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Best Flat Fee MLS Companies in California (2024 Rankings)

Flat Fee MLS California

If you are selling your home in California, the service of a Flat Fee MLS company is your best choice for maximum saving and exposure.

A California Realtor will charge you a 5%- 6% commission fee at closing. Say, your home costs around $500,000. A cool $25,000 will end up in the agent’s pocket. Whether selling a condo in San Francisco or a vacation home in Santa Barbara, you can save on hefty agent commissions with Flat Fee MLS Listing companies in the Golden State.

Benefits of Flat Fee MLS Services

  1. Save Thousands of Dollars: Start your listing journey at just $349 and save on Realtor commission costs.
  2. Cancel Anytime: With a traditional Realtor, you must sign a year-long contract. You are stuck with them even if you end up despising their work ethics.
  3. No Hidden Costs: The traditional real estate market is stained with high hidden costs. A genuine Flat Fee platform like Houzeo will disclose all costs upfront.
  4. Quick Listing: A Flat Fee MLS service can get you listed in 24-48 hours. Tech-Sites like Houzeo give you 100% online services, saving precious time and energy!

Rankings: Flat Fee MLS California Listing Services

Flat Fee MLS ServicePriceHidden Fees100% OnlineOffer ManagementShowing Management5-star ReviewsMobile App
1. Houzeo$229-$1200None
2. Congress Realty$299$50-$800
3. Dombroski Real Estate$299-$999None
4. Beycome$99-$5991%+$50
5. MLS Town$95-$295$595
6. Homecoin$95High Cost Add-ons
7. FSBO.com$99-$399High Cost Add-ons

Reviews: 7 Best Flat Fee MLS Listing Services, California

1. Houzeo

Company Logo
4.9/5
(5,465 reviews)
Queen's Take

Houzeo offers the best combination of maximum savings, advanced technology, 5-star customer support, and listing exposure.

Houzeo offers 4 comprehensive Flat Fee MLS listing plans.

  • Bronze – $379+: In this basic plan, you get a 6-month listing term with 24 photos. You get unlimited listing changes and open houses.
  • Silver – $399+: In the silver plan, you can list 24 photos for 6 months. You also get a yard sign and unlimited listing changes.
  • Gold – $379+: Gold is Houzeo’s signature MLS package with tech features like Houzeo Showings, Houzeo Offers, and DigiTransact.
  • Platinum – $349+: This is the ultimate flat fee plan with a 1-year listing term and virtual full-service from a licensed broker.

👉 Houzeo Reviews: Find out why Houzeo is America’s #1 MLS listing service!

Houzeo has the best tech available for a Flat Fee MLS platform. Check out Houzeo Reviews.

  • Maximum Savings: With Houzeo you save at least 3% on listing agent commission. All fees are disclosed upfront, so there are no Houzeo hidden fees.
  • Advanced Tech: Houzeo’s tech is stellar. You get an intuitive seller’s dashboard, free mobile app, and 100% online paperwork.
  • Maximum Exposure: Your home is listed on 100+ real estate websites like Zillow and Trulia. This ensures maximum eyeballs on your property.
  • Nationwide Coverage: Houzeo covers 47 states and DC.

👉 Houzeo Customer Reviews: Houzeo is rated “Excellent” with a 4.9 out of 5-star rating by 5,000+ home sellers on Google reviews and Trustpilot.

In our research, we found no major red flags with Houzeo. Customers have consistently given positive reviews about their experience.

» Houzeo Complaints: Find out what sellers said about Houzeo.

Houzeo is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 5,000+ customers on Google and Trustpilot.

» Houzeo Reviews: Over 5,000 home sellers have rated Houzeo as “Excellent.”

📌 California Flat Fee MLS: In California, Houzeo’s Bronze package is priced at $329. The Silver package costs $399, and the Gold package costs $379 + 0.5% (Minimum $999) at closing. The full-service Platinum package costs $349 + 1% (Minimum $999) at closing.

2. Congress Realty

Company Logo
4.9/5
(100+ reviews)
Queen's Take

What sets Congress Realty apart is its Managing Broker – Jared Andrew English. Jared Andrew English is an experienced Flat Fee MLS broker and has represented thousands of home sellers. Congress Realty covers all major MLS’ in Texas.

