5 Hi-Tech Flat Fee MLS Texas Listing Services That Are Changing The Game (2022 Updates)
Are you looking to save thousands of dollars through Flat Fee MLS Texas services? It may as well be a good option considering, Texas home prices are on an increase again this year.
In 2022, the median house price reached 300,000 U.S. dollars in Texas, up from approximately 259,000 U.S. dollars the previous year.
We have ranked and reviewed the top 5 Flat Fee MLS companies in Texas, to help you make an informed decision.
Ranking: 5 Best Flat Fee MLS Listing Service Texas
Flat Fee MLS Service | Price | Added Fees | 100% Online | Offer Management | Showing Management | 5-star Reviews | Mobile App |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Houzeo | $229-$499 | None | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
2. Texas MLS Broker | $175-$399 | None | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⛔ | ⛔ |
3. Creekview Realty | $600-$1400 | None | ⛔ | ✅ | ✅ | ⛔ | ⛔ |
4. Congress Realty | $299-$499 | 0.5 % at closing | ✅ | ⛔ | ✅ | ⛔ | ⛔ |
5. Flat Fee By You | $45-$295 | None | ⛔ | ✅ | ⛔ | ⛔ | ⛔ |
» Queen Advises: How to list on MLS?
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.
» Closing Cost Calculator For Texas: 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 Texas Companies
1. HOUZEO
Houzeo is a real estate technology company that provides affordable services and is 100% online.
💼 Packages: They offer packages from $249 – $499. Their basic package includes a listing for 3 months with up to 6 photos.
The basic package includes 6 photos for 3 months, including listing management.
Their premium service includes unlimited changes, custom yard sign, federal and state disclosures, showing management, pricing assistance, contract review, and closing assistance. They even compare and counter offers for you in their premium package.
📢 Exposure: They provide syndicate listings on major platforms like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor, Redfin, and more.
📱Technology: They provide high technology services like IntelliList Listing Management System, Houzeo Showings, Offers, Buyer Search
Best Overall: Houzeo is our best pick with great tech features and affordable pricing.
💡 Queen’s Counsel: Register with Houzeo today!
- 100% online
- Available nationwide
- Syndication to major listing platforms like Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, Realtor etc.
- Mobile App available
- Quick listing within 24hrs
- Save on commission
Houzeo has a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Google & Trustpilot.
» Houzeo Review: Is $349 worth it?
Houzeo is available nationwide.
2. TEXAS MLS BROKER
Texas MLS Broker has 3 Flat Fee MLS packages for sellers.
- Standard Listing – $275: Includes a 3-month listing duration and 12 photos. Additional features include online broker support and syndication to over 90 websites.
- Premium Listing – $375: Includes a 6-month listing period and the maximum number of photos permitted by the MLS. Additionally, broker comparative market analyses and contract and state disclosures are available.
- Showcase Listing – $475: This package includes a 12-month listing period. Sellers also have the option to avoid the upfront payment and pay $975 at closing.
👉 Online reviews for Texas MLS Broker are negative. Therefore, selling with the company would be risky. Additionally, you must buy upgrades separately if you wish to make any modifications to your listing.
With Texas MLS Broker, you can sell your house quickly and profitably while managing the majority of the work yourself. Here are a few of its benefits.
- Broker Comparative Market Analysis in all Packages: The packages include CMAs, which help sellers set listing prices and buyers submit competitive bids.
- You can set the Buyer Agent Commission: You can set the commission for buyer agents. Both the Premium and Showcase Listing options offer the service.
According to our research, Texas MLS Broker has some major deal breakers.
- Poor Customer Reviews: Reviews of the Texas MLS Broker company claim that they have poor customer service. After putting the house on MLS, you cannot get nearly enough follow-ups.
- Limited Coverage in Texas: Texas MLS Broker does not serve the entire state of Texas. Only Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth are served by them.
- No Broker Contract Available: Broker Contract Review is not included in the Texas MLS Broker’s standard listing.
👑 We do not recommend their services as Texas MLS Broker has received unfavorable online reviews. Selling with them can be risky.
3. CREEKVIEW REALTY
Creekview Realty offers one expensive MLS listing package and one full-representation package.
- Basic Package – $600: It has a six-month listing duration. Additional services include realtor key box use, CSS scheduling service, yard sign, and all forms. The seller has the option of canceling at any time.
- Full-Representation Package – $1,400: All the services from the basic plan are included in the package. Also, sellers receive full-representation services, which cover contract discussions, aid with repairs, and other documentation.
👉 We recommend their $1,400 Full-Representation Package. The package includes services similar to those provided by a traditional agent. Additionally, you must buy upgrades separately if you wish to make any modifications to your listing.
If you are an inexperienced seller or anticipate a challenging sale, Creekview Realty can be a great choice. Here are a few of its benefits.
- Easy for First-Time Seller: Selling with them might be simple yet expensive if you are a beginner.
- Strong Customer Support: On Google Reviews, Creekview Realty has a stellar 4.8-star rating. This demonstrates that they offer their clients strong support.
