HomeLister Reviews: Do They Really Help You Save Money?

✏️ Editor’s Note: Realtor Associations, agents, and MLS’ have started implementing changes related to the NAR’s $418 million settlement. While home-sellers will likely save thousands in commission, compliance and litigation risks have significantly increased for sellers throughout the nation. Learn how NAR’s settlement affects home sellers.

HomeLister is an FSBO Flat Fee Listing Platform. It has an intuitive portal that offers you a smooth list-to-close journey.

They have limited coverage and are only available in 17 states, leaving out popular states like Minnesota, Vermont, and North Dakota.

HomeLister’s plans go up to $2,999 which is generally hefty amount in comparison to other similar companies like Houzeo.

For just $349+, Houzeo assigns your local MLS for maximum exposure to buyers and buyer agents. Your listing will also be on all major platforms, including Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and Trulia.

What is HomeLister?

HomeLister is a home-selling platform that basically lists your house on the MLS and syndicates it to sites like Zillow, Trulia, and Redfin.

What we like about HomeLister is its intuitive website and the range of a-la-carte services it offers. On the flip side, we don’t see it having any interest in helping you save money. Furthermore, the availability of its services is limited to 17 states.

Most Flat-Fee Listing Companies offer their most advanced services at much lesser than HomeLister’s Basic plan.

👉 Houzeo gives you max-savings, cutting-edge tech, and unlimited listing changes. We recommend weighing your options well before making a decision!

Is HomeLister Legit?

Yes, HomeLister. com is a legitimate flat-fee MLS provider that basically assists home sellers, canceling out the requirement of an agent. CEO Lindsey McLean and broker and attorney Jennifer Stein launched the biz in Santa Monica, California, in 2015.

HomeLister has helped sell around 3,750 houses worth $1.9 billion. It claims to have saved its clients somewhere around $77.5 million. 

Coverage

HomeLister operates in 16 states + Washington D.C. They plan to expand into 6 more states including South Carolina, Illinois, and Michigan very soon.

At the moment, they are available in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin.

How Does HomeLister Work?

The HomeLister process works in these steps:

1. Create Your Free Account: In order to sell a house through HomeLister, you’ll need to create a free account on their website.
2. Provide Your Details: You’ll enter your asking price and respond to certain questions regarding the features of your house.
3. Select Your Pricing Package: Choose a service plan based on your needs. You can include a-la-carte services like drone photography and 3D virtual tours.
4. Get Your Listing Started: Your house will be syndicated to websites like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com with the Local MLS, once you choose your package.
5. Set Up Showings: Set up open houses and showings by directly connecting with buyers and their representatives.
6. Manage Offers: Once you start receiving offers, you can accept or send counteroffers.
7. Schedule the Closing: Plan the closing time with the buyer’s agent. All documents can be digitally signed.

How Much Does It Cost?

HomeLister has a few pricing plans to choose from: The Basic, Premium, and Platinum.

The Basic Plan costs $99 upfront and $500 at closing. It offers the quintessential listing features such as the MLS Listing and the implied exposure it offers. Also, a yard sign, showings management, and disclosure forms.

We think the services don’t account for such a steep price. Most Flat Fee Listing Services offer much more elaborate services at the price range of $300 – $400.

The Premium Plan costs $599 upfront and $1,100 at closing. In addition to the features of the basic plan, this one includes professional photography, a custom marketing flyer, and 2 open house signs.

We don’t understand the grave price difference between these two plans. You could get these additions for much cheaper. This does not contribute to their promise of “helping you save money”.

The Platinum Plan costs $699 upfront and $2,300 at closing. In addition to the features of the premium plan, this one offers an extra open house sign, an over-the-MRP lockbox, email marketing, and drone still photography.

Is HomeLister Worth it?

HomeLister reviews might sing merry songs about its success with its clientele. However, we don’t see how it is helping them save money.

So, if your goal is saving money, we don’t recommend HomeLister. It might not even be available in your state yet.

So in a nutshell, HomeLister will help you save on agent commissions. However, so would any other flat fee company for a fraction of HomeLister’s price.

