You save a whopping $7,692 when selling a median-priced $256,400 home in Michigan. But how? With a discount real estate broker in Michigan, 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 Michigan Discount Real Estate Brokers
We’ve ranked the top 5 discount brokerages in the Wolverine State for you to choose from.
| Rank | Discount Real Estate Companies | Total Commission | Your Savings | Our Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Houzeo | $429 Upfront + 0.5% at Close | $9,746 | #1 Flat Fee Listing Service 🥇 Best for most sellers due to a combination of unbeatable savings, 5-star customer support, and 100% online tech. |
| 2. | Flat Fee Florida Realty | $3,895 | $8,336 | #2 Local Flat Rate Brokerage 🥈 Ideal for sellers who want a seasoned broker to guide their home sale. Local expertise adds value, though the cost is nearly 1% of an average Florida's home price. |
| 3. | SimpleShowing | 1% at Close | $8,154 | #3 Local Discount Percent Brokerage 🥉 Great for sellers seeking full-service realty with 5-Star ratings. However, paying 1% may feel steep if your home's value is between $150K to $200K. |
| 4. | Houwzer | 1% at Close | $8,154 | #4 1% Discount Realty Service 💸 Best for homeowners selling a high-value properties, offering significant savings. However, personalized assistance may be limited. |
| 5. | Redfin | 1% at Close | $8,154 | #5 Best Flat Percentage Brokerage 💸 Perfect for homeowners looking to spend 1% to avail full-service, in-person support. However, your experience depends on the agent assigned to you.. |
What Are the Types of Discount Real Estate Brokers?
Michigan 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 Michigan
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 Michigan. 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. Modern Way Realty
COST-EFFECTIVE
Listing Fee: $295 Flat Fee & Onwards5/5
Modern Way Realty is a flat fee company based in Michigan. It offers four packages:
- Basic – Do it Yourself Package ($295): This package includes a 6-month listing term and 10 photos. Your property will be listed on Michigan MLS and other websites like Zillow, Realtor, and more. You will also receive all the real estate forms and disclosures in this package.
- Standard – Do it Yourself Package ($395): It has the same offerings as the Basic DIY package with an option to upload up to 40 photos. You also get access to their closing cost calculator and unlimited price changes.
- Premium – Full-Service Package ($895): This package includes everything in the Standard DIY package, as well as dedicated agent assistance, document review, closing assistance, negotiation assistance, and more.
- Platinum – Full-Service Package ($995): This package includes all the features of the Premium Full-Service package. However, you get a comparative market analysis and the option to make unlimited changes to your listing, barring photos.
👉 Our Take: Modern Way Realty is a good choice for sellers. It offers various listing packages while ensuring a comprehensive, full-service experience for sellers. However, its high-end packages provide almost the same services.
Modern Way Realty offers the following advantages:
- 100% Online Process: The entire home listing and selling process is paperless and conducted online. Moreover, agent interactions are virtual, removing the need for in-person meetings, saving time and reducing hassle.
- Maximum Market Exposure: Your property is listed on the local MLS and other popular sites like Realtor.com and Zillow. This way, your listing gets a lot of exposure to attract potential home buyers.
- Agent Representation: The full-service package includes dedicated agent support. They will assist you at every step of your home-selling process.
Modern Way Realty has certain disadvantages:
- Limited Coverage: Modern Way Realty covers only the state of Michigan. Thus, the customer base and potential buyer pool are limited.
- No Mobile App: There is no dedicated mobile application for home sellers. This restricts quick and convenient access to information and services.
Modern Way Realty has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Google.
» Modern Way Realty Reviews: Find out everything you need to know.
Modern Way Realty is a licensed brokerage established by Ms. Melissa Socha. It offers its services only in Michigan. They have good customer feedback for their prompt responses and constant client support.
However, their coverage is limited resulting in a small pool of potential buyers.
