$16,014 – that’s how much Kentuckers paid in agent commissions on an average $266,900 home last month. Classic rip-off, right? Home prices in KY will continue to rise, and so will commissions. But there’s an alternative! Going FSBO.
FSBO is powerful. Millennials are leading the way, with over 55% considering selling their homes by owner. From Lexington to Paducah, selling For Sale By Owner (FSBO) is the #1 way to save thousands in the Bluegrass State.
The best For Sale By Owner websites in Kentucky will double your savings. You save 3% on the listing agent commission. With the NAR Settlement, you save on the 3% buyer agent commission too. That’s potentially a cool $16,014 IN YOUR POCKET!
Rankings: 7 Best For Sale By Owner Websites in Kentucky
FSBO Website | Listing Fee | 100% Online* | MLS Access | Online Showings & Offers | 5 Star Customer Service** |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Houzeo.com | $399 | β | β | β | β |
2. Mink Realty | $299 | β | β | β | β |
3. ListWithFreedom | $295 | β | β | β | β |
4. FSBO.com | $399 | β | β | β | β |
5. ForSaleByOwner | $0 | β | β | β | β |
6. Zillow | $0 | β | β | β | β |
7. Craigslist | $0 | β | β | β | β |
For 100% Online, only FSBO sites with online showings, inspection scheduling, offer management, and mobile apps have been considered.
For 5-Star Reviews, customer ratings above 4.75 out of 5 have been considered.
Types of FSBO Websites π
There are two types of FSBO websites in Kentucky you can choose from:
- Paid FSBO Websites: These websites list your property 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, not on the MLS. No MLS exposure means less buyers and a lower sale price.
Reviews: 4 Best Paid FSBO Websites in Kentucky
1. Houzeo.com
Houzeo offers 4 FSBO MLS listing Plans:
- Bronze: $399 + $350 at closing
- Silver: $409 + 0.5% at closing
- Gold: $429 + 0.5% at closing
- Platinum: $499 + 1% at closing
π Our Take: We recommend the GOLD plan. Which gives you access to Houzeo Tech. You can easily manage showings, negotiations, etc.
- Maximum Exposure
- 5-star Customer Service
- 100% Online
- No Hidden Fees
- Free Home Value Estimator
Houzeoβs services are limited in Wyoming, South Dakota, and West Virginia. This means your listings may take more than 12 hours to get updated.
Houzeo is ratedΒ 4.9 out of 5 starsΒ by thousands of home sellers onΒ GoogleΒ &Β Trustpilot.
» Houzeo Reviews: With over 10,000+ happy customers, Houzeo is the most trusted FSBO website.
Houzeo.com is one of the top FSBO websites in Kentucky. The advanced tech solutions provide a seamless user experience, listing exposure, and faster sales while having complete control of the process.
Houzeo’s flat fee listing feature helps you save thousands on realtor commissions. You also get dedicated customer support, which makes the home-selling process much easier and effortless.
2. Mink Realty
Mink Realty offers three flat fee MLS listing packages.
- Silver package β $299 + $500 at closing: Best for selling land or lots. Includes a listing term of 6 months with 6 photos. You get email support only.
- Gold package – $499 + $500 at closing: Includes a listing term of 6 months with 50 photos. Additionally, you get a yard sign, a showing time app, and social media posts.
- Platinum package – $499 + $2,500 at closing: You get all the services from the Gold plan with Realtor assistance offers, closing contract review, negotiations, repair requests assistance, etc.
Listing Upgrades:
- Realtor Assistance: $800
- 6-month Listing Extension: $250
- Upgrade from Silver to Gold: $200 and many more
π Our Take: The lowest package only allows land or lot listing. The $499 Gold package is a comprehensive one for seasoned sellers.Β
- Market Exposure:Β Your property will get syndicated on many local and national websites like Remax, Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com,
- Buyer Lead Forwarding: All buyer leads are directly forwarded to you with no agent interference.
- Customer Support: The Platinum package offers both email and phone support. All other packages provide only email support.
- Coverage:Β Mink Realty offers Flat Fee MLS services across the state of Kentucky.
In our research, we found no red flags with Mink Realty. Donna Mink has a stellar reputation within the broker community.Β
Mink Realty, however, has a significant number of upgrades. If you choose a basic plan, we advise you to set aside money for these costs because they can quickly mount up.
