7 Best Flat Fee MLS Companies in Texas | How to Get On a Texas MLS Without a Realtor | Alternatives to Flat Fee MLS in Texas
In Texas, where the average home value is $315,235, the typical seller pays about $18,914 (or 3%) of their sale profits to a listing agent.
By working with a Texas flat fee MLS company, you can eliminate almost the entire listing commission and save thousands of dollars.
A flat fee MLS company is exactly what it sounds like: for a flat fee (usually a few hundred dollars), the company will list your home on the MLS, the main directory for active listings, usually only accessible to real estate agents. From there, your listing will show up on real estate websites like Realtor.com, Redfin, Zillow, and Trulia.
It sounds simple, easy, and smart on your wallet. But there’s more to consider.
While flat fee MLS companies get your listing in front of more buyers, that’s pretty much it. You’ll be on your own when it comes to pricing your home, taking photos, scheduling showings, and managing all legal paperwork, just to name a few.
So, is using a flat fee MLS company worth it? It depends.
How savvy are you with selling? Can you handle the work of the transaction on your own, which could include everything from pricing your home to navigating the stacks of closing paperwork? If done right, there can be some significant benefits to using a flat fee MLS – but it’s a lot of work.
If you’re considering the flat fee MLS model, check out our guide on how to list on the MLS and save, then see our rankings for the 7 best flat fee MLS companies in Texas.
If you want to save but aren’t confident you’ll have the time or know-how to sell your home yourself, our friends at Clever Real Estate offer a compromise: a full-service agent for a pre-negotiated 1.5% listing fee. The average seller who lists with Clever saves $7,000!
Learn how much you can save with Clever today!
| Why You Should Trust Us
This article draws on 12 hours of research on seven flat fee MLS companies. Our research process consisted of:
We also drew on data from the following sources:
|
7 Best Flat Fee MLS Companies in Texas
1. Houzeo
Best For: Tech
Houzeo is a large, national flat fee MLS company, founded in 2017 and currently headquartered in New York. One of Houzeo’s main draws is its tech-heavy approach to flat fee MLS, as seen in its listing management platform “Intellilist.” If you’re a tech-savvy seller and the idea of a company with national scale and reach appeals to you, Houzeo is worth a look.
But keep in mind that Houzeo offers the most expensive packages on this list, with an entry price of $299. And even at those premium prices, Houzeo still adds on a lot of fees for services that are typically free.
Houzeo Costs
| Package | Price | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | $299 |
|
| Silver | $349 |
|
| Gold | $449 |
|
| Platinum | $499 (+999 at closing) |
|
✍️ Editor’s Take
Houzeo has national reach and prestige, a great online management platform, and a ton of positive reviews. For sellers who are comfortable with tech and are looking to work with a big, proven brand, Houzeo is a great choice.
But if you’re going the flat fee MLS route to save money, know that Houzeo’s plans aren’t cheap, especially at the low end!
There are also a lot of nickel and dime fees — for example, even if you buy the second-most expensive package, you still have to pay extra for a yard sign. Since the gap between the bronze and the gold packages is less than $200, you’d likely get the best value from getting the gold package.
2. Flat Fee Group
Best For: Full-Service Experience
Flat Fee Group is a national organization of independent brokers with a Texas franchise. It’s essentially a referral service, connecting sellers to local brokers who act as independent contractors under the Flat Fee Group banner. This particular service pairs you with two local, experienced Texas agents.
You’ll notice that Flat Fee Group itself doesn’t have reviews online because of the way it’s set up. If you want to find reviews, you’ll have to look up the brokers themselves. In this case, its partnership is under the business name Listings, LLC, and it garners stellar reviews from very happy clients.
Flat Fee Group Costs
| Package | Price | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $177 |
|
| Basic Plus | $277 |
|
| Premium | $477 |
|
| Full Service | $895 | Premium package plus:
|
✍️ Editor’s Take
The Flat Fee Group offers a wide spectrum of services, from a barebones six-month, six-photo package, all the way up to a full- service agent-assisted package.
