The best MLS services | FAQs about flat fee MLS companies | Other ways to save on your sale
Whether you’re selling a townhouse in Wilmington or a house in the Dover suburbs, paying 6% in realtor fees is a lot.
That’s why some sellers use a flat fee MLS company to list their home on the MLS — the main place where realtors find homes to show their clients — in exchange for a small one-time fee.
What’s the catch?
- Less support: You manage your own sale — without a full-service agent to handle pricing, photography, paperwork, and negotiations.
- Lower sales price: For sale by owner (FSBO) homes usually sell for significantly less than homes sold by agents — 6% less on average compared to agent-represented properties.
- You still pay a buyer’s agent fee: 88% of buyers work with an agent — who still needs to get paid. In Delaware, you’re on the hook for 2.36% to 3.09% of the final sale price.
If you want to save on fees but aren’t ready for a do-it-yourself experience, Clever can match you with full-service realtors who work for a low flat fee of 1.5%.
Clever is the best alternative to the full DIY approach if you're in Delaware! You'll save thousands on listing fees, while still getting the support you need to sell your home fast AND for top dollar.
» SAVE: List with a full-service agent for just 1.5%
If you’re still interested in finding flat fee MLS listing options in Delaware, read on! We’ve reviewed the best (and worst!) services in The First State.
The 5 best Delaware flat fee MLS companies
Simple Choice Realty
Simple Choice RealtyPrice Range
Number of Photos
Listing Term
- Simple Choice Realty is a licensed real estate brokerage that specializes in flat-fee MLS services, operating throughout most of Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania
- Listings typically go live on MLS within one business day
- Cancel anytime with no fee
- Required state disclosures included
- Free listing changes
- Requires buyer’s agent commission of at least 2% (but no commission if you find an unrepresented buyer)
- Additional agent assistance included in premium packages
$399 - MLS Listing Only
|
$699 - Contract Review
$1,999 - Negotiation Assistance
|
Additional, a-la-carte options include: 12-month listing on MLS, customized sign, combination lockboxes, adding of your contact info on Zillow, Realtor.com Weekly Report, expedited listing (entered on the MLS same business day), listing on multiple MLSs
Pros
- Work directly with the broker, not a referral service
- Free MLS listing changes
- No buyer’s agent commission if you find an unrepresented buyer
- Additional assistance from a licensed agent (in premium packages)
Cons
- Minimum 2% buyer’s agent commission required
- Does not cover all of Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania
As of August 11, 2020, Simple Choice Realty has an average rating of 5/5 based on 29 reviews on Zillow, as well as an A rating on Angie's List.
- Zillow: 5/5 (29 reviews)
- Angie's List: A
Flat Fee Group
Flat Fee GroupPrice Range
Number of Photos
Listing Term
- Flat Fee Group is a national network of independent brokers that offer flat-fee MLS services in Delaware
- Pay no buyer’s agent commission if you find an unrepresented buyer
- Buyer and agent inquiries forwarded to you
- Contracts, disclosures, and addendums included
$399 - Premium
|
$699 - Contract Review
$1,999 - Full Service
|
Pros
- Work directly with the broker, not a referral service
- Buyer inquiries forwarded directly to you
- Pay no commission if you find an unrepresented buyer
Cons
- No home valuation included (except Full Service package)
As of August 7, 2020, Christopher Carr, the Delaware Flat Fee Group broker, has a 5-out-of-5-star rating on Zillow (24 reviews).
Flat Fee Realty
Flat Fee RealtyPrice Range
Number of Photos
Listing Term
- Flat Fee Realty is a nationwide flat-fee MLS referral service, licensed in Connecticut, that connects you with Delaware brokers and agents who will list your home on the MLS for a pre-negotiated rate
- You set buyer’s agent commission
- MLS photo upgrade available for $50
- State disclosures and forms available
- Unlimited listing changes
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- Refund available within 30 days of purchase
- $199 - MLS Listing package
- 6-month listing on MLS
- Syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more
- 6 Photos
- Free state disclosures
- Unlimited listing changes
- No cancellation fee
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
MLS photo upgrade available for $50
Pros
- Unlimited listing changes
- No cancellation fee
- Free state disclosures
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- Refund available within 30 days of purchase
Cons
- No built-in home valuation or market analysis
- Limited coverage in rural areas
As of August 11, 2020, no third-party reviews exist for Flat Fee Realty. We will update when this information becomes available.
FSBO.com
FSBO.comPrice Range
Number of Photos
Listing Term
- FSBO.com is a flat-fee MLS referral service that connects you with licensed brokerage MLSmart Realty, LLC. MLSmart Realty then refers you to a regional Delaware broker who will list your home on your local MLS for a pre-negotiated rate
- Set your own buyer’s agent commission (FSBO.com recommends 2-3%)
- Edit or cancel anytime
$395 - Delaware Flat Fee MLS
- 6-month listing on MLS
- Syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more
- 20 MLS Photos
- FSBO.com Listing
- Unlimited photos on FSBO.com
- Video Upload on FSBO.com
Pros
- Set your own buyer’s agent commission
- Edit or cancel anytime
Cons
- Only one package to choose from
- No home valuation included
As of August 12, 2020, FSBO.com has an average rating of 4.9/5 based on 26 reviews on Zillow and an A+ rating with Better Business Bureau.
