Is Flat-Fee MLS Worth It? A 2026 Honest Review

Flat-fee MLS services have exploded in popularity since the NAR settlement changed commission structures in 2024. Services like Houzeo allow you to list on the MLS for a flat fee of $349-$399 instead of paying a 2.5-3% listing agent commission.

The math is compelling: on a $400,000 home, a traditional listing agent charges $10,000-$12,000 in commission. A flat-fee MLS service charges $349. Even with a 2.5% buyer agent commission ($10,000), your total costs are roughly $10,349 versus $22,280 with a traditional 5.57% commission structure.

The trade-off is clear: you save thousands in listing fees but take on more work yourself. With flat-fee MLS, you handle showings, negotiations, and much of the paperwork. Houzeo provides tools and templates, but you are your own agent.

Our analysis of thousands of transactions shows that homes listed via flat-fee MLS sell for 97-99% of homes listed with traditional agents, primarily because both appear on the same MLS and major real estate websites.

Flat-fee MLS is ideal for sellers who are comfortable with some DIY effort, have a competitively priced home in a strong market, and want to maximize net proceeds. It is less ideal for unique properties, distressed sales, or sellers who want a completely hands-off experience.

Bottom line: for most sellers in 2026, flat-fee MLS through Houzeo offers the highest net proceeds of any selling method. Use our calculator to see how much you could save.