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Studies have shown that over 6% of property owners are looking to sell their homes without a realtor. If you're considering this path, you're in good company and there are great resources to help make the process smooth and successful!
Listing your property on the local multiple listing service (MLS) has to be one of the best ways to gain exposure, meet credible clients, and close the best deals. This is a smart strategy that many real estate companies use to get homes listed on big websites like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com. But it’s not as simple as it sounds. Many for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) sellers find it hard to handle negotiations, marketing, and the time it takes to sell a home. That’s why choosing the right flat fee MLS listing company is so important.
To help, we’ve reviewed five of the best flat fee MLS listing companies in California, sharing their pros and cons. Plus, we’ve added helpful tips to guide you in making the best selling decision. Let’s get right into it!
What Does Flat Fee MLS Listing Mean?
Throughout all of California, selling your home without a real estate agent has gotten a lot easier. You can choose to list your property on your own and manage the sale process completely.
A flat fee MLS listing allows homeowners to sell their property directly to buyers by getting it listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS is a large online database used by real estate agents to share property listings with each other and with buyers. It helps homes appear on major real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, and Redfin, making them more visible to potential buyers.
In the past, only licensed real estate agents could list homes on the MLS. But with a flat fee MLS listing, homeowners can pay a one-time fee to get their property listed. This means sellers can attract buyers through major real estate websites while staying in full control of the selling process. This smart approach has helped many homeowners save hundreds or even thousands of dollars that would have gone to a real estate agent’s 2.5%–3% commission
When you list your home with a flat fee MLS service, you’re making it more visible to buyers while saving money. With ListLean, you can get your property on major real estate sites for as little as $95. On the other hand, if you were to sell through a traditional real estate agent, you’d typically pay a 3% commission. For example, on a home priced at $870,000, that would mean paying around $26,100 in agent fees.
Best Flat Fee MLS Listing Companies in California
1. ListLean
ListLean is a licensed real estate company that specializes in helping homeowners list their properties on the MLS with a simple, flat fee service. Serving both urban and rural areas across California, it provides an easy and affordable way to get your home in front of potential buyers.
Unlike many other services, ListLean is designed specifically for for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) sellers. It gives homeowners full control over their sale while ensuring their property gets the visibility it deserves. What sets ListLean apart is its customer-first approach. Whether you're new to selling or have experience in real estate, their team is ready to provide guidance and support whenever needed.
PRICING
- Lean Plan ($95): For as low as $95, you can get your property featured on the biggest real estate website. For this plan, you’ll get access to MLS service for 6 months, be able to upload up to 25 photos, access legal forms, and more.
- Boost Plan ($395): This plan offers several helpful a-la-carte services, including professional photos, broker support, a lockbox, and more. It also provides access to uploading 45 photos, customizable sale flyers, etc.
- Elite Plan ($595): This is one of the best plans on ListLean - it includes helpful features that will help you secure your best deal within a few months. Alongside other features in previous plans, they also offer social marketing tactics, full negotiation, paperwork & agent support.
BENEFITS
- No hidden fees
- Offers specialized services curated just for FSBOs
- Renders affordable plan services that suit every budget
- Users can make changes and upgrades at any time
SHORTCOMINGS
- They are majorly based in California.
2. Houzeo
Among the many flat fee MLS listing companies in California, Houzeo ranks second on our list. They offer competitive pricing and a team of real estate professionals to help both new and experienced homeowners connect with serious buyers. Houzeo uses advanced technology to enhance the home-selling experience, providing marketing tools like virtual tours and professional photography to attract potential buyers. While they offer strong features, their services and pricing may not be the best fit for every seller especially compared to the value and flexibility that ListLean provides.
PRICING
- Silver Package ($199 + 0.5% at Close): You’ll get up to 6 months of access to the MLS listing website, 24 photos allowed, unlimited open house, unlimited changes whenever desired, and more.
- Gold Package ($249 + 1% at Close): Here, interested sellers will gain silver package services plus legal support from licensed brokers, maximum photos uploadable, consulting services, access to mobile app features, and more.
- Platinum Package ($299 + 1.25% at Close): Best for ill-experienced FSBOs_ you’ll get the gold package plus negotiation and paperwork assistance, personal concierge, 12-month access to MLSs, and many more.
BENEFITS
- Ideal for new and experienced homeowners
- Positive Feedbacks Online
- 100% Online Services
- Provides a mobile application for seamless navigation
SHORTCOMINGS
- Costly services
- Listings are usually executed through an assigned agent
3. Beycome
Coming in third on our list is Beycome, a flat fee real estate broker in California that provides a range of services, including selling, buying, title, and mortgage solutions. Their flat fee listing service is designed to help homeowners save money and stay in control of their sale while reaching potential buyers.
One standout feature Beycome offers is a 90-day money-back guarantee for unclosed deals or unexpected situations. However, compared to ListLean, which prioritizes flexibility and personalized support throughout the selling process, Beycome’s service structure may feel more limited for some sellers.
PRICING
- Basic ($99): This package offers all you need to get started on the Beycome platform_ from listing on local MLSs, open house scheduler, messaging center, and many more.
- Enhanced ($399): With this package, you’ll get more features such as 25 professional photos, 35 hours of access to the MLS, access to top classified MLSs, and other a-la-carte options.
- Concierge ($599): Alongside other features, you’ll be getting full marketing support, drone pictures (where necessary), negotiation and paperwork support, etc.
