61% of home sellers think of choosing the For Sale By Owner route. And it’s evident why! You get to save a whopping 3% on listing agent commissions with FSBO. That’s a potential saving of $8,703 on a typical $290,100 home in the Prairie State.
So, whether you’re in Chicago or Rockford, you can also go FSBO and increase your profits. But how? Selecting the right FSBO website is the key! Opt for the best For Sale By Owner website in Illinois that offers personalized support, easy scheduling, and maximum exposure—all in one place!
Rankings: 7 Best For Sale By Owner Websites in Illinois
| FSBO Website | Listing Fee | 100% Online* | MLS Access | Online Showings & Offers | 5 Star Customer Service** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Houzeo.com | $399 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. FSBO.com | $399 | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. Flat Fee Realty | $199 +0.1%-0.25% | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. Circle One Realty | $495 | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 5. ForSaleByOwner.com | $0 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 6. Zillow For Sale By Owner | $0 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 7. Facebook Marketplace | $0 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
What Are the Types of FSBO Websites?
There are two types of FSBO websites you can choose from to sell a house by owner in Illinois:
- Paid FSBO Websites: These websites list your home on the MLS for a flat fee. The MLS syndicates your listings to Zillow, Redfin, Trulia, and other websites.
- Free FSBO Websites: When you list for free, your listings are visible on the website and not on the MLS. No MLS exposure means less buyers and a lower sale price.
7 Best For Sale By Owner Websites Reviews in Illinois
Here’s our review of the top For Sale By Owner sites for Illinois homeowners:
Reviews: 4 Best Paid FSBO Websites
1. Houzeo
BEST FSBO WEBSITE
Listing Fee: $3994.9/5
Houzeo offers 4 FSBO MLS listing packages:
- Bronze – $399 + $350 at closing: This package offers a Houzeo listing only for 6 months with 24 photos.
- Silver – $409 + 0.5% at closing: This offers maximum photo upload and provides you with seller disclosures.
- Gold – $429 + 0.5% at closing: 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 – $499 + 1% at closing: 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!
These are the key features that make Houzeo one of the top FSBO websites to list with:
- Max Exposure: Houzeo’s MLS packages give you access to the MLS, Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, and 100s of other 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 interested buyers on the go.
- No Hidden Fees: In most states, you’ll pay just a small flat fee to list on MLS by owner. Remember, all fees are disclosed upfront, so there are no Houzeo hidden fees. You also bypass the 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.
Houzeo’s services are limited in Wyoming, South Dakota, and West Virginia. This means your listing may take more than 12 hours to get updated.
Houzeo is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by thousands of home sellers on Google & Trustpilot.
» Houzeo Reviews: With over 10,090+ happy customers, Houzeo is the most trusted FSBO website.
Houzeo.com is one of the best For Sale By Owner sites in Illinois. With Houzeo’s Flat Fee MLS listing service, you can save thousands on Realtor commissions. Moreover, advanced technology, listing exposure, and 5-star customer support helps you sell your house as FSBO like a pro.
2. FSBO.com
NATIONAL REFERRAL COMPANY
Listing Fee: $99.95 - $399- 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 accessible nationwide. It provides coverage in over 50+ markets.
However, its à la carte items are expensive, and you’re charged extra for uploading more than 20 photos.
3. Flat Fee MLS Realty
FLAT FEE PACKAGES
Listing Fee: $99 - $5954.4/5
Flat Fee MLS Realty 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. It allows you to make maximum 10 updates to your listing.
- Gold Package – $249: This package comes with a 6-month listing term and enables you to include up to 50 photos. You are allowed to make unlimited changes to your property listing.
- Platinum Package – $549: This package lists your property for an unlimited term and lets you upload up to 50 photo. You are allowed to make unlimited changes to your property listing.
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 lets you list your property on the MLS for a flat fee. The listing also appears on other sites like Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.com.
- Quick Listing: Their Gold and Platinum packages promise an MLS listing in 24 hours.
- Free Listing Changes: You make changes to the details in your listing without any paying additional fees.
- Easy Cancellation: You can cancel or remove your listing from the MLS anytime, without paying any additional fees. If you change your mind before your property gets listed, you will receive a full refund.
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.
- Paid Add-ons: For services like professional real estate photography, you have to pay an additional $450 with the Silver package and $300 with the Gold package.
Flat Fee MLS Realty has 4.5 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 MLS Realty offers MLS listings for a flat fee. They allow you to make unlimited changes to your listing at no extra cost in their gold and platinum plans.
However, if you choose not to use their affiliated title company, Excel Title, you will have to pay an additional $375 at closing.
4. Circle One Realty
LOCAL REALTOR SUPPORT
Listing Fee: $145 - $6455/5
Circle One Realty offers 4 Flat Fee MLS packages.
- MLS Entry Package – $145: This package lists only vacant land on the local MLS and is syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more. You can upload 1 photo for a listing term of 3 months.
- MLS Basic Package – $295: With this package, you can list your home for 6 months with 25 photos. You also get full-service realtor support and a yard sign.
