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Flat Fee MLS REALTORS® of Iowa Listing Service

Author  By Bryan Curtis      Updated July 24th, 2023

List Your Home on the MLS | Best flat fee listing packages | Sell using flat fee in Iowa | FAQs about listing your home

Listing on the Iowa MLS for a low flat fee or flat rate is the best way to sell real estate, in our opinion. Our opinion is based on over 20 years of experience and having done the traditional 6% model many of those years. Flat Fee listing works because you are getting the exact same product of listing on the Iowa MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE as with any agent but you are saving a ton of money. It's really a "no-brainer". Do the research, and you will agree.

Some in the industry call us limited service brokers that is only if you choose that level of service. We are full service brokers, if you choose. We offer a la carte services. We are discount brokers but do not compromise the service. You are listing direct with a local broker. Pay for what you need or want.

Many Iowa FOR SALE BY OWNERS or FSBO want very little service and the same goes for investors. However, many sellers, want and need more help and we are here to fill their needs as well.

There are many sites on the internet that are 3rd party referral sites. This means, they get your order for a listing, then bid it out for the lowest bidding agent. Some agents are willing to work very cheap to get a listing, with hopes of getting buyer leads from that listing, so they can make a 3% buyer agent commission. We do not do that, you are listing directly with your listing agent. Please give us a call, so we can discuss in detail, if you like.

Fee MLS Iowa Listing Packages

Best Choice Flat Fee provides a variety of options designed to suit each seller's circumstances. We recognize that no two situations are alike, so we've created a number of listing plans for you to choose from. Whether you're after a complete, all-inclusive plan or a more economical choice, we're committed to aligning our services with your objectives. With our assistance, you'll be able to navigate the selling process confidently and successfully, regardless of the option you go for.

Selling Using Flat Fee in Iowa

Yes, the MLS seems like an invention of the modern age. But, in fact, the term “multiple listing”—and the overarching concept behind it—was first coined in 1907. Back then it described the old-timey practice in which real estate agents would gather regularly at offices or conferences to trade info about homes they were trying to sell, hoping this network could help connect them with buyers. In 1908, the National Association of Real Estate Exchanges (the organization that later became the National Association of Realtors®) endorsed the use of this system by all agents. It quickly caught on from there, evolving, stage by stage, into the modern system in use today—online and fully searchable by price, neighborhood, and home features.

While the Iowa MLS may look like one large national database, it's actually a suite of approximately 700 regional databases. And they're quite territorial: Each regional MLS has its own listings, and agents pay dues to access and post homes on each one. This is why agents who want a broader reach for their clients may become a member of more than one MLS.


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Frequently Asked Questions

See below for answers to questions ranging from our varied packages to the selling process. No matter your question, our goal is to ensure you feel informed and confident. Dive in and find the answers you're seeking about our services. Click on a question below to see the answer.

You may cancel at anytime, for any reason, unless your home is under contract or negotiation.  (early termination could apply).
Please note - that all MLS packages are non-refundable due to the majority of work and marketing is done upfront.

Not only are we REALTORS®, we are state licensed Real Estate Brokers, which is the highest designation an agent can become. It takes many classroom hours and years of experience to become a broker. Being a broker, you can own your company and sponsor other agents. 
* All listings look the same on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). We get a lot of clients that were listed with 6% agents, cancel with them, and list with us. We even get a lot of agents listing with us because their brokerage will not give them a discount on their personal homes.
The key to selling a property is the listing price, not the listing agent. We can advise you on the listing price and the selling process. 
If you have ever listed on the MLS, then you have listed this way.
Sometimes sellers think they are doing something different, but this is not the case.
We are listing on the same local MLS as any other agent, but paying a fraction of the price.
We have "unbundled" our services. You pay for the service that fits your needs. We are your listing agent. Your listing will look the same, as all other listings. How much you pay us to list is not mentioned on the MLS. The only commission listed on the MLS is how much you are offering to pay the buyer or leasing agent.
You are not listing your property yourself.
We are your listing agent, but instead of working for a high commission, we are working to give a break. There is only one REALTOR® MLS in your area, and this is where we will be listing your property.
Depending on the listing package, we can help you with pricing, contract review, and contract negotiations. We are full service agents. We have done traditional 6% real estate in the past, but do it this way, because it is a fantastic service.
We are your listing agent, however, if a buyer comes to you directly then the listing broker can assist and work to adjust the buyer's commission, but we are still your listing agent and still here to help you with the process (depending on listing package).
Our success rate is 100% when clients listen to our advice.
We have been doing this for many years and provide you all the tools for a successful sell, but ultimately the sell of your property depends on what you do. If you overprice your property, there is no magic any agent can do.
List 2 Sell - 4P's of selling
  • Price
  • Presentation (staging)
  • Photos
  • Putting on the MLS
Yes, agents will show your listing. You are not a "flat fee or fsbo" listing on the MLS. All listings look the same.
We have been doing this for many years and sold thousands and thousands of properties. The only commission agents care about is theirs. How much they are offered is posted on the MLS. The listing agent commission is not posted on the MLS.  You are not a FSBO on the MLS. Your listing looks just like all other listings.
  1. Decide on a listing package
  2. Order directly on site or call to order
  3. You will get listing paperwork sent to you
  4. Send paperwork and photos to us
  5. We log in and create listing on the MLS
  6. We will email you a link to the listing for proofing
After you order:
  1. We ship sign and lock box (seller responsibility) - you should have within 2 business days
  2. We can do a market analysis (depending on plan), to help you with pricing upon request
  3. Once we have your listing info (i.e. signed paperwork & photos), you can be listed within 1 business days
No, we utilize the app called ShowingTime (depending on the MLS) that all agents utilize to request showings.  We will make sure to add the seller's contact information on the app so you receive the notifications on requests and you can confirm your own showings (depending on the plan).
All contact will be directed to me the broker as you are listed with a brokerage company.
 
