Taking the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route when selling your Tucson home is a rewarding experience, but it can limit your exposure to buyers. Because the multiple listing service (MLS) is typically for licensed agents only, your property might go unseen. However, if you use a flat fee MLS Tucson service, you can list on the MLS for one set cost, keeping your home visible while saving on agent commissions.
In this article, we explain the pros and cons of using a flat fee MLS service, the listing services available in Tucson, the listing process, and the amount you might pay.
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What is a flat fee MLS listing service in Tucson?
A flat fee MLS service is designed for FSBO home sellers, allowing them to list their property on the local MLS without needing a traditional real estate agent.
The MLS is an exclusive database that compiles homes currently on the market, facilitating the exchange of information among real estate professionals. Buyers’ agents use the MLS to find properties that meet their clients’ criteria, access comprehensive details and disclosures, and organize property viewings.
Typically, only licensed real estate professionals can post listings on the MLS. However, flat fee MLS services offer a workaround for FSBO sellers, allowing them to list their homes on the MLS directly, maximizing their property’s exposure while avoiding the costs of hiring a traditional real estate agent.
How much does a flat fee MLS service cost in Tucson?
The fees for flat fee MLS companies in Tucson vary widely. Some services charge as low as $100 or less, while others can cost thousands of dollars. More expensive plans often include additional features or extras, such as a comparative market analysis.
Flat fee MLS listing companies in Tucson
AZ Flat Fee
AZ Flat Fee leverages local expertise across Tucson and other cities, such as Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, and Scottsdale, to deliver an efficient selling experience. After seeing several homeowners lose tens of thousands in commissions, they created a smarter, fairer model: flat rate agent services delivering full service for a transparent price.
Sellers enjoy more savings with AZ Flat Fee’s solutions, keeping more of their equity at closing. From listing to negotiations to closing, the team provides full-service support every step of the way.
Service areas: Tucson and other cities in Arizona
- Basic: $500 (+$3,500 at closing) for professional photos, sign and lockbox, showings scheduling, and offer negotiation
- Standard: $500 (+$3,500 at closing) for Basic inclusions, Zillow express video, paid social ads, open house, and twilight and drone photos
- Deluxe: $500 (+$9,500 at closing) for 3D Premier Matterport, property walkthrough video, targeted online advertising, and property brochure
AZ Flat Fee boasts a perfect Google rating of 5 stars, as several clients share that working with the company made buying and selling a home smooth and stress-free. Many say the team handles tricky situations professionally and gives personal, hands-on support. Overall, past sellers appreciate how helpful and attentive they are throughout the whole process.
Website: azflatfee.com
Phone: 520-500-1783
Mountain Lake Realty
Mountain Lake Realty is a flat-fee MLS brokerage that helps homeowners sell efficiently while saving on traditional commission costs. The company’s listings appear on Zillow Showcase, generating significantly higher visibility and engagement for faster sales.
With decades of local expertise, Mountain Lake Realty provides professional guidance across Tucson, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, and surrounding areas. Clients benefit from a cancel-anytime guarantee with no hidden contracts, ensuring flexibility throughout the selling process.
Service areas: Tucson and other areas in Arizona, including Maricopa and Pinal, Pima, Prescott, Coconino, and Graham counties
- Package 1: $295 for up to 10 open house schedules, phone and email forwarding, and disclosures
- Package 2: $495 for Package 1 inclusions and contract review
- Package 3: $895 for Package 2 inclusions, DocuSign, and VIP service
- Package 4: $1,295 for Package 3 inclusions, professional photography, electronic lockbox, and Showing Time PLUS
- Package 5: $1,795 for Package 4 inclusions and Zillow showcase
Mountain Lake Realty achieved a perfect 5-star rating on Google, as reviewers highlight how quickly their listings go live across major real estate websites, often generating showings and offers within hours.
Sellers appreciate the guidance provided on procedures, contracts, and tools like DocuSign and lockboxes, which streamline the process and make showings easier. Many note significant savings on agent commissions compared to traditional methods.
Website: arizonamlsflatfee.com
Phone: 602-888-7073
At Home Desert Realty
At Home Desert Realty, formerly At Home Tucson Realty, was founded in 2009 as an independent boutique brokerage focused on delivering flexible, personalized real estate services. In 2020, the company adopted its current name, expanded into the Phoenix Association of REALTORS® and the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS), and introduced its flat fee MLS listing service.
The firm continues to provide professional support and cost-effective solutions, helping clients across Arizona sell efficiently while saving on commissions.
