BREAKING NEWS: Post the NAR Settlement, Discount real estate brokers can save you almost the entire 6% commission. That translates to saving up to $25,994 in commission on an average $433,229 home.
Whether you’re selling a house in the US, the best discount real estate brokers 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 $25,993 on an average home.
Rankings: Top 5 Discount Real Estate Brokers
We’ve listed the top 5 discount real estate brokers based on how much you can save on an average $433,229 home.
| Rank | Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Listing Fee | Max Savings | 100% Online | 5-Star Reviews* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Houzeo | $399 Flat Fee | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. | ListingSpark | $1,499 - $2,999 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 3. | Redfin | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. | SimpleShowing | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 5. | UpNest | 4.3% or As decided by the agent | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Types of Real Estate Discount Brokers
There are two types of 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 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
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 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 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. ListingSpark: Flat Fee, Full Service
LOCAL EXPERT
Listing Fee: Starting at $29954.6/5
ListingSpark is a renowned flat fee discount brokerage in the US. It offers 2 listing packages:
- Spark Plan – $2,995: This includes paperwork assistance and syndicated house listing on major real estate websites. You receive a Supra digital lockbox, professional photographs, escrow services, and a “For Sale” sign.
- Premium Plan – $3,999: This includes all the features of the Spark plan. You also get pricing support, open house signage, e-flyer blasts, and agent-on-demand support.
👉 Our Take: ListingSpark offers essential services for selling your home. However, their basic package may have hidden costs, such as a $975 fee for agent support, which can increase the total expense.
ListingSpark offers certain advantages:
- Quick Listing: It takes 20 minutes to fill out the details on the ListingSpark website. The listing will go live within 24 hours after the documentation is completed.
- Add-on Features: They offer benefits like professional photographs, a lock box, a yard sign, title insurance, and escrow services.
- Free Tools: ListingSpark also offers multiple tools such as comparative market analysis, and closing cost calculator.
ListingSpark offers certain disadvantages:
- Limited Coverage: ListingSpark offers services in only 3 regions: Texas, Atlanta, and Nashville.
- Non-Refundable Fees: ListingSpark charges an upfront fee of $395 and $995 for Spark and Premium plans respectively. These fees are non-refundable upon cancellation.
- Lack of Clarity: Key details such as listing duration, photo limits, and the number of permitted changes are not readily available on the ListingSpark website.
ListingSpark has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Google.
»Listing Spark Reviews: Does Listing Spark services provide real savings? Read more to find out.
ListingSpark was established in January 2013. It is headquartered in Austin and serves only 16 cities in Texas.
ListingSpark does not charge a commission on the home value. Instead, it levies a one-time fee against the services offered.
Reviews: 3 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers
3. Redfin: 1% Listing Fee, Statewide Coverage
#1 Nationwide Brokerage
1% Listing Fee3.3/5
Redfin is America’s #1 discount real estate brokerage. It offers services in 100+ real estate markets across the country in 49 states.
- Redfin Full-Service Agent – 1.5% Commission: This is a full-service package. This includes pricing assistance, listing paperwork, negotiation support, etc.
- Redfin Concierge – 2.5% Commission: The “Concierge” plan includes everything from the Full-Service package. Additional services include professional cleaning and home staging.
- Redfin Premier Agent – 1.5% Commission: This package is exclusively for luxury properties and includes everything that comes with the Full-Service package.
Mobile App: Yes
👉Our Take: When you opt for Redfin, you can save a considerable amount on the commission fees. Although Redfin tries to provide its service 3x faster than the traditional method, it limits its ability to provide personalized service.
Here are some advantages of choosing Redfin:
- Advanced Technology: Redfin is primarily known for its advanced tech platform and mobile app.
- Full-Service Agents at Low Commission – 1.5%: Redfin’s full-service package is priced at 1.5%. It saves you thousands of dollars compared to the traditional 3% listing commission.
- Detailed Paperwork: Redfin provides the necessary paperwork and an elaborate listing agreement with a marketing plan.
- Nationwide Coverage: Redfin covers 80+ markets in the US.
- Easy Deal Closings: Redfin agents help with negotiations and guide you throughout your home-selling process. It will make your closing easy and faster.
