Flat Fee MLS Birmingham, AL | 8 Companies With No Red Flags 🚩

10 mins read Nov 18, 2024
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Editor
Edited By

Carol Coutinho

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Editor
Edited By

Carol Coutinho

Editor, Houzeo
About

Carol C. is a versatile editor, expertly refining real estate content with precision and creativity. When not exploring market trends, she is immersed in the enthralling world of the theatre.

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From Glen Iris to North Birmingham, Flat Fee MLS services have helped sellers save thousands in 2024. Flat Fee MLS Birmingham services will list your house on the MLS for a fraction of what you’d pay a 6% Realtor.

There’s more good news. You save the 3% listing agent commission with a Flat Fee MLS listing in Birmingham. You will also save on the 2.5% to 3% buyer agent commission with the NAR settlement. That’s a potential saving of $11,400 on an average $190,000 home in the Steel City!

Rankings: 8 Flat Fee MLS Birmingham Companies in 2024

Flat Fee MLS ServicePrice100% OnlineOffer ManagementShowing Management5-star ReviewsMobile App
1. Houzeo$349
2. Beycome$99-$599
3. List with Freedom$89-$295
4. Flat Fee GroupVaries
5. FSBO.com$399.95
6. I Sold My House$299-$399
7. Creekview Realty$600-$1400
8. Best Choice Flat Fee$399

Reviews: 8 Best Flat Fee MLS Birmingham Listing Services

1. Houzeo

Houzeo LogoLogo-Link

100% ONLINE PROCESS

Listing Fee: $399

4.9/5

10,000+ reviews
💲 Pricing

Houzeo is a high-tech platform that streamlines listings, updates, and online showings/offers. Choose from 4 Flat Fee MLS packages to simplify your home sale.

  • Bronze Package – $399 + $350 At Close: You can upload 24 photos, and your listing term will be of 6 months.
  • Silver Package – $409 + 0.5% At Close: You can post maximum number of photos and access seller disclosures.
  • Gold Package – $429 + 0.5% At Close: You can avail the assistance of a licensed broker to guide you through the listing process.
  • Platinum Package – $449 + 1% At Close: Your home is on the MLS for 12-months. Plus, you get virtual support of a licensed broker.

👉 Our Take: We recommend Houzeo’s Gold plan for expert broker support, including contract review and pricing guidance. Plus, enjoy concierge services that ensure a smooth and successful sale.

» Houzeo Reviews: Find out why 10,000+ Americans love Houzeo.

⚡ Highlights

Houzeo is America’s #1 Flat Fee MLS service because of these strong reasons:

  1. Max Exposure: Your home listing is syndicated to popular real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, giving it nationwide visibility.
  2. 100% Online: You can list your home, manage listings, get paperwork done and close the deal all through a single platform and a powerful mobile app.
  3. 5-star Customer Service: You have access to 24/7 listing support with chat and email services 6 days a week.
  4. No Hidden Fees: What you see is what you pay. Houzeo mentions all of its fees upfront on its website.
🚩 Deal Breakers

There are no dealbreakers with Houzeo.

» Is Houzeo Legit? Houzeo addresses home sellers concerns with efficiency.

⭐ Reviews

Houzeo is rated an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars by thousands of home sellers on Google and Trustpilot.

» Houzeo Reviews: Rated Excellent by 10,000+ happy home sellers.

Houzeo.com is Alabama’s #1 ranked Flat Fee MLS service. Houzeo provides an unbeatable combination of max savings, 5-star customer support, and cutting-edge technology.

In Alabama, the Bronze package costs $399. The Silver package costs $399 +0.5% at close (min $999) and the Gold package costs $429 +0.5% at close (min $999). The Platinum package costs $499 +1% at close (min $999).

» Flat Fee MLS Alabama: Check our rankings of the best Flat Fee MLS companies in Alabama.

2. Beycome

Beycome logoLogo-Link

DIY Tech-Driven Platform

Listing Fee: $99 - $599  

4.5/5

600+ reviews
💲Pricing

You can choose from 3 Flat Fee MLS listing packages to sell your house.

  • Basic Package – $99: You can upload up to a maximum of 24 or 48 pictures, depending on your regional MLS. This package offers services in 12 states.

  • Enhanced Package – $399: You can post as many photos as you want and also add a virtual tour video to your listing. This package too offers services in 12 states. This package includes a yard sign.

  • Concierge service – $599 + 1% Commission: You can access a full immersive 3D tour. This package too offers services in 12 states.

