Flat Fee MLS Realty Reviews: Pros, Cons, Alternatives

✏️ Editor’s Note: Realtor Associations, agents, and MLS’ have started implementing changes related to the NAR’s $418 million settlement. While home-sellers will likely save thousands in commission, compliance and litigation risks have significantly increased for sellers throughout the nation. Learn how NAR’s settlement affects home sellers.

Flat Fee MLS Realty is a real estate brokerage that offers by-owner services. Listing with the company is affordable with their $89 package. However, there are a few additional costs associated with the overall transaction.

If you work with an external title company, you’ll pay a $375 coordination fee at closing. However, Flat Fee MLS Realty offers title services through Excel Title. The $375 fee does not apply if you select their in-house service.

Moreover, Flat Fee MLS Realty deduct $400 from the buyer’s agent commission at closing as their fee. However, if there is no buyer’s agent then you don’t have to pay this amount at closing.

✍️ Editor’s Take: We recommend Houzeo over Flat Fee MLS Realty. Houzeo’s pricing model operates on a flat-fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about additional charges. Compare Flat Fee MLS Realty vs. Houzeo.

Is Flat Fee MLS Realty Legit?

Yes, Flat Fee MLS Reality is a legitimate company. Stephen Hachey runs the company. He is a licensed realtor with 20 years of experience in the Florida real estate market. 

The company provides MLS listing services at a flat fee with several additional costs. As per customer reviews, Flat Fee MLS Realty’s outdated technology can hinder or delay the sale of your home.

How Does Flat Fee MLS Realty Work?

The process of signing up with Flat Fee MLS Realty is quite simple. To begin listing with them, you need to fill out the form and make a payment on their website.

Interested buyers can also contact sellers through the platform, allowing for direct communication and negotiation.

• Choose a Plan: Select a plan range from Silver to the all-inclusive Platinum plan.
• Add Personal Details: Complete the questionnaire regarding your personal details.
• Make the Payment: Proceed with the payment to finish the sign-up process.
• Add Property Details: Add necessary data for your listing.
• Stage Your Home for Sale: Prepare your home for showing by improving landscaping, cleaning the exterior, and making repairs.
• Work With Buyers: After interviewing all potential buyers, you can schedule home viewings with those buyers as desired. Negotiate with the buyer until you reach an agreement.

🚩 Important: If you opt for the Silver or Gold plan, their website asks you to include professional photography. It’s crucial to note that this add-on feature comes at a considerable cost.

Where Does Flat Fee MLS Realty Operate?

Flat Fee MLS Reality provides MLS listing services in Indiana, Colorado, Florida, and Illinois. Their coverage is quite limited. Therefore, we recommend you opt for alternatives like Houzeo.

Houzeo stands out as one of the few Flat Fee MLS listing companies that provide MLS coverage for almost all states and Washington D.C. So, you can benefit from Houzeo.com’s packages regardless of your location.

Flat Fee MLS Realty Pricing 

» Jump to: Silver Package – $89 | Gold Package – $249 | Platinum Package – $549

Flat Fee MLS Realty offers three MLS Listing Plans – Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The plans allow home sellers a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) selling process. However, each package costs more with their additional charges.

Silver Package – $89 

👉 Our Take: We recommend this plan for sellers who only want the MLS listing. Any additional services for this package will increase its cost significantly. 

Gold Package – $249

👉 Our Take: The Gold package offers minimum services to new home sellers. Moreover, they ask you to include professional photography increasing the cost to $549.

Platinum Package – $549  

👉 Our Take: We do not recommend this package because the price is comparatively higher than what is offered on the market. For $399, Houzeo’s plan provides a much better digital experience.

» What’s My Home’s Value: You can know your home’s market value with Houzeo’s free Home Worth Estimator. It helps you estimate the amount you will get upon sale.

Flat Fee MLS Realty Reviews

Flat Fee MLS Realty has an impressive 4.3 out of 5-star rating on Google based on 91 reviews. Stephen Hachey’s extensive knowledge and professionalism, helped them secure the best deals for their homes.

We also came across some Flat Fee MLS Realty complaints on Google. These complaints describe inconsistent experiences with Flat Fee MLS Realty’s Title company.

Positive Flat Fee MLS Realty Reviews

✅ Richard Taylor saved an impressive $6,000 in commission with Flat Fee MLS Realty, resulting in a truly satisfying experience. The company’s level of service and professionalism thoroughly impressed him.

✅ Tim was happy and appreciated Flat Fee MLS Realty’s services. He also highlighted their quick responses throughout the process.