Mink Realty has an βExcellentβ 5 out of 5-star rating from 70+ total reviews on Houzeo.com.
» Mink Realty Reviews: Read what Houzeo home sellers have to say about working with Mink Realty.
Mink Realty is our #2 ranked For Sale By Owner site in Kentucky. What sets Mink Realty apart is its Managing Broker β Donna Mink.
Mink Realty offers a wide range of services, including property evaluation, marketing, legal assistance, and rental property management.
3. List With Freedom
- Gold: $89
- Platinum: $195
- Platinum+: $395
π 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.
- Affordable Pricing
- Unlimited Listing Changes
- Market Exposure
- Buyer Leads Forwarding
- Additional Fee at Closing
- No Agent Support
List With Freedom has a 4.7 out of 5Β stars rating from 600+ reviews on Google.
Β» List With Freedom Reviews:Β 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. Also, the listing process is quick and simple.
List with Freedom does not provide any pricing or negotiation assistance. Therefore, If you are new to the real estate market, you will need guidance throughout the selling process!
π©You Should Know: List With Freedom charges a 0.25% fee at closing. They do not disclose this fee upfront on their βPricingβ page.
4. FSBO.com
- FSBO Package:Β $99.95
- MLS Package:Β $399.95
- Multiple Categories of Listings
- User-Friendly Interface
- Nationwide Coverage
- Limited Automation
- Unpredictable Broker Quality
- Extra Charges for Listing Photos
- Expensive Γ la carte Services
FSBO.com has no credible customer reviews on popular review sites like Google or Trustpilot.
Β» FSBO.com Reviews: Read why the oldest FSBO website isnβt the best anymore.
FSBO.com is accessible nationwide, providing coverage in over 50+ markets.
Apart from listing your house For Sale By Owner, FSBO.com offers no major services. The Γ la carte items are expensive, and youβre charged extra for uploading more than 20 photos.
Reviews: 3 Best Free FSBO Websites in Kentucky
5. ForSaleByOwner.com
- ‘Do It Yourself’ FSBO Package:Β $0
- ‘Closing Assistance’ Package: $495
- Nationwide Coverage
- Control and Flexibility
- Direct Buyer Interaction
- No MLS Listing
- Lack of Technology
- Privacy Violation
- Lead for Rocket Homes
ForSaleByOwner.com has a rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars on BestCompany.com.
Β» ForSaleByOwner.com Reviews: Read this blog to learn more.
Founded in 1999 by Damon Giglio, ForSaleByOwner.com is considered one of the biggest FSBO websites. They claim to have 7 times more traffic than any other For Sale By Owner sites.
Although ForSaleByOwner.com offers other paid services, none of these services include For Sale By Owner MLS listing. Further, your information is provided to a Rocket Homes affiliated agent. These agents contact you frequently to solicit MLS listings.
6. Zillow For Sale By Owner
- FSBO Listing on Zillow:Β $0
- Zillow Premier Agent:Β 3% commission
- No Fees
- Free Cancellation
- Maximum Market Exposure
- Nationwide Coverage
- User-Friendly Interface
- Offers Rental Services
- Slow Listings
- Inaccurate Zestimate
- Limited Support
- Lead for Real Estate Agent
- Hide FSBO Listings
Zillow has a rating of 1.4 out of 5 stars from 350+ reviews on Trustpilot.
Β» Zillow For Sale By Owner Reviews: Read our in-depth review on Zillow.
Zillow is the most popular Kentucky real estate website. 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 the exposure on your property.
7. Craigslist
- FSBO Listing on Craigslist – $0
- User-Friendly Website
- Free FSBO Listing
- Good for Distressed Property
- Huge Traffic
- Lowball Offer
- Scammers and Pranksters
- Short Lifespan of Ads
Craigslist has a poor rating of 1.4 out of 5 stars from 300+ reviews on Trustpilot.
Β» How to Sell a House on Craigslist: Learn the step-by-step process of selling your home on Craigslist.
Craigslist is one of the biggest free For Sale By Owner sites in Kentucky. The platform is free to use and can provide decent exposure to your FSBO listing.
