5 Flat Fee MLS Companies in Charleston
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Joseph Gordon EditorJoseph Gordon is an Editor with HomeLight. He has several years of experience reporting on the commercial real estate and insurance industries.
Selling a Charleston home as For Sale By Owner (FSBO) often means limited exposure. Since access to the multiple listing service (MLS) is typically restricted to licensed agents, your property may not reach enough buyers. With a flat fee MLS Charleston service, you can list your home for a fixed price and enjoy maximum visibility without the high commission fees.
In this guide, we’ll explore how flat-fee MLS services work in Charleston, what they cost, and which companies provide them. We’ll also outline the pros and cons to help you determine if this option is right for your home sale.
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What is a flat fee MLS listing service in Charleston?
A flat fee MLS listing service allows FSBO sellers to list their homes on the local MLS without hiring a traditional real estate agent. The MLS is the primary database agents use to find homes for buyers, making it a key tool for getting maximum exposure.
Because only licensed agents and brokers can list homes on the MLS, FSBO sellers must use a flat fee MLS service to gain access. This option allows homeowners to market their property on the same platforms as agent-listed homes while avoiding the commission fees associated with a full-service agent.
How much does a flat fee MLS service cost in Charleston?
The cost of a flat fee MLS service in Charleston varies by company and package. Some services charge as little as $100, while others offer premium plans costing thousands. Higher-priced packages typically include additional services, such as a comparative market analysis, professional photography, and contract assistance.
In the next section, we’ll explore some of the top flat fee MLS companies in Charleston, including their pricing and features.
Flat fee MLS listing companies in Charleston
iSave Realty
iSave Realty provides professional flat fee MLS listing services throughout South Carolina, including key markets such as Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Greenville. The company is dedicated to helping homeowners gain maximum exposure for their properties while keeping more of their equity.
Sellers benefit from access to essential real estate forms, tools, and guidance that make the process straightforward and transparent. By offering cost-effective alternatives to traditional agent commissions, iSave Realty empowers clients to take control of their home sales.
Service areas: Throughout South Carolina, including Charleston
- Silver: $299 for a 12-month listing term and the maximum number of photos allowed
- Gold: $399 for Silver inclusions, contract reviews, and sales strategy advice
iSave Realty earned a 4.7-star rating on Google, with several clients sharing that their experience was excellent from start to finish. The listing process was simple, transparent, and easy to navigate.
They appreciate the team’s responsiveness and expert guidance throughout the sale. Sellers also highlight the significant savings in commission costs, calling the service an affordable and highly effective option for selling property in South Carolina.
Website: isaverealty.com
Phone number: 855-279-6624
Charleston Flat Fee Real Estate
Charleston Flat Fee Real Estate offers a flat fee listing service designed to help homeowners save on commission costs without sacrificing support. The brokerage creates a customized selling strategy focused on efficiency and strong market exposure.
With a streamlined, start-to-finish approach, the team manages the entire transaction to keep the process smooth and stress-free. Backed by more than 15 years of experience, Charleston Flat Fee Real Estate delivers professional service with a clear focus on value and savings.
Service area: Charleston
Listing fee: $399 for a 12-month listing term, unlimited price changes, lead forwarding, and open house advertising
Charleston Flat Fee Real Estate earned 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google. Clients say their selling experience with the company was smooth, professional, and stress-free. They describe the team as quick, attentive, and exceptionally helpful throughout the process.
Sellers note that transactions were easier than what they had previously experienced. Many continue to rely on the company for advice even after completing their sale.
Website: forsalebyownercharlestonsc.com
Phone number: 843-870-3549
HomeZu
HomeZu is a nationwide real estate company offering exceptional value to sellers through affordable flat fee MLS listing services. With over 45 years of combined industry experience and more than 30,000 properties listed, the firm brings in-depth expertise to the FSBO market.
The company strives to help homeowners save on commission while gaining full access to the same MLS tools used by traditional agents. Through a streamlined process and expert support, HomeZu enables sellers to take control of their home sale and maximize their returns.
