Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes. Links and mentions of flat fee MLS NJ companies in this post do not constitute 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. As a New Jersey homeowner, real estate may be the single biggest investment you’ll make in your life. So when it comes time to sell your home, it’s only natural that you’ll want to maximize your home sale profits and put as much money into your pockets as possible. This leads some sellers to think about selling their homes without the help of a real estate agent — a decision that can come with the distinct disadvantage of not allowing them to list their home on the local multiple listing service (MLS). For these homeowners, one option is to use a flat-fee MLS company that bridges the gap between “for sale by owner” transactions and the professionally-managed MLS listing service. Is using a flat fee MLS service right for you? We’ll explore the pros and cons of these services — as well as introduce you to six flat fee MLS companies that work with New Jersey homeowners who decide to take on the home sale process themselves. The MLSs are private databases that real estate professionals use to help their clients purchase and sell property. There are almost 600 of these regional databases in the United States, with eight different databases in New Jersey alone. If you’ve ever searched online home sale listings, you’re familiar with the MLS. With very few exceptions, all of the major home search websites pull in data from the MLSs to populate their results for home listings in a particular area. When you consider that 95% of home buyers use web-based tools during their home search, having your home listed on the MLS is a very important part of marketing a home for sale. However, because the MLSs are managed by real estate professionals, sellers must work with an agent or broker to have their listing included in the database — they can’t simply post a listing themselves. For sellers looking to manage the real estate process on their own — selling “for sale by owner,” or FSBO — this is where flat fee MLS listing services come in. These state-licensed real estate brokerages provide basic real estate services to sellers who want to manage the process themselves, but who also understand the value of having their homes included in these online databases. Because a flat fee MLS service may only provide limited real estate support, New Jersey real estate agent Robert Greenblatt, who works with over 83% more single-family homes than the average area agent, believes it’s best suited for homeowners who have extensive experience buying and selling real estate. “If you have a lot of real estate experience, are an attorney, or have a friend who’s an attorney, you can potentially save a few bucks,” he says. “But I think it’s a rare individual.” Other New Jersey sellers who might consider a flat fee service include those who: According to Greenblatt, sellers who choose to use a flat fee MLS service will have to take on many of the responsibilities that an agent typically provides. This includes: “Without an agent, there are a lot of things you could be missing,” Greenblatt says. “The biggest thing they’re missing is a professional negotiator…that’s what a real estate agent really is.” Before you decide whether using a flat fee MLS service is right for you, it’s important to consider both the pros and the cons. Pros: Cons: According to Greenblatt, selling a house without the assistance of a real estate agent may initially appear to be cheaper, but in many home sales, that’s not the case. “Statistically, sellers will net more money for their house even after paying a professional than they would by selling it on their own with a flat fee listing.” Data from the National Association of Realtors backs this up. According to 2022 data, the median selling price for FSBO homes was $225,000. Compare this to the median sales price for agent-assisted homes during this same timeframe, which was $345,000. If you determine that using a flat fee MLS service is right for you, or you simply want to better evaluate your options before putting your house on the market, you’ll want to look at companies that have access to all of the MLS databases in your area. This will ensure your listing gets as much visibility as possible. Here’s how to get started: Step 1: Research flat fee MLS companies that service New Jersey. Take the time to compare their package offerings, read their terms of service, and check their online reviews. Depending on how much support you’re looking for, you’ll find everything from a simple MLS listing service to help with contract reviews and negotiation guidance. Step 2: Choose the listing company and package that best suits your needs. Many of the flat fee MLS companies will allow you to choose and purchase your package directly from their website. Simply choose your package and fill out the required information about your property to get started. Step 3: Work with the flat fee MLS company to list your home. Although the specifics of this step will vary depending on the company selected, you can expect to work with a representative from the company who will help guide you through the process of getting your listing added to the MLS. Step 4: Your listing will go live on all major real estate search websites. Once your listing is on the MLS, your home will appear in search results on Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and other major real estate websites. Interested buyers (or buyers’ agents) will be able to reach out through the listing to request an appointment to view your home. As we mentioned earlier, almost all homebuyers use online tools when searching for a new home — and with few exceptions, these online tools are relying on the local MLS databases to