$31,074 – that’s how much Montanans paid in agent commissions on an average $517,900 home last month. Classic rip-off, right? Home prices in MT 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 Missoula to Sidney, selling For Sale By Owner (FSBO) is the #1 way to save thousands in the Treasure State.
The best For Sale By Owner websites in Montana 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 $31,074. IN YOUR POCKET!
Rankings: 7 Best For Sale By Owner Websites
| FSBO Website | Fee | 100% Online | MLS Access | Online Showings & Offers | 5 Star Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Houzeo.com | $399 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. FSBO.com | $399 | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3 Montana Flat Fee MLS | $299 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. Flat Fee Realty | $299 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. Facebook Marketplace | $0 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 6. Zillow For Sale By Owner | $0 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 7. Craigslist | $0 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
For 100% Online, only FSBO sites with online showings, inspection scheduling, offer management, and mobile app have been considered.
For 5-Star Reviews, customer ratings above 4.75 out of 5 have been considered.
Types of FSBO Websites 🚀
There are two types of FSBO websites in Montana 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 and not on the MLS. No MLS exposure means less buyers and a lower sale price.
Reviews: 4 Best Paid FSBO Websites in Montana
1. Houzeo.com
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 FSBO sites in Montana. They provide advanced technology, a seamless user experience, and listing exposure.
Houzeo’s Flat Fee MLS listing service helps you save thousands on Realtor commissions. You get dedicated customer support, which makes the home-selling process smooth and effortless. In addition, Houzeo covers 47 states and DC.
2. FSBO.com
HIGH ADDITIONAL FEE
Listing Fee: $99 to $399FSBO.com has 2 packages for FSBO home sellers.
- Basic Package – $99: This package includes listing your property on FSBO.com and Redfin for 6 months.
- MLS Package – $399: With this package, you can list your property on the MLS for 6 months and upload up to 20 photos.
👉 Our Take: We recommend the $399 MLS package, as it gives you maximum exposure through an MLS listing. Your listing is syndicated to popular real estate websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and hundreds of others.
Here are some key highlights of listing with FSBO.com
- Multiple Categories of Listings: You can feature your listing in a special section dedicated to foreclosure, pre-foreclosure, tax lien, or bankruptcy.
- Simple User Interface: Its basic interface lets you input relevant information to create your listing.
During our research, we identified several disadvantages of listing with FSBO.com. Here’s some of them:
- Limited Automation: You have to manage all the paperwork manually as there is no online automation available.
- Unpredictable Broker Quality: There is no way to tell which local broker will list your property. Online reviews for FSBO.com are mixed, which indicates good service in some places only.
- Extra Fees for Listing Photos: You have to pay $50 to $60 extra if you want to upload more than 20 photos to your listing.
- Expensive à la carte Services: Services like e-lockbox rental and showings service are priced at $150 and $75 respectively.
FSBO.com has no customer reviews on popular review sites like Google or Trustpilot.
» Forsalebyowner.com Reviews: Explore why the oldest FSBO site may not be the best choice in 2023.
FSBO.com is the oldest For Sale By Owner website. Third-party sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, and others syndicate the listings. The properties are only listed on FSBO.com and not on the MLS listing platform in the basic package.
Apart from listing houses For Sale By Owner, FSBO.com offers no major services. However, the à la carte items are expensive, and you’re charged extra for uploading more than 25 photos
3. Montana Flat Fee MLS
MID-RANGE OPTION
Listing Fee: $299 to $359Montana Flat Fee MLS offers you two Flat Fee MLS packages.
- By Owner – $299: This package includes a listing term of 6 months and 25 photos with access to all state forms disclosures. Also comes with a Realtor.com (Basic) listing.
- By Owner – $359: This package includes everything from $299 package. Additionally comes with a Realtor.com (Premium) listing and also has a “high impact photo listing” option.
👉 Our Take: We recommend the $299 package to fulfill your Flat Fee MLS needs. as the add-ons in the other package are honestly not worth the extra $60.
Montana Flat Fee MLS is affiliated with Brokerless Inc, a web-based flat fee MLS provider.
- State Disclosures: You are provided with all the state-required forms and disclosures along with the package.
- Free Status Changes: They offer free status changes once you find a buyer.
In our research, we came across some drawbacks of Montana Flat Fee MLS.
- Additional 0.25% Fee at Closing: Montana Flat Fee MLS refers your listings in Montana to ListWithFreedom.com or other Flat Fee Brokers. They typically charge a 0.25% fee at closing. So make sure to read the listing agreement carefully!
- Low on Tech: The website is basic and has no features or even a dashboard.
- No à la carte Services: The services offered are minimal. They do not even offer any customer support or assistance of any kind.
- No Credible Reviews: Montana Flat Fee MLS has no credible reviews from any trusted sites.
Montana Flat Fee MLS has no credible reviews.
Montana Flat Fee MLS is affiliated with Brokerless Inc. Their platform lets the user submit their own listings. They have two packages with all the basic amenities for $299 and $359.
However, the $359 package only has two additions compared to the other package. They also have a basic website that is not easy to navigate and has no dashboard. While Houzeo has a convenient mobile app.
