Have you decided to list your home as For Sale By Owner or FSBO? Selling your property without an agent might save you thousands of dollars in commission fees, but getting it in front of serious buyers can be very difficult. Many homeowners quickly realize that simply putting up a yard sign or posting on social media isn’t enough to reach the right audience. That’s because most buyers start their search online, and for many, that begins with the MLS.
Are you trying to find a way to get an MLS listing without hiring a traditional agent? It’s possible — all you really need to do is contact a flat-fee broker who provides FSBO listings on MLS. This lets you stay in control of the sale while still tapping into the same listing network agents use to reach buyers. But it’s important to understand what’s involved and what to expect.
At Real Estate Corners, we’ve spent the last 20 years helping homeowners successfully navigate the FSBO process on MLS. We’ve learned a lot along the way and have compiled some useful tips to help with your FSBO listing on MLS.
Find a flat-fee MLS listing service provider
Just a heads-up for those who didn’t know: you can’t just post your listings on MLS. To get your property listed, you need to be a licensed real estate agent or work with one. However, not everyone who sells a property is an agent, and not everyone wants to pay a full commission to one either.
Flat fee MLS is a workaround. It presents your property as a “legitimate” listing, which helps build trust with buyers. Nearly half of all homebuyers begin their search online, according to statistics.
Without the MLS, your reach is limited to platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or FSBO-specific sites, which don’t offer the same level of exposure or credibility. If you’re aiming for a fast sale at market value, having your home on the MLS is a significant advantage.
With our Broker Reciprocity system, your property will be featured on hundreds of public websites showcasing by owner MLS listings, including realtor.com. Your MLS listing will get extra exposure on high-traffic platforms like MLS Online Minnesota. With our flat fee MLS listing service, you also have the chance to connect with buyers not represented by an agent, which means paying ZERO commission and saving thousands of dollars (go ahead, run the numbers).
Prepare your house for sale
- Declutter and clean: Make sure to remove any unnecessary items from your house and keep it clean. This helps the room feel bigger and welcoming.
- Depersonalize: Buyers want to be able to envision themselves living in the house, so it’s important to remove personal items such as family photos or personalized decor.
- Make necessary repairs: Take care of any minor repairs that might turn off potential buyers.
- Repaint: A new layer of paint can instantly brighten up a room and make it feel updated and inviting.
- Focus on curb appeal: The first thing buyers will see is the outside of your house, so make sure it looks inviting. This could include adding some flowers or plants, painting the front door, or fixing any visible damage.
- Stage your home: Consider hiring a professional to help arrange décor and furniture in a way that highlights the best features of your house.
- Hire a professional photographer: If you have extra funds, consider hiring a professional photographer to take high-quality photos of your home. This will reflect well in your online listings and can attract more potential buyers.
- Price it right: Our team has years of experience and can help you determine the best price for your home based on market trends and comparable homes in the area.
Act like a real estate agent (or at least ask for their advice)
Some buyers may hesitate to work with a homeowner selling their property, assuming the process could be slowed down by a lack of experience. Similarly, some buyers’ agents might discourage their clients from considering an FSBO listing on MLS, fearing they’ll have to guide the seller through the process and handle extra work for a commission that may need to be negotiated. That’s why it’s important for you to demonstrate your professionalism and expertise.
- Answer calls, no matter what time it is.
- Be flexible with negotiations and showings.
- Don’t take criticism personally, and take feedback constructively.
- Communicate clearly and effectively.
- Always act in an ethical manner.
At Real Estate Corners, we know how important it is for homeowners to have their FSBO listing on MLS in order to reach a wider audience and maximize their chances of selling their homes. Our team of experienced real estate agents can help you list your property on the MLS for a flat fee.
We offer the flexibility to extend your MLS listing in Minnesota for up to a full year through our flat fee service. Throughout that time, we will guide you through the selling process. You can always ask us any questions you have, and we will provide you with the necessary support to help you sell your home successfully.
You’re never tied down, either. Cancel your FSBO listing on MLS anytime without hidden fees or pressure! Call us at 612.483.1230 to talk to our customer service team
