A “Flat Fee MLS Listing” refers to the practice in the real estate industry of a seller entering into a service agreement with a real estate broker who accepts a flat fee rather than a percentage of the sale price for the listing side of the transaction.
Today, through more than 800 local and regional MLS associations across the USA, brokers share information on properties they have listed and invite other brokers to cooperate in their sale in exchange for compensation if they produce the buyer. Sellers benefit by increased exposure to their property. Buyers benefit because they can obtain information about all MLS-listed properties while working with only one broker.
Abbreviated as FSBO, a home offered for sale without the assistance of a real estate agent. As a FSBO, you’re responsible for everything from start to finish. Pricing, staging, listing, marketing, negotiating, forms, contracts, legal compliance, and closing the transaction are your responsibility. FSBO’s receive a ton of calls from agents trying to get an MLS listing.
The cost of the listing is a fixed amount not a percentage.
Upfront set up fees are common with Flat Fee MLS Listings.
Features are bundled differently and vary with different providers.
Flat Fee MLS Listings avoid conflicts of interest.
We know the FSBO seller does all the work to avoid agent fees and commissions. For starters, to market any property in MLS, you have to pay a buyer agent commission of 50% of what would have been paid to a traditional 6% agent. When you go the bare bones Flat Fee MLS route, the broker at a minimum is responsible for creating the listing, scheduling open houses and making any updates. If you want additional help with pictures, lock box, signs, flyers, showing service, negotiating, closing, market analysis, you may pay more.
What are all the fees and commissions? (Avoid hidden fees)
Do you help with pricing strategies? (Get a market analysis and explanation)
How will you market my property? (MLS, photos, web sites, sign, flyer)
How will you schedule appointments? (You or a showing service)
What is your track record? (Past performance, how many deals are you working)
How do you provide representation? (Who is the point of contact, who handles negotiation)
Do I have to speak to buyers and their agents? (You or agent)
Do you provide transaction and closing assistance? (You or agent)
How long will it take to get my listing in MLS? (Days or weeks)
How do you communicate with me? (Email, text, phone, help desk)
It is critically important that you fully understand your costs and timing obligations before pricing your home, executing and negotiating a contract. Your agent should help you understand your closing expenses at the time of the listing based on your approximate list price. When an offer is received, contract terms can be different based on timing and terms and another evaluation is required to correctly understand the offer in hand.
Buyer agent fees are always confusing. Real Estate is a unique industry in that the Seller sets and pays the representation fee for the Buyer. The compensation system was developed to encourage cooperation between Brokers and promote fairness. With this system, cooperating agents can know what earnings to expect without becoming a party to a transaction. The amount you pay is negotiated in your listing agreement.
The way you sell a home and live in a home are different things. The foremost number one thing to do is, “declutter” counters, walls and rooms. I walk into showings all the time and the garage is stacked floor to ceiling with Tupperware crates of removed clutter. Clean and make attractive all rooms, furnishings, floors, walls and ceilings. Make sure the basic appliances and fixtures work and get rid of leaky faucets and frayed cords. Make the house smell great.
Making repairs leads to a better sales price and a faster sell. It’s not always an easy decision about what to do and how much to spend. Your market analysis and agent should assist you in making repair decisions.
It is simple, in considering listing services, enter the property address and Google search some of their active listings. After your listing is live, Google search your property address. You will see all the major sites on the first page.
When making a decision to sell your home, you need to establish an asking price and understand your proceeds. While some sellers successfully sell their homes on their own, a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) arrangement is complicated and risky requiring a great deal of personal time and expertise through the process. For this reason, most people consider the fee paid to a real estate Broker worth the investment, for the convenience, time savings, and overall guidance provided. In choosing any MLS Listing Service, make sure you understand what will be provided and at what cost.
