BREAKING NEWS: Post the NAR Settlement, Pennsylvania discount real estate brokers can save you almost the entire 6% commission. That translates to saving up to $18,678 in commission on an average $311,300 Pennsylvania home.
Whether you’re selling a house in Philadelphia or Harrisburg, the best discount real estate brokers in Pennsylvania 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 $19K on an average Pennsylvania home.
Rankings: Top 5 Pennsylvania Discount Real Estate Brokers
We’ve listed the top 5 discount real estate brokers in the Coal State based on how much you can save on an average $311,300 home.
| Rank | Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Listing Fee | Additional Charges | Max Savings | 100% Online | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Houzeo.com | $399 Flat Fee | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. | Flat Fee Realty | $139 Flat Fee (Varies) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 2. | Redfin | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 4. | Coldwell Banker | 2%-6% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 5. | Rocket Homes | 6% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Types of Real Estate Discount Brokers in Pennsylvania
There are two types of Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
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 America’s #1 ranked real estate brokerage company. It provides an unbeatable combination of max savings, 5-star customer support, and cutting-edge technology.
Houzeo’s flat fee feature helps you save thousands on agent commissions. You also get dedicated customer support that makes the home-selling process much easier and effortless.
2. Flat Fee Realty
Affordable MLS Listing
Listing Fee: Starts from $1993.2/5
Flat Fee Realty provides a single MLS package, with prices varying based on the state.
- Package: In most states, the price starts at $199 + 0.25% listing broker fee at closing. The package includes a 6-month listing term with six photos. By paying an extra $50, you can add up to 25 photos.
👉 Our Take: Flat Fee Realty is affordable. However, the extra costs for upgrades and limited features may not fit all sellers’ needs. It can be a good option for land and lot owners.
Based on our research, the benefits of Flat Fee Realty are:
- Refund Policy: You can request a refund within 30 days of purchase, as long as your property has not been listed on the MLS.
- Affordable Plan: Their flat fee package is budget-friendly compared to competitors. It is a good option for land and lot owners.
- Disclosures: State-specific disclosures are included with every listing.
- 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 red flags of Flat Fee Realty, that could make your experience less satisfactory.
- Limited Reviews: Even though Flat Fee Realty has been here since 2006, it has no credible reviews.
- Fixed Package: No customization is offered beyond the basic listing package.
- Not 100% Online: It is not fully online, causing potential delays in listing.
- Additional Fees: You need to pay an additional $50 to upgrade your listing with extra photos.
In our research, we have not found any credible reviews for Flat Fee Realty.
Fred Romano owns Flat Fee Realty LLC. The company is a licensed brokerage in Connecticut. In the remaining states, they partner with licensed brokers to list your property on the MLS.
Flat Fee Realty charges a 0.10%—0.25% commission at closing. Although they claim the buyer’s agent pays this fee, the entire commission is deducted from the seller’s proceeds.
Reviews: 3 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers in Pennsylvania
3. 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 was headquartered in Seattle in 2002 by Mr. David Eraker. They cover 80+ markets in the US. They have an operating business license in New York as Redfin Real Estate.
Redfin provides an elaborate listing agreement with a marketing plan for your home. However, this agreement specifies an 18-day timeframe for listing your property. Additionally, some customers have expressed concerns about the agent’s professionalism.
4. Coldwell Banker
LOCAL YET NATIONAL
Listing Fee: 2.5%-3% of Sale Price1.3/5
Coldwell Banker offers a variety of free tools to the seller. It includes tools like a home value estimator, moving meter tool, local market data, and fast cash offer alternatives.
- 2.5%-3% Commission: Coldwell charges a traditional brokerage fee. It offers services like renovations, home staging, technology support, etc at no upfront cost. You may negotiate your offer with their agent to get a discount.
👉 Our Take: Coldwell Banker has a huge team of professional agents. They assist you at all the stages of your real estate transaction. However, we suggest reading the customer reviews before proceeding.
Coldwell Banker provides the following advantages:
- Local and Experienced Agents: Agents with local expertise help you learn more about the current housing market state. You can then price your house right.
- Seller’s Assurance Program: It offers benefits like home staging, renovations, and technology support at no upfront cost. You pay for this expense only after your house is sold.
- Home Financing: Coldwell Banker assists buyers with home financing options. This includes down payments, mortgage prequalification, loan approval, etc.
