You save a whopping $10,545 when selling a median-priced $351,500 home in Texas. But how? With a discount real estate broker in Texas, 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 Texas Discount Real Estate Brokers
As Texas’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 Texas. They offer lower commission rates and services compared to traditional Realtors. We’ve ranked the top 5 discount brokerages in the Lone Star 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. | Hometiva | $3,495 Flat Fee | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. | Heights Discount Realty | 2% Commission | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. | Ideal Agent | 2% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 5. | UpNest | 4.3% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
What Are the Types of Discount Real Estate Brokers?
Texas 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 Texas
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 Texas. 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. Hometiva
GREAT LOCAL EXPOSURE
Listing Fee: $3,495 Flat Fee5/5
Hometiva offers a simple pricing structure for listing fees based on the value of your home.
- Homes Up to $300,000 – $3,495 Fee: This base listing fee for homes in this price range, covers essential services like pricing assistance and listing support.
- Homes Up to $300,000-$500,000 – $3,995 Fee: For mid-range homes, they charge a slightly higher fee to account for additional costs involved.
- Homes Up to $600,000-$650,000 – $4,495 to $4,995 Fee: As the listing price increases, the listing fee is adjusted accordingly to cover more extensive services.
- Homes Up to $700,000-$800,000 – $5,495 to $5,995 Fee: Premium listings in this range will incur these fees to provide advanced marketing and listing support.
- Homes Over $1 Million – Custom Quote: For luxury homes, they provide a customized listing fee based on specific property needs.
👉 Our Take: The flat fee structure offers sellers transparency and predictability. However, closing costs can vary, and higher-end homes may face more expenses depending on the listing price and additional services required.
Here are some advantages of choosing their service:
- In-Home Consultation: The team meets with clients in person to evaluate the property and answer any questions. During the consultation, they provide market analysis, and pricing opinions, and develop a customized strategy for listing the home.
- Professional Home Preparation: Once the home is ready, they arrange for professional photography and deliver a premium yard sign. The home can be listed within 48 hours of the photo session, and clients will have a dedicated point of contact throughout the entire process.
- Negotiation Support: Their experienced agents guide clients through offers and contract discussions, ensuring the best terms are negotiated. They assist with inspections, and appraisals, and ensure a smooth transition to closing.
- Inspection & Appraisal Guidance: They help clients guide the inspection and appraisal process, providing expert advice on handling any issues. With their experience, they’ve likely encountered and resolved most inspection challenges.
Hometiva offers certain disadvantages:
- Limited Coverage: Hometiva offers its services in Texas across 19 cities and counties. This includes Frisco, Dallas, Irving, etc, and other surrounding areas.
- Higher Listing Fee: You pay a higher commission for a less-valued house. For instance, for a house worth $300,000, you pay $3,495 instead of a lower flat fee. This means you are paying more than 10% of the listing price.
- Lack of Flexibility in Negotiation: Some sellers may feel restricted if they want a more hands-on role during the negotiation and decision-making process.
Hometiva has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Google.
Hometiva, founded by Brandon Carrington, offers full-service real estate support to sellers in Frisco, Plano, and North Texas. With $300 million in home sales and a discount model that saves clients an average of $10,500, Hometiva is ideal for sellers wanting to reduce commissions.
Their team has received over 300 five-star reviews and saved clients over $5 million in commissions. Hometiva’s listing package is best for higher-priced homes. However, their market expertise and proven success make them a top choice for sellers.
Reviews: 3 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers in Texas
3. Heights Discount Realty
Discounted Commission
Listing Fee: 2% Commission5/5
Heights Discount Realty is a full-service discount brokerage. It offers a single package for sellers.
- Commission (2%): Heights Discount Realty offers services like MLS listing, a yard sign, and scheduling showings, etc.
👉 Our Take: Heights Discount Realty charges a 2% commission which is lower than the market rate. However, other discount brokerages may charge you competitively for almost the same services.
Heights Discount Realty offers various advantages:
- Market Exposure: Your home gets listed on popular websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and Homes.com.
- Customer Support: The Heights Discount Realty team provides assistance 7 days a week. This makes them reliable and dedicated to their customers.
- Listing Booster: A dedicated website is provided for the listing of your house. This website includes a virtual house video, aerial drone photos, nearby places of interest, and maps.
Heights Discount Realty has some disadvantage:
- Fewer Savings: You will only save 1% commission. Whereas, other discount brokerages can offer you lower prices.
- Limited Coverage: Its expertise and network are only focused on the Texas real estate market.
Heights Discount Realty has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Realtor.com.
Heights Discount Realty was established by Ms. Teresa Adams. It is a licensed brokerage headquartered in Texas.
Heights Discount Realty creates your personalized home listing website. This website includes a virtual tour, surrounding points of interest, a property film, maps, and other features.
4. 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.
5. 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 with the agent.
How Much Will You Save With a Discount Real Estate Broker in Texas?
You could save up to $8,359 when selling a median-priced $351,500 home with a Flat Fee MLS service in Texas.
However, if you pay a standard 3% commission fee, you’d have to pay a whopping $10,545 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 | $351,500 | $351,500 |
| Listing Price | $10,545 | $2,186 |
| Savings | $0 | $8,359 |
» Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews to know why it is one of the best discount real estate brokers in Texas!
How to Find Discount Real Estate Brokers Near Me in Texas?
Here’s a list of the best discount Realtors in the most popular cities of the Lone Star State:
| 1. San Antonio, TX | Discount Real Estate Brokers in San Antonio, TX |
| 2. Georgetown, TX | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Georgetown, TX |
| 3. Dallas, TX | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Dallas, TX |
| 4. Houston, TX | Discount Realtors in Houston, TX |
| 5. Austin, TX | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Austin, TX |
Pros and Cons of Discount Realtors in Texas
Discount real estate brokers in Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas, providing exposure to a maximum no. of buyers.
Cons ❌
- Hidden Fees: Some discount brokerages in Texas may charge hidden fees for additional a la carte services. You must do your research and opt for the best discount Realtors in TX.
- Inconsistent Service: Some discounted brokers in Texas 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 Texas
Here are some other options to consider for selling a house in Texas:
- 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 Texas that provide MLS access.
- Cash Buyers: Cash buyers in Texas, 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 Texas?
The top discount real estate brokers in Texas are Houzeo.com and Hometiva. However, Houzeo stands #1 with its 4.9-star rating based on thousands of customer reviews compared to Hometiva's 153 reviews.
How much is the real estate agent fees in Texas?
On average, traditional agents in Texas charge a whopping 3% of the sale price as commission. On the other hand, discount real estate brokerage firms in Texas charge a flat fee or a fixed percent of 1%.
How do I find a discount real estate broker near me in Texas?
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.
