammers and fraudulent cash house buyers. Hence, we recommend that you put very limited information about your property and request identification from anyone who makes an offer.
How Much Can You Save With an FSBO Website in Ohio?
You can save a whopping 3% on Realtor commission to list your home on the MLS in Ohio. You just need to pay a flat fee, which is a fraction of the cost you would pay to the Realtor.
Imagine you own a $260,400 home in the Buckeye State. If you choose a 3% Realtor, you pay $7,812 to get your house on the MLS. But, if you list with a flat fee service like Houzeo, you only pay $399 and save $7,063!
| Service Provider | Fee | Commission Due | Savings |
| Traditional Agent | 3% | $7,812 | $0 |
| Houzeo | $399 | $749* | $7,063 |
NAR Settlement Saves Sellers Thousands in Commission
The NAR Settlement went into effect on August 17, 2024. Buyer agent commissions can no longer be offered on the MLS. This means sellers will save thousands! But it also means there’s a lot more compliance and litigation risks.
Here’s what this means for you:
- Sellers Can Save Thousands in Commissions: You will likely be paying much less than the traditional 3% buyer agent commission. That’s because buyer agent commissions will be negotiated twice: Once when buyers engage Buyer Agents, and again when sellers review offer contracts.
- Seller Priority #1 will be Paperwork (to Mitigate Compliance & Litigation Risks): Buyer agents mitigate all types of risks. From seller disclosures, offer contracts, contingencies, inspections, repair requests, appraisal, and closing – Buyer agents keep the paperwork tight. Their state licensing authorities, Realtor associations, and MLS’ audit paperwork compliance. Without buyer agents, sellers will have to learn and adapt. Or risk expensive litigation.
- Negotiations Can Now Feel Like Haggling: Buyer agent commissions will now be part of offer contracts and buyer agency agreements. Buyers may ask sellers to include commissions in the form of seller concessions. That means home buyers and sellers alike will be negotiating commissions. Sellers will need expert licensed brokers to help them with these negotiations.
- Buyer Agent Commissions Can Be Offered Offline: Buyer agent commissions can still be offered outside of the MLS. They just cannot be advertised on the MLS.
How to List on MLS in Ohio: 5 Steps
Here’s how you can get your home in front of local buyers and agents:
- Find the Best Flat Fee MLS Listing Service: Choose a flat-rate listing service to list your FSBO home on Ohio MLS. Several Flat Fee MLS companies are notorious for high hidden fees. See our rankings of the best Flat Fee MLS Ohio listing services.
- Create Your Account: Almost all Flat Fee listing services will let you create an account. High-tech listing sites like Houzeo will allow you to manage your listing online!
- Choose a Listing Plan: Fixed fee listing services offer a DIY MLS listing by owner plan or a virtual full-service plan. Choose the plan that meets your home-selling needs.
- Enter Property Details & Add Photos: Provide property information like the number of beds, baths, etc. Professionally clicked high-quality photos can help you sell your home 50% faster. So, consider hiring an OH real estate photographer before you upload photos!
- Sign the Listing Agreement: Review and sign the listing agreement. Complete the seller disclosure forms. If everything is in order, the real estate broker will list your home within 24 to 48 hours.
5 Tips for Listing Your House as For Sale By Owner in Ohio
To sell your home easily with For Sale By Owner websites in Ohio, you must consider the following tips:
- Conduct Market Research: Evaluate the local OH real estate market. Learn about recent house sales prices, market trends, and the typical time it takes to sell a home.
- Prepare Your Home: Make necessary repairs and renovations. Clean, declutter, and opt for home staging. All this makes your house appealing to potential buyers.
- Price It Right: Set a competitive price for your house. To get a Fair Market Value, consider a professional appraisal or use online tools.
- Market Your Home: Create a detailed marketing plan. Use high-quality images and make a virtual tour or video walkthrough.
- Opt for Exposure: Choose an FSBO website that gets your home listed on the MLS. This will give maximum exposure to your property and attract potential buyers.
Alternatives to For Sale By Owner Sites in Ohio
If you think selling a house yourself in Ohio can be difficult, here are some other options you can consider:
- Choose a Low Commission Agent: A low-commission real estate agent offers you the same services as a traditional Realtor for a reduced commission rate.
- Opt for a Cash Home Buyer: Ohio cash home buyers make all-cash offers, usually within 24 to 48 hours. You can also sell your house as-is in Ohio with them.
- Sell With an iBuyer: Opendoor and Offerpad are iBuyers that use technology to extend cash offers on homes. They typically offer 70%-80% of a home’s Fair Market Value (FMV).
Frequently Asked Questions
How to list a house For Sale By Owner in Ohio?
To list your home as FSBO, you must choose the best Flat Fee MLS service in Ohio. Create your account and opt for a listing plan. Then enter property details and sign the listing agreement.
What is the best For Sale By Owner MLS listing service in Ohio?
Houzeo.com is the best FSBO MLS listing service in Ohio. It provides an unbeatable combination of max savings, 5-star customer support, and cutting-edge technology.
Where can I list my home For Sale By Owner for free in Ohio?
You can list your home for free on ForSaleByOwner.com, Zillow and classifieds websites like Craigslist.
What to look for in an FSBO website?
When opting for a FSBO website, look for user-friendly interfaces, online visibility, and features such as listing customization and marketing tools. Also, you should list your home on the OH MLS for maximum exposure.
