Maximize Exposure: Why FSBO Sellers Should Still Use the MLS

Selling your property the FSBO way means you’ll handle the whole selling process on your own, without a real estate agent. It’s a great choice if you’re ready for the challenge and want to save on commission costs.

 

But of course, there are also cons that come with selling a home by yourself. Getting enough exposure to attract potential buyers is one of the biggest challenges of this path. This is where an FSBO list on MLS (Multiple Listing Service) comes in handy.

 

For those who are new to real estate, the MLS or Multiple Listing Service is essentially a database where real estate agents and brokers list properties for sale. Think of it like a marketplace for homes, where agents can search and find listings that fit their buyers' criteria.

 

How does MLS benefit you as a seller, you might ask? Why should you use it as an FSBO seller?

 

1. It gives your property more visibility.

 

Since MLS is a popular platform used by real estate agents and brokers, listing your home on the database increases your property's visibility. A lot of first-time homebuyers hire real estate agents to find their dream home on the MLS. This means that your property has more chances of getting sold as compared to listing it only on a single agent's website or social media page.

 

Can you list your FSBO MN property on the MLS by yourself? Unfortunately, no. The MLS is restricted to licensed real estate agents and brokers who are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

 

But what if you are not a fan of the commission fee that realtors charge?  In that case, a flat fee MLS listing service might be an option for you. This type of service allows homeowners to list their property on MLS for a one-time flat fee, so you can avoid the 6% commission fee typically charged by realtors without compromising on the exposure and benefits of using MLS.

 

Without an FSBO listing service on MLS, you’re going to miss out on 90% of potential buyers who use the platform through their real estate agents to discover new listings. More exposure means you have better chances of selling your home quickly at a higher price. Using a flat fee MLS listing gives you, the homeowner, the edge to sell faster and for more money compared to other marketing options.

 

2. It gives more credibility to your listing.

 

We've seen so many horror stories about FSBO deals gone wrong. For many buyers, dealing directly with a homeowner feels risky and unprofessional. That hesitation alone can turn serious buyers away.

 

A flat fee MLS listing helps avoid that. When your property appears on the MLS, it signals that you’re serious and that the sale is being handled through a trusted, professional platform. Buyers feel more confident making an offer because they know the process is being managed properly.

 

That added credibility attracts more qualified buyers who are ready to pay a fair price. And that means a faster sale, fewer headaches, and more money in your pocket.

 

3. It saves you a lot of time.

 

Selling a home means juggling a variety of tasks, from advertising to coordinating showings and dealing with paperwork. The MLS simplifies all of these by acting as a central hub for your listing. Agents and buyers can view critical information about your property, like your property details, asking price, and showing instructions, all in one convenient place.

 

This organized approach reduces back-and-forth communication, which in turn saves you a significant amount of time. Instead of answering the same questions repeatedly, you can focus on preparing your home for showings and negotiating with potential buyers.

 

4. It helps you reach the "right" audience.

 

Just like how businesses need targeted marketing to reach their ideal customers, selling a home requires reaching the right audience. With online listing platforms, you can easily target specific groups of buyers by filtering through various demographics, preferences, or even locations.

 

For example, if your home is in a highly sought-after school district, families searching in that area are more likely to find your listing and take interest. Likewise, if your property has a large backyard or inviting outdoor space, highlighting it can attract buyers who are interested in gardening or want space to relax outside.

 

5. It gives more data so you can price your property properly.

 

The MLS gives you access to valuable data like recent sales, current listings, and pricing trends in your area so you can set a price that’s both realistic and competitive. It also helps you stay flexible — if market conditions change, you’ll have the data you need to adjust your price with confidence.

 

How Real Estate Corners Help

 

If you’re looking to sell your home by yourself in Minneapolis, MN, we’re here to help. With our FSBO Package, you can list your home on the local FSBO list on MLS and reach thousands of potential buyers.

 

Without an MLS listing, most buyers might never come across your property, and that's something we're sure you want to avoid. You can list your FSBO home in Minnesota with us and receive a professional MLS listing that includes everything a 6% agent offers, plus the cost-saving advantages of selling on your own for a simple flat fee.

 

Call us at (612) 483-1230 or fill out our form so we can talk about how we can add your property to Minnesota's FSBO list on MLS.