Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Connecticut flat fee MLS listing companies should not be considered an endorsement. Individual program details can change — please visit a provider’s website for the most current information on rate packages, fees, service areas, and more. HomeLight always recommends doing your own research to determine which selling option is best for your situation. If you’re thinking about selling your Connecticut home without a real estate agent, it’s important to consider how you’ll effectively market your home to prospective buyers. After all, with 95% of buyers using online tools to search for their next home, simply putting up a few yard signs isn’t going to be enough. The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is the top resource used by sellers to list their homes, but for sale by owner (FSBO) home sellers in Connecticut aren’t able to list their house on the MLS without the partnership of a real estate agent. That’s where flat fee MLS listing services come in. Read on to learn more about these services — and whether working with one of these companies makes sense for your FSBO Connecticut home sale. A flat fee MLS is a limited service that helps sellers get their FSBO (for sale by owner) homes on the local multiple listing service (MLS). The MLS is a private directory of for-sale homes that real estate professionals use to share home details with each other. Because the local MLS is one of the best ways to market your home to potential buyers and get maximum exposure, it’s vital to list your home on the local MLS. Unfortunately, only licensed real estate agents or Realtors can post listings on the MLS. If you’re selling your home without the help of a listing agent, you can still have your property listed on the MLS with the help of a flat fee MLS service. A flat fee MLS service might be the right choice for you if: You’re looking to save on the cost of a real estate commission.
Homesellers who hire a listing agent typically pay a 5% to 6% real estate commission, which is split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. A listing service can help you eliminate the cost of a listing agent (2.5% to 3%). Instead, you’ll pay a flat fee of $89 to $1,299, depending on the company and level of service you choose. But, you’ll still pay the buyer’s commission in addition to the cost of any other services you use to help you sell your home. If you’re considering using a flat fee listing service, know that the money you save in commission may be offset by the selling price of your home. According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), FSBO homes sold at a median price of $225,000 last year, significantly lower than the median of agent-assisted homes at $345,000. You have a desirable home, and it’s a hot market.
A desirable home in a hot market may sell itself. Listing your home in the MLS may bring multiple buyers and competitive offers your way. However, you’ll still be responsible for all aspects of your home sale. You want to be very involved in your home sale.
If you have previous home selling experience, and you’re craving a challenge, you may want to take full control of your home sale. A FSBO sale may be your chance to shine. A flat fee MLS is the first step in your home-selling journey. You don’t want to work with a listing agent.
Not all agents are the same. That said, if for whatever reason you choose not to work with an agent, a flat fee MLS company allows you to forgo the services of a licensed agent and still get your home listed on the MLS. You have the time and energy to invest in the home-selling process.
Depending on the level of service you purchase from a flat fee company, you may need to take on a variety of tasks normally handled by a real estate agent. Even with a flat fee listing service, you’ll typically need the time, energy and know-how to: Pros:
The advantages of using a flat fee listing company in your FSBO sale include: Cons:
The disadvantages of using a flat fee listing company for your FSBO sale include: Once you’ve decided to list your home with a flat fee listing service, you’ll follow these steps to get your FSBO home on the MLS: Step 1: Vet the flat fee MLS service
Research the local service you’d like to use, including packages and rates. Be sure to look up Google reviews and check out the company on the Better Business Bureau. Before you proceed, know how much information you’ll be able to list, how many photos you can post, what forms are available free of charge, and what add-ons come at an additional charge. Step 2: Register and select a plan
Register on the flat fee MLS company website, select the package you want, and pay the upfront fee online. Step 3: Enter your property information
Describe your property and upload photos. If your service offers it, fill out the disclosure form. Step 4: Read and sign your listing agreement