Coldwell Banker provides the following disadvantages:
- Poor Customer Feedback: Customers have mentioned issues regarding commission percentage and unprofessionalism.
- Undisclosed Commission: Coldwell Banker does not offer fixed packages like other discount brokerages. They don’t disclose pricing options until you consult with them, and without strong negotiation, you could pay more than necessary.
It has a rating of 1.3 out of 5 stars on Consumer Affairs.
Coldwell Banker has been serving the real estate industry since 1906. It has a large network of brokers and sales associates that is spread across 40 countries.
It also offers a mobile app that makes the online listing process easy.
5. Rocket Homes
COST EFFECTIVE
Listing Fee: $495 One Time Professional Fee4.6/5
Rocket Homes is a one-stop shop for connecting with agents, browsing listings, and obtaining home finance.
- $495 One-Time Professional Fee: Sellers receive a full-service package including listing, selling, REALTOR® search, personal loan, and mortgage. They get back 0.5% of the sale price as a rebate after closing.
👉 Our Take: Rocket Homes is primarily an agent referral service. Sellers pay the standard $495 one-time professional fee and get just a 0.5% rebate. Buyers benefit more in terms of home financing and closing credits.
Rocket Homes offers the following advantages:
- Full-Service Agents: Rocket Homes gives access to a large network of full-service agents that take care of the home selling and buying processes.
- Nationwide Coverage: They have a nationwide network of trusted real estate professionals and cover all the States.
- Advanced Technology: It is a tech-based real estate service provider that eases transactions through the mobile app.
- Home Finance: They offer personal loans and Rocket Mortgage. Bundling the services can save thousands of dollars.
- Professional Guidance: A licensed advisor can help with legal documents, home inspection and appraisals, title resources, and closing arrangements.
Rocket Homes has a few drawbacks:
- Standard Commission: Sellers are expected to pay the full commission of 6% and get only 1% back. Discount real estate brokers offer the same services at a much lower rate.
- Negative Reviews: Some reviews on Google mention that Rocket Homes deserves a zero star and has been a very traumatic experience.
Rocket Homes has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Google.
Rocket Homes, a sister company of Rocket Mortgage, provides full service for a $495 one-time fee. Their network of agents spans 3,000 U.S. counties, ensuring broad exposure for your property.
However, the 0.5% rebate offers limited financial relief compared to traditional savings options. While their service is efficient, the rebate might not appeal to those seeking significant cost savings.
Discount Real Estate Brokers Pennsylvania: How Much Will You Save?💲
Pennsylvania 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 $18,678 to sell an average $311,300 house in the Coal State. But, if you choose a flat-rate broker company, you save thousands. With Houzeo’s Gold plan, you only pay $1,986 and save $16,693!
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.
How to Find Discount Real Estate Brokers Near Me in Pennsylvania?
Here’s a list of the best discount Realtors in the most popular cities of the Coal State:
| Pittsburgh, PA | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Pittsburgh, PA |
Discount Realtors in Pennsylvania: Pros and Cons
Even though cheap Realtors in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania than a 6% Realtor. Even if you only want to list your home on Pennsylvania MLS, you pay a much lower fee than the typical 3% listing agent fee.
- Receive Full-Service Realtor Services: Discount real estate agents in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 PA.
- Unreliable Service Quality: Discounted real estate brokers in Pennsylvania 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 PA 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 Pennsylvania
Here are some options if you do not want to opt for a discount Realtor in Pennsylvania:
- 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, FSBO websites in Pennsylvania will help you list on the MLS and increase exposure.
- Sell Your House to Cash Buyers: Almost all cash buyers in Pennsylvania scour the MLS for Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania. You’ll end up paying a full 5% to 6% commission. That’s $18,678 on a $311,300 home gone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the best discount real estate brokers in Pennsylvania?
Houzeo.com and Flat Fee Realty are the top discount real estate brokers in Pennsylvania. Both provide an incredible combination of savings and technology. However, Flat Fee Realty has been rated 3.2 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 Pennsylvania?
On average, traditional agents in Pennsylvania charge 5% to 6% of the sale price as commission. On the other hand, discount real estate brokerage firms in Pennsylvania charge 1% to 3%.
How do I find a discount broker near me in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can! Infact, post the NAR Settlement, you can now also negotiate buyer’s agent commissions.
