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How Real Estate Investors Can Maximize Profits with Flat Fee MLS Listings

Rupi Azrot
January 29, 2025
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As a real estate investor, maximizing profit on every deal is critical. Whether you're flipping houses, managing rental properties, or selling a 1031 exchange investment, the traditional 5-6% commission model eats into your bottom line.

That’s where Flat Fee MLS listings come in—allowing you to sell your property with full MLS exposure for a one-time low fee, rather than paying a listing agent thousands in commission.

Let’s break down how investors can use Flat Fee MLS to save money, move properties faster, and keep more cash in their pockets.

💰 Why Real Estate Investors Should Use Flat Fee MLS Listings

Most real estate investors buy and sell properties frequently—and every dollar saved in transaction costs adds up. Instead of giving away thousands in commission for every sale, you can list on the MLS for a fraction of the cost and still get exposure on top real estate platforms like:

Zillow
Redfin
Realtor.com
Trulia
MLS databases used by local agents

Example Savings:

  • Selling a $400,000 property with a traditional agent? $24,000 in commissions (6%)
  • Selling with ListLean’s Flat Fee MLS? One-time fee of $95-$299 + optional buyer agent commission (if chosen).

🚀 That’s $20,000+ in savings per deal—imagine what that means across 5, 10, or 20 properties per year!

📈 Faster Sales for 1031 Exchange Investors

If you're selling a property as part of a 1031 exchange, timing is crucial. The IRS requires you to:
Identify a replacement property within 45 days
Close on the new property within 180 days

A Flat Fee MLS listing gets your property in front of more buyers fast, increasing your chances of a quick sale without paying high commissions.

🔹 Avoid delays – Get immediate MLS exposure to buyers and agents.
🔹 Control your deal – Negotiate directly with buyers.
🔹 Keep more capital – Reinvest savings into your next 1031 property.

📢 1031 investors: Why lose thousands to commissions? Use ListLean and reinvest those savings!

🏡 Bulk Property Sales? Save Even More!

Many investors flip multiple properties per year or sell rental portfolios. Instead of paying agents every time, ListLean offers bulk listing discounts for serious investors.

🔹 Sell multiple properties? Contact us for investor pricing & bulk listing plans.
🔹 Need a simple listing process? We streamline MLS submissions for efficiency & speed.

📩 Interested in a cost-effective listing solution for multiple properties? Contact us for our investor pricing at ListLean.com!

📊 Flat Fee MLS vs. Traditional Realtor – Which Saves More?

🚀 List Your Investment Property Today & Save Thousands

💰 More profits. Faster sales. Zero listing commissions.
List your property on the MLS today for as low as $95!

👉 Get started at ListLean.com or check out our pricing at ListLean.com/pricing.

Selling a home FSBO (For Sale By Owner) can be an attractive option for homeowners looking to save on realtor commissions and retain control over the selling process. However, navigating the complexities of a real estate transaction without professional guidance can be challenging. To help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve a successful sale, let's explore some of the top FSBO mistakes to avoid when selling your home.

1. Pricing it Wrong:

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2. Neglecting Legal Requirements:

Selling a home involves adhering to various legal requirements and disclosures. Failure to comply with state and local regulations can lead to legal issues and jeopardize the sale. Make sure you familiarize yourself with California's real estate laws, including disclosure requirements, contract terms, and any local ordinances that may affect the sale of your home.

3. Poor Marketing Strategy:

Effective marketing is essential for attracting potential buyers and generating interest in your property. Many FSBO sellers make the mistake of neglecting marketing efforts or relying solely on traditional methods such as yard signs and classified ads. Take advantage of online platforms, social media channels, and professional photography to showcase your home to a wider audience and maximize its exposure.

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FAQ’s

Frequently asked questions

What is the MLS?

The Multiple Listing Service, or MLS, is a database used by real estate brokers to share information about properties for sale by sellers they represent to brokers who represent potential buyers.

What is a Flat Fee MLS listing?

A Flat Fee MLS listing is a service that allows homeowners like you to list their property on the local MLS for a flat fee rather than paying a traditional real estate agent's commission, which is typically a percentage of the sale price.

How does a Flat Fee MLS listing work?

You pay a one-time fee to have your property listed on the MLS database. This fee usually covers the cost of listing your property on the MLS for a specified period, often ranging from 6 months to a year. You retain the right to sell your home FSBO and handle the selling process yourself.

Why can’t I edit my Zillow listing after my property goes live on the MLS?

Once your home is listed on the MLS, websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com automatically pull your listing data directly from the MLS.

Because of this MLS connection, Zillow removes homeowner editing access to avoid conflicting information online. This is a Zillow policy that applies to any home listed through the MLS — regardless of which agent or company lists it.

You can read Zillow's official policy here:
https://www.zillow.com/c/about-linking-and-claiming-listings/

Am I signing a listing agreement with ListLean?

No, you are not signing a traditional listing agreement with us. ListLean does not represent you as an agent. Instead, you are signing an MLS Entry Agreement, which is required to list your property on the MLS while staying compliant with board and MLS regulations. This agreement allows us to post your listing but does not establish an agent-client relationship. You still remain a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) seller, maintaining full control over your sale.

Do I need to provide photos and descriptions for my listing?

Yes. Try to provide high-quality photos and a detailed description of your property for the MLS listing. Remember, you want to get the best price for your home, so clear, well-lit photos and an accurate (non-puffed) description will go a long way towards generating interest for your house. We offer professional photography for an extra $250 because we know first impressions are the only ones that matter online in the age of swiping left.

Can I change the listing price or details after it's posted on the MLS?

Absolutely! Just email us anytime at team@listlean.com for any updates, changes, or open house requests.

For Open Houses, please send us:

  • Property Address (in the email subject line)
  • Open House Day(s)
  • Start & End Time

We ask for at least 48 hours’ notice so we can update the MLS properly. Once updated, Zillow and other websites will reflect those changes automatically within 24-48 hours.

How do showings and negotiations work with a Flat Fee MLS listing?

As the FSBO homeowner, you'll be responsible for scheduling and conducting showings with potential buyers. When you receive offers, you'll negotiate directly with the buyer or their agent. It's advisable to seek legal counsel or hire a real estate attorney to review any offers or contracts to ensure they're in your best interest.

What happens if my property doesn't sell during the listing period?

If your property doesn't sell during the initial listing period, you may have the option to renew your Flat Fee MLS listing for an additional fee.

Is ListLean a Licensed Broker?

Absolutely. ListLean LLC operates under Offercity Brokerage Inc, holding California CalBRE #02185966. As a licensed broker, we’re authorized to list your home on local MLS databases throughout California.