✏️ Editor’s Note: Realtor Associations, agents, and MLS’ have started implementing changes related to the NAR’s $418 million settlement. While home-sellers will likely save thousands in commission, compliance and litigation risks have significantly increased for sellers throughout the nation. Learn how NAR’s settlement affects home sellers.
89% of buyers used real estate agents or brokers to buy homes. Additionally, 85% of sellers believe agents can secure a higher sale price for their homes. This highlights the value of professional help, but these services come with a steep cost.
Real estate companies charge a 5-6% commission on the sale price, which can amount to $24,000 for a $400,000 home. With such hefty fees, these companies must provide value that justifies the cost.
People rely on real estate companies for their market knowledge, negotiation skills, and ability to handle complex paperwork. Whether you’re considering a full-service brokerage or a tech-driven platform, here are our top picks in the Constitution State.
Top 6 Connecticut Real Estate Companies:
-
For Home Sellers
- Houzeo: Best Technology
- Beycome: Easy Deal Closing
- Century 21: Expert Assistance
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For Home Buyers
- Carbutti & Co.Realtors: Strong Agent Network
- Coldwell Banker Realty: Best for Local Expertise
- Zillow: Best for First Time Buyers
3 Best Real Estate Companies for Home Sellers in Connecticut
Here are the top 3 real estate companies in Connecticut that help sellers maximize their savings.
1. Houzeo
#1 Flat Fee MLS Service
Listing Fee: $3994.9/5
Houzeo is a high-tech platform with easy listing, fast changes, and online showings and offers.
You can choose from 4 Flat Fee MLS packages:
- Bronze Package – $399+$350 at Close: This package offers a Houzeo listing only for 6 months with 24 photos.
- Silver Package – $399+0.5% at Close: This offers maximum photo upload and provides you with seller disclosures.
- Gold Package—$429+0.5 % at Close: This is Houzeo’s signature MLS package and includes all the technology Houzeo is known for, such as Houzeo Showings, Houzeo Offers, and DigiTransact.
- Platinum Package – $449+1% at Close: It includes the assistance of a licensed broker to help you with negotiations, seller disclosures, and closing.
👉 Our Take: We recommend the GOLD plan. You’ll have access to Houzeo tech, making managing showings and offer negotiations easy! Before you list, confirm all prices on your particular state’s pricing page.
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out why 10,000+ Americans love Houzeo.
Houzeo is America’s #1 Flat Fee MLS service because of 5 reasons:
- Max Exposure: Houzeo’s listing packages get your home on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, and 100s of other real estate websites.
- 5-star Customer Service: Houzeo has a fully staffed customer service desk available 6 days a week. Chats and emails are open 7 days a week.
- 100% Online: Houzeo is a high-tech platform with easy listing, fast changes, online showings, and online offers. Its powerful house search app makes your home visible to potential buyers on the go.
- No Hidden Fees: All fees are disclosed upfront, so there are no Houzeo hidden fees. You get to bypass the traditional listing agent commission.
- Free Home Value Estimator: Now, you can get a free home value estimate within 30 seconds. It helps you set a listing price.
There are no dealbreakers with Houzeo.
» Is Houzeo Legit? Houzeo addresses all Houzeo complaints from home sellers.
Houzeo is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by thousands of home sellers on Google & Trustpilot.
» Houzeo Reviews: Houzeo is rated “Excellent“ by 10,020+ home sellers.
Houzeo is Connecticut’s #1 real estate company. It offers maximum savings, excellent customer support, and advanced technology.
Houzeo also provides affordable listing packages to Connecticut home sellers. You can list on MLS through Houzeo and save thousands in commissions while reaching a wide buyer audience.
2. Beycome
Average Tech, Average Service
Listing Fee: $99 - $3994.6/5
Beycome is a “DIY” online Flat Fee brokerage that offers affordable MLS listing packages. Beycome Brokerage Realty LLC offers three Flat Fee MLS listing packages for homeowners:
- Basic Package – $99: This package will get you listed on the MLS with unlimited changes to your listing.
