Houzeo is a flat fee MLS listing service that provides homeowners across all 50 states with four distinct packages, aimed at those who prefer to manage their own home sales. The service fees range from $199 to $299, with an additional closing cost of 0.50% to 1.25% of the sales price. Each package includes an MLS listing and allows up to 24 photos, enhancing visibility without needing a traditional realtor.
Customer reviews of Houzeo are largely positive, especially regarding its user-friendly platform and the effectiveness of its customer service. Many reviewers highlight the helpfulness and efficiency of Houzeo's support staff. On Trustpilot, Houzeo enjoys a high rating, reflecting broad customer satisfaction.
However, some users have criticized how their listings were managed. Since Houzeo isn't a broker, it depends on third-party agents to handle MLS listings, which can sometimes lead to inconsistent service, particularly with listing updates or corrections.
We recommend thoroughly comparing your options to make an informed decision. Read on to learn if Houzeo is the right choice for you.
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What is Houzeo?
Houzeo is an online platform established in 2017. It offers homeowners a way to list their properties on the local multiple listing service (MLS) without needing a traditional realtor. This MLS listing service significantly increases the visibility of their listings compared to just listing their homes for sale on websites like Craigslist, Facebook, and Zillow.
Listing with Houzeo ensures inclusion in the local multiple listing service without a realtor, thereby blasting your home listing across all of the major real estate websites, including Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin. [A recent industry study revealed that 86% of sellers who use a realtor used the MLS, making it the most popular listing method, surpassing even traditional yard signs.][1]
Based in New York, Houzeo has become a trusted platform for FSBO sellers, listing over 15,000 homes and currently featuring about 1 million properties for sale. With around 17,500 showings and 16,000 offers received, Houzeo's impact is clear. It has also saved sellers over $100 million in real estate fees.[2]
Our Houzeo Rating
Houzeo offers various flat fee MLS listing packages nationwide, known for its user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of scheduling showings and reviewing offers. Customers generally report positive experiences, especially in user-friendliness, with Houzeo earning high marks on review platforms like Google and Trustpilot.
Is Houzeo the right choice for you?
| Plan | Base fee | Closing fee | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | $199 | .50% | $2,199 |
| Gold | $249 | 1.0% | $4,249 |
| Platinum | $299 | 1.25% | $5,299 |
While Houzeo provides valuable tools and resources for independent sellers, it's important to consider the associated costs, including a 0.5-1.25% closing fee, depending on the chosen plan. In the above example of a $400,000 home sale, it would cost you between $2,199 to $5,299 to use Houzeo, when factoring in all fees.
Therefore, we think it's wise to compare Houzeo with other flat fee MLS listing services to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and selling strategy.
It's also a good idea to compare flat fee MLS listing services with low commission realtors, which offers the same service as a full-commission realtor for as little as 1.5%. For example, a low commission realtor would charge $6,000 (1.5%) on a $400,000 sale, just $800 more than Houzeo's most expensive Platinum plan but includes full realtor services. This minimal difference in cost might make low commission realtors a more advantageous option for many sellers.
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Houzeo vs. top alternatives
Exploring various flat fee MLS companies is beneficial when considering a basic MLS listing service. While Houzeo offers a range of packages, other services might provide similar options at more competitive prices.
Our full Houzeo review
Service
📊 Our rating: 3.0
- Mixed services available.
Houzeo offers a diverse range of services catering to various FSBO market needs. However, it's important to weigh the value of these services against their cost.
While Houzeo's packages include several benefits, they may not always present the best value for money. Comparable services or even more comprehensive options might be available at lower prices with other flat fee MLS providers.
✍ Houzeo's flat fee MLS plans and pricing
🥈 Silver Plan
Price: Starts at $199 (+.50% at close)
Features: This plan includes syndication to major platforms like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor, and Redfin. It offers a six-month listing, 24 photos, unlimited open houses, and the option to purchase a yard sign for $49. This plan is best for DIY sellers who want more visibility and support in managing their showings and listings online.
🥇 Gold Plan
Price: Starts at $249 (+1% at close)
Features: Builds on the Silver plan by adding maximum photos, licensed broker assistance, contract review, real estate forms, and pricing assistance. It also includes advanced features like the Houzeo Offers Platform for effectively managing offers and counteroffers, making it the top choice for most sellers. Additional benefits include a premium yard sign for $49 and access to the Houzeo mobile app for comprehensive management of the listing and showings.
🏆 Platinum Plan
Price: Starts at $299 (+1.25% at close)
Features: Houzeo's most extensive offering, ideal for first-time sellers seeking a virtual full-service experience with licensed broker support. It includes everything in the Gold plan, plus offer negotiations, inspection and repair negotiation, appraisal review, and closing document review. The plan also features a 12-month listing period, personal concierge service, call forwarding, and a rush service for drafts within 12 hours. Additional MLS exposure ensures maximum visibility.
⚠️ Read the fine print
Carefully review the terms of Houzeo's plans. While the Silver, Gold, and Platinum packages advertise "unlimited free changes," this benefit has certain restrictions. Key listing elements such as price, description, and status are subject to a cap of 10 changes across all these plans.
Marketing
📊 Our rating: 3.0
- Guaranteed listing to local MLS and major real estate websites
- Heavy traffic to listing page
Houzeo ensures your property is listed on the local MLS regardless of your chosen plan. Additionally, your listing will be syndicated on major real estate websites, including Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and Houzeo's own site.
Listing with Houzeo.com could significantly increase your exposure. The site receives over 400,000 monthly visits, primarily through organic search methods like Google.[3]
However, it's noteworthy that Houzeo doesn't provide advanced marketing services like Facebook or Google advertising.