👉 Our Take: Beycome’s prices are reasonable, and their technology is useful. However, keep in mind that you have to pay a minimum closing price of $1,599.

⚡ Highlights

Below are the advantages of listing with Beycome:

  • Open House & Marketing Tools: Beycome provides you with free tools, such as an open house scheduler, customizable flyers, and promotional materials, to streamline the selling process.
  • Enhanced Digital AdvertisingYou can benefit from digital advertising tools, including social media sharing and YouTube video tours.
🚩 Deal Breakers

In our research, we came across some drawbacks of listing with Beycome:

  • Limited Agent Support: Unlike traditional real estate agents who provide hands-on guidance, the basic and enhanced packages offer minimal agent involvement.
  • Regional Availability: Beycome is not available nationwide, and only operates in select states. If you reside outside these areas, you will need to seek other options.
  • Limited Negotiation Support: You get professional negotiation support only if you opt for the Concierge package.
⭐ Reviews

Beycome has 4.5 out of 5 stars from 700+ reviews on Google Reviews.

» Beycome Reviews: Know why it might not be a good idea to sell with Beycome.

Beycome’s MLS listing packages are reasonably priced and offer legal forms, seller disclosures, an Open House scheduler, and customer support. We recommend the $399 Enhanced Package for FSBO home sellers.

Beycome’s technology is limited and won’t help you with scheduling and review of home inspections, appraisals, and closings. Separately, you’ll have to be very diligent and manage leads manually outside the platform too.

3. ListWithFreedom.com

List With Freedom logoLogo-Link

COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGES

Listing Fee: $89 - $395

4.7/5

600+ reviews
💲Pricing

List With Freedom is a trusted and established Multiple Listing Service that offers 3 packages:

  • Gold Package – $89: You can upload up to 25 home photos and get a 6 months listing term.
  • Platinum Package – $195: You can upload unlimited number of pictures of your home and can keep it on the MLS for 6 months.
  • Platinum+ Package – $395: You get a 12 months listing term along with online showing services, unlimited open houses, a personal transaction coordinator, and a yard sign.

List With Freedom is a good option for experienced sellers. However, they charge a compliance fee at closing, which adds to the total cost of their services.

⚡ Highlights

List With Freedom helps list a house For Sale By Owner:

  • Affordable Pricing: Their basic listing service starts at just $89.
  • Unlimited Listing Changes: You can make as many updates to your MLS listing at no extra cost.
  • Market Exposure: Your home listing gets exposure via the MLS and other popular real estate websites like Realtor.com, Zillow, and Trulia. This makes it visible to potential buyers looking for homes or lands for sale in Florida.
  • Direct Buyer Leads: All buyer inquiries are forwarded directly to you, with no agent involvement.
🚩 Deal Breakers

Here are some of the drawbacks of working with List With Freedom:

  • Additional Fee at Closing: You need to pay a compliance fee of 0.25%–0.50% at closing, which can add to the overall cost.
  • No Agent Support: You need to handle negotiations, do market analysis, and review contract, all on your own.

» Pros and Cons of Listing With List With Freedom: Find out about the advantages of listing with List With Freedom.

⭐ Reviews

List With Freedom has a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating from 600+ reviews on Google.

» List With Freedom Reviews:  Is List With Freedom a good choice? Find out the details in our review!

Ralph Harvey headed List With Freedom has affordable listing packages that are ideal for an experienced seller. The listing process is quick and simple.

But you can only get MLS listings with List with Freedom as they do not provide any pricing or negotiation assistance. If you are new to the real estate market you will need guidance throughout the selling process!

4. Flat Fee Group

Flat-Fee-MLS-Maine-Flat-Fee-Group.Logo-Link

CUSTOMIZABLE PACKAGES

Listing Fee: Starting at $195 (Varies as per the State)
No credible reviews were found
💲 Pricing

Flat Fee Group is a network of independent brokers providing Flat Fee MLS listings across the US. They offer 2 – 4 packages depending on the state:

  • Basic Package – $195 – $399: The price you pay will depend on the state you live in.
  • Add-Ons – $400 – $1,000: You can avail to services like yard signs, lock boxes, and negotiation assistance. Some brokers may charge you non-refundable upfront fees.

👉 Our Take: When you choose Flat Fee Group, you’ll work with an independent flat-fee brokerage. Service quality can vary depending on the broker you’re matched with.

