Sellers who want to list on a multiple listing service (MLS) without a realtor in Ohio must use a flat fee MLS service. Only licensed real estate agents and brokers can list directly on the MLS.

Using a flat fee MLS service that a licensed broker operates will get you listed on one or more of the 15 local MLSs in Ohio for $199–$999. In turn, you'll avoid the 2.92% commission you'd pay for a real estate agent in Ohio.[5]

But selling for sale by owner (FSBO) isn't always the best option in the long run. FSBO homes sell for about 23% less than homes sold with a realtor's help. That's a difference of about $95,000 on a house with a median sale price in the U.S.[6]

The best option for most sellers is to find a real estate agent who charges a reduced listing fee. This way, you'll save on listing commission but get the increased sale price that comes with professional representation.

💰 Sell for more than you'd get alone. Find top local agents who work for a 1.5% listing fee (half the typical rate).

What is the multiple listing service (MLS)?

The MLS is a private database of homes for sale in a local market. Each of the more than 500 regional MLSs is paid for and maintained by real estate professionals in the area.[1]

Using a flat fee MLS service allows you to list on the MLSs that serve your local market. Every year, 88% of sellers have their home listed on a MLS.[2]

Buyer's agents look at the MLSs for potential homes for their clients. MLSs also often syndicate their listings on popular real estate websites like Realtor.com and Zillow, even if the listing originated via a flat fee MLS service.

Should you list on the MLS and sell FSBO? Learn the risks.

Listing on the MLS and selling by owner in Ohio can be a viable option if you are:

Experienced as a home seller, willing to put in the required time and effort to navigate the complexities of selling on the MLS without a realtor.
Interested in a basic plan from a flat fee MLS service. Most offer a budget plan that includes basic services like an MLS listing and at least a three-month listing period for around $50-$200. More expensive plans often include additional tools like virtual contracts and professional photography, but they generally don't offer a better value than in-person representation.
Living in a hot real estate market. When buyers outnumber houses for sale, competition for each property goes up.

But for most sellers, listing on the MLS and selling FSBO isn't worth the risks.

Financial risk. Homes sold by their owners sell for about 13% less than those listed with licensed real estate agents, which may offset the savings of using a flat fee MLS listing service and managing your own sale.[3] Without an agent, it can be difficult to price your home properly and negotiate with buyers — skills that realtors are trained in.
Legal risk. Plus, without a real estate agent to guide them, 36% of FSBO home sellers made legal mistakes.[4]
Risk of significant time investment. Selling FSBO requires a lot of time to answer emails and calls about the house, prepare and show the property, and handle the paperwork.

How to list on the MLS without a realtor in Ohio

Ohio FSBO sellers should follow these five steps to list a home on a local MLS.

1. Choose a flat fee MLS plan in Ohio

Select a plan that best fits your needs from a flat fee MLS listing company in Ohio.

Most flat fee MLS companies in Ohio offer a variety of plans ranging from budget ($50–$200), to standard ($200–$500), to premium ($500–$3,000). At each level, the company usually provides the MLS listing, plus bundled and a lá carte marketing and support services.

For an optimal MLS listing, select a plan with these baseline features:

6+ month listing term. Give yourself enough time for buyers to see your flat fee MLS listing and make the sale. It takes an average of 77 days to make a sale in Ohio.
22–27 photos allowed. That's the optimal range for an MLS listing. Fewer photos on a listing will reduce your chances of selling within 60 days.[7]
Customer support. You'll need help if you have issues with the company or its services.

💡 Clever expert insight: If you're set on listing on the MLS without a realtor, we recommend using a basic flat fee MLS plan. Sometimes, the cost of a more expensive plan equals the price you'd pay for a discount broker in Ohio to represent you.

2. Evaluate the customer agreement and sign up for the plan

Read the terms of the flat fee MLS agreement, making sure the company doesn't charge any extra fees.

FSBO sellers motivated by saving money will want to look out for the following telltale items in the terms and conditions:

Administrative fees
Closing fees
Requirement to use a company's closing service

Look out for red flags regarding customer service, too. If the customer support hours don't span weekends, for example, or the company's website and sign-up process are broken or confusing, you may want to consider another company.

Once you commit, follow the instructions on the flat fee MLS company's website to secure its services. You'll often have to create an account with the company of your choice.

3. Write and upload a listing description to the MLS

Keep your description short. Use 250 or fewer words to fit within common website constraints and to help hold buyers' attention.

Help attract buyers to your home by including these components in your listing:

Basic details. Include essential facts about your house, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and its square footage. Buyers want to understand if the basic structure of the house will work for them.
Unique features. Buyers want to know what sets your home apart aesthetically and practically from other homes in the area, if relevant.
Amenities. Mention community resources like shopping areas and parks. Buyers want to understand the wider community around the house.
Concise, targeted language. Highlight what makes your home special for potential buyers, such as being ideal for families, pet lovers, or outdoor enthusiasts.

🚨 Ohio has rules for advertising real estate. While most of these rules apply to realtors, it’s best to take steps to ensure your actions don’t violate state regulations.

For instance, be careful to objectively describe any school district information or crime statistics to comply with fair housing laws. Consider consulting a real estate professional or using templates provided by your flat fee MLS listing service.

