.jpg)
Selling your home in California is no small decision — and it can come with some seriously large fees. Whether you’re looking to pocket as much equity as possible or just avoid expensive commissions, more sellers are asking: How much can I really save going FSBO or using a flat fee service?
Let’s unpack the real numbers behind each selling route and see where the savings are.
The Traditional Realtor Route (Full Commission Model)
This is what most sellers are used to. You hire a listing agent to handle everything — pricing, staging, photos, showings, paperwork, negotiations — and in exchange, you pay a percentage of your final sales price.
Typical fees:
- Listing agent: 2.5 to 3%
- Buyer’s agent: 2.5 to 3%
- Total: 5 to 6% of the sale price
Example on a $750,000 home:
- 6% total commission = $45,000
- That’s money straight out of your equity
Pros:
- Hands-off experience
- Agent handles all negotiations and deadlines
Cons:
- Huge commission costs
- Less control over pricing and strategy
The FSBO Route (Do-It-Yourself)
For Sale By Owner (FSBO) means exactly what it sounds like. You handle everything — pricing, marketing, photos, disclosures, contracts, showings, etc.
Typical costs:
- $0 to $500 for marketing or paperwork help
- You may still offer 2 to 2.5% to a buyer’s agent to reach their clients
Example on a $750,000 home:
- You pay no listing commission
- You offer 2.5% to a buyer agent: $18,750
- You save $26,250 compared to full service
Pros:
- Maximum potential savings
- Full control over the process
Cons:
- Major time commitment
- Risk of legal or paperwork errors
- Limited exposure if not on the MLS
The Flat Fee MLS Route (Best of Both Worlds)
Flat fee listing services like ListLean offer the best middle ground.
You stay in control of your sale, but your listing gets on the MLS — the same system real estate agents use — and pushed to hundreds of sites like Redfin, Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.
Typical costs:
- Flat fee: $95 to $500 one time
- Optional add-ons for help with contracts or disclosures
- You can still offer a buyer agent commission if you want
Example on a $750,000 home:
- Flat fee MLS: $95 (with ListLean)
- Offer 2.5% to buyer’s agent: $18,750
- You save $26,155 compared to traditional sale
Pros:
- Wide online exposure (MLS and beyond)
- Very low cost
- Optional support
- Still FSBO — you’re in charge
Cons:
- You still manage showings and pricing
- Some sellers may need help with contracts or disclosures
Real Numbers Recap
What Most Sellers Choose Today
According to data from the National Association of Realtors:
- 90% of buyers still find homes online
- FSBO homes sell for 18% less on average without MLS exposure
That’s why many California sellers are skipping the full agent route but still using tools like ListLean to get on the MLS.
It’s not just about saving money — it’s about listing smarter.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to spend tens of thousands just to sell your home.
With a flat fee MLS service like ListLean, you get professional exposure and control — all without paying big listing commissions.
See what option fits you best on our pricing page, and take the first step toward a smarter sale.
Save your equity. List smarter.
.svg)
.svg)