89% of buyers use 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.
Top real estate companies in America 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.
🏅 Top 10 Real Estate Companies in USA
-
For Home Sellers
- Houzeo: Best Advanced Technology
- Prevu: Best Agents
- Redfin: Best Market Insights
- Century 21: Best Market Exposure
- RE/MAX : Best Assistance
-
For Home Buyers
- Coldwell Banker: Best Investment Properties
- Trulia : Best Mobile App
- eXp Realty : Best Traditional Agent Service
- Berkshire Hathaway: Best Luxury Properties
- Zillow: Best Residential Properties
5 Best Real Estate Agencies for Home Sellers in America
We have spent thousands of hours researching and reviewing top home-selling real estate companies. Here are our rankings:
1. Houzeo
Houzeo is a high-tech platform that streamlines listings, updates, and online showings/offers. Choose from 4 Flat Fee MLS packages to simplify your home sale.
- Bronze Package – $399 + $350 At Close: You can upload 24 photos, and your listing term will be of 6 months.
- Silver Package – $409 + 0.5% At Close: You can post maximum number of photos and access seller disclosures.
- Gold Package – $429 + 0.5% At Close: You can avail the assistance of a licensed broker to guide you through the listing process.
- Platinum Package – $449 + 1% At Close: Your home is on the MLS for 12-months. Plus, you get virtual support of a licensed broker.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Houzeo’s Gold plan for expert broker support, including contract review and pricing guidance. Plus, enjoy concierge services that ensure a smooth and successful sale.
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out why 10,000+ Americans love Houzeo.
Houzeo is America’s #1 Flat Fee MLS service because of these strong reasons:
- Max Exposure: Your home listing is syndicated to popular real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, giving it nationwide visibility.
- 100% Online: You can list your home, manage listings, get paperwork done and close the deal all through a single platform and a powerful mobile app.
- 5-star Customer Service: You have access to 24/7 listing support with chat and email services 6 days a week.
- No Hidden Fees: What you see is what you pay. Houzeo mentions all of its fees upfront on its website.
There are no dealbreakers with Houzeo.
» Is Houzeo Legit? Houzeo addresses home sellers concerns with efficiency.
Houzeo is rated an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars by thousands of home sellers on Google and Trustpilot.
» Houzeo Reviews: Rated “Excellent“ by 10,000+ happy home sellers.
Houzeo is the #1 real estate company in the US. It offers maximum savings, excellent customer support, and advanced technology.
Houzeo provides affordable listing packages to home sellers. You can get your home listed on the MLS and save thousands in commissions while reaching a wide buyer audience.
2. Prevu
Prevu is a reliable discount real estate agent service. It offers full service to sellers, like a traditional broker.
- 1.5% Commission: Prevu charges a fixed 1.5% commission on the total home sale value. It includes features like home valuation, professional photographs, closing assistance, etc.
👉 Our Take: Prevu offers services from listing your home to its closing. It charges you a non-negotiable commission of 1.5% of the home sale value. However, it could cost you more in commission for a high-value house.
Based on our research, the benefits of Prevu are:
- Advanced Marketing: It includes home valuation, 3D virtual tours, open houses, professional photographs, listing on MLS, and social ad campaigns.
- Market Exposure: Your listing will be displayed on sites like Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc.
- Closing Costs Calculator: You can get an estimate of their closing costs.
Here are some limitations we found with Prevu:
- Limited Coverage: Prevu serves 13 states and Washington D.C. focusing on metro areas and suburbs.
- Not Ideal for High-Value Homes: Prevu’s model might not be ideal for luxury homes. For example, selling a house worth $500,000 would still mean paying $7,500 in commission.
- Variable Listing Fee: The listing fee with Prevu can vary based on your location, which may result in higher costs depending on the market.
- Mobile App: The company does not provide any mobile application service to its users.
Prevu has a stellar rating of 5 out of 5 on Google.
» Prevu Reviews: Is it a good idea to choose them? Read the comprehensive review to learn more.
Prevu is a modern real estate company headquartered in New York City. It operates in major urban markets, including New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle. The company has more than 100 licensed agents who are local experts in their respective cities.
Prevu offers a home valuation tool, professional photography, and market insights. Additionally, it lists homes on major websites and helps with pricing and negotiations. However, Prevu only operates in 14 states.
3. Redfin
Redfin is America’s #1 discount real estate brokerage. It offers services in 100+ real estate markets across the country in 49 states.
