BREAKING NEWS: Post the NAR Settlement, Washington DC discount real estate brokers can save you almost the entire 6% commission. That translates to saving up to $37,920 in commission on an average $632,000 Washington DC home.
Whether you’re selling a house in Capitol Hill or Georgetown, the best discount real estate brokers in Washington DC will help you save on the 3% listing agent commission. And an additional up to 2.5% to 3% on the buyer agent commission! That’s a cool $37K on an average Washington DC home.
Rankings: Top 5 Washington DC Discount Real Estate Brokers
We’ve listed the top 5 discount real estate brokers in the Sunshine State based on how much you can save on an average $632,000 home.
| Rank | Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Listing Fee | Additional Charges | Max Savings | 100% Online | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Houzeo.com | $399 Flat Fee | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. | Ideal Agent | 2% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. | Cottage Street Realty | $299 - $999 Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. | DNK Real Estate | $249 Flat Fee | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. | Redfin | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Types of Real Estate Discount Brokers in Washington DC
There are two types of Washington DC discount real estate brokers:
- Flat Rate Discount Brokers: Also called Flat Fee MLS companies, these discount realty services let you list your home for a fixed upfront fee. A Flat Fee MLS Washington DC listing service costs between $399 to $4,000.
- Fixed Percentage Discount Brokers: These discount Realtors charge a fixed percentage of the home’s sale price. Typically, it is anything lower than the traditional 3% fee: 1%, 1.5%, 2% or 2.5%, etc.
Reviews: 2 Best Flat Rate Discount Real Estate Companies in Washington DC
1. Houzeo.com
#1 Discount Real Estate Service
Listing Fee: $399+$350 at closing4.9/5
Houzeo is a top technology-driven real estate platform. It offers 4 different packages:
- Bronze Package ($399 + $350 at Close): List your house for 6 months. You can upload 24 house photos.
- Silver Package ($399+0.5% at Close): List your home for 6 months and post maximum photos. Unlimited open houses and listing modifications are included in this package.
- Gold Package ($429+0.5% at Close): This package offers all the benefits of the Silver package, as well as licensed broker assistance, contract review, and more.
- Platinum Package ($449+1% at Close): This package offers virtual full-service support with a licensed broker. You can list for 12 months. Brokers assist you in negotiations, disclosures, and closing.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Houzeo to all home sellers. The company has an excellent customer rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. It has extensive coverage across 47 states + DC, a feat achieved by only a handful of other services.
» Houzeo Reviews: Houzeo is 100% online. You can finish listing formalities within 60 minutes.
These are the key features that make Houzeo one of the top discount real estate brokers:
- Significant Commission Savings: You will pay just a small flat fee to list on the MLS. On average, home sellers who used Houzeo saved $12,511.
- No Hidden Fees: All costs are disclosed upfront so you don’t have to worry about hidden charges.
- Near Nationwide Coverage: Houzeo operates in 47 states and DC, with ongoing plans for expansion.
- Max Exposure: Houzeo packages give you access to renowned MLS companies.
- Advanced Technology: Eliminate the hassle of extensive paperwork. E-signature and online forms make house listing quick and easy.
- 5-star Customer Service: Dedicated customer support addresses your every concern easily.
- Mobile App: Houzeo’s mobile app lets you manage showing requests from verified buyers and buyer agents. You can either accept, reject, or reschedule showings at your convenience.
- Home Value Estimator: Houzeo’s Home Worth Estimator is online and quick to know the FMV of your home. It provides free home value estimate within 30 seconds.
There are no dealbreakers with Houzeo.
» Houzeo Reviews: Houzeo is rated “Excellent” by 10,000+ happy customers on Google Reviews and Trustpilot!
Houzeo Reviews: With over 10,000+ happy customers, Houzeo is the most trusted discount real estate broker.
Houzeo is Washington DC’s #1 ranked discount real estate company because sellers only have to pay a flat rate. It provides an unbeatable combination of maximum savings and 5-star customer support.
