From Portland to Houlto Flat Fee MLS services have helped Mainers save thousands in 2024. Flat Fee MLS Maine 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 Maine. You will also save on the 2.5% to 3% buyer agent commission with the NAR Settlement. That’s a potential saving of $24,840 on an average $414,000 home in the Pine Tree State!
Rankings: 8 Flat Fee MLS Maine Companies in 2024
Flat Fee MLS Service | Price | 100% Online | Offer Management | Showing Management | 5-star Reviews | Mobile App |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Houzeo | $399 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
2. Landfall Properties | $499 or 1% | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
3. BuySelf Realty | $399 - $599 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
4. Discount Realty | $399 - $999 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
5. Flat Fee Realty | $159 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
6. FSBO.com | $399 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
7. I Sold My House | $299 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
8. Flat Fee Group | $299 - $999 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Reviews: 8 Best Flat Fee MLS Maine Companies
1. Houzeo.com
#1 Flat Fee MLS Service
Houzeo.comHouzeo 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:
- Max Exposure: Houzeo’s listing packages get your home on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, and 100s of other real estate 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 potential buyers on the go.
- No Hidden Fees: All fees are disclosed upfront, so there are no Houzeo hidden fees. You get to bypass the traditional 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.
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 Reviews: Houzeo is rated “Excellent“ by 10,020+ home sellers.
Houzeo.com is Maine’s #1 ranked Flat Fee MLS service. It provides an unbeatable combination of max savings, 5-star customer support, and cutting-edge technology.
In Maine, the Bronze package costs $399. 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. Landfall Properties
NEW ENGLAND BASED
Landfall PropertiesLandfall Properties is a New England-based flat fee MLS service provider. It offers three packages for flat-fee MLS listings:
- Level One package – Free: This package includes a free listing on the MLS for 2 months with 40 photos. You can make unlimited updates to your listing at no additional cost.
- Level Two package – $699: You receive an unlimited listing term along with professional services like a ‘For Sale’ yard sign, contract forms and addendums, escrow services, and virtual tours.
- Level Three package – 1% Commission: The premium plan offers everything from the Level Two package, plus full broker assistance throughout the transaction. Additional perks include pricing guidance, a Bluetooth lockbox, and comprehensive support until closing.
👉 Our Take: Landfall Properties offers affordable packages. However, the lower-tier plans, especially the free listing, require you to manage most of the process. This includes negotiations and showings, which can be challenging.
Landfall Properties offers the following advantages:
- Free Listing: Allows listing for free in REALTOR MLS for up to 2 months.
- Experienced Broker: Paul Marino, the broker, has over 35 years of experience, providing valuable guidance for higher-tier plans.
- Market Exposure: Your listing is shared across national and local MLSs such as Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, etc.
Landfall Properties has the following disadvantages:
- DIY Responsibility: In the free and basic packages, you need to handle most of the sales process. This includes showings, price negotiations, and legal paperwork.
- Limited Service Options: You’ll need to opt for a premium package if you want extensive assistance such as full agent support.
- Limited Coverage: Landfall properties only serve in 5 states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
Landfall Properties LLC has a 5-star rating on Zillow.
Landfall Properties is a Flat Fee MLS service run by broker Paul Marino. You will get experienced assistance from him which will help you stand out in the listing service game.
Although they are very flexible with their packages, they fall short on technology as they do not have a mobile application. Also, the 2-2.5% commission at closing can be avoided if you choose another service.
3. BuySelf Realty
BEGINNER FRIENDLY
BuySelf RealtyBuySelf Realty offers 2-3 Flat Fee MLS packages depending on the state/county you are in.
- $199 – $599: It includes common services such as disclosure forms, no hidden fees guarantee, free listing changes, showing requests will directly go to you, a right MLS guarantee, etc.
👉 Our Take: For a budget-friendly listing, we suggest going with the Standard package in any state or county, as it covers almost all key services at a reasonable price.
Based on our research, the benefits of BuySelf Realty are:
- Free Listing Changes: You can make as many changes as you want, free of charge.
- Rush Service Available: They have the provision of prompt service if you are looking for a quick sale.
- Pay Later Option: This gives you the flexibility to pay the package price in 6 months. It comes with a no-interest option.
- Market Exposure: Your home will be displayed on all major real estate websites like Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc.
In our research, we found some limitations of BuySelf Realty.
- Minimal Offline Services: They do not provide in-person meetings with the listing agent. Only specific packages offer a session with a real estate professional to answer your queries.
- No Mobile App: Even though they offer support via phone or email, they do not have the convenient option of a mobile app.
- Outdated UI: The platform’s design feels outdated, making navigation less intuitive and user-friendly.
Buyself Realty Ilc has an impeccable rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 230+ total reviews on Google Reviews.
» BuySelf Realty Reviews: Read our reviews to know more about them.
BuySelf Realty offers its services across all the states and DC. With its cost-efficient packages, BuySelf Realty typically offers good services for first-time home sellers.
However, for a more complicated deal, you might need actual broker assistance which BuySelf Realty lacks.
They offer two packages in Maine, a Standard package at $399 and a Total package at $599.
