$30,114 – that’s how much Rhode Islanders paid in agent commissions on an average $501,900 home last month. Classic rip-off, right? Home prices in RI 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 Woonsocket to Charlestown, selling For Sale By Owner (FSBO) is the #1 way to save thousands in the Ocean State.
The best For Sale By Owner websites in Rhode Island 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 $30,114 IN YOUR POCKET!
Rankings: 7 Best For Sale By Owner Websites on Rhode Island
| FSBO Website | Fee | 100% Online | MLS Access | Online showings & offers | 5 Star Customer service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Houzeo.com | $399 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. Beycome | $399 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 3 Entry Only | $699 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. Flat Fee Realty | $159 | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. For Sale By Owner | $0 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 6. Zillow For Sale By Owner | $0 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 7. Oodle Marketplace | $0 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
For 100% Online, only FSBO sites with online showings, inspection scheduling, offer management, and mobile app have been considered.
For 5-Star Reviews, customer ratings above 4.75 out of 5 have been considered.
Types of FSBOs 🚀
There are two types of For Sale By Owner websites in Rhode Island you can choose from:
- Paid FSBO Websites: These websites will get your property listed on the MLS, the most powerful marketing tool for home sellers. MLS syndicates your listings to Zillow, Redfin, Trulia, Realtor.com, and numerous other websites.
- Free FSBO Websites: When you list for free, your listing remains on the company website and does not feature on the MLS. No MLS exposure means fewer potential buyers and a lower sale price for your property.
4 Best Paid For Sale By Owner Websites on Rhode Island
1. Houzeo.com
BEST FSBO WEBSITE
Listing Fee: $3994.9/5
Houzeo offers 4 FSBO MLS listing packages:
- Bronze – $399 + $350 at closing: This package offers a Houzeo listing only for 6 months with 24 photos.
- Silver – $409 + 0.5% at closing: This offers maximum photo upload and provides you with seller disclosures.
- Gold – $429 + 0.5% at closing: This is Houzeo’s signature MLS package and includes all the technology Houzeo is known for, such as Houzeo Showings, Houzeo Offers, and DigiTransact.
- Platinum – $499 + 1% at closing: It includes the assistance of a licensed broker to help you with negotiations, seller disclosures, and closing.
👉 Our Take: We recommend the GOLD plan. You’ll have access to Houzeo tech, making managing showings and offer negotiations easy!
These are the key features that make Houzeo one of the top FSBO websites to list with:
- Max Exposure: Houzeo’s 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.
- 100% Online: Houzeo is a high-tech platform with easy listing, fast changes, online showings, and online offers. Its powerful house search app makes your home visible to interested buyers on the go.
- No Hidden Fees: In most states, you’ll pay just a small flat fee to list on MLS by owner. Remember, all fees are disclosed upfront, so there are no Houzeo hidden fees. You also bypass the listing agent commission.
- Free Home Value Estimator: Now, you can get a free home value estimate within 30 seconds. It helps you set a listing price.
Houzeo’s services are limited in Wyoming, South Dakota, and West Virginia. This means your listing 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 10,090+ happy customers, Houzeo is the most trusted FSBO website.
Houzeo.com is one of the best FSBO sites in Rhode Island. 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. Beycome
DIY Real Estate Brokerage
Listing Fee: $99 - $5994.5/5
Beycome Brokerage Realty LLC offers three Flat Fee MLS listing packages for homeowners:
- Basic Package – $99: This package offers you unlimited changes to your listings.
- Enhanced Package – $399: You get a yard sign, a featured listing on Beycome’s website, flyers, brochures, and one key lockbox. You can also add a virtual tour video to your listing. This package is available only in 8 states.
- Concierge Service – $599 + 1% Commission: This is essentially a virtual full-service package that includes assistance till closing. They charge 1% of the sale price at closing. It is available only in 6 states.
👉 Our Take: Beycome’s prices are reasonable. However, their à la carte services comes with a hefty price tag. Also, the website is suitable only for experienced sellers.
Beycome offers good service in the selected states they are available in:
- Unrestricted Revisions and Edits: You can make unlimited changes to the description, photos, or price of your listing.
- Expert Assistance, if Needed: You can get expert assistance on all 7 days of the week in English and Spanish.
In our research, we came across these deal breakers with Beycome:
- Upselling Title Service: Beycome also owns a title company, which will be pitched to you repeatedly.
- Limited Coverage: It is only available in 10 states.