⚡ Highlights

Flat Fee Group offers certain advantages:

  • Multiple Packages: The packages differ in services offered. You can select the package that suits your real estate needs.
  • Maximum Market Exposure: Your property gets listed on many popular websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, etc. This market exposure will help you sell your house faster.
  • Access to Legal Documents: Flat Fee Group provides you with state-wise contracts, forms, and disclosures. This would save you time to collate the documents from different sources.
🚩 Deal Breakers

Flat Fee Group has several drawbacks:

  • No Uniform Pricing: Prices and services are not standardized and vary as per state, so you may encounter unexpected fees.
  • Inconsistent Service Quality: With brokers operating independently, the level of service can vary widely.
  • No Credible Reviews: They do not have reviews on websites like Zillow, Trustpilot, Yelp, and Google.
⭐ Reviews

Flat Fee Group has no customer reviews on Google or Trustpilot.

» Is Flat Fee Group legit? Read our in-depth reviews on Flat Fee Group and choose accordingly.

Since its founding in 2003, the Flat Fee Group has grown to serve clients throughout the United States by connecting independent, flat-fee real estate brokerages with sellers.

Flat Fee Group.com’s pricing and multiple packages may seem attractive in listing a property for a flat fee. However, it works with a variety of different flat-fee brokerages, and not every homeowner will have the same experience.

In Alabama, Flat Fee Group offers 2 Flat Fee MLS packages – Showcase package at $399 and the Platinum package at $999. A Full Service package is also available at $349 + 1/2% at Closing. They also have iBuyer services for quick sale.

5. FSBO.com

Logo - FSBO.comLogo-Link

NATIONAL REFERRAL COMPANY

Listing Fee: $99.95 - $399
No credible reviews were found.
💲Pricing
  • FSBO Package: $99.95
  • MLS Package: $399.95
⚡ Highlights
  • Multiple Categories of Listings
  • User-Friendly Interface
  • Nationwide Coverage
🚩 Deal Breakers
  • Limited Automation
  • Unpredictable Broker Quality
  • Extra Charges for Listing Photos
  • Expensive à la carte Services
⭐ Reviews

FSBO.com has no credible customer reviews on popular review sites like Google or Trustpilot.

» FSBO.com Reviews: Read why the oldest FSBO website isn’t the best anymore.

FSBO.com is available in all states with coverage in 50+ markets. FSBO allows sellers to list their property for sale while saving on the listing agent commission.

But you should know that additional services can add up to a total of $335 in costs! For example, If you wish to avail of CSS showing service, and e-lockbox rental, then you have to pay $75 and $150 over your flat fee package.

6. I Sold My House

I Sold My HouseLogo-Link

NO HIDDEN FEES

Listing Fee: $299 - $399

4.7/5

15+ reviews
💲 Pricing

I Sold My House offers 2 flat fee packages:

  • Get LISTED- $299: You can upload upto 6-10 photos. Your listing is syndicated to major sites like Zillow and Trulia.
  • Get SOLD- $399: You can add upto 25 photos and get all the services in the Get Listed package.

👉 Our Take: You can choose the Get SOLD package to get the most out of this deal.

⚡ Highlights

I Sold My House offers the following advantages:

  • Market Exposure: Your MLS listing gets syndicated to websites like Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, and Realtor.com.
  • Buyer Leads Forwarded: You can directly access the buyer leads. All buyer leads are directly forwarded to you with no agent involvement.
🚩 Deal Breakers

Here are some deal breakers associated with I Sold My House:

  • Limited Features: You cannot avail services like professional photography, yard signs, or comparative market analysis.
  • Self-Managed Process: The entire selling process is DIY, you have to manage pricing, marketing, and the closing process.
⭐ Reviews

I Sold My House has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 10+ reviews on Better Business Bureau.

» I Sold My House Reviews: Do consider reading these reviews before choosing I Sold My House.

iSoldMyHouse is a great choice in the 8 states it covers. Kris Lippi, the Broker Owner of iSoldMyHouse is an experienced Flat Fee broker with thousands of transactions under his belt.

In the remaining 42 states and Washington D.C., iSoldMyHouse.com is only a referral service. They act as a middleman and will sell your information to a local broker who will help you list on MLS.

7. Creekview Realty

Creekview Realty TexasLogo-Link

EXPENSIVE PACKAGES

Listing Fee: $600

4.4/5

60+ reviews
💲 Pricing

Creekview Realty offers 2 MLS listing packages, including one full-representation package.

  • Basic Package – $600: You get a listing term of 6 months. Other services include Realtor key box usage, CSS scheduling service, yard sign, and all forms. You can cancel your listing at any time.
  • Full-Representation Package – $1,400: Along with a 6 month listing you get full representation services that include contracts, negotiations, and paperwork assistance.

