North Carolina’s Best Flat Fee MLS Companies
North Carolina’s housing market has seen an average growth of 4.7% in home prices in 2022. The North Carolina Flat Fee MLS listing services not only ensure a hassle-free process of buying a home but also save thousands of dollars in the name of real estate agent commissions.
Β» In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Rankings: 5 Flat Fee MLS North Carolina Listing Services
- How much does Flat Fee MLS Listing Cost in North Carolina?
- Reviews: 5 Flat Fee MLS North Carolina Listing Services
- Hidden Fees
- Final Note
- Frequently Asked Questions
Β» Queen Advises: What is Flat Fee MLS?
Rankings: 5 Flat Fee MLS North Carolina Listing Services
Flat Fee MLS Service | Price | Hidden Fees | 100% Online | Offer Management | Showing Management | 5-star Reviews | Mobile App |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Houzeo | $229-$449 | None | β | β | β | β | β |
2. Homecoin | $95 | $400 | β | β | β | β | β |
3. LisT With Freedom | $295 | 0.1% | β | β | β | β | β |
4. Carolina Realty Solutions | $375 | 0.1% | β | β | β | β | β |
5. Clickit Realty | $995 | $50-$800 | β | β | β | β | β |
How Much Does Flat Fee MLS Listing Cost?
There are 2 types of costs related to a Flat Fee MLS listing
- Initial Flat Fee: You’ll have to pay an upfront fee to list your home on MLS. Usually, the initial fee ranges between $300 and $500.
- Closing Cost: Once a home seller strikes a deal and closes it, they have to pay a part of their equity on home inspection fee, title and home insurance fees, seller and buyer agent commissions, and home warranty as a closing cost of their property.
Β» Pro Tip: To know the most accurate closing cost estimate of your state or city, check out Houzeo’ s Closing Cost Calculator.
Reviews: 5 Flat Fee MLS Listing Companies in North Carolina
1. Houzeo
Houzeo offers 4 comprehensive Flat Fee MLS Listing plans.
- Bronze (FREE): Yes. Itβs Free! Just pay a $49 fee for the Houzeo yard sign, take a selfie, and get refunded.
- Silver: In the silver plan, you can list 24 photos for 6 months. You also get a yard signΒ and unlimited listing changes. Your listing is syndicated to Zillow, Trulia, and more.
- Gold: Gold is Houzeo’s signature MLS package with tech features like Houzeo Showings, Houzeo Offers, and DigiTransact.
- Platinum: This is the ultimate flat fee plan with a 1-year listing term and virtual full-service from a licensed broker.
π Is Houzeo Legit? Find out before investing!
Houzeo has the best tech available for a Flat Fee MLS platform!
- No Listing Commission: 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 offers up-to-the-minute technology to give you a smooth ride from list to close. 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.
π Houzeo Customer Reviews: Houzeo is rated βExcellentβ with a 4.9 out of 5-star rating by 4,523 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!
πΒ Houzeo Complaints: Find Out what sellers said about Houzeo!
π We recommend Houzeo’s Gold plan priced for an easy and quick listing. The full-service Platinum plan is a great option for first-time FSBO sellers who need expert guidance.
π Is Houzeo Good? Find out here!
2. Homecoin
Homecoin offers a single Flat Fee plan which requires many upgrades!
- Flat Fee MLS Listing – $95: This is a barebones MLS listing service with a 12-month listing term. Here is what you will pay for the additional services:
- Listing Changes: $5 per change
- Lockbox: $125
- Photography: $100+
- Sign Post: $99
- Real estate forms help: Varies
βοΈ Most $95 plans are clickbait. You will have to buy essential services for your listing separately.
Homecoin can be useful for experienced home sellers.
- Simple Listing Option:Β Experienced home sellers who understand the complications of a real estate transaction may opt for Homecoin’s $95 listing plan.
- Online Paperwork:Β You can complete all the required paperwork online for a quick listing.
π Homecoin has a 4.6-star rating from 51 total Google reviews.
