BREAKING NEWS: Post the NAR Settlement, Maryland discount real estate brokers can save you almost the entire 6% commission. That translates to saving up to $26,166 in commission on an average $436,100 Maryland home.
Whether you’re selling a house in Annapolis or Baltimore, the best discount real estate brokers in Maryland 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 $26K on an average Maryland home.
Rankings: Top 5 Maryland Discount Real Estate Brokers
We’ve listed the top 5 discount real estate brokers in the Free State based on how much you can save on an average $436,100 home.
| 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. | Mr. Lister Realty | $999 + 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. | Assist 2 Sell | $2,995 + | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 4. | Houwzer | 1% of Sale Price | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. | Redfin | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Types of Real Estate Discount Brokers in Maryland
There are two types of Maryland 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 Maryland 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: 3 Best Flat Rate Discount Real Estate Companies in Maryland
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.
» 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 Maryland’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. Mr. Lister Realty
GREAT LOCAL EXPOSURE
Listing Fee: Starts at $5504.9/5
Mr. Lister Realty is a flat fee discount brokerage based in Maryland. It provides four MLS listing packages.
- Quick List – ($550): Includes a basic MLS listing for one year with 20 photos.
- Seller’s Choice – ($750): Includes 30 photos, a professional sign, settlement sheet/HUD/ALTA review, closing cost calculations, and more.
- Discounted Full Service – ($995 + 1%): Includes virtual agent support, a photo shoot, the agent will help to determine the list price, negotiation assistance, and more.
- Full Service Plus – ($1 + 1.75%): Includes complete agent services, including full transaction coordination with no upfront fees.
👉 Our Take: We recommend the full-service package as you get agent assistance throughout the transaction. It also provides features like professional photography for your home and closing costs assistance.
Based on our research, the benefits of Mr. Lister Realty are:
- Flexible Options: There are different packages that provide flexibility for sellers with various needs.
- Comprehensive Support: Full-service options include help with inspections, appraisals, and offer negotiations.
- Market Exposure: Along with the MLS, your home will be displayed on real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, etc.
- Professional Photography: Their full-service and full-service plus package comes with a professional photo shoot of your property.
Here are some limitations we found with Mr. Lister Realty:
- Fewer Services: The ‘Quick List’ and ‘Sellers Choice’ packages offer very few services. You can upload only 20-30 house pictures and you get limited agent support. This could hamper your selling experience.
- Expensive Full-Service Package: Their full-service package is expensive as it costs $995+1% listing fee. So if your home costs $500,000 you will end up paying around $6,000 in listing fees alone!
Mr. Lister Realty has a 4.9 out of 5-star rating on Google.
Mr. Lister Realty is a flat fee brokerage based in Maryland. Their packages start from $450 and vary based on the services provided.
The basic packages lack several essential services such as agent assistance, negotiations, closing cost calculation, etc. While the full-service package may be expensive for home sellers.
3. Assist 2 Sell
A POPULAR FRANCHISE
Listing Fee: Flat Fee $2,995 Onwards5/5
Assist 2 Sell is a full-service flat fee brokerage that provides services throughout the U.S.
- Flat Rate (as low as $2,995): Assist 2 Sell charges a flat fee of as low as $2,995 for selling your home if the buyer comes directly through Assist 2 Sell. This fee may vary based on the price of your home and its location.
👉 Our Take: Assist 2 Sell charges a non-negotiable flat fee to the home seller based on the house’s value. The company’s fees differ by its offices’ locations. Comparing the pricing with other discount brokerages can help you save more.
Here’s are the benefits of Assist to Sell:
- Positive Reviews: Assist 2 Sell has positive reviews at most of its locations.
- Helps with Paperwork: Assist 2 Sell helps you with all the paperwork and escrow processes. Moreover, it also assists with arranging inspections and appraisals.
- Maximum Exposure: Assist 2 Sell markets your property on hundreds of top real estate websites. This increases the visibility of your house and its chances of getting sold quickly.