BENEFITS
- Possess fast deal-closing strategies
- Offers budget-friendly packages
- Popular among real-estate professionals
SHORTCOMINGS
- Ideal for homeowners with extensive experience in the real estate industry.
- New FBSOs can be easily misled by the varying features designed for professionals.
- Limited in-person support
4. Homecoin
Homecoin is a flat fee MLS listing company in California that provides a budget-friendly way for sellers to list their homes on a wide range of real estate websites. In addition to MLS listings, they offer agent assistance on an hourly or fixed-rate basis, giving sellers some flexibility in how much professional help they receive.
While Homecoin is known for its affordability and 12-month listing option, many of its key services are offered à la carte, meaning sellers may need to pay extra for essential tools to maximize their home’s visibility. Compared to ListLean, which provides a more comprehensive and straightforward flat fee package, Homecoin’s pricing structure may require more add-ons to get the same level of exposure and support.
- Basic Plan ($0): Here, you’ll get zero assistance on your listing with limited reach on many featured services.
- Review Plan ($99): Interested users will get partial assistance on their listing. From one hour of live support to dedicated staff members, your listing will be reviewed for common errors to ensure a closed deal.
- Full Service ($299): You’ll be getting additional support and assistance on this plan. Here, Homecoin will be fully responsible for listing your desired property on the site.
BENEFITS
- Highly cost-effective
- Ideal for DIYs, no-frills users with limited budget
SHORTCOMINGS
- Exorbitant add-ons services
- Limited marketing and legal support
5. Congress Realty
This flat fee MLS listing company offers commission-saving strategies to help sellers keep more of their money while getting the best value for their property. They advertise their client’s works on popular real estate companies such as Zillow, Redfin, Trulia, and more.
PRICING
- Basic Plan ($299): You’ll get MLS access for up to 6 months, six uploadable photos, free comparative market analysis, up to five available MLS changes, and more.
- Plus Plan ($399): Alongside the basic features, you’ll also get 6 months of access to MLS sites, maximum photo upload, automatic phone forwarding, and more.
- Premium ($499): This plan includes optimal marketing features that increase leads and higher chances of a sale. In addition, users will get unlimited open houses at zero charges.
- Full Service ($399 +0.5%): Here, you’ll experience the benefit of a full-service agent but at a lesser cost. The team will manage the negotiation process, closing procedures, provide a dedicated agent to the client, and more.
They also offer various marketing add-ons such as MLS Extension (Up to 2 Years) - $50, eLockbox - $295, Yard Signs - $150, Virtual Tours - $350, and Key Lockbox - $50.
BENEFITS
- Direct contact with potential buyers
- Full negotiation and paperwork support
- Provide in-person support and assistance
SHORTCOMINGS
- Services are pricey compared to other providers like Listlean
- Offer limited marketing strategies such as professional photographs, guidance, and more.
- Unlike other providers, you’re restricted from making unlimited MLS changes unless you’re opting for a high plan.
Should I Go for the Flat Fee MLS Listing Service?
Choosing a flat fee MLS listing service in California depends on several factors. For example, reports show the median sale price of a home in California is around $861,020. With a traditional real estate agent, you’d typically pay up to 3% in commission. And remember, you'll still need to cover the buyer’s agent commission, which can range from 1.5% to 3%, though this is negotiable.
On the other hand, selecting a flat fee MLS listing company in California gives you access to top real estate platforms, along with much more. With a trusted provider like ListLean, you’ll get extra support with eye-catching photos, marketing strategies to speed up the sale, reduced workload, negotiation assistance, and help with paperwork to ensure you get the best deal. The best part? You’ll save hundreds or even thousands of dollars. For example, instead of spending over $25,000 on commissions for a home priced at $861,020, you’ll pay just $595 or less for the same listing.
This is a smart strategy for both experienced and new FSBO sellers. However, handling the entire sale process on your own can be a lot of work. To help, we’ve included some valuable industry tips below to give you a competitive edge and make your listing stand out.
Tips for Listing on a Flat Fee MLS in California
Whether you're new to the market or have plenty of experience, these optimized tips will help ensure a smooth and successful listing experience.
- Choose ListLean for Reliable Flat Fee Services: By selecting ListLean, you’re setting yourself up for an efficient process and increasing your chances of a successful sale.
- Get a Market Analysis: To understand the true value of your property, it’s best to get a professional market analysis. Hiring an appraiser or a real estate expert will provide an accurate valuation.
- Enhance Your Property's Appeal: To make your home more attractive to buyers, focus on its appearance. You can hire a cleaner, fix any small issues like leaky pipes, or tend to the lawn and garden yourself.
- Take High-Quality Photos: Make sure to capture clean, detailed images of your property. Use professional lighting or ensure the room is well-lit for the best effect.
- Consider A-La-Carte Features: ListLean offers optional features to help make your listing stand out, giving you the flexibility to choose the tools that best fit your needs.
- Highlight Attractive Terms: In your listing description, mention any attractive offers, like home warranties, that could make your property more appealing to buyers.
- Review Before You Publish: Always double-check your listing details before publishing to make sure everything is accurate and complete.
By following these tips and working with a reliable provider like ListLean, you'll be well on your way to a successful and cost-effective home sale.
Concluding Thoughts on “Top 5 Flat Fee MLS Listing Companies in California”
While we reviewed several top-performing flat fee MLS listing companies in California, ListLean was our most recommendable choice due to their highly effective and specialized services. Their valuable marketing add-ons, vast synchronization with major real estate sites, in-person guidance, and more, are definitely a top choice for us. If you’re looking for the best flat fee MLS service in California, you have your answer!
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