Service areas: Arizona, including Tucson
- Standard: $349 for a six-month listing term, up to 50 listing photos, contracts and disclosures, and lead forwarding
- Premium: $549 for Standard inclusions, lockbox, yard sign, and seller’s report
Add-ons:
- Additional listing photos: $25
- Professional photography: $125 to $150
- For-Sale sign and post: $100
- Lockbox: $100
At Home Desert Realty earned a 4.4-star rating, with several clients describing the flat-fee MLS service as professional, responsive, and highly effective. Many appreciate the prompt communication and clear guidance provided throughout the process, even when they had questions. Sellers note that listing on the MLS generated far more exposure than relying on FSBO platforms alone, often leading to multiple offers and strong buyer interest.
Website: athomedesertrealty.com
Phone number: 520-549-2051
Congress Realty
Congress Realty, a licensed brokerage operating across several states, including Arizona, makes selling homes both simple and affordable. Homeowners simply provide their property details and asking price through an online form, and the team places the listing on the local MLS.
With this, the property receives the same exposure as a traditional listing while reaching a broad audience of buyers. By reducing commission costs, Congress Realty helps sellers keep more of their hard-earned equity.
Service areas: Throughout Arizona, including Tucson, and other cities in Arizona, Alaska, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington
- Basic: $299 for a six-month listing term, state forms and disclosures, up to five listing changes, up to six listing photos, showing time appointment tool, and sales comp
- Plus: $399 for up to 10 listing changes, maximum number of photos allowed, and automated phone lead forwarding
- Premium: $499 for unlimited listing changes, unlimited open house postings, and social media feature
- Full Service: $399 + 0.5% for contract review, closing transaction, and full negotiation and paperwork support
Congress Realty maintains an A rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and boasts an impressive 4.8-star average on Google. Customers say the company delivers an efficient flat-fee MLS listing service that simplifies the home-selling process.
Some reviewers point to the team’s quick communication and helpful support as standout qualities. Inquiries are forwarded without delay, allowing sellers to respond promptly. Others report securing offers and closing deals within only a few days.
Website: congressrealty.com
Phone: 888-230-4824
ISoldMyHouse.com
Established in 1997, ISoldMyHouse.com is an online real estate platform that helps homeowners sell their properties while maximizing their proceeds. The company offers an alternative to traditional real estate services, avoiding the high commissions associated with full-service brokerage models.
By providing flat-fee MLS listings and other flexible options, it empowers homeowners to make informed decisions tailored to their unique needs. The platform prioritizes control, transparency, and cost savings.
Service areas: Nationwide, including Tucson, Arizona
- Get Listed: $299 for up to 10 photos, lead forwarding, and cancellation anytime
- Get Sold: $399 for Get Listed inclusions and up to 25 listing photos
ISoldMyHouse.com has been accredited by the BBB since 2018 and holds an A+ rating. It received an average of 4.6 stars on Google, with many clients expressing appreciation for the team’s professionalism.
Users report that FSBO listings attract serious buyers directly, often speeding up negotiations and closings. The platform is praised for streamlining the process, reducing typical delays, and keeping transactions efficient.
Website: isoldmyhouse.com
Phone: 855-283-0001
FSBO.com
Founded in 1997, FSBO.com offers homeowners an alternative to traditional real estate representation through its flat fee MLS listing service, connecting buyers and sellers efficiently. The platform allows sellers to maintain control over their transactions while gaining professional exposure on the MLS.
FSBO.com also provides a robust property search tool directly on its website, giving buyers access to a wide range of listings, including foreclosures. By combining cost-effective listing options with user-friendly technology, the company makes it easy for clients to sell or buy a home on their own terms.
Service areas: Nationwide, including Tucson, Arizona
- FSBO Package: $99.95 for a six-month listing term, unlimited photos and one video, Redfin listing, and yard sign
- MLS Package: $399.95 for syndication to Zillow and other websites
Recognized for its integrity-driven business approach, FSBO.com earned an A+ BBB grade. According to reviews on the company’s Facebook page, the platform provides a straightforward and user-friendly way to sell a property.
Many highlight how easy it is to navigate and manage listings independently. Users also praise the exceptional customer service, noting prompt and helpful support throughout the process. Overall, sellers find it an effective and reliable solution for DIY home sales.
Website: fsbo.com
Phone: 800-690-5802
How would a Tucson seller benefit from a flat fee MLS service?
Using a flat fee MLS service can be beneficial for Tucson sellers in several ways:
- Commission savings: Home sellers who hire a listing agent typically pay a real estate commission that ranges from 5% to 6% of the home’s sale price. You eliminate the listing agent’s fee with a flat fee service. And with the landmark NAR settlement that changed commission rules, encouraging buyers to negotiate commissions directly with their agents, sellers can enjoy even greater savings on the overall transaction.
