Flat Fee MLS Listing in Highwood, IL
List your Highwood 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 Highwood and the surrounding Lake County suburbs.
- Want full MLS exposure in Highwood 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 Highwood
This flat fee MLS package is built for homeowners and investors in Highwood 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 Highwood and across Lake County.
MLS Exposure on MRED
Your home is listed on MRED MLS, giving Highwood 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 Highwood 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 (often up to twelve months at a time), giving you time to test the Highwood 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 Highwood 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 Highwood.
- Guidance on pricing strategy and reviewing comparable Highwood 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 Highwood transactions.
Optional A La Carte Services
Some Highwood 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 Highwood
Strong listing descriptions in Highwood 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 Highwood.
Neighborhood Feel & Lifestyle
Describe whether your part of Highwood feels more in-town and walkable to the Sheridan Road dining corridor, tucked into a quiet residential pocket, or close to Everts Park. Mention nearby neighborhood events like the Highwood Garlic Fest or Pumpkin Fest.
Commuting & Transit Options
Many Highwood buyers care about access to major transit routes. Note proximity to the Highwood Metra Station (Union Pacific North Line), and key commuter routes like Sheridan Road and Route 41 for easy access to Chicago.
Schools & Community Amenities
Highlight proximity to local Highwood schools in North Shore District 112 and Highland Park High School District 113. Mention nearby gems like the Highwood Recreation Center and the community's famous "Restaurant Row."
Local Shopping, Dining & Entertainment
Call out access to the downtown Highwood dining district, local favorites on Waukegan Avenue, and the unique boutiques. Buyers often choose Highwood for its vibrant, urban-meets-suburban nightlife and walkable amenities.
Unique Neighborhoods and Reasons to Live in Highwood
Highwood is a tight-knit community with distinct areas that offer varied housing styles. Buyers often search by proximity to the Metra or the famous dining district.
Downtown Highwood / Restaurant Row
A highly walkable area featuring charming vintage homes and newer condos. Residents love being steps away from legendary eateries and the Metra station.
Fort Sheridan (Highwood Side)
Located on the eastern edge, this area offers access to historic architecture and beautiful nature trails. Homes here enjoy a quiet, upscale vibe near the lakefront.
Northwest Highwood
This residential pocket features a mix of established single-family homes on quiet, tree-lined streets. It offers a more traditional suburban feel while remaining close to downtown amenities.
Mid-Town Highwood
Characterized by a diverse mix of housing including classic North Shore bungalows and modern renovations. It’s a central location perfect for those who want easy access to Everts Park.
Signature Highwood Attractions & Things to Do
- Everts Park: The heart of community events and the famous Highwood Evening Market.
- Restaurant Row: A world-class culinary destination concentrated along Sheridan Road and Waukegan Avenue.
- Highwood Pumpkin Fest: A massive annual festival that draws visitors from all over Lake County.
- The Highwood Recreation Center and proximity to Lake Michigan beaches.
- Easy access to Chicago via the Metra UP-N line and nearby Green Bay Road.
Transfer Taxes and Highwood Real Estate Transfer Requirements
When you sell a home in Highwood, you will typically see Illinois state and Lake County transfer taxes. As of current data, the City of Highwood does not impose a separate municipal transfer tax stamp.
- Illinois state and Lake County transfer taxes. The seller customarily pays these at closing (State: $1.00 per $1k; County: $0.50 per $1k).
- Highwood Municipal Requirements. While there is currently no local transfer tax, you must verify with Village Hall for any final water reading requirements or outstanding utility payoffs.
- Final water reading. Highwood requires a final water meter reading to ensure the seller's account is settled before the title transfer.
Highwood Inspections and Point-of-Sale Requirements
Understanding Highwood's specific compliance rules is key to a smooth closing.
- Municipal resale inspection status. Highwood currently does not require a mandatory point-of-sale building inspection for single-family residential sales. However, sellers should always verify with the City Clerk.
- Permit-related inspections. If you have done recent work (e.g., HVAC, roof, or basement finish), ensure all open permits have received a final sign-off.
How the Flat Fee MLS Process Works in Highwood
Selling with a flat fee MLS model in Highwood 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.