BREAKING NEWS: Post the NAR Settlement, Montana discount real estate brokers can save you almost the entire 6% commission. That translates to saving up to $28,092 in commission on an average $468,195 Montana home.
Whether you’re selling a house in Missoula or Sidney, the best discount real estate brokers in Montana 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 $28K on an average Montana home.
Rankings: Top 5 Montana Discount Real Estate Brokers
We’ve listed the top 5 discount real estate brokers in the Treasure State based on how much you can save on an average $468,195 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. | Montana Flat Fee MLS | $299 to $359,
Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. | Upnest | 4.3% commission or As Decided by Agent | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 4. | Redfin | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 5. | Coldwell Banker | 2%-6% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Types of Real Estate Discount Brokers in Montana
There are two types of Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana
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 $12,511.
- 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 10,100+ happy customers, Houzeo is the most trusted discount real estate broker.
Houzeo is Montana’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. Montana Flat Fee MLS
MID-RANGE OPTION
Listing Fee: $299 to $359Montana Flat Fee MLS offers you two Flat Fee MLS packages.
- By Owner – $299: This package includes a listing term of 6 months and 25 photos with access to all state forms disclosures. Also comes with a Realtor.com (Basic) listing.
- By Owner – $359: This package includes everything from $299 package. Additionally comes with a Realtor.com (Premium) listing and also has a “high impact photo listing” option.
👉 Our Take: We recommend the $299 package to fulfill your Flat Fee MLS needs. as the add-ons in the other package are honestly not worth the extra $60.
Montana Flat Fee MLS is affiliated with Brokerless Inc, a web-based flat fee MLS provider.
- State Disclosures: You are provided with all the state-required forms and disclosures along with the package.
- Free Status Changes: They offer free status changes once you find a buyer.
In our research, we came across some drawbacks of Montana Flat Fee MLS.
- Additional 0.25% Fee at Closing: Montana Flat Fee MLS refers your listings in Montana to ListWithFreedom.com or other Flat Fee Brokers. They typically charge a 0.25% fee at closing. So make sure to read the listing agreement carefully!
- Low on Tech: The website is basic and has no features or even a dashboard.
- No à la carte Services: The services offered are minimal. They do not even offer any customer support or assistance of any kind.
- No Credible Reviews: Montana Flat Fee MLS has no credible reviews from any trusted sites.
Montana Flat Fee MLS has no credible reviews.
Montana Flat Fee MLS is a flat fee MLS provider that is affiliated with Brokerless Inc. Their platform lets the user submit their own listings.
Reviews: 3 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers in Montana
3. 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 an online licensed agent-matching service provider. 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.
4. Redfin
#1 Nationwide Brokerage
1% Listing Fee3.7/5
Redfin is America’s #1 discount real estate brokerage. It offers services in 100+ real estate markets across the country in 49 states.
- Redfin Full-Service Agent – 1.5% Commission: This is a full-service package. This includes pricing assistance, listing paperwork, negotiation support, etc.
- Redfin Concierge – 2.5% Commission: The “Concierge” plan includes everything from the Full-Service package. Additional services include professional cleaning and home staging.
- Redfin Premier Agent – 1.5% Commission: This package is exclusively for luxury properties and includes everything that comes with the Full-Service package.
Mobile App: Yes
👉Our Take: When you opt for Redfin, you can save a considerable amount on the commission fees. Although Redfin tries to provide its service 3x faster than the traditional method, it limits its ability to provide personalized service.
Here are some advantages of choosing Redfin:
- Advanced Technology: Redfin is primarily known for its advanced tech platform and mobile app.
- Full-Service Agents at Low Commission – 1.5%: Redfin offers a full-service package for just 1.5%. It saves you thousands of dollars compared to the traditional 3% listing commission.
- Detailed Paperwork: Redfin handles the necessary paperwork and an elaborate listing agreement with a marketing plan.
- Nationwide Coverage: Redfin covers 80+ markets in the US.
- Easy Deal Closings: Redfin agents help with negotiations and guide you throughout your home-selling process. It will make your closing easy and faster.
» 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 the ack of personal attention by Redfin salaried agents.
- Limited Agent Selection: As per customer reviews, Redfin lacks an array of agents. This means you get an agent assigned automatically without having any choice in the matter.
- Lack of Personalized Services: Customers have often complained that Redfin agents are not able to give personalized service, as they serve a high volume of clients.
Redfin has an average rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars on Yelp and an average of 3.7 out of 5 stars on Google.
» Redfin Reviews: The reality of 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.
5. Coldwell Banker Realty
LOCAL YET NATIONAL
Listing Fee: 2.5%-3% of Sale Price1.3/5
Coldwell Banker offers a variety of free tools to the seller. It includes tools like a home value estimator, moving meter tool, local market data, and fast cash offer alternatives.
- 2.5%-3% Commission: Coldwell charges a traditional brokerage fee. It offers services like renovations, home staging, technology support, etc at no upfront cost. You may negotiate your offer with their agent to get a discount.
👉 Our Take: Coldwell Banker has a huge team of professional agents. They assist you at all the stages of your real estate transaction. However, we suggest reading the customer reviews before proceeding.
Coldwell Banker provides the following advantages:
- Local and Experienced Agents: Agents with local expertise help you learn more about the current housing market state. You can then price your house right.
- Seller’s Assurance Program: It offers benefits like home staging, renovations, and technology support at no upfront cost. You pay for this expense only after your house is sold.
- Home Financing: Coldwell Banker assists buyers with home financing options. This includes down payments, mortgage prequalification, loan approval, etc.
Coldwell Banker provides the following disadvantages:
- Poor Customer Feedback: Customers have mentioned issues regarding commission percentage and unprofessionalism.
- Undisclosed Commission: Coldwell Banker does not offer fixed packages like other discount brokerages. They don’t disclose pricing options until you consult with them, and without strong negotiation, you could pay more than necessary.
It has a rating of 1.3 out of 5 stars on Consumer Affairs.
Coldwell Banker has been serving the real estate industry since 1906. A large network of brokers and sales associates is spread across 40 countries.
It offers a mobile app that makes the online listing process easy. However, it has average customer feedback.
Discount Real Estate Brokers Montana: How Much Will You Save?💲
Montana 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 $28,092 to sell an average $468,195 house in the Treasure State. But, if you choose a flat-rate broker company, you save thousands. With Houzeo’s Gold plan, you only pay $2,770 and save $25,322!
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 Montana: Pros and Cons
Even though cheap Realtors in Montana 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 Montana than a 6% Realtor. Even if you only want to list your Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana 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 MT.
- Unreliable Service Quality: Discounted real estate brokers in Montana 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: A MT 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 Montana
Here are some options if you do not want to opt for a discount Realtor in Montana:
- 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 Montana will help you list on the MLS and increase exposure.
- Sell Your House to Cash Buyers: Almost all cash buyers in Montana scour the MLS for Montana 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 Montana. You’ll end up paying a full 5% to 6% commission. That’s $28,092 on a $468,195 home gone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the best discount real estate brokers in Montana?
Houzeo.com and Montana Flat Fee MLS are the top discount real estate brokers in Montana. Both provide an incredible combination of savings and technology. However, Montana Flat Fee MLS has no credible 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 Montana?
On average, traditional agents in Montana charge 5% to 6% of the sale price as commission. On the other hand, discount real estate brokerage firms in Montana charge 1% to 3%.
How do I find a discount broker near me in Montana?
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 Montana?
Yes, you can! Infact, post the NAR Settlement, you can now also negotiate buyer’s agent commissions.
