Flat Fee MLS Listing in Des Plaines, IL

List your Des Plaines home on MRED MLS for a simple, up-front flat fee of $295. Keep control of your sale, manage showings yourself, and avoid paying a traditional six percent listing commission while still getting full MLS exposure to buyers and buyer’s agents active in Des Plaines and the surrounding Cook County suburbs.

What You Get with the $295 Flat Fee MLS Plan in Des Plaines

This flat fee MLS package is built for homeowners and investors in Des Plaines who want to stay in control of their sale while still using the same MRED MLS system that traditional agents rely on. Your property appears in the MLS as a standard listing and is visible to buyers and buyer’s agents searching in Des Plaines and across Cook County.

Included with Your Service

Your $295 flat fee MLS listing includes broker-level support at no additional cost. You are not alone just because you are selling on your own in Des Plaines.

• Guidance on pricing strategy and reviewing comparable Des Plaines sales.
• Help responding to common questions from buyer’s agents and unrepresented buyers.
• Negotiation consultation and assistance when offers and counteroffers start coming in.
• Contract and offer review support so you understand key terms before you sign.
• Changes to your MLS listing, including pricing, description, and photos.
• Preparation of closing documents such as commission statements.
• DocuSigning of common Illinois addendums and disclosures used in Des Plaines transactions.

Optional A La Carte Services

Some Des Plaines sellers are comfortable handling everything themselves. Others prefer selective help with specific parts of the process. The following a la carte services are available to support your flat fee MLS listing when you want more than just data entry:

• Yard sign: 24x30" on a post or fence. Sign is professionally installed and removed – $75.
• Professional photography: approximately 20 high-quality photos by a contracted photographer – $200.
• Combo lockbox: combination lock installed on door handle or fence – $50.
• Electronic lockbox: secure, trackable access for licensed agents using an app – $200 (where available).
• Appointment setting: ShowingTime-style appointment center so showing calls go to a call center – $75.
• Floor plan: up to 2,000 sq ft including onsite measurement – $150.

Writing a Compelling MLS Description for Des Plaines

Strong listing descriptions in Des Plaines do more than list bedroom counts. They call out the features buyers actually care about in this community. When you write your MLS remarks, make sure to highlight details that local buyers and relocating buyers look for in Des Plaines.

Unique Neighborhoods and Reasons to Live in Des Plaines

Des Plaines is made up of a variety of established neighborhoods and subdivisions, each with its own character. Buyers often search by neighborhood label, school, or proximity to downtown.

Signature Des Plaines Attractions & Things to Do

• The Des Plaines Theatre: A beautifully restored 1925 venue for live music and performances.
• Lake Park & Lake Opeka: Offers golf, boating, fishing, and scenic walking paths.
• Rivers Casino: A major regional destination for gaming, dining, and nightlife.
• The Des Plaines River Trail: Miles of forested trails for biking, running, and cross-country skiing.
• Easy access to Chicago-area attractions via the Metra UP-NW line and nearby I-294.

Transfer Taxes and Des Plaines Real Estate Transfer Requirements

When you sell a home in Des Plaines, you will typically see Illinois state and Cook County transfer taxes. Unlike some neighbors, Des Plaines currently has specific local requirements you must follow.

• Illinois state and county transfer taxes. The seller customarily pays these at closing ($1.00 per $1000 for State and $0.50 per $1000 for County).
• Des Plaines Municipal Transfer Tax. The City of Des Plaines currently imposes a municipal real estate transfer tax of $2.00 per $1,000 of the sale price, which is typically a seller's expense paid via the purchase of a transfer stamp.
• Final water reading. Des Plaines requires a final water meter reading. You must contact the Finance Department to schedule this and pay the final bill before a transfer stamp can be issued.

Des Plaines Inspections and Point-of-Sale Requirements

Understanding local compliance is key to a smooth closing. Des Plaines has specific rules regarding property inspections prior to sale.

• Municipal Point-of-Sale Inspection. Des Plaines generally does not require a comprehensive interior "point-of-sale" building inspection for single-family homes, but they do require a Certificate of Compliance. This often involves an exterior/records check to ensure there are no outstanding code violations or open permits.
• Permit-related inspections. The City requires final sign-offs on any open building permits. Ensure all "DIY" projects or recent renovations have been properly permitted and closed out.

How the Flat Fee MLS Process Works in Des Plaines

Selling with a flat fee MLS model in Des Plaines follows the same basic steps as a traditional listing, but you keep control and avoid paying a full listing commission.

• Prepare your property. Clean, declutter, and photograph your home.
• Provide your property details. Share info on features, updates, and mechanicals.
• We build and activate your MLS listing. We enter your data into MRED MLS, ensuring accuracy.
• Show your home. You coordinate showings and collect feedback.
• Negotiate offers. We assist you with negotiations and offer review.
• Move to closing. Your attorney and title company handle the final transfer logistics.

Local Support from a Licensed Expert

Managed by Colleen Berg

Unlike national referral websites, mlstown.com is run by a local brokerage. I review your listing, handle your MLS data entry, and support you through the closing process. You get the savings of a FSBO with the legal oversight of a licensed Illinois broker.

Licensed Illinois Real Estate Broker

Common Questions about Flat Fee MLS in Des Plaines