6 Best Real Estate Companies in Maine (2024 Updates)

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:

1. Max Exposure: Houzeo’s listing packages get your home on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, and 100s of other real estate websites.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. No Hidden Fees: All fees are disclosed upfront, so there are no Houzeo hidden fees. You get to bypass the traditional listing agent commission.
5. 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.

Redfin does not disclose its pricing on its website. Sellers will have to pay common closing costs.

• It offers 0.5% buyer’s rebate. To avail this, you’ll have to buy and sell with them.

👉 Our Take: Redfin offers 1 rebate option but with a strict clause. While, other real estate companies are willing to offer a higher rebate.

» Redfin Reviews: The reality of the buyer’s rebate.

Here are some advantages of choosing Redfin:

• Advanced Technology: With 3D walkthroughs and 40+ filters to narrow down your search, the Redfin app makes it easy to find the right home from anywhere.
• Paired With Local Agents: Local agents know their market better. This can help you secure a good deal.
• Home Tour: You can see updated listings every 5 minutes on their website. You can also schedule a home tour for the same day.
• Nationwide Coverage: Redfin covers 80+ markets in the US.

Here are some limitations we found with Redfin.

• Strict Rebate Criteria: Clients who sell and buy with Redfin within one year get a rebate of 0.5%.
• No Freedom in Agent Selection: You get an agent assigned automatically without having a choice in the matter.
• Agents Are Less Incentivized: Unlike traditional agents who work for commission, Redfin agents get a fixed salary. This can demotivate them from offering you additional services.
• Poor Customer Reviews: Customers have complained that agents are often unreachable and unprofessional.

Redfin has an average rating of  4.3 out of 5 stars from 60+ reviews on Google.

» Redfin Reviews: The Reality of the 1% Fees, Pros, Cons, and Alternatives!

RE/MAX has its headquarters in Orlando, FL. The company does not disclose agent commissions on its website. However, based on reviews you may have to pay 3% to 6% as commission.

• No corporate fee is involved with RE/MAX referrals. You can choose the agents or vice versa and set the terms of your agreement.

👉 Our Take: RE/MAX is known for its reputation and credibility. It is a solid choice for home sellers due to its extensive network and experienced agents. The company offers unparalleled exposure for your property.

Here are the key features of RE/MAX:

• Global Reach: RE/MAX has over 135,000 agents, and its network is spread over 100 countries.
• Competitive Home Pricing: Agents at RE/MAX will conduct an in-depth evaluation and a CMA of your property to price your home competitively.
• Additional Service: RE/MAX Collection and RE/MAX Commercial offer specialized tools and advertising programs to luxury and commercial real estate professionals.

Here are some drawbacks of RE/MAX:

• Limited Discount Options: The company focuses on traditional full-service brokerage rather than discount or low-cost options.
• Inconsistent Service: Service quality may vary depending on the local franchise office.

RE/MAX has a poor rating of  1 out of 5 stars from 300+ users on Consumer Affairs.

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

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is a real estate brokerage franchise in the US. Headquartered in Minneapolis with over 44,000 real estate agents and 900 offices, BHHS makes over $136 billion annually in residential real estate transactions.

• No Service Fee: As a buyer, you can register with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices for free of cost.

👉 Our Take: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices provides its services to all kinds of home buyers whether you are a first-time home buyer or a luxury home buyer.

» Selling a House: Things you need to know!

Key highlights of BHHS include:

• Search Tool: BHHS provides you with a search tool so you can browse through a variety of homes available in the market.
• Assistance in Paperwork: The agents handle all paperwork for you in relation to buying a house.
• Market Knowledge: BHHS agents provide practical knowledge and guidance based on years of local market expertise. With in-depth property and community information, they help you finalize your dream home.
• Mortgage Calculator: They provide a mortgage calculator by which you can figure out the monthly payments of a home mortgage loan, based on your desired home’s sale price.
• Start to Close Assistance: BHHS agents are experienced in handling all phases of the purchase process, including home inspections.

Few red flags we found about Berkshire Hathaway include:

• Inconsistent Agent Quality: Since BHHS franchises are independently owned and operated, agent experience differs from one location to another.
• Poor Reviews: Customers have complained about delayed transactions and a lack of communication from the agent’s end.

Berkshire Hathaway has a rating of 2.5 out of 5 from 60+ reviews on Best Company.