Congress Realty Offers 3 Flat Fee MLS packages and one full-service Package.

  • Basic Package – $299: Includes a listing term of 6 months, 4 photos and state forms & disclosures, and up to 5 free listing changes.
  • Plus Package – $399: Includes the same services as the basic package with 10 free listing changes. In addition, automated phone leads are forwarded to you.
  • Premium Package – $499: Includes all services of the Plus Package with unlimited free listing changes, and open house postings.
  • Full-Service Package – $399+0.5% Commission: This Package comes with the assistance of an agent to help you with negotiations, contract review, and closing. They charge 0.5% at closing.

👉  Jared English Congress Realty: Jared English and Congress Realty have an “Excellent” of 4.9 stars out of 5 from 155 Houzeo home sellers. Check out his profile on Houzeo’s vendor page!

Congress Realty is an excellent Flat Fee MLS option for sellers looking to sell their homes fast.

  • Very Experienced & Highly Rated Broker: Jared Andrew English is one of the most capable brokers in the business. Whether you are buying or selling a home, Andrew provides excellent representation.
  • Excellent Customer Service: Congress Realty’s Andrew and his team are among the fastest and most accessible brokers in the industry.

» Is Congress Realty Legit? Read the in-depth review of Congress Realty.

In our research, we found no red flags with Congress Realty. The broker community holds Jared Andrew English in high regard.

However, Congress Realty boasts several upgrades. These can pile up quickly at the time of closing! 

We recommend the Premium Package as the best value for your money. You get unlimited changes with the Premium package. The cheaper plan requires you to purchase upgrades separately.

» Congress Realty Reviews: Is Congress Realty worth it? Read this blog to find out.

3. Brian Dombroski

Company Logo
5/5
(12 reviews)
Queen's Take

Brian Dombroski is a top-rated real estate agent in California with over 11 years of experience. You can opt for their Bronze or the Silver Plan and purchase any other additional services you may need a la carte. You can even choose full-service premium packages.

Dombroski Real Estate offers 3 Flat Fee plans.

  • Bronze Plan – $299: This is a basic listing plan that includes 15 photos, a 6-month listing term, and support via email.
  • Silver Plan – $399: This is a popular plan with home sellers. You get contracts, forms, disclosure documents, and property flyers in addition to the services of the Bronze Plan.
  • Gold Plan – $999 + $150: The listing term is 12 months with 35 photos. Plus phone and priority email assistance and sales contract review. However, you are charged a $150 admin closing fee to remove your property from the MLS.
  • Full-Service Plan: Dombroski Real Estate offers a full-service plan priced at $699 + 0.75% fee at closing. A broker will guide you through the entire transaction.

Dombroski Real Estate’s best asset is its Broker, Brian Dombroski!

  • Veteran Broker: Brian has over a decade of experience in Flat Fee service. He understands the local market well and is able to provide clear guidance to his sellers.
  • Quick Response: Brian’s team is known for their quick response to customer queries. This ensures a quick list-to-close process.

👉 Brian Dombroski Reviews: Brian is one of the top realtors in California. Check out his profile on Houzeo’s vendor page!

In our research, we found no glaring drawbacks with Dombroski Real Estate.

Brian is a fantastic broker and knows his way around the CA market. However, the bronze and silver plans may not work for first-time FSBO sellers. Opt for the full-service plan instead.

4. Beycome

Company Logo
4.5/5
(558 reviews)
Queen's Take

Beycome has a user-friendly interface and cost-saving potential. However, their customer reviews paint a mixed picture, with both positive and negative experiences.

Beycome offers 3 FSBO packages. Prices may vary state-wise.

  • Basic Package – $99: This is a basic listing service for experienced sellers. You get services like a local MLS listing, unlimited updates, an open house scheduler, etc.
  • Enhanced Package – $399: You get to upload 25 professional HDR pictures. This plan also includes customizable flyers and brochures, promotional items, personalized yard signs, etc.
  • Concierge Service – $599+ 1%: This plan is essentially a virtual full-service package. Services include negotiation and paperwork assistance and full marketing support.

