MLS is the most powerful tool in real estate. Homes listed on MLS sold for 17.5% more than homes not on MLS. That is why 89% of home sellers use the MLS to market and sell their homes.
Only agents have access to the MLS, and they charge 5% to 6% in commission to list. The listing agent gets 3% and the buyer agent gets 3%. But with a Flat Fee MLS listing you don’t have to pay the 3% listing agent commission to list on MLS. And with the NAR settlement, you will save on the 3% buyer agent commission too!
From Hagerstown to Annapolis, Maryland home sellers are saving almost all the commission with a Maryland Flat Fee MLS Listing! That’s upto $26,700 in commission savings on an average $445,800 home in the Free State.
What Is MLS in Real Estate?
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a local database that MD real estate agents use to list properties for sale. However, only licensed brokers have access to the MLS.
To get maximum exposure for your home, it should be listed on one of the 20+ MLSs in Maryland. When your house is listed on the local market, it becomes visible to nearby buyers and buyer agents. 84% of home buyers use the MLS to make a buying decision.
When you list via Houzeo.com, your property listing is syndicated to Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, and hundreds of other popular real estate websites. This may increase the number of offers your home receives.
How to Get an MLS Listing Without a Realtor in Maryland?
There is no direct way to list your home on the MLS. Only licensed real estate agents and brokers can do it for you.
However, you can opt for an MD Flat Fee MLS listing service. With a Flat Fee listing, you’ll have to pay a small fee upfront instead of the traditional 5% – 6% agent commission.
Flat Fee real estate listing services get your property live on the MLS saving thousands of dollars. Companies like Houzeo give you access to advanced technology to list your property and manage it, giving you full control over the selling process.
#1 Flat Fee MLS Service
Houzeo.comHouzeo is a high-tech platform with easy listing, fast changes, and online showings and offers.
You can choose from 4 Flat Fee MLS packages:
- Bronze Package – $399+$350 at Close: This package offers a Houzeo listing only for 6 months with 24 photos.
- Silver Package – $399+0.5% at Close: This offers maximum photo upload and provides you with seller disclosures.
- Gold Package—$429+0.5 % at Close: 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 Package – $449+1% at Close: 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! Before you list, confirm all prices on your particular state’s pricing page.
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out why 10,000+ Americans love Houzeo.
Houzeo is America’s #1 Flat Fee MLS service because of 5 reasons:
- Max Exposure: Houzeo’s listing packages get your home on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, and 100s of other real estate 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 potential buyers on the go.
- No Hidden Fees: All fees are disclosed upfront, so there are no Houzeo hidden fees. You get to bypass the traditional 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 dealbreakers with Houzeo.
» Is Houzeo Legit? Houzeo addresses all Houzeo complaints from home sellers.
Houzeo is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by thousands of home sellers on Google & Trustpilot.
» Houzeo Reviews: Houzeo is rated “Excellent“ by 10,020+ home sellers.
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.
5 Steps to List Your Property on the MLS in Maryland
- Find the Best Flat Fee MLS Listing Service: Choose a flat-rate listing service to list your house on the Maryland MLS. Some companies have high undisclosed hidden fees. Look at customer reviews of Flat Fee MLS listing services in Maryland before you choose one.
- Create Your Account: Most companies provide an online platform where you can easily set up your account. This typically involves filling out basic information about yourself. Follow the instructions given to ensure a smooth setup.
- Choose a Listing Plan: Fixed fee listing services offer a DIY MLS listing by owner plan or a virtual full-service plan. Choose the one that meets your home-selling needs.
- Provide Property Photos and Details: You must provide property specifications like the number of beds, baths, etc. Professionally clicked high quality photos can help you sell your home 50% faster. So, you must hire an MD real estate photographer.
- Sign the Listing Agreement: You will be required to sign the listing agreement and complete MD’s seller disclosures. If everything is in order, the real estate broker will list your home for sale within 24 to 48 hours.
How to List on Maryland MLS With Houzeo?
5 Easy Steps to List on MLS with Houzeo
How Much Does It Cost to List on the MLS in Maryland?
