As per 2022 Georgia real estate report, the median home price increased by 17% in the last one year. Currently, according to Zillow, the median home value in the state is marked at $306,113.
The spike clearly denotes that the real estate industry in Georgia is booming like many other states. It is thus imperative to understand which real estate brokers in Georgia, and the brokerages can help home sellers and homebuyers in their real estate needs.
👁️🗨️ Sneak Peek: Top Real Estate Brokers in Georgia
Here is a list of real estate brokers in Georgia that top our charts:
| Real Estate Broker | Specializes in | 100% Online | Experience (In Years) | Customer Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Steffany Farmer, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Clients looking for a 24*7 available broker | ✅ | 28 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 (289 reviews) |
| 2. Cat Benitez, RE/MAX Town and Country | Clients looking for mountain properties | ✅ | 19 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 (82 reviews) |
| 3. Kim Shupe, Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty | Clients looking for properties mainly in Madison | ✅ | 22 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 (19 reviews) |
What is a Real Estate Broker?
Real Estate broker is often confused with real estate agent and both are often used interchangeably. This is actually wrong. Both the terms have different definitions and have different jobs. Here’s a summary table highlighting the differences between the two:
| Real Estate Agents | Real Estate Brokers |
|---|---|
| Have basic real estate license | Have advanced real estate broker license |
| They have limited expertise related to real estate transactions. Helping in offers and counter offers, completing paperwork, etc. are some of the features their job requires. | Real Estate Brokers have additional expertise compared to a real estate agent involving – drafting purchase agreements, contract review, escrow arrangements, etc. |
| Real Estate Agents are not licensed to start their own brokerage | Brokers can start their own brokerage when compared with the real estate agents |
- 💡 FACT: Real estate agents need to work with a real estate broker to gain required experience to become a broker. They usually don’t work independently. When a real estate agent passes the broker license exam, they become a licensed real estate broker.
» SAVE: There is another term used frequently in the real estate industry apart from real estate agents and real estate brokers i.e. REALTOR. A REALTOR is a real estate broker or agent who is a member of National Association of Realtors (NAR) and strictly follows NAR’s code of Ethics.
Georgia Real Estate Broker Commission
The average real estate commission in Georgia is typically 6% of the sales price. It is typically split evenly (50-50) between the seller (listing) and the buyer agent.
Here is the breakdown:
| Total Listing Commission | Listing Agent Commission | Listing Broker Commission |
| 3% | 1.5% | 1.5% |
| Total Buying Commission | Buyer’s Agent Commission | Buyer’s Broker Commission |
| 3% | 1.5% | 1.5% |
It is important to note that a real estate broker or agent may work for a brokerage. In such a case, the commission is split with the brokerage as well. Different brokerages have different split percentage criteria.
» MORE: Will real estate commissions keep falling sharply in 2024?
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🏆 Reviews: Best Real Estate Brokers in Georgia
1. Steffany Farmer
AVAILABLE 24*7
⌛ Experience: 28 Years
5/ 5
(289 Reviews)👨⚖️ About: Steffany Farmer is a real estate broker in Georgia with a team of 9 members. She has developed a team to serve the clients better and faster. She does not just assist the customers with the real estate process but helps them get educated on property taxes, restrictions, associations, market conditions, etc. Steffany works intending to assist the clients in the whole process of buying/selling and educating them about real estate.
🏡 Annual Sales Volume: According to Zillow, Steffany has done 168 sales in past 12 months.
✅ Customer Service: The best thing about Steffany and her team is that they are available 24*7 to serve their customers. Customer service is the priority for Steffany Farmers and the team. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, you can reach out to them any day, any time. Steffany knows that when buyers look for real-estate services, they do not just want a home, but they wish for a lifestyle, so she provides services accordingly. Similarly, while serving the sellers, the goal is to guide them throughout the selling process.
🤝 Affiliations: Steffany has affiliations with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate
🏢 About: Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate is an agency that assists both buyers and sellers make their real estate process smooth. The agency has coverage in 40 plus states of the U.S., and Georgia falls under this list. This agency has different partnered brokers like Steffany, who serve within several counties of Georgia. Making an account on this real estate agency helps you get updates on new MLS listings within your chosen area.
💁♀️ Services: Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate provides you with flat fee MLS listing services to sell your home and help you determine the property value before selling it. If you are a buyer, the company will help you find your dream home by exploring all the MLS listings matching your requirements.
»Explore: Flat Fee MLS Companies in Georgia!
- 20+ years of experience in real estate market of the U.S.
