Considering selling your Peoria home through the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route? It’s a path less traveled because you won’t be able to post on the multiple listing service (MLS) without a licensed real estate agent. Fortunately, you can partner with flat fee MLS Peoria companies to put your property on the central database that agents use to share listings and connect homes with buyers.
However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. This article will dig into the pros and cons, helping you decide whether it’s the right choice for your situation. We’ll also introduce several flat fee MLS companies in Peoria, detailing their services, fees, and other vital information to guide you through your selling journey.
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What is a flat fee MLS listing service in Peoria?
A flat fee MLS service in Peoria offers a unique opportunity for FSBO sellers to list their properties on the local MLS without enlisting a traditional real estate agent. This service caters exclusively to homeowners looking to sell their properties while avoiding the typical agent commission fees. The MLS is a vast online database of homes for sale that agents use to share listings and connect buyers with properties.
Being listed on the MLS significantly increases a property’s visibility, as it feeds into major home search platforms buyers use. While traditionally restricted to licensed real estate agents, flat fee MLS services provide a workaround for Peoria homeowners, enabling them to advertise directly on the MLS. This arrangement maximizes exposure while sidestepping the financial burden of a conventional real estate agent commission.
How much does a flat fee MLS service cost in Peoria?
In Peoria, the cost of a flat fee MLS service can vary widely, ranging from under $100 to several thousand dollars. The price difference mostly comes down to what each company includes and how much support they give you.
While more affordable packages might provide basic listing capabilities, pricier options tend to include additional benefits, such as more extensive marketing efforts or a comparative market analysis, which can be invaluable for setting a competitive selling price.
When weighing your options, keep in mind that paying for a more comprehensive service could make selling easier and help your home sell faster.
Flat fee MLS listing companies in Peoria
Flat fee MLS listing companies in Peoria vary in pricing, services, and package features. Taking time to compare what each company offers can help you find the best fit for your budget and selling goals. Here are some of the top firms you may want to consider:
Circle One Realty Peoria
Circle One Realty offers Illinois homeowners a flat fee MLS listing service that helps them save thousands on real estate commissions. Sellers retain the flexibility to market their property “by owner” while also benefiting from the expertise of a full-service broker with more than 20 years of experience in the Chicagoland market.
Each property is listed on the MLS and syndicated to major real estate platforms. With this approach, Circle One Realty combines affordability, professional support, and broad market exposure for every client.
Service areas: Illinois, including Peoria
- MLS Entry: $145 for a three-month listing term, vacant land only, and only one listing photo
- MLS Basic: $295 for a six-month listing term, up to 25 listing photos, and a standard yard sign
- MLS Classic: $495 for Basic inclusions, a 12-month listing term, combo lockbox, and professional photographer
- MLS Elite: $645 for Classic inclusions, listed until sold or cancelled, and showing appointment scheduling
Circle One Realty boasts a perfect customer review score on Google with 5 out of 5 stars. Clients praise the efficiency and support they receive throughout the selling process.
Some report that the team answers questions quickly by phone, email, or text, making the experience smooth and stress-free. Others describe the process as fast and well-organized, and they save significant money along the way. Many recommend the service to others looking to buy or sell a home.
Website: circleonerealty.com
Phone number: 630-528-2300
iRealty Flat Fee Brokerage
iRealty Flat Fee Brokerage takes a distinct approach as an Illinois flat fee MLS broker, offering sellers an affordable way to market their properties while keeping more of their profits. Backed by two decades of real estate experience, the team provides guidance to help clients avoid costly missteps in the selling process.
Each of their listing packages includes MLS placement along with syndication to major real estate websites, ensuring broad exposure to potential buyers.
Service areas: Illinois, including Peoria
- 6 Months: $299 for a six-month listing term, unlimited listing photos, scheduling app, and contract negotiations
- 12 Months: $499 for 6 Months inclusions, a 12-month listing term, professional photography, and lockbox
- Full Service: $99 (+1% of the home’s sale price) for 12 Months inclusions, yard sign, and a la carte services
iRealty Flat Fee Brokerage earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a perfect average review score on Google with 5 out of 5 stars. Some commend the team as they’re able to save thousands in commission fees while still receiving knowledgeable, responsive support throughout the selling process.
