All Your Questions About Flat Fee MLS , Home Buyer Rebates, and 1% Commission Realtors
A Flat Fee MLS listing is a service where a homeowner pays a one-time fixed fee to a licensed broker to list their property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Unlike traditional brokerages that charge a 3% listing commission, this model allows you to retain your home’s equity while gaining the same exposure on sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin.
After purchasing a package, you provide the property details and photos to an “entry-only” broker. They legally “entry” your home into the local MLS database. Once live, the listing syndicates to hundreds of real estate websites. You—the seller—handle the showings, open houses, and negotiations, effectively acting as your own agent.
No. A pure FSBO listing does not appear on the MLS where 80% of buyers find their next home, meaning buyer agents cannot find it in their professional database. A Flat Fee MLS listing is a “hybrid” model: you keep the FSBO control and savings, but gain professional-level visibility and the credibility of a licensed MLS entry.
On a $500,000 home, a traditional 3% listing commission costs $15,000. With a Flat Fee service (averaging $600), you save nearly the entire amount.
Savings Calculation:
Traditional: $500,000 x 3% = $15,000
Flat Listing Fee: $95 (one-time)
- Settlment Processing Fee: $495
- Total Equity Saved: $14,601
Following the 2026 NAR guidelines, buyer agent compensation is no longer displayed on the MLS. You are not required to pay a buyer’s agent, but it remains a common practice to offer a “cooperation fee” (typically 2–3%) to attract represented buyers. This is negotiated privately outside of the MLS.
No. To the average buyer browsing online, your listing looks identical to a “Full Service” listing. It contains the same professional fields, photo galleries, and descriptions. The only difference is that the “Listing Office” name will be the flat fee broker, and inquiries may be routed directly to you.
While many services are transparent, look out for:
Settlement %: Some flat-fee companies will add a percentage at settlement. Ex: Houzeo charges between .5% and 1.5% at closing.
Changes/Edits: Charging for price drops or photo updates.
Referral Middlemen: Some sites are just “lead-gen” sites that sell your info to a local broker for a higher price. Ex: Clever is a pass-through brokerage that assigns you to an agent working at another brokerage.
Most reputable Flat Fee brokers offer no-penalty cancellations. If you decide to take the house off the market or list with a traditional agent, you can usually withdraw the listing. However, the initial flat fee is typically non-refundable once the MLS entry has been processed.
In a Flat Fee model, you do. All leads from the MLS and third-party sites are forwarded to your phone or email. You are responsible for vetting buyers, scheduling tours, and following up on feedback.
While many flat fee firms offer “basic” entry-only packages that leave you to figure out the paperwork alone, HomeRise takes a more comprehensive approach. Most discount brokers charge extra for “Silver” or “Gold” upgrades to get legal forms; however, HomeRise provides all necessary state-mandated documents and disclosures free of charge.
State-Mandated Disclosures
Electronic Signature Tools: We provide secure digital signing (via Dootloop) so you can execute contracts instantly from any device.
A 1% Commission Realtor is a licensed professional who provides the same end-to-end services as a traditional agent but for a significantly lower listing fee. While traditional brokers often charge 2.5% to 3% to list your home, HomeRise has revolutionized this model through a pre-negotiated partner network.
Because HomeRise provides our network of top-tier agents with a steady stream of consistent, quality clients, we are able to pre-negotiate their rates on your behalf. In exchange for the high volume of business HomeRise provides, these expert agents reduce their listing commission to just 1%. This allows you to work with an experienced, local professional while keeping more of your home’s equity.
HomeRise offers a Full Service experience. Unlike “Flat Fee” services that may only list your home on the MLS, our 1% commission model includes:
Professional photography and video walkthroughs.
A professionally installed ‘For Sale’ sign and lockbox.
Marketing on MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com, and 100+ other sites.
Expert-led negotiations and transaction management.
Hosted open houses.
On average, HomeRise sellers save $12,000 in equity.
Example: On a $600,000 home sale, a 3% listing fee is $18,000. With HomeRise’s 1% fee, you pay only $6,000. That is $12,000 more in your pocket at closing.
No. One of the primary benefits of the HomeRise 1% model is that there are zero upfront fees. We only get paid when your home successfully sells. This ensures our interests are perfectly aligned with yours: getting your home sold for the best possible price.
