5 Best Discount Real Estate Brokers in Alabama (2024)

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.

Flat Fee Realty provides a single MLS package, with prices varying based on the state.

• Package: In most states, the price starts at $199 + 0.25% listing broker fee at closing. The package includes a 6-month listing term with six photos. By paying an extra $50, you can add up to 25 photos.

👉 Our Take: Flat Fee Realty is affordable. However, the extra costs for upgrades and limited features may not fit all sellers’ needs. It can be a good option for land and lot owners.

Based on our research, the benefits of Flat Fee Realty are:

• Refund Policy: You can request a refund within 30 days of purchase, as long as your property has not been listed on the MLS.
• Affordable Plan: Their flat fee package is budget-friendly compared to competitors. It is a good option for land and lot owners.
• Disclosures: State-specific disclosures are included with every listing.
• Market Exposure: Your home gets listed on the local MLS and displayed on all major real estate websites like Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc.

In our research, we found some red flags of Flat Fee Realty, that could make your experience less satisfactory.

• Limited Reviews: Even though Flat Fee Realty has been here since 2006, it has no credible reviews.
• Fixed Package: No customization is offered beyond the basic listing package.
• Not 100% Online: It is not fully online, causing potential delays in listing.
• Additional Fees: You need to pay an additional $50 to upgrade your listing with extra photos.

In our research, we have not found any credible reviews for Flat Fee Realty.

Ideal Agent is an agent matching company. It offers a single listing package for sellers:

• 2% Commission: Ideal Agent charges a 2% commission to the listing agent, which is lower than traditional rates (typically 2.5 – 3%). On an average home price of $400,000, you will be charged $8,000.

👉 Our Take: The 2% listing fee is competitive, however, the buyer’s agent still gets a 2.5 – 3% commission, bringing the total commission to around 4.5 – 5%. The savings are notable but not as significant as flat-fee brokers.

Ideal Agent stands out with several attractive offerings:

• Top Agents: The platform only works with experienced agents from major brokerages like Keller Williams Realty and RE/MAX.
• National Network: Coverage extends across the U.S., making it a versatile option for sellers nationwide.

It’s important to be aware of these potential drawbacks:

• Limited Savings: Despite the reduced listing commission, the total commission cost isn’t drastically different from standard agents.
• Agent Pool: In less populated areas there may be fewer agents to choose from, limiting flexibility.

Ideal Agent has a rating of 5 out of 5 on Trustpilot.

» Ideal Agent Reviews: Does Ideal Agent benefit you in the 2024 market?

Redfin is the largest discount real estate company. Its premier agents, with years of experience, help you buy and sell high-end homes. 

• Listing Price: Redfin charges a 1% listing fee if you want to sell a house and buy your next one with them. It charges a 1.5% listing fee if you decide to just sell your house with Redfin.

👉Our Take: Redfin is a technology-based platform. You can expect transparency and an accurately managed database. However, you may not get complete attention due to their high customer volume.

» Is Redfin Legit? Check the legitimacy of Redfin’s discount broker services

Redfin offers:

• Competitive Pricing: You pay a listing fee of 1% if you decide to sell and buy with Redfin.
• Updated Technology: Redfin provides a mobile app, 3D walkthrough, relevant filters, etc. This makes the real estate transaction seamless.
• National Presence: Redfin covers 80+ markets in the US.

» 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 lack of personal attention by Redfin salaried agents.

Redfin has an average rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars on Yelp and average 3.7 out of 5 stars on Google.

» Redfin Reviews: The reality of 1% fees, pros, cons, and alternatives!

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.