4.8
Editor's Rating2
User Rating (1 Reviews)Houwzer is a discount real estate brokerage that serves home sellers and buyers. They use a tech-driven model to offer full-service support at lower costs. They focus on simple transactions and client-first service.
Pros
Cons
Houwzer is a discount real estate broker that operates in select states and Washington DC. They offer full-service listing at a 1% fee instead of the traditional 3% commission. Plus, they provide buyer agent services, mortgage advice, and title services under one platform.
Houwzer agents work on a salaried model and handle tasks similar to traditional agents. They use an online portal that lets you communicate with them during the sale. Since their agents manage a higher client volume, it can affect the level of personalized attention you receive.
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✍️ Editor’s Take: We recommend you list with Houzeo. With Houzeo, you get 100% online service with personalized support. Plus, you get a listing dashboard, nationwide exposure, and mobile app access, all starting at $249. Compare Houwzer vs. Houzeo.
Key Takeaways
- Houwzer is a low-commission brokerage that offers full-service support to home sellers at a 1% listing commission.
- Average rating: 4.8-star rating across major review platforms like Google and Yelp.
- Pros: Lower commission fees, full-service agent support, online dashboard, and bundled services such as mortgage and title support.
- Cons: Team-based agent model, limited personalization, and restricted geographic coverage.
- Houwzer Coverage: Operates in 19 states and Washington DC, with stronger presence in Florida, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
- Houwzer Alternatives: Houzeo, Redfin, and Prevu.
Houwzer Real Estate Reviews
Houwzer has 4.8 out of 5 stars based on around 400 customer reviews on Google. Moreover, on Yelp, the company has 4.1 out of 5 stars from 47 reviews.
Houwzer Reviews: Praises
✅ Devin Scott praised Houwzer for a smooth and streamlined home sale process. They highlighted the agent’s support during a stressful phase. They also appreciated the 1% listing fee and felt the service still delivered strong personal support.
I had a great experience with Houwzer. Their process is streamlined and the home sale was smooth. My realtor Fred helped me stay calm in a period that was stressing me out, particularly in helping me navigate a relationship with a challenging contractor. With their 1% listing fee, I think they’re a great value without losing any of the relationship.
Source: Google
✅ Christian Flagg praised Houwzer’s agent for clear communication and transparency. They valued the professional support and expressed strong intent to recommend the team.
Fred Altieri with Houwzer Realty was an absolute pleasure to work with. Extremely diligent, transparent, and a great communicator. Hope to work with him and the Houwzer team again in the future and can’t wait to recommend them when the opportunity comes up.
Source: Google
Houwzer Reviews: Complaints
❌ Jodeh Nass shared a negative experience with Houwzer’s agent. They cited poor communication and lack of timely updates, which left them frustrated during the sale process.
I had an extremely disappointing experience with Michael DeFiore as a sellers agent . After we made an offer on a property, which he accepted, he completely ignored me for two days—no calls, no emails, nothing. I was left in the dark, trying to reach him repeatedly without any response. To make matters worse, after finally getting back in touch, I was informed that he had accepted another offer, without even the courtesy of informing us during those two days of silence.
Source: Google
❌ Angela Bonham reported a negative experience as a first-time buyer. They alleged unethical agent behavior and cited poor company response after raising concerns.
I worked with Houwser as a first time home buyer and was taken advantage of by their agents. The agent has been found guilty of unethical practices twice by the realtor governing board. The company was not responsive when I flagged the issue for attention. Would not recommend!
Source: Google
Houwzer Reviews: Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons of working with Houwzer.com:
✅ Pros
- Savings on Commission: Houwzer provides you with an affordable way to sell a home. They only charge a 1% listing commission.
- Houwzer’s Dashboard: You can use this dashboard to chat with your agent and track the listing process.
❌ Cons
- Lack of Personal Assistance: Houwzer’s agents handle multiple clients at once, which can limit individual attention. This is also reflected in Houwzer’s reviews.
