From Cherokee Park to Boyce St, Flat Fee MLS services have helped Floridians save thousands in 2024. Flat Fee MLS Sarsota 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 Sarasota. You will also save on the 2.5% to 3% buyer agent commission with the NAR Settlement. That’s a potential saving of $29,040 on an average $484,000 home in the Circus City!
Rankings: 8 Flat Fee MLS Sarasota Companies
Flat Fee MLS Service | Price | 100% Online | Offer Management | Showing Management | 5-star Reviews | Mobile App |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Houzeo.com | $399 | ā | ā | ā | ā | ā |
2. List Now Realty | $299 | ā | ā | ā | ā | ā |
3. XFlatFeeMLS | $59- $149 | ā | ā | ā | ā | ā |
4. Flat Fee MLS Realty | $69- $399 | ā | ā | ā | ā | ā |
Ā 5. List With Freedom | $89- $299 | ā | ā | ā | ā | ā |
Ā 6. Jack Keller Inc Realtors | $150- $375 | ā | ā | ā | ā | ā |
Ā 7. Homecoin | $95 | ā | ā | ā | ā | ā |
Ā 8. Flat Fee Group | Varies | ā | ā | ā | ā | ā |
Reviews: 8 Best Sarasota Flat Fee MLS Listing Companies
1. Houzeo
Houzeo is a high-tech platform that streamlines listings, updates, and online showings/offers. Choose from 4 Flat Fee MLS packages to simplify your home sale.
- Bronze Package – $399 + $350 At Close: You can upload 24 photos, and your listing term will be of 6 months.
- Silver Package – $409 + 0.5% At Close: You can post maximum number of photos and access seller disclosures.
- Gold Package – $429 + 0.5% At Close: You can avail the assistance of a licensed broker to guide you through the listing process.
- Platinum Package – $449 + 1% At Close: Your home is on the MLS for 12-months. Plus, you get virtual support of a licensed broker.
šĀ Our Take: We recommend Houzeo’s Gold plan for expert broker support, including contract review and pricing guidance. Plus, enjoy concierge services that ensure a smooth and successful sale.
Ā»Ā Houzeo Reviews: Find out why 10,000+ Americans love Houzeo.
Houzeo is America’s #1 Flat Fee MLS service because of these strong reasons:
- Max Exposure: Your home listing is syndicated to popular real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, giving it nationwide visibility.
- 100% Online: You can list your home, manage listings, get paperwork done and close the deal all through a single platform and a powerful mobile app.
- 5-star Customer Service: You have access to 24/7 listing support with chat and email services 6 days a week.
- No Hidden Fees: What you see is what you pay. Houzeo mentions all of its fees upfront on its website.
There areĀ no dealbreakers with Houzeo.
Ā» Is Houzeo Legit? Houzeo addresses home sellers concerns with efficiency.
Houzeo is rated an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars by thousands of home sellers on Google and Trustpilot.
Ā»Ā Houzeo Reviews: Rated “Excellent“ by 10,000+ happy home sellers.
Houzeo.com is Sarasotaās #1 ranked Flat Fee MLS service. Houzeo provides an unbeatable combination of max savings, 5-star customer support, and cutting-edge technology.
In Sarasota, 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.
Ā» Flat Fee MLS Listing Florida: Check our rankings of the best Flat Fee MLS companies in Florida.
2. List Now Realty
List Now Realty offers a single Flat Fee MLS package:
- $400 Listing Package: Your property stays on the MLS until it sells, with unlimited listing updates and a showing scheduler tool.
š Our Take: This is a great, affordable choice if you donāt need a lot of extra services. However, if youāre looking for more flexibility, the lack of a-la-carte options might be a drawback.
Hereās what makes List Now Realty a solid choice for flat fee MLS listings:
- Automatic Showing Scheduler: ShowingTime offers automatic “showing scheduling” for free with every listing. You receive showing requests and can confirm showing appointments.
- Unlimited Photo Updates: You can upload maximum photos for the best possible exposure of your home.
- Listing Changes: You can make as many changes to your listing as you want. This allows you to keep your listing up to date with market trends.
- Buyer Leads Forwarding: All buyer leads are directly forwarded to you with no agent involvement. You get to connect directly with buyers.
