✏️ Editor’s Note: Realtor Associations, agents, and MLS’ have started implementing changes related to the NAR’s $418 million settlement. While home-sellers will likely save thousands in commission, compliance and litigation risks have significantly increased for sellers throughout the nation. Learn how NAR’s settlement affects home sellers.
ListingSpark is a Texas-based licensed brokerage that offers Flat Fee MLS listing services. They also provide agent support at a premium price.
Editor’s Rating
User Rating
(1 Reviews)
Pros
- ListingSpark has a 100% online listing process
- Aaron Jitsel, ListingSpark's broker, has over 15 years of experience
Cons
- ListingSpark's coverage is limited to 16 markets of Texas
- ListingSpark's plans are 5 times more expensive than other flat fee companies
- Listing period is not disclosed.
ListingSpark is a Flat Fee MLS company that allows FSBO sellers to list on MLS in 16 markets of Texas. The company has sold over 2,000 homes in the last 2 years.
ListingSpark has an impressive range of services. You get a dedicated agent to work with who helps you at crucial stages like contract reviews, negotiations, and contract compliance. However, you have to pay a premium price for this service.
You can go for their cheaper plan as well, but that comes with a hefty price tag too. Additionally, this plan does not include crucial services like pricing assistance and listing reviews.
- ✍️ Editor’s Take: For most home sellers, we recommend Houzeo over ListingSpark. Houzeo offers the best combination of maximum savings, advanced technology, and 5-star customer support. Compare ListingSpark vs.Houzeo.
Is ListingSpark Legit?
Yes, ListingSpark is a legitimate real estate firm. The company was founded in 2013 by Aaron Jistel. They also offer title and escrow services through Spark Title.
However, ListingSpark’s coverage is limited to 16 markets in Texas. Hence, home sellers from other parts of the country cannot use their services.
How Does ListingSpark Work?
ListingSpark operates completely online through their website and client portal. Their online approach makes the home-selling process efficient for FSBO sellers.
- Sign-up: Create an account by entering property details, selling timeline, and personal information.
- Verify Your Email: Verify your account through the confirmation email you will receive after sign-up. Once you verify your email, you will be able to access ListingSpark’s client portal.
- Create Listing: Enter your property details, and ownership information to start the listing process.
- Make Payment: Pick a package based on your requirements and budget and make the payment.
After payment, you can set the listing price, schedule the photography session, and specify listing details. The last step is to submit your listing for review. The listing goes live within 24 hours.
ListingSpark Coverage
ListingSpark only offers services in Texas. They cover the markets of Amarillo, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Waco, Abilene, Bryan/College Station, Corpus Christi, Killeen/Temple, Lubbock, Longview, Highland Lakes, Tyler, and San Angelo.
What Does ListingSpark Offer?
» Jump to: Spark Plan | Premium Plan | Volume Sellers | Additional Cost
ListingSpark’s services primarily focus on sellers. They offer 2 packages namely Spark and Premium. They also provide additional discounts to volume sellers.
However, ListingSpark does not provide essential details. For instance, they do not disclose the listing term for any of their plans. ListingSpark also reserves the right to choose the number of photos they upload on the MLS.
1. Spark Plan – $1,499
| 👍 What We Like | 👎 What We Don't Like |
|---|---|
| ✅ Professional photography | ❌ Non-refundable upfront fee of $250 |
| ✅ 150-points marketing plan | ❌ Additional cost for agent's support |
| ✅ Necessary forms and documents | ❌ No pricing assistance |
| ✅ Showing time appointment tool | ❌ No information about listing changes |
👉 Our Take: We do not recommend this plan because it does not include pricing assistance and listing changes. Instead, you should opt for Houzeo’s Silver Plan which includes everything you may need for a successful sale.
2. Premium Plan – $2,999
| 👍 What We Like | 👎 What We Don't Like |
|---|---|
| ✅ Pricing assistance | ❌ Overpriced |
| ✅ Dedicated agent | ❌ Non-refundable upfront fee of $500 |
| ✅ Listing and photography review |
👉 Our Take: We like that this package includes listing and photography reviews. However, it doesn’t justify the hefty price tag of this plan.
3. Volume Sellers
This plan is for repetitive sellers like investors and builders. You can get essential services like MLS listing, professional photography, yard box, showing manager tool, etc. However, they have not disclosed the saving amount on their website.