populate the most up-to-date listings. Buyers’ agents rely on MLS data as well — making it one of the most effective marketing opportunities for sellers. In fact, the National Association of Realtors found that 89% of home sellers list their home on the MLS. The cost of purchasing a flat fee MLS service varies between $200 and $1,000 (or more) depending on the company you choose and the level of service requested. While a basic MLS listing package will get your property listed on the MLS, some companies also provide yard signs, lock boxes, agent-hosted open houses, and professional photography in their standard packages or add-on services. When evaluating and comparing costs, it’s important to make sure you know exactly what you’ll be paying for — and that you won’t get hit with hidden fees once you’ve signed on with a company. Let’s take a look at some examples of flat fee listing companies in New Jersey. Not all flat fee MLS companies are created equal, so it’s important to do your research and weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each company carefully before making a decision. Here are a few of the most well-known MLS listing companies available to sellers in New Jersey. Website: newjerseyhomebuyerrebate.com
Phone: 973-866-5125
Service areas: According to their website, NJ Real Estate Boutique serves almost all of New Jersey. Since they don’t belong to every MLS in the state, you should contact them for more information. About: NJ Real Estate Boutique is operated by Mikaela Arpino, who provides both basic flat fee MLS listing services, as well as a full-service, commission-based package that provides more hands-on support. If you’re interested in working with Mikaela, you can fill out the form on her website and she’ll contact you directly. Reviews and rating summary: NJ Real Estate Boutique has a 5.0 star review rating on Google. Reviewers praise the ease of working with Mikaela and her team, as well as the money they saved using the flat fee MLS service. *Can be added for an additional fee Website: flatfeegroup.com/NewJersey
Phone: 888-362-6543
Service areas: All of New Jersey About: RealMart Realty is a New Jersey real estate broker that provides flat fee MLS services under the Flat Fee Group name. Under the leadership of Jack Yao, the company is a member of every MLS board in New Jersey. Reviews and rating summary: Realmart Realty has a 3.8-star rating on Google. The reviews about their flat fee services are generally positive, with reviewers pointing out the ease of listing with Realmart and the company’s responsiveness. Website: jerseyflatfee.com
Phone: 732-674-5757
Service areas: Monmouth/Ocean and Northern New Jersey About: Jersey Flat Fee is a flat fee MLS company in New Jersey that is owned and operated by Melrose Realty. They offer three package options, each of which allows up to 10 photos with the MLS listing. Reviews and rating summary: Although there are no direct online reviews for Jersey Flat Fee, Melrose Realty has a Google review rating of 4.8 stars. Reviewers overwhelmingly recommend working with this real estate team for buying and selling homes, with reviews commonly mentioning the professionalism and responsiveness of the agents. These national flat fee MLS companies also provide services to sellers in New Jersey. Website: isoldmyhouse.com/flat-fee-mls/new-jersey
Phone: 855-283-0001
Service areas: All of New Jersey 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 Google review rating with sellers praising 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/new-jersey
Phone: 888-979-9526
Service areas: All of New Jersey 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. 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/NJ
Phone: 800-690-5802
Service areas: All of New Jersey About: FSBO.com is a nationwide real estate company that provides flat fee MLS services to sellers in New Jersey. Unlike some of the other flat fee service providers in the state, FSBO.com has one basic package that will get sellers listed on a single MLS system in the state. Reviews and rating summary: Because FSBO.com is a nationwide company, you’ll be paired with a third-party broker in New Jersey 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 Before you make the decision to use a flat fee MLS service, it’s best to explore your options to ensure you’re making the right decision for you. As we mentioned earlier, your home is likely your biggest investment and you’ll want to make sure you’re well prepared to maximize your profits on the sale of the property. A flat fee real estate agent offers to list and sell your home for a flat rate rather than a percentage of the home sale. Unlike a flat fee real estate service, this option will give you the hands-on expertise of a real estate agent throughout the home sale process. And while the level of service will vary from agent to agent, you likely won’t receive the same level of support, or negotiating power, of a commission-based agent who is incentivized to get you the highest possible price for your home. You can seek out the services of a low-commission or discount real estate broker. These companies or agents are typically more expensive than flat fee MLS service, but they will accept a reduced commission and often still provide some of the basic services and support you might receive from a full-commission agent. Keep in mind that whether you use a flat fee MLS service, flat fee real estate agent, or a discount broker, you will likely still need to pay a full commission to the buyer’s agent. Using a top real estate agent in New Jersey provides many benefits beyond having your home listed on the local MLS. According to Greenblatt, when he’s representing sellers in New Jersey, his job is to make the home sale process as simple as possible for his sellers by taking as