4. Discount Realty
MID-RANGE OPTIONS
Discount RealtyDiscount Realty offers 3 Flat Fee MLS Maine Packages.
- By Owner – $399: This package provides 6 month listing term with 30 photos. Your listing gets activated in 3 business days. They provide printable marketing flyers and downloadable brochures along with listing documents and disclosures.
- Assisted Brokerage – $299 + $700 at closing: You get all the services of the By Owner package plus a Comparative Market Analysis. They assist in negotiations and inspections and guide you through the closing.
- Full Brokerage – 3.5 % Commission: They provide the assistance of a licensed broker to assist you in negotiations, disclosures, and closing. Out of the 3.5% commission, 2% commission is for the buyer’s broker, and 1.5% is for their services.
Listing Upgrades: If you want to make any changes to your listing term, you must purchase the upgrade separately. You can change the listing period from 6 months until your home is sold for $599. This offer is only available in the ByOwner package.
👉 Our Take: Unless it is a high-end deal, we would recommend Assisted Brokerage package as it will give market analysis along with assistance in negotiations and inspections.
Discount Realty services is a Flat Fee MLS company owned by Royce Watson. They claim to be the only listing service based in Maine.
- Decent Number of Photos: The By Owner package and Assisted Brokerage package both include upto 30 photos. With the Full Brokerage package, you get the assistance of a professional photographer.
- Free Disclosures: All packages offer free listing documents and seller’s disclosures.
- Marketing Assistance: Printable flyers and downloadable brochures are provided as marketing assistance.
- Sellers Toolbox Option: This option found on the Discount Realty website gives you the required selling forms, home selling tips, and the MLS rules and regulations.
Discount Realty has some drawbacks that need to be mentioned.
- Not 100% Online: Though they provide their services online, they lack the use of modern tech.
- Entry-Level Service Only: Discount Realty offers only listing services. They will not help with home prices, negotiations, or even with advertising.
- No Yard Signs: They do not provide a yard sign, not even as an add-on in any of the packages.
- Insufficient Information on their Website: Discount Realty’s website does not mention the listing term for Assisted Brokerage and Full Brokerage packages.
- No Credible Reviews: Discount Realty has no credible reviews from trusted sites like Google, Trustpilot and Zillow.
Discount Realty has no credible ratings.
Discount Realty is owned by investor Royce Watson. The packages offered are apt for all, from FSBO sellers to broker-assisted sellers.
They charge a 3.5% commission in the Full Brokerage package, out of which only 2% goes to the buyer’s broker. Discount Realty is not 100% online and does not have any credible reviews. So, selling with them is like shooting yourself in the foot.
5. Flat Fee Realty
UNLIMITED LISTING TERM
Flat Fee RealtyFlatFeeMLSRealty 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.
In Maine, Flat Fee Realty offers to list your home at $159.
6. FSBO.com
NATIONAL REFERRAL COMPANY
FSBO.com- 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.
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.
7. I Sold My House
Low Tech, But Great Broker
ISoldMyHouse.comI 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.
8. Flat Fee Group
CUSTOMIZABLE PACKAGES
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 a variety of different flat-fee brokerages, and not every homeowner will have the same experience.
How Do Flat Fee Listing Services in Maine Work?
Maine 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 ME 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.
How Much Can You Save With a Flat Fee MLS ME 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 Maine flat rate MLS listing service like Houzeo costs $399, with a closing fee of just $350.
Imagine a $414,000 home in the Pine Tree State; you would pay $12,420 to the listing agent. However, listing with Houzeo would save you $11,671.
Service Provider | Fee | Commission Due | Savings |
Traditional Agent | 3% | $12,420 | $0 |
Houzeo | $399 | $749* | $11,671 |
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 Maine?
Here’s what you must consider when choosing ME Flat Fee MLS companies:
- Affordable Pricing: Select a Flat Fee MLS listing company 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.
- Maximum Exposure: Ensure that the ME Flat Fee MLS service provider gets your home on all the MLSs in your area. This will increase your home’s visibility.
- 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.
- Extended Listing Term: Choose a Flat Fee MLS Maine listing service 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.
- Quick Listing: Select a local Flat Fee MLS Maine 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 Maine MLS via Houzeo
Follow these steps correctly to get an active MLS listing with Houzeo in 48 hours:
- 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.
- 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.
- Set Your Asking Price: Use online tools to check the value of your home and set the asking price accordingly.
- 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.
- 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.
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out why Houzeo is one of Maine’s best Flat Fee MLS listing services.
Alternatives to Maine Flat Fee Listing Services
Maine 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 Maine 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 Maine make offers for distressed houses within 24 to 48 hours.
- For Sale By Owner Websites: For Sale By Owner websites in ME 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 Pine Tree 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 Maine?
Houzeo is one of the top flat fee services in Maine because of its advanced tech and stellar customer reviews. Landfall Properties, Buy Self Realty 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 Maine 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 Maine?
Flat Fee MLS is legal all over the United States, including Maine.
Is Seller’s Disclosure required in Maine?
Yes! The ME 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 Maine 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 Maine flat rate MLS listing service can help you avoid paying full commission to a real estate agent.