Negative Flat Fee MLS Realty Reviews

❌ Jeff was not happy with Flat Fee MLS Realty services. He highlighted the loss of about $15k by using their in-house Title company Excel Title.

❌ Flat Fee MLS Realty asked Randy to use their title insurance company or they would charge him. He also complained about Flat Fee MLS Realty collecting a fee from the buyer’s agent commission and the seller.

Pros and Cons

MLS companies offer certain benefits over the traditional home-selling model. Flat Fee MLS Realty makes it convenient for sellers to sell their homes by owner. However, their pros and cons paint a clearer picture:

👍 Pros

Listing with Flat Fee MLS Realty has some advantages.

• Affordable Packages: Flat Fee MLS Realty offers affordable packages starting at $89. These packages can be a good option if you are on a tight budget.
• Good Customer Service: Sellers have rated customer service as prompt and efficient.
• Free Listing Changes: Flat Fee MLS Realty provides unlimited listing changes and updates free of cost.

👎 Cons

In our research, we have found certain red flags with 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 pay an additional $460 with the Silver package and $300 with the Gold package.
• Does not cover commercial, rental, or vacant land: The company only covers single-family homes, townhouses, and condos.
• $400 at Closing: The company charges $400 as their fee from Buyer’s Agent Commission. 
• $375 for Coordination Fees: Flat Fee MLS Realty offers title services through Excel Title. If you do not opt for this service, you pay a $375 fee at closing.

Flat Fee MLS Realty Competitors

» Jump to: Flat Fee MLS Realty vs. Houzeo | Flat Fee MLS Realty vs. Flat Fee Group | Flat Fee MLS Realty vs. List With Freedom

If Flat Fee MLS Realty’s services do not impress you, consider these 3 other companies:

Flat Fee MLS Realty vs. Houzeo 

When selling your house, Houzeo provides a wide array of support every step of the way. In contrast, Flat Fee MLS Realty offers a more basic listing service for sellers.

With Houzeo, you save more. Flat Fee MLS Realty charges $89 + $400 at closing and an additional $375 for not using their Title Company. With Houzeo’s Silver Package, you will pay only $399. Additionally, Houzeo’s mobile app and web technology will make listing and selling a breeze!

Flat Fee MLS Realty vs. Flat Fee Group 

The network of licensed brokers called Flat Fee Group operates in all 48 states plus Washington, D.C. You can list with them regardless of where you live.

However, your experience will depend on the broker that serves your state. Be sure to review customer feedback before listing with the company. Moreover, Flat Fee MLS Realty is a more affordable option in limited states.

Flat Fee MLS Realty vs. List With Freedom

List With Freedom is a licensed brokerage in 46 states. They serve these states and do not refer your listing to third-party brokers.

However, be careful Listwithfreedom.com packages seem cheap, starting at $149. Nonetheless, they charge you an additional fee of 0.25% at closing that they do not disclose upfront.

Moreover, List With Freedom packages does not include some vital services. You may pay around $1,500 to access crucial services such as open house announcements and contract reviews.

Best Flat Fee Companies Near You

If you reside outside Flat Fee MLS Realty’s coverage area, here are the top flat fee companies that serve your state.

Other Options You Should Consider

• Sell to an iBuyer: Many iBuyers, like Opendoor and Offerpad, purchase hundreds of homes available in the market. Moreover, iBuyers can be a great option if you’re wondering how to sell your house fast.
• Sell to Cash Home Buyers: Individual companies that buy houses for cash make all-cash offers, usually within 24 to 48 hours. Additionally, cash buyers let you skip the hassle of listing on the MLS, inspection, appraisal, etc.
• Sell For Sale By Owner: For Sale By Owner websites will help you list and sell a house by owner and save thousands in listing agent commission. Many FSBO websites will list you on the MLS and assist you with FSBO paperwork.

Should You List Your Home With Flat Fee MLS Realty?

For experienced sellers, Flat Fee MLS Realty’s Silver package is a viable option. In addition, their principal broker, Stephen Hachey, has extensive experience in the real estate housing market. 

However, they have a few drawbacks associated with them. The company provides MLS listing services with several additional costs. Flat Fee MLS Realty’s technology may not have all the features required for your FSBO journey. 

On the other hand, Houzeo stands out as the best FSBO service. It is an excellent choice for sellers who want guidance. Houzeo’s Silver Package is comprehensive and affordable, ensuring a smooth home-selling experience.

» Houzeo Reviews: Check out why more than 3,500 home sellers have rated Houzeo 4.9 stars out of 5 on Google Reviews and Trustpilot

 

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