If you're selling your home for sale by owner (FSBO) in Iowa, hiring a flat-fee MLS service can help you increase your listing's visibility without breaking the bank.
The average commission rate for full-service listing agents in the The Hawkeye State is approximately 3%. Based on the median sale price for Iowa homes, as of November 2019, that translates to about $6,180.
In contrast, typical rates for flat-fee MLS companies in Iowa are in the $295 to $1,295+ range. The most basic plans can be as low as $50 to $99, while more comprehensive services range upwards of $1,000 to $3,000.
It's important to remember that every Iowa flat-fee MLS service is different. When evaluating offerings, be sure to read the fine print: look at things like the length of the listing term (and how much it costs to extend); whether there's a fee to make changes to your listing; how many photos are allowed; the policy on buyer's agent commission; and more.
>> LEARN more about flat-fee MLS services and how to evaluate them.
To help you make the right choice, Clever has picked some of the top flat-fee MLS services across the state of Iowa.
Top Iowa Flat-Fee MLS Companies in 2020
Madcity Homes
Madcity HomesPrice Range
$500+
Number of Photos
N/A - Information unavailable
Listing Term
6 months
- Madcity Homes is a licensed, real estate brokerage based in Madison, WI, that specializes in flat-fee MLS listing services
- Set your own buyer’s agent commission (2%, 2.5%, or 3%)
- Retain the right to FSBO
- Listing is posted within 24 hours of listing appointment
- Professional photos available
- Printable property data sheets
$500 - Flat Fee MLS package
| $500 + $2,500 at closing - Broker Management package
|
A-la-carte services include signs and installation, brochure box, 6-month listing extension, and 6-month re-listing
Pros
- Professional photos available with base pricing
- Comparable sales summary
Cons
- Website unclear on number of photos uploaded to MLS
As of August 17, 2020, Madcity Homes and its broker, Sheri A Meland, have an average rating of 4.9/5 based on 130 reviews across Google, Facebook, and Zillow.
National Flat-Fee MLS Services & Brokers Operating in Iowa
Fizber
FizberPrice Range
$295-395
Number of Photos
6-25
Listing Term
6 months
- Fizber is a flat-fee MLS referral service that connects you with local brokers and agents who will list your home on the MLS for a pre-negotiated rate
- Requires that you offer buyer’s agent commission between 1-3%
- Listing is typically live within 24 hours of submission
- Fizber also offers an array of free resources and online tools (including home valuations), as well as à-la-carte downloadable forms and guidelines, such as disclosures, contracts, counteroffers, and more
$295 - MLS Boost
| $395 - Premium MLS Boost
|
Fizber also offers two non-MLS listing options:
$0 - Free Listing:
| $95 - Digital Boost
|
Pros
- Basic package includes social media postings — premium package includes target social ads
- Listing appears on MLS within 24 hours of submission
- Refundable up to 30 days
Cons
- Listing expires after 6 months — can renew listing for a discounted rate
- Only 6 photos with basic MLS listing package
- Making changes to your listing may incur additional fees
As of August 5, 2020, Fizber has an average rating of 3.6/5 based on 88 reviews on Trustpilot and has a B- rating on the Better Business Bureau.
Flat Fee Group
Flat Fee GroupPrice Range
$499-1,395+
Number of Photos
Max allowed by MLS
Listing Term
6 months up to until sold
- Flat Fee Group is a national network of independent brokers that offer flat-fee MLS services in Iowa
- Pay no buyer’s agent commission if you find an unrepresented buyer
- Contracts, disclosures, and addendums included
$499 + 0.5% at closing - Silver
| $799 + 0.5% at closing - Gold
|
Pros
- Work directly with the broker, not a referral service
- Pay no commission if you find an unrepresented buyer
Cons
- No home valuation in Silver package
As of August 7, 2020, Bryan Curtis, the Iowa Flat Fee Group broker, has a 4.9-out-of-5-star rating on Zillow (53 reviews).
Flat Fee Realty
Flat Fee RealtyPrice Range
$199
Number of Photos
Listing Term
6 months
- Flat Fee Realty is a nationwide flat-fee MLS referral service, licensed in Connecticut, that connects you with Iowa brokers and agents who will list your home on the MLS for a pre-negotiated rate
- You set buyer’s agent commission
- MLS photo upgrade available for $50
- State disclosures and forms available
- Unlimited listing changes
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- Refund available within 30 days of purchase
$199 - MLS Listing package
- 6-month listing on MLS
- Syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more
- 6 Photos
- Free state disclosures
- Unlimited listing changes
- No cancellation fee
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
MLS photo upgrade available for $50
Pros
- Unlimited listing changes
- No cancellation fee
- Free state disclosures
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- Refund available within 30 days of purchase
Cons
- No built-in home valuation or market analysis
- Limited coverage in rural areas
As of August 11, 2020, no third-party reviews exist for Flat Fee Realty. We will update when this information becomes available.
FSBO.com
FSBO.comPrice Range
$399.95 (+0.5% at closing)
Number of Photos
20
Listing Term
6 months
- FSBO.com is a flat-fee MLS referral service that connects you with licensed brokerage MLSmart Realty, LLC. MLSmart Realty then refers you to a regional Iowa broker who will list your home on your local MLS for a pre-negotiated rate
- Set your own buyer’s agent commission (FSBO.com recommends 2-3%)
- Edit or cancel anytime (may include an additional fee)
- Additional 0.5% paid at closing to cover Iowa’s minimum service requirements.
$399.95 + 0.5% at closing - Iowa Flat Fee MLS
- 6-month listing on MLS
- Syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more
- Up to 20 MLS photos
- Yard sign from listing broker
- FSBO.com listing
- Unlimited photos on FSBO.com
- Video upload on FSBO.com
Pros
- Set your own buyer’s agent commission
Cons
- Only one package to choose from
- No home valuation included
As of August 12, 2020, FSBO.com has an average rating of 4.9/5 based on 26 reviews on Zillow and an A+ rating with Better Business Bureau.
Note: As a referral service, the reviews and service quality of your local FSBO.com broker may vary. Be sure to research your broker before signing a listing agreement.
Alternatives to Flat-Fee MLS in Iowa
The Iowa real estate market is increasing rapidly. According to Zillow, the median home value rose 3.4% over the past year and is expected to see an increase of 3.8% in 2020. To realize your home's full value (or ideally more), it's important to weigh all of your options for selling before making a final decision.
- Flat-Fee Real Estate Agents
- Discount Real Estate Agents
- Low-Commission Real Estate Agents
- 1% Commission Real Estate Agents
- Sell to an iBuyer