8 min read May 06, 2024

Top 5 Discount Real Estate Brokers in Asheville, NC (2024 Updates)

Home sellers across North Carolina can save thousands on real estate agent commissions. With discount real estate brokers in North Carolina, you can slash the traditional 6% rate down to just 2% to 3%.

The current median home price in North Carolina is $462,500. The traditional 6% commission will cost you a whopping $27,750. A discount Realtor offers you similar services at just 1.5%. With a competitive buyer agent commission of 2.5%, you now have to pay only a 4% fee. That’s just around $18,500.

You can lower this amount to around $13,875 if you list on the MLS with Houzeo’s Gold plan. You also get the professional services and tools available to real estate agents at a fraction of the cost.

Rankings: Best Discount Real Estate Brokers and Companies Asheville, NC

We’ve researched and compiled a list of the best discount real estate brokers for you.

RankDiscount Real Estate Broker / CompanyListing FeeAdditional ChargesMax Savings100% OnlineMobile App
1.Houzeo.com$399
Flat Fee
2.Flat Fee Realty$3000
Flat Fee
or
1%
Commission
3.Summit Realty of WNC1%
Commission
4.Redefy$3500
Flat Fee
5.UpNest2.5%
Commission

Reviews: 5 Best Discount Real Estate Brokers in Asheville, NC

1. Houzeo.com

#1 Discount Real Estate Service

Houzeo.com
Houzeo Logo
  • Listing Fee: $399
  • Available nationwide
  • 5 Stars 4.9/5 (8,400+ Reviews)

Houzeo is a top technology-driven real estate platform. It offers 4 different packages:

  • Bronze Package ($399): List your house for 6 months. You can upload 24 house photos.
  • Silver Package ($399+0.5% at Close): List your home for six months and post maximum photos. Unlimited open houses and listing modifications are included in this package.
  • Gold Package ($429+0.5% at Close): This gives you all the benefits of the Silver package. It also provides licensed broker assistance, contract review, etc.
  • Platinum ($449+1% at Close): This package offers virtual full-service support with a licensed broker. You can list for 12-month. Brokers assist you in negotiations, disclosures, and closing.

👉 Our Take: We recommend Houzeo to all home sellers. The company has an excellent customer rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. It has extensive coverage across 47 states + DC, a feat achieved by only a handful of other services.

» Houzeo Reviews: Houzeo is 100% online. You can finish listing formalities within 60 minutes.

These are the key features that make Houzeo one of the top discount real estate brokers:

  • Significant Commission Savings: You will pay just a small flat fee to list on MLS. On average, home sellers who used Houzeo saved $11,490.
  • No Hidden Fees: All costs are disclosed upfront so you don’t have to worry about hidden charges.
  • Near Nationwide Coverage: Houzeo operates in 47 states and DC, with ongoing plans for expansion.
  • Max Exposure: Houzeo packages give you access to renowned MLS companies.
  • Advanced Technology: Eliminate the hassle of extensive paperwork. E-signature and online forms make house listing quick and easy.
  • 5-star Customer Service: Dedicated customer support addresses your every concern easy.
  • Mobile App: Houzeo’s mobile app lets you manage showing requests from verified buyers and buyer agents. You can either accept, reject, or reschedule showings at your convenience.

There are no dealbreakers with Houzeo.

» Houzeo Reviews: Houzeo is rated “Excellent” by 8,400+ happy customers on Google Reviews and Trustpilot!

Houzeo Reviews: With over 8,400+ happy customers, Houzeo is the most trusted discount real estate broker.

Houzeo is America’s #1 ranked real estate brokerage company. It provides an unbeatable combination of max savings, 5-star customer support, and cutting-edge technology.

Houzeo’s flat fee feature helps you save thousands on agent commissions. You also get dedicated customer support that makes the home-selling process much easier and effortless.

2. Flat Fee Realty

GREAT SAVINGS

Flat Fee Realty
Flat Fee Realty
  • Listing Fee: Varies
  • 3.5 Stars 3.4/5 (9 Reviews)

Flat Fee Realty offers a single Flat Fee MLS package, the price of which varies by state. The listing agent also retains a small percentage of the buyer broker’s commission.

