The Free MLS Listing Debunked

Do Free MLS Listing Services Exist?: https://www.hauseit.com/do-free-mls-listing-services-exist/

Sell Agent Assisted FSBO in NYC: https://www.hauseit.com/fsbo-nyc/

No, free MLS listing services do not exist because it is uneconomical for brokers to do so. Even flat fee listings are barely economical given the potential reputational harm and the possibility of fines from the local MLS for late listing status updates because of the seller.

Popular Real Estate Search Websites

Many real estate search websites such as The New York Times, Zillow and StreetEasy allow owners to list their homes FSBO; however, listing your home FSBO on one of these sites will not get your home listed in the MLS.

Not being in your local MLS broker database means you’ll miss out on the 90% of buyers who are represented by agents. Furthermore, you won’t be able to differentiate between real inquiries and the literally thousands of fake inquiries from agents looking to pitch you in person.

For Sale By Owner Websites

Traditional For Sale By Owner websites that sometimes promise free listings never actually offer you a free MLS listing. The free trial or free listing these sites are referring to is simply being listed on their website. Since buyers don’t actually use these FSBO websites to search for homes, it’s a complete waste of time and money.

Auction Websites

Be very careful about auction websites promising a free MLS listing. What these auction companies are doing is charging the buyer a traditional 5% to 6% broker fee instead of the seller. So it’s not really free, it’s just changing up who pays it.

Flat Fee MLS Brokerages

By definition, a flat fee MLS broker does not offer a free MLS listing. These ultra-discount brokers make a living by inputting essentially FSBO listings into the MLS for a flat fee. Keep in mind that it’s very obvious to other brokers what these flat fee brokers are up to, and as a result their listings over time are treated like FSBO listings.

Agent Assisted FSBO

An Agent Assisted FSBO isn’t free, but it enables you to list your home on the MLS and scores of popular websites for a small flat fee. The Agent Assisted FSBO method pioneered by Hauseit pairs sellers with a traditional, local partner broker who never openly discounts their services.

The Agent Assisted FSBO method is a win-win for both sellers and brokers. Sellers can access reduced commission services and brokers can provide such services without fear of compromising their reputations or their ability to charge normal commission rates elsewhere.

However, that flat fee becomes less and less attractive when you factor in automatic fines levied by the MLS for infractions such as changing a listing status late.

List with a Full Service Agent for 1%: https://www.hauseit.com/agent-managed-listing/

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