Additional Costs
ListingSpark also asks for some additional costs which they do not disclose upfront. If you are willing to sell with ListingSpark, you must consider these charges.
» What’s My Home’s Value: You can know your home’s market value with Houzeo’s free Home Worth Estimator. It helps you estimate the amount you will get upon sale.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| To sell to an unrepresented buyer | $350 |
| Reactivate account | $15 |
| Additional photography session | $125 |
| To replace lockbox | $150 |
| Agent support | $975 |
Costs Associated With Spark Title
ListingSpark receives additional revenue via Spark Title, a subsidiary company. If you opt for Spark Title, ListingSpark’s team will assist you during the title inspection.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Settlement fee | $250 – $475 |
| Tax certificate (per tract researched) | $35 – $75 |
| Courier/messenger | $25 |
| Electronic recording fees | $3 – $6 per document |
| County clerk recording fee | Depends on the charges of your county |
| Owner’s title insurance policy | Promulgated rate |
| Loan title insurance policy | Promulgated rate |
ListingSpark.com Customer Reviews
ListingSpark has a 4.6 out of 5-star rating on Google based on 160 reviews. We found multiple reviews praising ListingSpark’s services. However, some negative reviews were contradictory in terms of their unresponsive staff.
ListingSpark Positive Customer Reviews
✅ Feza was satisfied with the services and savings.
The overall experience was great, including the Spark Title company. I will not recommend their professional photography service. Other than that, everything went smoothly and saved significantly since we did not have to pay for the selling agent commission.
Source: Google
✅ RichCarolyn was happy with the services provided by ListingSpark’s staff.
Overall we were happy using Listing Spark. Some aspects were stressful because we were’t totally prepared with all of the information that we needed to complete the paperwork necessary for the transaction. That’s the kind of thing that a conventional real estate agent takes care of. We also would have liked a few suggestions from Listing Spark when it came time for negotiations.
Source: Google
ListingSpark Negative Customer Reviews
❌ Doug shared his frustrating experience with ListingSpark due to their negligent staff.
The ball was always dropped and in Listing spark’s court. All it did was slow down the selling process and make it more frustrating. I had to constantly remind them and follow up with them for anything to get done and still had multiple issues. They couldn’t follow the simplest instructions I sent them in emails.
Source: Google
❌ Stephen, who was a buyer, highlighted how sellers may not get the best value for their house with ListingSpark.
Sent offer, agent countered and we asked for survey . Told us that they will get it for us. We were going to counter offer and agent told us they took another offer. Never communicated with us that we were in a multiple offer situation. Never got a response on our request for a survey. How does this benefit your seller when you don’t take a look at all the offers on the table or communicate what’s going on.
Source: Google
ListingSpark: Pros and Cons
ListingSpark has some benefits over traditional listing agents. Let’s evaluate their pros and cons.
👍 Pros
ListingSpark offers some benefits to home sellers and buyers.
- Commission Savings: ListingSpark allows you to save on the listing agent’s commission which is generally 3%.
- Free Tools: ListingSpark offers multiple tools such as market compare, and closing cost calculator.
- Technology: The company adopts a 100% online approach, utilizing their proprietary platform SelTec.
👎 Cons
We also found certain dealbreakers with ListingSpark during our research.
- Overpriced Plans: ListingSpark is overpriced compared to other flat fee FSBO companies.
- Limited Coverage: The company serves 16 markets in Texas.
- No Refund on Cancelation: Upon cancelation, the company will not refund you the upfront fee ranging from $250 to $500.
- Unclear Package Details: ListingSpark does not disclose crucial information like the listing term, number of photos to be uploaded, number of listing changes allowed, etc. on their website.
ListingSpark’s Competitors
» Jump to: ListingSpark vs. Houzeo | ListingSpark vs. Flat Fee Group | ListingSpark vs. List With Freedom
If ListingSpark’s overpriced plans didn’t excite you, here are 3 alternate companies you can consider:
1. ListingSpark vs. Houzeo
ListingSpark’s plans are overpriced. Their Premium plan is slightly less than 1% of the median home price in Texas. But the services you get in the plan don’t really justify this hefty price tag.