No. The 1% fee covers the listing side of the transaction. In addition to the listing fee, sellers typically offer a commission to the agent who brings the buyer. This remains the most effective way to ensure maximum traffic and a faster sale.
Absolutely. Your home is listed on the local MLS (REcolorado, IRES, Bright MLS, Stellar MLS etc.), which syndicates to all major real estate portals. Because the listing looks identical to a traditional 3% listing, buyers and agents have no way of knowing you are saving on commission—they only see a beautiful, professionally marketed home.
HomeRise offers two paths:
1% Market Expert: A tech-enabled, data-driven service perfect for sellers comfortable with virtual tools and efficient, streamlined communication.
2% Local Expert: A more traditional, high-touch service for sellers who want a dedicated agent physically present for every step of the process.
Both options include professional photography and full MLS exposure.
Yes! Through the HomeRise Bundle & Save program, you can save on your sale and get a Buyer Rebate (up to 50% of the buyer’s commission) when you purchase your next home with us. This “Double-Sided Savings” is the most effective way to maximize your move.
In a Flat Fee model, you do. All leads from the MLS and third-party sites are forwarded to your phone or email. You are responsible for vetting buyers, scheduling tours, and following up on feedback.
HomeRise has saved homeowners over $110 million in equity. We combine 20+ years of experience with a modern, efficient business model. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice service to save money; HomeRise provides the professional expertise, marketing, and negotiation power of a traditional firm at a fraction of the cost.
HomeRise simplifies the selling process, making it easy, affordable, and effective. Our platform offers access to the MLS, reaching millions of buyers on sites like Zillow, Homes.com, Realtor.com, and many more. On average, sellers save $15,000 using HomeRise, offering all the tools you need to control your sales without pressure.
We are committed to providing an affordable alternative to traditional real estate listing options, ensuring you have the access and control you desire over your property listing and sale. We believe that if you’ve been through the home selling and buying process before, the MLS and the subsequent marketplace pulling listings from the MLS (Zillow, Homes.com, Realtor.com, etc.) provide 99% of the exposure you need to sell your home.
HomeRise is perfect for small and medium-sized investors, builders, downsizers, and savvy homeowners.
It’s perfect for sellers who are confident in the real estate process and seek a straightforward, cost-effective way to access the market. Our typical Essential and Advanced clients have bought and sold homes before and need minimal hand-holding.
Our Full Service at a 1% pre-negotiated listing rate is ideal for everyone who wants to save money without having to do it all themselves.
At HomeRise, we are laser-focused on efficiency because we know it’s the key to providing affordable services to our customers. We prioritize email communication over phone calls to minimize overhead costs. This approach allows us to keep our costs low without compromising the quality of our services.
In addition to our streamlined communication strategy, we have partnered with nationwide brokerages with excess capacity in their systems. This unique partnership allows us to access the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) at a reduced price. By leveraging the resources of our brokerage partners, we can provide our customers with top-tier MLS access without charging the high fees commonly associated with selling a home.
Our business model is designed to deliver the essential services you need without any unnecessary extras. We believe in providing a high-quality home-selling experience without adding unnecessary costs. By focusing on efficiency and partnering with the right brokers, we can pass on the savings to our customers, making it possible for them to sell their homes at a fraction of the cost.
HomeRise Flat Fee & Full Service are available in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Washington DC, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.
States that only offer Full Service include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Montana, Oklahoma, and Oregon.
HomeRise is not currently available in California, New York, Kentucky, West Virginia, or Wisconsin.
HomeRise is fully compliant with Colorado’s Commission Position 36 (CP-36). While some discount services in other states provide “entry-only” listings, HomeRise Colorado agents provide the legally required “Uniform Duties,” including presenting all offers, advising on contracts, and managing the closing process.
The process is simple:
On the home page, click on “Sell”, enter your property address, and follow the prompts to create your account and listing. The platform will take you through the next steps.
Email support@homerise.com or call (610) 269-9863. Please allow 24 to 48 hours for a response during the week.
Use our password recovery feature or email support@homerise.com with your name and Property ID number for further assistance.
You can upgrade anytime by completing the Full-Service form on our website. If you upgrade to a full-service agent, your initial flat fee will be refunded at settlement.
