BREAKING NEWS: Post the NAR Settlement, St. Louis discount real estate brokers can save you almost the entire 6% commission. That translates to saving up to $13,500 in commission on an average $225,000 St. Louis home.
Whether you’re selling a house in Dutchtown or Benton Park, the best discount real estate brokers in St. Louis 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 $13K on an average St. Louis home.
Rankings: Top 5 St. Louis Discount Real Estate Brokers
We’ve listed the top 5 discount real estate brokers in the Mound City based on how much you can save on an average $225,000 home.
| Rank | Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Listing Fee | Max Savings | 100% Online | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Houzeo.com | $399 Flat Fee | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. | Johnson Realty | $500 Upfront + 0.5% commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. | SimpleShowing | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 4. | UpNest | 4.3% commission or As decided by the agent | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 5. | Redfin | 1% commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Types of Real Estate Discount Brokers in St. Louis
There are two types of St. Louis 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 Missouri 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 St. Louis
1. Houzeo.com: Max Savings, No Hidden Fees
#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 a stellar 4.9/5 customer rating. It also provides coverage in 47 states + DC, making it one of the few services with nationwide reach.
» 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, Houzeo home sellers save $12,231.
- 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 10,100+ happy customers on Google Reviews and Trustpilot!
Houzeo Reviews: With over 10,100+ happy customers, Houzeo is the most trusted discount real estate broker.
Houzeo is St. Louis’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. Johnson Realty
HYBRID PLAN
Listing Fee: $500 Upfront Fee + Half of 1% at Closing.Johnson Realty is a full-service discount brokerage. It helps sellers to list their property at a fair price with great savings.
- The Johnson Plan ($500 Initial fee + Half of 1% at Closing): In this package, Johnson Realty performs a CMA and other on-site analyses, after which it creates an MLS listing at your place in real time. For this, they charge you $500 upfront. At last, you pay Johnson Realty 1% of the sale price at closing. In addition, the company offers services like Lockbox and professional photography at an additional cost of $120 and $50, respectively.
- Premier Listing Package: This package assists in buying and selling the property. Johnson Realty waives 0.34% of listing broker commission to sell your home upon you signing a buyer’s agency and listing agreement with Johnson Realty.
👉 Our Take: Johnson Realty provides services like market analysis, MLS listing, showings, etc. It charges you a fee apart from the initial charge of $500. You may end up paying a higher amount at the time of closing compared to another discount brokerage.
Johnson Realty offers the following advantages:
- Modern Technology: Their technology allows you to keep the real transaction transparent. The contract between you and the agent is also signed digitally.
- Market Exposure: Your home will be featured on several real estate websites, such as Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com.
- Agent Assistance: Johnson Realty’s licensed consulting team will help you execute your transaction through closing.
Johnson Realty offers a major disadvantage:
- Outside Agent Involvement: A third-party agent schedules the MLS showings. There might be inconsistencies in the quality of these agents.
There is no credible source available for its review.
Cheryl Johnson owns Johnson Realty. You can get an extra discount if you sell your home and buy a new one with them.
An outside agent from another company will schedule the showing through the MLS. The quality of these agents may vary.
Reviews: 3 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers in Pearl City
3. Sunshine Realty
GREAT SAVINGS
Listing Fee: $399 upfront + 0.5% of 1% at closing3/5
Sunshine Realty offers affordable, full-service real estate solutions for home sellers.
- Sunshine Realty Full-Service Agent – 0.50% Commission: This package includes everything you need for a professional home sale. You’ll get comprehensive service, including negotiations, paperwork, and expert support throughout the process.
- Marketing & Listing Fee – $399: A one-time fee that covers online marketing, professional photography, and all the materials necessary for your MLS listing.
👉Our Take: Sunshine Realty provides full-service representation at a fraction of the cost. With a lower commission rate and essential services included, it’s a budget-friendly choice without sacrificing quality.
Sunshine Realty offers the following advantages:
- Online Exposure: The service lists properties on 60+ websites, including Zillow, Trulia, and Homes.com, as well as high-traffic platforms like Yahoo, AOL, and Google. This ensures maximum visibility for sellers.
- Low Commission with Full Representation: Sellers receive full-service MLS listing and expert representation at a competitive rate. This includes contract negotiation, pricing assistance, and professional showings.
- Professional Marketing: Sellers benefit from professional photography and signage, showcasing their homes in the best possible way to attract interested buyers.
- Detailed Paperwork: They provide complete assistance in negotiating, paperwork, and closing documents.
Sunshine Realty offers the following disadvantages:
- Lack of Communication: Customers have complained their agents were unreachable at times. This creates a lack of communication.
- Mobile App: They do not provide any mobile application service to their customers.
Sunshine Realty has an average rating of 3 out of 5 stars on Yelp.