Sign the listing agreement. Be sure to read your listing agreement thoroughly to ensure you can cancel without penalty and won’t owe a listing commission. Step 5: Review your live listing
Once you complete your listing, the listing company will publish it to the local MLS, which means it will be visible to buyer agents. Depending on the company you choose, it will most likely be posted on real estate websites such as Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com. However, it can take a couple of days, or longer to populate. It’s a good idea to review how your listing is displaying on real estate sites to be certain it’s correct and complete. A flat fee MLS service can be effective. Buyers’ agents use the MLS to find homes that fit their client’s needs, download detailed information and disclosures, and schedule showings. Most major home search websites are populated by the MLS. Because the local MLS is one of the best ways to market your home and get your home in front of buyers, it’s crucial to list your FSBO home on the local MLS. However, the NAR reports that FSBO home sales are not a popular option — accounting for only 10% of home sales last year. Of those, 50% of the sellers already knew the buyer of the home. Not only are FSBO homes a minority of those available, but also, nearly 90% of buyers purchase a house using a buyer’s agent. The same NAR data also shows that real estate agents are more effective when it comes to securing higher net proceeds. From local brokerages to large, nationwide companies, sellers in Connecticut have options available to them when considering a flat fee MLS service. The cost of this service typically ranges from $100 to $1,000 depending on the level of service requested. Entry-level packages may only include a six-month listing on the local MLS and a yard sign. On the other hand, sellers who want more hands-on assistance may choose a package that provides contract review services, assistance with negotiations, and guidance through the closing process. Let’s take a look at some examples of flat fee MLS listing companies available to FSBO sellers in Connecticut. Not all flat fee MLS companies are created equal, so it’s important to do your research and weigh your options prior to making a decision. In addition to comparing prices and service offerings, it’s important to check online consumer reviews to ensure the company you’re working with is reputable. Here are three well-known MLS listing companies that are local to Connecticut. Website: flatfeegroup.com/Connecticut
Phone: 877-249-5478
Service areas: Serves all of Connecticut About: Although Flat Fee Group is a nationwide organization, sellers in Connecticut will work with a local real estate broker named Jason Saphire who is licensed in every state in New England. Sellers who work with Jason and his team can choose from an “MLS listing only” package or receive full-service support depending on their needs. Reviews and rating summary: Jason has a 4.8-star rating on Zillow with 82 reviews. The majority of reviewers highly recommend Jason due to the ease of using the flat fee service, as well as how responsive he was to questions. Reviews also mentioned the cost savings compared to using a full-service real estate agent. Jason is also the founder of the flat fee MLS service EntryOnly, which uses the same phone number and has a 4.9-star out of 5-star Google Review rating. Website: flatfeemls4free.com
Phone: 844-373-3657
Service areas: Serves all of Connecticut About: Landfall properties is a New England brokerage that serves sellers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The business is operated by Paul R. Marino, who serves as the Principal Broker. He has been a licensed real estate agent for over 30 years. Reviews and rating summary: Although Landfall Properties doesn’t have any public online reviews, Paul has a few positive recommendations on his Realtor.com profile, and the business lists a number of testimonials on its website from local sellers who used Landfall’s flat fee MLS service. Reviews commonly mention Paul’s high level of real estate expertise, as well as his responsiveness, and the money saved when working with him. Website: snapflatfee.com
Phone: 855-376-7627
Service areas: Serves all of Connecticut About: Snap Flat Fee was founded in 2001 with the mission of making the process of selling a home as simple and as profitable as possible. They currently do business in a handful of states, which includes Connecticut. According to their website, they have plans to expand into additional states soon. Reviews and rating summary: Snap Flat Fee currently has over 1,000 reviews and a 4.9-star rating on ShopperApproved.com. Reviewers overwhelmingly recommend the company’s flat fee MLS services because of the high levels of customer service, cost savings, and how easy it made the home sale process. These national flat fee MLS companies also provide services to sellers in Connecticut. Website: isoldmyhouse.com/sell-with-our-flat-fee-mls-listings
Phone: 855-283-0001
