From Fort Bend to Harris County, Flat Fee MLS services have helped Houstonians, save thousands in 2024. Flat Fee MLS Houston 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 Houston. You will also save on the 2.5% to 3% buyer agent commission with the NAR Settlement. That’s a potential saving of $19,914 on an average $331,900 home in the Space City!
Rankings: 8 Flat Fee MLS Houston Companies in 2024
Flat Fee MLS Service | Price | 100% Online | Offer Management | Negotiation Support | 5-star Reviews | Mobile App |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Houzeo | $399 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
2. List With Freedom | $89 - $395 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
3. FlatFeeByYou | $45 - $295 | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
4. Creekview Realty | $600 - $1,400 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
5. FSBO.com | $99.95 - $399 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
6. Flat Fee Group | $95 | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
7. BuySelf Realty | $399 - $599 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
8. Texas MLS Broker | $275 - $475 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Reviews: 8 Best Flat Fee MLS Houston Listing Services
1. Houzeo
#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 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. ListWithFreedom.com
COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGES
List With FreedomList With Freedom is one of the oldest Flat Fee MLS services based out of Florida. It offers 3 packages:
- Gold – $89: This plan offers a 6-month MLS listing with up to 25 photos. You can decide the buyer’s agent compensation, but a 0.50% compliance fee is charged at closing.
- Platinum – $195: This plan includes everything from the Gold Plan but allows maximum photos and lowers the compliance fee to 0.25%.
- Platinum+ – $395: This plan includes everything in the Platinum Plan, along with a 12-month listing. It also offers an online showing service, unlimited open houses, a personal transaction coordinator, and a yard sign.
👉 Our Take: List With Freedom is a good option for experienced sellers. However, it’s important to note that they charge a compliance fee at closing, which adds to the total cost of their services.
Here’s what stands out about List With Freedom:
- Affordable Pricing: List With Freedom listings start at $89.
- Unlimited Listing Changes: You can make unlimited updates to your listing without extra costs.
- Market Exposure: Homes are listed on the MLS and various national websites, including Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc.
- Buyer Leads Forwarding: All buyer leads are directly forwarded to you without agent involvement.
Here are some of the drawbacks of working with List With Freedom:
- Additional Fee at Closing: List With Freedom charges a compliance fee of 0.25%–0.50% at closing, which can add to the overall cost.
- No Agent Support: There’s no agent support to assist with contract review, negotiations, or market analysis. Sellers must handle everything independently.
List With Freedom has a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating from 600+ reviews on Google.
» List With Freedom Reviews: Is List With Freedom a good choice? Find out the details in our review!
Ralph Harvey headed List With Freedom has affordable listing packages that are ideal for an experienced seller. The listing process is quick and simple.
But you can only get MLS listings with List with Freedom as they do not provide any pricing or negotiation assistance. If you are new to the real estate market you will need guidance throughout the selling process!
3. FlatFeeByYou
Local Option
FlatFeeByYouFlatFeeByYou 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.
4. Creekview Realty
EXPENSIVE PACKAGES
Creekview RealtyCreekview 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 has been designed to provide home sellers with everything they need to sell their homes successfully. But they don’t provide enough options to their sellers.
Home sellers who want to save money may find the company’s 2 packages too expensive. Packages and additional services are not listed on the company’s website. Selling a home with them as a first-time seller can be challenging.
5. 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.
But you should know that additional services can add up to a total of $335 in costs! For example, If you wish to avail of CSS showing service, and e-lockbox rental, then you have to pay $75 and $150 over your flat fee package
6. 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.
In Texas, Flat Fee Group offers 2 Flat Fee MLS packages – MLS Only package at $199 and an MLS Only+ package at $399. Two Full-Service packages are also available at $999 and $499 + $1699 at Closing.
7. 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.
In Houston, they offer an Economy Package at $299 and a Standard Package at $399. There is also a Total Package for $599.
8. Texas MLS Broker
GREAT LOCAL EXPOSURE
Texas MLS BrokerTexas 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 is an online-only company based in San Antonio. If you are okay with virtual assistance only, then you should consider this company. In terms of pricing, the company offers three fairly standard packages.
The packages aren’t particularly outstanding. The most expensive plan includes an 18-month MLS listing, but most sellers won’t want to keep their house on the market for that long.
Texas MLS Broker has some online reviews, most of them negative. So, selling with the company would be a bit risky.
How Do Flat Fee Listing Services in Houston Work?
Houston 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 HOU 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 HOU 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 Houston flat rate MLS listing service like Houzeo costs $399, with a closing fee of just $350.
Imagine a $331,900 home in the Space City; you would pay $9,957 to the listing agent. However, listing with Houzeo would save you $9,208.
Service Provider | Fee | Commission Due | Savings |
Traditional Agent | 3% | $9,957 | $0 |
Houzeo | $399 | $749* | $9,208 |
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 Houston?
Here’s what you must consider when choosing HOU Flat Fee MLS companies:
- 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.
- Maximum Exposure: Ensure that the HOU 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 Houston 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.
- Quick Listing: Select a local Flat Fee MLS Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston’s best Flat Fee MLS listing services.
Alternatives to Houston Flat Fee Listing Services
Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston 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 Bayou City.
With a flat fee listing on Houzeo, you can take control of your sale and save thousands. Get the same MLS exposure and expert tools at just $749 instead of a whopping 3% agent fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best MLS listing site in Houston, TX?
Houzeo is one of the top flat fee services in Houston because of its advanced tech and stellar customer reviews. ListWithFreedom and FlatFeeByYou are other great options.
Can I list on the MLS without a real estate agent?
Yes, you can list your home on the Texas MLS 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 Houston, TX?
Flat Fee MLS is legal all over the United States, including Houston.
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 Houston 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 Houston flat rate MLS listing service can help you avoid paying full commission to a real estate agent.