Below is a list of MLSs grouped by state, including their major metro areas.
| MLS Name | Metro |
|---|---|
| Alabama | |
| Birmingham Association of Realtors | Birmingham |
| MLS United | Mobile |
| Valley MLS | Huntsville |
| Arizona | |
| Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service | Phoenix |
| Tucson Association of Realtors | Tucson |
| Arkansas | |
| Arkansas One MLS | Bentonville, Fayetteville |
| CARMLS | Little Rock |
| Colorado | |
| CREN MLS | Durango, Montrose, Gunnison |
| Pikes Peak Association of Realtors | Colorado Springs |
| REcolorado MLS | Denver |
| Summit Association of Realtors | Summit County |
| Connecticut | |
| Smart MLS | Hartford, New Haven |
| DC | |
| Bright MLS | Washington D.C. |
| Delaware | |
| Bright MLS | Wilmington |
| Florida | |
| Beaches MLS | Jacksonville |
| Miami Association of Realtors MLS | Miami |
| MLS United | Pensacola |
| Pensacola MLS | Pensacola |
| Real MLS | Jacksonville |
| Southwest Florida MLS / Naples MLS | Fort Myers, Naples |
| Space Coast Association of Realtors MLS | Melbourne, Titusville |
| Stellar MLS | Orlando, Tampa |
| Georgia | |
| Georgia MLS | Atlanta |
| Idaho | |
| Coeur d'Alene MLS | Coeur d'Alene |
| Selkirk MLS | Coeur d'Alene |
| Illinois | |
| Midwest Real Estate Data | Chicago |
| Indiana | |
| Indiana Regional MLS | Indianapolis |
| MIBOR | Indianapolis |
| Northwest Indiana Realtors Association MLS | Gary, Hammond |
| Louisiana | |
| New Orleans MLS | New Orleans |
| Maryland | |
| Bright MLS | Baltimore |
| Minnesota | |
| Northstar MLS | Minneapolis, St. Paul |
| Mississippi | |
| MLS United | Gulfport |
| Missouri | |
| Heartland MLS | Kansas City |
| MARIS | St. Louis |
| Springfield Association of Realtors MLS | Springfield |
| Montana | |
| Billings MLS | Billings |
| New Jersey | |
| Bright MLS | Trenton |
| Cape May County Association of Realtors MLS | Cape May |
| Central Jersey MLS / All Jersey MLS | New Brunswick, Trenton |
| Garden State MLS | Newark, Jersey City |
| Hudson County MLS | Jersey City |
| Monmouth County MLS | Freehold, Toms River |
| New Jersey Multiple Listing Service | Jersey City, Paterson |
| South Jersey MLS | Atlantic City, Ocean City |
| North Carolina | |
| Canopy MLS | Charlotte |
| Longleaf Pines MLS | Fayetteville |
| NCR MLS/ HIVE MLS | Wilmington, Greenville |
| Triad MLS | Greensboro, Winston-Salem |
| Triangle MLS / Doorify | Raleigh, Durham |
| Ohio | |
| Cincy MLS | Cincinnati |
| Columbus MLS | Columbus |
| Dayton MLS | Dayton |
| MLSNow | Cleveland, Youngstown |
| NORIS MLS | Toledo |
| Oklahoma | |
| MLSOK | Oklahoma City |
| Oregon | |
| Regional Multiple Listing Service | Portland |
| Pennsylvania | |
| Bright MLS | Philadelphia |
| Lehigh Valley MLS | Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton |
| Poconos MLS | Stroudsburg |
| West Penn Multi-List | Pittsburgh |
| South Carolina | |
| Coastal Carolina MLS | Wilmington |
| Columbia Board of Realtors MLS | Columbia |
| Tennessee | |
| Knoxville MLS | Knoxville |
| Memphis Area Association of Realtors | Memphis |
| RealTracs MLS | Nashville |
| Texas | |
| Central Texas MLS | Central Texas |
| Corpus Christi MLS | Corpus Christi |
| Greater Tyler Association of Realtors | Tyler |
| Houston MLS | Houston |
| Lubbock MLS | Lubbock |
| MetroTex | Dallas, Fort Worth |
| San Antonio Board of Realtors | San Antonio |
| Unlock MLS | Austin |
| Utah | |
| UtahRealEstate.com | Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden |
| Virginia | |
| Bright MLS | Fredericksburg, Winchester |
| Central Virginia Regional MLS (CVR MLS, includes REIN MLS, Chesapeake Bay, Rivers Property Services MLS) | Richmond, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk |
| Tennessee Valley Realtors MLS | Chattanooga |
| Washington | |
| Northwest Multiple Listing Service | Seattle, Tacoma |
| Regional Multiple Listing Service | Vancouver |
| Spokane MLS | Spokane |
We specialize in single-family homes, condos, vacant land, and small multi-units (4 units or less).