- Greater control: If you have a desirable home in a hot market, listing on the MLS can bring multiple buyers and competitive offers. However, you’ll still be responsible for all aspects of the sale.
- Hands-on involvement: For those with previous home-selling experience or those wanting full control, a FSBO sale might be appealing. A flat fee MLS service is the first step in this journey.
Even with a flat fee service, you’ll need to handle tasks like setting the selling price, writing a listing description, and managing showings and offers.
Pros and cons of using a flat fee MLS listing service
Selling a home on your own through a flat fee MLS can be a smart cost-saving move. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages so you know what to expect:
Pros:
- Eliminate the listing agent commission, typically 2.5% to 3% of the home’s sale price.
- Represent yourself in your home sale.
- Control all aspects of the sale from start to finish.
- Pay known costs for the listing service upfront.
- Get your home listed on the MLS and third-party websites.
- Expand property exposure to traditional buyers and their agents.
Cons:
- Shoulder the cost of buyer’s agent fees, depending on negotiations.
- Handle any issues that may delay or derail the deal.
- Sell without the professional guidance of a licensed real estate agent.
- Face potential liability claims and other legal risks.
- Risk selling for less than you might with a traditional real estate agent.
How do I list my home with a flat fee MLS service?
To list your home with a flat fee MLS service, follow these steps:
- Vet the flat fee MLS service: Research local services, including packages and rates. Check Google reviews and the BBB.
- Register and select a plan: Register on the flat fee MLS company website, select the package you want, and pay the upfront fee.
- Enter your property information: Describe your property and upload photos. Fill out the disclosure form if offered.
- Read and sign your listing agreement: Ensure you can cancel without penalty and won’t owe a listing commission.
- Review your live listing: Verify your listing on real estate sites to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Are flat fee MLS listings effective in Tucson?
Yes, they’re effective in reaching your target audience. Almost all homebuyers today use the internet when searching for a new home. And property search websites rely on local MLS databases to provide the most up-to-date listings. Buyers’ agents look at MLS data as well, making it one of the most effective marketing opportunities for sellers.
How Much Is Your Tuscon Home Worth Now?
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Alternatives to flat fee MLS services in Tucson:
If a flat fee MLS service doesn’t fit your selling situation, consider these options:
- Flat fee real estate agent: They offer limited services for a flat rate. Average fees range from $3,000 to $5,000.
- Discount brokers: They accept reduced commissions but provide some basic services. They’re more expensive than flat fee services but more affordable than a traditional agent.
- Full-service Realtor: They provide dedicated services and local market expertise, often resulting in faster sales and better outcomes.
Will I save money with a flat fee MLS listing service?
While you will save on commission fees, you may lose out in the long run. The National Association of Realtors research shows that FSBO homes tend to sell for less compared to homes sold by an agent. Homes sold by owners had a median price of $380,000, while those sold with an agent reached $435,000. While a flat fee MLS can be an effective tool, selling your home FSBO could result in less overall profit.
What if I need to sell my Tucson home fast?
If you need to sell your home quickly, consider working with a We Buy Houses company or an iBuyer. These companies purchase homes in almost any condition, often within days. Be prepared to lose money, as they typically pay less than the open market. Alternatively, HomeLight offers Simple Sale to expedite the process or connect you with a local agent.
What else should I know about selling a house in Tucson?
Whether you’re selling on your own or with a professional, you must comply with local disclosure laws. Hire a real estate attorney, especially if you’re managing the sale on your own, so you can navigate the complexities of disclosures and contracts more confidently and avoid costly legal issues post-sale.
Here are some additional points to consider when selling FSBO:
- Unlike traditional agents whose fees are contingent on the sale, flat fee services are paid upfront.
- Some services may change names frequently, complicating tracking their success rate.
- These services include the seller’s contact info directly in the listing, shifting more communication responsibilities to the seller.
- There may not be a dedicated individual to assist sellers through the listing service, unlike traditional agents.
- While flat fee services charge a fixed rate, traditional agent fees can be negotiated.
Ready to sell your Tucson home?
Selling a house is like taking on another full-time job. If you’re really determined to sell on your own, you must be prepared to tackle the responsibilities typically handled by an agent. Using a flat fee MLS listing service can ease some challenges, offering varying levels of support.
However, choosing a flat fee service primarily to cut costs on agent commissions may not always be wise. Sellers often still need to cover the buyer’s agent commission and MLS service fees, and might end up selling their property for less than if they had engaged a traditional agent.
If you want to sell for more money and let a professional handle the transaction, HomeLight can connect you with a local agent in your area.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of Tucson 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.
Header Image Source: (mdurson / Deposit Photos)
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