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Flat Fee MLS vs. Traditional Realtor

Both paths get your home listed on the MLS and in front of buyers. The difference is what you pay to get there — and what you take on yourself.

Flat Fee MLS
$99 one-time
  • ✓Full MLS listing, syndicated to Zillow, Realtor.com & more
  • ✓You control pricing, negotiations, and showings
  • ✓No listing agent commission
  • ✓Optional buyer's agent commission — entirely your choice
  • ✓Optional upgrades: ShowingTime, call forwarding
Traditional Realtor
~2.5–3% of sale price
  • •Full MLS listing, syndicated the same way
  • •Agent handles pricing guidance, negotiations, showings
  • •Listing agent commission is a percentage of your sale price
  • •Buyer's agent commission is separately negotiated
  • •Full-service support throughout the transaction

What a Listing Commission Costs at Different Sale Prices

A traditional listing agent commission is typically around 2.5–3% of your home's sale price. Here's roughly what that comes to, compared to our flat $99 fee.

Sale Price ~2.5% Listing Commission Flat Fee MLS
$200,000$5,000$99
$300,000$7,500$99
$400,000$10,000$99
$500,000$12,500$99

Illustrative only, based on a 2.5% listing-side commission rate; actual rates are negotiable and vary by agent and market. Figures don't include any buyer's agent commission you may choose to offer separately.

What You're Trading Off

A traditional agent handles pricing strategy, marketing, negotiations, and paperwork on your behalf, for their commission. With flat fee MLS, you take those tasks on yourself — which is exactly why it costs a fraction of the price. Whether that trade makes sense for you depends on how comfortable you are managing showings, buyer inquiries, and negotiations directly.

Our blog and resources hub walk through pricing, disclosures, staging, and buyer contact — the parts of the process an agent would otherwise handle for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is flat fee MLS listing legal?

Yes. Flat fee MLS listings are a standard, widely used option offered through licensed real estate brokers. Your listing appears on the same MLS, and syndicates to the same sites like Zillow and Realtor.com, as a traditionally listed home.

Do I still need to pay a commission with flat fee MLS?

You pay our one-time $99 flat fee to get listed. Whether you offer any compensation to a buyer's agent is entirely up to you — it's never required. See our page on buyer's agent commission for more detail.

What do I give up by not using a full-service agent?

You take on tasks an agent would normally handle: scheduling showings, negotiating directly with buyers or their agents, and managing paperwork through closing. Many sellers find this manageable, especially with tools like ShowingTime and call forwarding available as optional upgrades.

Ready to List Your Home?

Get your complete MLS listing for one $99 flat fee. No commission, no upgrades required, no hidden fees.

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