The Flat Fee Group Basic plan is a little on the pricey side at $177, but the full service is a steal at $895 (typically much less than a 3% commission), with every feature you could possibly want.
3. Congress Realty
Best For: High Quality
This Arizona-based company operates in 12 states, including Texas, and offers a selection of fairly robust packages for a pretty high price. Congress Realty has received almost perfect reviews, so sellers should feel confident about its service quality.
Congress Realty Costs
| Package | Price | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $299 |
|
| Plus | $399 |
|
| Premium | $499 | Plus package, plus:
|
| Full Service | $399 + 0.5% commission | Premium package, plus:
|
✍️ Editor’s Take
Congress Realty’s Basic and Plus packages are a bit pricey, but the company does offer some attractive services like DocuSign, ShowingTime, and a free CMA. Best of all, it has received great reviews, which suggests that it’s a safe choice.
The full-service package offers phenomenal value — at only $399 + 0.5%, it can potentially save you thousands of dollars compared to a conventional sale with full commission, depending on how much your home sells for. Congress’ more straightforward flat fee MLS packages, like the $299 basic package, are less attractive since the services are comparable to competitors’ basic packages, but at a much higher price.
4. Creekview Realty
Best For: Simple Packages
Creekview Realty keeps it simple. It offers only two plans: a basic MLS package and a full-service agent experience. With offices in Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston, Creekview covers most Texas markets, and has good reviews.
However, the basic package is much more expensive than comparable packages from other flat fee MLS companies, and Creekview charges a lot of additional fees for services like comparative market analysis (CMA) that most MLS companies provide for free.
Creekview Realty Costs
| Package | Price | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Plan A | $600 |
|
| Plan B | $1,400 | Plan A, plus:
|
✍️ Editor’s Take
There’s something to be said for Creekview’s simple menu — you can opt for the full-service package at $1,200 or just the flat fee MLS for $600. However, Creekview’s $600 package doesn’t seem to offer great value— sellers can get a very similar package at a lower price point. The company also charges extra for things like photography and requires a $100 deposit for a lockbox, so your final bill will likely be a lot higher than just the $600.
On the other hand, Creekview’s full-service package for $1,400 might be a great fit, depending on your sale price. Getting a full-service agent for a flat fee of $1,400, as opposed to 3% of the sale price, is a good deal if you’re selling for more than around $50,000.
5. Fizber
Best For: Self-Sufficient Sellers
Fizber is a flat fee MLS company that operates in all 50 states. It’s been around since 2007 — a long time in this industry. Its model is essentially a referral service, connecting home sellers to local brokers, who then list the sellers’ properties on the MLS. As such, service with Fizber can be a little uneven, since it’s just an intermediary and has no control over how the broker treats you.
Fizber Costs
| Package | Price | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 |
|
| Digital Boost | $95 |
|
| MLS Boost | $270 |
|
| Premium MLS Boost | $295 |
|
✍️ Editor’s Take
The company’s packages are very simple, and it doesn’t offer options for additional services like agent advice or even extra yard signs. If you’re only looking to get your home up on the MLS, Fizber’s plans are fairly affordable. But if you’ll need more help than just the listing, you might want to go elsewhere.
As we mentioned above, Fizber is a service that connects you with a broker, so you’ll have to do research on the broker to know what to expect. Fizber’s exact packages vary quite a bit between states, too, but you’ll have to contact company representatives directly to find out what it offers in your state.
🌟Tip: on Fizber’s website, ask the chatbot if there are any promos in your area, and you might receive a big discount code!
6. Texas MLS Broker
Best For: No Upfront Fees
This San Antonio-based company is online-only, so if you like the idea of never having to meet your broker in person, Texas MLS Broker deserves a long look.
The company offers three fairly standard packages, at reasonable price points. If there’s a concern here, it’s that Texas MLS Broker has very few reviews online (most of them negative), so selling with the company would have some element of risk.