It depends on who you work with. A traditional full-service agent charges a 2.5% to 3% commission. Whereas listing a house yourself with a fixed rate listing service like Houzeo costs just $399.
Imagine a $452,900 home in the Free State, you would pay $13,587 to the listing agent. Listing with a Flat Fee service would save you $13,188.
Service | Traditional Agents | Houzeo |
---|---|---|
Listing Agent Commission | 3% ($13,578) | $399 Flat Fee |
Buyer’s Agent Commission | 2.5% – 3% ($13,578) | 0%-3% |
Total Commission | 5.5% – 6% ($27,156) | 2.5%* ($11,322.5) |
Lara Shane Saved $24,000 With Houzeo, You Can Too!
Start Your Home Selling Journey
Can I List on Maryland MLS for Free?
No, an MLS listing in Maryland can never be free. Many FSBO websites in Maryland offer free property listings. But, your property will be listed only on the company’s website and not on the MLS.
To sell your Maryland house fast and at a competitive price, it should be listed on the MLS. This listing also gets syndicated to real estate websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, etc.
👉 List Your Maryland Home for Sale: Start your home selling journey with a budget-friendly MLS plan!
How Long Does It Take to List a House on MD MLS?
Just 48 hours! Provided you fill your paperwork accurately. Top MLS websites like Houzeo allow you to start your paperwork on a mobile device at any time. So, you can complete it within a few hours. If everything is correct, your home will be listed on the MLS in 48 hours.
Most Flat Fee MLS listing services in Maryland forward the listing to local real estate brokers. The broker then sends you the paperwork. Your listing goes live within 2 to 5 days of submission.
- 🚩 Stay Alert: Traditional real estate companies like Redfin can take up to 18 days to get your property on the MLS.
Alternatives for an MLS Listing
If you’re not interested in listing on the MLS, here are a few alternatives:
- Opt for FSBO: In a FSBO sale, you will have to opt for “DIY” marketing strategies like using For Sale By Owner yard signs, word of mouth, open houses, etc.
- Opt for a Discount Real Estate Broker: A Maryland discount broker offers traditional Realtor services for lower rates. You will pay less, but your experience depends on the agent you get.
- Opt for Cash Buyers: Almost all cash companies in Maryland scour the MLS for properties. This includes iBuyers, investors, and home flippers.
Should You List on the Maryland MLS Without a Realtor?
Traditional real estate is dying. You no longer need a 6% Realtor to list your property. Opt for Flat Fee MLS services in Maryland and pay a fraction of the 3% commission you’d pay a listing agent.
Getting on the MLS without a Realtor may seem daunting. But, companies like Houzeo have digitized the process to make it more intuitive and user-friendly.
With Houzeo, you can unlock great benefits like:
- Max exposure on MLS, Homes.com, Zillow, Redfin, etc.
- 100% online listing and fast changes
- Management of showings, offers, and closings via mobile app
- 5-star customer service
Eager to Know How Houzeo Works?
We’ve got you covered. Check out the following video to understand how Houzeo works and why it is one of the best For Sale By Owner websites in the U.S.
» Still Confused? Read this exclusive Houzeo review and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MLS in real estate?
The MLS is a centralized database of properties for sale. There are around 600 MLSs in the U.S. However, only licensed real estate agents and brokers can access it to list and search for properties.
How to get access to the MLS?
You cannot access the MLS directly. Only licensed real estate agents can do so. They can get your property on the MLS. However, you can list your home as For Sale By Owner using legitimate FSBO websites.
How do I list on local MLS?
To list your home for sale on the MLS, you must:
1. Find an MLS listing service
2. Choose a listing plan
3. Provide property details and photos
4. Sign the listing agreement
Should I list on Maryland MLS with a full-service Realtor?
No, we do not recommend listing with a full-service Realtor. This is because they take 2% to 3% commission to list your home on the MLS. On the other hand, top MLS listing companies like Houzeo, charge you a Flat Fee of $399 to get your home on the MD MLS.
When do MLS listings in Maryland go live?
Traditional real estate companies can take up to 2 to 5 days to get your listing live on the MD MLS. However, high-tech listing sites like Houzeo can list your property in just 48 hours.