✏️ 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 Great Lake State.
Top 6 Michigan Real Estate Companies:
-
For Home Sellers
- Houzeo: Best Technology
- Kermath Realty: Best Service
- Century 21: Market Exposure
-
For Home Buyers
- Keller Williams: Best for Local Buyers
- Berkshire Hathaway: Best for Commercial Properties
- Zillow: User Friendly Mobile App
3 Best Real Estate Companies for Home Sellers in Michigan
Here are the top 3 real estate companies in Michigan 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 Michigan’s #1 real estate company. It offers maximum savings, excellent customer support, and advanced technology.
Houzeo also provides affordable listing packages to Michigan home sellers. You can list on MLS through Houzeo and save thousands in commissions while reaching a wide buyer audience.
2. Kermath Realty
LOCAL EXPOSURE
Listing Fee: $299 - $9984.3/5
Kermath Realty offers 4 Flat Fee MLS packages to home sellers.
- Bronze Package – $299: The package includes a listing term of 6 months with 6 photos. Other services include printable color flyers, buyer lead forwarding, and a regular yard sign.
- Silver Package – $399: The package includes a listing term of 12 months with 35 photos. The package also offers 3 open house postings, virtual tours, and more.
- Gold Package – $998: This is a full-service package. You get direct assistance from a broker to help you sell.
- Platinum Package – $379 + 0.5% at closing: This package is similar to the Gold Package. You need to pay 0.5% of the sales price to a maximum of $1,500 at closing.
👉 Our Take: Kermath Realty offers multiple packages tailored to fit your needs. However, the two full-service plans are expensive as compared to the other service providers.
» What is Kermath Realty? Is Kermath Realty worth it? Read our blog to find out.
In terms of value, Kermath Realty is a good option. Here are some of its advantages.
- Strong Customer Support: Kermath Realty has an excellent 4.3 out of 5-star rating on Google Reviews. This indicates they provide strong support to their customers.
- Color Flyers With All the Listings: Each listing includes a color flyer that you can hand out at open houses or post on your yard sign.
» Pros of Kermath Realty: Read this to learn more about the company.
In our research, we found some major deal breakers with Kermath Realty.
- Only for Experienced Sellers: The Bronze and Silver plan from Kermath Realty is only suitable for seasoned sellers. If you require even a little support, you should pick one of the more expensive options.
- Listing Upgrades are Not Clear: There is no information on Kermath Realty’s website about whether you can change your listing after it goes live.
Jeff Kermath Realty has 4.3 out of 5 stars from 70+ reviews on Google.
» Kermath Realty Reviews: Read Kermath Realty’s reviews and choose accordingly.
Kermath Realty is a well-established flat fee MLS company with a strong regional presence. Owned by experienced broker Jeff Kermath, they offer comprehensive services to sellers.
However, their basic package lacks essential features like open houses and professional representation. Additionally, Kermath Realty’s service area may be limited for some sellers.
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 one of the most popular real estate companies based in New Jersey. Founded in 1971, it operates in over 80 countries with a team of more than 140,000 agents.
Additionally, Century 21 has an online platform for property searches, virtual tours, and market analysis tools. However, as a large franchise, the quality of service can vary between individual offices and agents.
3 Best Real Estate Companies for Home Buyers in Michigan
Here are the top home-buying companies in Michigan to help you find your dream home.
1. Keller Williams
Luxury and Commercial Properties
Based in Austin, TX5/5
Keller Williams is the world’s largest real estate technology franchise by agent count. It has more than 1,100 offices and 200,000 associates.
- No Service Fee: Keller Williams does not charge buyers any fee for its services.
👉Our Take: Keller Williams Realtors is the largest residential real estate firm in the US. We recommend this company if you are a first-time home buyer and need assistance in your home-buying process.
Keller William as a brand is technology-driven and has an education-based culture. Their key features are mentioned below:
- Keller Cloud: Keller Cloud helps agents to prioritize sellers’ goals, maximize lead generation, and gather insightful data to produce a truly effective go-to-market strategy for home selling.
- Professional Assistance: Keller William agents will preview homes on your behalf, and work throughout the process of finding your dream home.
- Tools and Resources: Marketing savvy tools to get your home top-tier exposure
- Advance Home Search: The technology of Keller Williams makes home search and buying an advanced experience for buyers. The management system of Keller Williams to track communication help agents to understand the buyer’s needs.
- Company Culture: The brand has a culture that is agent-centric, technology-driven, and education-based, and it recognizes and rewards its agents for their contributions.
