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10 min read Nov 05, 2024

Flat Fee MLS Iowa | 8 Companies With No Red Flags 🚩

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 Waterloo to Red Oak, Flat Fee MLS services have helped Iowa save thousands in 2024. Flat Fee MLS Iowa 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 Iowa. You will also save on the 2.5% to 3% buyer agent commission with the NAR Settlement. That’s a potential saving of $14,442 on an average $240,700 home in the Hawkeye State!

Rankings: 8 Flat Fee MLS Iowa Companies in 2024

Flat Fee MLS ServicePriceAdditional Fees100% OnlineOffer ManagementShowing Management5-star ReviewsMobile App
1. Houzeo.com$379None
2. Flat Fee RealtyVaries0.1%-0.25%
3. I Sold My House$299-$399None
4. Fizber$95-$395None
5. Pro Metro Realty$2,495None
6. FSBO$99-$3990.5%
7. Flat Fee Group$399-$13953.5%
8. Best Choice Flat Fee$399None

Reviews: 8 Best Flat Fee MLS Iowa Listing Services

1. Houzeo

#1 Flat Fee MLS Service

Houzeo.com
Houzeo Logo
  • Listing Fee: $399
  • Available nationwide
  • Houzeo has 4.9 out of 5 stars 4.9/5 (10,020+ reviews)

Houzeo is a high-tech platform with easy listing, fast changes, and online showings and offers.

You can choose from 4 Flat Fee MLS packages:

  • Bronze Package – $399+$350 at Close: This package offers a Houzeo listing only for 6 months with 24 photos.
  • Silver Package – $399+0.5% at Close: This offers maximum photo upload and provides you with seller disclosures.
  • Gold Package—$429+0.5 % at Close: 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 Package – $449+1% at Close: 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! Before you list, confirm all prices on your particular state’s pricing page.

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

Houzeo is America’s #1 Flat Fee MLS service because of 5 reasons:

  1. Max Exposure: Houzeo’s listing packages get your home on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, and 100s of other real estate websites.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 potential buyers on the go.
  4. No Hidden Fees: All fees are disclosed upfront, so there are no Houzeo hidden fees. You get to bypass the traditional listing agent commission.
  5. Free Home Value Estimator: Now, you can get a free home value estimate within 30 seconds. It helps you set a listing price.

There are no dealbreakers with Houzeo.

» Is Houzeo Legit?  Houzeo addresses all Houzeo complaints from home sellers.

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

» Houzeo ReviewsHouzeo is rated Excellent by 10,020+ home sellers.

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

In Iowa, the Bronze package costs $379 + 0.5% at close. The Silver package costs $399 +0.5% at close and the Gold package costs $429 +0.5% at close. The Platinum package costs $449 +1% at close.

2. Flat Fee Realty

UNLIMITED LISTING TERM

Flat Fee Realty
Flat-Fee-Realty-logo.
  • Listing Fee: $99 - $595
  • 0.1% to 0.25% additional fees
  • 4.25 stars 4.3/5 (90+ reviews)

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 Flat Fee MLS package that varies by state. With this package, you get free listing changes and related 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.

3. I Sold My House

Low Tech, But Great Broker

ISoldMyHouse.com
I Sold My House
  • Listing Fee: $299 - $399
  • List within 48 hours
  • Best Companies that Buy Houses for Cash in Raleigh, NC 4.73/5 (15+ Reviews)

I Sold My House offers 2 flat fee packages:

  • Get Listed – $299: This package offers MLS listing with 6-10 photos. Your listing is syndicated to major sites like Zillow and Trulia. It is best suited for rental properties and small 1-2 bedroom homes.
  • Get Sold – $399: This package includes all the features of the Get Listed plan, plus you can upload up to 25 photos. It is best suited for larger homes.

👉 Our Take: ISoldMyHouse.com offers affordable MLS listings, but its services are relatively basic, even in premium packages. Unlike many other flat fee brokers, they do not offer agent support or guidance throughout the selling process.

I Sold My House offers the following advantages:

  • Fast Listing: Your home is listed on the MLS within 24 hours from the time you submit your details.
  • Market Exposure: Your MLS listing gets syndicated to websites like Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, and Realtor.com.
  • Buyer Leads Forwarded: All buyer leads are directly forwarded to you with no agent involvement.