4. Flat Fee Realty
UNLIMITED LISTING TERM
Listing Fee: $99 - $5954.3/5
FlatFeeMLSRealty 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 with 10 listing changes.
- Gold Package – $249: This package comes with a 6-month listing term and enables you to include up to 50 photos with unlimited listing changes.
- Platinum Package – $549: This package has unlimited listing terms and changes with 25+ HD photos.
👉 Our Take: 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 offers an affordable flat fee listing package.
- Free listing Changes: You can make changes to your listing without paying any additional fees.
- Easy Cancellation: You can cancel anytime and get a refund within 30 days of purchase. If you decide not to sell your home, some of your listing fees will be refunded.
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.
- Expensive Add-ons: For services like professional photography, you have to pay an additional $460 with the Silver package and $300 with the Gold package.
Flat Fee MLS Realty has 4.3 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 plan.
However, if you choose not to use their affiliated title company, Excel Title, you will have to pay an additional $375 at closing.
Reviews: 3 Best Free FSBO Websites in Montana
5. 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.
We recommend that you protect your personal data and profile, as Facebook Marketplace is filled with unsolicited buyers. Further, this platform’s reach in real estate is limited, which lowers your chances of selling your house.
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 often inaccurate. This misleads both buyers and sellers.
- Limited Support: Zillow’s customer support may not match the level of personalized guidance other FSBO companies offer.
- Lead for Real Estate Agent: Your listing information is shared with Zillow’s agents. You’ll get calls from agents rather than potential buyers.
- Hide FSBO Listings: Zillow hides FSBO listings behind agent listings. They are often two clicks away and get almost no traffic.
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 the most popular Montanareal 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
BIGGEST CLASSIFIEDS
Listing Fee: $01.4/5
Since Craigslist is one of the biggest classified websites, it offers free listings:
- FSBO Listing on Craigslist – $0: You get an FSBO listing on Craigslist. Here you can upload your property’s description, location, and some photos.
👉 Our Take: With Craigslist you can post your house for sale for free. However, you don’t have MLS exposure.
These are some key pros to consider:
- User-Friendly Website: Craigslist’s website is easy to navigate. This helps you to easily create your listing and add property information.
- Free FSBO Listing: Most of the FSBO sellers who opt to advertise on Craigslist do it to save up on the agent’s commission.
- Good for Distressed Property: Craigslist is a great platform for distressed properties. This is mainly because many cash buyers, house flippers, and investors keep track of listings on Craigslist.
- Huge Traffic: According to Similarweb, Craigslist is the most visited classified website in the USA.
Here are a few cons to keep in mind:
- Lowball Offer: Customers have reported that buyers on Craigslist make lowball offers.
- Scammers and Pranksters: Craigslist is infamous for being a playground for scammers. Many people who list their homes on Craigslist get unsolicited calls from scammers posing as buyers.
- Short Lifespan of Ads: Craigslist ads are listed in reverse chronological order, the newest ones always have the most prominence.
Craigslist has a poor rating of 1.4 out of 5 stars from 300+ reviews on Trustpilot.
» 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 Montana. 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 Montana. So, you must be careful with sharing your property information and verify buyer identity.
How Much Can You Save With an FSBO Website in Montana?
You can save a whopping 3% on Realtor commission to list your home on the MLS in Montana. You just need to pay a flat fee which is fraction of the cost you would pay to the Realtor.
Imagine you own a $517,900 home in the Treasure State. If you choose a 3% Realtor, you pay $15,537 to get your house on the MLS. But, if you list with a flat fee service like Houzeo, you only pay $399 and save $14,788!
Besides this, 77% of FSBO homes sell in less than 2 weeks. The best FSBO websites can get your home on the MLS within 24-48 hours.
| Service Provider | Fee | Commission Due | Savings |
| Traditional Agent | 3% | $12,291 | $0 |
| Houzeo | $399 | $749 | $11,542 |
Lara Shane Saved $24,000 With Houzeo, You Can Too!
Start Your Home Selling Journey
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 – 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 commissions can still be offered outside of the MLS. They just cannot be advertised on the MLS.
How to List on MLS in Montana: 5 Steps
Here’s 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 Montana MLS. Several Flat Fee MLS companies are notorious for high hidden fees. See our rankings of the best Flat Fee MLS Montana 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 MT 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 Montana
To sell your home as FSBO with ease, you must consider the following tips:
- Conduct Market Research: Evaluate the local MT 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 Sites in Montana
If you think selling a house yourself in Montana 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: Montana cash home buyers make all-cash offers, usually within 24 to 48 hours. You can also sell your house as-is in Montana 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).
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out what customers have to say about Houzeo.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to list a house For Sale By Owner in Montana?
To list your home as FSBO, you must choose the best Flat Fee MLS service in Montana. 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 Montana?
Houzeo.com is the best FSBO MLS listing service in Montana. 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 Montana?
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 a FSBO website, look for user-friendly interfaces, online visibility, and features such as listing customization and marketing tools. Also, you should list your home on the MT MLS for maximum exposure.