- Lack of Assistance: Most sellers had to manage price negotiation, showings, and closing by themselves. Sellers also complained about the delay in resolving issues.
- Average Technology: Leads, inspections, appraisals, etc., are managed offline so the process can be cumbersome.
- Only for Experienced Sellers: First-time sellers may not have experience in closing costs and seller disclosures. Beycome does not provide that much assistance in this area.
Beycome has 4.5 out of 5 stars from 600+ reviews on Google.
» Beycome Reviews: Know why Beycome is not the best choice to sell your home.
Beycome is headquartered in South Miami, FL, and has been operating since 2020. They are known for their affordable packages. And you can make unlimited changes to your listing.
However, Beycome is available only in 10 states. The sellers complain about the lack of in-person support during the closing process and handling seller disclosures.
3. Entry Only
MULTI-STATE COVERAGE
Listing Fee: Varies4.8/5
Entry Only offers flat fee MLS services across the US. They offer 1 – 3 packages depending on the state:
- Basic – $399: This package offers a listing term of 6 months with 20 photos on the MLS. You get transaction coordination, flyers, buyer lead forwarding, and a yard sign.
- Enhanced – $699: You get all the services of the Basic package, along with broker assistance and contract review.
- Premium – $999: This package includes all the services of the Enhanced package. You also get negotiations and closing assistance.
👉 Our Take: Entry Only offers flat-fee MLS listing packages that vary by state. They also charge 0.1% to 0.5% at closing. Additionally, their add-ons and cancellation fees are higher compared to other flat-fee providers.
Here are some key benefits of listing with Entry Only:
- Market Exposure: Your property listing is shared across real estate websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, and other local websites.
- Buyer Lead Forwarding: All email inquiries will be forwarded to you. In addition, Entry Only has a 24/7 receptionist service to redirect buyers and agents to you.
- Closing Assistance: Entry Only manages the closing process by coordinating with buyer agents, lenders, appraisers, inspectors, attorneys, and title companies.
- Nationwide Coverage: Entry Only offers services throughout the US and connects you with your local MLS.
Here are some drawbacks of working with Entry Only:
- Transaction Fee at Closing: Despite low upfront costs, the 0.1% transaction fee at closing means you will incur additional charges based on the final sale price.
- Add-On Costs: Optional add-ons, such as extra photos, extended listing time, or PVC yard sign posts which costs $100 each can also increase the final price.
- Cancellation Fee: If a cancellation is made before the property is listed on the MLS, a $50 cancellation fee is charged.
- Lacks Uniform Pricing: Prices and services are not standardized and vary as per state. so you may encounter unexpected fees.
Entry Only has 4.8 out of 5 stars from 345 total reviews on Trustpilot.
Entry Only is a part of the HomeZu network. With more than 20 years of experience, Jason Saphire, the managing broker, has cultivated an excellent reputation in the industry.
Entry Only offers a “Double Money Back Guarantee” if you are unable to sell your house with them. In addition to this, it offers a 24/7 receptionist service that forwards all buyer leads to you.
However, the add-on services are not as competitively priced as the packages. Entry Only also charges 0.1% commission of the net sale price at closing from all the home sellers.
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.
These MLS For Sale By Owner packages include only an option to list on the MLS. With this package, you get free listing changes and related seller disclosures. You can add more than 6 photos to your listing by paying an additional $50.
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.
3 Free For Sale By Owner Sites on Rhode Island
5. ForSaleByOwner.com
OPTIONAL FREE LISTING
Listing Fee: $0 - $4953.4/5
ForSaleByOwner.com includes 2 FSBO packages:
- ‘Do It Yourself’ FSBO Package – $0: In this package, your home only gets listed on the ForSaleByOwner.com website.
- ‘Closing Assistance’ Package – $495: You get the assistance of a licensed real estate broker. However, for this, you need to have a potential buyer.
👉 Our Take: ForSaleByOwner.com does not list on MLS. This can be a strong drawback in your selling processes.
These are some pros to consider:
- Nationwide Coverage: ForSaleByOwner.com caters to customers throughout the United States.
- Control and Flexibility: You can set your schedule, host showings, and manage the sale process at your convenience.
- Direct Buyer Interaction: You can directly communicate with potential buyers through their messaging system.
We have found certain cons about ForSaleByOwner.com in our research:
- No MLS Listing: This site does not list your property on MLS. You can only list on the ForSaleByOwner.com website.
- Lack of Technology: It can be time-consuming and demanding to manage the listings, showings, negotiations, and paperwork.