Service areas: All of Connecticut About: ISoldMyHouse.com is a nationwide company that has been helping homeowners sell their homes without the assistance of a real estate agent since 1997. They have two flat fee options, which include access to downloadable disclosure and contract forms. Reviews and rating summary: ISoldMyHouse.com has a 4.7-star Google rating with 60 reviews. Sellers praise the service and support provided by the company. Multiple reviewers who purchased a flat fee listing commented on how easy it was for them to sell their homes — as well as the money they saved. *Can be added for an additional fee Website: houzeo.com/flat-fee-mls/connecticut
Phone: 888-979-9526
Service areas: All of Connecticut About: Houzeo.com is a nationwide, flat fee MLS company that provides four package options for homeowners who want to sell their homes without the help of a real estate agent. Their packages range from simple MLS listings to larger packages that include virtual full-service support for contract reviews and pricing assistance. Reviews and rating summary: Houzeo has a 4.9-star rating on TrustPilot with 1,622 reviews. Reviewers commented on the responsiveness of the company as well as the help of their customer service and real estate teams. *Can be added for an additional fee Website: fsbo.com/mls/state/show/name/CT
Phone: 800-690-5802
Service areas: All of Connecticut About: FSBO.com is a nationwide real estate company that provides flat fee MLS services to sellers in Connecticut. They provide a single package, with optional a la carte options, that includes full-state coverage for seller’s MLS listings. Reviews and rating summary: Because FSBO.com is a nationwide company, you’ll be paired with a third-party broker in Connecticut when using their flat fee MLS service. As such, there are no reliable third-party reviews and service will vary from state to state. *Can be added for an additional fee Not sure you want to use a flat fee MLS service? You still have alternative options. Here are a few: Full-service real estate agents are experienced at selling homes and tackling all of the tasks that go into landing a successful sale. That includes things like marketing, pricing, negotiations, fielding calls from potential buyers, and more. Especially in the current market, it can pay to go with a real estate agent that has experience. If you’re looking for an experienced real estate agent in your area, try HomeLight’s Agent Match platform. This free tool scans your local area and finds the top-selling agents that fit your selling situation. Rather than taking a commission, flat fee real estate agents agree to help you sell your house for a lump sum. This route can make it easier to budget for a property transaction because you’ll know exactly how much money you’ll be pocketing after the sale. At the same time, flat fee real estate agents don’t have a compelling reason to sell your house for a high price. That means they may not work as hard on negotiations, marketing, pricing, or other tasks that full-service agents prioritize. If you want to expedite the home-selling process, you can also seek a cash offer from a house-buying company, such as an iBuyer or a We Buy Houses investor group. If you sell your home for cash, you likely won’t receive as high of an offer as you would if you listed your home. However, it is a way to cash in on your home quickly, without having to spend time and energy prepping for a sale. One easy and convenient way to sell your home fast for cash is to use HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform. This tool allows you to bypass repairs, showings, and commissions and presents you with a cash offer in as little as 72 hours. You’re under no obligation to accept offers, but if you do, this method makes it possible to close in as few as 10 days. While it’s possible to save money on the listing agent commission fee, you may be losing money in the long run. Not only will you be sacrificing time and work, but you will also be proceeding without the expertise of a professional who could save or earn you money later when negotiating with a potential buyer. If you add in the cost of your time and the likelihood of a lower sale price, you might not realize the savings you hope to see. As noted earlier, data from NAR shows that FSBO homes sold at a median price of $225,000 last year compared to agent-assisted homes that sold at a median price of $345,000 — up to a 35% difference. In addition, HomeLight data shows that homes listed with a top-performing agent sell for up to 10% more than those listed with an average agent. Of course, your results can vary widely depending on the condition and features of your home, its location, and market conditions in your area. Connecticut does have disclosure laws that require sellers to disclose all potential defects by filling out the Residential Property Condition Disclosure Report. According to the state’s Uniform Property Condition Disclosure Act, sellers must