Also, the extent of MLS coverage may vary. While some metropolitan areas offer multiple MLS options, there's a possibility that your listing might be placed on only one MLS platform through Houzeo. This factor could influence the overall visibility and reach of your property listing.
Customer experience
📊 Our rating: 4.5
- Majority of reviews are positive
- 1 BBB complaint in last 3 years
Houzeo has garnered many positive reviews, with over 2,800 5-star reviews on TrustPilot alone.
Most of these reviews commend the company for its efficient customer service, user-friendly seller platform, and streamlined listing process.
🟢 Top positive themes. Many customers have appreciated Houzeo's customer service team, highlighting their helpfulness and efficiency.
🔴 Top negative themes. One noteworthy concern among some customers relates to the handling of their listings. As Houzeo isn't a licensed broker, it can't act as a real estate agent and relies on external agents or brokers to manage MLS listings.
This arrangement has frustrated some users, particularly when changes or corrections to listings are needed. The responsiveness of these third-party agents can vary, potentially impacting the overall customer experience.
Is Houzeo accredited by the BBB?
Houzeo isn't currently accredited by the Better Business Bureau. While Houzeo operates as a legitimate business, it hasn't undergone the BBB's accreditation process. BBB accreditation is optional for companies and is often pursued to showcase a commitment to trustworthiness and ethical practices.
The absence of BBB accreditation doesn't imply a lack of service quality or reliability, but readers should consider various sources of customer feedback and reviews to better understand Houzeo's reputation.
Cost
📊 Our rating: 3.0
- Premium packages are costly
- Pricing differs by state
The company offers three distinct packages: Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
The cost of Houzeo's packages varies, with its silver package starting at just $199. However, there's a notable increase in charges, as even the basic packages now include an additional 0.50% fee at closing.
Notably, the silver and gold packages don't include call forwarding, meaning that Houzeo may retain buyer leads generated from your listing rather than directing them to you. This could impact sellers looking to manage their leads directly.
The cost of these packages can vary significantly depending on your state. This variation is partly due to Houzeo's operational model, as it's not a licensed brokerage and relies on a network of licensed agents for MLS listings. In states with fewer Houzeo-affiliated agents, the upfront costs tend to be higher.
Houzeo's pricing structure, when compared with other flat fee MLS listing services, reveals a notable difference. While Houzeo offers a range of plans, its pricing, particularly for the Silver plan, tends to be higher than some of its competitors. Other flat fee companies often offer similar services for under $300 and provide basic services at a more budget-friendly price.
| Package | Price |
| Silver | $199 +.50% at closing |
| Gold | $249 + 1% at closing |
| Platinum | $299 + 1.25% at closing |
User friendliness
📊 Our rating: 5.0
- Very simple listing process
- Powerful sellers platform
- Helpful videos and articles
Houzeo’s platform is one of the best we’ve seen. It simplifies the complex process of listing a home on the MLS. The platform guides users through each step with clarity, supported by an array of instructional guides and videos for additional assistance.
The platform isn't only straightforward but also educational. It provides valuable insights into MLS requirements, including useful tips on what to avoid when creating your listing description. This educational approach helps users navigate the MLS listing process more confidently.
One cool feature worth calling out is the flexibility Houzeo offers in specifying the commission you're willing to pay to the buyer's agent. This feature adds an element of control and customization for the seller.
Next steps
Before deciding, we suggest exploring other flat fee MLS listing services. Some options provide comparable or superior packages to Houzeo, often at more affordable rates.
Additionally, considering low-commission real estate companies could be beneficial. These firms typically offer comprehensive services to sellers but at commission rates that are more competitive than the industry norm.
Methodology
We evaluated each flat fee MLS (FFMLS) and for sale by owner (FSBO) listing service based on five core criteria and created a weighted score:
- Quality and range of services (25% of final score)
- Brand recognition and marketing methods (25%)
- Customer reviews and experience (15%)
- Cost value (25%)
- User friendliness (10%)
Quality of services
Essential services. We examine whether the FFMLS companies offer fundamental services such as local MLS listings, syndication to popular sites like Zillow and Trulia, maximum photo allowances, unlimited free listing changes, and continuous active listing until sale closure.
Value-added services. We identify and acknowledge services that truly enhance the selling and management process, such as unlimited listing changes, professional photography, and efficient online dashboards.
Conversely, we also note the absence of crucial features like call forwarding, which can significantly impact a seller's ability to manage their leads directly. Services that withhold essential features like call forwarding, potentially keeping buyer leads from sellers, are viewed critically as they may not fully support the seller's best interests.
Marketing
Visibility and reach. We assess the effectiveness of each company's marketing strategies beyond the MLS baseline. This includes additional marketing efforts like social media promotion, digital advertising, and the company's own website traffic and visibility.
Customer experience
Our evaluation includes:
Review analysis. We aggregate and analyze customer reviews from various online platforms, creating a weighted average rating. A sentiment analysis program is employed to identify prevalent themes and insights.
BBB complaints. We check for any complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau, considering how these might reflect on the company's customer service and reliability.
Cost
Pricing comparison. We carefully examine the total costs of each company’s services, including any extra fees at closing. By comparing these costs to other brands and national averages, we assess their overall value for money.
Our analysis highlights any hidden charges, like a closing fee some services impose, ensuring you understand the real cost of using a flat fee MLS service. This helps you make informed decisions about which service offers the best value.
User friendliness
Ease of use. The user-friendliness of the company's app or portal is evaluated, focusing on the simplicity of uploading and managing listings and the overall user experience.