  • Standard services included in the flat fee package are a listing term of 6 months with six photos. Your listings get syndicated to Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com. The package also includes free listing upgrades and state disclosures.

Listing Photos Upgrades: If you want to change your listing photos, you must purchase upgrades separately. You can add up to 25 photos for $50. 

👉 Our Take: Flat Fee Realty is a good option if an affordable plan is your priority. However, the company charges additional fees for optional upgrades like photos. Also, it does not offer any services to home buyers.

Flat Fee Realty is a decent option if you are looking for a low-cost real estate brokerage.

  • Market Exposure: Your listing gets syndicated to the local MLS and other real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com.
  • Full Representation: Flat Fee Realty offers a full representation of your property, enabling you to sell your home quickly.
  • Custom Home Search: You can save your home search preferences on their website. Later, you can view homes matching your description as they become available.

In our research, we have found some red flags associated with Flat Fee Realty.

  • Low on Tech: Flat Fee Realty is not 100% online. Some of the processes are carried out manually. Your listing might get delayed.
  • Non-customizable Packages: Flat Fee Realty’s listing package provides no scope for customization. The package is a one-size-fits-all plan, limiting the options you want. 
  • No Buyer Support: Flat Fee Realty isn’t a buyer-focused platform, offering no significant benefits for home buyers.

Flat Fee Realty has an average rating of 3.4 out of 5 on Yelp.

Fred Romano owns Flat Fee Realty LLC. The company is a licensed brokerage in Connecticut. In the remaining states, they partner with licensed brokers to list your property on the MLS.

Flat Fee Realty charges 0.10 – 0.25% commission at closing. Even though they claim the buyer agent pays this, the entire commission comes out of the seller’s proceeds.

3. Summit Realty of WNC

GREAT SAVINGS

Summit Realty of WNC
Summit Realty discount real estate brokers in asheville nc
  • Listing Fee: 1% of sales price
  • 5 Stars 5.0/5.0 (13 reviews)

Summit Realty of WNC offers two plans based on the assistance required by the seller to get buyers. They also provide buyer agent services.

Summit Realty of WNC for Home Sellers:

  • 1% Commission: This is a  full-service package for home sellers. It includes CMA, professional staging, showing service, yard sign, contract support and guidance and much more.
  • Exclusive Agency Listing – $995 + 0.75 at closing: You can sell your home yourself if you have a buyer. You get limited assistance through the entire process.

👉 Our Take: Summit Realty of WNC can be a great option for sellers. However, they do not offer any significant benefits for buyers.

You get the following benefits if you list with Summit Realty.

  • Multiple Packages: Summit Realty of WNC offers 2 listing packages. Experienced sellers can opt for the Exclusive Agency Listing package.
  • Free Tools: You get a free home valuation report and mortgage calculator.
  • Good Customer Reviews: Past customers have praised their agents for other professionalism and local market knowledge.

In our research, we have found some deal breakers associated with Summit Realty of WNC.

  • No Buyer Rebate: They do not provide benefits like buyer rebates.

Summit Realty of WNC 5 star rating from 13 reviews on Google.

Summit Realty of WNC is a good local option for sellers in North Carolina. They offer multiple listing packages that include CMA, professional home staging, showing scheduling service, and more.

However, Summit Realty does not offer any significant benefits for buyers.

4. Redefy

IN-HOUSE SUPPORT

Redefy
Redefy logo
  • Listing Fee: $3,500 Flat Fee
  • In-person support
  • 4.25 stars  4.1/5 (40+ Reviews)

Redefy is one of the renowned discount real estate companies in the US. It offers 3 packages at a flat fee:

  • Self-Service ($379): You get a 6-month listing period. This includes local listing, yard sign, 10 photos on the listing, etc.
  • Limited Service ($499): Here, you get a 1-year listing period. This package includes a local listing, door key lock box, 25 photos on the listing, etc.
  • Virtual Full Service ($2,995): This premium package offers personal consultation, full customer support, extensive marketing, etc.

👉 Our Take: Redefy offers different pricing models that suit your needs. It offers all the necessary services you need to close the sale. Along with a low flat fee, it charges you a non-refundable fee of $500. This increases the value of the package.

