How to List on the MLS Without a Realtor

One of the best ways to get your home seen by serious buyers is by listing it on the multiple listing service (MLS).

The MLS is an online database where most buyer's agents search for homes for their clients, so having your property there means way more exposure and better chances of selling quickly and for a good price. In fact, MLS-listed homes sell for over $60,000 more than off-MLS listings.[1]

However, only 5% of homes sold for sale by owner (FSBO) get listed on the multiple listing service (MLS).[2] This is probably because many FSBO sellers don’t realize they can list on MLS without a realtor by using a flat fee MLS service.

Flat fee MLS companies charge around $100–400 to list your home on the MLS. You'll get exposure and save money on realtor fees, but for this rate, you typically won't get pricing, marketing, or negotiation support — services that help you get the best sale price.

💰 A good alternative for most sellers is listing with a low-commission agent. You'll get professional support to maximize your profit while saving thousands of dollars on realtor fees. If you're interested in this option, answer a few short questions, and we'll connect you with the top 1.5% agents near you. This service is free, and there's no obligation to move forward with an agent.

Why you need to list on the MLS

The MLS is a private database for realtors to share their inventory and increase potential sales. This collaborative marketplace allows selling agents to reach thousands of buying agents in an instant through online local MLS platforms.[3]

Multiple listing services also syndicate listings with major online platforms like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com to increase exposure to potential online buyers. Since most buyers browse online before consulting an agent, listing your home on these platforms is essential to reaching the most prospective buyers possible.

This combination of internal networking and external exposure increases the likelihood of selling above the listing price. This higher selling potential is often restricted to FSBO listings since it primarily functions as a private network for agents to share listings.

How to list on the MLS without a realtor

Accessing the MLS often requires working with a licensed agent or broker because it's an exclusive network for real estate agents.

However, you can bypass working with a full-service real estate agent by choosing a flat fee MLS service.

Flat fee MLS services offer listing-only options with licensed real estate professionals to post your home on the local MLS without paying high commission rates.

These companies often charge less than $500 for a basic listing with minimal support, and many offer comprehensive packages or à la carte services to simplify the FSBO process.

Flat fee listing packages may include:

• 6–12 months listing on MLS
• Access to professional photographers
• Home valuations with comparable sales
• Online listing management platforms
• Call and email forwarding services

One thing to remember is that you still sell your home FSBO when choosing flat fee services. Selling your home on your own requires more work than partnering with a selling agent, and independent sellers often need an agent to negotiate on their behalf to maximize profits.

How to choose a flat fee MLS service

1. Research flat fee MLS providers

The easiest way to find your area's best flat fee MLS provider is to research local and national providers online. You can also leverage customer reviews to reveal the value these companies bring.

Some national companies you may want to check out include:

• Beycome
• Fizber
• Homecoin
• HomeZu
• Houzeo
• ISoldMyHouse.com
• Unreal Estate

Before choosing a flat fee MLS provider, it’s important to clearly understand what you need from the service. Ask yourself: How comfortable am I handling the selling process on my own? Do I want help with paperwork, marketing, and negotiations, or just MLS exposure? Are professional photos and legal support important to me?

If you’re experienced in real estate or ready to manage things independently, a basic MLS listing package may be enough. But if you want guidance on pricing, contracts, or marketing, look for providers that offer those services as part of their packages or as affordable add-ons.

Comparing packages side-by-side based on your specific needs will help you find the right balance between cost, convenience, and support.

2. Choose a package

Most flat fee listing services offer more comprehensive packages if you want to spend more. While aiming for the lowest price may seem like a good choice, higher-priced options tend to include features that make your listing more desirable.

For example, look at the differences between Unreal Estate’s free starter package and the $299 premium package:

In the grand scheme of things, features like more photos, lead call forwarding, and document review from experienced real estate professionals are well worth the extra $299.

These features will make your house more marketable, help you respond to more leads, and add extra protection when reviewing complex legal documents.

3. Prepare your home to list

Showcasing your home with proper staging, appealing photography, and a compelling property description is paramount for bringing people to your home.

According to industry research, all home buyers begin their search online, and the most important listing content they look for includes high-quality photos and detailed property information.[4]

How to set up your home to sell (like a pro)

• Minimize clutter, depersonalize the space, and clean thoroughly
• Mow your yard, weed landscaping, and pressure wash the exterior
• Take photos on a clear day and showcase natural light when possible
• Highlight unique features in your pictures and your property description
• Use descriptive language, stay concise, and proofread carefully

Hiring a professional can pay off if you're unsure of your photography skills. Professional photographers use the best equipment and techniques to highlight your home’s best features and leverage post-processing equipment to make your home shine.

