BREAKING NEWS: Post the NAR Settlement, Louisiana discount real estate brokers can save you almost the entire 6% commission. That translates to saving up to $15,090 in commission on an average $251,500 Louisiana home.
Whether you’re selling a house in Shreveport or New Orleans, the best discount real estate brokers in Louisiana 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 $15K on an average Louisiana home.
Rankings: Top 5 Louisiana Discount Real Estate Brokers
We’ve listed the top 5 discount real estate brokers in the Pelican State based on how much you can save on an average $251,500 home.
Rank | Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Listing Fee | Additional Charges | Max Savings | 100% Online | Mobile App |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Houzeo.com | $399 Flat Fee | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
2. | Redfin | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
3. | FSBO.com | $399 Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
4. | Ideal Agent | 2% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
5. | Flat Fee Realty | Varies | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Types of Real Estate Discount Brokers in Louisiana
There are two types of Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana
1. Houzeo.com: Max Savings, No Hidden Fees
#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 $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.
Houzeo is Louisiana’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. Redfin: 1% Listing Fee, Statewide Coverage
Best-In-Class Agents
Redfin.comRedfin 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!
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 an 18-day timeframe for listing your property. Additionally, some customers have expressed concerns about their agents’ professionalism.
Reviews: 3 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers in Louisiana
3. FSBO.com
OLDEST FSBO WEBSITE
FSBO.comFSBO.com offers two packages to home sellers:
For Home Sellers:
- FSBO Package ($99.95): This includes an FSBO.com listing for six months with unlimited photos and one video. You can also edit and cancel your listing 24/7.
- MLS Package ($399.95): This package includes everything from the FSBO package plus six months’ access to the MLS.
👉 Our Take: FSBO.com suits experienced, hands-on sellers looking to save on commissions. However, less experienced or those preferring a hands-off approach may find an agent worth the cost.
Here’s what makes FSBO.com stand out:
- Market Exposure: Your listing will be advertised on sites like Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and others, in addition to the MLS.
- Full Control: The sellers get complete control over the home sale process, from pricing to negotiation.
- Wide Coverage: FSBO.com is a presence in all 50 states, allowing users from all over the country to employ their services.
Here are a few red flags of FSBO.com:
- Time and Effort: Since there is no agent, the sellers will have to handle the marketing, negotiations, and paperwork alone, which can be tedious.
- Outsourced MLS Services: FSBO.com is not a licensed real estate broker; hence, they outsource the services to independent agents and licensed brokerages. This may result in a difference in the quality of service.
- Limited Expertise: Without the agent, inexperienced sellers may have trouble with pricing, marketing, and negotiating the best deal.
FSBO.com has been rated 2.9 out of 5.0 on Trustpilot.
» FSBO.com Reviews: Find out why the oldest FSBO site isn’t the best in 2023’s slow market.
FSBO.com is available in all states with coverage in 50+ markets. They allow sellers to list their property for sale while saving on the listing agent’s commission.
But you should know that additional services can add up to a total of $335 in costs over and above your flat fee package!
4. Ideal Agent
Agent Matching Service
Ideal AgentIdeal 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?
Steve Johnston established ldeal Agent in 2016. It is headquartered in Tampa. It offers all the traditional Realtor services with a 2% commission on home sale value.
However, customers who have used their services have complained about hidden charges.
5. Flat Fee Realty
Affordable MLS Listing
Flat Fee RealtyFlat 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.
Discount Real Estate Brokers Louisiana: How Much Will You Save?💲
Louisiana 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 $15,090 to sell an average $251,500 house in the Sunshine State. But, if you choose a flat-rate broker company, you save thousands. With Houzeo’s Gold plan, you only pay $1,687 and save $13,404!
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.
Lara Shane Saved $24,000 With Houzeo, You Can Too!
Start Your Home Selling Journey
Discount Realtors in Louisiana: Pros and Cons
Even though cheap Realtors in Louisiana 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 Louisiana than a 6% Realtor. Even if you only want to list your Louisiana home on MLS, you pay a much lower fee than the typical 3% listing agent fee.
- Receive Full-Service Realtor Services: Discount real estate agents in Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 LA.
- Unreliable Service Quality: Discounted real estate brokers in Louisiana 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: An LA 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 Louisiana
Here are some options if you do not want to opt for a discount Realtor in Louisiana:
- 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 Louisiana will help you list on the MLS and increase exposure.
- Sell Your House to Cash Buyers: Almost all cash buyers in Louisiana scour the MLS for Louisiana 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 Louisiana. You’ll end up paying a full 5% to 6% commission. That’s $15,090 on a $251,500 home gone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the best discount real estate brokers in Louisiana?
Houzeo.com and Redfin are the top discount real estate brokers in Louisiana. Both provide an incredible combination of savings and technology. However, Redfin has only 3.4 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 Louisiana?
On average, traditional agents in Louisiana charge 5% to 6% of the sale price as commission. On the other hand, discount real estate brokerage firms in Louisiana charge 1% to 3%.
How do I find a discount broker near me in Louisiana?
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 Louisiana?
Yes, you can! Infact, post the NAR Settlement, you can now also negotiate buyer’s agent commissions.