From Tiverton to Westerly, FSBOs are trending up. More Rhode Islanders than ever have saved thousands in commission selling their homes For Sale By Owner. Millennials lead the way, with over 55% comfortable selling their homes themselves.
You can save over $27,000 on a median $504,600 home selling a house in Rhode Island by owner. We’ve spent thousands of hours researching the best FSBO sites in the Ocean State to help you sell your Rhode Island home fast!
Rankings: 5 Best For Sale By Owner Websites in Rhode Island
FSBO Website | Fee | 100% Online | MLS Access | Online showings & offers | 5 Star Customer service |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Houzeo | $199 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
2. Beycome | $99 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
3 Entry Only | $399 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
4. For Sale By Owner | $0 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
5. Zillow | $0 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
* Companies rated 4.75 stars and above are considered 5-star
What Are the Types of FSBO Websites?
There are two types of FSBO websites to sell your home by owner in Rhode Island:
- Paid FSBO Websites: The paid websites let you list your home FSBO on Rhode Island MLS for a fixed fee. The MLS syndicates your listing to 100+ real estate websites like Zillow, Redfin, Trulia.
- Free FSBO Websites: They provide a free listing on their own website but not on the MLS. The lack of MLS exposure limits the number of buyers and can reduce the selling price.
Reviews: Best Paid FSBO Websites
1. Houzeo
Houzeo offers 3 FSBO MLS listing packages:
- Silver Package – $199: You can list your property on the MLS with 24 photos and for 6 months. It also becomes visible on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, etc. You can also make unlimited changes to your listing.
- Gold Package – $249: You can post the maximum number of photos, avail licensed broker assistance, get access to seller disclosures, and a premium yard sign.
- Platinum Package – $299: You get virtual full assistance from a licensed broker and a 12-month listing term.
Based on the plan you choose, there’s an additional 0.5% to 1.25% due at closing.
Here are the key features that make Houzeo one of the top FSBO websites:
- Max Exposure: Houzeo’s MLS packages give you visibility 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.
There are no red flags with Houzeo.
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.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Houzeo’s Gold plan for most home sellers. It offers the best combination of 5-star customer service, Houzeo’s unique technology, max exposure, and broker assistance. And with the Gold plan, you’ll save between 2% and 5% of your sale price in commission.
2. Beycome
Beycome Brokerage Realty LLC offers three listing packages for homeowners:
- Basic Package – $99: Your home is listed on the MLS along with other real estate websites with maximum photos allowed. You also get open house scheduler, legal forms, and 7/7 customer support.
- Enhanced Package – $399: You get a yard sign, a featured listing on Beycome’s website, flyers, brochures, and one key lockbox. You can also add a virtual tour video to your listing.
- Concierge Service – $599: This is essentially a virtual full-service package that includes assistance till closing. They charge 1% of the sale price at closing.
Beycome offers good service in the selected states they are available in:
- Unlimited Edits: You can make unlimited changes to your listing.
- No Listing Expiration: Your listing is live on the MLS until sold. You don’t need to pay any extra charges for extending it.
In our research, we came across these deal breakers with Beycome:
- Limited Coverage: The company provides services in only 13 states.
- Lack of Services: You don’t get any tool or a mobile app to help you manage your listing, showings, and offers.
- Average Technology: Leads, inspections, appraisals, etc., are managed offline so the process can be cumbersome.
- Only for Experienced Sellers: You don’t get assistance with closing costs and seller’s disclosures which first-time sellers may not be aware of.
Beycome has 4.5 out of 5 stars from 700+ reviews on Google.
» Beycome Reviews: Know why Beycome is not the best choice to sell your home.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Beycome for home sellers seeking a comprehensive Flat Fee MLS service with excellent customer support and professional guidance. If you need full support, including negotiation and paperwork help, Beycome is a great choice.
3. Entry Only
Entry Only offers Flat Fee MLS services across the US. They offer 1 to 3 packages depending on the state and the details of the packages also vary.
- Basic Package – $399: This package offers a listing term of 6 months with 20 photos on the MLS. You get transaction coordination, flyers, buyer lead forwarding, and a yard sign.
- Enhanced Package – $699: You get all the services of the Basic package, along with broker assistance and contract review.
- Premium Package – $999: This package includes all the services of the Enhanced package. You also get negotiations and closing assistance.
Here are some key benefits of listing with Entry Only:
- Market Exposure: Your property listing is shared across real estate websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, and other local websites.
