You save a whopping $24,069 when selling a median-priced $802,300 home in California. But how? With a discount real estate broker in California, you can skip the hefty 3% listing agent commission. This allows you to list your home for as low as 1% or a flat fee and save thousands of dollars!
That’s not it! These brokers help you list your property on the MLS giving maximum exposure as 43% of buyers search properties online. In addition, discount brokers offer affordability with full service making them ideal for cost-conscious sellers.
Rankings: Top 5 California Discount Real Estate Brokers
As California’s real estate market continues to rebound post-Hurricane Idalia, home sellers are exploring ways to cut costs. With rising repair and insurance premiums, sellers want to retain more of their home sale profits.
One effective way to do this is to sell with a discount real estate broker in California. They offer lower commission rates and services compared to traditional Realtors. We’ve ranked the top 5 discount brokerages in the Golden State for you to choose from.
| Rank | Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Listing Fee | Max Savings | 100% Online | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Houzeo | $399 Flat Fee | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. | CA Flat Fee | $5,000 Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. | 1% Listing Fee | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. | HomeLight | Varies | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. | Prevu | 1.5% of Sale Price | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
What Are the Types of Discount Real Estate Brokers?
California sellers can choose from two main types of discount real estate brokers. Each of these cater to the unique needs of the home sellers:
- Flat Rate Discount Brokers: Also known as Flat Fee MLS companies, they charge a fixed upfront fee to list your home on the MLS. A Flat Fee MLS service costs between $399 to $4,000. These services offer maximum exposure for a low fee.
- Fixed Percentage Discount Brokers: These discount Realtors charge a fixed percentage of the home’s sale price. Typically, this percentage is lower than the traditional 3%. Depending on the broker, these rates may vary from 1% to 2.5%.
Reviews: 2 Best Flat Rate Discount Real Estate Brokers in California
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.
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 the #1 discount real estate broker in California. The company provides features like IntelliList management to simplify your listing process. Besides this, you get 5-star customer support, advanced technology, showings management, and offers all at your fingertips.
2. CA Flat Fee
GREAT LOCAL EXPOSURE
Listing Fee: $5,000 Flat Fee + $500 upfront5/5
CA Flat Fee is a full-service broker that operates in Southern California.
For Home Sellers:
- Basic ($5,500): This package offers full realtor service for $500 upfront + a $5,000 closing fee for a typical listing of $400K or below. Services include offer negotiation, professional photography, MLS, managed showings, full-time agent support, and more.
- Standard ($7,700): This package includes everything from the Basic Package, including Zillow express video, paid social ads, twilight or drone photos, and more. For this package, you must pay $700 upfront and $7,000 at closing for a property between $400K and $900K.
- Deluxe ($11,000): This package includes everything from the Standard package, including an HD property walkthrough video, targeted marketing, property brochures, and a 3D matter port. You must pay $1,000 upfront and $10,000 at closing for this package for a listing of $900K or above.
👉 Our Take: CA Flat Fee provides the same offerings as a traditional agent at a flat fee. However, for lower-priced homes, the flat fee may seem high. If you’re selling a less expensive property, it’s worth exploring options with a more affordable flat fee structure.
CA Flat Fee offers the following advantages:
- Full-Time Agent Representation: The CA Flat Fee agent will assist you throughout your home-selling journey. They will manage showings, negotiations, and purchase contract management. Moreover, the agent will help coordinate with title, escrow, and every dedicated real estate agent service.
- Excellent Customer Service: Many customers have reported that some agents went out of their way to help them sell their homes.
- Market Exposure: CA Flat Fee markets your property on the MLS and other online marketplaces. They also handle all the inbound inquiries.
CA Flat Fee has the following disadvantages:
- Suitable for Expensive Properties: The CA Flat Fee is ideal for expensive properties. However, paying $5,000 may not be the most cost-effective option for more affordable properties.
- Limited Coverage: The CA Flat Fee operates only in Southern California. Sellers from other parts of the country cannot use its services.
CA Flat Fee has a 5-star rating on Google.
CA Flat Fee is a licensed discount real estate company based in California. It offers services in the southern part of California.
CA Flat Fee offers full-service packages at a flat fee. Their services include marketing, photography, home valuations, etc. for a flat fee of $5,000. This $5,000 flat fee will only make sense when selling expensive property.
