MLS is the most powerful tool in real estate. Homes listed on MLS sold for 17.5% more than homes not on MLS. That is why 89% of home sellers use the MLS to market and sell their homes.
Only agents have access to the MLS, and they charge 5% to 6% in commission to list. The listing agent gets 3% and the buyer agent gets 3%. But with a Flat Fee MLS listing you don’t have to pay the 3% listing agent commission to list on MLS. And with the NAR Settlement, you will save on the 3% buyer agent commission too!
From San Diego to Sacramento, California home sellers are saving almost all the commission with a California Flat Fee MLS Listing! That’s up to $49,086 in commission savings on an average $818,100 home in the Golden State.
What Is MLS in Real Estate?
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a local database California real estate agents use to list properties for sale. Also, 84% of buyer agents use the MLS to show properties to their buyers.
There are 45+ MLSs in California. You must list your property only on your local California MLS. Only then local buyer agents will be able to find it.
How to Get on CA MLS Without a Realtor?
There’s no direct way to list your home on MLS real estate in California. Only licensed real estate agents and brokers can do it for you.
However, you can opt for one of the cheapest ways to list on MLS – a CA Flat Fee MLS listing service. With a flat fee Multiple Listing Service in California, you’ll have to pay a small fee instead of the traditional 5% – 6% agent commission, saving you thousands of dollars.
How to List on MLS in California: 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 house on the California MLS. Several Flat Fee California Multiple Listing Service providers are notorious for high hidden fees. See our rankings of the best Flat Fee MLS California 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 CA 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.
👉 Jump To: Cost to List on MLS in California | How to List on California MLS for FREE | How Long Does It Take to List? | Should You List on CA MLS Without An Agent?
How Much Does It Cost to List a House on California MLS?
It depends on who you work with. A traditional full-service agent charges a 2.5% to 3% commission. Whereas listing a house yourself with a fixed-rate California Multiple Listing Service like Houzeo costs just $399.
Imagine a $818,100 home in the Golden State, you would pay $24,543 to the listing agent. You would pocket that commission if you list with a flat fee service. After NAR’s settlement, you can save the 2.5% to 3% of the buyer agent commission, also!
How to List on CA MLS for Free?
You can’t list on California MLS for free because there aren’t any free MLS listing services in CA. Many FSBO websites in California offer free property listings. But, your home will be listed only on that FSBO company’s website and not the MLS.
To sell your California house fast and at a competitive price, it has to be listed on the MLS. This listing also gets syndicated to real estate websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, etc.
📢 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 pay 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 fees can still be offered outside of the MLS. They just cannot be advertised on the MLS.
How Long Does It Take to List a House on MLS in California?
Just 48 hours! Provided you fill your paperwork accurately.
Most Flat Fee MLS listing services in California forward the listing to local real estate brokers. The broker then sends you the paperwork. Your listing goes live within 2 to 5 days of submission.
Should You List on the California MLS Without a Realtor?
Yes! Traditional real estate is dying. You no longer need a 3% Realtor to list on MLS in California. Opt for Flat Fee MLS real estate California services instead. You pay $399, which is a fraction of the 3% fee you’d pay a listing agent.
Imagine you own $818,100 home in the Golden State. If you choose a 3% Realtor, you pay $24,543 to get your house on the MLS. But, if you list with a flat fee service like Houzeo, you only pay $749 and save $23,794!
| Service Provider | Fee | Amount Payable | Savings |
| Traditional Agent | 3% | $24,543 | $0 |
| Houzeo | $399 | $749* | $23,794 |
Alternatives for an MLS Listing
If you’re not interested in opting for a Multiple Listing Service in California, here are a few alternatives:
- List as a For Sale By Owner: In a FSBO sale, you will have to opt for “DIY” marketing strategies like using For Sale By Owner yard signs, word of mouth, open houses, etc. It is not as effective because your listing won’t be on Redfin, Trulia, Zillow, Realtor.com, and Homes.com. Low exposure = More days on the market!
- Opt for a Discount Real Estate Broker: A California discount broker offers traditional Realtor services for lower rates. You will pay less, but your experience depends on the agent you get.
- Sell Your Home to Cash Buyers: Almost all cash buyers in California scour the MLS for homes for sale in CA. This includes iBuyers, investors, and home flippers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Multiple Listing Service in real estate?
The Multiple Listing Service is a centralized database of properties for sale. There are around 600 MLSs in the U.S. But, only licensed real estate agents and brokers can access it to list and look for properties.
How to get an MLS listing without a Realtor in California?
You cannot access the MLS directly in California. Only real estate agents can do that. And, they'll charge a 3% commission. However, you can list your house on MLS for $399 with a flat fee MLS service and skip this 3% fee.
How to list your home on MLS in California?
To list your home for sale on the MLS in California, you must:
1. Find an MLS listing service.
2. Create an account.
3. Choose a listing plan.
4. Provide property details and photos.
5. Sign the listing agreement.
» Flat Fee MLS California Listing Services: Choose an MLS service that suits your needs from our list of the 8 best Flat Fee MLS California companies.
Can you list a house on MLS without a Realtor in California?
Yes, you can. In fact, we recommend listing on MLS without an agent. That way, you get to skip the 3% listing agent fee. With Flat Fee listing companies, you only pay $399 to get your home on the MLS. That's a cool $23,794 in your pocket if you're selling a $818,100 home in the Golden State.