Redefy offers:

  • Affordable Pricing: You need to pick the package that suits your requirements. Although features like local listing, email, text & live chat support, yard signs, and door lock keys remain constant throughout.
  • In-House Support: You are provided with professional in-house support like home staging with accurate pricing.
  • Mortgage Calculator: Redefy’s Mortgage Calculator allows you to estimate your overall mortgage, insurance, and taxes.

The disadvantages with Redefy are:

  • No Refund Deposit: You have to pay a non-refundable deposit of $500.
  • Inconsistent Agent Quality: Redefy has limited agents attending to a large volume of customers. This can hamper the service quality.
  • Service Coverage: They serve only 9 states in the US (Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia)

Redefy has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Yelp.

Redefy is a discount real estate brokerage introduced in 2011. It is headquartered in Aurora, Colorado.

It is a licensed firm that works on the principle of a flat fee. This means for your million-dollar house you just pay a flat rate. You also need to pay $500 as a non-refundable deposit. This increases your overall package cost.

5. UpNest

Negotiable FEES

UpNest
Upnest logo
  • Listing Fee: 4.3% of the Sale Price (or as decided by the agent)
  • Available in all major cities
  • 4.75 Stars  4.7/5 (295+ Reviews)

UpNest is a marketplace that connects home sellers and buyers with local agents.

  • Pricing: UpNest does not charge you any upfront fee. It allows their agents to discuss the pricing with you like commission, fees, discounts, etc.

👉 Our Take: UpNest introduces you to 2 to 3 agents once you register on their platform.

» Is UpNest Legit? Find out if UpNest can be the best option for your house sale.

UpNest offers certain advantages:

  • No Fees: UpNest does not charge you an upfront commission. Instead, you are introduced to an agent to discuss the services and commissions.
  • User-Friendly Dashboard: It has a user-friendly dashboard which makes it easy to compare agent profiles.
  • No Obligation Service: UpNest connects you with multiple agents as soon as you sign up with them. If you are not satisfied, then you can simply walk away.
  • Nationwide Coverage: Prevu offers service throughout the US. It connects you with the local agent who has current market insights.

» What is UpNest? Read the comprehensive study for UpNest to learn more details!

UpNest has certain disadvantages:

  • Lower Savings: The commission depends on your negotiation with the agent. A higher commission fixed would make you pay more.
  • Uncertain Customer Service: Some customers share feedback of agents being extremely helpful and knowledgeable. However, less experienced agents struggle to answer simple questions.

» How Does Upnest WorkAgent-matching at UpNest is pretty straightforward. Check it out!

UpNest has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google.

» UpNest Reviews: How Much Will it Save You in 2023?

UpNest is a licensed agent-matching brokerage. It is headquartered in California. Move, Inc. (Realtor.com, the parent company) acquired Upnest in June 2022.

UpNest pairs you with local agents with a proven sales record. However, you may end up fixing a high commission for the agent.

What Are Discount Real Estate Brokers and Companies?

Discount real estate brokers are companies or agents who sell your home for less than the standard 2.5% to 3% commission. Such low-cost real estate agents typically offer the same services for reduced fees of 0.5% to 2% or a flat fee.

How Much Can I Save With a Discount Realtor in Asheville, NC?

As a seller, you can save anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000.

Typically, home sellers pay a total of 6% as Realtor commissions to both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. Whereas, with discount real estate brokers you can pre-negotiate this at 1% to 2%.

As a home buyer, you get a buyer’s rebate – a type of cashback received after the sale. A typical buyer rebate is 1% to 2% of the home’s purchase price. For example, Redfin offers a buyer rebate of 0.5% to clients who sell and buy with Redfin within 1 year.

Types of Discount Brokers in Asheville, NC

The four major types of real estate discount brokerages and companies in Tar Heel State are as follows:

1. Flat Fee MLS Companies: Flat Fee MLS companies get you on the MLS for a small flat fee saving you thousands in commissions. The Best Flat Fee MLS listing companies like Houzeo can get you on the MLS within 24 hours, or even faster!

2. Flat Rate Full-Service Companies: These companies charge a fixed fee instead of the regular 3% commission. This amount can be anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000. A flat-rate Realtor is perfect for homes priced on the higher end.