👑 The Queen’s Take: Beycome has a user-friendly interface and cost-saving potential. However, their customer reviews paint a mixed picture, with both positive and negative experiences.

👉 Beycome Pros and Cons: Beycome’s pros and cons unveiled!

Beycome is a decent choice for the few states it covers.

  • Affordable Basic Package: Beycome offers all basic services and state-required forms for just $99. This is a decent option for experienced sellers who need just a simple listing service.
  • Unlimited Listing Changes: You can make any number of changes to your listing at no additional cost.
  • Market Exposure: Beycome will list your home on sites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and Coldwell Banker.

 

Beycome has a few drawbacks that you should be aware of.

  • Expensive Add-Ons: A $99 listing is almost always too good to be true. Many costs add up during the closing stage which can completely derail a successful sale.
  • Limited Tech: Beycome.com has a basic website. You have to manage leads, inspections, appraisals, etc offline.
  • Upselling Title Service: Beycome is known to spam customers to upsell their Title service.
  • Limited Coverage: Beycome does not offer nationwide coverage. Currently, Beycome is available only in 10 states.

Beycome has 4.5 out of 5 stars from 500+ reviews on Google Reviews.

» Beycome Reviews: Know what customers have to say about Beycome.

5. MLS Town

Company Logo
4.9/5
(45 reviews)
Queen's Take

With MLS Town, customers can list their homes for a one-time flat fee, with options starting as low as $95. They have a great trial period option where they guarantee you a refund.

MLS Town offers 2 flat rate listing plans.

  • Basic- $95: A barebones listing plan which allows you to list for 3 months with 8 photos. Additional services cost extra!
  • Annual- $295: You get a 12-month listing term with 16 photos on the MLS. The added advantage is unlimited listing changes and an open house scheduler.

Here is what you pay for add-ons:

  • Listing support and dedicated local agent: $75 per 30mins
  • CMA: $50 per report
  • Offer negotiation and support: $75 per 30mins

🚩 Watch Out: MLS Town will charge you $595 for transaction coordination services if you sell your property with them.

The best part of MLS Town is the broker, Mathew Berg.

  • Quality Customer Care: Most past sellers complimented the ace customer support provided by Mathew and associates.
  • 7 days Money Back Guarantee: If you are not satisfied with the services, MLS Town will refund your money within the first seven days.

👉 Customer Reviews: MLS Town has a 5-star rating from 58 reviews on Google.

MLS Town has certain drawbacks for FSBO sellers.

  • Costly Customer Support: New FSBO sellers will have many questions. You must pay $75 per 30mins for any support from MLS Town.
  • Limited Coverage: MLS Town is available majorly in North California and a few other counties in California. You will have to check if it is operational in your area.
  • Manual Paperwork: MLS Town does not have the technology to make your listing 100% online. Paperwork is filled out manually and then sent for verification. Only after 2-3 business days will the listing be activated.

MLS Town is only beneficial for those sellers who know their way around the real estate market. Be careful when using the additional services as they can quickly add-up!

6. Homecoin

Company Logo
4.6/5
(50+ reviews)
Queen's Take

Homecoin offers a single MLS listing package, priced at $95. You can avail of their rental lockbox, professional real estate photographs, or signposts at additional costs.

Homecoin offers a single Flat Fee plan which requires many upgrades.

  • Flat Fee MLS Listing – $95: This is a basic MLS listing plan with a 12-month listing term.

Additional Services

  • Listing Changes: $5 per change
  • Lockbox: $125
  • Photography: Varies
  • Sign Post: $99
  • FSBO Listing: Free

👉 What Is Homecoin: Read to find out more about the company.

Homecoin can be useful for experienced home sellers.

  • Affordable Package: Experienced home sellers who don’t require any broker assistance can opt for Homecoin’s $95 listing plan.
  • Online Paperwork: You can complete all the required paperwork online for a quick listing.

» Advantages of Using HomecoinRead this blog to find out.

Homecoin has several shortcomings!

