Home sellers in Miami and Orlando, Florida, are discovering a way to save thousands of dollars by avoiding the usual 6% real estate agent commission. They are turning to Florida Flat Fee MLS companies, which have gained significant popularity among sellers in the state. These companies offer several advantages that appeal to home sellers.
One of the main advantages of using a Flat Fee MLS service is the ability to list and sell a property for just $399, eliminating the need to pay the typical 3% listing agent commission. Also, sellers can choose the commission for the buyer’s agent. If no buyer’s agent is involved, sellers can avoid paying commissions.
Time is often of the essence when selling a home, and Flat Fee MLS services excel in this area. These services can ensure a fast listing process, allowing sellers to have their property listed within 24–48 hours. This quick turnaround is especially beneficial for sellers planning an open house on a specific date, such as a Sunday.
Flexibility is another advantage provided by Flat Fee MLS services. Unlike traditional listing agreements that bind sellers to an agent for up to a year, even if they are unhappy with their agent, Flat Fee MLS listing in Florida agreements can be canceled anytime. This flexibility allows sellers to explore other options if they are unsatisfied with the service they receive.
Hidden fees are a common concern in traditional real estate transactions. However, high-tech Flat Fee MLS services aim to address this issue by disclosing all fees upfront. Sellers can have peace of mind knowing that they won’t encounter unexpected charges at the closing table, as all fees will be clearly communicated from the start of the transaction.
After dedicating countless hours to thorough research and analysis, we have compiled a comprehensive list of top flat fee MLS companies in Florida. Below, you will find our rankings based on our extensive investigations.
- Houzeo
Ranked as the leading Flat Fee MLS service in the United States, Houzeo stands out for several compelling reasons:
- Extensive Exposure: Houzeo MLS packages offer unparalleled access to many prominent platforms, including the MLS, Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, and numerous other websites. This maximizes the visibility of your listing and enhances your chances of attracting potential buyers.
- Exceptional Customer Service: Houzeo takes pride in its top-notch customer service, which has earned a stellar 5-star rating. Their dedicated customer service desk operates six days a week, ensuring prompt assistance. Furthermore, Houzeo goes above and beyond by providing open chats and emails seven days a week — an exceptional level of availability in today’s world.
- Seamless Online Experience: As a highly advanced platform, Houzeo streamlines the entire process by offering a 100% online experience. This means effortless listing creation, swift updates, online showings, and receiving online offers. Houzeo’s powerful Mobile App further enhances convenience and accessibility.
- Elimination of Listing Commission: In most states, Houzeo only charges a modest flat fee for listing on the MLS. Remarkably, they cover 47 states plus the District of Columbia. It’s important to note that Houzeo operates fully transparently, disclosing all fees upfront and ensuring no hidden costs. Consequently, you can bypass the traditional listing agent commission, maximizing your savings.
- Doug Addeo
Doug Addeo offers several advantages for FSBO (For Sale By Owner) sellers, ensuring a smooth selling experience:
- Flexible Flat Fee Plans: Doug Addeo provides multiple plans tailored to your needs and budget. Ranging from $177 to $895, these plans offer a range of benefits. Additionally, you can upgrade your plan if you require additional advantages.
- Local Expertise: With an impressive 24 years of experience in the real estate market, Doug Addeo brings valuable local expertise to the table. Having established strong relationships with various Realtor boards across Florida, sellers seeking the guidance of a knowledgeable local broker can trust Doug Addeo to provide reliable assistance throughout the selling process.
- Beycome
Beycome Brokerage Realty LLC offers three Flat Fee MLS listing packages for homeowners:
- Basic Package ($99): Includes listing on the MLS with unlimited changes. Available in all 10 covered states.
- Enhanced Package ($399): Provides a yard sign, featured listing on Beycome’s website, flyers, brochures, one key lockbox, and the option to add a virtual tour video. Available in 8 states.
- Concierge Service ($599 + 1% Commission): Offers virtual full-service assistance until closing. Charges 1% of the sale price at closing. Available in 6 states.
Beycome provides good service in selected states:
- Unrestricted Revisions and Edits: Allows unlimited changes to the listing descriptions, photos, and price adaptations. Offers the flexibility to switch to a full-service package anytime.
- Expert Assistance: Provides expert assistance in English and Spanish every day of the week.
Alternatives to Florida Flat Fee MLS Companies
Flat Fee MLS companies are often the preferred choice for homeowners who want to retain a larger portion of their home equity when selling a home in Florida. However, if you’re seeking more assistance throughout the process, there are alternative options to consider:
- Hire a Discount Real Estate Broker: Florida offers discount real estate brokers who provide the same services as traditional brokers but at a reduced commission rate. Typically, these brokers charge 0.5% to 2% commission for listing and selling your home.
- 1% Commission Realtors: Working with discount brokers at a 1% commission rate can lead to significant client savings.
- 2% Commission Realtors: Similar to conventional Realtors, these discount brokers offer their services at a 2% commission rate.
- 4.5% Commission Realtors: Some agents provide all real estate services for a low % commission rate of 4.5%.
2. List With a Full-Service Realtor: If you prefer more comprehensive support, hiring a full-service in-person Florida Realtor or broker is recommended. However, this option may not result in substantial savings on real estate agent commission, as you might pay the full 5% to 6% commission. Luxury real estate brokers may even charge higher rates.
3. Sell to an iBuyer: iBuyers like Opendoor and Offerpad purchase numerous homes in Florida markets, making them a viable option if you want to sell your house quickly.
4. Sell to Cash Home Buyers: Individual cash home buyers or companies that buy houses for cash in Florida can provide all-cash offers within a short timeframe, typically within 24 to 48 hours. Selling to cash buyers allows you to bypass listing on the MLS, inspections, appraisals, and other associated processes.
5. Sell For Sale By Owner (FSBO): FSBO websites enable homeowners to list and sell their houses independently in Florida, saving thousands on listing agent commissions. Many FSBO websites also offer MLS listings and assistance with FSBO paperwork.
In addition, researching the best FSBO sites in Florida can provide valuable insights and rankings for homeowners considering this approach.
Ultimately, a full-service agent may not always be necessary to handle a property sale. With proper research, selling your home with a Florida Flat Fee Realtor can offer a smooth and hassle-free experience. Houzeo, as the top-ranked MLS listing company in Florida, satisfies all the requirements for a successful home-selling process.