- Extremely good ratings and reviews on trustworthy platforms
- Out of more than 2000 real estate agents, Steffany is ranked among the top 1% agents within the State
Steffany has a 5-star rating on Zillow, based on 287 reviews.
Steffany Farmer provides services as a broker in 31 counties of Georgia.
- 💡 FACT: You don’t need to be a real estate broker to access Houzeo technology, and can list on the MLS within 8 business hours. Get started here to sell FSBO with Houzeo!
2. Cat Benitez
🚞 BEST FOR MOUNTAIN PROPERTIES
⌛ Experience: 19 Years 5/ 5
(82 Reviews)👨⚖️ About: Cat Benitez is one of the top real estate brokers in Georgia with a good amount of experience. Among the 19 years of her journey in real estate, she has spent over 14 years assisting clients with mountain properties. Helping the clients buy/sell mountain properties is her specialization as she has extensive knowledge of this market. Cat aims to make the clients’ dreams come true regarding real estate, whether buying a new home or selling the property and re-locate somewhere else.
🏡 Annual Sales Volume: According to Zillow, Cat has done 70 sales in past 12 months.
✅ Customer Service: Cat is a versatile real estate broker and is able to provide customer services in all areas of real estate. Her specialization lies in mountain properties located in North Georgia. Cat Benitez works hard to serve her customers and to give them outcomes beyond expectations.
🤝 Affiliations: Cat has affiliations with RE/MAX Town and Country.
RE/MAX Town and Country
🏢 About: RE/MAX Town and Country is based in Ellijay, GA. This real-estate agency is a franchise of a giant company RE/MAX. The agency based in Ellijay started in 1979, and since then, they have grown much. RE/MAX Town and County has fourteen offices in several locations within Georgia.
💁♀️ Services: RE/MAX Town and Country provides services like buying/selling small starter properties, retail spaces, and other types of houses. The services of this franchise of RE/MAX are limited to North Georgia.
- 19 years of experience
- Solid understanding of the real estate market
- Specialized in assisting with mountain properties
Cat has a 5-star rating in Zillow, based on 82 reviews.
Cat Benitez has coverage in seven areas of Georgia. These are Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Jasper, Ball Ground, Mineral Bluff, Cartecay, and East Ellijay.
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3. Kim Shupe
🏠 BEST FOR PROPERTIES IN MADISON
⌛ Experience: 22 Years 5/ 5
(19 Reviews)👨⚖️ About: Kim Shupe is a real estate broker based in Georgia. Kim assists sellers, buyers, commercial clients, developers, and investors fulfill their real estate needs. She has been in this profession as a real estate broker for more than 20 years. Among all the areas she serves, her specialization of services lies with the properties in Madison County of Georgia.
🏡 Annual Sales Volume: According to Zillow, Kim has done 65 sales in past 12 months.
✅ Customer Service: Kim provides services with the motive of building relationships with buyers, sellers, and whomsoever she assists. Her work is not just limited to helping the clients in buying and selling properties.
🤝 Affiliations: Kim has affiliations with Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty.
Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty
🏢 About: Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty is a part of the big real estate company Coldwell banker. It is the local franchise of this big renowned brand. Coldwell Banker is the most trusted residential real estate company. The franchise is based in Athens with its two offices. It also provides a mobile application to make property buying/selling easier for clients.
💁♀️ Services: The agency provides services for buying and selling real estate properties within Georgia. To avail of any of these services, the clients need to go through a complete process.
- President of Athens Apartment Association (1994-1996)
- An Accredited Buyer Representative of the Million Dollar Club
- Industry leader in real estate sales and community involvement
- Received Recognition and Multiple Awards from Coldwell Banker
- Received a Good Neighbor of the Year Award for her fabulous community service in 2016
- Received a ‘Bulldog Award’ in 2017 for enhancing production of Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty
Kim Shupe has a 5-star rating on Zillow, based on 19 reviews.
Kim serves in 21 locations within Georgia State of the U.S.
