10 min read Oct 15, 2024

Flat Fee MLS Austin, TX | 8 Companies With No Red Flags 🚩

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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 Bastrop to Travis County, Flat Fee MLS services have helped Austinites save thousands in 2024. Flat Fee MLS Austin 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 Austin. You will also save on the 2.5% to 3% buyer agent commission with the NAR Settlement. That’s a potential saving of $32,850 on an average $547,500 home in the City of Violet Crown!

Rankings: 8 Flat Fee MLS Austin Companies in 2024

Flat Fee MLS ServicePrice100% OnlineOffer ManagementNegotiation Support5-star ReviewsMobile App
1. Houzeo$399
2. VIP Realty$499
3. Creekview Realty$600 - $1,400
4. Fizber$95 - $395
5. Texas MLS Flat Fee$168 - $248
6. BuySelf Realty$399 - $599
7. FlatFeeByYou$45 - $295
8. Texas MLS Broker$275 - $475

Reviews: 8 Best Flat Fee MLS Austin Listing Services

1. Houzeo.com

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

In Texas, the Bronze package costs $399. The Silver package costs $409 +0.5% at close and the Gold package costs $429 +0.5% at close. The Platinum package costs $449 +1% at close.

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

2. VIP Realty

LOCAL EXPOSURE

VIP Realty
VIP Realty Logo - Austin Texas
  • Listing Fee: $499
  • VIP realty has 4 out of 5 stars 3.7/5 (10+ reviews)

VIP Realty offers 2 packages including one full-service package.

  • FSBO Flat Fee Listing Program – $499: The package includes a listing period of 6 months with 25 MLS photos.
  • Full-Service Flat Fee Listing Program – $3,000: This package includes all the features from the previous plan. Additionally, it comes with a supra lockbox, professional photography, feedback, CMA, negotiation assistance, and more.

👉 Our Take: VIP Realty’s single Flat Fee package is not customizable. Also, the services it offers have not been clearly mentioned on their website. You need to carefully review the package details before you make a purchase.

VIP Realty offers some benefits to home sellers. 

  • Market Exposure: Your listing gets syndicated to Realtor.com, Yahoo.com, MSN.com, and other real estate websites. Their marketing plan also includes social media marketing for maximum exposure.
  • Local Expertise: Their agents know the local market well and can help you set a competitive price for your home.

In our research, we came across some major drawbacks of VIP Realty.

  • Single Flat Fee Package: The package comes as a “one-size-fits-all solution”.  You may not be able to personalize or tailor the package to your specific needs or preferences.
  • Poor Customer Service: Customers have complained about the lack of communication from their agents. Calls and emails often go unanswered.

VIP Realty has a rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars from 10+ reviews on Yelp.

» VIP Realty ReviewsCheck out the Yelp reviews of VIP Realty and choose accordingly.

VIP Realty is an agent-matching flat fee MLS listing platform. It offers its services only in select cities in Texas.

But with no guarantee of who your agent is going to be, your selling process could get unpredictable. There have been instances of poor customer support reported by their past users.

3. Creekview Realty

EXPENSIVE PACKAGES

Creekview Realty
Creekview Realty Texas
  • Listing Fee: $600 - $1,400
  • List within 48 hours
  • 4.4/5 (90+ reviews)

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

  • Basic Package – $600: It includes 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: The package has all the services from the basic package. Additionally, you get full representation services, including contracts, repair negotiations, and other paperwork assistance.

Listing Upgrades

  • Professional Photography: $225
  • Comparative Market Analysis: $100
  • Additional Yard Sign: $50

👉 Our Take: The packages are expensive for the services they provide. Additionally, you need to pay for extra services such as photography and a lockbox. Similar packages are available elsewhere for much less.

» What is Creekview Realty? Please read our blog to make an informed decision.

Creekview Realty may be an excellent option if you are an 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.

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

  • Expensive Packages: Creekview Realty offers 2 expensive packages. You get similar services for much less. 
  • 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.

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 offers services in most Texas markets and has good reviews.

According to some customers, Creekview Realty addressed their concerns and questions promptly. However, the additional assistance has a price.

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 a real estate website that is popular for its free flat fee listing. It has its headquarters in Ladera Ranch, California.

Fizber offers savings on real estate transactions. However, their technology is not at par with current industry standards.

5. Texas MLS Flat Fee

LOW ON TECH

Texas MLS Flat Fee
logo image
  • Listing Fee: $168 - $248
  • 100% refund after cancellation
  • No credible reviews were found.
  • Silver Package: $168
  • Gold Package: $198
  • Platinum Package: $248
  • Inexpensive Pricing Plans
  • Decent Refund Policy
  • Limited Automation
  • Similar Packages
  • No Credible Customer Reviews

No credible reviews were found.

Texas MLS Flat Fee provides you with your own listing webpage. You can also share your listing on social media to get the best possible exposure. However, there are no credible reviews for Texas MLS Flat Fee.

Apart from the differences in listing terms and the number of photos, all three packages offer similar features. Additionally, the Texas MLS Flat Fee has a limited tech stack.

6. BuySelf Realty

BEGINNER FRIENDLY

BuySelf Realty
logo image
  • Listing Fee: $199 - $599
  • Covers only major counties
  • 4.75 Stars 4.9/5 (230+ reviews)

BuySelf 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 ReviewsRead 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.

In Austin, they offer an Economy Package at $299 and a Standard Package at $399. There is also a Total Package for $599.

7. FlatFeeByYou

Local Option

FlatFeeByYou
FlatFeeByYou Texas
  • Listing Fee: $45 - $295
  • List within 48 hours
  • 1.5 Star 1.8/5 (10+ reviews)

FlatFeeByYou offers 3 packages to sellers.

