7 Flat Fee MLS Companies in Michigan to Sell Your FSBO Home

If you’re selling your house in Michigan, you probably want to keep costs as low as possible to maximize your take-home profit. That might have you considering a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) approach to avoid paying agent commissions. This route typically involves using a flat fee multiple listing service (MLS) to increase property visibility online. But is opting for a flat fee MLS Michigan service better than working with a traditional real estate agent?

Although it offers significant savings, the FSBO option isn’t for all sellers. In this article, we’ll break down the details you’ll need to know before deciding whether it’s right for your situation.

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What is a flat fee MLS listing service?

A flat fee MLS listing service lets homeowners pay a one-time fee to list their property on the MLS without hiring a full-service real estate agent. The MLS is a database that real estate agents use to match buyers with available homes and gives sellers broad visibility by sharing their listings with a large network of real estate professionals. Most listings on sites like Zillow and Realtor.com come directly from the MLS.

Even when the real estate market was red-hot, most sellers relied on the MLS to reach buyers. Only licensed real estate agents can access and post listings on a local MLS, but several companies in Michigan and other states provide MLS services for a flat fee. These flat fee MLS companies enable FSBO sellers in Michigan to bypass the traditional agent and get their home included in the MLS.

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

Flat fee MLS services vary in price, depending on the perks you want and how much assistance you need. Most companies will offer a basic package that lists your house on the MLS.

From there, the company might charge for everything from longer time on the MLS and higher photo allotments to broker assistance, yard signs, lock boxes, or other features. In general, flat fee MLS services in Michigan cost approximately $95 to $2,000.

Flat fee MLS listing companies in Michigan

Here’s a comparison of some flat fee MLS listing companies in Michigan.

Modern Way Realty

Modern Way Realty provides a reliable flat fee MLS listing service designed to give homeowners greater control and substantial savings. Clients work directly with the company throughout the entire process, without involvement from referral networks.

With flexible listing options, ranging from do-it-yourself to full service, sellers can tailor their experience to match their needs and budget. On average, FSBO sellers save $12,800 partnering with Modern Way Realty.

Service areas: Throughout Michigan

Unreal Estate

Unreal Estate is a modern platform designed to empower FSBO (For Sale By Owner) sellers with the tools and flexibility to sell their homes independently. Sellers can easily create a listing by setting a price, uploading photos, and adding property details, all without the need for a traditional listing agent.

The platform allows users to choose their own buyer’s agent commission, typically between 1% and 3%, which is only paid upon a successful sale. To help sellers succeed, Unreal Estate offers expert tips on staging, marketing, and preparing the home for showings.

Service areas: All 49 states (except South Dakota), including Michigan, and Washington D.C.

Kermath Realty

Kermath Realty promises a flat fee MLS listing service that provides the same exposure and marketing as traditional local agents. Beyond cost savings, the company delivers expert guidance on pricing, marketing strategies, and ongoing support to help sellers connect with the right buyers.

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, the company brings a strong understanding of the local market and seller needs.

Service areas: Throughout Michigan

Coverage Realty

Coverage Realty helps homeowners list their properties on the MLS without paying full agent commissions. The company offers an affordable package for budget-conscious homeowners.

Listings typically go live within 24 to 48 hours after receiving the completed paperwork and property photos. By making homes visible to buyers and real estate agents, Coverage Realty ensures broad exposure without the high costs of traditional representation.

Service areas: St. Clair, Chesterfield, Harrison, and Macomb

Houzeo

Houzeo is a fully digital home-selling platform designed to simplify real estate transactions while maximizing savings. It offers a streamlined experience that enables sellers to manage showings, receive offers, and track activity entirely online. Clients can save money by avoiding traditional commission fees, all while maintaining control and convenience throughout the process.

Listings go live quickly, and users benefit from fast edits and updates at no additional cost. The platform does not charge cancellation fees, allowing sellers to proceed with confidence and flexibility.

Service areas: Throughout Michigan

ISoldMyHouse.com

ISoldMyHouse.com is a long-standing for-sale-by-owner platform that gives Michigan homeowners a cost-effective alternative to traditional real estate services. Founded in 1997, the company has helped sellers successfully list and market their homes without relying on an agent, offering a proven way to retain more at closing.

Through its flat fee MLS listing service, ISoldMyHouse.com ensures homes receive the same online exposure as listings handled by agents. Sellers can cut commission costs by at least half or eliminate them entirely if the buyer is unrepresented.

Service areas: Throughout Michigan

Homecoin

Homecoin provides an efficient, seller-friendly platform designed to simplify the MLS listing process for FSBO homeowners. By digitizing the unique listing forms required by each MLS, Homecoin enables users to complete all necessary paperwork quickly and securely online.

The service includes e-signatures, easy photo uploads, and a listing agreement structured to protect the seller’s interests. With a focus on transparency, convenience, and control, Homecoin empowers homeowners to market their property professionally while saving significantly on commission fees.

Service areas: Over 20 states, including Michigan

Which Michigan sellers benefit most from a flat fee MLS service?

Flat fee MLS services may seem like a simple home-selling tool, but they aren’t made for all sellers. According to Justin Glover, a top-selling real estate agent in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the sellers who benefit most from flat fee MLS services are already comfortable selling homes on their own and understand the work that goes into FSBO sales.