3. Low-Commission Estate Agents: Low-commission discount brokers offer full-service packages at only 1% or 2%. They cover everything from listing, negotiations, and pricing. They are also called 1% commission Realtors, or 2% commission brokers, etc.

4. Virtual Full Service: A virtual full-service discount broker handles everything online. All services including negotiation and marketing support are at no additional cost.

Pros and Cons of a Discount Realtor

Here are the pros and cons of discount Realtors:

Pros ✅

  • Reduced Fees: You’ll pay less for listing agent fees. While standard brokers typically charge at least 3%, discount brokers may charge as little as 0.5% to 1%.
  • Full Access to Basic Services: You receive the same services as you would with a traditional agent. They assist with home pricing, marketing, and negotiations.
  • Streamlined Process: A low-cost Realtor provides similar services as traditional agents. They streamline the process of listing your property on the MLS, marketing the property, negotiating offers, and assisting with paperwork.

Cons ❌

  • Not Enough Savings: Some discount brokerages may charge hidden fees or sell their services a la carte. This might add to your expenses.
  • Not for First-Time Sellers: Most discount real estate brokerages are digital, so you rarely talk to anyone in person. A first-time seller or buyer who needs some hand-holding may not be able to get benefits.
  • Lack of Personal Attention: Discount Realtors handle multiple clients at once to make up for the reduced commission rate. They may not be able to provide personalized services.
  • High Cancellation Fee: A discount realty company can charge a minimum withdrawal fee within a specified period. Remember to carefully review the terms and conditions of the contract before signing.

Who Should Use a Discount Broker?

Discount brokers are ideal for:

  • Sellers on a Tight Budget: Homeowners who wish to save money should list with a low-fee Realtor. This can help them save big. 
  • Real Estate Investors: Real estate investors who frequently trade homes can benefit from low-commission discount brokers.
  • House Flippers: Home flipping is a strategy where an investor purchases a property to renovate it and sell it for a profit. Home flippers can save thousands on agent commissions by selling via discount brokers.

Alternatives to Discount Real Estate Agents in Asheville, NC

Here are some options if you do not want to opt for a discount Realtor in Asheville, NC.

  • List With a Full-Service Realtor: If you need hand-holding, we recommend you hire a full-service in-person Realtor. You’ll get all the professional help you need, but you will end up paying a full 5% to 6% commission.
  • Sell to an iBuyer: Many iBuyers, like Opendoor and Offerpad, purchase hundreds of homes in North Carolina markets. iBuyers can be a great option if you want to sell your house fast in North Carolina.
  • Sell to Cash Home Buyers: Individual cash home buyers and companies make all-cash offers, usually within 24 to 48 hours. Cash buyers let you skip the hassle of listing on the MLS, inspection, appraisal, etc.
  • Sell For Sale By Owner: For Sale By Owner websites in North Carolina will help you list and sell a house by owner and save thousands in listing agent commission.

Are Discount Brokerages Worth It?

YES! There are various advantages to using a low-cost real estate agent. Using an affordable brokerage can save you at least $8,000 to $10,000.

There are several discounted real estate brokers on the market today, each with its own set of advantages. Examine factors such as listing fees, listing time, services provided, customer service, and coverage before you choose one.

With Houzeo, you can get your home on the MLS in 24 hours, for a small flat fee. You get extra savings and services like, access to offers dashboard, showings management, and many more.

Eager to Know How Houzeo Works?

Houzeo is the #1 For Sale By Owner website in the U.S. Check out the following video to understand how Houzeo would help you crack the deal faster in 5 steps.

How to List on MLS With Houzeo?

5 Easy Steps to List on MLS with Houzeo as FSBO

Start Your MLS Listing NOW!

» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the best discount real estate brokers in Asheville, NC?

Houzeo.com, and Smart Choice Realty are the top discount real estate brokers in North Carolina.

How much is the real estate agent fees in Asheville, NC?

On average, traditional agents in North Carolina, charge 5% to 6% of the sale price as commission. On the other hand, discount real estate brokers charge 1% to 3% commission.

How do I find low cost discount realtors near me to sell my home?

You could do a Google search, go with an agent from one of the national discount brokers like Redfin, or list your home using Houzeo. With Houzeo, your home will be listed on the MLS without the added expense of a listing agent.

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