Homecoin has several shortcomings!
- Clickbait Alert:Β The $95 plan may seem like a steal deal but in reality, it is a honeytrap. Once you opt for the cheap plan you will quickly realize that it is only a minimal listing option. For everything else, you must pay extra!
- Missing Features: Several key features like showing service, contract reviews, inspections, etc are not available in many cities that Homecoin covers. If they are available you must shell out $400 – $3,000 for the services.
- Suboptimal 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.
π Homecoin Reviews: Read the detailed review before investing.
π We do not recommend Homecoin. Most FSBO sellers will need additional assistance. With Homecoin you will end up spending way more than anticipated, especially if you need extra support.
3. List With Freedom
ListWithFreedom gives you a choice of three Flat Fee plans.
- Gold Package- $149:Β This is the basic plan with 6 photos and a 6-month listing term. You have the option to add an online showing service, open house, and virtual tour for additional fees.
- Platinum Package- $195:Β This is simply the basic package rebranded with 25 photos instead of 6 photos on the MLS.
- Platinum Plus- $295: In this plan, you get all the upgrades from the basic plan plus the basic listing service.
βοΈ Listwithfreedom may seem like an affordable option but will charge you anywhere between 0.1% to 0.25% at closing!
Listwithfreedom is one of the oldest Flat Fee platforms in the USA!
- Quick Listing: Listwithfreedom makes sense for experienced home sellers on a tight budget. The listing is completely done online. Your listing will be live within 24-48 hours!
- Unlimited Listing Changes: Unlimited changes allow you to create the best possible listing that will attract potential buyers.
π The platform has a 4.3-star rating on Trustpilot out of 1,721 reviews in total. However, not all customers were happy with their experience!
Listwithfreedom has certain red flags that can derail a smooth sale.
- Hidden Fees:Β The word ‘deceptive’ has come up a few times in Listwithfreedom customer reviews. The 0.1% – 0.25% commission cost is not mentioned upfront on the pricing page!
- Not for First-time Sellers:Β Listwithfreedom does not offer much assistance when actually required. New home sellers can easily feel lost without the guidance of experienced real estate professionals.
π Should you List with Listwithfreedom?Β Read a detailed analysis before making your final choice.
π We do not recommend ListWithFreedom for first-time FSBO sellers. However, experienced home sellers can go for the Platinum+ plan priced at $295 for a quick listing without assistance.
4. Carolina Realty Solutions
Carolina Realty Solutions provides one Flat fee MLS package and two full-service packages across North Carolina.
- Flat Fee MLS Listing Program β $399: The package includes a listing term of 6 months which can be extended up to 2 years for free with 24 photos. It also includes a lockbox for realtor access, a yard sign, and showing management.
- $549 + 1% Full-Service Listing: The package offers 100% seller guidance from start to finish.
- 2% Full-Service Listing: No upfront fee. You have to pay 2% of your home sell price at the time of closing.
There are a few advantages of listing with Carolina Realty Solutions
- ShowingTime Services: With the ShowingTime app you can schedule house showings easily.
- Add-on Services Available: The package offers a yard sign and lockbox for the buyerβs agent.
- Listing Term Extension: You can extend the listing term for up to 2 years without any additional fee.
There are a few negatives of listing with Carolina Realty Solutions.
- High Commission Fee: You have to pay a 1% commission fee on closing even on the $549 package. And a 2% commission on closing if you opt for the Full-service Listing.
- No Connection with the Buyer: The website of Carolina Realty Solutions does not let you contact with buyers directly. This might cause misunderstandings between you and your prospective buyer!
- Limited Coverage: Carolina Realty does not cover the entire state of North Carolina. Your listing details are shared with local real estate brokers which delays your listing time.
Your property gets maximum exposure through Carolina Realty Solutions’ listing on the North Carolina MLS. They provide customized services at a decent price.
You should know that Carolina Realty is not available throughout Carolina.
π The Queen recommends the $549 Full-Service Plan 1 by Carolina Realty Solutions. Their packages are best for local sellers looking for a customized real estate service.