  • Expensive Add-Ons: The $95 plan may seem affordable. However, it is only a minimal listing option. For everything else, you must pay extra!
  • Limited Tech: Although Homecoin claims to be 100% online, the tech is pretty basic. The dashboard is clunky and does not auto-populate your listing data.
  • Limited Coverage: Homecoin is present only in 22 states in America. So, home sellers living outside their coverage area cannot avail of their services.
  • Limited Listing Changes: Homecoin provides only 10 MLS listing changes. Every additional change costs $5. This might be an issue if your home does not sell quickly.

Homecoin.com has a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 50+ sellers on Google.

» Homecoin Reviews: Read this to find out more about Homecoin.

7. FSBO.com

Company Logo
2.7/5
(5 reviews)
Queen's Take

FSBO.com offers For Sale By Owner services, saving you money on costly commissions. They do not, however, directly list you on the MLS.

FSBO.com offers 2 packages for FSBO home sellers.

  • Basic Package – $99.95: This is a basic plan where your property is listed on FSBO.com and Redfin for 6 months. You do not get MLS listing in this plan.
  • MLS Package – $399.95: The package includes an MLS listing term of 6 months with up to 20 photos.

Additional Services

  • Classic FSBO.com Yard Sign w/ Stand: $60
  • Directional Arrow – For Sale By Owner: $12
  • Open House Directional Arrow: $12
  • Sign Riders: $12

👑 The Queen’s Take: FSBO.com offers For Sale By Owner services, saving you thousands on hefty commissions. However, they do not list you on the MLS directly. Instead, they connect you with a broker at the state level.

👉FSBO.com Pricing: Read to know more about FSBO.com pricing.

FSBO.com can be useful for experienced home sellers.

  • Multiple Listing Categories: You get to highlight your listing in specific sections dedicated to foreclosure, pre-foreclosure, tax lien, or bankruptcy.
  • User‑Friendly Interface: FSBO.com has a simple website that is easy to navigate. It has a basic interface that enables you to create your listing by adding relevant information.

👉 Pros and Cons of FSBO.com: Read the benefits and drawbacks of listing with FSBO.com.

In our research, we found some drawbacks of FSBO.com.

  • Extra Charges for Listing Photos: If you want to add more than 20 photos to your listing, you have to pay extra fees of $50 to $60.
  • Expensive à La Carte Services: For add-on services like e-lockbox rental and showing service you have to pay $150 and $75 respectively. These services are costly compared to other Flat-fee MLS service providers.
  • Limited Tech: FSBO.com lacks automation features. You have to manage your listings on your own.
  • No DIY Resources: FSBO.com does not provide any resources to enhance your listing experience.

FSBO.com has no reviews from credible sources.

» FSBO.com Reviews: Read to learn more about FSBO.com

Best Flat Fee MLS Listing Service California Near Me

There are over 500 regional Multiple Listing Sites in the USA. Here are a few in the Golden State for FSBO home sellers.

  • Flat Fee MLS Los Angles: According to some real estate analysts, Los Angles median home prices are unlikely to drop. If you are trying to sell a home in LA, a Flat Fee MLS company is your best bet for saving on hefty agent fees.
  • Flat Fee MLS San Diego: The real estate market in San Diego, ‘America’s finest city’ is faring well compared to other large metropolitan cities. If you are planning to sell your property in San Diego, a Flat Fee company can help you save thousands in agent commissions.
  • Flat Fee MLS San Jose: According to Realtor.com, the median price for a San Jose home in March 2023 is 1.3M. That is a 3.9% increase from last year. If you are selling your home in SJC, opt for the services of a Flat Fee listing company to save on listing agent fees.

Be careful, local CA Flat Fee MLS services have high hidden costs and sub-par technology! This can ruin your experience if you are a new FSBO seller.

How to List Without a Realtor in California?

Technically, only licensed real estate agents can list a property on the MLS. But with today’s technology, selling a house is easier than ever! To sell without a realtor you can opt for a Flat Fee MLS service and skip the heavy agent commissions.

List with a tech-backed Flat Fee Platform like Houzeo in 4 easy steps.

  • Visit Houzeo to Register
  • Enter your property info
  • Purchase your preferred listing plan 
  • Complete the listing paperwork 

👉 Houzeo is 100% online! Watch the video for more details.

How Much Do California MLS Listings Cost?

On average, you can expect to pay $200-$800 for a Flat Fee MLS listing service in CA.

