✏️ Editor’s Note: Realtor Associations, agents, and MLS’ have started implementing changes related to the NAR’s $418 million settlement. While home-sellers will likely save thousands in commission, compliance and litigation risks have significantly increased for sellers throughout the nation. Learn how NAR’s settlement affects home sellers.
From Oakley to Hyde Park, home sellers across Cincinnati dread the 6% real estate agent commission.
With discount real estate brokers in Cincinnati, OH, you can slash the traditional 6% rate down to just 2% to 3%.
The current median home price in Cincinnati, OH is $255,000. The traditional 6% commission will cost you a whopping $15,300. A discount Realtor offers you similar services at just 1.5%. With a competitive buyer agent commission of 2.5%, you now have to pay only a 4% fee. That’s just around $10,200.
You can lower this amount to around $7,650 if you list on the MLS with Houzeo’s Gold plan. You also get the professional services and tools available to real estate agents at a fraction of the cost.
Rankings: Best Discount Real Estate Brokers & Companies in Cincinnati, OH
We’ve researched and compiled a list of the best discount real estate brokers for you.
Rank | Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Listing Fee | Additional Charges | Max Savings | 100% Online | Mobile App |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Houzeo.com | $399 Flat Fee | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
2. | Homes That Click | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
3. | Exactly | $4,800 Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
4. | Redfin | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
5. | UpNest | 4.3% Commission or As decided by the agent | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Reviews: 5 Best Discount Real Estate Brokers in Cincinnati, OH
1. Houzeo.com
#1 Discount Real Estate Service
Houzeo.comHouzeo 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 $11,490.
- 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 8,400+ happy customers on Google Reviews and Trustpilot!
Houzeo Reviews: With over 8,400+ happy customers, Houzeo is the most trusted discount real estate broker.
Houzeo.com is America’s #1 ranked Flat Fee service. Houzeo 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. Homes That Click
LOCAL EXPERT
Homes That Click RealtorsHomes That Click Realtors is a low-commission discount real estate brokerage. They also offer buyer agent services.
Homes That Click for Home Sellers
- 1%Commission (Min $3,500): This package includes in-home consultation, professional photography, and contract assistance.
Homes That Click for Home Buyers
- Buyer Rebate: They offer a 30% commission rebate to buyers who purchase new construction homes.
👉 Our Take: Home That Clicks Realtors can be a great option for sellers. However, they do not offer any significant benefits for buyers who want to purchase pre-owned homes.
Homes That Click offers the following advantages:
- Market Exposure: Your property gets syndicated to Zillow Trulia, Realtor.com, and other 500+ websites
- Bidder’s Advantage: This feature offered by the discount brokerage allows a buyer to see the competitive offers in real time, boosting the buyer’s offer price. This helps sellers get the best price for their homes. Sellers can set a minimum bid price, and buyers can submit an offer lower than the listed price.
Homes That Click offer the following disadvantages:
- Not 100% Online: Homes That Click does not offer online services. Your listing might get delayed.
Homes That Click Realtors have an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google.
Homes that Click was established in 2002. They offer full-service real estate marketing and Realtor representation to home sellers.
However, Homes that Click lacks a modern technology system. This may delay your listing process.
3. Exactly
LOCAL EXPERT
ExactlyExactly is a full-service, local real estate agency staffed by full-time, licensed real estate professionals. They offer 3 packages and 1 add-on plan.
- Negotiation Package ($3,200): Once you’ve identified a buyer, they negotiate and manage the transaction with them.
- Complete Package – ($4,800): They handle everything from the initial in-home consultation through closing the deal.
- Marketing Package – ($3,200): They develop strategies for marketing. You have to find the buyer and negotiate on your own.
Add-On
- Luxury Option – ($4,000): It’s an optional add-on that provides a few more perks for homes that need the most elite marketing. However, Exactly has recommended this for homes over $800,000.
👉 Our Take: Exactly offers several services ranging from negotiating your home sale to developing marketing materials and handling ongoing marketing. However, they only serve 8 counties in Ohio.
You get the following benefits if you sell with Exactly.