- Enhanced Package – $399: You get a yard sign, a featured listing on Beycome’s website, flyers, brochures, and one key lockbox. You can also add a virtual tour video to your listing.
👉 Our Take: Beycome’s prices are reasonable, and their technology is useful. We recommend their Enhanced Package priced at $399.
Beycome offers good service in the selected states they are available in:
- Unrestricted Revisions and Edits: You can make unlimited changes in description, photos, or price adaptions in your listing. You can also easily switch to a full-service package anytime.
- Expert Assistance, if Needed: You can get expert assistance on all 7 days of the week in English and Spanish.
In our research, we came across some deal breakers with Beycome.
- You’ll Be Constantly Upsold the Title Service: Beycome also owns a title company, which will be pitched to you repeatedly.
- Average Customer Reviews: Most customers had to manage logistics, price negotiation showings, and closing all by themselves. Customers also complained about the lack of customer support and the delay in resolving issues.
- Average Technology: Beycome technology helps you with listing your home on the MLS. Leads, inspections, appraisals, etc. are managed offline so the process can be cumbersome.
- Only for Experienced Sellers: You need to have a good handle on buying and selling real estate, including closing costs and seller disclosures.
Beycome has 4.6 out of 5 stars (528 total reviews) on popular review sites like Google Reviews.
» Beycome Reviews: Know why it is not the best way to sell with Beycome in 2023.
Beycome’s MLS listing packages are reasonably priced and offer legal forms, seller disclosures, an Open House scheduler, and customer support. We recommend the $399 Enhanced Package for FSBO home sellers.
Beycome’s technology is limited and won’t help you with scheduling and review of home inspections, appraisals, and closings. Separately, you’ll have to be very diligent and manage leads manually outside the platform too.
3. Century 21
Brand Recognition
3% - 6% Commission1/5
Century 21 is one of the world’s largest real estate brokerage firms. It operates in every U.S. State and 82 other countries.
The company does not disclose its price on its website. This means you might end up paying the traditional 3% to 6% commission.
👉 Our Take: Century 21 could be a good option for first-time home sellers who do not mind paying high commissions. Along with listing, you will get assistance for contract reviews, offer management, and closing.
Here are some advantages of choosing Century 21:
- Global Coverage: Century 21 operates in every U.S. State and 82 other countries.
- Market Exposure: It has good brand recognition and over 14,000 independent franchises with over 140,000 real estate agents worldwide.
- Best for First-Time Home Sellers: Home sellers get access to contract reviews, handle their listing, offer management, and closing.
Here are some disadvantages of choosing Century 21:
- No Discounts: The agent’s fees for Century 21 are usually high. They do not offer any discounts.
- Delayed Services: Previous customers have complained that the agents were not helpful and that it delayed the process.
Century 21 has a rating of 1 out of 5 stars from 100+ reviews on Consumer Affairs.
Century 21 is world’s largest real estate companies located in Connecticut. It has over 14000 independent franchises. Founded in 1971, it has become one of the most recognizable brands in the real estate industry.
It is known for its innovative marketing and technology. However, many customers have reported delayed services and high agent fees.
3 Best Real Estate Companies for Home Buyers in Connecticut
Here are the top home-buying companies in Connecticut to help you find your dream home.
1. Carbutti & Co. Realtors
Local Expertise
Based in Wallingford, Connecticut5/5
Carbutti & Co. Realtors are local real estate specialists in Connecticut. It exceptional service when buying selling or investing in properties in Connecticut.
However, they have not disclosed their pricing on their website.
👉 Our Take: Carbutti & Co. Realtors can be a good option if you are a first-time home buyer due to their local expertise.
Here are the highlights of Carbutti & Co. Realtors:
- Local Expertise: Carbutti & Co. Realtors specializes in New Haven/Fairfield County listings. They also have a strong understanding of the local market.
- Streamlined Financing: Carbutti & Co. Realtors has a partnership with local mortgage lenders and this simplifies the loan application process for the buyer.
We did not find any deal breakers for Carbutti & Co. Realtors.
Carbutti & Co. Realtors has 5 stars out of 5 on Google.