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

  • Limited Coverage: ISoldMyHouse.com is licensed to provide direct services in 8 states. In the rest of the region, it works as a referral service.
  • Limited Features: They don’t offer any additional services like professional photography, yard signs, or comparative market analysis.
  • Self-Managed Process: The entire selling process is DIY, meaning sellers have to manage pricing, marketing, and the closing process.

I Sold My House has a rating of 4.73 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.

4. Fizber

LOW ON TECH

Fizber
fizber logo webp
  • Listing Fee: $275 - $290
  • Covers entire HI
  • 3.5 Stars  3.5/5 (100+ reviews)

Fizber offers 4 packages for FSBO home sellers:

  • Free Listing – $0: Your home gets listed on Fizber’s and Redfin’s websites, but no MLS exposure.
  • Digital Boost – $95: Includes everything in the Free Listing, plus open house alerts to local buyers.
  • MLS Boost – $270: Your home gets listed on the MLS for 6 months with up to 6 photos, syndicated to Fizber and other major real estate platforms. This package includes listing forms, disclosures, and 7-day customer service.
  • Premium MLS Boost – $295: This package includes everything from MLS Boost and extends your MLS listing to 12 months with unlimited photos. It also adds features like free showing assist, open house ads, and virtual tour posting.

👉 Our Take: Fizber provides affordable packages to home sellers. However, only paid packages offer MLS access and important features like unlimited photos or longer listings come with extra costs.

Here are some of the advantages of listing with Fizber:

  • Nationwide Coverage: The company offers services across the USA.
  • Buyer Leads Forwarded: All buyer leads are forwarded to you. So you can directly contact the buyers or agents.
  • Refund Policy: They provide full refunds for Flat Fee MLS packages within 30 days, provided that no documentation has been submitted to the MLS.
  • Unlimited Listing Changes: You can update your listings free of charge with the MLS Boost and Premium MLS Boost packages.

These are some drawbacks we found with Fizber:

  • Closing Fee: A 0.5% closing fee is charged if you are selling your property in Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wyoming.
  • Additional Fees: The MLS Boost package includes only 6 photos, and many features, such as showing assistance virtual tour posting, and open house ads require additional fees costing from $25 – $60.
  • Negative Customer Reviews: Some users have reported negative experiences with Fizber. It includes unauthorized listings, difficulties in securing refunds, and poor communication with their representatives.

Fizber has 3.5 out of 5 stars out of 100+ reviews on Trustpilot.

» Fizber Reviews: Find out what customers really experienced when listing with Fizber!

Fizber is an online for-sale-by-owner platform that provides 3 paid listing packages priced between $95 to $275 and one free listing package. We recommend the $295 MLS Boost Package, which offers maximum exposure to your property.

With no guarantee from them, your selling process could get unpredictable. Following a series of Fizber reviews, we’ve concluded that it’s always best to read the terms and conditions of any additional services.

5. Pro Metro Realty

SUPER EXPENSIVE

Pro Metro Realty
logo image
  • Listing Fee: $2,995
  • Free Market Analysis Report
  • 5 Stars 5/5 (20+ reviews)

Pro Metro Realty offers 3 different packages.

  • Starter – $2,995: This package includes standard services like professional photography, market analysis, legal forms, yard sign, and lockbox. $195 is due at the time of listing and is non-refundable. $2,800 is due at closing.
  • Pro – $4,995: With all the features of the Starter package, this plan includes a Google Ads service, a virtual slideshow, and a photography upgrade. You need to pay $495 as the listing fee and $4,500 at closing.
  • Premier – $895 + 1%: You get all the services from the Pro package along with aerial photos and video. $895 has to be paid initially to start the listing process, and 1% of the sale price at closing.

👉 Our Take: Although the services of Pro Metro Realty are great, the packages are expensive. You can get similar services at a lower cost with other Flat Fee MLS websites.

Although expensive, Pro Metro Realty’s packages have certain advantages.

  • Advanced marketing: Pro and Premier plans include targeted online ads, 3D tours, and floorplans.
  • Appraisal services: The Pro and Premier packages provide pre-listing or complete appraisals for accurate pricing.
  • Professional guidance included: Each package offers legal documentation, E-Signing, and expert representation.
  • Market Exposure: Your property will be visible on all the top real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, etc.

In our research, we found some limitations with Pro Metro Realty.

  • Expensive Packages: The packages are super costly. Companies that offer Flat Fee packages can help you list and sell your home for much less.
  • Inadequate Information: Necessary information, such as listing terms and the number of photos allowed, is unclear.
  • Limited Coverage: Their service is available only in Arkansas.