- Buyer Lead Forwarding: All buyer or agent inquiries are forwarded to you.
- Closing Assistance: Entry Only manages the closing process by coordinating with buyer agents, lenders, appraisers, inspectors, attorneys, and title companies.
- Nationwide Coverage: Entry Only offers services throughout the US and connects you with your local MLS.
Here are some drawbacks of working with Entry Only:
- Transaction Fee at Closing: Despite low upfront costs, the 0.1% transaction fee at closing means you will incur additional charges based on the final sale price.
- Add-On Costs: Optional add-ons, such as extra photos, extended listing time, or PVC yard sign posts, each of which cost $100, can increase the final price significantly.
- Cancellation Fee: If a cancellation is made before the property is listed on the MLS, a $50 cancellation fee is charged.
- No Refund After Listing: Once your property is listed on the MLS, you are not eligible for any refund. You can only get referred to a full service agent.
- Lacks Uniform Pricing: Prices and services are not standardized and vary as per state. So you may encounter unexpected fees.
Entry Only has 4.8 out of 5 stars from 340+ total reviews on Trustpilot.
👉 Our Take: Past sellers on Entry Only MLS Massachusetts appreciate their low turnaround time and prompt service. However, we don’t recommend their packages, as they are comparatively expensive, and their add-on services are not competitively priced.
Flat Fee Realty offers a single listing package to get your home on the MLS:
- $199 Package: This plan gives you a listing term of 6 months and allows you to upload up to 6 property pictures. With this package, your home is listed on the local MLS and syndicated to Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor for maximum exposure.
These are some pros of Flat Fee Realty in the areas it operates:
- Cost-Effective: The service allows you to list on MLS for a flat fee with no commission, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Free Listing Updates: Sellers can update the status or price of their listing at no additional cost.
- Cancellation Flexibility: You can cancel your listing anytime without penalties, offering greater control over the process.
- Broad MLS Exposure: The listing gets syndicated to major real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com, maximizing visibility.
In our research, we have found certain drawbacks of Flat Fee Realty:
- Limited Photos: The base package only includes up to 6 photos, which may not be sufficient for attracting buyers.
- Photo Upgrade Fee: To add more than 6 photos, you must pay an extra $50, increasing the overall cost.
- No Full-Service Support: The package does not include agent assistance for negotiations, pricing guidance, or listing agreement reviews, which can be challenging for inexperienced sellers.
No reviews on credible websites.
» Flat Fee Realty Reviews: Check out our in-depth analysis of their services.
Reviews: Best Free FSBO Websites
You can check the reviews of the top free FSBO sites in Rhode Island here.
1. ForSaleByOwner.com
ForSaleByOwner.com offers only 1 FSBO package:
- ‘Do It Yourself’ FSBO Package – $0: In this package, your home only gets listed on the ForSaleByOwner.com website. You don’t get an MLS listing. Your property is not visible on Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, etc. This limits your exposure and offers.
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 Exposure: You can only list on the ForSaleByOwner.com website. It does not get syndicated to other real estate websites like Trulia, Zillow, Realtor.com.
- Lack of Technology: It can be time-consuming and demanding to manage the listings, showings, negotiations, and paperwork.
- 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 4.2 out of 5 stars on Best Company.
» ForSaleByOwner.com Reviews: Read this blog to learn more.
👉 Our Take: ForSaleByOwner.com offers a free listing, but without MLS exposure, your property won’t reach local buyers or agents in Florida. We recommend them if you’re a marketing pro, but if not, you likely won’t get any offers.
2. Zillow
Zillow offers only 1 listing plan to home sellers:
- FSBO Listing on Zillow – $0: You can list your home for free on Zillow’s FSBO platform and on Trulia. However, it is not listed on MLS. This limits the visibility to other real estate websites.
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.
- Nationwide Coverage: Zillow’s For Sale By Owner services are accessible in all 50 states across America.
- User-Friendly Interface: Their website and mobile app are easy to use and navigate. Users can search for properties based on filters like location, price, features, and other criteria.
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 1.6 out of 5 stars from 400+ reviews on Trustpilot.
» Zillow’s For Sale By Owner Reviews: Read our in-depth review on Zillow.
👉 Our Take: We don’t recommend selling FSBO on Zillow. It’s like throwing a party and forgetting to send the invites. Your listing is buried in the ‘Other Listings’ tab, like being stuck in the VIP line with no bottle service. You avoid commissions, but you miss the exposure.