In our research, we found some red flags of Redfin, that could make your experience less satisfactory.
- Lack of Personalized Services: Customers have often complained that Redfin agents are not able to give personalized service, as they serve a high volume of clients.
- Poor Customer Reviews: Customers have complained that agents are often unreachable and unprofessional.
- Slow Listing Process: According to Redfin’s listing agreement, a Redfin property takes 18 days to list on MLS. Services like Houzeo will list you on the MLS within 24 to 48 hours.
- Limited Agent Selection: As per customer reviews, Redfin lacks an array of agents. This means you get an agent assigned automatically without having any 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 services apart from Redfin’s defined services.
Redfin has an average rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars on Yelp.
» Redfin Reviews: The Reality of 1% Fees, Pros & 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.
4. SimpleShowing: 5.0 Star Rating, Limited Coverage
1% COMMISSION
Commission: 1% of Sale Price4.9/5
SimpleShowing is a licensed full-service brokerage in Florida, Georgia, and Texas. They offer the following packages:
For Homesellers:
- 1% Listing Fee: This package includes full-service support, with licensed agents handling all aspects of the sale. They also provide marketing, home showings, and negotiations to finalize the sale.
For Homebuyers:
- $5,000+ Towards Closing Costs: This package includes full-service support. Licensed agents will handle all aspects of the sale, including marketing, home showings, and negotiations to finalize the sale.
👉 Our Take: SimpleShowing is a good option if you are selling a high-end home. However, its $5,000 minimum listing commission makes it more expensive for lower-priced homes than other brokers.
Here’s what stands out about SimpleShowing:
- Market Exposure: Homes are listed on the MLS and various national websites, including Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc.
- No Upfront Costs: The listing fee is only paid at closing, deducted from the sale profit.
- Professional Guidance: Offers pre-listing consultation, ongoing support, and contract assistance throughout the selling process.
- In-House Photography: They have an in-house professional photographer to get the best photos and videos of the home for the MLS.
SimpleShowing has the following downsides:
- Minimum fees: Homes under $500,000 don’t benefit from the 1% listing fee because of a minimum commission fee requirement of $5,000.
- Limited Agents: They are a small team so you do not get to choose or change the agent in case of disputes.
- Limited Coverage: They have agents only in 8 cities: Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa, Savannah, Fort Lauderdale, and Fort Worth.
SimpleShowing has 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google from over 110 reviews.
SimpleShowing is headquartered in Atlanta. It is a licensed discount real estate brokerage in Florida, Georgia, and Texas.
It has a 5-star rating and a team of experienced local agents. However, with their limited coverage and agents, they might not serve all your requirements.
5. UpNest: Fixed Percentage, Nationwide Coverage
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. It is headquartered in California. Move, Inc., (Realtor.com the parent company) acquired Upnest in June 2022.
UpNest pairs you with local agents with a proven sales record. However, you may end up paying a high commission for the agent.
Discount Real Estate Brokers: How Much Will You Save?
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 $25,994 to sell an average $433,229 house in the US. But, if you choose a flat-rate broker company, you save thousands. With Houzeo’s Gold plan, you only pay $2,595 and save $23,399!
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?
Here’s a list of the best discount Realtors in the most popular states and cities:
Discount Realtors: Pros and Cons
Even though cheap Realtors 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 than a 6% Realtor. Even if you only want to list your 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 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 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.
- Unreliable Service Quality: Discounted real estate brokers 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 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
Here are some options if you do not want to opt for a discount Realtor:
- 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 will help you list on the MLS and increase exposure.
- Sell Your House to Cash Buyers: Almost all cash buyers scour the MLS for 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. You’ll end up paying a full 5% to 6% commission. That’s $25,994 on a $433,229 home gone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the best discount real estate brokers?
Houzeo.com, and Listing Spark are the top discount real estate brokers. Both provide an incredible combination of savings and technology. However, Listing Spark's has been rated 4.6 by 190 customers 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?
On average, traditional agents, charge 5% to 6% of the sale price as commission. On the other hand, discount real estate brokers charge 1% to 3% commission.
How do I find discount brokers near me to sell my home?
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?
Yes, you can! Infact, post the NAR Settlement, you can now also negotiate buyer’s agent commissions.