Texas MLS Broker Costs
| Package | Price | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $175 |
|
| Premium | $280 | Standard package, plus:
|
| Showcase | $399 | Same as Premium package, except:
|
✍️ Editor’s Take
If you really like the idea of an online-only flat fee MLS company, this is the company for you. Texas MLS Broker offers a $399 option and doesn’t charge you until after closing. So if you are unable or unwilling to pay a fee upfront, Texas MLS Broker will allow you to sell your home first, and then pay them out of the proceeds.
Beyond that, the packages aren’t too impressive: the most expensive package includes an 18-month MLS listing, but the vast majority of sellers won’t want to leave their property on the market that long.
As we noted above, the company also doesn’t have very many reviews, and the ones it has are fairly negative and don’t provide much detail, so know that working Texas MLS Broker might be more of an unknown.
7. Flat Fee By You
Best for: Tight budgets
Flat Fee By You offers a flat fee MLS with an entry-level package that’s among the most affordable anywhere, and a premium package that includes a professional photo shoot for your home.
With locations in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas, Flat Fee By You has good coverage of Texas — though many reviews have complained about a lack of professional customer service and hidden fees.
Flat Fee By You Costs
| Package | Price | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $45 |
|
| Best | $95 | Everything in Basic, plus:
|
| Premium | $295 | Everything in Best, plus:
|
✍️ Editor’s Take
Flat Fee By You offers pretty good value. However, be aware that some reviewers have said that the company takes a 0.5% chunk out of the 3% buyer’s agent commission. While this money is technically coming out of the buyer’s agent’s pocket, the fact that FFBY takes a cut of their commission could lead some buyer’s agents to steer their clients to other properties.
Customers also cite many instances of negative, unhelpful interactions with customer service.
Looking at the plans themselves, the barebones package is very affordable for what is listed. The two higher-priced packages include a broker consultation, and the Premium package includes professional photos, which is an unusual perk for a flat fee MLS.
How to Get On a Texas MLS Without a Realtor
Step 1: Shop Around for a Flat Fee MLS Company
Start by looking at company reviews. Websites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot will give you a window into the experiences of real sellers. If you find recurring complaints about issues like hidden fees, unresponsive communication, or poor quality services, this should be a big red flag!
>> READ MORE: Are Flat Fee MLS Companies Legit? Learn the Costs, Risks, and Best Alternatives
On the other hand, if most users had a positive experience, that should give you a little reassurance that you’re on the right track.
You’ll also want to make sure the company actually operates in the area where you’re selling. Texas has over 40 MLSs, so double-check your company’s coverage.
| 💡Texas Is a Minimum Service State
In minimum service states, all real estate brokers — including flat fee MLS companies — must legally provide a minimum level of service to clients. The actual services that the companies must provide vary by state, but they all go beyond just an MLS listing. If you live in one of these states, you may have to pay more for a flat fee MLS provider than you would in states without minimum service laws — however, you will typically get more comprehensive services. Given the steeper prices, it may be worth it to work with a traditional realtor in Texas and look for other ways to save. Our friends at Clever Real Estate make saving while using an agent easy. Clever can connect you with top, full-service real estate agents in your area who will sell your home for a listing fee of just 1.5% (instead of the typical 3%). The average seller who lists with Clever saves $7,000! Get matched with top agents and save thousands! |
Step 2: Choose Your Package
Most companies offer a base package that includes an MLS listing and very few other services, which will leave most of the responsibilities of the sale on your shoulders.
Are you up to it? Do you have any experience in marketing, real estate, or contract negotiation?
If the answer is no, you might want to consider a package that offers more services, like help with negotiation, advice on pricing, and guided showings and open houses.
When looking at packages, the main factors to consider are:
- Number of photos included. In general, the more photos included with the listing, the more interest you’ll get from buyers.
- Listing length. While a yearlong or unlimited listing might sound like it offers great value, most homes sell quickly. If your home is still sitting on the market after a few months, it probably makes more sense to take it off the market and relist later than to just let it sit there indefinitely.
- Open house and showing support. Conducting showings of your home can be stressful and time-consuming if you’re not used to hosting a crowd. For many sellers, tapping into a company’s expertise in this area is well worth the extra money.