Flat Fee MLS Listing services allow FSBO sellers to list their property without paying the listing agent commission. You also have the option to choose from an à la carte menu of services as per your needs. 

We have listed a few upgrades most FFM Sites provide for an additional fee.

  • Yard Sign: $49- $150
  • Additional Photos: $50
  • Lockbox: $50- $250
  • Broker Assistance: 0.25%- 0.75% at closing

CA Seller Closing Costs and Seller Disclosure 

Closing Costs: As a thumb rule, the closing costs in California are approximately 11% of the total home sale price. The seller is responsible for both the seller’s agent and the buyer agent’s commission. Other closing costs in CA are divided between both parties after negotiation.

Typical Seller’s Closing Costs in California include some of the following:-

  • Attorney’s Fee: $150-$400 per hour
  • Escrow Fee: $500-$800
  • Home Inspection Fee: $350
  • Real Estate Broker Commission- 4%-6% Listing Agent Fee + 2%-3% Buyer’s Agent Fee

Seller’s Disclosure: A California home seller is required by law to disclose any defects and restrictions pertaining to their property. This includes everything from pest infestation to pending legal matters. You must disclose these issues before the closing to avoid disputes with your buyer.

Typical Seller’s Disclosure in California includes some of the following:-

  • Lead Paint Disclosure
  • Home Owner’s Association Disclosure
  • Radon Gas Disclosure
  • Property Tax Disclosure

Careful, Hidden Fees Ahead!

It is not all rainbows and unicorns with a flat fee MLS listing platform. Some of these services list the price as low as $99. This usually means you will be bombarded with hidden costs (not mentioned on the pricing page) during your closing process. 

👉 Flat Fee MLS: Click to know everything about Houzeo, the best flat fee MLS.

Alternatives To California Flat Fee MLS Companies

We recommend flat fee services that offer a full-service upgrade for most California home sellers. But if you like keeping your options open, here are a few alternatives to Flat Rate MLS companies. 

  • Discount Realtors in California: California discount real estate brokers offer all the services of a traditional broker for a discounted commission. Typically, low-commission real estate agents will charge anywhere between 0.5% to 2% commission to list and sell your home.
  • Realtors in California: California Realtors will charge around 5% – 6% commission from the seller. However, if you are new to the real estate market it is likely you will need the guidance of a licensed real estate agent.
  • For Sale By Owner: FSBO websites will help you list and sell a house by owner in Florida and save thousands in listing agent commissions. Many For Sale By Owner websites will also list you on the MLS and help you with FSBO paperwork.

» Best FSBO Sites in California: We’ve researched and reviewed all the best For Sale By Owner sites. See our rankings!

The Final Verdict

Selling your home will probably be one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. You must pay the listing agent and buyer agent’s commission as the seller. A Flat Fee listing agent will help you save thousands in listing agent commissions.

We recommend Houzeo for most FSBO sellers in California. Houzeo’s user-friendly dashboard, combined with IntelliList Listing Management will help you navigate the tough real estate space with ease.

» Houzeo Reviews: Check out what FSBO sellers have to say about listing with Houzeo.com

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Flat Fee MLS?

Flat-fee MLS refers to the practice in the real estate industry of a seller entering into an "à la carte 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.

2. Is Flat Fee MLS Legal in California?

Flat Fee MLS is legal all over the United States, including in California. In fact, the US DOJ have updated their bulletin highlighting the benefits of Flat Fee MLS for FSBO home sellers.

3. What is the difference between Flat Fee MLS and Traditional Agent?

A traditional broker commission model is usually 6% on closing, which is going to cost more for you as home seller. A Flat Fee MLS on the other hand, asks you for a flat fee instead.

4. Which is the best Flat Fee MLS in California?

Houzeo is the number 1 Flat Fee MLS company in California. See Houzeo Reviews!

5. What is for sale by owner contract?

6. How to sell a house in 2023?

If you want to sell your home in 2023, you must follow these steps:
1. List on MLS.
2. Offer a competitive buyer's agent commission
3. Set a competitive pricing for your house.
4. Use professional photography.

» List on your Local CA MLS and save thousands of commission.

Flat Fee Listing Services Near Me

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