- MLS Classic Package – $495: This includes all the services from the MLS Basic Package with a listing term of 12 months. You get the additional benefits of a lockbox combo and professional photography.
- MLS Elite Package – $495 (Originally $645): This top-tie package includes all the features of the MLS Classic Package. Additionally, you get an option to list your home until it sells or until you decide to cancel the listing.
Listing Upgrades:
- Combination Lockbox: $45
- Electronic Lockbox: $200
- Appointment Scheduling and Feedback: $85
- Additional signs: $25
- Professionally Installed Yard Sign: $150
- Professional Photography (25 Photos): $175
👉 Our Take: Circle One Realty has a team of experienced agents. However, to change the broker’s commission, you have to cancel the current listing agreement and submit a new one for an additional $145.
Here are some advantages of listing with Circle One Realty.
- Full-Service Realtor Support: All the packages come with comprehensive realtor services to help you throughout the sale process.
- Photography Services: The Classic and Elite packages offer professional photography services to enhance your listing’s overall presentation and appeal.
In our research, we came across some deal breakers with Circle One Realty.
- Entry Package is ONLY for Listing Vacant Land: No package is available for listing your home on the MLS.
- Not 100% Online: The tech stack of Circle One Realty is modest. Many procedures are manual. No paperwork assistance might delay your listing process.
- Limited Coverage: They cover only 44 counties in Illinois.
Circle One Realty is rated 5 out of 5 stars from 190+ reviews on Google.
» Circle One Realty: Read our reviews to know more about them.
Circle One Realty is a good-rated FSBO Company based in Yorkville, Illinois. It offers 4 different listing packages.
Circle One Realty lists your property on MRED along with the MLS listing. However, the MLS entry package is only for listing vacant land.
Reviews: 3 Best Free FSBO Websites
5. ForSaleByOwner.com
OPTIONAL FREE LISTING
Listing Fee: $0 - $4953.4/5
ForSaleByOwner.com includes 2 FSBO packages:
- ‘Do It Yourself’ FSBO Package – $0: In this package, your home only gets listed on the ForSaleByOwner.com website.
- ‘Closing Assistance’ Package – $495: You get the assistance of a licensed real estate broker. However, for this, you need to have a potential buyer.
👉 Our Take: ForSaleByOwner.com does not list on MLS. This can be a strong drawback in your selling processes.
These are some pros to consider:
- Nationwide Coverage: ForSaleByOwner.com caters to customers throughout the United States.
- Control and Flexibility: You can set your schedule, host showings, and manage the sale process at your convenience.
- Direct Buyer Interaction: You can directly communicate with potential buyers through their messaging system.
We have found certain cons about ForSaleByOwner.com in our research:
- No MLS Listing: This site does not list your property on MLS. You can only list on the ForSaleByOwner.com website.
- Lack of Technology: It can be time-consuming and demanding to manage the listings, showings, negotiations, and paperwork.
- Privacy Violation: Even though listing on ForSaleByOwner.com is free, payment details are still necessary.
- Lead for Rocket Homes: Your listing information is shared with Rocket Homes agents. They may frequently contact you to solicit MLS listings.
ForSaleByOwner.com has a rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars on BestCompany.com.
» ForSaleByOwner.com Reviews: Read this blog to learn more.
ForSaleByOwner.com is the oldest free FSBO website, serving since 1999. Moreover, they provide tools to help you calculate your home’s worth and legal forms. But the website doesn’t offer MLS listing service. And their paid agent support package is priced similarly in cost to a traditional Realtor.
6. Zillow For Sale By Owner
REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE
Listing Fee: $01.4/5
Zillow offers the following listing plans for home sellers:
- FSBO Listing on Zillow – $0: You can list your home for free on Zillow’s FSBO platform.
- Zillow Premier Agent – 3% commission: This is the traditional way to sell your home. You get access to a real estate agent who guides you through the entire sale process.
👉 Our Take: Zillow is a comprehensive real estate website that offers a variety of tools and resources for home sellers.
You should consider these points while choosing Zillow:
- No Fees: You can list your home on Zillow’s FSBO website free of charge.
- Free Cancellation: Zillow listings can be cancelled without any additional charges or hidden costs.
- Maximum Market Exposure: It is one of the most popular real estate websites, with millions of monthly visitors. This means that a large number of potential buyers will see your listing.
- Nationwide Coverage: Zillow FSBO services are accessible in all 50 states across America.
- User-Friendly Interface: Its website and mobile app are easy to use and navigate. Users can search for properties based on location, price, features, and other criteria.
- Offers Rental Services: Zillow is one of the best rental websites in America. It offers a built-in tenant screening tool, rent collection feature, owner portal, pricing suggestions, etc.
We identified several disadvantages of listing with Zillow:
- Slow Listings: Your listing can take up to 72 hours to update from the time you submit your property details.
- Inaccurate Zestimate: Zestimate, Zillow’s property valuation tool is not always accurate. This misleads buyers and sellers.
- Limited Support: Zillow’s customer support may not match the level of personalized guidance other FSBO companies offer.