Others note that the service delivers the same level of expertise and professionalism as a traditional full-service agent, often exceeding expectations in responsiveness. Sellers appreciate the strong value, especially with the option for full service at a low fee.
Website: irealtyflatfeebrokerage.com
Phone number: 708-542-4577
Prello Realty
Prello Realty, founded in 2001, has been helping homeowners sell their properties without the burden of high commission fees. The company offers services such as professional photography and scheduling of showings to enhance the selling experience. With its Illinois flat fee MLS broker listings, sellers gain the flexibility to manage parts of the process on their own while still benefiting from professional support.
Service areas: Illinois, including Peoria
- MLS Basic: $295 for a six-month listing period, syndication to popular websites, and a standard yard sign
- MLS Plus: $495 for Basic inclusions, a nine-month listing period, and professional photography
- MLS Pro: $795 for Plus inclusions, a 12-month listing period, a combination lockbox, and showing appointment scheduling
Prello Realty achieved a high 4.6-star rating on Google, as past sellers express satisfaction with the company’s services. Clients emphasize how the company makes selling a property both affordable and stress-free.
Some share that the service delivers significant savings while ensuring a smooth, well-supported experience. Others appreciate how the team works closely with sellers, offering guidance throughout the process and making the transaction feel collaborative.
Website: prellorealty.com
Phone number: 773-472-8900
List With Freedom
With more than 20 years of experience, List With Freedom has helped clients list over 100,000 properties and save millions in traditional real estate commissions. The team posts new listings to the MLS within 24 hours, ensuring sellers gain rapid market exposure.
They showcase properties on the MLS and major real estate websites to reach the widest possible audience. The company guides sellers through every step of the process and provides support seven days a week via phone, chat, and email.
Service areas: Nationwide, including Peoria, Illinois
- Gold: $89 (+ 0.5% at closing) for a six-month listing term, up to 25 listing photos, automated price valuation, unlimited changes, and listing forms and disclosures
- Platinum: $195 (+ 0.25% at closing) for Gold inclusions and the maximum number of listing photos
- Platinum Plus: $395 (+0.25% at closing) for Platinum inclusions, 12-month listing term, professional yard sign, open house directional signs, virtual tour, and personal transaction coordinator
List With Freedom earned a strong 4.7-star rating on Google, as clients consistently praise the company for its professional guidance to FSBO sellers. Many highlight the straightforward process and significant commission savings.
Others recognize the helpful staff who assist with tasks like uploading photos, crafting descriptions, and managing relistings, making the process much easier for users. Many appreciate the guidance and encouragement, which motivates them to stay confident in selling their property.
Website: listwithfreedom.com
Phone: 855-456-4945
Byowner.com Peoria
ByOwner.com, established in 1996, offers homeowners a cost-effective alternative to conventional real estate services. The company specializes in flat fee MLS listings, allowing sellers to market their properties to a broad pool of buyers while minimizing commission expenses. Its services help homeowners retain more control over key parts of the selling process.
Service areas: Nationwide, including Peoria, Illinois
Listing fee (price varies by location): $195 for a six-month listing term, transaction support, color flyer, social media marketing, and video upload
ByOwner.com, recognized for its ethical business practices, carries an A+ rating with the BBB and a 4.1-star score on Google. Sellers note that the platform streamlines the process, often leading to completed transactions within just a few months.
Many appreciate the responsive support and straightforward guidance provided throughout. Overall, users describe the service as reliable, easy to use, and an effective option for selling a home.
