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 listing service can be a game-changer for homeowners opting to sell their properties 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. 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.

This helps homeowners get more eyes on their property while avoiding the high costs of hiring a full-service agent. Since buyer’s agents rely on the MLS to find homes that match their clients’ needs, it’s important for FSBO sellers to use this platform to boost visibility and improve their chances of a quick sale.

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. This variation in pricing often reflects the breadth of services and extras 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

Flat Fee Group

Flat Fee Group provides a cost-effective way for Georgia homeowners to list their property on the MLS without paying high commission fees. The service includes expert real estate guidance to help sellers navigate the process while maintaining full control over their sale. Designed for flexibility, Flat Fee Group offers tailored packages that fit a variety of budgets and selling goals.

Service areas: 50 states, including Georgia

Unreal Estate

Unreal Estate offers a modern alternative to the traditional home-selling process by eliminating the need for a conventional real estate agent. Through smart automation, it streamlines tasks typically handled by agents, resulting in significant savings for sellers.

Instead of paying the typical 5% to 6% commission, sellers on the platform pay no listing commission and can choose their preferred buyer-side rate, usually around 2.5%. The group strives to make home selling simple for Georgia homeowners.

Service areas: 49 states, including Georgia (excluding South Dakota) and Washington D.C.

Byowner.com

ByOwner offers a cost-effective MLS listing service designed to help homeowners sell their properties quickly. The company lists properties on major real estate websites and the local MLS at a significantly lower cost than traditional brokers.

Their service includes valuable extras such as professional ad creation, yard signs, and direct buyer communication. Additionally, ByOwner provides sellers with a complimentary step-by-step e-book to assist throughout the selling process.

Service areas: 50 states, including Georgia

Beycome

Beycome is founded on the principle that homeowners are best equipped to manage their own real estate transactions. To support this, the company offers a streamlined digital platform that enables users to sell properties confidently.

With Beycome’s comprehensive tools and guidance, a transaction is completed every 30 minutes, with users saving an average of $12,750. By minimizing reliance on traditional agents, the company allows individuals to retain more of their equity while maintaining full control over the process.

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

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 a protected 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: 50 states, including Georgia

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 21 other states, including Arizona, California, Florida, New York, Tennessee, and Wisconsin

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. 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:

  1. Use market data to determine an effective selling price.
  2. Craft a compelling listing description that captures the interest of buyers.
  3. Market and advertise the home to increase property visibility.
  4. Fulfill state and federal disclosure requirements.
  5. Manage showings and open houses efficiently.
  6. Navigate offers, negotiations, and the contract process well.
  7. Calculate closing costs and net proceeds to understand your financial position post-sale.
  8. Oversee the appraisal and inspection processes.
  9. Handle local real estate transfer taxes and gather the necessary documentation.

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, which goes to the listing agent.
  • 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 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. The new commission rules shift this responsibility to the buyer, but they may still negotiate for 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. Then, check Google reviews and verify the company’s credibility on the Better Business Bureau website.

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.

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.

Consequently, 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.

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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. Note that you’ll likely still need to pay the buyer’s agent commission in full.

Option 3: Full-service, experienced real estate agent

Engage a local real estate agent 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. Understand the pros and cons of low commission services to make an informed choice.

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 about 13% 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 expedient routes available to you. Companies known as “We Buy Houses” 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 offer lower prices 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 using 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.

Key points to remember:

  • 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 significant undertaking, 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)