- Redfin Full-Service Agent – 1.5% Commission: This is a full-service package. This includes pricing assistance, listing paperwork, negotiation support, etc.
- Redfin Concierge – 2.5% Commission: The “Concierge” plan includes everything from the Full-Service package. Additional services include professional cleaning and home staging.
- Redfin Premier Agent – 1.5% Commission: This package is exclusively for luxury properties and includes everything that comes with the Full-Service package.
Mobile App: Yes
👉Our Take: When you opt for Redfin, you can save a considerable amount on the commission fees. Although Redfin tries to provide its service 3x faster than the traditional method, it limits its ability to provide personalized service.
Here are some advantages of choosing Redfin:
- Advanced Technology: Redfin is primarily known for its advanced tech platform and mobile app.
- Full-Service Agents at Low Commission – 1.5%: Redfin’s full-service package is priced at 1.5%. It saves you thousands of dollars compared to the traditional 3% listing commission.
- Detailed Paperwork: Redfin provides the necessary paperwork and an elaborate listing agreement with a marketing plan.
- Nationwide Coverage: Redfin covers 80+ markets in the US.
- Easy Deal Closings: Redfin agents help with negotiations and guide you throughout your home-selling process. It will make your closing easy and faster.
In our research, we found some red flags of Redfin, that could make your experience less satisfactory.
- Lack of Personalized Services: Customers have often complained that Redfin agents are not able to give personalized service, as they serve a high volume of clients.
- Poor Customer Reviews: Customers have complained that agents are often unreachable and unprofessional.
- Slow Listing Process: According to Redfin’s listing agreement, a Redfin property takes 18 days to list on MLS. Services like Houzeo will list you on the MLS within 24 to 48 hours.
- Limited Agent Selection: As per customer reviews, Redfin lacks an array of agents. This means you get an agent assigned automatically without having any 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 services apart from Redfin’s defined services.
Redfin has an average rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars on Yelp.
» Redfin Reviews: The Reality of 1% Fees, Pros & Alternatives
Redfin is one of the largest real estate companies in the US. David Eraker, David Selinger, and Michael Dougherty founded the company in 2004. Since 2017, Redfin has been a publicly traded company.
Additionally, Redfin offers great services at lower rates. It also provides an elaborate listing agreement with an 18-day timeframe for listing your property. However, some customers have expressed concerns about the agent’s professionalism.
4. Century 21
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.
Century 21 has an online platform for property searches, virtual tours, and market analysis tools. However, since it’s a large franchise, the quality of service can vary between individual offices and agents.
5. RE/MAX
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.
RE/MAX LLC is part of RE/MAX Holdings and has more than 135,000 agents in over 100 countries. It is known for its large network and expert seller assistance.
Additionally, RE/MAX has a high market share in residential and commercial real estate. Clients also have access to market data, valuation tools, and a user-friendly search platform.
5 Best Real Estate Companies for Home Buyers in America
Here are the top 5 biggest real estate companies for home buyers in America:
1. Coldwell Banker
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
Coldwell Banker, based in New Jersey, has been a trusted name in real estate for over a century. It offers services for various property types, from residential homes to investment properties.
Furthermore, Coldwell Banker offers market analysis tools to help clients make informed decisions. It also provides virtual tours and detailed online listings. However, their extensive network can sometimes lead to less personalized service.
2. Trulia
Trulia doesn’t charge users for features like browsing listings, photos, or contacting agents. However, renters do have to pay $29 rental screening fees.
👉 Our Take: Trulia stands out for its user-friendly interface and extensive property listings. It offers valuable tools like neighborhood insights and crime maps. Trulia is a good choice for those seeking a convenient home search experience.
Here are some advantages of Trulia:
- Extensive Listings: Trulia covers several property types, allowing users to explore various options.
- Neighborhood Information: Trulia keeps you updated with all the neighborhood information such as crime rates, schools, amenities, etc.
- Agent Connectivity: You can connect with real estate agents directly through the platform. This service may benefit you if you want to work with an agent.
- Mobile App: It provides convenient access to property listings, saved searches, and notifications.
- Local Coverage: It offers a comprehensive map and filters, which make it easier to look for local information about the property.
- Best Calculators: Trulia has a mortgage, affordability, and refinancing calculator to serve you better.
