5 Flat Fee MLS Companies in Plano, TX
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Joseph Gordon EditorClose
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 your Plano home as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) can put you at a disadvantage when it comes to exposure. Buyers and agents depend heavily on the multiple listing service (MLS) to find available properties. Since FSBO sellers usually cannot list on the MLS themselves, visibility can be limited. Flat fee MLS Plano services bridge the gap by offering MLS access for a fixed, upfront cost.
However, a flat fee MLS service isn’t the right fit for every seller. This guide will cover the pros and cons of using one, costs, local options, and the steps to list your home. We’ll also explore whether this approach could save you money or cost you in the long run.
What is a flat fee MLS listing service in Plano?
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 that real estate professionals use to share and search for homes on the market. Since many popular home search websites pull listings from the MLS, getting your home listed there can significantly increase its visibility.
Typically, only licensed agents can list properties on the MLS. A flat fee MLS service provides an alternative by offering FSBO sellers direct access for a set price. While this approach helps maximize exposure, sellers are still responsible for pricing, marketing, negotiating, and managing the transaction from start to finish.
How much does a flat fee MLS service cost in Plano?
The cost of a flat fee MLS service in Plano varies by company and service level. Some basic plans start as low as $200, while premium options can cost several thousand dollars. Higher-priced plans often include additional services, such as professional photography, marketing assistance, or a comparative market analysis to help you price your home competitively.
If you’re considering this route, it’s important to compare service offerings to ensure you’re getting the right level of support for your sale. Below, we’ll highlight some of the top flat fee MLS providers in Plano.
Flat fee MLS listing companies in Plano
Hometiva
Hometiva is a seller-focused platform that offers flat fee MLS listing services, allowing homeowners to place their properties on the MLS for a set cost while reaching a wide network of buyers and agents. Founded in 2017 by broker Brandon Carrington, the company has completed approximately $450 million in transaction volume and earned hundreds of five-star reviews.
Aside from providing access to the MLS, the company offers expert guidance through inspections, appraisals, and the buyer’s lending process. Hometiva works closely with title companies to help ensure a smooth and timely closing.
Service areas: Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Dallas, and surrounding areas in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
Cost of service: $3,495 for MLS listing, market analysis, home staging advice, professional photography, yard sign, lock box, and negotiations
Hometiva earned 5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews, with many clients saying that the company delivered an easy, hassle-free selling experience from start to finish. They praise the team’s hands-on approach and consistent support throughout the process.
The flat fee pricing is often mentioned as a major benefit, helping sellers keep more of their proceeds. Reviewers note that the level of service matched what they would expect from a traditional full-service agent.
Website: hometiva.com
Phone number: 214-578-5518
VIP Realty
VIP Realty helps homeowners in Plano sell their properties while saving on costly traditional commission fees. With two customized flat fee MLS listing options, the company provides solutions tailored to each seller’s goals and needs.
The listing packages support sellers who wish to manage the process themselves, as well as those who rely on comprehensive support. Either way, homeowners gain professional marketing and broad market exposure without paying the high costs of standard real estate services.
Service areas: Plano and other key areas, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, and Keller
- FSBO: $600 for MLS listing and syndication to popular real estate websites
- Full Service: $5,000 for professional photos, pricing strategy, lockbox, yard sign, showing coordination, and offer negotiation
Accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2018, VIP Realty maintains an A+ rating. It boasts a 4.7-star average on Google, as reviewers praise the team’s professionalism, knowledge, and trustworthiness, noting their guidance through challenging selling scenarios.
Clients appreciate how the company connects them with dependable professionals and manages each stage of the transaction carefully. The team is praised for going the extra mile to protect clients’ interests and provide expert advice and reassurance throughout the selling process.
Website: viprealtyinfo.com
Phone: 214-295-4888
Congress Realty
Congress Realty, a licensed brokerage serving multiple states, including Texas, helps homeowners sell their properties efficiently and affordably. By completing a simple form and specifying their asking price, sellers can quickly get their homes listed on the local MLS.