DFWCityhomes is an established Flat Fee MLS listing Service and Full Service real estate company that represents buyers and sellers in Red Oak, Texas. Our clients receive a full service experience with agent representation at a fraction of the cost. Our simplified process is hassle free, proven, and effective.
Interested in learning more? Watch this video and click MLS Listing Services Buyer Rebate Services to see how we may help you. Contact Us or Call (214)-207-0210 and we will explain to you how our services can save you time and money.
About Red Oak, Texas
Red Oak, Texas, is next to Dallas yet just outside the congestion of the big city life. Red Oak offers the advantages of suburban living as well as the convenience of urban shopping. The community offers a relaxed and quiet atmosphere for family enjoyment. The mission of the Red Oak ISD is to create life-long learners who are academically and socially ready to be productive citizens by providing a safe environment with strong parental and community involvement. Red Oak is a city in Ellis County, Texas, United States. It is part of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. The population was 14,222 at the 2020 census.
See What People Are Saying About DFWCityhomes
Frequently Asked Questions
A Flat Fee MLS Listing is an arrangement where a home seller contracts with a real estate broker to list their property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for a fixed fee rather than paying a traditional percentage-based commission. This approach allows sellers to gain MLS exposure and marketing benefits while saving money on the listing side of the transaction.
When the property sells, the seller is still responsible for offering a commission to the buyer’s agent, typically around 2-3% of the sale price. While this method can be cost-effective, it often requires the seller to handle key aspects of the selling process independently, making it best suited for those with some experience in real estate transactions.
A buyer rebate is a portion of the buyer’s agent commission that is refunded to the homebuyer as an incentive for working with a particular real estate brokerage. Since the seller typically pays the buyer’s agent commission, this rebate allows buyers to save money, which can be used for closing costs, home improvements, or any other expenses.
A Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a centralized database used by real estate brokers and agents to share detailed property information, including listing prices, features, locations, and other key details. By increasing property visibility, the MLS helps connect buyers and sellers more efficiently.
Operated by local or regional Realtor associations, the MLS provides full market exposure, with over 800 associations across the U.S. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), MLS transactions accounted for approximately 92% of home sales in 2020.
For buyers, the MLS is a valuable tool for finding properties that match their criteria. For sellers, it offers broad exposure to a large audience of potential buyers. Overall, the MLS enhances transparency and efficiency in real estate transactions, making the process smoother for all parties involved.
DFWCityhomes is a member of the following MLS associations:
Metrotex (DFW Area)
FSBO (For Sale By Owner) is a real estate transaction in which the seller chooses to sell their property without hiring a real estate agent. This means the seller is responsible for key aspects of the sale, including pricing, marketing, negotiating offers, and managing the closing process. FSBO is often pursued by sellers looking to save on commission fees or those with experience in real estate.
However, selling a home without an agent can be challenging, as it requires industry knowledge, marketing resources, and negotiation skills. Sellers should carefully weigh the pros and cons before opting for FSBO. In many cases, working with an experienced real estate agent or broker can provide valuable guidance and expertise, ultimately leading to a smoother and more successful transaction.
A Flat Fee MLS Listing differs from a traditional 6% listing in how the real estate agent is compensated. In a traditional listing, the seller pays a commission—typically 5-6% of the sale price—which is split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. In contrast, a Flat Fee MLS Listing involves a one-time, fixed fee paid by the seller to list the property on the MLS, while the commission for the buyer’s agent is usually specified separately.
Beyond cost structure, these listing types also differ in the services provided. In a traditional listing, the agent manages most aspects of the selling process, including pricing strategy, marketing, negotiations, and closing coordination. With a DFWCityhomes Flat Fee MLS Listing, the seller assumes more responsibility depending on the service level chosen.
Sellers considering a Flat Fee MLS Listing should carefully research providers to understand what services are included. This approach can also help avoid potential conflicts of interest in dual agency situations, where one agent represents both the buyer and the seller. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the seller’s goals, budget, and comfort level with managing the transaction.
