MLS is the most powerful tool in real estate. Homes on MLS sell for 17.5% more than off-market homes. But, only listing agents can access it and they’ll charge a hefty 3% to list your house. That’s $12,918 on a $430,584 home in the US. You’ll still have to chase the agent for something as simple as updating the price. đź’”
What if you didn’t have to chase anyone? Enter Houzeo. List your home, update info, track offers, sign docs, & more with a mobile-first Flat Fee MLS listing. Experience real estate on the go. At just $399.
What Is MLS in Real Estate?
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a database of the US real estate agents use to list properties for sale. 84%Â of buyer agents use the MLS to show properties to their buyers. This is probably why 89% of home sellers use the MLS to sell their homes.
There are many MLSs in every state. You must list your property only on your local MLS. Only then local buyer agents will be able to find it.
👉 Jump To: Cost to List on MLS | How to List on MLS for FREE | How Long Does It Take to List? | Should You List on MLS Without An Agent?
How to Get on the MLS Without a Realtor?
There’s no direct way to list on MLS without a Realtor in the US. Only licensed real estate agents and brokers can do it for you.
However, you can opt for one of the cheapest ways to list on MLS – a Flat Fee MLS listing service. You’ll have to pay a small fee instead of the traditional 3% listing agent commission, saving you thousands of dollars.
How to List on MLS : 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 Multiple Listing Service to list your house on the US MLS. Several Flat Fee MLS companies are notorious for high hidden fees. See our rankings of the best Flat Fee MLS Listing services.
- Create Your Account: Almost all Flat Fee listing services will let you create an account. High-tech listing mobile apps like Houzeo will allow you to manage your listing online!
- Choose a Listing Plan: Whether it’s the DIY MLS listing plan or a virtual full-service plan, you select the plan that meets your needs.
- Enter Property Details & Add Photos: Provide property info like the number of beds, baths, etc. Professionally clicked high-quality photos help you sell your home 50% faster.
- 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 make your listing live within 48 hours.
How Much Does It Cost to List a House on MLS?
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 $430,584 home in the US, you would pay $12,918 to the listing agent. You would pocket that commission if you list with a flat fee service.
How to List on MLS for Free?
You can’t list on the MLS for free because there aren’t any free MLS listing services here. FSBO websites offer free listings. But, your home will be listed only on that FSBO company’s website and not the MLS.
To sell your house fast and at a competitive price, it has to be listed on the MLS. This listing also gets syndicated to real estate websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, etc.
How Long Does It Take to List a House on MLS?
Just 48 hours! Provided you fill your paperwork accurately.
Most Flat Fee MLS listing services 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.
Should You List on the MLS Without a Realtor?
Yes! Traditional real estate is dying. You no longer need a 3% Realtor to list on MLS. Opt for Flat Fee MLS services instead. You pay $399, which is a fraction of the 3% fee you’d pay a listing agent.
How Much Will You Save?
Imagine you own a $430,584 home in the US. If you choose a 3% Realtor, you pay $12,918 to get your house on the MLS. But, if you list with a flat fee service like Houzeo, you only pay $749 and save $12,169!
| Service Provider | Fee | Commission Due | Savings |
| Traditional Agent | 3% | $12,918 | $0 |
| Houzeo | $399 | $749* | $12,169 |
Alternatives for an MLS Listing
If you’re not interested in opting for the Multiple Listing Service, here are a few alternatives:
- List as a For Sale By Owner: 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. It is not as effective because your listing won’t be on Redfin, Trulia, Zillow, Realtor.com, and Homes.com.
- Opt for a Discount Real Estate Broker: A discount broker offers traditional Realtor services for lower rates. You will pay less, but your experience depends on the agent you get.
- Sell Your Home to Cash Buyers: Almost all cash buyers scour the MLS for homes for sale. This includes iBuyers, investors, and home flippers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Multiple Listing Service in real estate?
The Multiple Listing Service is a centralized database of properties for sale. There are around 600 MLSs in the U.S. But, only licensed real estate agents and brokers can access it to list and look for properties.
How to get on MLS without a Realtor?
You cannot access the MLS directly. Only real estate agents can do that. And, they'll charge 3% commission to list. However, you can list your house on MLS for $399 with a flat fee MLS service and skip this 3% fee.
How to list my house for sale?
To list your home for sale on the MLS, you must:
1. Find an MLS listing service.
2. Create an account.
3. Choose a listing plan.
4. Provide property details and photos.
5. Sign the listing agreement.
» Flat Fee MLS Listing Services: Choose an MLS service from our list of Flat Fee MLS companies.
Can you list a house on MLS without a Realtor?
Yes, you can list on MLS without an agent. With Flat Fee listing companies, you only pay $399 to get your home on the MLS, saving thousands of dollars.