Reviews: 3 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers in Michigan
3. Ideal Agent
Agent Matching Service
Listing Fee: 2% of Sale Price5/5
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?
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.
Ideal Agent lacks a modern technology system. Customers who have used their services have complained about hidden charges.
4. UpNest
Negotiable FEES
Listing Fee: Varies as per the agent4.7/5
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.
UpNest is a licensed agent-matching brokerage. It is headquartered in California. Move, Inc.,(Realtor.com the parent company) acquired Upnest in June 2022.
UpNest pairs you with local agents with a proven sales record. However, you may end up fixing a high commission for the agent.
5. HomeLight
GOOD AGENT COVERAGE
Listing Fee: 2.5% of sale price4.6/5
HomeLight has a network of thousands of successful real estate agents and brokers. It is an agent-matching tech-platform.
- Standard Commission: HomeLight is a free agent-matching platform. The agent you get through this platform will charge the standard commission of 2% to 3% for listing.
👉 Our Take: HomeLight provides decent agent-matching services. However, the standard listing commission means zero savings for you.
» HomeLight Reviews: The Truth You Need To Know
HomeLight offers a number of advantages to both sellers and buyers:
For Home Sellers:
- Free Agent Matching: The agent matching service from HomeLight is free for home sellers. HomeLight furnishes details of the best real estate agents in your neighborhood. Depending on the agent, the traditional 5% to 6% commission is charged.
- Estimators and Calculators: HomeLight offers Home Value Estimator, Best Time To Sell Calculator, Agent Commissions Calculator, and Net Proceeds Calculator to home sellers.
- HomeLight Simple Sale: HomeLight has a network of pre-approved buyers. If you want to sell your house fast, this option allows you to sell it to a cash buyer within 7 days.
For Home Buyers:
- Home Search Feature: Buyers can search for homes by city, zip code, or address.
- Estimators: HomeLight offers estimators like Home Affordability Calculator, Down Payment Calculator, and Closing Costs Calculator for home buyers.
In our research, we have found some red flags associated with HomeLight.
- Inconsistent Agent Quality: The agents they assign may not work at your convenience. Even the listing speed will be based on the agent selected.
- Off-market Restriction: Registering on HomeLight will get you offers from agents instantly. Although the process is fast, only homes that are off-market are allowed.
HomeLight has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 237 reviews on Sitejabber.
HomeLight is a reputable discount real estate broker company established by Drew Uherwebsite 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.
How Much Will You Save With a Discount Real Estate Broker in Michigan?
You could save up to $5,981 when selling a median-priced $256,400 home with a Flat Fee MLS service in Michigan.
However, if you pay a standard 3% commission fee, you’d have to pay a whopping $7,692 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 | $256,400 | $256,400 |
| Listing Fee | $7,692 | $1,711 |
| Savings | $0 | $5,981 |
» Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews to know why it is one of the best discount real estate brokers in Michigan!
Pros and Cons of Discount Realtors in Michigan
Discount real estate brokers in Michigan 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 Michigan 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 Michigan, providing exposure to a maximum no. of buyers.
❌ Cons
- Hidden Fees: Some discount brokerages in Michigan may charge hidden fees for additional a la carte services. You must do your research and opt for the best discount Realtors in MI.
- Inconsistent Service: Some discounted brokers in Michigan 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 Michigan
Here are some other options to consider for selling a house in Michigan:
- 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 Michigan that provide MLS access.
- Cash Buyers: Cash buyers in Michigan, 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 Michigan?
The top discount real estate brokers in Michigan are Houzeo.com and Modern Way Realty. However, Houzeo stands #1 with its 4.9-star rating based on thousands of customer reviews compared to Modern Way Realty's 120+ reviews.
How much is the real estate agent fees in Michigan?
On average, traditional agents in Michigan charge a whopping 3% of the sale price as commission. On the other hand, discount real estate brokerage firms in Michigan charge a flat fee or a fixed percent of 1%.
How do I find a discount broker near me in Michigan?
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.
