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What Is Flat Fee MLS and How Does It Work?

Steph Sanchez
January 29, 2025
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If you’re looking to sell your home without paying a high commission to a real estate agent, a flat fee MLS listing might be the perfect solution. It gives you access to the same powerful Multiple Listing Service (MLS) that realtors use—without the traditional 5-6% commission. But how does it work, and is it right for you?

What Is Flat Fee MLS?

A Flat Fee MLS Listing allows homeowners to list their property on the MLS for a one-time fee, instead of hiring a full-service real estate agent. This means your home gets exposure on major real estate platforms like:

  • Realtor.com
  • Zillow
  • Redfin
  • Trulia
  • Local MLS databases used by real estate agents

How Does Flat Fee MLS Work?

  1. Choose a Flat Fee MLS Service – Instead of hiring a traditional agent, you work with an MLS listing service like ListLean.
  2. Submit Your Property Details – Provide photos, descriptions, and listing price, just like an agent would.
  3. Your Home Goes Live on the MLS – Your listing is syndicated to Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and other real estate websites.
  4. Manage Showings & Offers – Buyers and agents contact you directly, so you stay in control.
  5. Close the Sale – Once you accept an offer, you handle negotiations and closing, potentially saving thousands in commission fees.

Flat Fee MLS vs. Traditional Agent: What’s the Difference?

Who Should Use Flat Fee MLS?

✅ FSBO Sellers (For Sale By Owner) – Want to sell without paying full commission.
✅ Homeowners Who Want MLS Exposure – Need access to Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com.
✅ Investors & Experienced Sellers – Comfortable handling negotiations and paperwork.

How Much Does It Cost?

With ListLean, you can list your home on the MLS for as low as $95 one-time, giving you maximum exposure with minimal cost. See all available plans at ListLean Pricing.

Get Started with ListLean Today

Selling your home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With ListLean’s Flat Fee MLS Service, you get MLS access, massive exposure, and full control of your sale—without the hefty commission.

👉 List your home today at ListLean.com and start saving thousands!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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What are the benefits of using a Flat Fee MLS service?
  • Increased Exposure: All the real estate agents and potential buyers in your area who browse the MLS listings will know your property is available to buy.
  • Control Over the Selling Process: By selling FSBO, you retain control over the entire selling process, including pricing, negotiations, and scheduling showings.
  • Cost Savings: Flat fee MLS listings can save you money compared to paying a traditional real estate agent's commission, which can amount to thousands of dollars.

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.

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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.

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

Yes, totally doable. During the listing period, you’re allowed to make changes to your listing, such as adjusting the price or updating property details. You can do this at any time.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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