6 Flat Fee MLS Companies in Georgia

Homeowners in the Peach State are finding new ways to save money when selling their properties. Some opt for a more straightforward solution: paying a single flat fee to get their property listed on the multiple listing service (MLS). By partnering with a flat fee MLS Georgia company, you can get your home on the same platform used by real estate agents — without the hefty price tag.

This article unpacks the advantages and drawbacks of using a flat fee MLS service, outlines some of the available services in Georgia, explains their operations, and details the potential costs. We will also discuss some alternatives and go over how the process works.

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What is a flat fee MLS listing service in Georgia?

A flat fee MLS listing service can be a game-changer for homeowners opting to sell their properties via For Sale By Owner (FSBO). These services grant sellers access to the MLS, an exclusive platform that aggregates current market listings. Typically, a seller would need a real estate agent to assist with this.

The MLS plays a pivotal role in the real estate ecosystem, facilitating the sharing of information among professionals and ensuring properties gain maximum visibility among potential buyers. Buyer’s agents rely on the MLS to find homes that match their clients’ needs, so it’s important for FSBO sellers to use this platform to boost visibility and improve their chances of a quick sale.

With a flat fee MLS service, Georgia homeowners can list their homes directly on the MLS, something usually only licensed real estate agents can do. Homeowners can get more eyes on their property while avoiding the high costs of hiring a full-service agent.

How much does a flat fee MLS service cost in Georgia?

The cost of a flat-fee MLS service in Georgia can range widely, with some options starting at $100 or even less, while others may climb into the thousands. The price usually depends on how many features and add-ons are included. More expensive plans tend to offer additional features that can significantly enhance the selling experience. 

For instance, higher-priced packages might include a comparative market analysis, providing invaluable insights into local market conditions and helping sellers price their homes competitively.

As we delve into the specifics, the following section will introduce a selection of flat fee MLS companies available to Georgia homeowners. This list aims to offer a comprehensive view of the diverse services and pricing models, helping sellers make informed decisions that align with their needs and budget.

Flat fee MLS listing companies in Georgia

Clickit Realty

Established in 2000, Clickit Realty is a licensed brokerage that provides sellers with a flat fee, limited-service alternative designed for quicker sales and greater control. The company operates in various states and maintains memberships in numerous MLSs and Realtor associations, including 17 MLSs across Georgia.

This extensive reach allows Clickit Realty to showcase listings broadly to local real estate professionals. With its combination of MLS access, expert guidance, and an affordable pricing model, the brokerage enables homeowners to sell effectively while reducing commission costs.

Service areas: Throughout Georgia and other states, such as North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, New York, and Connecticut

Atlanta Flat Fee Homes

Founded in 2005, Atlanta Flat Fee Homes is a family-owned real estate company based in Metro Atlanta, Georgia, offering flat-fee real estate services. It empowers home sellers by providing MLS access for a $399 flat fee paired with attentive, high-quality service. 

The firm offers professional guidance throughout every stage of the selling process, from preparing a home for the market to assisting with pricing strategies and contract negotiations. Through this comprehensive approach, the company continues to set the standard for value and performance in the Atlanta real estate market.

Service area: Atlanta

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 Georgia

beycome

beycome is a real estate platform built on the belief that homeowners can confidently manage their own property sales. Its streamlined digital system simplifies every step of the process, offering the tools and guidance needed for success. 

On average, users save about $12,000 while keeping full control of their transactions. By combining technology with transparency, beycome empowers sellers to retain more of their home equity and redefine the way real estate is done.

Service areas: Georgia and 13 other states, namely Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas

Homecoin

Homecoin simplifies the FSBO process by converting each local MLS’s unique paperwork into a streamlined digital format, allowing home sellers to complete their listings quickly and easily. The platform is built with seller protection in mind, offering clear, fair agreements that prioritize transparency and trust. 

By removing unnecessary hurdles and confusion, Homecoin empowers homeowners to take control of their sale without compromising on support or security.

Service areas: Georgia and other states, including Arizona, California, Florida, New York, Tennessee, and Wisconsin

Result MLS

ResultsMLS offers an online platform for homeowners to list and sell their properties independently. With the streamlined listing process, clients can choose the package that suits their needs, complete the necessary forms through an online platform, and expect their listing to go live within 48 hours. The company provides the tools sellers need for a successful sale, allowing them to save thousands by avoiding listing agent fees.

