How do I list my home with a flat fee MLS service in Florida? Once you’ve decided to list your home with a flat fee listing service, you’ll follow these steps to get your Florida 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, what forms are available free of charge, and what add-ons come at an additional charge. “When you hire a flat fee service, you need to know what services you’re paying for, how long your listing will be up, how many photos you can post,” says Madan. “If it doesn’t sell in a certain amount of time, can you pull it back? Can you continue to market your property? Are they gonna charge you more? You need to know who’s taking the calls. Will agents be able to reach you or are your calls going unanswered by the service? When you get an offer, is it going to you or them? Just like when you hire an agent, it’s important to know what they’re going to do for you.” Step 2: Register and select a plan Register on the flat fee MLS company website, select the package you want, and pay the flat 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, which may be an Exclusive Right to Sell listing agreement between you and the MLS company. 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 The flat fee company will make your listing live on the MLS, which means it will be visible to buyers’ agents. Your listing will also 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. Are flat fee MLS listings effective in Florida? All homebuyers use the internet when searching for a new home — and with few exceptions, these online tools rely on 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. Not only will more buyers and agents see your home, but it will bring them to your front door. Madan explains: “Real estate agents have a code of ethics that we have to show or try to show every house that our buyers want to see or that meets their criteria, even FSBO homes,” she says.