Evelyn Krazer established Sunshine Realty in 2010. It offers brokerage services to sellers for an upfront fee of $399 and 0.5% at closing.
Sunshine Realty has only three full-time employees and one part-time employee. Hence, its brokers must be juggling multiple clients at once.
4. UpNest
Negotiable FEES
Listing Fee: Varies as per the agent4.7/5
UpNest offers agent-matching services. Here’s how it works:
- No Upfront Cost: UpNest connects you with top local real estate agents at no upfront cost. Agents will discuss commission rates, fees, and potential discounts directly with you.
👉 Our Take: With UpNest you get multiple real estate agent options to choose from. However, agents’ commission rates and qualifications can vary significantly, and the quality of service may depend on the broker you select.
Here’s what UpNest offers:
- Multiple Agent Proposals: Get 3–5 commission quotes from top local agents. Compare options easily without contacting agents yourself.
- Quick Turnaround: Receive agent matches within 24 hours of signing up.
- Transparent Pricing: View all commission rates and potential savings upfront. There are no hidden fees or pressure to commit.
- Nationwide Coverage: It offers service throughout the US. It connects you with the local agent who has current market insights.
Here are some of the downsides of working with UpNest:
- No Guaranteed Savings: UpNest does not offer guaranteed savings. Instead, each agent sets their own listing fee.
- No Control Over Agent Selection: UpNest shows you commission quotes from selected agents. As a result, you might miss out on other qualified agents who are part of their network.
UpNest has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google.
» UpNest Reviews: Is UpNest actually saving you money in 2024? Read to find out.
UpNest is a licensed agent-matching brokerage headquartered in California. The parent company, Move, Inc. (Realtor.com) acquired Upnest in June 2022.
UpNest pairs you with local agents with proven sales records. However, you may end up paying a high commission to the agent.
5. Redfin
BEST TECH-ENABLED BROKERAGE
Listing Fee: 1% of Sale Price4.2/5
Redfin does not disclose its pricing on its website. Sellers will have to pay common closing costs.
- It offers 0.5% buyer’s rebate. To avail this, you’ll have to buy and sell with them.
👉 Our Take: Redfin offers 1 rebate option but with a strict clause. While, other real estate companies are willing to offer a higher rebate.
» Redfin Reviews: The reality of the buyer’s rebate.
Here are some advantages of choosing Redfin:
- Advanced Technology: With 3D walkthroughs and 40+ filters to narrow down your search, the Redfin app makes it easy to find the right home from anywhere.
- Paired With Local Agents: Local agents know their market better. This can help you secure a good deal.
- Home Tour: You can see updated listings every 5 minutes on their website. You can also schedule a home tour for the same day.
- Nationwide Coverage: Redfin covers 80+ markets in the US.
Here are some limitations we found with Redfin.
- Strict Rebate Criteria: Clients who sell and buy with Redfin within one year get a rebate of 0.5%.
- No Freedom in Agent Selection: You get an agent assigned automatically without having a choice in the matter.
- Agents Are Less Incentivized: Unlike traditional agents who work for commission, Redfin agents get a fixed salary. This can demotivate them from offering you additional services.
- Poor Customer Reviews: Customers have complained that agents are often unreachable and unprofessional.
Redfin has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 60+ reviews on Google.
» Redfin Reviews: The Reality of the 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 St. Louis: How Much Will You Save?💲
St. Louis 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 $13,500 to sell an average $225,000 house in the Mound City. But, if you choose a flat-rate broker company, you save thousands. With Houzeo’s Gold plan, you only pay $1,674 and save $11,826!
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 St. Louis: Pros and Cons
Even though cheap Realtors in St. Louis 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 St. Louis than a 6% Realtor. Even if you only want to list your Missouri 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis.
- Unreliable Service Quality: Discounted real estate brokers in St. Louis 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: An St. Louis 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 St. Louis
Here are some options if you do not want to opt for a discount Realtor in St. Louis:
- 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 Missouri will help you list on the MLS and increase exposure.
- Sell Your House to Cash Buyers: Almost all cash buyers in St. Louis scour the MLS for St. Louis 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 St. Louis. You’ll end up paying a full 5% to 6% commission. That’s $13,500 on a $225,000 home gone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the best discount real estate brokers in St. Louis?
Houzeo.com and Johnson Realty are the top discount real estate brokers in St. Louis. Both provide an incredible combination of savings and technology. However, Johnson Realty has no 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 St. Louis?
On average, traditional agents in St. Louis charge 5% to 6% of the sale price as commission. On the other hand, discount real estate brokerage firms in St. Louis charge 1% to 3%.
How do I find a discount broker near me in St. Louis?
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 St. Louis?
Yes, you can! Infact, post the NAR Settlement, you can now also negotiate buyer’s agent commissions.