Few dealbreakers we found about the company:
- Poor Customer Reviews: Many customer complaints regarding their services. They also have poor ratings on major review platforms.
- Agent Experience: A lot of customers also complained about poor agent experience. Since, Keller William is a franchise, the agent-to-agent experience might differ.
Keller Williams has a 5 out of 5 rating on Zillow.
Keller Williams Realty is headquartered in Austin, TX. It is one of the top real estate companies in Michigan. It is an agent-centric, technology-driven, and education-based company.
Furthermore, Keller Williams has a 5-star rating. Its customers praised its agents for their exceptional responsiveness.
2. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Luxury Listings
Based in Minneapolis2.9/5
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is a real estate brokerage franchise. BHHS makes over $136 billion annually in residential real estate transactions.
- No Service Fee: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices does not charge home buyers any fee for its services.
👉 Our Take: Berkshire Hathaway is ideal for buyers seeking luxury homes or high-end properties. Their agents provide expert advice and detailed market insights.
The key features for Berkshire Hathaway include:
- Exclusive Listings: Buyers gain access to high-end and luxury properties that may not be available on other platforms.
- Professional Network: Access to a broad network of professionals, including mortgage brokers and home inspectors.
- Assistance in Paperwork: The agents handle all paperwork for you to buy a house.
Here are a few drawbacks of Berkshire Hathaway:
- Higher Costs: The focus on luxury properties often means higher prices, which might not suit all budgets.
- Limited Options: Fewer choices are available for buyers looking for more budget-friendly homes.
Berkshire Hathaway has a rating of 2.9 out of 5 on Best Company.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. It is known for dealing with high-end luxury properties. It also provides buyers with access to property features, and amenities to help them choose the best home.
Moreover, their email updates keep you informed about new homes available. However, the high-quality service may come with a higher commission fee.
3. Zillow
Largest Marketplace
Based in Washington1.2/5
Zillow is one of the most visited real estate websites. It provides an exceptional home buying and renting 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 is a popular choice for home buyers for its vast listings and easy-to-use tools. The platform offers valuable tools like Zestimate® for estimating property values and interactive maps for exploring neighborhoods.
Here are the key features of Zillow:
- Extensive Listings: Zillow offers a wide range of property listings, including homes for sale, rentals, and foreclosures.
- Mortgage Calculator: It allows you to compare mortgage rates from various lenders. You can pre-qualify for a loan through Zillow Home Loans.
- Zestimate Tool: It provides estimated property values to help gauge market prices.
Here are some drawbacks of Zillow:
- Outdated Listings: Some property listings may not be updated in real time, leading to outdated information.
- User-Generated Content: Home details and photos heavily rely on user input, which can sometimes be inaccurate.
- Overwhelming Ads: The site has numerous ads and promotions that can be distracting.
Zillow has a rating of 1.2 out of 5 on Consumer Affairs.
» Zillow Offers Reviews: Everything you need to know about Zillow.
Zillow was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Seattle, WA. It is one of the most popular real estate websites in America. The company extracts data from top MLS platforms, allowing buyers to view listings directly.
Additionally, Zillow’s user-friendly interface makes home searches convenient and extensive. It also offers a Zestimate home valuation tool, which provides estimated property values based on market data.
Best Real Estate Companies to Work for in Michigan
When you choose a real estate company to work for in Michigan, 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 Michigan:
| 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 Michigan’s real estate market.
How to Choose the Best Real Estate Company in Michigan?
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:
- Property Listings: Look for a company with access to many property listings on the MLS. This way, you’ll see all the listings in the area you like.
- 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.
Are Real Estate Companies in Michigan Worth It?
Yes! Real estate companies in Michigan 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 Michigan.
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 Michigan’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 Michigan?
Houzeo is the best real estate company for home sellers in Michigan. It offers sellers maximum savings, dedicated customer support and 100% online experience. Kermath Realty and Century 21 are some of the other options to sell your home.
» Best Real Estate Companies in Michigan: Find out the top companies in Michigan.
What are the best real estate companies for buyers in Michigan?
The best real estate companies for home buyers in Michigan are Keller Wlliams, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, 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 Michigan?
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty is considered one of the best luxury real estate companies in Michigan. It offers services like home staging, high-resolution photography, drone footage and virtual tours.
How can I sell my property quickly in Michigan?
You should set a competitive price, enhance curb appeal, and highlight your home features effectively to sell your house fast in Michigan.