2. Ideal Agent
Agent Matching Service
Listing Fee: 2% of Sale Price5/5
Ideal Agent is an agent matching company. It offers a single listing package for sellers:
- 2% Commission: Ideal Agent charges a 2% commission to the listing agent, which is lower than traditional rates (typically 2.5 – 3%). On an average home price of $400,000, you will be charged $8,000.
👉 Our Take: The 2% listing fee is competitive, however, the buyer’s agent still gets a 2.5 – 3% commission, bringing the total commission to around 4.5 – 5%. The savings are notable but not as significant as flat-fee brokers.
Ideal Agent stands out with several attractive offerings:
- Top Agents: The platform only works with experienced agents from major brokerages like Keller Williams Realty and RE/MAX.
- National Network: Coverage extends across the U.S., making it a versatile option for sellers nationwide.
It’s important to be aware of these potential drawbacks:
- Limited Savings: Despite the reduced listing commission, the total commission cost isn’t drastically different from standard agents.
- Agent Pool: In less populated areas there may be fewer agents to choose from, limiting flexibility.
Ideal Agent has a rating of 5 out of 5 on Trustpilot.
» Ideal Agent Reviews: Does Ideal Agent benefit you in the 2024 market?
Steve Johnston established ldeal Agent in 2016. It is headquartered in Tampa. It offers all the traditional realtor services with a 2% commission on home sale value.
Ideal Agent lacks a modern technology system. Customers who have used their services have complained about hidden charges.
Reviews: 3 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers in Washington DC
3. Cottage Street Realty
GREAT LOCAL EXPOSURE
Listing Fee: $299 - $9995/5
Cottage Street Realty is a licensed discount brokerage. It offers its services only in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
- Basic ($299): This package allows you to list your house for 6 months. You get to upload up to 50 photos, access to state forms and disclosures, and marketing add-ons.
- Showcase ($399): This package includes all the services from the basic plan along with other add-ons. It includes a keybox (upon request), a yard sign (upon request), and house-showing assistance.
- Premium ($799): This package offers a 1-year house listing along with the benefits of the basic and showcase plans. A printable color flyer, market analysis, and closing assistance also contribute to this plan.
- Full Service ($999): Your property is listed until your house is sold. This package includes all the services from the basic, showcase, and premium plans. You also get negotiation assistance, a professionally installed signpost, and a docu-sign contract.
Listing Upgrades:
- Yard Sign – $59
- Unlimited Changes – $45
- Listing Extension – $99
- Market Analysis – $59
- Combo Lockbox – $50
- Docusign contracts – $65.00
👉 Our Take: Cottage Street Realty offers 4 flat fee packages with different offerings. However, the Basic package will make you pay extra for its add-on features like a yard sign, key box, and more. The supreme package looks slightly expensive compared to other brokerages offering similar services.
Based on our research, the benefits of Cottage Street Realty are:
- Access to Legal Documents: All packages include state-wise contracts, forms, addendums, and disclosures you need to sell your house.
- Direct Buyer Lead: Buyer lead will be directly forwarded to you with no agent involvement. This would make the discussions and negotiation easy.
- Market Exposure: Your home gets listed on the local MLS and displayed on all major real estate websites like Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc.
In our research, we found some limitations of Cottage Street Realty, that could make your experience less satisfactory.
- Extra Charges for Additional Services: Except supreme package, you pay extra for many services in the rest of the packages. It includes a combo lockbox, showing time, a yard sign, etc.
- Less Coverage: It offers real estate services only in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. A property with less exposure stays on the market for a longer duration. This would increase your maintenance costs, mortgage payments, utility bills, etc.
- Limited Reviews: Despite being in the business for over 18 years, Cottage Street Realty does not have enough reviews.
Cottage Street Realty has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Google.
Cottage Street Realty was established by Alex Hodge. It is a “locally” operated full-service real estate brokerage company. The company offers its services only in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
However, you need to pay extra for their services like market analysis, house show time, or to make changes to your listing.
4. DNK Real Estate
PREMIUM SERVICE PACKAGES
Listing Fee: $249 OnwardsNo credible reviews found.