4. Upload photos of your home to the MLS

Upload 22–27 photos. MLS listings with 22–27 photos are 20% more likely to sell within 60 days than MLS listings with fewer than nine photos.[8]

Not just any real estate photos will do. Professional-level photographs will showcase your home's best features, so consider hiring a professional real estate photographer. In Ohio, professional real estate photography typically costs $147 per session.

Many flat fee MLS companies in Ohio offer photography services as part of their plan, or as an add-on service.

📷 Clever expert insight: A listing agent will often arrange for professional photography as part of their services.

5. Make all necessary disclosures

All home sellers must meet the disclosure requirements for selling Ohio real estate. For example, you'll usually be asked to disclose:

The age and condition of the house's roof
Known termite infestations
Appliances that come with the house

Sellers must also adhere to federal disclosure requirements about lead paint, plus any applicable local requirements like noise issues or proximity to a prison.

🕒 Once you've completed these steps, your flat fee MLS listing will typically go live on the MLS within 48 hours.

Pros and cons of listing on the MLS using a flat fee MLS company

Pros

Lower up-front costs
More control over your sale
A lá carte services
Exposure on popular real estate websites like Realtor.com and Zillow

Cons

13% loss vs. listing with real estate agents[9]
Danger of making legal mistakes
Extra services usually cost more
Limited exposure to potential buyers
No help with pricing and negotiation

Alternative ways to sell in Ohio

Consider these alternatives to selling by owner and listing with a flat fee MLS company in Ohio.

Sell with a traditional real estate agent

A traditional real estate agent will provide full support, helping you do everything from preparing and pricing your home to closing the sale.

You'll usually pay more to work with a traditional agent. Listing agents in Ohio charge an average of 2.92% commission vs. around 1.5% for a discount agent.

Discount real estate services in Ohio

A discount broker in Ohio will help you sell your house for less than a traditional realtor.

Sometimes, a discount realtor costs around the same price as a premium flat fee MLS package, but you'll get in-person representation from a licensed agent. The best discount real estate brokers provide the same level of service and support as a traditional realtor for a reduced fee — they'll provide expert legal and pricing guidance and connect you with potential buyers.

It's a good idea to talk to a discount agent before listing on the MLS. Educate yourself about the pros and cons of using an agent vs. going it alone. Fill out the form below to find top agents in your zip code who work for a 1.5% listing fee.

💸 Sell for more than you'd get listing on the MLS by owner

For sale by owner homes sell for about 23% less than homes sold with a realtor's help. That's a difference of about $95,000 on a house with a median sale price in the U.S.

Enter your zip code to talk to a top Clever agent, who can help you maximize the profits from your home sale. Pay a low 1.5% listing fee (half the traditional rate) if you sell with a Clever agent.

Cash home buyers in Ohio

Cash home buyers in Ohio usually buy houses in poor condition or from sellers looking for a quick sale.

Cash home buyers often don't pay fair market value. Sellers using an experienced local real estate agent typically get fair market value for their sale.

iBuyers in Ohio

iBuyers purchase homes for cash at a discount then resell them. By selling to an iBuyer, you'll avoid realtor fees.

Most iBuyers charge sellers a service fee of 5%–13%. They also usually deduct the cost of any required repairs after an on-site visit.

Sell by owner in Ohio without listing on the MLS

You can market your home without listing on the MLS by:

Posting your home on a for sale by owner website
Using a For Sale By Owner yard sign
Promoting your sale through personal posts or ads on social media
Relying on word of mouth

If you have a buyer lined up already, you likely won't need to list on the MLS.

While you'll save on the cost of a flat fee MLS plan if you don't list on the MLS, we don't recommend this path while selling FSBO. You'll reach far fewer potential buyers and their agents if you don't list on the MLS, which can hinder your sale.

FAQ

Do I have to compensate a buyer's agent if I list on the MLS without a realtor in Ohio?

When you use a flat fee service, you'll decide if you want to offer a concession to cover commission for the buyer's agent. Many companies will recommend you offer 2–3% as that is what most buyer's agents have agreed to be paid from their clients.

You can offer less than 2–3%, but it might make your house much harder to sell if similar homes in your area are offering a concession.

How commissions work in a real estate transaction changed in August 2024 after a settlement against the National Association of Realtors went into effect.

Why is the MLS only accessible by licensed real estate agents?

The MLS is actually more than 500 local and regional private databases. These MLSs are created, maintained, and financed by real estate agents, real estate brokers, and other real estate professionals.

Because real estate professionals own and operate these private databases, they regulate who can list on each MLS, as well as what information is publicly visible for security reasons.

How much does it cost to list a house on the MLS?

You'll pay $199–$999 using a flat fee MLS company in Ohio.

Real estate agents don't have to pay to list homes on their local MLS.

How long does it take to list a house on the MLS without a realtor?

The time it takes to list a house on the MLS varies, but you can generally expect a listing to go live within 48 hours after you submit it through your flat fee MLS company.

Why you can trust us

Our team conducted in-depth research on multiple listing services, flat fee MLS companies, and selling FSBO. Our research involved:

Surveys and interviews of Ohio real estate agents for on-the-ground insights into the home-selling process
Surveys of more than 1,000 home sellers, including FSBO sellers and those who considered selling FSBO but eventually sold with an agent
Analyses of 62 Ohio flat fee MLS plans, as well as publicly available data on pricing, plan services, customer reviews, and more
Original research from other trusted sources, such as the National Association of Realtors

» LEARN: More about our editorial policy

Article Sources

[1] RESO – "RESO". Updated September 2024.

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