- Full Coverage in Texas: The majority of Texas is covered by Creekview, which includes offices in Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston.
We discovered some major deal breakers with Creekview Realty during our study.
- Expensive Packages: Only two packages are available from Creekview Realty. Sellers can find a similar package for much less than the $600 package, so it’s hardly a terrific deal. You will also need to pay for other services like photos and a $100 deposit for a lockbox, so your total bill will most likely be more than $600. However, if you are willing to spend extra, Creekview Realty’s $1,400 full-service package may be a better option.
- Insufficient Information on their Website: The Creekview Realty website does not specify how many photos or updates you can make to your listing.
👑 We recommend their $1,400 Full-Representation Package. The extra help comes at a cost, though.
4. CONGRESS REALTY
Congress Realty offers services at an affordable rate and you can add more services on an a-la-carte basis.
💼 Packages: Congress Realty offers 4 packages for Texas MLS services. Their packages range from $299 – $499. Their basic package is for $299 which includes listing for 6 months, up to 4 photos, DocuSign documents and showing time tool.
They also offer full service at $300 + 0.5 % (at closing) which includes paperwork, contract review, listing on social media, and negotiation support.
🗝️ Key Feature: They have automated phone lead forwarding in the premium packages.
💡 Queen’s Counsel: How to list on MLS by Owner?
- Showing Time Appointment tool in all packages
- Automated phone lead forwarding
- Additional social media support only in premium packages
Congress Realty has a rating of 4.9/5 ( out of 47 reviews ) on Google
Congress Realty is available in major cities.
5. FLAT FEE BY YOU
FlatFeeByYou offers three packages to sellers.
- Basic Package – $45: This package includes 6 photographs and a 6-month listing period. Additional services include a comparative report and syndication to major real estate websites such as Zillow, Trulia, and others.
- Best Package – $95: Similar to their Basic Package, this package includes free broker consultation, unlimited price changes, and description updates.
- Premium Package – $295: Includes everything from their Best Package plus a professional photoshoot.
👉 In the world of real estate, nothing is free. Make sure there are no catches if a provider offers to put you on the MLS for $99 or less. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay hundreds or perhaps thousand more.
Flat Fee By You is a good choice because it offers good value. Here are a few of its benefits.
- Affordable Packages: Flat Fee By You offers a starting package for $45 per month. The premium package includes a home photo shoot with a professional photographer. The services appear to be inexpensive, yet there is a 0.5% hidden fee.
- State-Wide Coverage: Flat Fee By You covers the majority of Texas. They have locations in Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio.
We discovered some significant deal-breakers with Flat Fee By You during our investigation.
- 0.5% Commission at Closing: Sellers are charged a 0.5% fee at closing by FlatFeeByYou. They set the buyer agent commission at 3%, with the remaining 0.5% going to themselves. Sellers should not be duped by their cheap packages because they contain hidden fees.
- Photography and Additional Charges: The $295 package is the only one that includes professional photos. Forms and disclosures have an extra fee, although the cost is not disclosed on their website.
- Only for Experienced Sellers: Only seasoned sellers should use Flat Fee By You’s entry-level plan. Choose one of the more expensive choices if you even somewhat need assistance.
👑 We do not recommend FlatFeebyYou as you should not be deceived by their inexpensive packages because they contain hidden fees.
Hidden Fees Flat Fee Companies Charge
Some 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.
Texas Housing Market Trends
Texas Housing Market Trends
In 2022, the median house price reached 300,000 U.S. dollars in Texas, up from approximately 259,000 U.S. dollars the previous year.
The housing market remains starved for inventory and that continues to make it a seller’s market.
2022 will be very competitive as home sales hit a 16-year high and trends like workplace flexibility enable more homebuyer success
Final Word
On average, you can expect to pay $200-$1400 for a Flat Fee MLS listing Texas service, but that’s only an average price. On the lower side, you can buy an MLS listing package for $100 and on the higher side, a comprehensive MLS listing service package can cost as much as $1,500.
Each package comes with a multitude of features like enabling more photographs, and a-la-carte services and some even offer help with paperwork online. This post covered the top flat fee MLS companies in Texas and you may choose as per your requirement.
» 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
Is Flat Fee MLS legal in Texas?
Flat Fee MLS is legal all over the United States, including in Texas. In fact, the US DOJ updated their bulletin highlighting the benefits of Flat Fee MLS for For Sale By Owner home sellers.
How long does it take for MLS listing to go live?
It takes about 2-4 days on average, after you have submitted all the required documents. Most Texas MLSs will make your listing live in under 24 hours.
How much do Flat Fee MLS cost in Texas?
Flat Fee MLS in Texas cost between $100-$1500 and will vary based on the packages you choose.
When is the best time to sell your house in Texas?
June is the best time to sell your house in Texas.
Which is the best Flat Fee MLS in Texas ?
The best Flat Fee MLS in Texas:
1. Houzeo
2. Texas MLS Broker
3. Creekview Realty
4. Congress Realty
5. Flat Fee By You
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