Out-of-State Agents: How to List Your Client’s California Property Without Losing the Deal

Rupi Azrot

May 23, 2025

If you're a licensed real estate agent based outside of California and your client needs to sell a property in California, you might think your only option is to:

• Refer the listing to a California agent
• Collect a small referral fee
• Say goodbye to full commission

But what if you didn’t have to give it up
What if you could list the property yourself on the California MLS and stay your client’s main point of contact

At ListLean, we help out of state agents keep the listing and the relationship without needing a California license.

Here’s how it works.

Wait, Can Out of State Agents Really List in California

Not directly. California law says only a licensed CA broker can input listings into a California MLS.

But you can still be the one managing the listing, guiding your client, and getting paid by partnering with a flat fee broker of record like ListLean.

We list the property on your behalf, under our brokerage, while you stay the face of the deal.

How It Works for Out of State Agents

1. Your Client Wants to Sell in CA

Maybe they’re relocating, inherited a home, or managing investment property.
You’ve built the trust but don’t have a CA license to list it.

2. You Sign Up with ListLean

You submit the property through our flat fee portal. We handle the compliance, MLS input, and disclosures under our CA brokerage.

3. You Remain the Client’s Go To Agent

You:
• Advise on price
• Write the offer terms
• Help them negotiate
• Handle the transaction coordination (or use ours)
And yes you collect the listing fee directly from your client.

Why Out of State Agents Use ListLean

Keep the Full Listing Fee
No referral. No split. You’re the agent, and the listing is powered by our broker of record.
No CA License Needed
Our broker inputs everything legally. You just bring the deal.
You Control the Experience
From pricing to photos, you run the show.
It’s Compliant and Easy
We’ve helped lots of agents from all over do this right. You stay in bounds and in business.

Real Story: Brandon from Phoenix

Brandon’s longtime client inherited a home in San Diego. Brandon didn’t have a CA license and didn’t wanna refer it out.

He listed through ListLean, handled everything from Arizona, and earned a full 2.5 percent listing fee.
The deal closed in 18 days. Client was happy. Brandon kept the relationship.

FAQs for Agents Outside California

Can I legally represent the seller
Yes. You act as their out of state advisor. We handle MLS compliance through our broker. You're their agent, just not the listing agent of record on paper.

How much does it cost
Just a flat fee. No splits. No monthly payments. See our plans here

Can I put my name on the MLS listing
MLS rules require our broker to be named, but we can include your contact in remarks or direct inquiries to you.

What if I need help with showings or TC
We offer a la carte add ons like local showing agents and transaction coordination.

Do I need special paper work
Just our listing input form and seller signature. We provide everything. It’s quick and clean.

How to Get Started

Talk to your seller
Choose a flat fee plan
Submit your listing
Keep the deal yours

It’s that simple. You don’t need to lose control of the deal or hand your client over to someone else.

Final Thoughts

If your client has a property in California, don’t settle for a referral check
Use ListLean to stay in control, keep the deal, and earn your full fee. We’ll make it compliant. You make it close.

Want to keep your California listing

👉 Explore flat fee plans or get started here

‍

More blogs

Steph Sanchez

June 13, 2025

Can FSBO Sellers List on Redfin? What You Should Know Before You Try

Curious if you can list your home on Redfin as a FSBO? Here’s what California homeowners should know about Redfin, MLS access, and smarter flat-fee options.

Read blog

Rupi Azrot

June 11, 2025

Flat Fee MLS vs Full Service Agent: Which Is Better for Out of State Sellers

Selling a California home from out of state? Learn whether flat fee MLS or a full service agent is better for your situation—and your profits.

Read blog

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is the MLS?

The Multiple Listing Service, or MLS, is a database used by real estate brokers to share information about properties for sale by sellers they represent to brokers who represent potential buyers.

‍

What is a Flat Fee MLS listing?

A Flat Fee MLS listing is a service that allows homeowners like you to list their property on the local MLS for a flat fee rather than paying a traditional real estate agent's commission, which is typically a percentage of the sale price.

‍

How does a Flat Fee MLS listing work?

You pay a one-time fee to have your property listed on the MLS database. This fee usually covers the cost of listing your property on the MLS for a specified period, often ranging from 6 months to a year. You retain the right to sell your home FSBO and handle the selling process yourself.

‍

Why can’t I edit my Zillow listing after my property goes live on the MLS?

Once your home is listed on the MLS, websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com automatically pull your listing data directly from the MLS.

Because of this MLS connection, Zillow removes homeowner editing access to avoid conflicting information online. This is a Zillow policy that applies to any home listed through the MLS — regardless of which agent or company lists it.
‍

You can read Zillow's official policy here:
https://www.zillow.com/c/about-linking-and-claiming-listings/

‍

Am I signing a listing agreement with ListLean?

No, you are not signing a traditional listing agreement with us. ListLean does not represent you as an agent. Instead, you are signing an MLS Entry Agreement, which is required to list your property on the MLS while staying compliant with board and MLS regulations. This agreement allows us to post your listing but does not establish an agent-client relationship. You still remain a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) seller, maintaining full control over your sale.

‍

Do I need to provide photos and descriptions for my listing?

Yes. Try to provide high-quality photos and a detailed description of your property for the MLS listing. Remember, you want to get the best price for your home, so clear, well-lit photos and an accurate (non-puffed) description will go a long way towards generating interest for your house. We offer professional photography for an extra $250 because we know first impressions are the only ones that matter online in the age of swiping left.

‍

Can I change the listing price or details after it's posted on the MLS?

Absolutely! Just email us anytime at team@listlean.com for any updates, changes, or open house requests.

For Open Houses, please send us:

Property Address (in the email subject line)
Open House Day(s)
Start & End Time

We ask for at least 48 hours’ notice so we can update the MLS properly. Once updated, Zillow and other websites will reflect those changes automatically within 24-48 hours.

‍

How do showings and negotiations work with a Flat Fee MLS listing?

As the FSBO homeowner, you'll be responsible for scheduling and conducting showings with potential buyers. When you receive offers, you'll negotiate directly with the buyer or their agent. It's advisable to seek legal counsel or hire a real estate attorney to review any offers or contracts to ensure they're in your best interest.

‍

What happens if my property doesn't sell during the listing period?

If your property doesn't sell during the initial listing period, you may have the option to renew your Flat Fee MLS listing for an additional fee.

‍

Is ListLean a Licensed Broker?

Absolutely. ListLean LLC operates under Offercity Brokerage Inc, holding California CalBRE #02185966. As a licensed broker, we’re authorized to list your home on local MLS databases throughout California.

‍