complete this form and submit it to prospective buyers before a contract to purchase the home is executed. In this five-page disclosure document, sellers must provide information on whether the home is located in a flood hazard area, an inland wetlands area, or in a municipally designated historic district. Homeowners must also disclose information such as: It’s important to note that there’s a $500 penalty that’s due at closing if a seller fails to submit this form to the buyer. Sellers are also required to use the services of a real estate attorney to close the real estate transaction. This is a best practice for FSBO sellers in particular, as a real estate attorney’s advice during the negotiation and contract preparation process can be very beneficial for those without legal experience. Although working with a flat fee MLS company can be useful for FSBO sellers, it’s important to reiterate that, statistically, homes sold without the assistance of an experienced real estate agent don’t net the same profits — and sellers often walk away with less money in their pockets (even when accounting for commissions paid). As you prepare to sell your Connecticut home, it’s important to carefully consider your top priorities for the transaction. If your goal is to maximize your profits from the home sale, your best bet is to work with an experienced real estate agent who can market your home and negotiate on your behalf. On the other hand, if a quick, hands-off sale sounds appealing, working with an iBuyer or using the HomeLight Simple Sale platform may be the right decision for you. If you do decide to sell your home yourself — with or without a flat fee MLS service — you’ll want to make sure you do your research first so that you fully understand the logistical and legal obligations of selling property. Writer Jael Batty contributed to this story. LEARN MOREHow to Sell a House “as is” in ConnecticutYour Ultimate Guide to Buying a Home in Connecticut in 14 Steps6 of the Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in ConnecticutHow to Sell a House by Owner: 2023 FSBO GuidePros and Cons of “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) Home Sales Header Image Source: (Ysabella Ray / Unsplash)What is a flat fee MLS listing service?
What Connecticut sellers might benefit from a flat fee MLS service?
Pros and cons of using a flat fee MLS listing service
How do I list my home with a flat fee MLS service?
Are flat fee MLS listings effective?
How much does a flat fee MLS service cost in Connecticut?
Connecticut flat fee MLS listing companies
Flat Fee Group
Cost of service
$299 to $999 depending on the package
MLS listing time
6 months
Number of photos allowed
Up to 20
Provides yard sign
Yes
Provides a market analysis
Yes, with some packages
Lockbox included
Yes
Assists with pricing home
No
Helps with open houses
No
Helps with negotiations
Yes, with premium package
Money-back guarantee
No
Landfall Properties, LLC
Cost of service
Free to $499 for flat fee services
MLS listing time
Minimum of 2 months
Number of photos allowed
Up to 40
Provides yard sign
Yes, with Level Two package
Provides a market analysis
No, not with flat fee services
Lockbox included
No, not with flat fee services
Assists with pricing home
No, not with flat fee services
Helps with open houses
No
Helps with negotiations
Yes, with Level Two package
Money-back guarantee
No
Snap Flat Fee
Cost of service
$99
MLS listing time
Unlimited (listed until sold)
Number of photos allowed
Up to the MLS maximum (40+)
Provides yard sign
No
Provides a market analysis
No
Lockbox included
No
Assists with pricing home
No
Helps with open houses
No
Helps with negotiations
No
Money-back guarantee
No
National flat fee MLS companies that serve Connecticut
ISoldMyHouse.com
Cost of service
$299-$399
MLS listing time
6-12 months
Number of photos allowed
10-30 photos
Provides yard sign
Yes*
Provides a market analysis
No
Lockbox included
Yes*
Assists with pricing home
No
Helps with open houses
No
Helps with negotiations
No
Money-back guarantee
No
Professional photography
No
Houzeo.com
Cost of service
$299-$1,099
MLS listing time
3-12 months
Number of photos allowed
Minimum of 6
Provides yard sign
Yes*
Provides a market analysis
No
Lockbox included
No
Assists with pricing home
No
Helps with open houses
No
Helps with negotiations
Yes (Platinum package only)
Money-back guarantee
No
Professional photography
No
FSBO.com
Cost of service
$399
MLS listing time
6 months
Number of photos allowed
20
Provides yard sign
No
Provides a market analysis
Yes*
Lockbox included
No
Assists with pricing home
No
Helps with open houses
No
Helps with negotiations
No
Money-back guarantee
No
Professional photography
No
Alternatives to a flat fee MLS services in Connecticut
1. Hire a full-service real estate agent
2. Flat fee real estate agents
3. Sell for cash
Will I save money with a flat fee MLS listing service?
What else should I know about selling a house in Connecticut?
Ready to sell your Connecticut home?