“I would say someone who maybe has some background in real estate and contracts would be better suited to do a flat fee MLS listing than someone who has no experience with reading contracts, negotiating, and buying and selling homes,” he explains.

At the same time, Justin Glover says flat fee MLS services aren’t a good fit for sellers who lack time or knowledge about selling homes.

“If you’re willing to give up the service to do a flat fee and just get it on the market and deal with everything yourself, then just be prepared for that,” he says. “And if you’re willing to give up the quality of the way the listing looks and how it’s presented to the market to save money on a flat fee, be prepared for that.”

Pros and cons of using a flat fee MLS listing service

Here are a few of the biggest pros and cons of using a flat fee MLS listing service:

Pros

  • You can save on real estate agent commissions.
  • You have more control over your home sale.
  • Your home is listed as an FSBO seller on the MLS and major search sites.

Cons

Alternatives to a Flat Fee MLS Service

Flat fee MLS services can be great for experienced FSBO sellers, but they aren’t the best option for everyone. Fortunately, if you’re unsure about using a flat fee MLS company to sell your home, you have options. Here are some alternatives:

Option 1: Flat fee real estate agents

With flat fee real estate agents, you gain the help of a licensed agent and can avoid paying a listing agent’s traditional commission. Instead of taking a commission, a flat fee real estate agent asks for a one-time payment upfront.

You’ll still be paying for the agent’s services, but this route lets you pay a chunk of money at the beginning of your sale. That way, you’ll know how much money you’ll be pocketing at the end of the sale.

However, it’s important to realize that flat fee agents don’t have the incentive of commission to motivate them. That means they may not work as hard to negotiate or land the most profit possible from your home sale.

Also, keep in mind that some sellers still consider paying the standard buyer’s agent fees, despite the new rules on agent commissions. This strategy attracts more buyers and expedites home sales, but it reduces the savings potential.

Option 2: Cash-for-homes companies

If you want to sell your home fast and aren’t as concerned about receiving top-dollar for your house, you can seek a cash offer from a house-buying company. When you sell for cash, you can sell quickly without handling much of the prep work that typical home sales require. The downside to selling for cash is that you may not receive as high of a price as you could if you listed your home on the market.

One easy and convenient way to sell your home fast for cash is to use HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform. This tool allows you to bypass repairs, showings, and commissions, as it presents a cash offer in 24 hours.

You’re under no obligation to accept offers, but if you do, this method makes it possible to close in as few as 7 days. HomeLight has one of the biggest networks of cash buyers in the country.

Option 3: Discount real estate brokers

If you go with a discount real estate broker, you’ll likely still need to pay a commission. However, discount real estate brokers tend to take lower commissions than full-service agents. They usually provide basic real estate services, such as listing your property on the MLS, marketing, and managing paperwork.

These low-cost brokers can be a solid choice if you want to trim costs. Just remember that they tend to make up for low commissions by plowing through as many jobs as possible.

That means they may not give you the same attention and support as a full-service real estate agent. Moreover, you may still be compelled to cover the buyer’s agent’s commission to draw in prospective buyers, so don’t forget to factor in that cost when you’re crunching the numbers.

Option 4: Full-service real estate agents

A final and often most cost-effective alternative is hiring a full-service real estate agent. If you hire a full-service real estate agent, you’ll end up paying a commission. However, top-selling agents will handle marketing, market research, pricing, negotiations, paperwork, and other critical home-selling tasks.

Even though you pay commission to these professionals, they usually can secure a higher price on your home than you might receive with other options.

Jay Glover, another top-selling agent who works in partnership with Justin Glover in Grand Rapids, explains, “If we can get your home listed and do all the things that we do and use all our tools, we might be able to net you an even higher amount even after paying a higher commission because we’re going to reach a broader audience. We’re going to prepare your home better […], point out things that we might think are flaws in the home before even putting it on the market, and […] make sure it’s a 10 out of 10 when it’s time to actually list it.”

Data suggests that sellers who lean on a real estate agent’s help often end up making more money on sales in the long run. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the typical FSBO home sold for $380,000 compared to $435,000 for an agent-assisted home sale.

What’s more, experienced real estate agents may be able to increase your profit. Homelight data found real estate agents that perform in the U.S.’s top 5% sell homes for as much as 10% more than average real estate agents.

One of the easiest ways to find a top-selling agent in your area is to use HomeLight’s Agent Match platform. Our platform searches the Michigan housing market and finds real estate agents with a proven track record for selling homes in your area.

Feeling Overwhelmed by the Process of Listing Your Home FSBO in Michigan?

If you don’t have the time or the expertise to list your home FSBO, working with a top agent in Michigan could be your best bet. HomeLight analyzes over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to find you the best agent for your unique situation.

Sell your Michigan home with confidence

Regardless of your selling option, you’ll want to list your home on the MLS to reach serious buyers. A flat fee MLS allows you to list your house without much outside help.

Still, if you’re new to selling on your own, it’s important to understand everything that goes into a FSBO sale and to consider your options carefully. By digging into the specifics of your situation and understanding all the tools you have at your fingertips, you’ll be ready to sell your home in Michigan confidently.

Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links and mentions of Michigan flat fee MLS companies in this post do not constitute an endorsement. Moreover, the program details mentioned above may change. Visit the flat fee MLS listing company’s website for the most up-to-date information.

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