Since you are listed on the MLS, Agents will send the offer to us and we will forward them to you to fully review.
 
My phone number will be on the sign as I'm the broker that is listing the property. This is an MLS requirement, so in order to stay in compliance and also to ensure that you're listing does not stick out from the rest of the listings on the market.
It is posted on the MLS for agents to see.  The going rate is between 2.4%-3% that needs to be offered to the buyer's agent that the sellers pay for dependent on where the property is located.  The listing broker will provide clarity on the listing paperwork.

 

No, only a licensed REALTOR® who is member NAR (National Association of Realtors) and the local MLS board can list on the MLS. There is no other way.

 


The buyer's agent and settlement company do most of the paperwork from an offer standpoint, but we are here to ensure all listing paperwork and any other documents to follow are fully complete. 

 

Your MLS# is generated at the time we list your property on the MLS. Once listed we will email you a PDF of the listing and MLS number.

 

No, as your listing looks just like all other listings on the MLS. You are listed the exact same way as all other listings. How much money you pay us to list your property is not posted on the MLS and agents are not concerned with how much you paid us, they are only concerned with how much money they will make. In most markets, we recommend a 3% buyer commission and we save you the money on the listing side! No that is smart...

 

In order for us to continue to offer this service, we have to reserve the right to make all of our MLS packages non-refundable.
Once the property hits the MLS. If you were to cancel prior to us doing the work we are happy to provide you a refund.

Most of the work, the marketing, and the time we put in are during the initial period of listing. We hope you understand this policy and let us know if you have any questions.

More FAQs

Click on a question below to see the answer.

Please call and interview us and the competition. Compare for yourself.
What you will find with us is that you are talking directly with the broker that will be listing your property. We are the listing broker and care about you and our business. Many companies you find on the internet are 3rd party referral sites and not even located in your state.  We have been REALTORS® for years and even sold real estate the traditional 6% way. We know the flat fee way is better and the reason we do listings this way.
Your contact info is on the MLS under "private agent remarks".
Agents can call you directly with basic questions. Should agents or consumers call or email us with questions, we will get that information over to you.
Sites like REALTOR.com and ZILLOW, your contact info is not allowed on these sites.
The MLS boards do not allow any phone numbers or web addresses within the description. 
We do not come out and take photos.
Most clients take their own photos, however, if you want to hire a professional. The cost of hiring a professional can range from $100-$200. Photos are important and money well spent. Note: If your home is in the Des Moines, IA area then I do have a photographer that charges $175.00 to my sellers as an add-on.
Normally within 1 business day after receiving all of the signed paperwork and photos.
You sign up online, you will be directed to the listing steps and once you get all the forms/photos back to us we can get you listed.
If a buyer comes to you directly, without a buyer's agent, then the buyer agent commission will be reduced.
Contact me the listing agent to further discuss the reduction for that buyer as we will make sure that paperwork is done accuratley.
In order for it to work you need to offer the full buyer's agent commission as we are decreasing the listing commission fee to keep more of your equity in your pocket.
The key to selling is Price. If you offer a full buyer's agent commission (included in the backend closing commission), but if you overprice your property, it will not sell. The number of showings you get is not a function of agents wanting to show, it is a function of buyers wanting to look.

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If you're ready to proceed, select the package that best meets your needs and let's get started. Best Choice Flat Fee offers a seamless process and support at every stage. Feel confident in your decision, knowing that your success is our priority.

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Questions & Answers

Answers to important Flat Fee MLS questions.

Yes, Flat Fee Listing has been around a long time. The key to selling a home is pricing it right and getting on the MLS. Most sellers find homes on the internet and nobody cares how much the listing agent makes for listing.
Getting it listed on the MLS with an experienced flat fee agent and price your home correctly. A good flat fee agent can guide you through the entire process.
We are group of Flat Fee Brokers (licensed in each state) and not a 3rd party referral site. You will be dealing directly with your broker.
For many years. Many brokers started doing flat fee with the internet gain popularity around the year 2000.
None. Choose a good full service flat fee broker and you will be getting one the best brokers in the business. Way better than most agents than work for one of those "franchise brands".

Flat Fee MLS Listing Iowa Cities

Des Moines | Cedar Rapids | Davenport | Sioux City | Iowa City | Ankeny | West Des Moines | Waterloo | Ames | Council Bluffs | Dubuque | Urbandale | Marion | Cedar Falls | Bettendorf | Marshalltown | Mason City | Waukee | Clinton | Burlington | Ottumwa | Fort Dodge | Muscatine | Johnston | Coralville | North Liberty | Altoona | Clive | Indianola | Grimes | Newton | Norwalk | Boone | Oskaloosa | Spencer | Fairfield | Storm Lake | Waverly | Pella | Fort Madison | Le Mars | Keokuk | Pleasant Hill | Carroll | Grinnell | Mount Pleasant | Denison | Perry | Sioux Center | Creston |

About Us

 

Licensed Broker Bryan Curtis has more than 10 years of combined experience working in the real estate industry. Curtis has worked in numerous areas of the real estate industry over the years including as an investor and in mortgage to name a few. He brings this experience and skill to every contact that he has in the industry, offering his expertise and valuable insider knowledge to each homeowner he assists.

Our Contacts

Bryan Curtis

515-770-2491

License #T05899000