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
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. Kermath Realty
LOCAL EXPOSURE
Listing Fee: $299Kermath Realty offers 4 Flat Fee MLS packages to home sellers:
- Bronze Package – $299: You can list your house for 6 months and upload up to 6 photos. You can also avail services like printable color flyers, buyer lead forwarding, and a regular yard sign.
- Silver Package – $399: You can list your house for 12 months and add up to 35 photos. The package also offers 3 open house postings and virtual tours.
- Gold Package – $998: This is a full-service package. You get direct assistance from a broker to help you sell your home.
- Platinum Package – $389: Although you get the same features as that of the Gold Package, this plan is priced at a lower rate. However, you need to pay 0.5% of the sales price at closing.
🚩 Additional Fee: Sellers must pay an MLS compliance fee at closing—0.25% for Limited Service plans (Bronze and Silver) and 0.01% for Full Service plans (Gold and Platinum), separate from package costs.
In terms of value, Kermath Realty is a good option. Here are some of its advantages:
- Listing on Data Feed Sites: Your listing will appear on all data feed sites, just like with a traditional agent, ensuring maximum exposure.
- Direct Buyer Leads: You can interact with the buyers and negotiate with them directly with no agent involvement.
- Color Flyers Included: Each listing includes a color flyer that you can hand out at open houses or post on your FSBO yard sign.
In our research, we found some major deal breakers with Kermath Realty:
- Only for Experienced Sellers: The Bronze and Silver plans from Kermath Realty are not ideal for first-time FSBO sellers. If you require even a little support, you should pick the Gold or Platinum plan, which can be expensive.
- Limited Coverage: Kermath Realty only operates in Michigan. If your house is outside the state, then you cannot list with them.
- Unclear Listing Upgrades: There is no information on Kermath Realty’s website about whether you can change your listing after it goes live. This is an essential feature these days.
Kermath Realty has 4.4 out of 5 stars from 80+ reviews on Google.
» Kermath Realty Reviews: Read Kermath Realty’s reviews and choose accordingly.
👉 Our Take: Kermath Realty offers multiple packages tailored to fit your needs. However, their Bronze and Silver packages are better suited for seasoned sellers, and their Full-Service plans are more expensive compared to other service providers.
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% 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 Michigan
Here are the top home-buying companies in Michigan to help you find your dream home.
1. Keller Williams
Quick MLS Updates
Based in New York, NYHouzeo is a top-rated digital real estate platform for smart home buyers. Based in New York, it connects you directly with MLS-listed homes.
- No Service Fee: There are no service fees or commissions charged to home buyers.
- Upfront Pricing: You view complete listings and fee details with no surprises
- Free Access: Buyers can browse listings and use core tools at no cost before deciding to engage.
Houzeo is America’s #1 platform for smart home buyers because:
- Access Listings on All Major Real Estate Sites: View homes from Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and hundreds more via Houzeo’s MLS access.
- 5-Star Customer Service: Buyer support is available 6 days a week by phone. Chat and email support run 7 days a week.
- 100% Online Convenience: Schedule showings, track price changes, and make offers online—right from Houzeo’s mobile app.
- Cost of Living Calculator: Compare neighborhoods based on affordability, commute, and amenities—all in one simple tool.
With Houzeo, there are no dealbreakers—it’s so simple and hassle-free.
Houzeo is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by thousands of home sellers on Google & Trustpilot.
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 MinneapolisBerkshire 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 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 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, 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:
- Property Listings: Opt for a company that has MLS access, so you can easily browse all Michigan real estate listings and find the perfect home in your favorite area.
- 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.
» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why Houzeo is Michigan’s best home buying and selling website.