5. Clickit Realty
Clickit Realty offers several packages, prices of which vary as per state.
- Common services in the package include a listing term of 6 months. All the packages offer access to free listing changes, state disclosures and contracts, and dynamic color flyers. Professional agents are also available for a free consultation.
Clickit Realty is available in all the states of the U.S.
- Great Exposure: Your property gets syndicated to websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, HotPads.com, Yahoo Homes, and many more.
- Money Return: If you want to list your property with a full-service broker, Clickit Realty refers you to a top broker and returns your money at the time of closing.
- Personalized Packages: With Clickit Realty, you can customize your package for a small extra fee.
- State Disclosures: You get all the necessary state disclosures, contracts, forms, and addendums.
- Buyer Lead Forwarding: All buyer leads are forwarded to you. So you can directly contact the buyers/agents.
- Connect with Real Estate Experts: With this service, you can connect with an agent for pricing support, advice, home upgrades needed, etc.
In our research, we found red flags with Clickit Realty.
- Poor Customer Service: Previous sellers have complained about the company’s bad customer service. Sellers expressed their disappointment even with the full-service plan.
- Not 100% Online: Clickit Realty is not fully online. Therefore, the process becomes manual and time-consuming.
- Extra Fees: The closing costs can vary significantly as per your state and the listing package you choose. You must budget for these costs if you do not want to be caught off-guard.
Clickit Realty offers its services across the US. The company has connected independent, flat-fee real estate brokerages with sellers. They are licensed in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, and Connecticut.
However, they work with many flat-fee brokers in other states, so not every seller will have the same experience.
π The Queen says before choosing a package you should research the costs as per your state.
6. Homecoin
Homecoin offers a single Flat Fee plan which requires many upgrades!
- Flat Fee MLS Listing – $95: This is a barebones MLS listing service with a 12-month listing term. Here is what you will pay for the additional services:
- Listing Changes: $5 per change
- Lockbox: $125
- Photography: $100+
- Sign Post: $99
- Real estate forms help: Varies
βοΈ Most $95 plans are clickbait. You will have to buy essential services for your listing separately.
Homecoin can be useful for experienced home sellers.
- Simple Listing Option:Β Experienced home sellers who understand the complications of a real estate transaction may opt for Homecoin’s $95 listing plan.
- Online Paperwork:Β You can complete all the required paperwork online for a quick listing.
π Homecoin has a 4.6-star rating from 51 total Google reviews.
Homecoin has several shortcomings!
- Clickbait Alert:Β The $95 plan may seem like a steal deal but in reality, it is a honeytrap. Once you opt for the cheap plan you will quickly realize that it is only a minimal listing option. For everything else, you must pay extra!
- Missing Features: Several key features like showing service, contract reviews, inspections, etc are not available in many cities that Homecoin covers. If they are available you must shell out $400 – $3,000 for the services.
- Suboptimal 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.
π Homecoin Reviews: Read the detailed review before investing.
π We do not recommend Homecoin. Most FSBO sellers will need additional assistance. With Homecoin you will end up spending way more than anticipated, especially if you need extra support.
Hidden Fees in Flat Fee MLS Listing Companies
Some Flat Fee MLS companies are not upfront about their fees. These hidden costs could go up to thousands of dollars and have a significant impact on your savings. They might say that they take a flat fee but might charge you a percentage of commission at the time of closing.
We have compiled a list of the average hidden fees that may be charged by some Flat Fee MLS listing services.
Types of Hidden Fees | Cost | Description |
---|---|---|
1. Cancellation Fees | $50-$200 | If you need to cancel your listing, you need to pay cancellation charges. However, some companies do allow free cancellation, if you cancel before your listing goes live. Example: Flat Fee Group charges $25 for cancellation. |
2. Listing Changes Charge | $25-$50 | If you need to make any changes to your listing, companies charge extra for that.
Example: Flat Fee Multiple Listing Access charges $10 for listing updates. |
3. Expensive Listing Upgrades | $50-$100 | If you need to add more photos to your listing, post an open house or avail a showing management tool, you will be charged extra for these upgrades by some Flat Fee MLS service providers.