Note: As a referral service, the reviews and service quality of your local FSBO.com broker may vary. Be sure to research your broker before signing a listing agreement.
Houzeo
HouzeoPrice Range
Number of Photos
Listing Term
- Houzeo is a flat-fee MLS referral service that connects you with Delaware brokers and agents who will list your home on your local MLS for a pre-negotiated rate
- Draft your listing, upload photos, set your price, and sign MLS contracts via Houzeo’s online dashboard
- Autofills listing details using publicly available info about your home to expedite the listing process
- Home valuation not included in service
- Does not require that you offer buyer’s agent commission
- Listing is typically live within 24 hours of submission
$225 - Bronze
$299 - Silver
|
$399 - Gold
|
Pros
- Free cancellation anytime (no refunds)
- Freedom to specify any buyer’s agent commission
- Listings typically go live within 24 hours
Cons
- Limited coverage in rural areas
- “Free changes” only apply to listing’s price, status, and property description; $10 for additional changes
As of August 7, 2020, Houzeo has an average rating of 4.8/5 based on 21 reviews on Google.
Hidden costs of flat fee MLS companies
Some companies claim to offer flat-rate MLS services but charge hidden fees at closing. We've even seen some companies that claim to offer a free MLS listing only to charge you a percentage of the sale price at closing.
These predatory practices could cost you thousands of dollars when you expect to pay only a few hundred.
Always make sure to read the fine print for any service. Look out for "closing fees" or "admin fees" that you'll owe the broker in addition to an upfront flat fee.
Further, some flat fee MLS companies offer à la carte services like photography, paperwork help, and signage. These services can reduce some of your DIY work, but watch out. These add-ons can add up!
At a certain point, you may be better off finding a full-service agent who charges a clear and upfront discounted rate.
Selling your home is difficult, even with a flat-fee MLS company to handle your listing. Add in hidden fees, a la carte services, and premium service tiers, and you'll save a lot less than you planned, but still be stuck with most of the work.
There's a better option. Clever pre-negotiates lower listing fees with top agents in your area. You still save on commission, while getting the support of a full-service agent.
- Clever partner agents offer full-service support for a fraction of the traditional cost: a 1.5% listing fee instead of the typical 2.5-3%
- Choose from the best local agents representing top regional and national brokerages, like Keller Williams and Century 21
Ready to find real estate agents who can help you save thousands on your sale? Enter your zip code below to get started!
Frequently asked questions
How much do flat fee MLS services cost in Delaware?
Typically, you should expect to pay about $400-1,250 for a flat fee MLS listing in Delaware. However, we've seen basic plans for as low as $199 and more comprehensive services that charge as much as $1,399.
Do I still need to pay the buyer's agent commission?
Although you'll save some money by not having to pay commission to a listing agent (typically 2.35% to 3.08% of the sale price), we strongly recommend offering a commission to the buyer's agent. This will incentivize agents to bring their clients to your home.
How much to offer a buyer's agent is up to you, but most buyer's agent commissions in Delaware range from 2.36% to 3.09%.
» READ: Average Real Estate Commission in Delaware
How do I sell by owner in Delaware?
California real estate laws require sellers to disclose all important information about their property, including:
- Building and safety information
- Utilities
- Environmental information (like erosion, noise pollution, and whether it's in a flood plain)
- Sewer and wastewater treatment
You'll share all of this information in the California Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement. Your listing broker will provide this document for you to fill out.
» READ: How to Sell a House for Sale by Owner in Delaware
What are the alternatives to using a flat fee MLS service in Delaware?
Discount and flat fee real estate agents
Discount real estate brokers will list your property for as little as 1% — but keep in mind that you usually still have to pay a 2.6–3% buyer’s agent fee.
We’ve reviewed four national and regional discount brokers that operate in Delaware.
| Discount broker | Review |
|---|---|
|
Clever |
|
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Assist-2-Sell |
|
|
Help-U-Sell |
|
|
Redfin |
In Delaware, Clever offers low rates, with an added advantage: Clever lets you compare multiple agents from major brands like Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX.
Clever matches home sellers like you with pre-vetted, full-service agents for only a 1.5% listing fee. That's half the rate agents typically charge, letting you keep thousands more in your pocket when your home sells.
Your Clever agent will handle everything for you, helping you accurately price your home, get high-quality photography, negotiate with prospective buyers, and complete paperwork.
You'll pay only a little more than you'd pay a flat fee MLS service, but you'll save hours of effort by not having to do it all yourself!
Want to find a top local agent without overpaying on realtor fees? Clever negotiates 1.5% listing fees with top-rated realtors from trusted brokerages like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Berkshire Hathaway.
Get guaranteed full service for a fraction of the 3% rate agents typically charge. Schedule a free, no obligation consultation with a top local agent today!
Selling without an MLS listing
It's always possible to try selling your house by owner without listing on the MLS. But this makes sense only if you already have a potential buyer lined up.
That's because not listing on your local MLS means not getting the most effective exposure for your property. MLS listings are posted to every major real estate website. Plus, real estate agents access MLS listings to find properties for their clients.
If you don't secure an MLS listing, you'll be limited to sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace and relying on a yard sign.