How to List on Craigslist

Craigslist remains one of the simplest ways for For Sale By Owner (FSBO) sellers to advertise homes online. With a local audience and no listing fees, it’s often the first step for sellers exploring how to list on the MLS or other online platforms. Here’s how to create a compelling Craigslist post that attracts real buyers.

🌐 How Craigslist Real Estate Listings Work

Craigslist organizes real estate listings by city, making it easy for local buyers to find nearby homes. Sellers can post photos, details, and contact information directly — but visibility depends on the local market and how quickly listings get renewed.

  • Free exposure: Basic real estate listings are free to post in most areas.
  • Local reach: Buyers search by ZIP code or city for nearby properties.
  • DIY approach: You manage the posting, messages, and renewals manually.

💡 Why Combine Craigslist with MLS Exposure

While Craigslist brings quick local attention, it’s not a professional real estate marketplace. Buyers browsing Craigslist are often early-stage or casual shoppers. To attract serious buyers and licensed agents, listing your property on the MLS ensures maximum visibility across Realtor.com, Zillow, and Redfin.

  • MLS listings syndicate automatically: Reach thousands of agents and buyers at once.
  • Better credibility: MLS posts are trusted by serious buyers.
  • Simple combo: Share your MLS link in your Craigslist post for professional presentation.

📋 Step-by-Step: How to List Your Home on Craigslist

  1. Go to your local city’s Craigslist homepage and select “create a posting.”
  2. Choose “housing offered” and select “real estate - by owner.”
  3. Enter your property’s title (include neighborhood, price, and bedrooms).
  4. Add a detailed description — highlight key selling points and include your MLS link if available.
  5. Upload 10–15 clear, well-lit photos of the interior and exterior.
  6. Review the post for accuracy and click publish.

🏠 Craigslist vs. Facebook Marketplace vs. MLS

Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace both attract local buyers, but MLS listings syndicated through Brokerless reach national audiences. For best results, post your property on all three — and direct buyers back to your official MLS listing.

Ready to Combine Craigslist + MLS?

List your home with Brokerless to get professional MLS exposure, then share your listing link on Craigslist to capture local buyers and drive serious traffic.

View Flat Fee MLS Plans

📚 Explore more in our How to List on MLS by State category.