DNK Real Estate is a local brokerage that offers multiple Flat Fee packages to sellers:
- Basic Package ($249 ): This package offers a 6-month MLS listing with up to 6 photos and syndication on platforms like Realtor.com
- Deluxe Package ($499 ): This includes 15 photos, MLS listing, sales comparables, and a printable flyer.
- Luxury Package ($799 ): This package offers 25 photos, a yard sign, a virtual tour, sales comps, and an online flyer for maximum visibility.
👉 Our Take: DNK Real Estate offers a good balance of services and pricing, making it suitable for a wide range of sellers. The Deluxe package is one of the best seller packages that helps to sell houses faster.
DNK Real Estate has the following advantages:
- Full-Service Support: The company provides full-service support, handling everything from listing to marketing and negotiations for sellers.
- Flexible Packages: DNK Real Estate offers several packages to its sellers. These can benefit home sellers with different budgets and requirements.
DNK Real Estate has certain drawbacks:
- Outdated Website: DNK Real Estate works with a basic website with no seller’s dashboard, e-sign option, or mobile app. This makes your listing process manual and time-consuming.
- Expensive Add-ons: Even basic add-ons such as a wooden yard sign cost up to $350. You will have to pay $25 to make any change in your house listing.
- Limited Coverage: DNK Real Estate has coverage only in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. This may restrict the opportunity to attract potential buyers.
DNK Real Estate has no customer reviews on popular sites like Google or Trustpilot.
DNK Real Estate LLC is a full-service real estate brokerage company. It is licensed in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. They offer a range of flat fee packages from $249 to $799.
DNK Real Estate offers competitive flat fee packages, allowing sellers to save money. The multi-state licensing provides broader service options. You can choose packages tailored to your specific needs.
5. Redfin
Best-In-Class Agents
Listing Fee: 1% of Sale Price3.4/5
Redfin is the largest discount real estate company. Its premier agents, with years of experience, help you buy and sell high-end homes.
- Listing Price: Redfin charges a 1% listing fee if you want to sell a house and buy your next one with them. It charges a 1.5% listing fee if you decide to just sell your house with Redfin.
👉Our Take: Redfin is a technology-based platform. You can expect transparency and an accurately managed database. However, you may not get complete attention due to their high customer volume.
» Is Redfin Legit? Check the legitimacy of Redfin’s discount broker services
Redfin offers:
- Competitive Pricing: You pay a listing fee of 1% if you decide to sell and buy with Redfin.
- Updated Technology: Redfin provides a mobile app, 3D walkthrough, relevant filters, etc. This makes the real estate transaction seamless.
- National Presence: Redfin covers 80+ markets in the US.
» Redfin Pros and Cons: Read about the advantages and drawbacks of Redfin services.
The disadvantages of using Redfin are:
- Pricing Inaccuracy: Many sellers have complained about certain factors like, lot area, a gated compound, or a city location not getting considered during valuation.
- Long Time for Listing: As per Redfin’s agreement, it takes almost 15-18 days to verify the seller’s property and list their house.
- Lack of Customer Service: There has been negative feedback about lack of personal attention by Redfin salaried agents.
Redfin has an average rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars on Yelp and average 3.7 out of 5 stars on Google.
» Redfin Reviews: The reality of 1% fees, pros, cons, and alternatives!
Redfin, founded in Seattle in 2002 by Mr. David Eraker, covers 80+ markets in the US. It provides an elaborate listing agreement with a marketing plan for your home.
However, this agreement specifies a long 18-day timeframe for listing your property on the MLS. Additionally, some customers have expressed concerns about the non-availability and unprofessionalism of their agents.
Discount Real Estate Brokers Washington DC: How Much Will You Save?💲
Washington DC discount brokers can help you save almost the entire 6% commission, depending on your home’s worth.
If you choose a 6% full-service Realtor, you’d pay $37,920 to sell an average $632,000 house in the Capital of the World. But, if you choose a flat-rate broker company, you save thousands. With Houzeo’s Gold plan, you only pay $3,589 and save $34,331!
NAR Settlement Saves Sellers Thousands in Commission
The NAR Settlement went into effect on August 17, 2024. Buyer agent commissions can no longer be offered on the MLS. This means sellers will save thousands! But it also means there’s a lot more compliance and litigation risks.
