BREAKING NEWS: Post the NAR Settlement, Oahu discount real estate brokers can save you almost the entire 6% commission. That translates to saving up to $43,500 in commission on an average $725,000 Oahu home.
Whether you’re selling a house in Honolulu or Waikiki Beach, the best discount real estate brokers in Oahu 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 $43,500 on an average Oahu home.
Rankings: Top 5 Oahu Discount Real Estate Brokers
We’ve listed the top 5 discount real estate brokers in The Gathering Place based on how much you can save on an average $725,000 home.
| Rank | Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Listing Fee | Max Savings | 100% Online | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Houzeo.com | $399 Flat Fee | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. | OahuRE | $3,500 Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. | Upnest | 4.3% or As decided by the agent | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 4. | Redfin | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 5. | Trelora | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Types of Real Estate Discount Brokers in Oahu
There are two types of Oahu 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 Hawaii 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 Oahu
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 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 Oahu’s #1 ranked real estate brokerage company. It provides an unbeatable combination of maximum savings, and 5-star customer support, and is available both on iOS and Android platforms.
2. OahuRE
GREAT LOCAL EXPOSURE
Listing Fee: $3,5004.9/5
OahuRE.com is a Hawaii-based, full-service real estate discount broker. They offer two packages:
- Flat Fee – ($3,500): They charge a flat fee of $3,500 to list your home on the MLS, payable only after closing. This package includes market analysis, a closing cost calculator, paperwork assistance, and more.
- Full Service – (2% Commission): This is a full-service package that charges 2% of the final sale price at closing. Their services include agent assistance, professional photography, extensive marketing, etc.
👉 Our Take: We recommend the Flat Fee package as it comes with all the services you would require as a home seller. However, both packages seem a bit expensive. Other Flat Fee MLS companies offer similar services for less.
Based on our research, the benefits of OahuRE are:
- No Upfront Fee: You only pay after the sale closes, reducing financial risk during the process.
- Agent Representation: They will assign an agent that will help you through every step of the process. This helps you to stay updated and makes the sales process easier.
- Professional Photography: You get a professional shoot for your home along with photo editing for enhanced appeal.
- Additional Features: Their full-service includes a transaction management system, a showing feedback system, a customized website linked, and more.
Here are some limitations we found with OahuRE:
- Limited Coverage: Service availability is limited to Hawaii, limiting broader market reach for clients.
- Reduced Personalization: $3,500 package lacks personalized support, reducing service flexibility compared to full-service option.
OahuRE has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 90+ reviews on Google.
Oahu.RE offers both flat fee as well as commission-based full-service packages to home sellers. You get customized websites and other technical advantages to manage the home sale process.
However, their coverage is limited and so is their client base. They have more services for home sellers than buyers.
Reviews: 3 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers in Oahu
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 a licensed agent-matching brokerage headquartered in California. The parent company, Move, Inc. (Realtor.com) acquired Upnest in June 2022.
UpNest pairs you with local agents with proven sales records. However, you may end up paying a high commission to the agent.
4. Redfin: 1% Listing Fee, Statewide Coverage
Best-In-Class Agents
Listing Fee: 1% of Sale Price3.4/5
Redfin 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 connects you with real estate agents in your area by utilizing technology and market data. However, your savings are not guaranteed.
You need to buy a house through Redfin within a year to get back 0.5% of the listing fee. If you do not opt for that, you lose out on the refund.
5. Trelora
FULL-SERVICE REALTY
Listing Fee: 1% of sale price at closing4.3/5
130+ Reviews
Trelora is a full-service realty. It simplifies home ownership and makes real estate transactions transparent and fair.
- 1% of the Sale Price at Closing: Trelora lists and advertises your home on multiple marketplaces at just 1% of the sale price, which is typically a minimum of $3,000.
- 1% Buyer Broker Commission: Trelora offers just 1% buyer broker commission, with an option to cancel anytime until you go under contract.
👉 Our Take: Trelora is a good choice for sellers who prioritize savings and simplicity, but those who need hands-on agent attention may want to consider alternatives.
Here’s what makes Trelora a suitable option for your real estate transaction:
- Market Exposure: Along with the local MLS, your listing will also be advertised on sites like Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc.
- No Hidden Fees: Trelora doesn’t charge any hidden fees. The cost of all their services is included in the 1% of the sale price.
- Professional Photographers: Trelora’s listing package includes professional photography of your house to highlight its features.
There are some disadvantages of Trelora that you should consider, including:
- Lack of Personalized Support: Trelora might be less suitable if your situation is complicated and requires more personalized support.
- Limited Coverage: Trelora is available only in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Washington.
- Weak Customer Support: Customers have experienced a lack of clear communication while working with Trelora agents.
Trelora has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 on Yelp.
» Trelora Reviews: Check out the customer reviews that can help you know more about Trelora.
Trelora is a real estate website that puts home sellers, agents, and buyers under the same roof.
Their agents handle multiple clients at a time. This could lead to miscommunication and a lack of personalized support.
Discount Real Estate Brokers Oahu: How Much Will You Save?💲
Oahu 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 $43,500 to sell an average $725,000 house in The Gathering Place. But, if you choose a flat-rate broker company, you save thousands. With Houzeo’s Gold plan, you only pay $4,074 and save $39,426!
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 Oahu: Pros and Cons
Even though cheap Realtors in Oahu 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 Oahu than a 6% Realtor. Even if you only want to list your Hawaii 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 Oahu 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 Oahu 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 Hawaii.
- Unreliable Service Quality: Discounted real estate brokers in Oahu 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 Oahu 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 Oahu
Here are some options if you do not want to opt for a discount Realtor in Oahu:
- 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 Hawaii will help you list on the MLS and increase exposure.
- Sell Your House to Cash Buyers: Almost all cash buyers in Hawaii scour the MLS for Oahu 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 Oahu. You’ll end up paying a full 5% to 6% commission. That’s $43,500 on a $725,000 home gone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the best discount real estate brokers in Oahu?
Houzeo.com and OahuRE are the top discount real estate brokers in Oahu. Both provide an incredible combination of savings and technology. However, OahuRE has only 98 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 Oahu?
On average, traditional agents in Oahu charge 5% to 6% of the sale price as commission. On the other hand, discount real estate brokerage firms in Oahu charge 1% to 3%.
How do I find a discount broker near me in Oahu?
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 Oahu?
Yes, you can! In fact, post the NAR Settlement, you can now also negotiate buyer’s agent commissions.