many tasks off their plates as possible. He also takes care of the expenses related to photography, videography, and staging the house. “When you hire a professional real estate agent, there are usually no upfront, out-of-pocket costs. I know when I sell houses personally, I bear that risk. So if the house doesn’t sell, the seller doesn’t lose anything.” Other benefits of working with a professional real estate agent include: “At least in my area, [real estate agents] are also going to take care of the contract,” Greenblatt says. “Coordinating the inspection, the closing, and taking care of the behind-the-scenes paperwork are things most homeowners don’t think about.” At Homelight, our data shows that the top 5% of real estate agents across the U.S. sell homes for as much as 10% more than the average real estate agent. In just two minutes we can connect you with top real estate agents in your area using our exclusive Agent Match platform. Another option for sellers is to seek a cash offer from a house-buying company, such as an iBuyer or a We Buy Houses investor group. If you need to sell quickly, or your house needs a significant amount of work and you intend to sell “as is,” these could be good options for you. One of the most convenient ways to sell a home fast is to use HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform. When you sell with HomeLight, you can skip the headaches and hard work that typically go into the home-selling process and receive a no-obligation cash offer in as little as 72 hours. If you accept an offer, you can close in as little as 10 days. If you end up going the for sale by owner (FSBO) route and using a flat fee MLS service in New Jersey, the Simple Sale platform is also a great tool for determining what your house would sell for on the open market — so you can price accordingly. New Jersey does have disclosure laws that require sellers to disclose all potential defects to the residence — this includes issues (or past issues) that might not be easily identified or picked up on during a home inspection. Sellers also need to consider the specific requirements of the township where their house resides. “In New Jersey, every town is a little different,” Greenblatt says. “You need to determine what the town requires when you’re selling a house.” And while a real estate attorney isn’t required, it is a good idea for FSBO sellers to have one available throughout the home sale process to help ensure all documents are filled out and filed correctly. As you prepare to sell your New Jersey home, your first step should be understanding your priorities. If maximizing your profits is your priority, statistics prove that working with an experienced real estate agent who can price your home accordingly and negotiate on your behalf is the right way to go. 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 just want to make sure you do your research first so that you both understand the logistical and legal obligations of selling property. “There’s a lot of crazy stuff that goes on in the background,” Greenblatt says. “If you’re not in the industry, you’re not going to think about these things.” LEARN MORE What You Need to Know About Selling Your House in New Jersey How to Find and Sell to a Cash Home Buyer in New Jersey Packing Up Your NJ Home? You’re on the Hook for These Seller Closing Costs Header Image Source: (Jimmy Woo Man Tsing / Unsplash)What is a flat fee MLS listing service?
What New Jersey sellers might benefit from a flat fee MLS service?
Statistically, sellers will net more money for their house even after paying a professional than they would by selling it on their own with a flat fee listing.
Pros and cons of using a flat fee MLS service
How do I list my home with a flat fee MLS service in New Jersey?
Are flat fee MLS listings effective in New Jersey?
How much does a flat fee MLS service cost in New Jersey?
New Jersey flat fee MLS listing companies
NJ Real Estate Boutique
Cost of service
$395
MLS listing time
6 months
Number of photos allowed
Max allowed by the MLS
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
Yes (before the property listing is entered on the MLS)
Professional photography
Yes*
Realmart Realty
Cost of service
$199-$999
MLS listing time
Starts at 3 months. Their platinum package will keep the listing up until the house sells.
Number of photos allowed
6 – 25
Provides yard sign
Yes
Provides a market analysis
Yes (platinum package only)
Lockbox included
Yes
Assists with pricing home
No
Helps with open houses
No
Helps with negotiations
Yes (platinum package only)
Money-back guarantee
Yes (with real estate broker referral)
Professional photography
Yes (with gold and platinum plans)
Jersey Flat Fee
Cost of service
$249-$595 (premium package also includes a .5 percent commission)
MLS listing time
30 days-12 months
Number of photos allowed
10 photos
Provides yard sign
Yes (with Basic and Next Level packages)
Provides a market analysis
Yes (premium package only)
Lockbox included
No
Assists with pricing home
No
Helps with open houses
Yes (premium package only)
Helps with negotiations
No
Money-back guarantee
No
Professional photography
No
National flat fee MLS companies that serve New Jersey
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-$699
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 (Gold and Platinum packages only)
Money-back guarantee
Yes (minus $50)
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
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
Alternatives to a flat fee MLS service
Option 1: Flat fee real estate agent
Option 2: Discount real estate brokers
Option 3: Full-service, experienced real estate agent
What if I need to sell my New Jersey home fast?
What else should I know about selling a house in New Jersey
Conclusion: Ready to sell your New Jersey home?