The listings provide the same visibility as a traditional full-commission sale, connecting properties with a wide pool of potential buyers. By eliminating high commission fees, the company allows homeowners to retain more of their equity.
Service areas: Throughout Texas, including Plano, and other states, including Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah
- Basic: $299 for a six-month listing term, state forms and disclosures, up to five listing changes, up to four listing photos, and access to the showing time appointment tool
- Plus: $399 for Basic inclusions, up to 10 listing changes, maximum number of photos allowed, and automated phone lead forwarding
- Premium: $499 for Plus inclusions, unlimited listing changes, unlimited open house postings, and social media feature
- Full Service: $399 + 0.5% for Premium inclusions, contract review, closing transaction, and full negotiation and paperwork support
Congress Realty holds an A rating from the BBB and a strong 4.8-star Google review average. Clients note that the company offers a streamlined, efficient flat fee MLS listing experience that makes selling a home straightforward.
Several sellers highlight the team’s prompt responses and valuable guidance throughout the process. Leads are quickly forwarded, enabling sellers to act fast, with some receiving offers and closing in just a few days.
Website: congressrealty.com
Phone: 888-230-4824
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 Plano, Texas
Listing fee (price varies by location): $195 for a six-month listing term, up to 50 listing photos, yard sign, social media posting, brochures, and real estate forms and contracts
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
Listing Results
Listing Results is a team of licensed agents who have been committed to helping homeowners since 1998. In 2000, the company introduced flat fee MLS services, offering a more affordable and accessible way for sellers to market their properties.
With this service, homeowners can showcase their homes to a wide audience while avoiding the high costs of traditional commissions. By combining professional service with cost-effective solutions, the company provides a streamlined and effective home-selling experience.
Service areas: Throughout Texas, including Plano
- Basic: $499 for a six-month listing term, up to 50 listing photos, contracts and disclosures, showing appointment service, and insta-offer forwarding
- Plus: $599 for Basic inclusions, sign, combo key box, and comparative market analysis
- Full Service Plan 1: $999 for Plus inclusions, 12-month listing term, contract review, counteroffer preparation, negotiation, and e-signing of contracts and addendum
- Full Service Plan 2: $1,399 for Full Service Plan 1 inclusions and professional photos
Listing Results, accredited by the BBB since 2013, holds an A+ rating. Its Google Business Profile earned 4.8 stars, as clients frequently note that the company offers a simple, flat fee MLS listing that helps save money without compromising results.
Sellers praise the fast sales and seamless closings, appreciating the ability to handle negotiations and contracts independently. The team is recognized for being responsive, transparent, and free of hidden fees, making it a highly recommended choice for those seeking a cost-effective and efficient selling experience.
Website: listingresults.com
Phone: 1-800-433-5206
How would a Plano seller benefit from a flat fee MLS service?
A flat fee MLS service can be a good option for certain sellers, particularly those looking to reduce costs and maintain control over the sale process. Instead of paying a real estate commission of 5% to 6% of the sale price, FSBO sellers can list their property on the MLS for a one-time fee.
For sellers with a desirable home in a strong market, this approach can work well. However, it requires time, effort, and real estate knowledge. Here are some reasons a flat fee MLS might be a good fit:
- You want to save on listing agent fees: A flat-fee service eliminates the listing agent’s commission, reducing overall costs.
- You have a marketable home: In a competitive market, a well-priced home may attract strong buyer interest without agent assistance.
- You prefer to manage the sale yourself: FSBO sellers who are comfortable with pricing, marketing, and negotiation may find this approach appealing.
- You don’t want to work with a listing agent: If you’d rather avoid hiring a licensed agent, a flat fee MLS service provides an alternative.
- You have the time and resources: FSBO sellers must handle pricing, marketing, disclosures, showings, and negotiations independently.
