The real estate market in North Carolina has seen a surge in flat fee MLS services, offering sellers a cost-effective alternative to traditional commission-based agents. Homecoin and Houzeo are two prominent players revolutionizing how properties are listed and marketed.
In this blog, we will explore the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of using Homecoin and Houzeo for selling a property in North Carolina, helping sellers make informed decisions in their real estate journey.
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Understanding Flat Fee MLS North Carolina Services
Flat fee MLS North Carolina services have emerged as a disruptive force in the real estate industry, challenging the traditional commission-based model. Unlike traditional agents who charge a percentage of the property’s sale price as commission, flat fee MLS companies offer a flat fee, providing sellers greater control over their listing process and substantial cost savings. With these services, sellers can list their properties on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), gaining exposure to a vast network of agents and potential buyers.
This exposure can lead to more inquiries and a quicker sale. Moreover, sellers have the flexibility to manage their listings, property descriptions, and negotiations, empowering them with increased control over their selling journey. The benefits of flat fee MLS in North Carolina are enticing, making it an attractive option for sellers seeking a more efficient and affordable way to sell their properties.
Homecoin
Homecoin is a prominent player in the flat fee MLS North Carolina market, offering sellers a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) option to list their properties on the MLS for a nominal upfront fee of $95. This pricing might initially seem enticing; however, sellers should know certain hidden costs and limitations.
Homecoin’s primary feature is its $95 flat fee MLS listing, which includes syndication of the listing on popular real estate websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Trulia. The platform boasts of its online tools and software, allowing sellers to edit their MLS listings without needing a real estate agent. Sellers can also update their MLS listing up to 10 times without incurring additional costs.
However, it’s important to note that the $95 upfront fee is just the starting point. Homecoin offers various add-on services, such as formfilling assistance and rental signposts, at additional costs. These services, while optional, are intended to simplify the home selling process, especially for first time home sellers. As a result, the total cost of using Homecoin can quickly escalate beyond the initial $95.
Furthermore, some users have raised concerns about Homecoin’s outdated technology, which lacks key features that can be found in other flat fee MLS services. For instance, Homecoin’s platform lacks the ability to manage showings, review and compare offers, and counter offers automatically. Sellers may have to handle these tasks manually, which can be time-consuming and potentially less efficient.
Despite these drawbacks, Homecoin remains a legitimate and licensed brokerage in multiple states, including North Carolina. It has garnered a considerable number of sales and positive reviews from users. However, sellers should thoroughly evaluate the additional costs and features Homecoin provides to determine if it aligns with their specific needs and budget.
Houzeo
Houzeo is a leading flat fee MLS North Carolina listing company that has gained widespread recognition for its exceptional services, particularly for sellers opting for a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) approach. With a tech-centric platform and a commitment to providing top-notch customer experiences, Houzeo has quickly become a top choice for sellers in North Carolina and beyond.
Houzeo’s pricing model starts from $329, offering sellers a cost-effective alternative to traditional real estate agents. For this fee, sellers gain access to a comprehensive range of services, including listing on the local MLS within 24 hours, allowing their property to be seen by a vast audience of potential buyers. Additionally, Houzeo provides various user-friendly tools that enable sellers to manage their listings efficiently.
One standout feature differentiating Houzeo from its competitors is its 100% online approach. With Houzeo, sellers can say goodbye to the tedious tasks of printing, scanning, and emailing listing documents. The platform facilitates online offers and showings, streamlining the selling process and saving valuable time.
Moreover, Houzeo’s reach extends beyond its platform, as it ensures maximum exposure for listed properties. With over 200,000 monthly visitors to its site, Houzeo provides a vast online audience for sellers. Additionally, Houzeo partners with major real estate portals like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and Redfin, ensuring that listings gain visibility across multiple channels.
Furthermore, Houzeo’s customer service has consistently received stellar ratings, with customers giving the platform an average rating of 4.9 out of 5.0. Sellers can expect top-notch support throughout their sales journey, backed by a team of experts, to ensure a seamless and successful experience.
With over 3,000 reviews across major sites, Houzeo is a reputable and legitimate flat fee MLS North Carolina service. Whether sellers are experienced in FSBO transactions or venturing into this approach for the first time, Houzeo’s tech-savvy platform and exceptional customer service make it a top contender for listing and selling properties in North Carolina.
» Houzeo Hidden Fees: Check out Houzeo’s Hidden Fees to know more about them.
Comparing Homecoin and Houzeo
Regarding flat fee MLS services in North Carolina, Homecoin and Houzeo are popular for sellers opting for a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) approach. Let’s look at how these platforms stack against each other regarding features, pricing, control, exposure, and potential hidden costs.
Pricing Structure:
- Homecoin offers an attractive $95 upfront fee for their flat fee MLS listing, which includes syndication to major real estate websites. However, additional services like yard signs and formfilling assistance come with extra costs that can quickly escalate the total expense for sellers.
- Houzeo’s pricing starts at $329, offering a more comprehensive package that includes listing on the local MLS and access to a range of user-friendly tools. While the upfront cost is higher than Homecoin, Houzeo’s all-inclusive approach might result in potential cost savings, especially considering the additional services included in the package.
Level of Control:
- Homecoin and Houzeo give sellers a degree of control over their listings. Sellers using Homecoin can update their MLS listing up to 10 times at no extra cost, but the platform lacks certain automated features that may require manual handling.
- Houzeo’s tech-centric platform allows sellers to efficiently manage showings, review and compare offers, and counteroffers, all within the platform. This streamlined control enhances the overall selling experience for sellers.
Exposure:
- Homecoin’s $95 flat fee includes listing on the MLS and popular real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, and Redfin, providing a substantial online presence for sellers’ properties.
- Houzeo offers even greater exposure, reaching over 200,000 visitors monthly on its platform alone. Additionally, Houzeo partners with major real estate portals, extending the reach of listed properties to a wider audience.
Hidden Fees and Additional Costs:
While Homecoin’s $95 flat fee may initially seem enticing, sellers should know the additional costs of optional services. These add-ons could substantially increase the total expense beyond the initial flat fee.
Houzeo’s transparent pricing model ensures that sellers clearly understand the total cost upfront, minimizing the risk of unexpected hidden fees.
In conclusion, Homecoin and Houzeo offer valuable flat fee MLS North Carolina services. Homecoin’s $95 flat fee may attract sellers looking for an affordable initial cost, but the potential add-on expenses should be considered.
On the other hand, Houzeo’s higher starting cost provides a comprehensive package with more features and greater exposure, offering potential cost savings in the long run. Sellers should carefully evaluate their needs, desired level of control, and exposure requirements when choosing between Homecoin and Houzeo for their FSBO journey in North Carolina.