At this time, we CANNOT list wholesale or ‘Assignment’ listings or Manufactured homes on leased land.
Your listing typically goes live within 72 hours, assuming timely submission of photos and signed documents.
Yes, if priced correctly, there’s a high likelihood your home will sell through HomeRise.
After selecting your package, you’ll be prompted to schedule a launch call, sign a listing agreement, and submit it for your property to be listed on the MLS.
No, most real estate transactions in the U.S. can be handled by a title company. However, depending on your location and preference, you may choose to hire an attorney in addition to a title company.
You may cancel and remove your property from the market at any time. Simply e-mail the Listing Assistant team and ask to cancel your listing.
You may request a refund until you’re Active on the market.
Follow these simple steps to list an additional property on HomeRise:
Are you selling 5 or more properties? Get bulk listing pricing with HomeRise Pro!
We offer several packages:
The Essential package by HomeRise includes:
The Advanced package by Homerise includes:
Branding on the sign varies based on market. Depending on your location, you have may have a HomeRise, Newfound, Houwzer, or Trelora sign.
In some cases, signs may arrive after your property goes live, simply due to the difference between shipping time and our fast listing time frame.
The 1% Full-Service package by HomeRise is a pre-negotiated listing contract with an expert Realtor. You get Realtor experience for a fraction of the cost. Full-Service includes.
No, not from HomeRise. When you go under contract you will typically see incidental title costs and transfer taxes assessed by your local and state municipalities, but that’s universal to the selling process. HomeRise will only charge the initial listing fee and a settlement fee when you close.
No, you are under no obligation to offer a commission to the buyer’s agent. Many of our clients still do because studies show that it currently impacts how many agents show your property.
A 2.5% commission is very common but you may offer less. Because the commissions are negotiable you can offer whatever you’d like. You can also change the buyer commission offering up until the point that your home goes under contract.
You will be responsible for showing your property to interested buyers and agents. The Showingtime App makes it simple.
No. While our goal is always to make you the primary contact whenever possible, unfortunately, MLSs require a licensed agent to be the contact.
We will add private notes that only agents can see on the MLS directing them to contact you directly but many times other agents will ignore the instructions and send them to us anyway. We will always forward to you as soon as we receive any communications regarding your property.
No. Zillow, Realtor.com, Homes.com and other 3rd party listing sites pay to access local MLSs for their listing info. These sites only display the information provided by the MLS, which in almost all cases is the contact info for the agent who’s account your property is listed under.
State law and MLS rules require us to have a signed listing contract before posting a property to the MLS.
HomeRise is not a licensed Brokerage. We have partnered with nationwide brokerages that have excess capacity in their systems. This unique partnership allows us to access the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) at a reduced price.
When you sign the listing contract, you are signing with one of these partners, which will most likely be our sister companies, Trelora, Houwzer, and Newfound.
When you list your home on the MLS through HomeRise, the term “listing brokerage” technically refers to the brokerage that places your listing on the MLS. The MLS requires that all listings be associated with a licensed brokerage, which in this case, is the partner brokerage working with HomeRise.
The commission you agree to pay the buyer’s agent (if you so choose) is directed through the listing brokerage as part of the MLS transaction process and state law. A brokerage must pay a brokerage.
This doesn’t mean you’re paying extra; it’s how commissions are handled within the system to ensure the buyer’s agent is compensated for bringing a buyer to your property.
This arrangement also incentivizes agents to show your home to potential buyers, increasing your property’s visibility and likelihood of sale. HomeRise simplifies this process, ensuring you understand all fees upfront and facilitating the listing and selling process while saving you significant costs.