How flat-fee MLS listing works
FlatFeeDIY pairs you with a licensed partner broker in your state so your home can be placed on the local MLS without paying a 3% listing-side commission.
The 5-step process
1. Pick your state & package
Choose where the property is located and the package that matches how much help you want. Pricing is fixed and shown up front — you only pay when your listing is ready to go live.
Most sellers finish this step in under two minutes.
2. Fill out the listing wizard
Our wizard walks you through every field the local MLS requires — from APN and school district to disclosures, showing instructions and the public marketing remarks. Hover help is everywhere.
Save and come back later anytime — nothing is locked in.
3. Upload photos & pick add-ons
Drop in your photos (or order pro photography). Add a yard sign, lockbox, video tour or open-house kit as desired. You can change add-ons anytime before the listing is published.
Photo guidelines & ordering tips appear in the photo manager.
4. Review & pay one flat fee
You see exactly what will appear on the MLS, a clear total, and an e-signable listing agreement with your state’s partner broker. Pay securely with card — that is the only money we collect.
No commission to FlatFeeDIY when the home sells.
5. Go live & receive inquiries
Our partner broker verifies your data, places the listing on the MLS and confirms syndication. Showing requests and buyer inquiries are forwarded to you directly through the dashboard and your email.
Typical time-to-live: 1–2 business days.
6. Sell and close
Negotiate offers directly — or use Contract Review for a broker walkthrough. Once you accept an offer, your partner broker updates the MLS status. At closing, you pay no listing-side commission to us.
You may still choose to offer a buyer’s agent commission.
Savings example: a $400,000 home
Traditional 6% model
| Sale price | $400,000 |
| Listing-side commission (3%) | − $12,000 |
| Buyer-side commission (3%) | − $12,000 |
| Net to seller (before closing costs) | $376,000 |
FlatFeeDIY Standard
| Sale price | $400,000 |
| FlatFeeDIY listing fee | − $399 |
| Buyer-side commission (optional 2.5%) | − $10,000 |
| Net to seller (before closing costs) | $389,601 |
You keep about $11,000+ more at closing on a $400k home — even if you still offer a buyer’s agent commission. Sellers who choose not to offer one save even more, but should weigh the impact on buyer interest.
The licensed broker partnership, explained
Every U.S. MLS requires that listings be placed by a member of that MLS — almost always a licensed real-estate broker. FlatFeeDIY is not your listing brokerage. Instead, we partner with an experienced, locally-licensed broker in each state who:
- Holds the MLS membership and places the listing on the local MLS on your behalf.
- Reviews your inputs for MLS-rule compliance (e.g. no contact info in public remarks).
- Maintains the legally-required brokerage relationship for the duration of the listing.
- Is available for limited support as covered by your package and any add-ons you select.
You sign an MLS listing agreement directly with that broker as part of checkout. The broker’s name, license number and MLS affiliation are displayed before you sign.
Important legal disclosures
FlatFeeDIY, LLC is a technology platform — not a real-estate brokerage. The brokerage services described on this site are provided by independently-owned, state-licensed partner brokers identified during the listing process. Real-estate brokerage services in each state are provided exclusively by those licensed partner brokers, subject to your written listing agreement with that broker.
Pricing shown is the base FlatFeeDIY service fee. State-specific fees, MLS fees, recording fees, taxes and third-party costs may apply and are disclosed before checkout. You are responsible for accuracy of the listing data you submit. MLS rules vary by region; your partner broker will let you know if anything needs to change before publication.
Buyer-agent compensation is set by you, the seller, and is paid out of your sale proceeds at closing — FlatFeeDIY does not collect commission.