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Difference between a Broker, REALTOR®, and Real Estate Agent
| Sr. No. | Defining Features | Real Estate Agent | Real Estate Broker | REALTOR® |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Explanation | A real estate professional possessing the license to assist people in buying, selling, or renting real estate. | A real estate professional having in-depth knowledge of the field, who has obtained a license after completing additional coursework beyond the agent level. | Real estate agents or real estate brokers can become realtors by becoming members of the NAR. They follow the NAR Code of Ethics and are held to a higher standard than real estate agents and brokers. |
| 2. | Training | No additional training is required except the completion of the prelicensing coursework | Required to undergo additional training pertaining to contracts, insurance, taxes, and ethics | Same as a Real Estate Agent and/or Broker |
| 3. | Eligibility | Required to pass the pre-licensing exam to obtain an agent’s license | Required to have some experience working as an agent and obtain a broker’s license after completing additional coursework | Same as a Real Estate Agent and/or Broker |
| 4. | Mode of Operation | Real estate agents are required to work for a broker or a brokerage. | Brokers can either start their brokerage or work independently as agents. | Same as a Real Estate Agent and/or Broker |
| 5. | Responsibility | Seller agents are required to help the seller price the property, host open houses, be present during the inspection, provide contract assistance, etc. | Brokers are required to oversee other agents working for them and hold other roles depending on whether they are a Principal Broker, Managing Broker, or Associate Broker. | Same as a Real Estate Agent and/or Broker |
- 💡 FACT: Anyone who is a member of the NAR is licensed to use the REALTOR® trademark as part of their name.
It is usually recommended to take the help of a local real estate broker when you are selling a house in Georgia for the first time. This is due to the fact that a local agent would be aware of everything like the neighborhood, prices, and other important factors from the real estate perspective.
There are 3 options in the selling process i.e. using help of a real estate broker, going FSBO, or using Flat Fee MLS service. Selling a house with the help of a real estate broker may cost you around 6% as commission fees which is quite high. Next, selling a house by owner in Georgia will require your full involvement, taking care of every aspect of the transaction.
The last method is using Flat Fee MLS services like Houzeo which is 100% online and makes most of the processes digitized. The platform takes care of many features like listing your house on MLS and other free websites to list for sale by owner, managing home showings, and counteroffers for a flat fee.
» Staging your Home: Check out what is home staging and how is it useful for you
Types of Licensed Real Estate Brokers in Georgia
| Types of Brokers | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Flat Fee MLS Brokers | A flat fee MLS broker has an upfront fee of $199-$999. They list your property on the MLS and provide customizable services on an ala carte basis. » MORE: Find Flat Fee MLS Brokers in America |
| 2. Flat Rate or Discount Brokers | A flat rate or discount broker offers all the services of a traditional broker for a discounted flat rate. This can range anywhere between $2000 to $8000. » MORE: Best Discount Real Estate Brokers in America |
| 3. Low Commission Brokers | A low commission broker charges a lower commission than a traditional broker. Even if the buyer agent commission remains standard, their listing broker commission ranges between 0.5% - 1.5% of the selling price. » MORE: Low Commission Brokers in America |
| 4. Virtual Full-Service Brokers | Virtual full service brokers provide all services from listing, documentation, negotiation, showings, to closing 100% online. They may have a set upfront fee or a commission. » MORE: Fine Your Virtual Full Service Partner Brokers |
| 5. Traditional In-person Brokers | A traditional in-person broker is a real estate professional that provides all services for the buyer and seller for a commission of 3%-6%. Luxury real estate brokers may charge more than 6%. » MORE: Know About How to get Preapproved for a Mortgage |
How to Find The Best Real Estate Broker Among Multiple Brokers in Georgia?
It is not easy. Simple! You will need to be methodical and will have to do a thorough research and analysis for the process. Taking recommendations from friends and family can be a good option, but the final decision will rest on you.
Here’s what you can do to find the right real estate broker In Georgia:
| 💻 Use Zillow or Georgia REALTORS to find the brokers in your specific area. Check their expertise and skills before making a decision. |
| ⏲️ Consider the basics of real estate transactions and evaluate costs, time, and efforts. Post that you can visit the profile of brokers to understand if they fit the bill. |
| 👱 National brands offer nationwide coverage, but service quality may not be guaranteed in each office. You will be yet another lead in the marketing funnel while a real estate agent is assigned for your listing. Choose a local real estate broker and you could substantially save on time and efforts. However, real estate commissions still remain questionable and depend on the work done by the real estate broker. |
| 💰 Flat Fee MLS listing services like Houzeo are a great way to save time. If you are going FSBO, then Houzeo could prove to be a great option for you. It is a 100% online platform that makes the comprehensive listing paperwork and other processes seamless. |
💲 Save 3% Listing Fee by Selling FSBO
Save thousands in commission by listing on the MLS with Houzeo Technology!