Website: byowner.com
Phone: 800-296-9637
Pros and cons of using a flat fee MLS listing service
There are several upsides to using a flat fee MLS service when selling your home FSBO, but there are some drawbacks to consider as well. Here’s a look at some of them:
Pros:
- Eliminates the listing agent commission, saving you 2.5% to 3% of the home’s sale price
- Enables you to represent yourself and manage all aspects of the FSBO sale
- Helps you prepare for expenses, as the costs are presented upfront
- Ensures your home is listed on the MLS and various third-party websites, increasing exposure
Cons:
- Doesn’t exempt you from the buyer’s agent commission
- Lets you bear the responsibility for any issues that could delay or cancel the sale
- Makes you navigate the selling process on your own, without guidance from a licensed agent
- Puts you at risk for legal troubles and possibly a lower sale price than with a traditional real estate professional
How do I list my home with a flat fee MLS service?
- Vet the flat fee MLS service: Research local services, considering their packages, rates, and reviews on Google and the BBB.
- Register and select a plan: Choose your desired package on the service’s website and pay the fee.
- Enter your property information: Provide a detailed property description and upload photos. Complete any available disclosure forms.
- Read and sign your listing agreement: Ensure it allows penalty-free cancellation and doesn’t require a listing commission.
- Review your live listing: After publication on the MLS, check that your listing displays correctly on real estate websites.
Are flat fee MLS listings effective in Peoria?
In Peoria, a local MLS can significantly enhance a property’s visibility. The majority of homebuyers use the internet in their search, relying on MLS-fed platforms for the latest listings. Buyer’s agents also depend on MLS data, making it a key marketing tool for sellers.
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Alternatives to flat fee MLS services in Peoria
If you’re thinking twice about using a flat fee MLS service for your Peoria home, you’ve got other choices. A flat fee agent can list your home for a set price and usually offers more help than a basic MLS listing, but watch out for extra fees.
Alternatively, discount real estate brokers provide a middle ground by charging lower commissions while still offering essential services, though you might still pay the buyer’s agent commission.
For comprehensive service, a full-service Realtor ensures expert guidance, leveraging in-depth market knowledge and extensive networks to sell your home faster and at a potentially higher price.
Will I save money with a flat fee MLS listing service?
Selling FSBO and using a flat fee MLS listing service in Peoria lowers immediate costs, specifically, the commission paid to a listing agent. However, data from the National Association of Realtors suggests that FSBO homes only sold for $380,000, while agent-assisted properties were at $435,000.
While upfront savings are appealing, the final sale price — and thus your overall profit — might be significantly lower, challenging the notion of cost-effectiveness in using a flat fee MLS service alone.
What if I need to sell my Peoria home fast
For those in Peoria needing to sell quickly, options like We Buy Houses companies or an iBuyer can offer a rapid sale, often purchasing your home as-is within days. While the sale price may be lower than market value, these options provide immediacy.
Alternatively, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform expedites selling by either making a direct offer or connecting you with a local agent for additional pathways to sale, providing flexibility and speed for your unique circumstances.
What else should I know about selling a house in Peoria?
If you’re selling in Peoria, it’s important to follow local disclosure laws and consider getting a real estate attorney to help with contracts and paperwork, so you avoid any legal issues after the sale.
Here are some additional key points to keep in mind:
- Flat fee MLS services require upfront payment, with no contingency on sale.
- Service providers may frequently change names, making it hard to track their reliability.
- Sellers often need to manage communications directly due to their contact information being included in listings.
- Unlike traditional agents, flat fee services offer no dedicated support throughout the listing process.
- While flat fee rates are fixed, traditional real estate agent fees are negotiable.
Ready to sell your Peoria home?
Selling a home in Peoria involves significant effort, whether choosing the FSBO route with a flat fee MLS service or engaging a traditional agent for a more guided experience. While a flat fee service can lower upfront costs, it’s essential to consider the potential impact on your sale’s final outcome.
HomeLight can connect you with a reliable real estate agent in Peoria, offering expertise and support to navigate the complexities of the real estate market. With this, you can achieve the best possible result for your home sale.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of Peoria area flat fee MLS companies are not endorsements. Moreover, the program details mentioned above may change. Visit the company’s website for the most up-to-date information.
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