Carbutti & Co. Realtors is a second-gen family-owned firm. Most listings of it are located in New Haven/Fairfield County, although their coverage is throughout the state.
If you are looking for local expertise, and tailored support, backed by a partnership with a local mortgage lender you can opt for Carbutti & Co. Realtors.
2. Coldwell Banker Realty
MOST SUCCESSFUL INVESTORS
Based in New Jersey4.9/5
Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC is an American full-service real estate brokerage.
- No Service Fee: As a buyer, you do not have to pay any fee to avail services of Coldwell Banker.
👉 Our Take: Coldwell Banker is great for buyers because of its long-standing experience and wide property selection. It is especially helpful for those looking to invest in popular areas or unique properties.
Key features of Coldwell Banker include:
- Experts in Negotiations: Coldwell Banker’s agents are skilled and have considerable experience in negotiating the best deal for you.
- Lender Assistance: It helps you to find a lender for pre-qualification according to your affordability.
- Home Search: With MLS and other tools, agents find your ideal home based on your preferences and budget.
- Finance Assistance: It helps with down payments, mortgage prequalification, and getting your finances ready to buy a house.
- Strong Agent Network: Your agent can find many property options for you as they have good connections with other real estate agents.
Red flags of Coldwell Banker include:
- Less Flexibility in Negotiation: The company’s established policies might offer less flexibility in negotiating commission rates.
- Inconsistent Agent Quality: While many agents are experienced, the quality of service can vary depending on the specific agent assigned.
- Lapses in Transactions: Customer complaints include delays in transactions and unresponsive agents.
Coldwell Banker is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars from 200+ reviews on Trustpilot
Established in California, Coldwell Banker has changed the way people buy homes. They offer buyers financing options to ensure they have their financial ducks in a row when preparing to buy a house.
It’s advised you conduct due diligence on an agent before you appoint the agent to represent you.
3. Zillow
Largest Marketplace
Based in Washington1.1/5
Zillow is the most visited real estate website. Zillow provides an exceptional home buying, renting, and selling experience.
- Zillow Premier Agent: You can connect with an agent representing a particular property and get their commission rates on request. Typically, a buyer agent charges a 2%-3% commission on the sale price.
👉 Our Take: Zillow lets you list your property for free and is great for exposure, but your information is stored as a lead in their marketing funnel. Essentially, the bargain is your confidential data in exchange for Zillow’s “free” listing.
» Zillow Offers Reviews: Everything you need to know about Zillow
Key Features of Zillow:
- Your Listing is Updated in Real-Time: On Zillow, you do all the listing changes which reflect immediately, instead of waiting for a listing agent to do it for you.
- Free Listing: Zillow provides free For Sale By Owner listing. But, all FSBO listings on Zillow are hidden in the ‘Other Listings’ tab. This has lowered the success rate of free Zillow FSBO listings drastically.
- Zestimate: Zillow’s home value estimate is a tool for pricing your home. It incorporates data from the MLS, market trends, location, etc. to give you an accurate property value.
Zillow has some major drawbacks that home sellers should be aware of.
- Unsolicited Calls From Listing Agents: Your information will become an FSBO lead for Listing Agents. You will get numerous unsolicited calls from these agents asking you to list with them.
- Inaccurate Tool: Many users have faced inconveniences in selling their homes due to Zestimate’s inaccuracy.
- Poor Customer Reviews: A staggering number of customers have complained regarding their disappointing experience with Zillow.
Zillow has a rating of 1.1 out of 5 on Consumer Affairs.
Zillow is the most popular real estate website in America. It was founded in the year 2006 and is headquartered in Seattle.
Moreover, Zillow extracts data from top MLS platforms. It helps buyers view the listings directly on the platform.
Best Real Estate Companies to Work for in Connecticut
When you choose a real estate company to work for in Connecticut, it’s important to consider how the commission is split. Most real estate agents get paid a commission which is then divided between the agent and the brokerage.
