6 Best Real Estate Companies in Maryland (2024 Updates)

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 Free State.

3 Best Real Estate Companies for Home Sellers in Maryland

Here are the top 3 real estate companies in Maryland that help sellers maximize their savings.

1. Houzeo

4.9/10

11,000+ reviews

4.9/5

11,000+ reviews

100% ONLINE

Listing Fee: $249

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Houzeo 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. Simple Choice Realty

5/10

40+ reviews

5/5

40+ reviews

ONE HOLISTIC PACKAGE

Listing Fee: $399

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Helmed by Chris Carr, Simple Choice Realty provides services to home sellers and buyers in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware.

Simple Choice Realty offers 2 packages:

• MLS Package – $399: It includes a listing period of 6 months with 25+ photos. The package also includes a yard sign, and required disclosures. Your listing gets syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow & Trulia, and other real estate websites.
• Contract Review Plan – $749: This is a full-service plan where an agent will assist you throughout your home selling process.

👉 Our Take: Simple Choice offers a single MLS package that covers all the basic requirements of a home seller. You can customize the package as per your needs for an additional charge.

» Chris Carr Simple Choice Realty: Chris Carr and Simple Choice Realty have 5 out of 5 stars from Houzeo home sellers.

Listing with Simple Choice Realty has certain advantages.

• Market Exposure: Your home gets listed on popular websites like Realtor.com, Zillow, and Trulia.
• Free Listing Changes: You can make changes to your listing without paying any additional fees.
• State Disclosures: Simple Choice Realty provides all required listing disclosures.
• Buyer Lead Forwarding: All buyer leads are directly forwarded to you with no agent involvement.
• Add Open House to MLS Listing: You can add 2 open house ads on the MLS for no extra cost.

In our research, we found no red flags with Simple Choice Realty. Chris Carr has a stellar reputation within the broker community.

Simple Choice Realty however has a significant number of upgrades that can add up to your overall spending. If you’re opting for their MLS plan we suggest you budget for these.

» Simple Choice Realty Reviews: Check out what Houzeo home sellers have to say about working with Simple Choice Realty.

Simple Choice Realty has 5 out of 5 stars from 40+ reviews on Zillow.

Simple Choice Realty is a Pennsylvania-based flat-fee MLS listing service operating in four states. While offering MLS access, it’s pricier than alternatives and lacks advanced technology. Sellers must pay a 2.1% buyer agent commission in addition to upfront fees.

However, it’s online platform lacks key features for a smooth transaction. Sellers might find themselves handling tasks like offer comparison and property access management manually, which can be time-consuming and stressful.

3. Redfin

4.3/10

60+ reviews

4.3/5

60+ reviews

Refund/Rebate Program

1-1.5% Listing Fee

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For 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 Best Real Estate Companies for Home Buyers in Maryland

Here are the top home-buying companies in Maryland to help you find your dream home.

1. Coldwell Banker Realty

4.9/10

200+ reviews

4.9/5

200+ reviews

MOST SUCCESSFUL INVESTORS

Based in New Jersey

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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 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. eXp Realty

2.1/10

60+ reviews

2.1/5

60+ reviews

Attracts Qualified Renters

Based in Washington, D.C.

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Apartments.com is one of the leading rental platforms in the U.S. It provides a wide range of rental listings, which includes apartments, houses, condos, and townhomes.

• Application Fee: Apartments.com charges $29 + tax for renters to apply to up to 10 listings in 30 days. This fee doesn’t affect home buyers.

Here are some of the advantages that you get with Apartments.com:

• Customizable Search Options: The platform lets users narrow down home listings using filters like pet-friendliness, price range, and amenities.
• Online Rent Payment: You get to pay rent and security deposits online.
• No Search Fees: Renters can explore listings without a subscription or search fees.

Here are a few drawbacks we found about Apartments.com:

• Mobile App Limitations: While helpful for on-the-go searches, the app lacks some features found on the website. Users report limited filters, location defaults, no “not interested” option, and missing accessibility tools.
• Missing or Outdated Details: Some property listings lack complete information or current details.
• Delayed Landlord Response: Renters may not get timely replies. Some wait longer than expected to hear from property owners.

Apartments.com has a rating of 2.1 out of 5  stars on Trustpilot.

eXp Realty is a modern real estate company known for its innovative approach and virtual business model. It offers a technology-driven platform that appeals to buyers looking for a more flexible real estate experience.

eXp Realty also 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.

3. Zillow

1.1/10

700+ reviews

1.1/5

700+ reviews

Largest Marketplace

Based in Washington

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Zillow is the most visited real estate website. Zillow provides an exceptional home buying, renting, and selling 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 lets you list your property for free and is great for exposure, but your information is stored as a lead in their marketing funnel. Essentially, the bargain is your confidential data in exchange for Zillow’s “free” listing.

» Zillow Offers Reviews: Everything you need to know about Zillow

Key Features of Zillow:

• Your Listing is Updated in Real-Time: On Zillow, you do all the listing changes which reflect immediately, instead of waiting for a listing agent to do it for you.
• Free Listing: Zillow provides free For Sale By Owner listing. But, all FSBO listings on Zillow are hidden in the ‘Other Listings’ tab. This has lowered the success rate of free Zillow FSBO listings drastically.
• Zestimate: Zillow’s home value estimate is a tool for pricing your home. It incorporates data from the MLS, market trends, location, etc. to give you an accurate property value.

Zillow has some major drawbacks that home sellers should be aware of.

• Unsolicited Calls From Listing Agents: Your information will become an FSBO lead for Listing Agents. You will get numerous unsolicited calls from these agents asking you to list with them.
• Inaccurate Tool: Many users have faced inconveniences in selling their homes due to Zestimate’s inaccuracy.
• Poor Customer Reviews: A staggering number of customers have complained regarding their disappointing experience with Zillow.

Zillow has a rating of  1.1 out of 5 on Consumer Affairs.

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 Maryland

When you choose a real estate company to work for in Maryland, 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 Maryland:

What to Consider When Choosing a Real Estate Brokerage to Work For?

1. 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.
2. Company Reputation: Research the brokerage’s market presence and reputation. A reputable company can help with lead generation.
3. 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.
4. Scope for Specialization: Consider the brokerage’s niche and how it aligns with your interests and local opportunities in Maryland’s real estate market.

How to Choose the Best Real Estate Company in Maryland?

You can choose the best real estate companies based on these factors:

For Sellers:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:

1. Property Listings: Opt for a company that has MLS access, so you can easily browse all Maryland real estate listings and find the perfect home in your favorite area.
2. 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.
3. 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 Maryland Worth It?

Yes! Real estate companies in Maryland 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 Maryland.

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 Maryland’s best home buying and selling website.