BREAKING NEWS: Post the NAR Settlement, Cleveland discount real estate brokers can save you almost the entire 6% commission. That translates to saving up to $7,500 in commission on an average $125,000 Cleveland home.
Whether you’re selling a house in Tremont or Old Brooklyn, the best discount real estate brokers in Cleveland 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 $7K on an average Cleveland home.
Rankings: Top 5 Cleveland Discount Real Estate Brokers
We’ve listed the top 5 discount real estate brokers in the Forest City based on how much you can save on an average $125,000 home.
| Rank | Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Listing Fee | Max Savings | 100% Online | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Houzeo.com | $399 Flat Fee | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. | Exactly | $4,800 Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. | Homes That Click | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. | Redfin | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. | UpNest | 4.3% Commission or As decided by the agent | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Types of Real Estate Discount Brokers in Cleveland
There are two types of Cleveland 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 Ohio 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 Cleveland
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 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 Cleveland’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. Exactly
LOCAL EXPERT
Listing Fee: $5,800 Flat Rate4.8/5
Exactly is a local, full-service real estate agency. They offer 3 packages and 1 add-on plan.
- Negotiation Package – ($3,200): Once you’ve identified a buyer, Exactly negotiate and manage the transaction with them.
- Marketing Package – ($3,200): They develop strategies for marketing. You have to find the buyer and negotiate on your own.
- Complete Package – ($5,800): They handle everything from the initial in-home consultation to closing the deal.
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. They include negotiating your home sale and developing and managing ongoing marketing. However, they only serve 8 counties in Ohio, and the packages are more expensive than many other Flat Fee MLS websites offering similar services.
Based on our research, the benefits of Exactly are:
- Multiple Packages: Exactly has 3 flat-rate options. 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, Trulia, Realtor.com, etc.
- Custom Market Pricing Analysis: With this pricing analysis, you will be able to set a listing price that maximizes your profit.
Here are some limitations we found with Exactly:
- Limited Coverage: Exactly caters to only 8 counties in Ohio. These counties include Summit, Medina, Cuyahoga, Stark, Wayne, Lorain, Geauga, and Portage.
- High Fee: Despite Exactly having a Flat Fee MLS model, the packages cost are high compared to other flat fee companies.
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 Ohio.
Reviews: 3 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers in Cleveland
3. Homes That Click Realtors
LOCAL EXPERT
Listing Fee: 1% Commission (Min $3,500)4.9/5
Homes That Click is a discount real estate brokerage. They offer a single package.
- 1% Commission (Min $3,500): They charge a fixed 1% commission on the total home sale price plus buyer agent fee. This is a full-service package for home sellers. It includes in-home consultation, professional photography, contract assistance, etc.
👉 Our Take: Home That Clicks offers 1% that is below a traditional agent’s commission. It can be a great option for sellers. However, Flat Fee MLS services provide greater savings.
Based on our research, the benefits of Homes That Click are:
- Market Exposure: Along with the MLS, your home will be displayed on real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, etc.
- Full-Service: They provide professional marketing, home inspections, transaction management, and more.
- Local Expertise: They have over 20 years of experience selling homes in 143 Columbus neighborhoods.
Here are some limitations we found with Homes That Click:
- Not 100% Online: Home That Click operates with a local presence in Columbus, Ohio. Their services involve both online and in-person interactions, such as property showings, negotiations, and consultations.
- Buyer Agent Fee: You must still cover the buyer agent’s commission, increasing overall selling costs.
- Limited Coverage: Homes That Click mainly serves Central Ohio, so it is not available in other areas.
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.
4. Redfin
#1 Nationwide Brokerage
1% Listing Fee3.7/5
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 offers a full-service package for just 1.5%. It saves you thousands of dollars compared to the traditional 3% listing commission.
- Detailed Paperwork: Redfin handles 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.
» 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 the ack of personal attention by Redfin salaried agents.
- 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.
- 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.
Redfin has an average rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars on Yelp and an average of 3.7 out of 5 stars on Google.
» Redfin Reviews: The reality of 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.
5. 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. 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.
Discount Real Estate Brokers Cleveland: How Much Will You Save?💲
Cleveland 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 $7,500 to sell an average $125,000 house in the Forest City. But, if you choose a flat-rate broker company, you save thousands. With Houzeo’s Gold plan, you only pay $1,054 and save $6,446!
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 Cleveland: Pros and Cons
Even though cheap Realtors in Cleveland 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 Cleveland than a 6% Realtor. Even if you only want to list your home on MLS in Ohio, you pay a much lower fee than the typical 3% listing agent fee.
- Receive Full-Service Realtor Services: Discount real estate agents in Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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 OH.
- Unreliable Service Quality: Discounted real estate brokers in Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland
Here are some options if you do not want to opt for a discount Realtor in Cleveland:
- 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 Ohio will help you list on the MLS and increase exposure.
- Sell Your House to Cash Buyers: Almost all cash buyers in Ohio scour the MLS for Ohio 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 Ohio. You’ll end up paying a full 5% to 6% commission. That’s $7,500 on a $125,000 home gone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the best discount real estate brokers in Cleveland?
Houzeo.com and Homes That Click Realtors are the top discount real estate brokers in Cleveland. Both provide an incredible combination of savings and technology. However, Homes That Click Realtors has only 5 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 Cleveland?
On average, traditional agents in Ohio charge 5% to 6% of the sale price as commission. On the other hand, discount real estate brokerage firms in Ohio charge 1% to 3%.
How do I find a discount broker near me in Cleveland?
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 Cleveland?
Yes, you can! Infact, post the NAR Settlement, you can now also negotiate buyer’s agent commissions.