- Help with paperwork. Some MLS companies offer contract templates, disclosure forms, and other document support. This can be helpful if you’re worried about being able to find the right materials on your own. Keep in mind that if these documents aren’t completed and filed correctly, there could be serious legal consequences, so most sellers will want an agent’s or lawyer’s guidance here, just to be safe.
Step 3: Prepare to Handle a Lot of the Process Without Support
In Texas, a flat fee MLS company will get your listing on the MLS, but it won’t do much else for you.
If you go the flat fee MLS route, you should be prepared to act as your own agent. That means handling tasks like:
- Pricing your home
- Marketing your home
- Scheduling and conducting open houses
- Negotiating contract points like contingencies
- Handling closing paperwork
That’s a lot to take on — especially if you don’t have experience in real estate! For that reason, many sellers hire a transaction coordinator or a real estate attorney to help navigate the sale process.
Alternatives to Flat Fee MLS in Texas
🥇 Best Option: Clever Real Estate
Clever Real Estate is a well-established, nationwide company that uses a licensed concierge to connect sellers with experienced local agents in their area. After learning about your goals and preferences, Clever matches you with 1-3 agents in your area to interview and select from. If none of them meet your expectations, Clever will send you more matches.
All Clever partner agents provide full service for only 1.5% in listing fees, which can save you thousands of dollars over the typical 3% listing fee.
Although Clever is slightly more expensive than most flat fee MLS plans, you’ll get what you pay for, with high-quality assistance from an agent with a top-performing brokerage, such as Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, and RE/MAX.
Most flat fee MLS companies will get your house on the MLS and leave you to do the rest, but a Clever partner agent can help you with:
- Listing your house on the MLS
- Pricing and marketing your house
- Coordinating professional photography
- Running showings and open houses
- Negotiating with the buyer’s agent to get you the best price and terms
- Guiding you through the closing process
Plus, Clever’s matching service is totally free with no obligation.
Meet trusted real estate agents with Clever 🤝
Other Discount Brokers
Typically, discount brokers offer a full-service agent experience (or close to it) for less than the typical 3% listing agent commission.
Discount brokers usually charge 1–2% commission, which is significantly more than you’d pay with a flat fee MLS company, but is potentially thousands less than a conventional 3% commission, and you’ll potentially get a lot more for your money.
The risk is that some discount real estate brokers cut corners or operate at a massive scale that limits their ability to provide adequate customer service. Make sure to read the fine print and understand what you’re truly paying for.
Some leading discount brokers you could explore are:
iBuyers
If you’re after a fast, streamlined sale without an agent, it might be worth considering an iBuyer. iBuyers use data analytics to assess the value of your home, and then they buy your home in cash for that amount.
The upside of an iBuyer sale is that it’s fast, simple, and can take as little as a week from start to finish. The downside is that, because you’re dealing with a tech company’s algorithm and not an agent, there’s typically no room for negotiation. It’s a “take it or leave it” offer.
That said, if you’re in a hurry or you find an offer to be fair, an iBuyer deserves serious consideration.
iBuyers that offer to buy homes in Texas include:
- Opendoor
- Offerpad
- Knock
- Realsure
- Keller Offers
Curious about how much an iBuyer would offer you? Our friends at Clever can help you compare offers from top cash buyers to listing on the open market. Start weighing your options ⚖️
Recommended Reading
FAQ
What is the best flat fee MLS listing service?
The best flat fee MLS listing service depends on which state you’re in and what you need out of the service, but Houzeo is a national company that’s a great choice for a tech-enhanced, highly rated listing service. Learn more about Houzeo and other flat fee MLS listing services in Texas.
How much is a flat fee MLS listing?
A flat flee MLS listing typically ranges from about a hundred dollars for a basic package to over a thousand dollars for a full-service listing. Read more about the costs of flat fee MLS listings in Texas.
How do I list on an MLS For Sale by Owner?
You can list your house For Sale by Owner (FSBO) on an MLS by choosing a flat fee MLS company available in your area, purchasing an MLS listing, uploading your home’s information and photos, filling out the paperwork, and then posting your listing. Check out our list of the top 7 flat fee MLS companies in Texas.