Pros and cons of using fixed-cost MLS listing services
Advantages of using fixed-cost MLS listing services
- Avoid paying 2.5% – 3% of listed agency committees
- Represent yourself and have complete control over your FSBO sales
- Understand your upfront expenses with transparent pricing
- List your home on MLS and third-party websites
- Increase your visibility with buyers and their agents
Disadvantages of using fixed-cost MLS listing services
- Buyer’s Agent Committee is still required
- Any issues that may delay or disrupt sales must be dealt with
- Built-in support for no licensed agent
- The potential for legal risks or liability without professional guidance
- Houses may sell for less than agent-assisted sales
How to list my home using a fixed fee MLS service?
How to list my home using a fixed fee MLS service?
If you decide to sell your Reno home using a fixed fee MLS service, here is a basic overview of the process:
Step 1: Review Fixed Fees MLS Company
Research local providers, compare packages, and check out better commerce bureaus and Google reviews. See how many photos you can upload, including what forms and whether a cancellation of the penalty is allowed.
Step 2: Select a plan and register
Create an account on the company’s website, select your preferred package, and pay a one-time list fee online.
Step 3: Add your attribute details
Fill in the description of the home, upload high-quality photos, and fill in any disclosure forms provided.
Step 4: Sign the listing agreement
Carefully review and sign the listing agreement. Confirm that the company does not owe money and understand your cancellation terms.
Step 5: View your live MLS list
Once the list is active, verify it appears on sites like Zillow and realtor.com. It may take several days to fully release across platforms.
Is the fixed fee MLS list valid in Reno?
Yes – MLS is still one of the most effective ways to market a home in Reno. Most buyers start searching online, and popular real estate sites pull lists directly from local MLS. Buyer’s agents also use it to find homes that suit customers’ needs, and even without traditional agents, MLS exposure becomes a key advantage for sellers.
Alternatives to fixed-fee MLS services in Reno:
If a fixed fee MLS service doesn’t seem to be suitable, here are several other ways to sell your home:
Fixed real estate agent
A flat-out real estate agent charges a certain amount (usually $3,000 to $5,000) to list and sell your home. This option provides more support than MLS-only services, but still provides more control for sellers.
Discount Real Estate Agent
Discount real estate agents or minor committee agents may offer limited services to reduce percentages. They are higher than a fixed fee option, but may offer better value to sellers who want some professional guidance. Learn more about the pros and cons of low commissions.
Local real estate agent
Top local real estate agents bring full service support, market expertise and a strong local network. If you seek the best results with less energy, this route may offer the highest reward.
Will I save money with a fixed fee MLS listing service?
You can save on the real estate committee by avoiding listing agents, but that doesn’t always mean you’ll walk away with more profits.
According to the National Association of Realtors, FSBO homes sell for nearly 14% less than agent-assisted homes. The median FSBO price is about $380,000, while the agency sells homes at $435,000. Nearly 40% of FSBO sellers sell to people they know, usually at a lower median of $345,000.
Fixed fee MLS can help improve visibility, but selling FSBO can still lead to lower sales prices.