Pros and cons of using fixed-cost MLS listing services
Advantages of using fixed-cost MLS listing services
- Eliminate listing agency committees (usually 2.5% to 3%).
- Represent your own home sales.
- Control all aspects of sales from beginning to end.
- Pay known upfront fees for listing services.
- List your home on MLS and major third-party websites.
- Expose the home to traditional buyers and their agents.
Disadvantages of using fixed-cost MLS listing services
- You will still need to provide commissions to the buyer’s agent.
- You must deal with any issues that may delay or harm sales.
- Without guidance from local experts, it is a self-help process.
- You may face more liability claims and legal risks.
- Your home sells for less than working with a real estate professional.
How to list my home using a fixed fee MLS service?
Follow these basic steps to list your Sugar Land Home using the Fixed Fee MLS service:
Step 1: Review Fixed Fee MLS Services
Research local companies, compare packages and read online reviews. Check the reputation of a company in Better Business Bureau. Learn how much information you can include, how many photos you allow, and the additional service charges.
Step 2: Sign up and select a plan
Sign up on the company website, select the plan that suits your needs, and pay the prepaid fee.
Step 3: Enter your attribute information
Provide a description of your home, upload high-quality photos, and fill out any required disclosure forms.
Step 4: Read and sign your listing agreement
Carefully review and sign the listing agreement. Confirm that you can cancel without penalty and that you will not owe commissions to the listing agent.
Step 5: View your live streaming list
Once published, your home will appear on local MLS as well as third-party sites such as Zillow and Realtor.com. Check the list after a live stream to make sure everything looks accurate and complete.
Is the fixed fee MLS list valid on sugar land?
Yes, a fixed fee MLS list can be very effective on sugar land. Most homebuyers search for properties online, and almost all major real estate websites remove the list directly from their local MLS. Buyers’ agents also use MLS to find homes for customers, which is one of the best ways to bring your property to serious buyers.
Alternatives to fixed-cost MLS services on sugar land:
If you are unsure if the MLS service is right for you, consider some other options:
Fixed fee agent
Fixed-fee real estate agents charge a set rate (usually $3,000 to $5,000) instead of commissions. This option gives you some professional support while still keeping the cost lower than traditional sales. Always check out the list contract to see what it is.
Discount Broker
Discount real estate agents charge reduced commissions and provide basic agency services. Low-principal agents are often more costly than fixed-fee services, but provide more guidance.
Full-service real estate agents
Local real estate agents provide comprehensive services and expert guidance to help you quickly price, market and sell your home – usually for sale at the best price.
Will I save money with a fixed fee MLS listing service?
Using a fixed MLS service can save you commissions, but this may also reduce your overall profit. Research by the National Association of Real Estate Brokers shows that FSBO homes sell for 14% less than agent-assisted sales.
The median sale price of FSBO is slightly above $380,000, while the agency sells more than $435,000. FSBO sellers sold to friends or neighbors have lower returns, with a median of $345,000.