The best flat-fee MLS services | Other ways to save | Additional resources
If you’re selling your home for sale by owner (FSBO) in Columbus, hiring a flat-fee MLS service can help you increase your listing’s visibility to potential buyers.
The average commission rate for full-service listing agents in Ohio is approximately 3%. Based on the median sale price for Columbus homes — which as of October 31, 2023 was $280,000 — that translates to about $8,400.
In contrast, you'll pay between $199 and $999 to list your home with flat-fee MLS companies in Columbus. The most basic flat-fee real estate packages will offer little more than a listing on the MLS, but more comprehensive packages could include additional services like help with negotiations and paperwork.
That being said, using a Columbus flat-fee MLS company to sell FSBO comes with additional costs in terms of time, energy, and your final sales price. You'll have to manage your own sale — from scheduling showings to drafting contracts. And, FSBO homes usually sell for 6% less on average than agented properties.
If using a flat-fee MLS company is still the right choice for your sale, we've picked some of the best flat-fee MLS services in Columbus.
But, if you're not ready to sell FSBO, one of your best options is to work with a discount real estate company like Clever. With Clever, you'll only pay 1.5% to list your home instead of the typical 3%. And, you'll get full-service support from a great Columbus realtor so you can sell for top dollar!
💰 SAVE: List with a full-service agent for just 1.5%
The best Columbus flat-fee MLS companies
Every Columbus flat-fee MLS service is different. When evaluating the following options, be sure to read the fine print. Look at things like the length of the listing term, fees to change your listing, how many photos you can add, and more.
» MORE: Find out how to evaluate flat-fee MLS services
PDS Real Estate
PDS Real EstatePrice Range
Number of Photos
Listing Term
- PDS Real Estate is a licensed, Ohio real estate brokerage that specializes in flat-fee MLS listing services
- Listing is live within 48 hours of receipt of all documents
- No cancellation fee
- Free listing changes
- Premium Full Service package available for $499 to list, $3,000/1.5% commission, and a 3% buyer’s commission
$199 - Deluxe $199 Package
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$299 - Deluxe $299 Package
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Premium Full Service package available for $499 to list, $3,000/1.5% commission, and a 3% buyer’s commission
Listing may be renewed for $100
Pros
- Unlimited listing changes
- No cancellation fee
Cons
- No built-in home valuation or market analysis
- 1 photo in base package
- 1 month listing in base package
- Property not syndicated to Zillow, Trulia, or other local sites in base package
- No flat fee purchase options for lockboxes, signs, or other real estate tools
As of August 12, 2020, PDS Real Estate has an average rating of 5/5 based on 1 reviews on Facebook.
Ohio Property Group, LLC
Ohio Property GroupPrice Range
Number of Photos
Listing Term
- Ohio Property Group is a licensed, Ohio real estate brokerage that specializes in flat-fee MLS listing services
- Realist Market Analysis included with Gold and Platinum packages
- You choose the buyer’s agent commission
- Buyer and agent inquiries forwarded directly to you
- Listing typically goes live in 48 hours
- Unlimited webpage updates
- Free cancelation anytime
$297 - Silver
- 6-month listing on MLS
- Syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more
- 25 photos
- Your own property webpage with unlimited updates
- Unlimited printable flyers
- Email support directly from broker
$395 - Gold
- Same as Silver package, plus:
- 35 photos
- Targeted social media marketing
- Offer consultation and review
- Combination lockbox
- Open house signs
- Yard sign with your phone number
- All state forms and disclosures (downloadable)
- Realist Market Analysis (market trend and home valuation report)
- Email and phone support directly from broker
$997 - Platinum
- Same as Gold package, plus:
- 12-month listing on MLS
- 45 photos
- Custom address for your property’s webpage
- Broker handles negotiations and closing process
List on more than one Ohio MLS for $97 per additional MLS. Contract to closing services available for $297 (already included in Platinum plan)
Pros
- Work directly with broker, not a referral service
- Free cancelation anytime
- Pay no commission if you find an unrepresented buyer
Cons
- Home valuation report not included with Silver plan
- Not a member of every Ohio MLS
As of August 12, 2020, Ohio Property Group has an average rating of 5/5 based on 3 reviews on Google and has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau.
Team Results Realty
Team Results RealtyPrice Range
Number of Photos
Listing Term
- Team Results Realty is a licensed, Ohio real estate brokerage that specializes in flat-fee MLS listing services
- Comparative market analysis (CMA) is included with Premium and Full Service packages
- You set the buyer’s agent commission (Team Results Realty suggest 3%)
- Listings typically go live within 48 hours
- Buyer and agent inquiries are forwarded to you
- Unlimited free changes
- Free cancellation anytime
$299 - Showcase
$699 - Premium
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$999 or $299+1% at closing - Full Service
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Pros
- Work directly with the broker, not a referral service
- Pay no buyer’s agent commission if you find a buyer
- Covers all of Ohio
- Unlimited free changes
- Free cancellation anytime
Cons
- CMA not included with the basic package
National flat-fee MLS services in Columbus
Didn't find a great option in local flat-fee MLS companies? These national brands operate in the Columbus area, too.
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 Ohio 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 (may include an additional fee)
$399.95 - Ohio Flat Fee MLS
- 6-month listing on MLS
- Syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more
- Up to 20 MLS photos
- FSBO.com Listing
- Unlimited photos on FSBO.com
- Video Upload on FSBO.com
A-la-carte services (purchased directly from local broker) include: unlimited open house postings and yard sign
Pros
- Set your own buyer’s agent commission
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 Ohio 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
$259 - Bronze
$319 - Silver
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$399 - Gold
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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 10, 2020, Houzeo has an average rating of 4.8/5 based on 21 reviews on Google.
Alternatives to flat-fee MLS services in Columbus
To sell your home for top price, it’s important to weigh all of your options before making a final decision. A Columbus flat-fee MLS company may make the most sense for your sale, or one of these options may work better.
- The best low commission real estate agents
- What to know before selling to an iBuyer
- How to sell your home to a cash buyer
For most sellers, though, working with a company like Clever is the best way to maximize your savings while selling your home for top dollar.
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!
