The term "flat fee MLS" is also used to describe the service and fee structure provided by real estate brokers and agents who offer real estate services on "limited service" basis rather than as part of a bundled suite of services provided in the traditional, full service model. Since the seller is paying only and specifically for a listing in the MLS, the seller often takes responsibility for the other services typically provided by a full service real estate broker and is, in many respects, selling the property as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO). Typically, with flat fee MLS the fee is paid at the time of listing the property, rather than at closing (or settlement, as it is known in some parts of the US) as is the case with traditional brokerage services.

Many fixed fee services also offer contractual terms that permit the seller to advertise as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) seller. Therefore, if the seller finds his own buyer, even the buyer's agent commission is eliminated.

Other advantages for the seller may include the option to cancel the listing at anytime and take it elsewhere in addition to not requiring that a seller be locked into a contract for a minimum amount of time.

A potential downside of using a flat fee listing service is that, in most cases, the seller must represent himself in the transaction, or arrange for other services such as an attorney or title company to handle closing. Some companies offer "limited representation" by the real estate broker, which include basic information to help sell the property. Because of this, flat fee listings may not be the best choice for the beginner. In any case, both flat fee (limited service) and traditional full service brokers normally advise clients to seek qualified legal advice regarding their real estate transactions.