What are the fees and commissions involved?
Do you assist with pricing strategies?
What marketing strategies will you use to promote my property?
How are property showings and appointments scheduled?
What is your track record in selling properties?
How do you provide representation throughout the process?
Who serves as the primary point of contact for buyers and buyer agents?
Do you offer assistance with transaction management and closing?
How long does it take to get my property listed on the MLS?
What is the process for completing and signing documents?
How will you communicate with me throughout the listing process?
Who will be my main point of contact?
Are you local or out of state or country?
Some features may not be included in the FSBO Flat Fee Listing Service.
Selling a home requires a different approach than living in one. The first and most important step is decluttering—clear countertops, walls, and rooms to create an open, inviting space. Often, sellers remove clutter only to pile it into the garage, but a truly organized home makes a stronger impression.
Ensure all rooms, furnishings, floors, walls, and ceilings are clean and well-maintained. Fix minor issues like leaky faucets, frayed cords, and malfunctioning appliances or fixtures. Finally, create a welcoming atmosphere with a fresh, pleasant scent, making your home feel inviting to potential buyers.
Making necessary repairs can lead to a higher sale price and a faster sale. However, deciding which repairs to make and how much to invest isn’t always straightforward. A market analysis and guidance from your real estate agent can help you prioritize repairs that will provide the best return on investment and attract more buyers. Strategic improvements can enhance your home’s appeal and streamline the selling process.
When evaluating listing services, a simple way to assess their reach is to Google search some of their active listings using a property address. Once your home is live, search your own address to see where it appears online—you should find it on major real estate platforms like Realtor.com®, Trulia, Zillow, and numerous brokerage websites.
We make sure your home is listed on a variety of major real estate platforms to ensure maximum visibility and attract serious buyers. While social media can have its place in marketing, it’s not where real buyers typically go to search for homes. Platforms like Realtor.com®, Trulia, Zillow, and other major real estate sites are the go-to resources for buyers to see all available options in the market. Focusing on these key sites is the most effective way to reach potential buyers.
Selling a home requires setting an accurate asking price and understanding your selling options. While homeowners can opt for a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) arrangement, it can be complex and time-consuming. Many prefer working with an experienced real estate broker or agent, who offers expertise, guidance, and support throughout the process. The steps involved in selling a home include:
Determining the Home’s Value
Establishing a Timeline and Budget
Choosing a Listing Service
Preparing the Home for Sale
Marketing the Home
Receiving and Reviewing Offers
Negotiating the Sale
Completing the Sale
Moving Out
These steps can be challenging, which is why many homeowners choose to work with a trusted brokerage like DFWCityhomes to help simplify the process and ensure a successful sale. Click here to Submit a Request For a Proposal.
REALTOR® is a federally registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Our Track Record
I’m excited to announce that after 20 years of providing dedicated service, our clients have collectively saved over $11,200,000 in commissions! Among these savings are over $1,150,000 for clients who found unrepresented buyers and were able to avoid any selling costs. On top of that, we’ve distributed more than $370,000 in incentive rebates to over 100 satisfied buyers. These remarkable achievements are a true testament to our commitment to providing high-quality, cost-effective real estate services to our clients.
Tod G. Franklin – Realtor®, Broker, Owner, and multi-million dollar producer at DFWCityhomes
DFWCityhomes is an established and highly regarded Flat Fee MLS Listing Service company in Texas. We have been providing dedicated service for two decades delivering personalized service to each client. As the best Flat Fee MLS Listing Service in the state, we offer affordable, high-quality service. Our track record reflects our commitment to professionalism, integrity, and customer satisfaction, ensuring that each client receives the attention and support they deserve throughout the home selling process.
Visit our MLS listing comparison chart and Flat Fee MLS Listing Services to see a detailed breakdown of the different plans and their features.
You can Contact Us or call (214)-207-0210 to speak with a Realtor® and find out how we can save you time and money.