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👁️🗨️ Sneak Peek: Top Georgia Real Estate Brokerages + Companies
| Company | Specializes in | 100% Online | Customer Ratings | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Houzeo | Flat Fee MLS Platform, Virtual Full-Service Packages | ✅ | 4.9/5 (2,883 reviews) | Nationwide |
| 2. Shorewest Realtors | Best for Luxury properties | ❌ | 3.9/5 (14 reviews) | Localized |
🏆 Reviews: Best Real Estate Brokerages and Companies in Georgia
1. Houzeo: Best Flat Fee MLS Platform
🔥 BEST OVERALL
Best Flat Fee MLS Platform 4.9/ 5
(2,873 reviews)🏢 About Houzeo: Houzeo is the most popular and competitive platform for sellers looking for full service affordable companies that will give maximum savings with minimum real estate agent interaction. Also, it is considered to be the best Flat Fee MLS and FSBO provider in the US real estate market.
⚡ Package Customization: You can customize the listing packages as per your requirements and even opt for services like contract review, pricing assistance, professional photography, and more as per the requirement.
⭐ 5 Star Reviews: Houzeo has superior reviews on popular websites like Google and Trustpilot.
🏆 Best For: Zero hidden fees, MLS exposure, 100% automated process, Listing within 8 business hours with Houzeo Concierge, Buyer leads directly shared with the seller, Counteroffer feature, and Affordable full-service packages` No other real estate company comes close to offering such features.
🏡 Annual Sales Volume: $3.5 billion transactions in 2021
💰 Affordability: Houzeo is an advanced tech platform that allows home sellers to list their homes on the MLS for a small flat fee. A seller works with a listing agent who doesn’t typically charge a commission. This saves you almost 50% of the agent commissions right away.
The pricing for Flat Fee MLS services in Georgia using Houzeo varies from $319 – $449. This is much lower than the traditional 3% listing commission.
Houzeo uses cutting edge technology to offer unmatched services to their clients.
- IntelliList Listing Management System: Lets you manage your listing 100% online.
- Lightning Fast Listing & Changes: Houzeo is 100% online. Listing can happen in under 60 minutes and any MLS listing changes are updated quickly.
- Houzeo Showings: Manage showing appointments online.
- Houzeo Offers: All offers are summarized online. You can view and compare offers, or counter any offer. In a multiple-offer situation, you can also call for the highest and best offers.
- Buyer Search: Buyers can contact you directly on Houzeo.com instead of going through a real estate agent.
- Houzeo Settlement Agent Platform: Guides you in ensuring the successful closing.
- Digital Transaction Management
- Houzeo ID Secure
- Pro Directory
- Houzeo Buyer Lead Manager
- Houzeo Mobile App: All features are at your fingertips with Houzeo mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Houzeo is rated 4.9 out of 5 on Google.
Houzeo is available nationwide.
2. Ansley Atlanta Real Estate: Best for Luxury
🗝 BEST FOR LUXURY MARKET
Best for buying/selling of Luxury Properties
4.1/ 5
(28 Reviews)🏢 About: Ansley Atlanta Real Estate is part of the globalized company Ansley Real Estate. The company prioritizes customer relationship and support them with innovation. This real estate company started locally in 2015, and it works intending to deliver what is the best for its clients. They do it with the help of talented, partnered real estate agents. Ansley has enormous capabilities to stand and look different among the thousands of real estate companies within the United States. The franchise Ansley Atlanta real estate is maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit of the parent company within the local market of Georgia state.
👨⚖️ Advantage: The best thing about selling/buying with Ansley Atlanta is that it is a part of one of the most trustworthy real estate brands. Also, Atlanta real estate has a global reach, so the already connected clients may prefer to go with Ansley Atlanta real estate as it is a part of the big brand. The company has a registered luxury portfolio and local expertise within the counties of Georgia, including Atlanta.
Selling With Ansley Atlanta Real Estate:
Ansley Atlanta real estate helps the sellers to have an estimate of their property value. Due to the instability of the real estate market, the company prioritizes evaluating the current value of the property seller wants to sell. Once you get the estimate, the agents assigned from Ansley Atlanta real estate connect you with potential clients you may get for the property.
Buying With Ansley Atlanta Real Estate:
While buying a house with Ansley Atlanta real estate, you get multiple options like searching for properties in general, finding a home in your neighborhood, and knowing about recently listed properties. Other options are exploring Ansley exclusive homes, going through open houses, taking a property on lease, and taking the land on lease. There are a lot of options you can access with the company while being at home in your comfort.
🏡 Estimated Valuation and Revenue: The average annual revenue of Ansley Atlanta real estate is worth 45.2 Million dollars. The average revenue per employee is approximately $165,000 every year.