Ā» List Now Realty Coverage: Check if they serve your preferred location.
Here are some drawbacks of working with List Now Realty:
- Single Listing Package: Youāre limited to one package, with no options to tailor services to your needs.
- No CMA: They donāt provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to help you price your home.
- No Agent Support: Youāll be handling showings, negotiations, and other tasks on your own.
- Limited Coverage: They only serve specific counties in Florida.
List Now Realty has 4.9 out of 5Ā stars from 35+ reviews on Google.
Ā» List Now Realty Reviews:Ā Here’s what customers have to say about List Now Realty.
List Now Realty offers great features for a low flat fee. However, they are not 100% online.
The offline paperwork is time-consuming and can cost you the best offer. List Now Realty is not an ideal option for FSBO home sellers who require hands-on support or Ć -la-carte services!
3. XFlatFeeMLS
XFlatFeeMLSĀ offers 4 Flat Fee MLS packages.
- $69 Package: This package includes a listing term of 1 month. Available in selected markets.
- $99 Package: In this plan you get a listing term of 6 months. It includes everything from the $69 package.
- $139 Package: You get a listing term of 1 year. Additionally, all the services from the $69 package are included.
- Deferred Payment Plan – $19: This plan is for sellers who want to list immediately for a low cost. These sellers have to pay $380 after the house is sold. Services include 6 photos on the MLS, a printable flyer, and free status updates on your listing.
Listing Upgrades:
- e-lockbox: $249
- Traditional “For Sale” Sign Panel: $150
- CSS Showing Service: $59
- Open House Announcement: $19 (Upto $39)
šĀ Our Take: XFlatFeeMLS offers affordable flat-rate listing services. The deferred plan helps list on the MLS immediately.
XFlatFeeMLS is a good option in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, and District of Columbia where it provides services directly.
- Quick Listing: XFlatFeeMLS claims to list your home within 24 hours (except on Holidays and on situations beyond their control).
- Market Exposure: Your listing is shared on the local MLS for maximum exposure.
- State Disclosures: XFlatFeeMLS provides all necessary contracts, forms,Ā state disclosures, and addendums that you will need.
In our research, we found some disadvantages with XFlatFeeMLS.
- Termination Fee: The Deferred Payment Plan has a termination fee of $249 if canceled before the end of the term.
- No Pricing Support: They do not provide pricing support in any of their packages.
- Not User-Friendly Website: The website of XFlatFeeMLS is hostile.
XFlatFeeMLS has no credible reviews on any of the review websites.Ā
XFlatFeeMLS provides services in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida, Georgia, and DC.
Even though the packages start at $69 they overcharge for all the necessary additions and changes you might need. The one-month listing package is not available in all the markets.
4. Flat Fee MLS Realty
Flat Fee Realty offers listing packages that vary between $199-$399, depending upon the state you are in. Some important features include:
- MLS Exposure: Flat Fee Realty will list your property on the local MLS. It will also show on prominent websites like Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.com.
- Fixed Listing Term: Your property will be listed on the MLS for 6 months.
- Photo Upload: You can upload up to 6 photos of your property.
Flat Fee Realty packages offer the exact services which sellers need while listing a home on the MLS.
Listing with Flat Fee Realty has some advantages:
- Affordable Packages: You can access basic listing services at just $99.
- Flexible Listing Term: A 6-month listing term provides ample time to attract the right buyer.
- Free Listing Changes: You can make unlimited updates to your listing without extra costs.
In our research, we have found certain drawbacks of Flat Fee Realty:
- Closing Transaction Fee: The 0.25% transaction fee charged by the listing broker at closing adds to the overall cost and might reduce savings for sellers.
- Not Ideal for First-Time Sellers: You need to handle tours and buyer communication yourself.
- Local Coverage Only: You’ll need to consider other options if you relocate to any other state.
Flat Fee MLS Realty has 4.3 out of 5Ā stars from 90+ total reviews on Google.
Ā»Ā Flat Fee Realty Reviews: Check out our detailed review of Flat Fee Realty.
Flat Fee MLS Realty has good customer reviews. They are known for their responsiveness and professionalism.
