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Pros and cons of using a flat fee MLS listing service
Before choosing a flat fee MLS listing service, Vermont home sellers should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of this FSBO approach.
Pros:
- Eliminate the listing agent commission (typically 2.5% to 3%), reducing selling costs.
- Maintain control over pricing, negotiations, and marketing.
- Pay a known upfront fee rather than a percentage of the sale price.
- Get listed on the MLS and major home search websites for buyer visibility.
- Reach buyer’s agents who primarily search the MLS for available homes.
Cons:
- You must still offer a commission to the buyer’s agent to attract interest.
- Managing the sale is your responsibility, including pricing, showings, and paperwork.
- No expert guidance—you won’t have a local real estate professional to navigate challenges.
- Potential legal risks if contracts or disclosures are mishandled.
- Homes may sell for less than those listed with a full-service agent.
How do I list my home with a flat fee MLS service?
Once you’ve decided to use a flat fee MLS listing service, follow these steps to get your Vermont home listed:
Step 1: Research and vet flat fee MLS services
Compare local providers, package options, and pricing. Read online reviews and check the Better Business Bureau for complaints. Confirm how many photos you can upload, whether legal forms are included, and if there are extra fees for additional services.
Step 2: Register and choose a plan
Sign up on the flat fee MLS provider’s website, select a package, and pay the required upfront fee.
Step 3: Enter your property details
Provide a detailed property description and upload high-quality photos. If available, complete the necessary disclosure forms to comply with Vermont real estate laws.
Step 4: Sign the listing agreement
Carefully review your contract to understand cancellation policies, commission obligations, and any fine print before signing.
Step 5: Verify your live listing
Once your property is posted to the MLS, check how it appears on sites like Zillow and Realtor.com. If there are errors, work with the service provider to correct them.
With your listing live, you’ll need to handle showings, negotiate offers, and manage the closing process yourself.
Are flat fee MLS listings effective in Vermont?
Because buyers’ agents also rely on the MLS to find homes for their clients, listing your home through a flat fee MLS service can significantly increase exposure. However, its effectiveness depends on market conditions, the home’s pricing, and how well the seller manages the sale process.
Alternatives to flat fee MLS services in Vermont:
If a flat fee MLS service doesn’t seem like the right fit for your home sale, you have other options to consider:
Flat fee real estate agent
A flat fee real estate agent charges a set fee instead of a commission but still provides some services, such as pricing guidance and negotiation support. Fees typically range from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the level of service.
Discount real estate broker
A discount real estate broker offers lower commission rates—usually between 1% and 2%—while still handling some aspects of the sale, like marketing and negotiations. These services cost more than flat fee MLS listings but offer more support. Read about the pros and cons of low-commission agents before choosing this option.
Full-service real estate agent
If you want expert guidance, a local real estate agent can handle everything from pricing and marketing to negotiations and closing. While this option comes with a higher commission, homes sold with an agent often sell for more, which can offset the cost.
Each option offers different levels of control and assistance, so consider what works best for your situation before choosing how to sell your Vermont home.
Will I save money with a flat fee MLS listing service?
A flat fee MLS listing service can help you save on real estate commissions, but it may not always lead to higher overall profits. While you avoid paying the listing agent’s commission, research from the National Association of Realtors shows that FSBO homes sell for about 14% less than those sold with an agent.
Additionally, nearly 40% of FSBO sellers already have a buyer lined up—often a friend or neighbor—which can further reduce the selling price. So, while a flat fee MLS listing cuts costs upfront, the potential for a lower sale price means it may not always be the most profitable option.
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