- Risk of Miscommunication: Houwzer does not align you with a single agent. You have to deal with multiple agents at different stages of the home-selling process. This can easily lead to miscommunication.
- Limited Coverage: Houwzer operates only in 19 states and Washington DC.
Is Houwzer Legit?
Yes. Houwzer is a legitimate real estate company. Mike Maher, a former naval officer, founded Houwzer in 2015 in Philadelphia. The company later expanded its services to several states and Washington DC.
In 2022, Houwzer acquired Trelora and formed Newfound. Houwzer, Inc. now operates as a Newfound company. The group also runs other real estate brands like Trelora and HomeRise.
How Does Houwzer Work?
You can list with Houwzer online. Their user-friendly dashboard ensures ease of navigation, making it accessible even for those who are less familiar with technology. As a seller, Houwzer’s dashboard helps you manage listings, showings, open houses, and offers.
If you want to sell your home with Houwzer, here’s how the process works:
- Fill Out a Questionnaire: Fill in your personal and property details. Additionally indicate if you want to refinance your home or want to buy a home as well.
- Follow the Selling Process: Houwzer’s agents take over the sale. They help you price the home, list it on the MLS, and manage showings.
- Close on Your Home: Your agents also help you to negotiate offers and close the deal.
Typically, it takes 55 – 70 days to sell a home via MLS. You can also expect a similar timeline with Houwzer.
Houwzer Locations
Houwzer operates across 19 states and Washington DC. Their presence is strongest in major real estate markets, including Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC.
Houwzer’s Services
» Jump to: For Sellers | For Buyers | Other Services
Let’s look at the services offered by Houwzer to sellers and buyers:
For Home Sellers
Houwzer charges a 1% listing commission, which provides savings. Their agent lists your home on the MLS and handles essential tasks. However, as they handle multiple clients, you may get less personalized assistance compared to traditional brokers.
Here’s what Houwzer Real Estate agents do for you:
- Home valuation
- Professional photography and 3D online tour
- Direct mail advertising
- Negotiations with buyers
- Contract consultation
- Closing coordination
For Home Buyers
Houwzer helps you through the home-buying process. As a buyer, you will have a dedicated agent. As Houwzer’s agents are salaried and don’t get a commission at closing, you are never rushed into buying a house if you aren’t 100% happy with it.
You will get the following services from Houwzer:
- Access to Houwzer’s web portal
- A customized plan for purchase
- Early access to the listings on Houwzer’s platform
- Home tours with local agents
- Negotiation with sellers
- Paperwork and closing assistance
Other Services by Houwzer
Here are some other services Houwzer provides:
- NewFound Mortgage: This is the mortgage advisory firm of Houwzer. They research the market to identify a lender with the most competitive interest rates for you. With Houwzer, you can apply for the mortgage online. They claim to get you pre-approval in as little as 24 hours.
- Houwzer Title: The company provides title services through Houwzer Titles. Houwzer doesn’t disclose details about this service on the website. You can email Houwzer to learn more about this service.
How Much Do You Save With Houwzer?
Houwzer charges a 1% commission instead of the traditional 3%. This lower fee applies only to the listing side. Buyer agent commission and closing costs are separate.
If your home sells for $400,000, a traditional 3% listing fee would cost $12,000. With Houwzer, you pay $4,000. This means you save $8,000 on listing commission alone.
However, some competitors offer even lower listing costs. In many cases, they charge almost half the listing commission compared to Houwzer.
Houwzer Competitors
» Jump to: Houwzer vs. Houzeo | Houwzer vs. Redfin | Houwzer vs. Prevu
1. Houwzer vs. Houzeo
Houwzer charges a 1% listing commission. Houzeo offers different packages starting from $249. This helps you save thousands in commissions. The pricing works well for sellers who want more cost control.
