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 Big Sky Country.
Top 6 Montana Real Estate Companies:
-
For Home Sellers
- Houzeo: Best Technology
- Redfin: Best for Marketing Properties
- Century 21: Expert Assistance
-
For Home Buyers
- Coldwell Banker Realty: Best for Local Market
- Berkshire Hathaway: Best for Commercial Properties
- Zillow: Best for First Time Buyers
3 Best Real Estate Companies for Home Sellers in Montana
Here are the top 3 real estate companies in Montana that help sellers maximize their savings.
1. Houzeo
100% ONLINE
Listing Fee: $249Houzeo is a high-tech platform that streamlines listings, updates, and online showings/offers. Choose from 3 Flat Fee MLS packages to simplify your home sale.
- Silver Package – $249 + 0.5% at Close: You can upload 24 photos, and your listing term will be 6 months. You can also make unlimited changes to your listing.
- Gold Package – $299 + 1% at Close: You can post the maximum number of photos, avail licensed broker assistance, get access to seller disclosures, and a premium yard sign.
- Platinum Package – $349 + 1.25% at Close: You get virtual full assistance from a licensed broker and a 12-month listing term.
Houzeo is America’s #1 Flat Fee MLS service because of these reasons:
- Max Exposure: Your home listing is syndicated to popular real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, etc., increasing its visibility.
- Quicker Sale: Houzeo’s Homes For Sale page showcases your home to thousands of buyers, which may result in a faster sale.
- 100% Online: You can list your home, manage offers, and close deals, all at your fingertips with a powerful mobile app.
- 5-star Customer Service: You have access to listing support and chat 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? Discover why so many homeowners are choosing Houzeo to list their properties.
Houzeo is rated an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars by thousands of home sellers on Google and Trustpilot. Homeowners also praise the Houzeo Mobile App, which helps them list, manage, and close their home sales seamlessly—right from their phones.
» Houzeo Reviews: Rated “Excellent” by 11,000+ happy home sellers.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Houzeo’s Gold Plan for most home sellers. It gives you maximum exposure, highest savings, and access to Houzeo technology features. A licensed broker will also assist you with pricing your home, offer negotiations, inspection, and closing.
2. Redfin
Refund/Rebate Program
1-1.5% Listing FeeFor home sellers, Redfin.com has three main features:
- 1.5% Listing Fee: Redfin charges a 1.5% discounted listing fee. This fee is further reduced to 1% if you also buy a home with a Redfin agent within a year.
- Professional Assistance: The standard package includes services from listing to closing, that is, from pricing assistance to closing coordination.
- Redfin Concierge: For high-value luxury homes, Redfin offers services like home staging, deep cleaning, and select renovations for additional costs.
Redfin.com offers these features for home buyers:
- Technology-Driven Search: Redfin offers powerful search tools, including map-based searches, saved searches, and instant updates on new listings.
- Redfin Agents: Some Redfin agents may offer a different incentive structure than traditional commission-based agents, making negotiation possible.
- Refund/Rebate Program: In some markets, buyers receive a portion of the buyer’s agent commission back as a refund at closing.
Here are some advantages of choosing Redfin:
- Cost Savings: You pay significantly lower than the traditional 3% listing/seller agent commission. Plus, you could qualify for a rebate.
- Professional Marketing: Professional photography and 3D walkthroughs are a part of Redfin’s standard package. This enhances a home’s online presence.
- Advanced Technology: With 40+ filters to narrow down your search, the Redfin app makes it easy to find the right home.
- Local Agent Assistance: Local agents know their market better and can help you secure a good deal.
Here are some limitations we found with Redfin:
- Minimum Fees are Applicable: The 1.5% commission is a minimum percentage and varies by market.
- No Freedom in Agent Selection: You get an agent assigned automatically without having a choice in the matter.
- Service Variation: Redfin agents often handle a high volume of clients. This may limit personalized attention and reduce the range of services you receive.
- 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!