Service areas: Nationwide, including Georgia

How would a Georgia seller benefit from a flat fee MLS service?

A flat fee MLS service can significantly reduce the expenses associated with selling a home. By skipping a traditional real estate commission, sellers typically save on the listing agent’s cut, which ranges from 2.5% to 3% of the home’s selling price. 

This can be especially advantageous for those with desirable properties in a thriving market, where the chances of attracting multiple buyers and competitive offers are much higher even without the help of an agent. Moreover, for sellers keen on being intricately involved in the sale process or those preferring not to partner with a licensed agent, a flat fee MLS service offers a viable path to market exposure.

However, if you are selling FSBO, there’s a lot you are going to have to tackle on your own. Be prepared to:

Pros and cons of using a flat fee MLS listing service

Flat fee MLS companies offer home sellers a cost-effective alternative to traditional real estate agents. While they can provide significant savings and increased control, they also come with potential trade-offs. This section breaks down the main pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of using a flat fee MLS listing service

  • No listing agent commission: This allows you to save 2.5% to 3% of the home’s sale price.
  • Seller representation: Represent yourself in the sale and take more control over negotiations.
  • Complete control: Homeowners manage all aspects of the sale process from listing to closing.
  • Transparent costs: Fees for listing services are known upfront, eliminating surprises.
  • Wider exposure: Listings are not only placed on the MLS but also on popular third-party real estate websites, broadening the reach to potential buyers.
  • Direct access to buyers: A flat fee MLS listing service boosts your home’s exposure to traditional buyers and their agents, increasing the chances of a faster sale.

Cons of using a flat fee MLS listing service

  • Buyer agent fees: While you can avoid paying a listing agent’s commission, you may still need to pay the buyer’s agent fee, depending on negotiations. While the new commission rules shift this responsibility to the buyer, they may still ask you to cover it during the sale.
  • Seller’s responsibility: Homeowners are responsible for managing any issues that could delay or prevent the sale.
  • Self-service model: Sellers navigate the selling process without the expert guidance of a local real estate professional.
  • Potential legal risks: Handling the sale yourself can increase the chances of legal issues and liability claims.
  • Possible lower sale price: Homes might sell for less than if managed by a traditional real estate agent, due to less aggressive marketing and negotiation strategies.

How do I list my home with a flat fee MLS service?

Here’s how to list your home using a flat fee MLS service:

Step 1: Vet the flat fee MLS service

Start by researching the local flat fee MLS service you’re interested in, including its packages and rates. Understand the details of what’s included, such as the number of photos you can upload, the comprehensiveness of the listing, available forms, and any additional costs for extra services. Then, check Google reviews and verify the company’s credibility on the BBB website. 

Step 2: Register and select a plan

Visit the service’s website, register, choose the package that fits your needs, and pay the fee upfront. This step commits you to the service and allows you to move forward with listing your property.

Step 3: Enter your property information

Detail your property with a compelling description and upload high-quality photos. If available, complete and submit the disclosure form provided by the service to ensure transparency and legal compliance.

Step 4: Read and sign your listing agreement

Carefully read through the listing agreement provided by the service. Sign the agreement only after confirming that it includes favorable terms, such as the ability to cancel without penalties and the assurance that no listing commission is due.

Step 5: Review your live listing

After submitting your listing, the service will publish it on the local MLS and likely on major real estate websites. It may take a few days for your listing to appear. Once live, thoroughly review your listing on these sites to ensure accuracy and completeness, making any necessary adjustments.

Are flat fee MLS listings effective in Georgia?

In Georgia, flat-fee MLS listings are a proven way to reach more potential buyers. Almost all homebuyers use the internet to search for their next home, and online tools pull the latest listings straight from local MLS databases. This makes the MLS an indispensable resource not just for buyers, but also for their agents, who rely on it to find suitable properties. 

As a result, listing your home on the MLS through a flat fee service ensures broad exposure, tapping into one of the most powerful marketing channels available to sellers.

How Much Is Your Georgia Home Worth Now?