4. Sign the agreement

Even though you won’t have a full-service realtor as your chosen listing agent, you must sign a listing agreement so both parties know what to expect from the listing process. It’s essential to review a few things before signing your contract, like:

• Hidden fees. Carefully review your agreement to ensure you pay the agreed-upon price. Charges for extra photos, listing extensions, or broker assistance add up quickly.
• Cancellation policies. Some list-only providers have strict cancellation policies that carry hefty penalties. Be sure to review the cancellation terms carefully before agreeing to the deal.
• Transparent seller responsibilities. Double-check the listing agreement to ensure it clearly states each party’s obligations. If your list-only package includes features like professional photography or contract review, make sure the agreement lists them.

Taking the time to review the ins and outs of your listing agreement will prevent surprises later on in the selling process. If you notice any part of the agreement that doesn’t make sense, ask your provider clarifying questions or consult a trusted real estate attorney to review the deal with you.

5. Submit your listing

Once you review and sign the listing agreement, you must submit your information to the MLS. Your provider will instruct you on delivering your photos and property description before the listing goes live.

National providers often have an online portal for submission, while local agents may use email to share this info. Before you submit your information, follow these guidelines for the best outcome:

• Share the maximum number of photos allowed in your listing package
• Arrange photos in a logical order as if you’re taking a home tour
• Perform one final edit on your property description for readability and clarity

It is also essential to review your listing once it goes live on the MLS. If you notice any necessary adjustments, contact your provider right away to avoid confusion when potential buyers (or buying agents) find your home online.

Alternatives to listing on the MLS without a realtor

Low-commission real estate companies

If you want to avoid high realtor commissions but still want the support of a real estate professional, look into low-commission real estate brokers. These companies offer lower commissions than traditional agents while providing similar services.

Working with a low-commission realtor can score you lower listing fees (typically 1.5–2%). However, some low-commission realtors offer less support than other options, and many handle a heavy workload to offset the decreased earnings.

A company like Clever Real Estate is an option for getting all the low-commission benefits without the potential drawbacks. Clever negotiates with reputable agents from top brokerages like RE/MAX and Century 21 to get you experienced agents at a lower cost. Find the best 1.5% agents near you.

Sell to a cash buyer or investor

Selling directly to a cash buyer or real estate investor lets you close your home quickly without needing repairs, staging, or negotiations. But the speed and convenience come with a few drawbacks:

• You'll make less than fair market value when selling your home
• Cash deals are “take it or leave it” with little room for negotiation
• Higher potential for bad deals and scams

Real estate investors purchase properties to turn a profit, which means they want to buy your home for the lowest price possible. If you work with a cash buyer, get multiple offers and closely review contracts to ensure you agree to a legit deal.

If you’re considering a cash sale but want more confidence and better options, Clever Offers can help. Its network of investors submits competing cash bids on your home — so you get multiple offers without the hassle of finding buyers yourself. The service is free, and there’s no obligation to accept any offer. Explore your cash offer options today.

For sale by owner without MLS

You technically don’t need the MLS to sell your home (although it'll really help you).

Online platforms like Zillow, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other FSBO websites can increase your visibility while maintaining complete control over the selling process. You can also improve your local presence through traditional methods like yard signs, community bulletin boards, local newspapers, and word of mouth.

But there’s a big downside to selling FSBO without leveraging the MLS. You miss out on marketing your home to thousands of potential buying agents who use the MLS as their primary source for leads, leading to less competitive offers and a potentially longer selling period.

Generally, listing on the MLS is your best bet for increased marketability, a quick sale, and the potential to make the most for your home.

Related reading

Selling a House Without a Realtor (2025)

You'll have a better chance at successfully selling without a realtor if you've sold a home before, already know your buyer, or are in a hot seller's market. Still, it's an uphill battle. Here are the steps you'll need to take.

14 Best FSBO Sites for Selling Your Home in 2025

Explore top FSBO websites for selling your home independently. Compare paid and free platforms, access MLS listings, boost visibility, and maximize your profits.

Who Pays Realtor Fees on FSBO Properties?

Not sure how to handle realtor fees with a FSBO property? Learn how sellers and buyers can deal with agent fees on a for sale by owner home.