- Privacy Violation: Even though listing on ForSaleByOwner.com is free, payment details are still necessary.
- Lead for Rocket Homes: Your listing information is shared with Rocket Homes agents. They may frequently contact you to solicit MLS listings.
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 Rhode Island.
6. Zillow For Sale By Owner
REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE
Listing Fee: $01.4/5
Zillow offers the following listing plans for home sellers:
- FSBO Listing on Zillow – $0: You can list your home for free on Zillow’s FSBO platform.
- Zillow Premier Agent – 3% commission: This is the traditional way to sell your home. You get access to a real estate agent who guides you through the entire sale process.
👉 Our Take: Zillow is a comprehensive real estate website that offers a variety of tools and resources for home sellers.
You should consider these points while choosing Zillow:
- No Fees: You can list your home on Zillow’s FSBO website free of charge.
- Free Cancellation: Zillow listings can be cancelled without any additional charges or hidden costs.
- Maximum Market Exposure: It is one of the most popular real estate websites, with millions of monthly visitors. This means that a large number of potential buyers will see your listing.
- Nationwide Coverage: Zillow FSBO services are accessible in all 50 states across America.
- User-Friendly Interface: Its website and mobile app are easy to use and navigate. Users can search for properties based on location, price, features, and other criteria.
- Offers Rental Services: Zillow is one of the best rental websites in America. It offers a built-in tenant screening tool, rent collection feature, owner portal, pricing suggestions, etc.
We identified several disadvantages of listing with Zillow:
- Slow Listings: Your listing can take up to 72 hours to update from the time you submit your property details.
- Inaccurate Zestimate: Zestimate, Zillow’s property valuation tool is often inaccurate. This misleads both buyers and sellers.
- Limited Support: Zillow’s customer support may not match the level of personalized guidance other FSBO companies offer.
- Lead for Real Estate Agent: Your listing information is shared with Zillow’s agents. You’ll get calls from agents rather than potential buyers.
- Hide FSBO Listings: Zillow hides FSBO listings behind agent listings. They are often two clicks away and get almost no traffic.
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 Rhode Island 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. Oodle Marketplace
ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS
Listing Fee: $0Cash Offer Option helps you sell your home very quickly. They provide you with a no-obligation offer.
- Sell at $0 Commission: You can sell your home with a few photos and a basic property description without paying any agent commission.
- Zero Closing Costs: You don’t have to pay any closing costs as the company pays them.
👉 Our Take: We recommend a Cash Offer Option for added exposure outside MLS or real estate websites. You can negotiate the price for your home and close the deal without closing fees.
- Sell Your Home As Is: You can avoid the typical delays in foreclosure and renovations and sell your home as is.
- Get a Cash Offer Regardless of Condition: You can get an offer regardless of the condition of your home.
- Complete Assistance: The experts of Cash Offer Option will work with you and help you understand the process.
We found no deal breakers regarding the Cash Offer Option.
Customers talk positively about the services and support from the team.
Oodle Marketplace offers free property listings in its ‘real estate’ section. Although this website can be a good option for better market exposure, it does not protect you from low-ball offers or scammers.
We recommend that you rationally evaluate multiple offers that seem too good to be true. Do not sign any documents related to your home, especially the Property Title.
How Much Can You Save With an FSBO Website in Rhode Island?
You can save a whopping 3% on Realtor commission to list your home on the MLS in Rhode Island. 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 $501,900 home in the Ocean State. If you choose a 3% Realtor, you pay $15,057 to get your house on the MLS. But, if you list with a flat fee service like Houzeo, you only pay $399 and save $14,308!
| Service Provider | Fee | Commission Due | Savings |
| Traditional Agent | 3% | $15,057 | $0 |
| Houzeo | $399 | $749* | $14,308 |
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 Rhode Island: 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 Rhode Island MLS. Several Flat Fee MLS companies are notorious for high hidden fees. See our rankings of the best Flat Fee MLS Rhode Island 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 a RI 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 Rhode Island
To sell your home as FSBO with ease, you must consider the following tips:
- Conduct Market Research: Evaluate the local RI 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 Rhode Island
If you think selling a house yourself in Rhode Island 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: Rhode Island cash home buyers make all-cash offers, usually within 24 to 48 hours. You can also sell your house as-is in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
To list your home as FSBO, you must choose the best Flat Fee MLS service in Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island?
Houzeo.com is the best FSBO MLS listing service in Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island?
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 RI MLS for maximum exposure.