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Alternatives to flat fee MLS services in Georgia:

If a flat fee MLS service doesn’t seem like the right fit for your home sale in Georgia, consider these alternatives:

Option 1: Flat fee agent

Hire a flat-fee real estate agent who provides limited services for a predetermined rate, typically between $3,000 and $5,000, rather than a sale percentage. This can be beneficial for sellers seeking more control yet requiring professional guidance. Thoroughly review the listing contract to ensure you understand exactly what’s included in the service and any potential additional costs.

Option 2: Discount brokers

Use a discount real estate broker who operates at a lower commission than traditional agents but still offers basic services and support. This option is costlier than flat fee MLS listings but less expensive than full-service agents. 

Option 3: Full-service, experienced real estate agent

Engage a real estate agent in Georgia for comprehensive services, including listing your home. An experienced full-service agent brings market insight, local connections, and sales expertise, potentially selling your home faster and at a better price. 

Will I save money with a flat fee MLS listing service?

Using a flat fee MLS listing service in Georgia does offer savings on commission fees, but it’s crucial to consider the bigger financial picture. According to research from the National Association of Realtors, FSBO homes typically sell for less than those sold through an agent. 

While the median sale price for FSBO homes was $380,000, agent-assisted sales averaged around $435,000. Therefore, while a flat fee MLS service provides cost benefits upfront, selling your home as FSBO might lead to a lower overall profit when the transaction concludes.

What if I need to sell my Georgia home fast

If the need to sell your Georgia home quickly is pressing, there are alternatives you can explore. Companies known as “We Buy Houses” in Georgia or iBuyers specialize in purchasing homes quickly, sometimes within a matter of days, regardless of the home’s condition. 

While opting for these avenues may mean receiving less than market value — since these entities typically pay less than market value to compensate for convenience and speed — they represent viable options for those prioritizing time over profit.

For a more balanced approach between speed and value, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform offers a solution. It streamlines the selling process, potentially allowing for a rapid sale while also providing the option to connect with a local agent for an alternative selling route. 

This could give you the flexibility to explore the best course of action tailored to your urgent selling needs, whether that means a quick cash sale or strategic methods to maximize returns in a short timeframe.

What else should I know about selling a house in Georgia?

When selling a house in Georgia, it’s essential to be mindful of the local real estate landscape, especially concerning legal obligations. Sellers are required to adhere to state-specific disclosure laws, making transparency about the property’s condition a legal necessity. 

While using flat fee MLS listing services simplifies some aspects of the sale, the intricacies of legal disclosures and contract negotiations often call for professional guidance. Hence, engaging a real estate attorney is highly recommended for FSBO sellers to help navigate these complexities efficiently and avoid potential legal pitfalls that could arise after the sale.

Here are some additional points to consider:

  • Flat fee MLS services require payment upfront, a stark difference from traditional agents who earn their commission only upon the sale of your home.
  • Some flat fee MLS services may rebrand or change names, which can make evaluating their track record challenging.
  • Listings often include the seller’s direct contact information, placing the burden of communication predominantly on the seller’s shoulders.
  • Unlike with traditional real estate agents, there might not be a dedicated professional to guide sellers through the nuances of the listing process when using flat fee services.
  • While flat fee services offer a fixed rate, the fees associated with traditional real estate agents are open to negotiation, potentially offering room for savings.

Ready to sell your Georgia home?

Selling a house in Georgia is a big task, one that can feel like juggling a full-time job. Although taking the FSBO route and using a flat fee MLS service gives you more control and can save on agent commissions, it also means you’re taking on most of the work and responsibilities yourself.

For those considering getting expert advice on selling their Georgia home, HomeLight can connect you with local agents who can guide you through the selling process. These professionals can help navigate the complexities of the market, offer expertise on legal requirements, and potentially secure a higher sale price for your property. 

Whether you’re leaning towards a flat fee MLS listing or exploring other options, consulting with a knowledgeable agent in your area can help ensure your home-selling journey is as smooth and successful as possible. Talk to an agent today.

Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of Georgia flat fee MLS companies are not endorsements. Moreover, the program details mentioned above may change. Visit the home-buying company’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Header Image Source: (Samuel Agbetunsin / Unsplash)