Listing Upgrades:

Professional Photography: $225

Comparative Market Analysis: $100

Creekview Realty Yard Sign: $25

👉 Our Take: Creekview Realty offers essential services for listing and marketing your home. However, if you opt for their  professional photography service, it may delay the listing time.

⚡ Highlights

Creekview Realty is an ideal option for inexperienced seller or expect a complicated sale. Here are some of its advantages.

  • Local Expertise: You can count on their agents for their valuable insights about the local Texas market.
  • Full Coverage in Texas: With offices in Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston, Creekview has a good reputation and serves the majority of Texas markets.

» Pros and Cons of Creekview Realty: Read our blog to make an informed decision.

🚩 Deal Breakers

In our research, we found some primary deal breakers with Creekview Realty.

  • Only 2 Packages: You need to choose between only 2 packages which offer similar services. 
  • Insufficient Information on Website: Creekview Realty’s website doesn’t mention how many photos you can upload or how many changes you can make to your listing.
⭐ Reviews

Creekview Realty has 4.4 out of 5 stars out of 60+ reviews on Yelp.

» Creekview Realty Reviews: Read our blog to know more.

Creekview Realty has been designed to provide home sellers with everything they need to sell their homes successfully. But they don’t provide enough options to their sellers.

Home sellers who want to save money may find the company’s package too expensive. The package is priced at $349 but additional services are not listed on the company’s website. Selling a home with them as a first-time seller can be challenging.

8. Best Choice Flat Fee

BestChoice-FlatFee-logoLogo-Link

NON-CUSTOMIZABLE PACKAGES

Listing Fee: $199 - $999
No credible reviews were found.
💲 Pricing

Best Choice Flat Fee offers between 2 to 4 packages in different states. The packages are priced at $199, $399, $799 and $999 respectively.

  • Common services include a listing term of 6 months with 25–40 photos. You also get a yard sign and printable color flyers. Buyer leads are directly forwarded to you.

👉 Our Take: Their packages are expensive and do not provide all the services. All the packages include a closing fee of 2.4%–2.9%.

⚡ Highlights

Best Choice Flat Fee is a national group of flat fee brokers who directly work with the Flat Fee Group.

  • Market Exposure: Your listing is syndicated to Realtor.com and other local realtor sites. This provides maximum exposure to your property.
  • Transparency: They provide homeowners with clear-cut information, regarding the breakdown of their pricing structure and the services involved.
  • State Disclosures: You get proper disclosures and contracts in all the packages.
  • Buyer Leads Forwarded to You: All buyer leads are forwarded to you without agent involvement. This service is available in all the packages.
🚩 Deal Breakers
  • No Mobile App: Best Choice Flat Fee does not have a mobile app to make your process smoother.
  • Expensive Plans: They offer basic listing services at a high cost. The same services are available at better prices on other sites.
⭐ Reviews

Best Choice Flat Fee has no credible reviews online.

Broker Eddie Davis leads Best Choice Flat Fee. It is a national group of independent real estate brokers. Although Best Choice Flat Fee offers a wide range of plans it is not cost-effective.

In Alabama, Best Choice Flat Fee offers a full service package at $149 + 1% at closing, a $999 full service package, and a list-only package at $399.

🚨 High Hidden Fees: Many Birmingham Flat Fee services have charges that aren’t disclosed on their websites. These hidden fees can lower your net proceeds.

How Do Flat Fee Listing Services in Birmingham Work?

Birmingham Flat Fee Multiple Listing Services get your home on the MLS for a fixed fee. However, only licensed agents can access the MLS. So, the top flat fee services in Birmingham work with these agents to list and market your home.

All you have to do is choose a plan that best suits your home-selling needs. And voila! You save thousands.

Once the MLS listing is live, buyer agents can view your property on the MLS and subsequently recommend it to prospective buyers.

Flat Fee MLS DL Houzeo Exposure
If you list with Houzeo, your listing will also be visible on popular sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and local MLSs.

How Much Can You Save With a Flat Fee MLS Birmingham Listing?

It depends on who you work with. A traditional full-service agent charges a 2.5% to 3% commission. On the other hand, a Birmingham flat rate MLS listing service like Houzeo costs $399, with a closing fee of just $350.

Imagine you own a $190,000 home in the Steel City. If you choose a 3% Realtor, you pay $5,700 to get your house on the MLS. But, if you list with a flat fee service like Houzeo, you only pay $749 and save $4,951!

Service ProviderFeeCommission DueSavings
Traditional Agent3%$5,700$0
Houzeo$399$749*$4,951
* Houzeo’s Bronze Plan costs $399 and has a $350 closing fee.