- Technology let them innovate and be unique
- It uses nine different technologies to manage company operations
- SSL, Nginx, and other technologies are the active part of company’s success
Ansley Atlanta Real Estate has a 4.1 rating on Google reviews.
Ansley Atlanta has coverage in Athens, Buckhead, East Cobb, Intown, Marietta, Mountain & Lake, and North Atlanta within Georgia state in the U.S. The company has a global reach otherwise.
Alternatives to Georgia Real Estate Brokers & Brokerages
Apart from the real estate brokers and brokerages, you can take other routes as well for your real estate transaction in the state of Georgia:
| 📈 Sell FSBO with Flat Fee MLS | Going FSBO with Flat Fee MLS service in Georgia gets you on the local MLS and the listing also gets syndicated to other real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, Realtor.com, etc. which increases the chances of the exposure of your listing. With FSBO/Flat Fee MLS platforms like Houzeo, you can get multiple offers and also compare the highest and the best offers from potential buyers. There is an opportunity to negotiate the sale price, closing costs, etc., and save substantially in commissions by choosing a Flat Fee MLS platform or low commission real estate agent. One more way is that you can take help of Georgia discount real estate brokers to save on commissions. » MORE: Best Flat Fee MLS Georgia |
| 📲 Take Help of iBuyers | iBuyers are instant buyers. These companies have created a level-playing field with full cash offers and technologically advanced platforms. Georgia too have options of iBuyers. The important point is that you get a reasonably fair cash offer instantly, and you can close within a matter of a few days. » MORE: Top iBuyers in 2024 |
| 🤑 Companies Buying Houses for Cash | If you are not ready to spend thousands of dollars on repairs or closing costs, then you can choose “we buy houses for cash” companies. These companies help sell your house fast for cash, but they’ll pay pretty less i.e. 30% to 70% of your home’s market value. » MORE: Georgia Cash Buyers |
💲 You Know Your Home Better Than Any Real Estate Broker
Trust your gut, and sell your home yourself with Houzeo technology!
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Georgia Real Estate Brokers & Brokerages: Is 3% Listing Fee Worth It?
The Flat Fee MLS models catering companies like Houzeo make a lot of difference when it comes shelling out big bucks. With Flat Fee MLS company like Houzeo you can list your house by owner in Georgia at a small flat rate. This means that you don’t have to spend 3% commission.
The comprehensive paperwork that comes with listing a house has been intuitively digitized on Houzeo, and you can finish all listing formalities in under is 1-2 hours max.
» Pro Tip: If you feel lost or need additional assistance during the process, you can check with our 5-Star Customer Support team.
Find Your New Home in Georgia With Houzeo
With thousands of property listings, Houzeo.com is one of the biggest property listing sites in the US. Find condos, townhouses, co-ops, and other types of homes for sale in Georgia on Houzeo.
» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Eager to Know How Houzeo Works?
We’ve got you covered. Check out the following video to understand how Houzeo works and why it is the best FSBO and Flat Fee MLS platform in the United States.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo.com reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is broker commission in real estate?
Broker commissions in real estate are the fees that the real estate broker charges for their services during property transactions. The average broker commission rates are 5% to 6% of the home's sale price. You can certainly negotiate the commission rates, but keep in mind that a lower buyer agent's commission rate can make them ignore your property. Typically, the buyer's agent commission is 2.5% to 3%.
2. How much do real estate brokers make in Georgia?
Georgia real estate brokers (listing and buyer agent) typically make a good fortune with combined commission rates between 5% to 6% of the home's sales price. There are also real estate brokers that sign-up for Flat Fee MLS services for just listing the property on the MLS. By opting for Flat Fee MLS listings for multiple customers, they are able to keep a good sum of money.
3. How to report a real estate broker/brokerage in Georgia?
If you would like to file a complaint, you must contact the Georgia Real Estate Commission at 404-656-3916 with your complaint.
4. What is a real estate brokerage?
Real estate brokerage refers to various aspects of a real estate business. It involves the activities related to property management or a real estate sale, property exchange, purchase, and lease.
5. How to start a real estate brokerage in Georgia?
To start a brokerage in Georgia, you must follow the following steps:
1. Get your license
2. Determine your budget and research about competition
3. Prepare your brokerage business plan
4. Build the brand and register your business legally
5. Look for funding and an office space
6. Build up your team
6. How to choose a real estate brokerage to work for in Georgia?
You need to have a checklist with which you can make sure of some important things before choosing to work for a brokerage. First, you need to look if they are licensed or not. Check for the brand reputation and the commission you will get by working with them.