- Multiple Options: Exactly has 3 flat rate packages. All fees are due after you sell your home. There are no upfront fees.
- Market Exposure: Apart from listing on the MLS, they will list on Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.
- Custom Market Pricing Analysis: With their pricing analysis, you’ll be able to set a listing price that maximizes your profit.
Exactly offer the following disadvantages:
- Limited Coverage: Exactly caters to only 8 counties in Ohio.
Exactly has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google.
Exactly is a full-service, local real estate brokerage with full-time, licensed real estate agents. With Exactly, your agent will be your single point of contact for the entire sale, backed by their team of experts.
Whenever an offer is submitted, it is sent to you directly. Exactly, keep you up to date on the status of your sale. However, they only serve Summit, Medina, Cuyahoga, Stark, Wayne, Lorain, Geauga, and Portage Counties in Cincinnati, OH.
4. Redfin
BEST TECH-ENABLED BROKERAGE
Redfin.comRedfin 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 was headquartered in Seattle in 2002 by Mr. David Eraker. It covers 80+ markets in the US. They have an operating business license in New York as Redfin Real Estate.
It 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.
5. UpNest
Negotiable FEES
UpNest- Listing Fee: 4.3% of the Sale Price (or as decided by the agent)
- Available in all major cities
4.7/5 (295+ Reviews)
UpNest is a marketplace that connects home sellers and buyers with local agents.
- Pricing: UpNest does not charge you any upfront fee. It allows their agents to discuss the pricing with you like commission, fees, discounts, etc.
👉 Our Take: UpNest introduces you to 2 to 3 agents once you register on their platform.
» Is UpNest Legit? Find out if UpNest can be the best option for your house sale.
UpNest offers certain advantages:
- No Fees: UpNest does not charge you an upfront commission. Instead, you are introduced to an agent to discuss the services and commissions.
- User-Friendly Dashboard: It has a user-friendly dashboard which makes it easy to compare agent profiles.
- No Obligation Service: UpNest connects you with multiple agents as soon as you sign up with them. If you are not satisfied, then you can simply walk away.
- Nationwide Coverage: It offers service throughout the US. It connects you with the local agent who has current market insights.
» What Is UpNest? Read the comprehensive study for UpNest to learn more details!
UpNest has certain disadvantages:
- Lower Savings: The commission depends on your negotiation with the agent. A higher commission fixed would make you pay more.
- Uncertain Customer Service: Some customers share feedback of agents being extremely helpful and knowledgeable. However, less experienced agents struggle to answer simple questions.
» How Does Upnest Work? Agent-matching at UpNest is pretty straightforward. Check it out!
UpNest has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google.
» UpNest Reviews: How much will it save you in 2024?
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 fixing a high commission for the agent.
What Are Discount Real Estate Brokers and Companies?
Discount real estate brokers are companies or agents who sell your home for less than the standard 2.5% to 3% commission. Such low-cost real estate agents typically offer the same services for reduced fees of 0.5% to 2% or a flat fee.
How Much Can I Save With a Discount Realtor in Cincinnati, OH
As a seller, you can save anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000 depending on the worth of your home.
Typically, home sellers pay a total of 6% as Realtor commissions to both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. Whereas, with discount real estate brokers you can pre-negotiate this at 1% to 2%.
As a home buyer, you get a buyer’s rebate – a type of cashback received after the sale. A typical buyer rebate is 1% to 2% of the home’s purchase price. For example, Redfin offers a buyer rebate of 0.5% to clients who sell and buy with Redfin within 1 year.
Types of Discount Brokers in Cincinnati, OH
The four major types of real estate discount brokerages and companies in Buckeye State are as follows:
1. Flat Fee MLS Companies: Flat Fee MLS companies get you on the MLS for a small flat fee saving you thousands in commissions. The Best Flat Fee MLS listing companies like Houzeo can get you on the MLS within 24 hours, or even faster!
2. Flat Rate Full-Service Companies: These companies charge a fixed fee instead of the regular 3% commission. This amount can be anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000. A flat-rate Realtor is perfect for homes priced on the higher end.