However, if you are a first-time seller, the company may not be ideal for you. You’ll be on your own to conduct tours and communicate with buyers.
š© You Should Know: Flat Fee MLS Realty’s hidden charges include a $400 from the buyerās agent commission at closing and another $350 if you donāt use their title company.
5. List With Freedom
List With Freedom is a trusted and established Multiple Listing Service that offers 3 packages:
- Gold Package – $89: You can upload up to 25 home photos and get a 6 months listing term.
- Platinum Package – $195: You can upload unlimited number of pictures of your home and can keep it on the MLS for 6 months.
- Platinum+ Package – $395: You get a 12 months listing term along with online showing services, unlimited open houses, a personal transaction coordinator, and a yard sign.
List With Freedom is a good option for experienced sellers. However, they charge a compliance fee at closing, which adds to the total cost of their services.
List With Freedom helps list a house For Sale By Owner:
- Affordable Pricing: Their basic listing service starts at just $89.
- Unlimited Listing Changes: You can make as many updates to your MLS listing at no extra cost.
- Market Exposure: Your home listing gets exposure via the MLS and other popular real estate websites like Realtor.com, Zillow and Trulia. This makes it visible to potential buyers throughout America.
- Direct Buyer Leads: All buyer inquiries are forwarded directly to you, with no agent involvement.
Here are some of the drawbacks of working with List With Freedom:
- Additional Fee at Closing: You need to pay a compliance fee of 0.25%ā0.50% at closing, which can add to the overall cost.
- No Agent Support: You need to handle negotiations, do market analysis, and review contract, all on your own.
Ā» Pros and Cons of Listing With List With Freedom:Ā Find out about the advantages of listing with List With Freedom.
List With Freedom has a 4.7 out of 5Ā stars rating from 600+ reviews on Google.
Ā» List With Freedom Reviews:Ā 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!
š© Fees at Closing: List With Freedom charges a 0.25% fee at closing. They do not disclose this fee upfront on their āPricingā page.
6. Jack Keller Inc Realtors
Jack Keller Inc. Realtors offers 6 packages, ranging from $0 to $475, with flexible options to suit different needs.
- Flat Fee MLS Package 1 – $0: “Sell First, Then Pay” option allows you to pay after selling your home with PayPal Credit registration.
- Flat Fee MLS Package 2 – $75: You can list only vacant land or commercial properties. You can upload 12 photos and have access to free contracts, addendums, and disclosures.
- Flat Fee MLS Package 3 – $150: You can list homes, townhomes, and condos and make unlimited listing updates.
- Expert Seller Package 4 – $375: You can post up to 100 photos, get access to unlimited open house and Showing Time scheduling feature.
- Everything Client Package – $475: Includes all features of the Expert Seller package plus a rent listing option.
- Partial Full Service – $475 down + 1.5% at closing: You get expert advice, escrow services and unlimited open house scheduling services.
š Our Take: Keller offers great local options with multiple packages and high-tech features like showing management and Realtor.com reports.
Jack Keller Inc Realtors offers numerous benefits to Florida home sellers:
- Market Exposure: Your listing will appear on top real estate sites like Realtor.com,Ā Redfin, Zillow, Trulia, Homes.com, and more.
- Unlimited Listing Term: Most packages offer an unlimited listing period, ensuring your home stays on the MLS until it sells.
Jack Keller Inc. Realtors has a few drawbacks that home sellers should consider:
- Not Fully Online: You’ll need to fill out forms and send them back, which can delay the listing activation by 2-3 business days.
- Customer Service Concerns: Some customers have reported unprofessional behavior from agents.
Jack Keller Inc. Realtors is rated 3.5Ā out of 5 stars from 51+ reviews on Google.
The packages offered by Jack Kellers can be tailored to the needs of the sellers. The packages mostly offer an unlimited listing period.
They do charge an additional fee for making changes to the listing. However, their website does not explicitly mention how much they would charge.
7. Homecoin
Homecoin offers a single Flat Fee MLS package:
- $95 Listing Package: You get a 12-month listing term with a free Homecoin sign.
Additional Services:
- Sign Post Rental: $99+ (price varies by area)
- Lockbox Rentals: $125 (price varies by MLS)
- Pro Photography: $182 (price varies by area)
- Seller Agent (varies): You can avail two packages for seller agent. Standard package costs $495 and the premium package costs $3000.