Lara Shane Saved $24,000 With Houzeo, You Can Too!

Start Your Home Selling Journey

Save $$$ Like Lara

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 to Choose the Best Flat Fee Listing Service in Birmingham?

Here’s what you must consider when choosing Birmingham Flat Fee MLS companies:

  1. Affordable Pricing: Select a Flat Fee MLS listing service that offers plans ranging from $300 to $800. Low listing costs may help you free up funds for other expenses like home staging or repairs.
  2. Maximum Exposure: Ensure that the Birmingham Flat Fee MLS service provider gets your home on all the MLSs in your area. This will increase your home’s visibility.
  3. Maximum Photos: The MLS company must allow you to upload at least 22 pictures of your house. Professional photos taken from different angles help potential buyers visualize the property.
  4. Extended Listing Term: Choose a Flat Fee MLS Birmingham company that keeps your listing live for at least 6 months. This way, you can wait for a better offer instead of feeling rushed to accept a less desirable one.
  5. Quick Listing: Select a local Flat Fee MLS Birmingham, AL listing service that gets your home on the MLS quickly. The faster your home is on the market, the less likely you will miss out on potential offers.

How to List on Birmingham MLS via Houzeo

Follow these steps correctly to get an active MLS listing with Houzeo in 48 hours:

  1. Create Your Account: Download the Houzeo mobile app or go to Houzeo.com and click “Start Listing Now.” You’ll then have to provide basic information, like your name, contact details, etc., to set up your account.
  2. Enter Property Details: Go to the Houzeo dashboard and click “Sell a Property.” Submit details about your home, such as the number of rooms and baths, square footage, etc.
  3. Set Your Asking Price: Use online tools to check the value of your home and set the asking price accordingly.
  4. Choose Your MLS Plan: Houzeo offers 4 flat fee packages. Once you select a plan, the necessary documents will be automatically assigned to you. Completing the listing agreement will take just 20 to 30 minutes if done correctly.
  5. Add Property Description and Photos: Highlight your property’s key features to attract potential buyers. Upload high-quality photos showcasing major rooms and amenities such as a home gym or installed solar panels.

15,000 Americans Have Listed Their Homes via Houzeo!

What Are You Waiting For?

List Your Home NOW!

» Houzeo Reviews: Find out why Houzeo is one of the best Flat Fee MLS Birmingham, AL listing services.

Alternatives to Birmingham Flat Fee Listing Services

Birmingham flat rate listing services are the best option for home sellers looking to retain most of their home equity.

However, if you don’t want to save your hard-earned equity, here are a few options for you:

  • Discount Real Estate Brokers: They are licensed real estate professionals who offer the same services as traditional agents but for a lower fee. Discount real estate brokers in Alabama charge between 0.5% to 2% commission.
  • Full-Service Realtors: They are real estate agents or brokerages that offer comprehensive services, including marketing, negotiation, paperwork, closing assistance, etc. However, they charge a 5% to 6% commission for their services.
  • iBuyers/Cash Home Buyers: iBuyers, such as Opendoor and Offerpad, purchase homes directly from sellers. They have strict home-buying criteria. Cash buyers in Birmingham make offers for distressed houses within 24 to 48 hours.
  • For Sale By Owner Websites: For Sale By Owner websites in AL allow homeowners to list and sell their properties without the assistance of a real estate agent. However, your home won’t get the MLS exposure it deserves.

Final Word

You don’t need a full-service agent to sell your home in The Steel City.

With a flat fee listing on Houzeo, you can take control of your sale and save thousands. Get the same MLS exposure and expert tools at just $749 instead of a whopping 3% agent fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best MLS listing site in Birmingham, AL?

Houzeo is one of the top flat fee services in Birmingham because of its advanced tech and stellar customer reviews. Beycome and ListWithFreedom are other great options.

Can I list on the MLS without a real estate agent?

Yes, you can list your home on the MLS in Birmingham without a real estate agent. Opt for a Flat Fee MLS listing service and eliminate the 3% listing agent's commission.

Is Flat Fee MLS legal in Alabama?

Flat Fee MLS is legal all over the United States, including Alabama.

Is Seller’s Disclosure required in Alabama?

Yes. The AL seller disclosure form reveals all material defects and the general state of your property to potential buyers.

Why should I list my property on the Birmingham real estate Multiple Listing Service?

Listing your property on the MLS ensures maximum visibility to buyers and agents, giving your home more exposure. Using a Birmingham flat rate MLS listing service can help you avoid paying full commission to a real estate agent.

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