Service areas: Nationwide, including Charleston, South Carolina
Listing fee: $399 for a six-month listing term, up to 25 photos, access to forms and disclosures, and lead forwarding
Add-ons:
- Maximum photos allowed on the MLS: $100
- 12-month listing term: $100
- Secondary MLS listing: $150
- Lockbox: $50
- Custom domain name: $50
HomeZu earned a high average review score of 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google, as many clients share their smooth, straightforward selling experience with the company. They appreciate the guidance provided throughout the selling process and felt well-supported from start to finish. Several reviewers recognize the team’s professionalism and responsiveness.
Website: homezu.com
Phone: 844-663-2468
Byowner.com
ByOwner.com, established in 1996, provides homeowners with an affordable alternative to conventional real estate services. It enables sellers to list their properties on the MLS for a flat fee, expanding exposure to a wide pool of buyers while reducing commission costs.
The flat fee MLS company designed its listing packages to be cost-effective, catering to sellers mindful of their budget. Its services give homeowners greater control over important aspects of the sales process.
Service areas: Nationwide, including Charleston, South Carolina
Listing fee (price varies by location): $195 for a six-month listing term, transaction support, color flyer, social media marketing, and video upload
ByOwner.com has earned an A+ grade from the BBB and a 4.2-star rating on Google, reflecting its commitment to ethical, reliable business practices. Sellers report that the platform simplifies the home-selling process, often enabling transactions to close within a few months. They praise the responsive support and clear guidance provided throughout, describing the service as dependable, user-friendly, and an efficient way to sell a property.
Website: byowner.com
Phone number: 800-296-9637
Homecoin
Homecoin provides an affordable flat fee MLS service for homeowners looking to sell their properties. Listings appear on the MLS and are syndicated to leading real estate websites, maximizing visibility to potential buyers. Flexible flat fee packages allow sellers to stay in control of the most important elements of the sale, from pricing and showings to negotiations.
Service areas: South Carolina and other states, such as North Carolina, California, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas
- Basic: $149 for a 12-month listing term, up to 25 photos, 10 free listing changes, and disclosure forms
- Review: $99 + $149 (MLS listing fee) for Basic inclusions, listing form review, up to 1 hour of live support via phone and screenshare
- Full Service: $299 + $149 (MLS listing fee) for Review inclusions, up to 1.5 hours of live support, kick-off call, and dedicated staff member
Homecoin holds a 4.4-star rating on Google, as several clients commend the affordable, user-friendly platform for listing homes. Reviewers appreciate how easy it is to navigate, making it a practical option for managing a sale without the help of an agent.
They often highlight the significant savings compared to traditional methods and note that the process is simple and effective across multiple transactions. Clients recommend Homecoin as a dependable, cost-efficient solution for selling property.
Website: homecoin.com
Phone number: 888-400-2513
How would a Charleston seller benefit from a flat fee MLS service?
A flat fee MLS service can be a smart choice if you want to reduce costs and maintain control over your home sale. Unlike a traditional listing where sellers pay a real estate commission of 5% to 6% of the sale price, a flat fee MLS allows you to avoid the listing agent’s portion, typically 2.5% to 3%.
This approach works well for sellers who:
- Are confident in handling the sales process themselves
- Have a highly desirable home in a competitive market
- Prefer not to work with a licensed agent
- Have time to manage listing details, marketing, and negotiations
Even with a flat fee service, you’ll still need to manage tasks like setting a selling price, writing a compelling listing description, coordinating showings, and handling legal disclosures.
Pros and cons of using a flat fee MLS listing service
Pros:
- Avoid paying the listing agent commission (2.5% to 3%).
- Maintain full control over the sale process.
- Pay a known, upfront cost rather than a commission.
- Gain MLS exposure without hiring a traditional agent.
- Reach buyers and their agents on top real estate platforms.