  • Basic Package – $45: The package includes a listing period of 6 months with 6 photos. Other services include a comparative report and free broker consultation. 
  • Best Package – $95: The services offered with this package are similar to that of their Basic Package with free broker consultation, unlimited price changes, and description updates.
  • Premium Package – $295: The package includes everything from their Best Package with a professional photoshoot.

👉 Our Take: FlatFeeByYou offers affordable packages to home sellers. You get free unlimited status and listing updates with all the packages.

In terms of value, Flat Fee By You is a good option. Here are some of its advantages.

  • Affordable Packages: Flat Fee By You provides an entry-level package of $45. The premium plan includes a professional photo shoot for your home. 
  • State-Wide Coverage: Flat Fee By You covers most of Texas. The company has offices in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas.
  • Market Exposure: Your listing gets syndicated to Zillow, Trulia, and other real estate websites.

In our research, we found some major deal breakers with Flat Fee By You.

  • 0.5% Commission at Closing: Some sellers note that FlatFeeByYou takes 0.5% of the previously set 3% buyer agent fee at closing. With the NAR settlement, buyer agents may negotiate their fees offline. So if the 3% rises, the dollar amount of your 0.5% fee will increase too. 
  • Additional Charges: They charge you extra for forms and disclosures, but the amount is not specified on their website.

FlatFeeByYou has 1.8 out of 5 stars from 10+ reviews on Yelp.

» FlatFeeByYou Reviews: Check FlatFeeByYou com reviews and choose accordingly.

Flat Fee By You offers its services at a very low price. But they do charge some hidden fees which are not disclosed on their website.

Reviewers discuss the company charging 2.5% for buyer’s agent commissions and 0.5% at closing. Their packages have only a 6-month listing term, so if the house doesn’t sell within that timeframe, you’d have to renew it for the same price.

8. Texas MLS Broker

GREAT LOCAL EXPOSURE

Texas MLS Broker
Texas MLS Broker.com Texas
  • Listing Fee: $275 - $475
  • Lists in 2 to 4 Days
  • Texas MLS Broker has 2.5 stars out of 5 stars 2.5/5 (8 reviews)

Texas MLS Broker has 3 Flat Fee MLS packages for sellers.

  • Bronze MLS Listing – $399 + $0 at Closing: This package includes a 6-month MLS listing with up to 24 photos. You get unlimited listing changes, open house announcements, and 100% online listing documents.
  • Silver MLS Listing – $409 + 0.50% at Closing: This package includes everything in BRONZE, plus a 1-year LegalShield Legal Personal Plan ($359 value), a preferred title company discount, and maximum photos. Additional features include a premium yard sign ($49), seller disclosures, real estate forms, pricing assistance, and contract-to-close consulting.
  • Gold MLS Listing – $429 + 0.50% at Closing: This package includes everything in SILVER, plus a home warranty for your buyer, licensed broker assistance, contract review, real estate forms, pricing assistance, contract-to-close consulting, a personal concierge, and a call forwarding service.
  • Platinum MLS Listing – $449 + 1% at Closing: This package includes everything in GOLD, plus virtual full-service with a licensed broker. Additional services include offer negotiations, inspection response, repair negotiation, appraisal review, closing document review, and a 12-month listing.

👉 Our Take: Texas MLS Broker is a decent local option for home sellers. You can customize your packages by paying some extra bucks.

With Texas MLS Broker, you can sell your home for an affordable price and handle most of the process yourself. Here are some of its advantages.

  • CMA in All Packages: You may use CMA to estimate your home’s worth and set an appropriate listing price.
  • Market Exposure: Your listing gets syndicated to Zillow, Realtor.com, and hundreds of other real estate websites.

According to our research, there are some major deal breakers with Texas MLS Broker.

  • Poor Customer Reviews: Home sellers have often complained about the company’s inconsistent customer service.
  • Limited Coverage: Texas MLS Broker serves only in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth. 

Texas MLS Broker has 2.5 out of 5 stars from 8 reviews on Yelp.

» Texas MLS Broker Reviews: Check Texas MLS Broker Yelp reviews and choose accordingly!

Texas MLS Broker has an excellent reputation in Texas, but there are still some concerns. The business does not provide social media exposure. They lack technology, making it challenging for sellers to handle their listings independently.

Texas MLS Broker is a great option if you’re comfortable with a low-tech service. They don’t have any online deals. If you want to edit your listing as a seller, you must contact their customer service team. Their listing representatives will get in touch with you by phone or email.

🚨 High Hidden Fees: Many Austin 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 Austin Work?

Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin flat rate MLS listing service like Houzeo costs $399, with a closing fee of just $350.

Imagine a $547,500 home in City of the Violet Crown; you would pay $16,425 to the listing agent. However, listing with Houzeo would save you $15,676.

Service ProviderFeeCommission DueSavings
Traditional Agent3%$16,425$0
Houzeo$399$749*$15,676
* 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

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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 Austin?

Here’s what you must consider when choosing Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin’s best Flat Fee MLS listing services.

Alternatives to Austin Flat Fee Listing Services

Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin make offers for distressed houses within 24 to 48 hours.
  • For Sale By Owner Websites: For Sale By Owner websites in TX 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 City of the Violet Crown.

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 Austin, TX?

Houzeo is one of the top flat fee services in Austin because of its advanced tech and stellar customer reviews. VIP Realty and Creekview 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 Austin 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 Austin, TX?

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

Is Seller’s Disclosure required in Texas?

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

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