Zillow has a rating of 1.4 out of 5 stars from 350+ reviews on Trustpilot.
» Zillow For Sale By Owner Reviews: Read our in-depth review on Zillow.
Zillow is one of the most popular FSBO websites. To list your home, you can simply sign up and create your free account. However, Zillow’s FSBO listings do not appear on the MLS and are hidden in the ‘Other Listings’ tab. This limits exposure when selling a house in Illinois.
7. Facebook Marketplace
Social Media Behemoth
Listing Fee: $0Facebook Marketplace offers free FSBO real estate listing in its ‘Property for Sale’ section.
- FSBO Listing on Facebook – $0: You can list your property with some photos and basic details.
👉 Our Take: Facebook Marketplace is good for added exposure outside MLS or real estate websites. However, do not rely on it completely to get buyer leads. List on the MLS for credible buyer leads.
- Facebook has Millions of Users: Your property is advertised to millions of Facebook users. This certainly gives you exposure outside of MLS-syndicated websites.
- Facebook Marketplace is Not a Real Estate Website: Although it gives your listing some exposure, you don’t get assistance or FSBO tools. Its only purpose is marketing your property.
- Potential Privacy Attacks: Hackers can steal your personal data online. Make sure you have limited information open to the public while using Facebook Marketplace.
- No FSBO Support: Although Facebook Marketplace gives your listing some exposure, you don’t get assistance or FSBO tools. Its only purpose is marketing your property.
- You Can Get Scammed: Be vigilant of fraudulent offers. Scammers may attempt to make phony offers. If you get an offer that is too good to be true, high chances are it is a scam.
Facebook Marketplace has no customer reviews on popular review sites like Google or Trustpilot.
Facebook Marketplace is a popular classifieds site where you can list your property. It is not a For Sale By Owner website. We recommend Facebook Marketplace to maximize your exposure if you have already listed on the MLS.
Remember to protect your data and profile since Facebook Marketplace attracts unsolicited buyers.
How Much Can You Save With a FSBO Website in Illinois?
If you plan to sell your home in Illinois, using a FSBO website can save you thousands of dollars in Realtor commissions. Imagine you own a $290,100 home in the Prairie State. Traditionally, you’ll have to pay around $8,703 in commission.
But with a FSBO website like Houzeo, your house gets listed on the MLS for a flat fee of just $399 + $350 at closing. This helps you save a whopping $7,954.
| Service Provider | Fee | Commission Due | Savings |
| Traditional Agent | 3% | $8,703 | $0 |
| Houzeo | $399 | $749* | $7,954 |
What to Look Out for in the Best FSBO Websites?
Consider these 4 factors when selecting the best FSBO home selling sites in the Prairie State:
- User Experience: The top For Sale By Owner websites should be easy to navigate. Look for features like mobile app, virtual tours and offers.
- MLS Listing: Opt for a platform that offers MLS listing. This can significantly increase your property’s exposure to buyers and agents.
- Pricing: Evaluate the packages of FSBO websites. Some offer free listings, while others charge a flat fee or a percentage of the sale price.
- Customer Support: Look for platforms that offer top notch customer service and provide guidance to the sellers.
Tips to List Your House as For Sale By Owner in Illinois
Here are some home selling tips and strategies you must follow with For Sale By Owner websites in Illinois.
How to List on Illinois’s #1 FSBO Website?
Here’s how you can get your home in front of local buyers and agents with the help of For Sale By Owner listing sites in Illinois:
- Find the Best FSBO Website With MLS Access: Choose a FSBO platform that offers MLS listing to maximize your property exposure.
- Create Your Account: Almost all best FSBO sites with MLS access will let you create an account. High-tech listing sites like Houzeo allow you to manage your MLS listing online!
- Choose a Listing Plan: The plan should meet needs and include all the services that would make your home selling journey smooth and effortless.
- Enter Property Details & Add Photos: Include property details like the number of beds, baths, etc. and add high quality photos. Consider hiring a real estate photographer in Illinois.
- Sign the Agreement: Carefully review and sign the listing agreement and seller disclosure forms. If everything is in order, your home will be listed on the MLS within 24 to 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I list my home For Sale By Owner in Illinois for free?
You can list your Illinois home for free on websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Zillow For Sale By Owner. However, these platforms offer limited exposure compared to Houzeo's MLS listing service.
What is the best For Sale By Owner MLS listing service in Illinois?
Houzeo is the best FSBO MLS listing service in Illinois. It offers a user-friendly platform, professional tools, and a Flat Fee MLS Illinois listing service that can help you avoid commissions.
Do buyers look for Illinois house for sale on FSBO websites?
Yes, buyers do look for Illinois houses for sale on For Sale By Owner platforms. This gives sellers an opportunity to save on real estate agent commissions in Illinois.
Is selling a house yourself in Illinois worth it?
Yes, selling a house in Illinois can be worth it if you opt for top FSBO websites like Houzeo. You get to save on hefty Realtor commissions. Also with Houzeo Mobile App, you can manage listings, schedule showings, review offers- all at your fingertips!