Reviews: 3 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers in California
3. 1% Listing Fee
COST EFFECTIVE
Listing Fee: 1% of Sale Price4.8/5
1% Listing Fee is a full broker service that assists home sellers in California. It offers a pricing package for sellers that include:
- Full Service (1% Commission): This package includes extensive marketing, professional photography, showings, and open houses.
- All Cash Sell (1% Commission): 1% Listing Fee helps you sell your house fast against cash.
👉 Our Take: A 1% Listing Fee can be the best choice in search of a budget broker. However, to sell your high-priced house you would have to pay a huge commission. Instead, consider selling your house with a flat fee discount broker.
1% Listing Fee offers several advantages to home sellers:
- Low Commission: The 1% commission fee is less than the majority of the discount real estate brokerages in California.
- Free Home Valuation: The brokerage offers a free home worth calculator to sellers, even before the consultation.
- New Listing Notifications: It sends timely notifications of new listings on MLS to buyers.
- Experienced Agents: 1% Listing Fee has been in business for more than 34 years. The experienced agents provide valuable market insights to make the transactions hassle-free.
1% Listing Fee has some disadvantages:
- Lack of Transparency: Some online reviews reveal that 1% Listing Fee has hidden costs. The seller has to pay these costs which is not informed upfront.
- Limited Coverage: 1% Listing Fee provides its services only in Southern California. This limits its customer base and the pool of potential buyers.
1% Listing Fee has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 on Google.
1% Listing Fee was established by Mr. Oscar Gracia in 2017. It offers full-service listing packages at a 1% listing fee, helping sellers save significantly on commissions.
You benefit from reduced fees and get a dedicated agent to manage the home sale. The company also offers a home worth tool to help sellers price their property accurately.
4. HomeLight
AGENT MATCHING SERVICE
Listing Fee: Varies as per the agent4.2/5
HomeLight is an agent-matching service provider. Its technology-based platform provides agent suggestions within minutes.
- No Upfront Cost: HomeLight does not charge any fees to buyers or sellers. The real estate agents pay a referral fee to HomeLight at the time of closing.
👉 Our Take: HomeLight connects you with a local agent to help you sell your house. The agent charges you as per his customized services including the HomeLight’s referral fee. This will ultimately make you pay more than other discount real estate brokers.
Based on our research, the benefits of HomeLight are:
- Quick Pairing: HomeLight connects you with the list of agents within two minutes of your online form filling.
- Representative Network: HomeLight has a database of over 28,000 agents. This allows you to compare the agents and select the best one based on discounts, experience, and sales records.
- Coverage: Their services are available in 51 states and all major cities across the country.
» Homelight Pros & Cons: Know about their offerings that would help you sell your house seamlessly.
Here are some limitations we found with HomeLight:
- Non-Negotiable Commissions: Every agent has to pay a referral fee to Homelight. Hence, you lose the ability to bargain for the commission.
- Off-Market Restriction: You can instantly receive bids from agents by registering on HomeLight.
- Inconsistent Agent Quality: The assigned agents may not work at your convenience. Even the listing speed will be based on the agent selected.
HomeLight has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Sitejabber.
» HomeLight Reviews: Check out our detailed reviews on HomeLight.
HomeLight is a reputable discount real estate broker company established by Drew Uher in 2012. It is a common platform where sellers meet the buyers.
They have a huge agent database that handles multiple clients at a time. This could lead to miscommunication and a lack of personalized support.
5. Prevu
Lower Commission
Listing Fee: 1.5% of Sale Price5/5
Prevu is a reliable discount real estate agent service. It offers full service to sellers, like a traditional broker.
- 1.5% Commission: Prevu charges a fixed 1.5% commission on the total home sale value. It includes features like home valuation, professional photographs, closing assistance, etc.
👉 Our Take: Prevu offers services from listing your home to its closing. It charges you a non-negotiable commission of 1.5% of the home sale value. However, it could cost you more in commission for a high-value house.
Based on our research, the benefits of Prevu are:
- Advanced Marketing: It includes home valuation, 3D virtual tours, open houses, professional photographs, listing on MLS, and social ad campaigns.
- Market Exposure: Your listing will be displayed on sites like Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc.
- Closing Costs Calculator: You can get an estimate of their closing costs.
Here are some limitations we found with Prevu:
- Limited Coverage: Prevu serves 13 states and Washington D.C. focusing on metro areas and suburbs.