On the other hand, Houzeo offers the best combination of maximum savings and comprehensive services. Additionally, Houzeo’s mobile app and web technology will make listing and selling a breeze!
| ListingSpark | Houzeo | |
|---|---|---|
| Listing Fee | ||
| Customer Rating | ||
| Coverage | ||
| 5-star Customer Support | ||
| Additional Costs | ||
| Pricing Assistance |
2. ListingSpark vs. Flat Fee Group
Flat Fee Group is a network of licensed brokers working in 48 states and Washington D.C. For Texas, you will get to work with Jack and Sheila McLemore. They have over 20 years of experience in the real estate industry.
Flat Fee Group’s packages are also affordable compared to ListingSpark. However, a significant limitation of working with Flat Fee Group is that you may lack the technology to simplify your FSBO journey.
3. ListingSpark vs. List With Freedom
List With Freedom is a licensed brokerage in 46 states. They serve these states themselves and do not refer your listing to third-party brokers.
Be careful though, Listwithfreedom.com packages may seem cheap, starting as low as $149. However, they charge you an additional fee of 0.25% at closing that they do not disclose upfront.
Best Flat Fee Companies Near You
If you reside outside ListingSpark’s coverage area, here are the top flat fee companies that serve your state:
Other Options You Should Consider
- Sell to an iBuyer: iBuyers purchase homes needing minimal repairs in as-is condition. They can be a great option if you want to sell your house fast.
- Sell to Cash Home Buyers: Individual cash home buyers make all-cash offers, usually within 24 to 48 hours. They also let you skip listing on the MLS.
- Sell For Sale By Owner: For Sale By Owner websites help you list and sell a house yourself, saving thousands in agent commissions. Many FSBO websites will also help you with the paperwork.
Should You List With ListingSpark?
We recommend listing with Houzeo over ListingSpark. ListingSpark is not transparent about their offerings in terms of the listing period and the number of photos they upload to MLS.
Additionally, you do not get crucial services like contract reviews and negotiation assistance in their Spark plan. You need to pay a whopping $975 for an agent who helps in these stages.
With Houzeo, you can save the commission and get top dollar for your property for a nominal flat fee. You will have a seamless home-selling experience thanks to their excellent customer service and stellar technology.
» Houzeo Reviews: Check out why more than 3,500 home sellers have rated Houzeo 4.9 stars out of 5 on Google Reviews and Trustpilot.
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Frequently Asked Questions About ListingSpark
1. Who are the top competitors of ListingSpark?
Houzeo.com is the number-1 competitor to ListingSpark. Houzeo's flat fee MLS plans will get you listed on the MLS. Their packages include all the essential services so sellers do not need to purchase add-ons. Check out Houzeo reviews.
2. How much is ListingSpark's fees?
ListingSpark offers two packages; Spark for $1,499 and Premium for $2,999. However, they do not provide crucial information like listing term and number of photos to be uploaded on thr MLS. Sellers may also have to bear some additional costs.
3. What are major ListingSpark complaints?
The primary complaints of ListingSpark revolve around the unresponsiveness of their staff. Further, their negative reviews highlight how ListingSpark agent's negligence prevents buyers to make better offers.
Flat Fee Listing Services Near Me
| Region | Cash Home Buyers |
|---|---|
| Nationwide | MLS My Home | Brokerless | Fizber | Flat Fee Group | MLS My Home | Brokerless Inc | UnReal Estate |
| Near-Nationwide | List With Freedom | Homecoin | Flat Fee Realty | Buyself Realty |
| Northeast | Simple Choice Realty | Realmart |
| Midwest | Lake Country Flat Fee | Madcity Homes | Broker Direct MLS | Ohio Flat Fee MLS | Reozom | Flat Fee Pros | Kermath Realty | Modern Way Realty | Flat Fee MLS Realty | Circle One Realty | Congress Realty |
| South | FlatList.com | ListingSpark | Creek View Realty | Mr. Lister Realty | Mink Realty | List Now Realty | Listingly | Adams Family Real Estate | Simply List |
| West | Savvy Lane Reviews | Lowes Flat Fee Realty | By Owner Oregon |
Reviews
(1 Reviews)
-
Texas Homeseller
Verified Reviewer
23rd Dec 2023
Disappointed with ListingSpark. The service lacked personalization, and the response time was slower than expected. Didn’t meet my expectations for a real estate service
