You can do pretty much anything online these days. You can research neighborhoods, communities and schools on the Internet. You can search for homes you may want to buy. You can even list your home online.
So how do you know which home listing service is best for you? At the end of the day, it boils down to which company can save you the most money while generating the best exposure by marketing your property listing.
Most real estate listing services charge a fee at some point during your interaction with them as a home seller. In fact, the largest closing cost paid by sellers is typically the commission paid to both the buyer and seller agents. Commissions vary by location and are negotiable, but they are commonly up to six percent of the sale price. It is important to note that home sellers pay a commission at closing, which is split between the listing agency and the buyer.
A lot of online real estate listing services vary the costs to use their services. They base the range of fees on the competitiveness of the market and the number of ad views you want each month. In fact, listing fees are typically rolled into the buyer and seller agent commissions.
Check out this easy comparison guide that maps out the most popular listing options. (Note that the listing costs vary and are based on where the home you are selling is located.)
| Company/Source | Cost to List | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| For Sale by Owner (FSBO) | No frills package is $0 but increased marketing and online exposure ranges from $149/month – $599 | Sellers pay commission to the buyers agent, which is typically 3 percent of the sale price. Monthly listing fee + 3% in commissions |
| Redfin | 1.5% of your selling price, with a minimum fee of $5,500 | Sellers also pay commission to the buyers agent, which is typically 3 percent of the sale price. 1.5% + 3% = 4.5% in commissions |
| Zillow & Trulia | Premier Agent Listing: $438/month (average cost to agent) | Real estate agents typically add this listing cost to the commission fees you pay them. Sellers pay the buyer and seller agent commissions, which are typically total 6 percent of the sale of your home.* 3% + 3% = 6% in commissions |
| Because You Served | $0 for veterans and their family members to list | Seller only pays commission to the buyers agent. 3% in commissions |
*With a median home price of $220,000 and a six percent commission (three percent to the buyer’s agent and three percent to the seller’s agent), the payout for most home sales is typically $13,200.
Because You Served provides an offer veterans find hard to pass up. Any military veteran, or family member of a military veteran, can list their homes for sale for free.
Because You Served lists and markets homes at no cost to veterans. With access to a national network of buyer agents, vets can also buy their next home through Because You Served approved realtors and save.
While there are costs to provide Because You Served offerings, there are no hidden fees. Because You Served offers 100 percent free home listings to veterans and their family members. The company’s operating costs are paid for through their Affiliate Sponsor Program that allows select industry professionals to promote their services directly to Because You Served homebuyers and prospective sellers.
This makes Because You Served the only marketing platform in the nation that provides free listing services to veterans and their families.
If you’re a veteran—the choice is clear. You can save money allowing Because You Served to list your home for free. Check out the testimonials of the many happy veterans who have saved thousands using Because You Served.