$39,102 – that’s how much Washingtonians paid in agent commissions on an average $651,700 home last month. Classic rip-off, right? Home prices in WA 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 Seattle to Spokane, selling For Sale By Owner (FSBO) is the #1 way to save thousands in the Evergreen State.
The best For Sale By Owner websites in Washington 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 $39,102 IN YOUR POCKET!
Rankings: 7 Best For Sale By Owner Websites in Washington
| FSBO Website | Listing Fee | 100% Online* | MLS Access | Online Showings & Offers | 5 Star Customer Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Houzeo.com | $399 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. FSBO.com | $399 | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 2. Flat List | $299 | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. Flat Fee Realty | $159 + 0.25% | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. ForSaleByOwner.com | $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 apps have been considered.
For 5-star reviews, customer ratings above 4.75 out of 5 have been considered.
Types of FSBOs 🚀
There are two types of FSBO websites in Washington 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 Washington
1. Houzeo.com
BEST FSBO WEBSITE
Listing Fee: $3994.9/5
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
👉 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
Houzeo’s 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 rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by thousands of home sellers on Google & Trustpilot.
» Houzeo Reviews: With over 10,000+ happy customers, Houzeo is the most trusted FSBO website.
Houzeo.com is one of the best FSBO sites in Washington. 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
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 available in all the states with coverage in 50+ markets. FSBO allows sellers to list their property for sale while saving on the listing agent commission.
Apart from listing houses For Sale By Owner, FSBO.com offers no major services. The à la carte items are expensive, and FSBO.com charges you extra for uploading more than 20 photos.
3. FlatList.com
UNLIMITED LISTING CHANGES
Listing Fee: $2995/5
FlatList.com offers 1 Flat Fee MLS package.
- $299 Package: The package includes a 6-month listing with 40 photos. You get free listing changes and open house postings on their website.
👉 Our Take: FlatList.com offers an affordable package. But a single package limits your choice and customization.
» Is FlatList.com Legit? Here is an in-depth review of FlatList.
Some benefits FlatList.com offers.
- Market Exposure: FlatList.com syndicates your listing to real estate websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Trulia.
- Unlimited Listing Changes: This will help you set the right price for your property during negotiations.
- Experienced Brokers: With over 20 years of experience, Stacie and Angela will guide your FSBO journey.
» Pros and Cons of FlatList.com: Read the advantages and drawbacks before dealing with FlatList.com.
In our research, we found some dealbreakers with Flat.List.com.
- Lack of Choice: FlatList.com only offers a single package in every state.
- Inconsistent Services: The prices and services of FlatList.com vary for different states. This can lead to an inconsistent user experience.
- Manual Listing Process: FlatList.com doesn’t automate listing paperwork, so you need to handle the listing task offline.
FlatList com has 5 out of 5 stars from 50+ reviews on Google.
» FlatList.com Reviews: To get valuable insights and perspective read our reviews about FlatList.com.
Stacie Whitfield founded FlatList.com in 1999. The company is also known as FlaListingFee.com, Inc. and Flat List RE. They are licensed real estate brokers in Arizona, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington state.
FlatList.com charges you extra to upload more than 20 photos, and the à la carte items are quite expensive. This forces sellers to choose the features included in this particular package.
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 plans.
However, if you choose not to use their affiliated title company, Excel Title, you will have to pay an additional $375 at closing.
3 Free For Sale By Owner Sites in Washington
5. ForSaleByOwner.com
OPTIONAL FREE LISTING
Listing Fee: $0 - $4953.4/5
- ‘Do It Yourself’ FSBO Package: $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.
» ForSaleByOwner.com Reviews: Read this blog to learn more.
ForSaleByOwner.com has been operating since 1999. You can list your single-family home, condo, or townhouse at no cost. Moreover, they provide tools to help you calculate your home’s worth and access to legal forms.
Although ForSaleByOwner.com offers various paid services, their agent support package is similar to what you’d pay to a traditional Realtor. And none of the packages include a For Sale By Owner MLS listing in Washington.
6. Zillow For Sale by Owner
REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE
Listing Fee: $01.4/5
- FSBO Listing on Zillow: $0
- Zillow Premier Agent: 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.
» Zillow For Sale By Owner Reviews: Read our in-depth review on Zillow.
Zillow is the most popular Washington 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
BIGGEST CLASSIFIEDS
Listing Fee: $01.4/5
- 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.
» 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 Washington. 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 Washington. So, you must be careful with sharing your property information and verify buyer identity.
How Much Can You Save With an FSBO Website in Washington?
You can save a whopping 3% on Realtor commission to list your home on the MLS in Washington. 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 $651,700 home in the Evergreen State. If you choose a 3% Realtor, you pay $19,551 to get your house on the MLS. But, if you list with a flat fee service like Houzeo, you only pay $399 and save $18,802!
| Service Provider | Fee | Commission Due | Savings |
| Traditional Agent | 3% | $19,551 | $0 |
| Houzeo | $399 | $749* | $18,802 |
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 pay 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 Washington: 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 Washington MLS. Several Flat Fee MLS companies are notorious for high hidden fees. See our rankings of the best Flat Fee MLS Washington 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 WA 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 Washington
To sell your home easily with For Sale By Owner websites in Washington, you must consider the following tips:
- Conduct Market Research: Evaluate the local WA 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 Washington
If you think selling a house yourself in Washington 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: Washington cash home buyers make all-cash offers, usually within 24 to 48 hours. You can also sell your house as-is in Washington 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 Washington?
To list your home as FSBO, you must choose the best Flat Fee MLS service in Washington. 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 Washington?
Houzeo.com is the best FSBO MLS listing service in Washington. 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 Washington?
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 WA MLS for maximum exposure.