HomeLister vs. Houzeo

For most home sellers, Houzeo offers far better value with no nickel and diming.

Plus, Houzeo mobile app and web technology will make your listing and sale a pleasant experience!

HomeLister Reviews: What do the Home Sellers Have to Say?

Customers have rated HomeLister handsomely on Trustpilot, BBB, and Google. On average, they have a rating of 4.79 on these platforms. HomeLister reviews have very few numbers. Au contraire, they claim to have sold almost 4,000 houses, saving billions.

We have trouble understanding why their customers have held themselves back from talking about the grands they saved, online. Here are some reviews we found, have a look:

✅Diane found the HomeLister process quick and helpful.

✅Brandon finds HomeLister easy to use. They were able to sell their house quickly.

❌Vercellino had an awful experience with HomeLister. They found a lack of responsiveness and subpar communication.

✅Laura found HomeLister incompetent. They don’t recommend it to fellow home sellers.

✅What We Like About HomeLister

Flat Fee MLS companies offer certain benefits over the traditional home-selling model. Let’s see how HomeLister matches up to these expectations.

• Upfront Fee Instead of Listing Commission: HomeLister lets you access the MLS for $99 upfront and $500 at closing. So, you save money on agent commissions which are 2.5% to 3% of the home sales price.
• Digital Automation: HomeLister’s listings are digitized. This makes the home-selling process easier, and you can fill out the listing documents instantly.
• Free Cancellation: You can cancel your HomeLister listing without any additional charges after 30 days. If it is before 30 days, there is a $99 fee.
• Additional Exposure: Your MLS listing gets syndicated to websites like Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, Realtor.com, etc.

❌What We Don’t Like About HomeLister

HomeLister has a few drawbacks compared to other Flat Fee MLS companies.

• Overpriced Add-ons: HomeLister’s a-la-carte services, though essential for home sellers, come with a hefty price tag. Often, these services, like the yard sign and the lockbox, cost much less.
• Restricted Coverage: HomeLister is present only in 17 states in America. So, home sellers living outside their coverage area cannot avail of their services.
• HomeLister Complaints: Their customer reviews speak about miscommunication and rude behavior towards home sellers.

Best Alternatives to HomeLister

If HomeLister’s barebones services didn’t excite you, here are two alternate companies you can consider:

1. Houzeo.com

Houzeo offers the best combination of maximum savings, advanced technology, 5-star customer support, and listing exposure.

It is a 100% online MLS listing website with thousands of customer reviews. Houzeo covers 47 states and DC, offering near-nationwide coverage.

2. Beycome

Beycome’s technology allows you to complete the entire listing process 100% online. Further, you get free access to all legal forms and disclosures without any additional costs.

Their customer support can provide you with expert assistance on all 7 days of the week in English and Spanish.

Flat Fee MLS Listing Services Near Me

Still looking for more options? We’ve compiled a list of the best Flat Rate MLS Listing Services in each state. Click on your state to check them out!

Other Options You Should Consider

• Sell to an iBuyer: Many iBuyers, like Opendoor and Offerpad, purchase hundreds of homes available in the market. iBuyers can be a great option if you’re wondering how to sell your house fast.
• Sell to Cash Home Buyers: Individual companies that buy houses for cash make all-cash offers, usually within 24 to 48 hours. Cash buyers let you skip the hassle of listing on the MLS, inspection, appraisal, etc.
• Sell For Sale By Owner: For Sale By Owner websites will help you list and sell a house by owner and save thousands in listing agent commission. Many FSBO websites will also get you listed on the MLS and help you with FSBO paperwork.

Does HomeLister Help You Save Money?

The bottom line is that even though HomeLister helps you save on commissions, it’s comparatively not as affordable.

While their tagline says, “It’s your equity, keep it”, many HomeLister reviews talk about hidden charges and opaque communication. Additionally, HomeLister’s limited coverage may make it difficult for many Americans to benefit from their MLS access package.

Houzeo is the best For Sale By Owner MLS listing service. It is an ideal option for sellers who need guidance throughout their real estate transactions.

Houzeo’s Gold Package is comprehensive and affordable, making your home-selling experience a breeze!

 

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