🚩 Beware of FSBO Companies With Hidden Fees
Some FSBO companies come with hidden fees that they don’t mention in their pricing section. They provide free or affordable listings, but charge extra for yard signs, lockbox, etc. This increases your overall cost of selling a house in Rhode Island and reduces your savings.
For Sale By Owner Websites Rhode Island: How Much Can You Save?
Thousands! That’s over $27,500 on a $504,600 home in the Ocean State, after the NAR settlement. The best For Sale By Owner sites in Rhode Island help you save equity.
With best FSBO sites like Houzeo, you can list your home on the MLS for just $199- that’s less than a seafood dinner! You can save a whopping $27,554 and use it for a beach vacation, a boat upgrade, or some recreational activities in the Ocean State sun.
Service Provider | Fee in Rhode Island | Savings |
Traditional Agent | 3% Listing Fee + 3% Buyer’s Agent Commission – $30,276 | $0 |
Houzeo | Fixed Fee – $199 + $2,523 | $27,554 |
How to Choose the Best FSBO Website in Rhode Island?
To choose one from the top For Sale By Owner websites in Rhode Island, you need to consider these 4 factors.
- Do they list on MLS? You should opt for a platform that offers Flat Fee MLS service in Rhode Island for better exposure. It will lead to more buyers and a higher selling price while maximizing on savings.
- How is their user experience? Look for easy to navigate FSBO websites. They should have features like mobile app, virtual tours and offer-management.
- What are their prices? Evaluate the packages with the services they offer. Some provide free listing-only services. Whereas, others charge a flat fee or a percentage of the sale price for comprehensive assistance.
- Is their customer support good? Look for platforms that offer cutting edge customer service and provide guidance to the sellers. Choose a service with 5-star customer support like Houzeo.
How to Sell Your Home With Rhode Island’s #1 FSBO Website?
Here’s how to list your home on For Sale By Owner listing sites in Rhode Island’s:
- Find the Best FSBO Website With MLS Access: Choose a FSBO platform that offers MLS listing when selling a house by owner in Rhode Island. Your property will be visible on every real estate website from Tiverton to Westerly.
- Create Your Account: Most FSBO sites with MLS access require an account, and Houzeo makes it easier. Manage your MLS listing, showings, and offers from your phone—whether you’re catching rays at Scarborough, grabbing a bite on Federal Hill, or stuck in traffic on 146.
- Choose a Listing Plan: Select a package that fits your needs to make your home-selling smooth and effortless. But don’t break your bank—choose the plan that’ll get your home sold under the Rhode Island breeze.
- Enter Property Details & Add Photos: Time to show off your property. Add details like the number of beds, baths, etc. Hire a real estate photographer in Rhode Island to flaunt that swanky pool in your Newport home. Good photos = Faster sale!
- Sign the Agreement: Review and sign the listing agreement. Complete seller disclosure forms carefully. If it’s not a minor fix, disclose it—Rhode Island’s got rules, and you want to stay on the right side of them.
6 Mistakes to Avoid With a Rhode Island’s FSBO Website
Here are some rookie mistakes that FSBO home sellers must avoid:
- Ignore the MLS: If you don’t list on the MLS, it is like throwing a pool party in Orlando during a hurricane. Use Houzeo if you’re wondering how to list your home on Rhode Island MLS and gain visibility on 100+ sites like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com.
- Price Your Home Inaccurately: To sell your home quickly in the current Rhode Island housing market, you need an estimate of your property’s value. Without it, you may price your house inaccurately. An asking price that’s too high will scare buyers away. Too low, and you’re leaving money on the table. Use a home worth calculator to get the right price.
- Market Ineffectively: To add poor quality photos is like showing up to Scarborough Beach in socks and sandals. Add professional photos, write a compelling description, and install a yard sign – then watch the offers roll in faster than Block Island in the off-season.
- Overlook Seller Disclosures: Legal forms and Rhode Island seller disclosures are mandatory. Miss something, and you’ll be sued faster than someone slipping on a Banana peel. Hire a Rhode Island real estate attorney to handle the legalities.
- Fail to Negotiate Smartly: If a buyer lowballs you like an off-season Newport Airbnb, rate, don’t roll over. Stay firm on your price, closing dates, and repairs. Buyers will test you—hold your ground like an Ocean State surfer.
- Choose the Wrong FSBO Service: Choosing a FSBO service that lacks technology and provides limited exposure will mean more days on the market for your home. Get MLS access, top-notch tech, and a 5-star support team with Houzeo. Why settle for less?
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out what customers have to say about Houzeo.com.