Here’s what this means for you:
- Sellers Can Save Thousands in Commissions: You will likely be paying much less than the traditional 3% buyer agent commission. That’s because buyer agent commissions will be negotiated twice: Once when buyers engage Buyer Agents and again when sellers review offer contracts.
- Seller Priority #1 Will Be Paperwork (to Mitigate Compliance & Litigation Risks): Buyer agents mitigate all types of risks. From seller disclosures, offer contracts, contingencies, inspections, repair requests, appraisal, and closing – Buyer agents keep the paperwork tight. Their state licensing authorities, Realtor associations, and MLS’ audit paperwork compliance. Without buyer agents, sellers will have to learn and adapt. Or risk expensive litigation.
- Negotiations Can Now Feel Like Haggling: Buyer agent commissions will now be part of offer contracts and buyer agency agreements. Buyers may ask sellers to include commissions in the form of seller concessions. That means home buyers and sellers alike will be negotiating commissions. Sellers will need expert licensed brokers to help them with these negotiations.
- Buyer Agent Commissions Can Be Offered Offline: Buyer agent commissions can still be offered outside of the MLS. They just cannot be advertised on the MLS.
Discount Realtors in Washington DC: Pros and Cons
Even though cheap Realtors in Washington DC will save you thousands in commissions, you should consider the advantages and disadvantages of hiring one:
Pros ✅
- Sell Home for a Discounted Fee: You’ll pay less fees for a discount real estate listing in Washington DC than a 6% Realtor. Even if you only want to list your Washington DC home on MLS, you pay a much lower fee than the typical 3% listing agent fee.
- Receive Full-Service Realtor Services: Discount real estate agents in Washington DC will provide the basic services that any traditional agent would. This includes assistance with pricing your home, marketing, paperwork, and negotiations.
Cons ❌
- You May Become a Victim of Hidden Fees: Some discount brokerages in Washington DC may charge hidden fees or sell essential services a la carte. Beware of shady discounted agents who lure you in with significantly low fees. Do your research and look at the best discount realtors in WA.
- Unreliable Service Quality: Discounted real estate brokers in Florida handle multiple clients at once to make up for the reduced commission rate. They may not be able to provide personalized assistance all the time.
- High Cancellation Fees: A WA discount real estate broker can charge a minimum withdrawal fee within a specified period. Remember to carefully review the terms and conditions of the contract before signing.
Alternatives to Discount Real Estate Agents in Washington DC
Here are some options if you do not want to opt for a discount Realtor in Washington DC:
- Sell Your Home For Sale By Owner: In a FSBO sale, you’ll have to opt for “DIY” marketing strategies like using FSBO signs, word of mouth, open houses, etc. But your listing won’t be on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and Homes.com! Meanwhile, paid FSBO sites in WA will help you list on the MLS and increase exposure.
- Sell Your House to Cash Buyers: Almost all cash buyers in Washington DC scour the MLS for Washington DC homes for sale. This includes iBuyers, investors, and home flippers.
- Sell With a Full-Service Realtor: If you are not interested in saving your equity, you can hire a full-service, in-person Realtor in Washington DC. You’ll end up paying a full 5% to 6% commission. That’s $24,192 on a $403,200 home gone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the best discount real estate brokers in Washington DC?
Houzeo.com and Ideal Agent are the top discount real estate brokers in Washington DC. Both provide an incredible combination of savings and technology. However, Ideal Agent has only 5 reviews, while thousands of sellers have rated Houzeo as 4.9 out of 5.
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out why 15,000+ home sellers love Houzeo.
How much is the real estate agent fees in Washington DC?
On average, traditional agents in Washington DC charge 5% to 6% of the sale price as commission. On the other hand, discount real estate brokerage firms in Washington DC charge 1% to 3%.
How do I find a discount broker near me in Washington DC?
You could choose a discount broker, or list your home using Houzeo. With Houzeo, your home will be listed on the MLS within 24 to 48 hours.
Can you negotiate Realtor fees in Washington DC?
Yes, you can! Infact, post the NAR Settlement, you can now also negotiate buyer’s agent commissions.