Pros and cons of using a flat fee MLS listing service
Pros:
- Avoid the listing agent commission (typically 2.5% to 3%).
- Maintain full control over the sale process.
- Pay a fixed upfront cost for MLS access.
- Gain exposure on the MLS and third-party real estate sites.
- Increase visibility with buyer agents.
Cons:
- Reduce your overall commission savings if the buyer expects you to pay their agent’s fee.
- Handle negotiations and paperwork by yourself.
- Deal with problems without expert guidance.
- Increase risk for legal and contract issues.
- Sell for less than agent-represented homes.
How do I list my home with a flat fee MLS service?
If you decide to use a flat fee MLS service, follow these steps to get your home listed:
- Research flat fee MLS providers. Compare pricing, reviews, and service offerings. Check for complaints with the BBB and Google reviews.
- Sign up and choose a plan. Select a package that fits your needs and pay the upfront fee.
- Submit your property details. Provide a detailed listing description and upload high-quality photos.
- Sign the listing agreement. Review terms carefully, including cancellation policies and commission requirements.
- Verify your listing. Once published, check how your home appears on major real estate sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Trulia.
Are flat fee MLS listings effective in Plano?
A local MLS is one of the most effective ways to market your home. Nearly all buyers start their home search online, and the MLS feeds listings to major real estate platforms. Additionally, buyer’s agents rely on MLS data to find homes for their clients. This makes an MLS listing a valuable tool for increasing your home’s exposure in the Plano market.
Alternatives to flat fee MLS services in Plano
If a flat fee MLS service isn’t the right fit, consider these alternatives:
- Flat fee real estate agent: Some agents offer limited services for a fixed rate, typically ranging from $3,000 to $5,000. This provides some professional guidance without the full commission cost.
- Discount real estate broker: Some professionals charge lower commissions, about 1% to 2%, but still offer some agent support. They are typically more expensive than flat fee MLS services.
- Full-service Realtor: A top-performing agent provides market expertise, pricing strategies, and negotiation skills, often leading to a higher sale price.
Will I save money with a flat fee MLS listing service?
While you may save on listing fees, you could net less profit overall. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), FSBO homes sell for significantly less than agent-assisted sales. The median FSBO sale price is $360,000, compared to $425,000 for homes sold with an agent.
Additionally, many FSBO sellers choose this route to sell to a friend or neighbor, often leading to an even lower sale price. While a flat fee MLS can lower upfront expenses, it doesn’t always result in higher overall profits.
What if I need to sell my Plano home fast?
If speed is your priority, alternative selling options may be worth exploring. iBuyer companies and We Buy Houses companies purchase homes quickly, often in as little as a few days. However, these sales usually result in a lower final price compared to selling on the open market.
If you want to explore all options, HomeLight’s Simple Sale can connect you with cash buyers or match you with a local agent to achieve the best outcome for your situation.
What else should I know about selling a house in Plano?
Plano home sellers must comply with local real estate disclosure laws. It’s best to hire a real estate attorney who can help you navigate legal complexities and contracts. Here are some more points to remember when selling FSBO in Plano:
- Flat fee MLS services require upfront payment, regardless of whether your home sells.
- Some companies frequently rebrand, making it difficult to track their reputation.
- Sellers handle all buyer communication directly.
- Unlike traditional agents, flat fee MLS companies don’t provide dedicated support.
- While a flat fee service has fixed costs, agent commission rates can be negotiated
Ready to sell your Plano home?
Before choosing a flat fee MLS service, consider these key takeaways:
- Flat fee MLS services help FSBO sellers list on the MLS without an agent.
- You’ll need to handle pricing, marketing, negotiations, and paperwork yourself.
- While it can save on commission fees, selling FSBO may result in a lower sale price.
- If time is a concern, alternative options like cash buyers or full-service agents may be worth considering.
If you want expert guidance, HomeLight can connect you with a top local real estate agent who can help you maximize your sale price.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of Plano 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: (Roger Starnes Sr/ Unsplash)