3. Low-Commission Estate Agents: Low-commission discount brokers offer full-service packages at only 1% or 2%. They cover everything from listing, negotiations, and pricing. They are also called 1% commission Realtors, or 2% commission brokers, etc.
4. Virtual Full Service: A virtual full-service discount broker handles everything online. All services including negotiation and marketing support are at no additional cost.
Pros and Cons of a Discount Realtor
Here are the pros and cons of discount Realtors:
Pros ✅
- Reduced Fees: You’ll pay less for listing agent fees. While standard brokers typically charge at least 3%, discount brokers may charge as little as 0.5% to 1%.
- Full Access to Basic Services: You receive the same services as you would with a traditional agent. They assist with home pricing, marketing, and negotiations.
- Streamlined Process: A low-cost Realtor provides similar services as traditional agents. They streamline the process of listing your property on the MLS, marketing the property, negotiating offers, and assisting with paperwork.
Cons ❌
- Not Enough Savings: Some discount brokerages may charge hidden fees or sell their services a la carte. This might add to your expenses.
- Not for First-Time Sellers: Most discount real estate brokerages are digital, so you rarely talk to anyone in person. A first-time seller or buyer who needs some hand-holding may not be able to get benefits.
- Lack of Personal Attention: Discount Realtors handle multiple clients at once to make up for the reduced commission rate. They may not be able to provide personalized services.
- High Cancellation Fee: A discount realty company can charge a minimum withdrawal fee within a specified period. Remember to carefully review the terms and conditions of the contract before signing.
Who Should Use a Discount Broker?
Discount brokers are ideal for:
- Sellers on a Tight Budget: Homeowners who wish to save money should list with a low-fee Realtor. This can help them save big.
- Real Estate Investors: Real estate investors who frequently trade homes can benefit from low-commission discount brokers.
- House Flippers: Home flipping is a strategy where an investor purchases a property to renovate it and sell it for a profit. Home flippers can save thousands on agent commissions by selling via discount brokers.
Alternatives to Discount Real Estate Agents in Cincinnati, OH
Here are some options if you do not want to opt for a discount Realtor in Cincinnati, OH.
- List With a Full-Service Realtor: If you need hand-holding, we recommend you hire a full-service in-person Realtor. You’ll get all the professional help you need, but you will end up paying a full 5% to 6% commission.
- Sell to an iBuyer: Many iBuyers, like Opendoor and Offerpad, purchase hundreds of homes in Cincinnati, OH markets. iBuyers can be a great option if you want to sell your house fast in Ohio.
- Sell to Cash Home Buyers: Individual cash home buyers and companies make all-cash offers, usually within 24 to 48 hours. Cash buyers let you skip the hassle of listing on the MLS, inspection, appraisal, etc.
- Sell For Sale By Owner: For Sale By Owner websites in Ohio will help you list and sell a house by owner and save thousands in listing agent commission.
Are Discount Brokerages Worth It?
YES! There are various advantages to using a low-cost real estate agent. Using an affordable brokerage can save you at least $8,000 to $10,000.
There are several discounted real estate brokers on the market today, each with its own set of advantages. Examine factors such as listing fees, listing time, services provided, customer service, and coverage before you choose one.
With Houzeo, you can get your home on the MLS in 24 hours, for a small flat fee. You get extra savings and services like, access to offers dashboard, showings management, and many more.
Eager to Know How Houzeo Works?
Houzeo is the #1 For Sale By Owner website in the U.S. Check out the following video to understand how Houzeo would help you crack the deal faster in 5 steps.
How to List on MLS With Houzeo?
5 Easy Steps to List on MLS with Houzeo as FSBO
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the best discount real estate brokers in Cincinnati, OH?
Houzeo.com, and Redfin are the top discount real estate brokers in Cincinnati, OH.
How much is the real estate agent fees in Cincinnati, OH?
On average, traditional agents in Ohio, 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 low cost discount realtors near me to sell my home?
You could do a Google search, go with an agent from one of the national discount brokers like Redfin, or list your home using Houzeo. With Houzeo, your home will be listed on the MLS without the added expense of a listing agent.