Pro Metro Realty has an excellent rating of 5 out of 5 stars from 90+ reviews on Google.

Prometro Realty, founded in 2019 by David L. Charlson, offers Flat Fee MLS service packages. It connects sellers to a wide pool of buyers and agents. Their pricing is a bit expensive. It lacks key info, like the listing terms and photo limits.

The plans range from basic listings at $2,995 to comprehensive packages. Their premier package includes marketing tools, such as 3D tours and aerial photos.

6. FSBO

NATIONAL REFERRAL COMPANY

FSBO.com
Logo - FSBO.com
  • Listing Fee: $99.95 - $399
  • Limited a la carte items
  • No credible reviews were found.
  • FSBO Package – $99.95
  • MLS Package – $399.95
  • Multiple Categories of Listings
  • User-Friendly Interface
  • Nationwide Coverage
  • Limited Automation
  • Unpredictable Broker Quality
  • Extra Charges for Listing Photos
  • Expensive à la carte Services

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, you have to pay an extra $75 – $150.

7. Flat Fee Group

CUSTOMIZABLE PACKAGES

Flat Fee Group
Flat-Fee-MLS-Maine-Flat-Fee-Group.
  • Listing Fee: Starting at $195 (Varies as per the State)
  • No Hidden Fees
  • No credible reviews were found

Flat Fee Group is a network of independent brokers providing Flat Fee MLS listings across the US. They offer 3 – 4 packages depending on the state:

  • Basic Package – $195 – $399: Prices for MLS listing services vary by state and broker.
  • Add-Ons – $400 – $1,000: This covers upgrades like yard signs, lock boxes, and negotiation assistance. Some brokers may charge 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.

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.

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.

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 several flat-fee brokerages, and not every homeowner will have the same experience.

In Iowa, Flat Fee Group’s Basic package is priced at $399 + 3.5% at closing, the Premium package is priced at $799 + 3.5% at closing and the Full Service package is priced at $1,995 + 3% at closing.

8. Best Choice Flat Fee

NON-CUSTOMIZABLE PACKAGES

Best Choice Flat Fee
BestChoice-FlatFee-logo
  • Listing Fee: $199 - $999
  • Additional Fees: 0.2% to 0.375% of sales price
  • No credible reviews were found.

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%.

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.
  • 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.

Best Choice Flat Fee has no credible reviews online.

Best Choice Flat Fee is led by broker Eddie Davis. 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 Iowa, Best Choice Flat Fee offers a Basic package at $399, a Premium package at $799, and a Full-Service package at $1,995.

🚨 High Hidden Fees: Many IA 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 Iowa Work?

Flat Fee Iowa MLS 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 IA 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 your Iowa MLS real estate listing is live, buyer agents can view your property on the MLS and subsequently recommend it to prospective buyers.

Flat Fee MLS IA 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 Iowa Real Estate MLS 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 flat rate Iowa realty MLS listing service like Houzeo costs $399, with a closing fee of just $350.

Imagine a $240,700 home in the Hawkeye State; you would pay $7,221 to the listing agent. However, listing with Houzeo would save you $6,472.

Service ProviderFeeCommission DueSavings
Traditional Agent3%$7,221$0
Houzeo$399$749*$6,472
* Houzeo’s Bronze Plan costs $399 and has a $350 closing fee.

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

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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 Iowa?

Here’s what you must consider when choosing a MLS online Iowa listing company:

  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 IA 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 Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Iowa’s best Flat Fee MLS listing services.

Alternatives to Iowa MLS Flat Fee Listing Services

Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Iowa make offers for distressed houses within 24 to 48 hours.
  • For Sale By Owner Websites: For Sale By Owner websites in IA 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 Hawkeye State.

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 Flat Fee MLS listing service in Iowa?

Houzeo is one of the top flat fee services in Iowa because of its advanced tech and stellar customer reviews. Flat Fee Realty and I Sold My House 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 Iowa without a real estate agent. Opt for a Flat Fee Iowa MLS listing service and eliminate the 3% listing agent's commission.

Is Flat Fee MLS legal in Iowa?

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

Is a seller’s disclosure required in Iowa?

Yes! The IA 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 Iowa 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 Iowa flat rate MLS listing service can help you avoid paying full commission to a real estate agent.

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