The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a database used by realtors to list properties. Only agents with a license can access this MLS.
Sellers must list their homes on the local MLS to sell them. This will ensure that only the appropriate buyers and their agents see their listings.
However, sellers cannot list on the MLS on their own. They either require an agent or opt for flat-fee MLS listing services.
If you are a homeowner in Texas and want to list on the MLS without a realtor, you can use the services of flat-fee MLS Texas companies.
With a flat-fee MLS Texas service, you pay a small fee rather than a listing agent’s full commission. It is the quickest route to getting listed on the MLS and entering the market.
Here is how to list with a flat fee MLS listing service:
- Find a flat fee MLS Texas company online. Most of these companies have a solid online presence. In some communities, flat fee brokers have brick-and-mortar offices akin to traditional realtors. Besides listing on the MLS, these firms generally provide a suite of services you can buy a la carte.
- Pick a service that will not bind you in a contract and lets you cancel the listing anytime.
- Ask for a printout of your property on the MLS. Ensure that the house details are correct; if not, request the changes.
How to choose a flat fee MLS firm?
Look for a firm that offers these key features and services:
- Complete local MLS coverage – Ensure the company lists your property on all important MLSs.
- Lots of photos—Around 25 photos are good enough for a listing. However, most firms limit their basic plans to 5-7 photos.
- Ample space for listing description – Some flat fee MLS Texas companies have a strict character limit for listing descriptions. This is an essential feature as buyers seek such information. So, find plans that give you sufficient space to describe your property’s key selling points.
- Sufficient listing term—Pick a package with a listing term of at least six months. Selling a house without a realtor takes time, and you would not want to pay renewal fees every few months.
We have outlined some top flat-fee MLS Texas firms to help you make the choice easier. Let’s get started.
Houzeo
Houzeo, founded in 2017, is a 100% online real estate tech firm that combines cutting-edge technology with excellent customer support.
With this flat-fee MLS company, you can list your home within two business days. Houzeo’s packages start from $349, a small flat fee that will save you a lot of money on the listing agent’s commission.
The listing will be syndicated to the local MLS and hundreds of other websites, such as Zillow, Redfin, Trulia, etc.
The company has an excellent customer rating of 4.9/5 on key review platforms like Trustpilot and Google.
You can check out Houzeo reviews for more information.
Congress Realty
Congress Realty is a good option for sellers looking for many a la carte options. You must fill out all the information about your property and pay the listing fee online.
The company makes all the paperwork available in e-format. Once you submit these documents, your house will get listed on the MLS within a day.
Congress Realty has four plans: basic, plus, premium, and full service. These cost $299, $399, $499, and $399 + 0.5% of the sale value, respectively.
The company also offers a la carte services for an additional fee. It even has a phone system that directly forwards calls about your listing.
Creekview Realty
This flat-fee MLS Texas company was founded in 2002. It offers two plans, A and B, each costing $600 and $1,400.
The listing will be accompanied by a key lock box and a yard sign – services most flat fee MLS companies charge extra for.
Sellers can also upgrade to a flat fee full-service plan with Creekview.
However, even the base plan is more costly than similar MLS listings from the counterparts.
FlatFeeByYou
This is an excellent option for budget-conscious sellers who want the most for their money. The basic plan, which costs $45, does not have many extra features but is a very affordable option given the services at that price point.
If you buy the other package that costs $95, you will also get free broker consultations.
On the downside, the base package does not include free updates to the description and status. Also, you will have to shell out extra if you need help with documentation and disclosures.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of flat-fee MLS Texas companies, and there are several other alternatives. But it gives you a basic overview of where to start.