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If you own a property in California but live in another state, you’ve probly wondered how to sell it without being there.
Do you hire a local full service Realtor and pay 5 or 6 percent commission
Or do you use a flat fee MLS service that lets you list for a fraction of the price
Out of state sellers are choosing the second option more and more.
Why? Because they’re realizing they can sell faster, cheaper, and still keep control—without hiring a traditional agent.
Let’s break down how both options work and which one actually makes sense when you’re selling remotely.
What Is a Flat Fee MLS Listing
A flat fee MLS service is a modern solution that gives sellers access to the MLS—without hiring a full commission agent.
Instead of paying a percentage of your sale price, you pay a one-time flat fee to list your home on the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
That’s the same system Realtors use to list homes. Once it’s in the MLS, your property shows up on:
- Zillow
- Redfin
- Realtor.com
- Dozens of other sites
At ListLean, we input your listing for you using our California broker license, help with disclosures, and make sure it’s compliant.
You still control the price, photos, description, and showings. We just get you listed fast.
What Is a Full Service Agent
A full service agent handles every part of the sale for you:
- Listing your home on the MLS
- Pricing strategy
- Showings and open houses
- Negotiations
- Escrow paperwork
- Marketing
But for all that, they charge around 2.5 to 3 percent of the sale price, just for the listing side.
If you also pay the buyer’s agent, you could be looking at 5 to 6 percent in total commissions.
On a $600,000 home, that’s $30,000 or more gone just in fees.
Which Is Better for Out of State Sellers
It depends on what you need—but for most remote sellers, flat fee MLS is the better choice.
Here’s why:
1. You Don’t Need to Be There
With flat fee MLS, you don’t have to be in California.
You can:
- Hire a local photographer
- Use a lockbox or ask someone to open the door
- Sign all disclosures and contracts online
- Close through a mobile notary
You still get full exposure without paying for in-person services you’ll never use.
2. You’re Already Doing Most of the Work
If you're coordinating cleaners, handling repairs, and responding to offers yourself... why give someone else a big cut
Many sellers already do the heavy lifting. Flat fee MLS just gives you the platform to get the attention your listing needs.
3. You Save Thousands
Most sellers who use ListLean save $10,000 or more in commission fees, depending on the sale price.
And for investors or people selling inherited homes, profit matters more than polish.
4. You’re Not Locked In
You’re not tied to a long-term contract. If something changes or you decide to pause the sale, you can.
With traditional agents, breaking a listing agreement can be more complicated.
5. You Keep the Control
Flat fee MLS lets you call the shots:
- Set your own price
- Respond to buyer inquiries directly
- Decide how and when to show
- Review offers yourself or with help from a transaction coordinator
You’re not waiting around for someone else to respond.
When Full Service Might Make Sense
There are cases where a full service Realtor could be helpful:
- You don’t want to deal with any part of the sale
- You have a complex or high-end property that needs staging and hands-on marketing
- You’re totally unfamiliar with the selling process and want full guidance
But even in these cases, some sellers start with flat fee to see if they get traction before committing to full service.
Real Seller Example
Chris lives in Oregon and needed to sell a property he inherited in San Bernardino.
He listed with ListLean for under $200, had a local friend let buyers in, accepted an offer in 12 days, and closed with a mobile notary.
Saved over $13,000 in agent fees and said the process was “shockingly smooth.”
FAQs
Can I still offer a buyer’s agent commission
Yes. You choose. Most sellers offer 2 percent to stay competitive, but you’re not required to.
Will my listing look different on Zillow or Redfin
Nope. Your flat fee MLS listing shows up the same as any full service agent listing.
Can I still ask for help if I need it
Yes. We offer optional upgrades like TC support and listing edits if you want help mid-way.
Is it legal to sell my house this way from out of state
Yes. We’re a licensed CA broker and follow all compliance rules. You’re just not paying the premium.
Final Thoughts
If you’re living outside California and need to sell a home here, a full service agent might not be the right fit.
Flat fee MLS lets you keep control, cut cost, and stay remote—without sacrificing exposure.
With ListLean, out of state sellers can list on the MLS, manage showings, and close from anywhere.
No commission, no headaches, just smart selling.
Want to keep more of your home’s equity
👉 See our pricing or start your listing now
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