If you’re considering listing with a flat fee listing service, you may believe that cost is the most important factor. After all, what you really want is a listing in the MLS to gain more exposure for your property and you don’t really care which company gives it to you, right?

Studies now show that you may want to reconsider. The success of for sale by owner’s who chose ‘flat fee MLS’ listing over traditional agents is directly tied to the support and service level of the firm providing the MLS listing.

Need an analogy? It’s like the difference between the big box hardware stores and the smaller customer-friendly hardware stores. The big box will sell you the tools, but don’t ask the salesperson on the floor for instructions on how to use it. If you want that kind of friendly support you’re better off at the smaller store. You may pay a few bucks more, but you know it’s worth it because without their support and advice you’d be paying a professional much, much more to do the job.

When you’re talking about saving $10,000+ on your house sale, is paying $100-$200 more something you should haggle over? Especially if it means the difference between just ‘listing’ your house for sale or actually ‘selling’?!!

With a ‘flat fee MLS listing’ you have the tool. But do you know what to do with it and are you getting the most out of it? What if something unexpected comes up? Most online flat fee real estate websites will sell you the part. But only a few know that you need more than just a listing in the MLS to acheive a sale in today’s market. For instance, companies like Bloomkey provide an online real estate transaction platform with virtual and live support that not only makes the home selling process smoother, but also provides you with an extensive array of online tools, guides, tips and tactics to make your home selling experience successful. Having a company that has the experience and provides you with ALL of the support you need, having helped thousands of sellers successfully sell their homes, becomes much more important in light of your largest investment transaction.

So the answer to title question is… No, not all online flat fee MLS listing firms are the same. As always, be selective and ask lots of questions.