šĀ Our Take: Homecoin offers only a single package for listing on the MLS. If you opt for any additional service, you end up paying extra.
Note: Homecoin’s services and prices vary by region.
Homecoin has certain benefits:
- Digital Automation: You can fill the listing documents online in their website.
- Affordable Listing: Apart from expensive add-ons, you can list your homes on the MLS at an inexpensive price.
- Covers 22 States: You can avail Homecoin services in 22 states across America. Some of the major states they cover are Florida, California, Texas, and Arizona.
In our research, we found some limitations of Homecoin, that could make your experience less satisfactory.
- Essentials Are Add-Ons: Homecoin will charge you extra for features like showing management with a lockbox. You can counter an offer or request the highest and best offer.
- Upgrades are Overpriced:Ā If you want to manage showings, you have to rent a lockbox for $125.
- Key Features Are Not Available: You do not get home inspections and appraisals, which could make your home less appealing to agents and buyers.
Homecoin has 4.7 out of 5 stars from 120+ reviews on Yelp.
Ā» Homecoin Reviews: Is the Flat Flat MLS company worth it? Read our blog to find out.
Homecoin was founded by Jon Minerick in 2011. The website is easy to use and they offer low-cost packages.
You can avail of their rental lockbox, professional real estate photographs, or signposts at additional costs.
8. Flat Fee Group
Flat Fee Group is a network of independent brokers providing Flat Fee MLS listings across the US. They offer 2 – 4 packages depending on the state:
- Basic Package – $195 – $399: The price you pay will depend on the state you live in.
- Add-Ons – $400 – $1,000: You can avail to services like yard signs, lock boxes, and negotiation assistance. Some brokers may charge you non-refundable upfront fees.
š 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:Ā The packages differ in services offered. You can select the package that suits your real estate needs.
- Maximum Market Exposure:Ā Your property gets listed on many popular websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, etc. This market exposure will help youĀ sell your house faster.
- Access to Legal Documents:Ā 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:Ā Prices and services are not standardized and vary as per state, so you may encounter unexpected fees.
- Inconsistent Service Quality:Ā 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.
Ā»Ā IsĀ Flat Fee Group legit? Read our in-depth reviews on Flat Fee Group and choose accordingly.
Flat Fee Group.comās 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 Orlando, Flat Fee Groupās Basic package is priced at $195, the Basic Plus package at $295, and the Premium package at $495. Their Full-Service package is priced at $895.
How Do Flat Fee Listing Services in Sarasota Work?
Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota flat rate MLS listing service like Houzeo costs $399, with a closing fee of just $350.
Imagine a $484,000 home in the Circus City; you would pay $14,520 to the listing agent. However, listing with Houzeo would save you $13,771.
Service Provider | Fee | Commission Due | Savings |
Traditional Agent | 3% | $14,520 | $0 |
Houzeo | $399 | $749 | $13,771 |
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 ā Buyer agents keep the paperwork tight. Their state licensing authorities, Realtor associations, and MLSā 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 Sarasota, FL?
Hereās what you must consider when choosing Sarasota 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 Sarasota Flat Fee MLS service provider gets your home on all the MLSs in your area. This will increase your homeās 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 āStart Listing Now.ā Youāll 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 āSell 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.
Ā» Houzeo Reviews: Find out why Houzeo is one of Sarasota’s best Flat Fee MLS listing services.
Alternatives to Sarasota Flat Fee Listing Services
Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota make offers for distressed houses within 24 to 48 hours.
- For Sale By Owner Websites: For Sale By Owner websites in FL 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 donāt need a full-service agent to sell your home in the Circus 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 Flat Fee MLS listing service in Sarasota, FL?
Houzeo is one of the top flat fee services in Sarasota because of its advanced tech and stellar customer reviews. List Now Realty and XFlatFeeMLS 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 Florida 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 Sarasota, FL?
Flat Fee MLS is legal all over the United States, including Sarasota.
Is a sellerās disclosure required in Sarasota?
Yes! The Florida 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota flat rate MLS listing service can help you avoid paying full commission to a real estate agent.