You save a whopping $8,499 when selling a median-priced $283,300 home in Illinois. But how? With a discount real estate broker in Illinois, 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 Illinois Discount Real Estate Brokers
As Illinois’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 Illinois. They offer lower commission rates and services compared to traditional Realtors. We’ve ranked the top 5 discount brokerages in the Prairie State for you to choose from.
| Rank | Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Listing Fee | Max Savings | 100% Online | 5-Star Reviews* | Broad Coverage | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Houzeo | $399 Flat Fee | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. | Lucid Realty | 1%-2.5% Commission | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. | Flat Fee Realty | Varies | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. | Redefy | $3,500 Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. | Redfin | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
What Are the Types of Discount Real Estate Brokers?
Illinois 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 Illinois
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 Illinois. 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. Lucid Realty
GREAT LOCAL EXPOSURE
Listing Fee: 1%-2.5% Commission5/5
Lucid Realty is a full-service discount brokerage. It offers a pricing plan that helps you sell your house with less commission.
- Commission (1% to 1.25%): Lucid Realty provides its listing services with a commission between 1% to 2.5%. It includes services like a single point of contact, professional photography, yard signage, etc.
👉 Our Take: Lucid Realty offers full-service brokerage at a much lower commission. It follows a sliding scale service method where your expensive house makes you save more. However, you may consider other flat-fee brokerages that would eventually make you pay less.
Lucid Realty offers certain advantages:
- Agent Assistance: You will be assigned a single agent throughout your home-selling process. He will guide you in your home inspection and home appraisal procedure too.
- Local Exposure: Lucid Realty lists your house on the local MLS to get better exposure. This helps to sell your house fast.
- Comprehensive Market Analysis: Sellers receive a thorough market analysis and pricing recommendation, ensuring their home is competitively priced.
- Exclusive Marketing Plan: Lucid Realty evaluates your house’s key features and provides suggestions for the same. It also gives you price recommendations and guidance on market analysis.
Lucid Realty has certain disadvantages:
- Fluctuating Commission: The commission percent is not fixed. It may go to 1.25% which is higher than another discount brokerage.
- Coverage: It offers services only in the Chicago suburbs and its neighborhoods.
Lucid Realty has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Yelp.
Lucid Realty, founded by industry veterans Gary Lucido and Sari Levy, provides a full-service experience at a fraction of the traditional cost. They built the company to challenge the outdated, high-fee models of conventional brokers.
Sellers who choose Lucid Realty gain access to significant savings, with 1% to 2.5% commissions and buyer rebates, all while receiving the same level of support as full-price brokerages.
Reviews: 3 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers in Illinois
3. Flat Fee Realty
Affordable MLS Listing
Listing Fee: Starts from $1993.2/5
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.
Fred Romano owns Flat Fee Realty LLC. The company is a licensed brokerage in Connecticut. In the remaining states, they partner with licensed brokers to list your property on the MLS.
Flat Fee Realty charges 0.10 – 0.25% commission at closing. Even though they claim the buyer agent pays this, the entire commission comes out of the seller’s proceeds.
4. Redefy
IN-HOUSE SUPPORT
Listing Fee: Starting at $3794/5
Redefy DIY is a real estate service that allows homeowners to list their properties on the MLS for a flat fee. It offers 3 packages:
- Self-Service – ($379): This plan includes a 6-month listing on Zillow, Realtor.com, and your local MLS. You get a yard sign, 10 photos, and a door key lockbox. No agent support is provided.
- Limited Service – ($499): Features a 1-year listing on Zillow, Realtor.com, and your local MLS. It includes a yard sign, 25 photos, a door key lock box, and CSS showing service. It also includes live chat support.
- Virtual Full Service – ($2,995): This premium plan provides a 1-year listing with all features from the Limited Service plan. Additionally, you get in-home consulatation, contract reviews, professional photography, and market analysis.
👉 Our Take: Redefy is a good option if you want flexible pricing and prioritize savings over personalized service. However, the service quality may vary and you’ll need to opt for the premium package for additional support.
Here’s what stands out about Redefy:
- Affordable Pricing: Packages start as low as $379, giving you flexible options to fit your budget. Every plan includes essential features like local listing, email, text, live chat support, yard signs, and door lock keys.
- In-House Support: You are provided with professional in-house support like home staging with accurate pricing.
- Mortgage Calculator: Redefy’s Mortgage Calculator allows you to estimate your overall mortgage, insurance, and taxes.
Here are some of the downsides of working with Redefy::
- Limited Agent Availability: Full support is only available with the premium package, and service quality can vary.
- Lack of Personalized Services: Customers have often complained that Redefy agents are not able to give personalized service, as they serve a high volume of clients.
- Limited Coverage: Services are only available in 9 states: Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
Redefy has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Yelp.
Redefy is a discount real estate brokerage introduced in 2011. It is headquartered in Aurora, Colorado.
It is a licensed firm that works on the principle of a flat fee. This means for your million-dollar house you just pay a flat rate. You also need to pay $500 as a non-refundable deposit. This increases your overall package cost.
5. Redfin
BEST TECH-ENABLED BROKERAGE
Listing Fee: 1% of Sale Price4.2/5
Redfin 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 is a top nationwide real estate brokerage known for its advanced technology. Their premier package helps you sell luxury homes. The platform also provides easy access to local experts while selling a house by owner in Illinois.
How Much Will You Save With a Discount Real Estate Broker in Illinois?
You could save up to $6,645 when selling a median-priced $283,300 home with a Flat Fee MLS service in Illinois.
However, if you pay a standard 3% commission fee, you’d have to pay a whopping $8,499 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 | $283,300 | $283,300 |
| Listing Price | $8,499 | $1,845 |
| Savings | $0 | $6,654 |
» Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews to know why it is one of the best discount real estate brokers in Illinois!
How to Find a Discount Real Estate Broker in Illinois Near Me?
Here’s a list of the best discount Realtors in the most popular cities of the Prairie State:
| 1. Chicago, IL | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Chicago, IL |
| 2. Naperville, IL | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Naperville, IL |
| 3. Westchester, IL | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Westchester, IL |
Pros and Cons of Discount Realtors in Illinois
Discount real estate brokers in Illinois 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 Illinois 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 Illinois, providing exposure to a maximum no. of buyers.
Cons ❌
- Hidden Fees: Some discount brokerages in Illinois may charge hidden fees for additional a la carte services. You must do your research and opt for the best discount Realtors in IL.
- Inconsistent Service: Some discounted brokers in Illinois 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 Illinois
Here are some other options to consider for selling a house in Illinois:
- 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 Illinois that provide MLS access.
- Cash Buyers: Cash buyers in Illinois, 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 Illinois?
The top discount real estate brokers in Illinois are Houzeo.com and Lucid Realty. However, Houzeo stands #1 with its 4.9-star rating based on thousands of customer reviews compared to Lucid Realty's 22 reviews.
How much is the real estate agent fees in Illinois?
On average, traditional agents in Illinois charge a whopping 3% of the sale price as commission. On the other hand, discount real estate brokerage firms in Illinois charge a flat fee or a fixed percent of 1%.
How do I find a discount real estate broker near me in Illinois?
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.