For example, if you sell a $300,000 home with a 6% commission split equally between buyer and seller agents, you’d get 3% or $9,000. With a 60/40 split, you’d receive $5,400 before taxes. Some brokerages now offer salaries and benefits, so it’s worth exploring various options.
Here’s a comparison of top real estate brokerages in Connecticut:
| Brokerage | Commission Split | Best For |
| Keller Williams | 70/30 | Agents seeking higher commissions and more educational resources. |
| RE/MAX | 95/5, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40 (capping system) | Agents who want customized commission splits and desk fees. |
| Century 21 | 50/50, 70/30 + 8% franchise fee (capping system) | Agents who want brokerage brand recognition. |
| Coldwell Banker | 50/50, 60/40, 70/30 (capping system) | Agents who need marketing, lead generation, and other tools. |
| Compass | 50/50 | Agents who want access to a wide range of online resources and tools. |
What to Consider When Choosing a Real Estate Brokerage to Work For?
- Franchise vs. Independent Choices: Franchises like RE/MAX and Keller Williams offer a nationwide presence and provide more support and training. Independent real estate firms offer more freedom but may have fewer resources.
- Company Reputation: Research the brokerage’s market presence and reputation. A reputable company can help with lead generation.
- Support and Resources Offered: Some brokerages provide mentorship programs and free advertising, while others offer minimal support. You can also visit company events to get a feel for the work culture.
- Scope for Specialization: Consider the brokerage’s niche and how it aligns with your interests and local opportunities in Connecticut’s real estate market.
How to Choose the Best Real Estate Company in Connecticut?
You can choose the best real estate companies based on these factors:
For Sellers:
- Strong Technology: A company’s website should have robust technology that can make selling a house more efficient. Also, look for features like virtual tours, professional photos, and user-friendly interfaces.
- Responsive Customer Service: Having good customer service can help you with smooth real estate transactions. Find a company that aligns with your preferences and also has helpful customer service.
- Maximum Exposure: Find a company that will give maximum exposure to your property. This could also include an MLS listing, social media advertisement, and customizable yard signs.
For Buyers:
- Buyer-Friendly Tools: Look for a company with useful online tools. It will help you compare houses, learn about neighborhoods, and also figure out how much your mortgage payment could be.
- Experienced Agents: Seek a company with agents who have experience with buyers. They should be able to guide you through every step, from looking at houses to finally buying one.
- Property Listings: Look for a company with access to many property listings on the MLS to help with your home search. This way, you’ll see all the listings in the area you like.
» Best Website to Find Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in America.
Are Real Estate Companies in Connecticut Worth It?
Yes! Real estate companies in Connecticut are worth it. Top companies offer advanced technology, a large network of agents, and maximum savings. This is where Houzeo stands out as a smart choice for sellers in Connecticut.
Houzeo offers a flat fee listing service that saves sellers thousands of dollars in commissions. With user-friendly tools, it is ideal for homeowners looking to sell their homes quickly.
Eager to Know How Houzeo Works?
We have got you covered. Check out how you can list your property on the MLS with Houzeo.
How to List on MLS With Houzeo?
5 Easy Steps to List with Connecticut’s Best Real Estate Company
» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why it is one of the best FSBO sites in America.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best real estate companies to sell your home with in Connecticut?
Houzeo is the best real estate company for home sellers in Connecticut. It offers sellers maximum savings, dedicated customer support and 100% online experience. Real Estate Sales Force and RE/MAX are some of the other options to sell your home.
» Best Real Estate Companies in Connecticut: Find out the top companies in Connecticut.
What are the best real estate companies for buyers in Connecticut?
The best real estate companies for home buyers in Connecticut are Carbutti & Co. Realtors, Coldwell Banker Realty, and Zillow. They offer home buyers various services and tools such as virtual showings, mortgage calculators, and more.
What is the best luxury real estate company in Connecticut?
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty is considered one of the best luxury real estate companies in Connecticut. It offers services like home staging, high-resolution photography, drone footage and virtual tours.
How can I sell my property quickly in Connecticut?
You should set a competitive price, enhance curb appeal, and highlight your home features effectively to sell your house fast in Connecticut.
