Flat Fee MLS Listing in Highland, IL
List your Highland 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 Highland and the surrounding Madison County area.
- Want full MLS exposure in Highland without paying a full listing commission.
- Are comfortable coordinating showings and communicating with agents.
- Prefer to stay in control of pricing, negotiation, and timing.
- Care about net proceeds and keeping more equity at closing.
What You Get with the $295 Flat Fee MLS Plan in Highland
This flat fee MLS package is built for homeowners and investors in Highland 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 Highland and across Madison County.
MLS Exposure on MRED
Your home is listed on MRED MLS, giving Highland buyers and their agents full access to your property details, photos, and showing instructions. You control the remarks and pricing while we handle the MLS data input and compliance.
Professional MLS Data Entry
We handle the MLS input so required fields for Highland and the broader Illinois market are completed correctly. You receive a draft of your listing for review and approval before activation.
Flexible Listing Term
Your flat fee MLS listing can run for an extended term, giving you time to test the Highland market. You can request price changes, status updates, or adjustments to remarks as your strategy evolves.
Control of Showings and Negotiations
You set how showings work in your Highland home. Once you get an offer, we can walk you through it, consult on the process, and answer your questions. This structure lets you keep more of your equity while still having an Illinois-licensed broker in your corner.
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 Highland.
- Guidance on pricing strategy and reviewing comparable Highland 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 Highland transactions.
Optional A La Carte Services
Some Highland sellers are comfortable handling everything themselves. Others prefer selective help with specific parts of the process. The following a la carte services are available:
- 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.
- 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 Highland
Strong listing descriptions in Highland call out the features local buyers actually care about. When you write your MLS remarks, make sure to highlight details that local buyers and relocating families look for.
Neighborhood Feel & Lifestyle
Highland offers a unique "hometown" feel. Mention if your home is near the historic Square, within walking distance to the Highland Silver Lake, or situated in a quiet, established subdivision with mature trees and large lots.
Commuting & Transit Options
Highland is a prime location for commuters to the St. Louis metro area via I-70. Note your proximity to Route 143 and Route 4, providing easy access to Scott Air Force Base and neighboring Edwardsville or Troy.
Schools & Community Amenities
Highlight proximity to Highland Community Schools (District #5). Mention being near the Korte Recreation Center or the various diamonds at Glik Park, which are major draws for families moving to the area.
Local Shopping, Dining & Entertainment
Call out access to the Downtown Square on Main and Broadway, local favorites like the Lory Theater, or the annual Schweizerfest. Buyers love the combination of small-town charm and modern amenities like the local hospital and shopping centers.
Unique Neighborhoods and Reasons to Live in Highland
Highland is made up of a variety of established neighborhoods and subdivisions, each with its own character.
The Historic Square Area
This area features beautiful vintage homes and craftsman bungalows. Residents enjoy being steps away from local parades, the farmers market, and the charm of downtown Broadway.
Highland Silver Lake Area
Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, these homes often sit on larger lots with mature timber. Many properties offer a more rural feel while remaining minutes from the city's boat ramp and park trails.
Vicksburg Subdivision
A popular residential area known for mid-to-late 20th-century ranch and two-story builds. It offers quiet, wide streets and is highly sought after by families looking for an established neighborhood vibe.
Bloomington Heights
A well-maintained neighborhood featuring modern traditional homes and well-manicured lawns. It is conveniently located near the Highland High School and local sports complexes.
Signature Highland Attractions & Things to Do
- The Lory Theater: A historic movie house that serves as a cultural anchor for downtown.
- Highland Silver Lake Park: 1,100 acres of water and woods for fishing, boating, and hiking.
- Korte Recreation Center: A premier municipal facility with indoor pools and fitness tracks.
- Schweizerfest: One of the largest and oldest festivals in the region, celebrating the city's Swiss heritage.
- Convenient access to St. Louis via I-70 for professional sports and major concerts.
Transfer Taxes and Highland Real Estate Transfer Requirements
When you sell a home in Highland, you will see Illinois state and Madison County transfer taxes. Unlike some Chicago suburbs, Highland's requirements are more streamlined.
- Illinois state and county transfer taxes. The seller customarily pays these at closing; currently $0.50 per $500 for the state and $0.25 per $500 for Madison County.
- Highland Municipal Transfer Tax. Highland does not currently impose a separate municipal transfer tax stamp. However, you should always verify with your attorney as local ordinances can change.
- Final Water Reading. The City of Highland requires a final water and sewer reading. Sellers should coordinate this with the City Utility Department to ensure the final bill is paid at or before closing.
Highland Inspections and Point-of-Sale Requirements
Highland does not typically require a mandatory municipal "Point-of-Sale" occupancy inspection for single-family residential resales.
- Resale Inspection Status. While there is no mandatory village-wide resale inspection, many buyers will still perform private inspections. Sellers should ensure all smoke and CO detectors are up to code.
- Rental Properties. Note that if you are selling a rental property, different municipal registration or inspection rules may apply.
- Permit-related inspections. Ensure any work done (decks, finished basements) had proper permits through the Highland Building & Zoning Department to avoid closing delays.
How the Flat Fee MLS Process Works in Highland
Selling with a flat fee MLS model in Highland 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.