Redfin delivers a tech-forward real estate experience. You get services like home pricing guidance, professional photography, and digital marketing. Redfin also serves as a home-buying tool as it lets users schedule showings and connect with local agents. However, you don't get to select your agent yourself.
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.
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.
3. Century 21
Brand Recognition
3% - 6% CommissionCentury 21 is a traditional real estate brokerage with a franchise model. For sellers, it offers:
- Traditional Commission Model: You can negotiate the Realtor fees to some extent and have it split between the listing and buyer’s agents.
- Comprehensive Marketing: Your agent’s service includes pricing strategies, professional photography, listing on the MLS, and managing showings.
- Seller Ready Program: Some franchises provide this program that offers a line of credit for home improvement and staging, repayment due at closing.
For home buyers, Century 21 provides:
- Local Agent Expertise: You are paired with a local agent who offers extensive knowledge of the area and guides you from pre-qualification to closing.
- Global Reach: As a globally recognized brand, Century 21’s network gives you access to a vast number of listings and resources.
- Full-Service Support: Your agent assists with all aspects of the purchase, from property search to negotiating the offer and contract.
Here are some advantages of choosing Century 21:
- Strong Brand Recognition: As a globally recognized brand, Century 21 offers trust, reliability, and good experiences related to real estate transactions.
- Full-Service Experience: The company provides a professional real estate experience through their agents who assist you on every step of the way.
- Vast Network: Century 21 offers wide coverage and local expertise through its massive network of independent brokerages and thousands of agents.
Here are some disadvantages of choosing Century 21:
- Higher Fees: Century 21 does not really offer commission rebates for buyers or discounted listing fees for sellers, which means higher costs for consumers.
- Service Variation: The company is a franchise network and so, the quality of service can vary from one office or agent to another.
- Lack of Transparency on Costs: Fees and commission structures are not publicly listed. So, you need to negotiate with the local agent properly.
Century 21 has a rating of 1.2 out of 5 stars from 100+ reviews on Consumer Affairs.
Century 21 offers sellers comprehensive support, including professional marketing, pricing analysis, and a wide-reaching listing network to maximize exposure. For buyers, affiliated agents provide full-service assistance from the initial search and property showings to expert negotiation and transaction management.
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 Montana
Here are the top home-buying companies in Montana to help you find your dream home.
1. Coldwell Banker Realty
MOST SUCCESSFUL INVESTORS
Based in New JerseyColdwell 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 is based in New Jersey and has been a trusted name in real estate for more than a century. It offers services for various property types, from residential homes to investment properties.
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. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
💫 Luxury Listings
Based in Minneapolis, MNBerkshire 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.
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 WashingtonZillow ranks among the top real estate sites. It is known for user-friendly buying and renting tools which offers a smooth experience.
- Zillow Premier Agent: You can connect directly with an agent and check commission fees. Typically, a buyer agent charges a 2%-3% commission on the sale price.
Top Zillow Features for Buyers:
- Extensive Listings: Zillow offers a wide range of properties for sale, rentals, and foreclosures.
- Mortgage Calculator: It allows you to compare mortgage rates from lenders. You can pre-qualify for a loan through Zillow Home Loans.
- Zestimate Tool: It provides property estimates to assess fair market value.
Here are some drawbacks of Zillow:
- Outdated Listings: Some property listings may not be updated in real time. Homes marked as “available” may be already under contract or sold.
- User-Generated Content: Home details and photos heavily rely on user input, which can sometimes be inaccurate.
- Overwhelming Ads: The site has frequent promotions and ads, which can slow down your search.
Zillow has a rating of 1.3 out of 5 stars 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 Montana
When you choose a real estate company to work for in Montana, 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 Montana:
| 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 Montana’s real estate market.
How to Choose the Best Real Estate Company in Montana?
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, especially if you want to list for sale by owner. 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: Opt for a company that has MLS access, so you can easily browse all Montana real estate listings and find the perfect home in your favorite area.
» Best Website to Find Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in America.
Are Real Estate Companies in Montana Worth It?
Yes! Real estate companies in Montana 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 Montana.
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.
» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why Houzeo is Montana’s best home buying and selling website.