Example: Congress Realty charges $50 for listing extension; whereas List With Freedom charges $25 for Open House postings and $59 for Showing Scheduler. |
4. Additional Upgrades | $50-$200 | Any service that is not part of the package you sign up for. These are additional services that you need to pay for separately, i.e, Photography, Market Research, Contract Review, etc.
Example: Flat Fee Group which offers pro photography at $290. |
5. Expensive Yard Signs | $100-$150+ $120 (deposit) | Expensive charge for yard signs, even though these yard signs are given on a rental basis.
Example: Homecoin charges $99 for a rental yard sign. |
6. Lockbox Charges | $100-$200 | Lockboxes are given on rental for a small charge. However, some Flat Fee MLS companies charge a huge sum as lockbox rental fees.
Example: Homecoin charges $125 for lockbox even though it is on a rental basis. |
7. Commission at Closing | 0.1-0.5% | Some Flat Fee MLS companies charge a commission at the time of closing, as a hidden seller agent fee. This fee is often undisclosed and charged to the seller once they close a deal. Sometimes this fee is also masked as a compliance fee.
Example: Flat Fee Realty which charges 0.1%- 0.25% at closing in some states. |
8. Flat Fee at Closing | $750 | Fixed Fee companies charge an additional flat fee at closing which is not mentioned upfront.
Example: FlatFeeMLSRealty which charges a flat fee at closing ($350 + $400) |
9. Escrow Charges | $1K-$2K | Some Flat Rate companies charge for escrow at the time of closing.
Example: Vegas Flat Fee charges $995 compliance fees at closing |
10. Seller Disclosures | $100-$200 | State-required seller disclosures are unavoidable. Few companies charge for this service as well.
Example: Yager Realty has seller disclosure feature only in their premium packages. Since seller disclosures are imperative to listing, you need to only go for their premium packages! |
11. Application Fees | $50-$100 | Few companies charge non-refundable application fees.
Example: List with Freedom charges $50 as application fee. |
Note: This table is a generic list of all the hidden charges that various Flat Fee MLS companies charge. It will vary depending on the company you choose.
While some of these services are mentioned in their a-la-carte services, if you still need a lot of support for selling your house, you might need to consider going with a realtor.
North Carolina housing market trends
The North Carolina real estate market is expected to grow exponentially in 2022. The recent announcement by Apple to set up its East Coast headquarters in North Carolina will have a significant impact on the real estate market.
In the first quarter of 2021, about one-third of homebuyers were from outside the state. In the wake of the Covid pandemic, because of remote work and the hybrid work model, homebuyers have been relocating to counties like Raleigh and Durham Chapel Hill.
>> Save: Real Estate Commissions Have Fallen Sharply. Will they Continue to Fall?
Final Note
North Carolina is a hot market currently.
MLS listing services in North Carolina will cost you an average price of $300. Each package comes with its own unique features.
We have ranked Houzeo as the top North Carolina Flat Fee MLS Listing Service because it fulfills all your requirements and is sure to simplify your home selling process.
Β» Want to know more? Check out these stellar Houzeo reviews to learn why it is one of the best For Sale By Owner websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 a home seller. A Flat Fee MLS on the other hand, asks you a flat fee instead.
Which is the best Flat Fee MLS in North Carolina?
The best Flat Fee MLS in North Carolina is:
1. Houzeo
2. Homecoin
3. List With Freedom
4. Carolina Realty Solutions
5. Clickit Realty
How much do Flat Fee services cost in North Carolina?
Flat Fee services in North Carolina could cost you around an average $300-$400.
Is Flat Fee MLS Legal?
Flat Fee MLS is legal all over the United States, including in North Carolina. In fact, the US DOJ just updated their bulletin highlighting the benefits of Flat Fee MLS for For Sale By Owner home sellers.
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