Most buyers and their agents search through the MLS and the sites that copy from it. A flat-fee MLS service puts your listing there for a set price, without a full-service agreement.
What it is
You pay a licensed broker a fee to enter your home into the MLS. Your listing then flows to the large consumer sites that receive MLS data.
What is usually left to you
Showings, negotiation, paperwork and most of the communication typically remain with you. Read each package to see exactly what is included.
How to compare services
Compare the upfront fee, any fee due at closing, the contract length, what happens if you cancel, photo and showing-scheduling extras, and the reviews of real customers.
Read the fine print
Fees and terms differ by company and by state, and they change. Confirm the current terms with the provider before you pay.
This guide is a working outline. A fuller version with examples is being written.
Where a professional is worth paying
Ask each provider for the full price in writing, including closing fees and add-ons, so you can compare like with like.
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