Here are some disadvantages of Trulia:
- Incomplete Data: Some listings may lack details, such as neighborhood insights or detailed property histories.
- Outdated Listings: Sometimes even if the house is sold, the listing is not updated. This can mislead the buyers.
Trulia has a rating of 3.2 out of 5 stars from 70+ reviews on G2
» Trulia Reviews: Click here to know the reason behind the 3-star review on G2.
Trulia is owned by Zillow. It is located in San Francisco and provides information based on user feedback. It also allows users to switch between agent-listed and owner-listed homes.
Additionally, Trulia keeps you updated with neighborhood information, such as crime rates, schools, amenities, etc. Moreover, its website has over 1 million homes for sale. However, it relies on user-generated content that may sometimes lead to inconsistencies in listing accuracy.
3. eXp Realty
eXp Realty is one of the top US real estate companies that provide a variety of services to buyers. Its agents use cutting-edge technology from the cloud-based platform and database system.
- No Service Fee: eXp Realty does not charge buyers a direct fee for using its services.
👉 Our Take: The real estate agents of eXp Realty are experienced professionals. We recommend going for this company if you want to work with a traditional real estate agent and are a first-time home buyer.
Here are some of the advantages of choosing eXp Realty:
- Local Expertise: eXp realty agents have expertise in local real estate market data. Their market insights will help you in your real estate transactions.
- Investment Advice: The agents guide you in your financial and investment decisions.
- Assistance with Negotiation: Whether it is about negotiating home offers, inspection amounts, repairs, or legal agreements, you will get a negotiator to do it on your behalf.
Here are a few drawbacks we found about eXp Realty:
- Limited Physical Offices: eXp Realty operates mostly online, which can be inconvenient for those who prefer face-to-face interactions.
- Less Personal Touch: The virtual model may offer less personalized service compared to traditional firms.
- Learning Curve: Adapting to its tech-driven platform might be difficult for some buyers.
eXp Realty has a rating of 2.9 out of 5 on Google Reviews.
eXp Realty is a modern real estate company known for its innovative approach and virtual business model. Furthermore, it has a technology-driven platform that appeals to buyers looking for a more flexible real estate experience.
Additionally, eXp Realty assists with negotiating home offers, inspection costs, repairs, and legal agreements. However, the virtual model may not suit those who prefer face-to-face interactions with their agent.
4. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
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. Additionally, It 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 that are available. However, the high-quality service may come with a higher commission fee.
5. Zillow
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 top realty firms 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.
Top Real Estate Agencies Near Me
Region | States |
---|---|
Northeast | Connecticut, Massachusetts , New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine |
Midwest | Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio , South Dakota, Wisconsin |
South | Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia,Texas, Washington, D.C., West Virginia |
West | Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming |
Best Real Estate Companies to Work for in the US
When you choose a real estate firm to work for in America, it’s important to consider how the commission is split. Most real estate agents get paid a commission which is then split between the agent and the brokerage.
Here’s a comparison of top real estate brokerages in the US:
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 prioritizing 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 | Professionals who seek 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 have offices across the country 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 of Specialization: Consider the brokerage’s niche and how it aligns with your interests and local opportunities in the real estate market.
How to Choose the Best Real Estate Company?
You can choose the top real estate companies in the US based on these important factors:
For Sellers:
- 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.
- 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: Good customer service can ensure that your real estate transaction goes smoothly. Find a company that aligns with your preferences and also has helpful customer service.
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 Worth It?
Yes! Real estate companies in America 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 across the U.S.
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?
Check out the following video for all the details you need:
» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why it is one of the best real estate companies in America.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best real estate companies for home sellers in America?
Houzeo is the best real estate company for home sellers in America. It offers sellers maximum savings, dedicated customer support and 100% online experience. Prevu and Redfin are some of the other options to sell your home.
» Best Real Estate Companies in America: Find out the top companies in America.
What are the best real estate companies for buyers in America?
The best real estate companies for home buyers in Florida are Coldwell Banker, Trulia, and eXp Realty. They offer buyers various services and tools such as property comparisons, virtual showings, and mortgage calculators.
What is the best luxury real estate company in America?
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty is considered one of the best luxury real estate companies in America. It offers services like home staging, high-resolution photography, drone footage and virtual tours.
How can I sell my property quickly in US?
You should set a competitive price, enhance curb appeal, and highlight your home features effectively to sell your house fast in US.