- Not Ideal for High-Value Homes: Prevu’s model might not be ideal for luxury homes. For example, selling a house worth $500,000 would still mean paying $7,500 in commission.
- Variable Listing Fee: The listing fee with Prevu can vary based on your location, which may result in higher costs depending on the market.
- Mobile App: The company does not provide any mobile application service to its users.
Prevu has a stellar rating of 5 out of 5 on Google.
» Prevu Reviews: Is it a good idea to choose them? Read the comprehensive review to learn more.
Prevu is a licensed full-service discount real estate broker based in New York. They service in Colorado, Connecticut, Washington DC, Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.
It has highly qualified agents and over 500 positive reviews on Google. However, Prevu has a small team of agents who deal with many clients. This limits your ability to select an agent of your choice.
How Much Will You Save With a Discount Real Estate Broker in California?
You could save up to $19,629 when selling a median-priced $802,300 home with a Flat Fee MLS service in California.
However, if you pay a standard 3% commission fee, you’d have to pay a whopping $24,069 to your listing agent. But, with Houzeo’s Gold plan, you will only pay $429 with a 0.5% charge at closing.
| Details | Traditional Realtor (3%) | Houzeo’s Flat Fee |
| Median sale price | $802,300 | $802,300 |
| Listing Price | $24,069 | $4,440 |
| Savings | $0 | $19,629 |
» Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews to know why it is one of the best discount real estate brokers in California!
How to Find Discount Real Estate Brokers Near Me in California?
Here’s a list of the best discount Realtors in the most popular cities of the Golden State:
| 1. San Fernando Valley, CA | Discount Real Estate Brokers in San Fernando Valley, CA |
| 2. Ramona, CA | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Ramona, CA |
| 3. Indio, CA | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Indio, CA |
| 4. San Diego, CA | Discount Realtors in San Diego, CA |
| 5. San Jose, CA | Real Estate Discount Brokers in San Jose, CA |
| 6. Ventura, CA | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Ventura, CA |
| 7. Sacramento, CA | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Sacramento, CA |
| 8. Orange Country, CA | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Orange County, CA |
| 9. Los Angeles, CA | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Los Angeles, CA |
| 10. San Francisco, CA | Real Estate Discount Brokers in San Francisco, CA |
Pros and Cons of Discount Realtors in California
Discount real estate brokers in California offer a great way to save. While this cost-saving option sounds good, it’s important to weigh both the pros and cons:
Pros ✅
- Lower Fees: You’ll pay less than a traditional 3% Realtor. And get access to all the features and tools for a much lower fee.
- Full-Service Support: Discount real estate agents in California offer all basic home-selling services. This includes assistance with how to price your home, marketing, paperwork, and negotiations.
- MLS Access: Discount brokers help you list your home on the MLS in California, providing exposure to a maximum no. of buyers.
Cons ❌
- Hidden Fees: Some discount brokerages in California may charge hidden fees for additional a la carte services. You must do your research and opt for the best discount Realtors in CA.
- Inconsistent Service: Some discounted brokers in California handle multiple clients at once, so personalized attention may be limited. They do this to make up for the reduced commission rate.
- High Cancellation Fees: A few of the discount brokers may impose a significant withdrawal fee if you cancel your agreement within a specific time frame.
Alternatives to Discount Real Estate Brokers in California
Here are some other options to consider for selling a house in California:
- For Sale By Owner Companies: In a FSBO sale, you have to handle every step from listing to paperwork. You can choose For Sale By Owner websites in California that provide MLS access.
- Cash Buyers: Cash buyers in California, including iBuyers, investors, and home flippers, actively search on the MLS for the listed properties.
- Full-Service Realtor: If you can’t handle the process yourself, you can opt for the traditional home-selling method. But, you’ll have to pay a 3% commission fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best discount real estate brokers in California?
The top discount real estate brokers in California are Houzeo.com and Flat Fee California Realty. However, Houzeo stands #1 with its 4.9-star rating based on thousands of customer reviews compared to CA Flat Fee has 102 reviews.
How much is the real estate agent fees in California?
On average, traditional agents in California charge a whopping 3% of the sale price as commission. On the other hand, discount real estate brokerage firms in California charge a flat fee or a fixed percent of 1%.
How do I find a discount real estate broker near me in California?
To find a discount Realtor near you, check online reviews and ratings of local discount brokers. Houzeo can list your home on the MLS within 24 to 48 hours and lets you review and compare offers, manage showings everything with mobile app.