Assist 2 Sell has a few drawbacks:
- Obscure Pricing: Assist 2 Sell doesn’t express transparency in its pricing. Based on the location, its pricing changes from a flat fee on the property price to a percentage of the sale price and agent commissions depending upon the location.
- Lacks Personal Attention: A single agent handles multiple clients to compensate for lower commissions. This may result in a lack of personal assistance.
- No Guarantee of Savings: Every agent at Assist 2 Sell sets their own commission structure, indicating differences in payable commissions, which may not always save you money.
Assist 2 Sell has a 5 out of 5-star rating on Zillow.
Assist 2 Sell is a full-service discount brokerage that charges a flat fee to list your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
They offer services like paperwork assistance, property marketing, and arranging inspections, helping you sell your home efficiently. With positive reviews and a wide range of services, Assist 2 Sell can be a cost-effective option for home sellers.
Reviews: 2 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers in Maryland
4. Houwzer
BEST FOR LOW VALUE HOMES
Listing Fee: 1% of Sale Price4/5
Houwzer is a full-service discount Realtor. It offers:
- 1% Commission: It charges a fixed 1% listing fee on the total home sale price. That’s huge, for a $500,000 home, you’ll pay around $5,000. This 1% fee includes the charges for signs, photography, open houses, negotiation, etc.
👉 Our Take: The 1% commission is a little steep for MLS access. You can consider a Flat Fee MLS alternative for more savings and better tech.
Based on our research, the benefits of Houwzer are:
- Market Exposure: Your listing will be displayed on sites like Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc.
- Unlimited Showings: Houwzer’s agents are available seven days a week. You can schedule as many private showings as you want.
- Proprietary Software: You can organize your sale easily with Houwzer’s tech tools
Here are some limitations we found with Houwzer:
- Not Ideal for High-Value Homes: Houwzer’s model might not be ideal for luxury homes. For example, selling a house worth $1 million would still mean paying $10,000 in commission.
- Less Personalized Service: Houwzer agents handle multiple clients due to the flat-fee model, which means you might not get one-on-one attention.
Houwzer has an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars on Yelp.
» Houwzer Reviews: Check out our detailed reviews on Houwzer.
Houwzer was established in Philadelphia, in 2014. Its easy-to-navigate dashboard lets you chat with the agent and track your listings. Moreover, other services like photography and closing assistance, make your home-selling journey easy.
Houwzer does not provide personalized assistance. The agents are salaried and handle multiple clients at once. This may discomfort you while dealing with them.
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 was headquartered in Seattle in 2002 by Mr. David Eraker. It covers 80+ markets in the US. They have an operating business license in New York as Redfin Real Estate.
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 the agent’s professionalism.
Discount Real Estate Brokers Maryland: How Much Will You Save?💲
Maryland 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 $26,166 to sell an average $436,100 house in the Free State. But, if you choose a flat-rate broker company, you save thousands. With Houzeo’s Gold plan, you only pay $2,610 and save $23,557!
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 Maryland: Pros and Cons
Even though cheap Realtors in Maryland 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 Maryland than a 6% Realtor. Even if you only want to list your Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland 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 MD.
- Unreliable Service Quality: Discounted real estate brokers in Maryland 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 MD 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 Maryland
Here are some options if you do not want to opt for a discount Realtor in Maryland:
- 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 Maryland will help you list on the MLS and increase exposure.
- Sell Your House to Cash Buyers: Almost all cash buyers in Maryland scour the MLS for Maryland 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 Maryland. You’ll end up paying a full 5% to 6% commission. That’s $26,166 on a $436,100 home gone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the best discount real estate brokers in Maryland?
Houzeo.com and Mr. Lister Realty are the top discount real estate brokers in Maryland. Both provide an incredible combination of savings and technology. However, Mr. Lister Realty has only 6 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 Maryland?
On average, traditional agents in Maryland charge 5% to 6% of the sale price as commission. On the other hand, discount real estate brokerage firms in Maryland charge 1% to 3%.
How do I find a discount broker near me in Maryland?
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 Maryland?
Yes, you can! Infact, post the NAR Settlement, you can now also negotiate buyer’s agent commissions.