Houwzer follows a traditional agent model. Houzeo is 100% online with a 4.7-star rated mobile app. You get online showings and offers with no cancellation fees. You can list fast and make free changes.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Listing Fee | $249 onwards | |
| Customer Rating | 4.8 stars (400+ reviews) | 4.9 stars (11,000+ reviews) |
| Coverage | 19 states + Washington DC | Nationwide |
| Cancel Anytime | ||
| Direct Communication with Buyers | ||
| Showing Management Platform | ||
| Offer Management Platform | ❌ | ✅ |
| Mobile App | ❌ | ✅ |
2. Houwzer vs. Redfin
Houwzer and Redfin are discount real estate brokerages. Additionally, Houwzer charges a 1% listing agent commission. Redfin typically charges about 1.5% for sellers, with a possible 0.5% refund if you sell and buy with them. This can bring Redfin’s fee close to Houwzer’s.
Both companies offer full-service support. Redfin has much broader coverage, serving most U.S. states and many markets nationwide. Houwzer operates in a smaller set of states and Washington, D.C. Your choice should depend on where you list and the support you want.
3. Houwzer vs. Prevu
Houwzer and Prevu offer comparable services. While Houwzer charges a 1% commission, Prevu charges around 2%. This makes Houwzer the more cost-effective option. Additionally, Houwzer relies more on technology, while Prevu emphasizes in-person agent support.
Both companies operate only in select markets across the US. Coverage depends on your location. Service levels may vary by city. You should choose based on local availability and the type of support you expect during the sale.
Discount Realtors Near You 🔎
Looking for more options? We’ve compiled a list of the best discount real estate brokers in each state. Click on your state to check them out!
Other Options You Should Consider
- Sell With a Flat Fee MLS Service: Flat Fee MLS websites let you list and sell your house by owner while saving thousands in commission. They make your listing live quickly and provide maximum exposure, professional services, and paperwork support.
- Sell to “Cash for Houses” Companies: Unlike iBuyers, “cash for houses” companies help you sell your house as-is. They can even close within 7 days or on any date you choose. Plus, cash-for-houses companies also buy homes in remote or hard-to-sell areas.
- Sell to iBuyers: iBuyers make an offer on your property within 24-48 hours and can close within 7 days. Most iBuyers like Opendoor and Offerpad can offer the Fair Market Value (FMV) of your property. So, iBuyers can be a great option to sell your house fast.
Should You Consider Houwzer Real Estate?
Houwzer offers savings on listing agent commissions. Their online dashboard helps you track your sale. But for the price you pay, the service may feel less personal. Due to their salary-based model, agents may seem less invested. Many Houwzer reviews mention this concern.
We recommend you list with Houzeo. Houzeo is 100% online. Their 4.7-star rated mobile app gives you full control. You can save thousands in commissions. You get online showings and offers. There are no cancellation fees. Plus, you can list fast and make free changes.
» Houzeo Reviews: Check out why more than 11,000 home sellers have rated Houzeo 4.9 stars out of 5.
We conducted a thorough review of Houwzer to provide an unbiased and fact-based analysis. Our research focused on real customer experiences and credible sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. The methodology included:
- Collecting Reviews: We gathered authentic customer reviews from trusted platforms such as Google and Yelp.
- Analyzing Feedback: We examined reviews to assess service quality, customer experience, and satisfaction levels.
- Compiling Insights: We summarized findings objectively to highlight strengths and areas for improvement.
- Ensuring Neutrality: We avoided personal opinions and presented data-driven observations only.
We used reliable sources to gather information about Houwzer. Our research focused on real customer experiences and verified company details. Key sources included:
- Official Website – for company services, policies, and offerings.
- Yelp – for genuine customer feedback and service ratings.
- Google – for verified complaints, reviews, and performance insights.
Reviews
(1 Reviews)
John Benjamin
Verified Reviewer
21st Nov 2023
I love the concept but when I listed with them they did not have a broker in my area so my listing showed in a MLS in a area where no one would look to purchase a house in my area. I did not get a single inquiry so ended up canceling and listing with a regular broker in my area.