But they lack security features and can also attract scammers and fraudulent cash home buyers in Kentucky. So, you must be careful with sharing your property information and verify buyer identity.
How Much Can You Save With an FSBO Website in Kentucky?
You can save a whopping 3% on Realtor commission to list your home on the MLS in Kentucky. You just need to pay a flat fee which is a fraction of the cost you would pay to the Realtor.
Imagine you own a $266,900 home in the Bluegrass State. If you choose a 3% Realtor, you pay $8,007 to get your house on the MLS. But, if you list with a flat fee service like Houzeo, you only pay $399 and save $7,258!
Service Provider | Fee | Commission Due | Savings |
Traditional Agent | 3% | $8,007 | $0 |
Houzeo | $399 | $749* | $7,258 |
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 be paying 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 β Buyer agents keep the paperwork tight. Their state licensing authorities, Realtor associations, and MLSβ 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 commissions can still be offered outside of the MLS. They just cannot be advertised on the MLS.
How to List on MLS in Kentucky: 5 Steps
Hereβs how you can get your home in front of local buyers and agents:
- Find the Best Flat Fee MLS Listing Service: Choose a flat-rate listing service to list your FSBO home on Kentucky MLS. Several Flat Fee MLS companies are notorious for high hidden fees. See our rankings of the best Flat Fee MLS Kentucky listing services.
- Create Your Account: Almost all Flat Fee listing services will let you create an account. High-tech listing sites like Houzeo will allow you to manage your listing online!
- Choose a Listing Plan: Fixed fee listing services offer a DIY MLS listing by owner plan or a virtual full-service plan. Choose the plan that meets your home-selling needs.
- Enter Property Details & Add Photos: Provide property information like the number of beds, baths, etc. Professionally clicked high-quality photos can help you sell your home 50% faster. So, consider hiring a KY real estate photographer before you upload photos!
- Sign the Listing Agreement: Review and sign the listing agreement. Complete the seller disclosure forms. If everything is in order, the real estate broker will list your home within 24 to 48 hours.
5 Tips for Listing Your House as For Sale By Owner in Kentucky
To sell your home easily with For Sale By Owner websites in Kentucky, you must consider the following tips:
- Conduct Market Research: Evaluate the local KY real estate market. Learn about recent house sales prices, market trends, and the typical time it takes to sell a home.
- Prepare Your Home: Make necessary repairs and renovations. Clean, declutter, and opt for home staging. All this makes your house appealing to potential buyers.
- Price It Right: Set a competitive price for your house. To get a Fair Market Value, consider a professional appraisal or use online tools.
- Market Your Home: Create a detailed marketing plan. Use high-quality images and make a virtual tour or video walkthrough.
- Opt for Exposure: Choose an FSBO website that gets your home listed on the MLS. This will give maximum exposure to your property and attract potential buyers.
Alternatives to For Sale By Owner Websites in Kentucky
If you think selling a house yourself in Kentucky can be difficult, here are some other options you can consider:
- Choose a Low Commission Agent: A low-commission real estate agent offers you the same services as a traditional Realtor for a reduced commission rate.
- Opt for a Cash Home Buyer: Kentucky cash home buyers make all-cash offers, usually within 24 to 48 hours. You can also sell your house as-is in Kentucky with them.
- Sell With an iBuyer: Opendoor and Offerpad are iBuyers that use technology to extend cash offers on homes. They typically offer 70%-80% of a home’s Fair Market Value (FMV).
Frequently Asked Questions
How to list a house For Sale By Owner in Kentucky?
To list your home as FSBO, you must choose the best Flat Fee MLS service in Kentucky. Create your account and opt for a listing plan. Then enter property details and sign the listing agreement.
What is the best For Sale By Owner MLS listing service in Kentucky?
Houzeo.com is the best FSBO MLS listing service in Kentucky. It provides an unbeatable combination of max savings, 5-star customer support, and cutting-edge technology.
Where can I list my home For Sale By Owner for free in Kentucky?
You can list your home for free on ForSaleByOwner.com, Zillow, and classifieds websites like Craigslist.
What to look for in an FSBO website?
When opting for an FSBO website, look for user-friendly interfaces, online visibility, and features like listing customization and marketing tools. Also, you should list your home on the KY MLS for maximum exposure.