Cons:
- Reduce total commission savings if the buyer expects you to cover their agent’s fees.
- Manage negotiations and legal paperwork all by yourself.
- Navigate the entire process without professional guidance.
- Handle heightened risk of pricing mistakes and liability issues.
- Sell for less compared to agent-assisted sales.
How do I list my home with a flat fee MLS service?
If you’ve decided to use a flat fee MLS service, follow these steps to get your home listed:
- Vet the service: Research local flat fee MLS companies, compare pricing, and check BBB ratings.
- Register and select a plan: Choose a package that fits your needs and pay the upfront fee.
- Enter your property details: Upload photos, complete the listing, and fill out the required forms.
- Understand and sign the listing agreement: Review the contract to ensure you understand any restrictions.
- Review your live listing: Once active, confirm your home appears correctly on third-party sites like Zillow and Realtor.com.
Are flat fee MLS listings effective in Charleston?
Most buyers start their home search online, so getting your property on the MLS helps more people see it. An MLS listing pushes your home out to major real estate sites where buyers are already looking. Buyer’s agents also use the MLS to find homes for their clients, not just casual browsing.
If your home isn’t listed there, it can be easy to miss. Listing on the MLS gives your home a better shot at reaching serious, ready-to-buy buyers.
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Alternatives to flat fee MLS services in Charleston
If a flat fee MLS service isn’t the right fit for your situation, there are other ways to sell a home in Charleston. Each option comes with its own trade-offs in cost, control, and level of support.
- Flat fee real estate agent: A limited-service agent who charges a set fee instead of a percentage.
- Discount broker: This offers lower commission rates, from 1% to 2%, while still providing some agent services.
- Full-service local agent: This professional provides comprehensive services to sell your home at the best price and at the quickest time.
Will I save money with a flat fee MLS listing service?
While you’ll save on commission, data from the National Association of Realtors shows FSBO homes sell for significantly less than agent-represented homes. The median sale price for FSBO was $360,000, while agent-assisted sales fetched $425,000.If maximizing profit is your priority, hiring an agent may be the better option.
What if I need to sell my Charleston home fast?
For a quick sale, consider an iBuyer or a We Buy Houses company. These services make fast cash offers but typically pay below market value. If you want to explore a fast sale while maximizing your return, Simple Sale can connect you with potential cash buyers or help you find an experienced agent who specializes in quick home sales.
What else should I know about selling a house in Charleston?
Even with a FSBO sale, sellers are still required to follow local disclosure laws. A real estate attorney can help you navigate contracts and paperwork with confidence. Aside from handling legal complexities, you should be aware of the following when using flat fee MLS solutions:
- These services require upfront payment, regardless of the sale outcome.
- Some companies frequently change names, making it hard to track their reputation.
- Seller contact information is typically included in the listing, meaning buyers and agents will reach out to you directly.
- There’s often no dedicated support person to guide the sales process.
- While you can save on commissions with flat fee MLS services, you can also negotiate traditional agent fees.
Ready to sell your Charleston home?
Selling FSBO can be time-consuming, and while a flat fee MLS service can help, it’s not the best fit for everyone. To sell successfully, it requires time, effort, and real estate knowledge. Here are the key takeaways:
- Flat fee MLS listings give your home exposure on the MLS and third-party websites, helping attract more buyers.
- Flat fee MLS services can save you the listing agent’s commission, but the buyer may negotiate that you still cover their agent’s fee.
- FSBO homes often sell for less than those listed with a traditional agent, potentially offsetting commission savings.
- Unless you opt for a higher-tier service package, you’ll handle all aspects of the sale, from pricing to negotiations.
- Hiring a real estate attorney is recommended to manage contracts and disclosures properly.
If you’re looking for professional guidance, HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing local agent to help you sell your home for the best price.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of Charleston area flat fee MLS companies are not endorsements. Moreover, the program details mentioned above may change. Visit the company’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Header Image Source: (Cody Silver/Unsplash)
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