$68,000—that’s what you’re paying an agent to list your home on the MLS, set the price, review contracts, and negotiate offers. But here’s a secret: San Francisco discount brokers get all that done for a fraction of the cost!
Houzeo, San Francisco’s #1 discount real estate service, offers virtual full-service assistance for just $349. That’s thousands of dollars in your pocket!
Key Takeaways:
- Discount real estate brokers save thousands in commission while still offering professional support.
- The 5 best discount brokers in San Francisco are Houzeo, Clever Real Estate, CA Flat Fee, 1% Listing Fee, HomeLight, and Prevu.
- Houzeo is the best discount real estate service in San Francisco. You get virtual full-service support, high-tech tools to manage your offers, and 5-star customer support.
- Clever Real Estate ranks second because of their in-person, full-service Realtor assistance and 4.9-star rating.
- Beware of hidden fees when selecting a discount broker. Pricing varies by region, so read the fine print.
- Assess crucial factors such as pricing, service quality, and transparency to make an informed and confident decision.
Rankings: Top 6 San Francisco Discount Real Estate Brokers
As San Francisco’s real estate market continues to rebound post-Hurricane Idalia, home sellers are exploring ways to cut costs. With rising repair and insurance premiums, sellers want to retain more of their home sale profits.
One effective way to do this is to sell with a discount real estate broker in San Francisco. They offer lower commission rates and services compared to traditional Realtors. We’ve ranked the top 6 discount brokerages in the Golden City for you to choose from.
| Rank | Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Listing Fee | Max Savings | 100% Online | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Houzeo | $349 Flat Fee | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. | Clever Real Estate | 1.5% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. | CA Flat Fee | $5,000 Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. | 1% Listing Fee | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. | HomeLight | Varies | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 6. | Prevu | 1.5% of Sale Price | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
What Are the Types of Discount Real Estate Brokers?
San Francisco sellers can choose from two main types of discount real estate brokers. Each of these cater to the unique needs of the home sellers:
- Flat Rate Discount Brokers: Also known as Flat Fee MLS companies, they charge a fixed upfront fee to list your home on the MLS. A Flat Fee MLS service costs between $399 to $4,000. These services offer maximum exposure for a low fee.
- Fixed Percentage Discount Brokers: These discount Realtors charge a fixed percentage of the home’s sale price. Typically, this percentage is lower than the traditional 3%. Depending on the broker, these rates may vary from 1% to 2.5%.
Reviews: 3 Best Flat Rate Discount Real Estate Companies in San Francisco
1. Houzeo.com
BEST DISCOUNT REAL ESTATE SERVICE
Listing Fee: $249Houzeo leads in discount real estate services with 20M+ active real estate listings on its platform. You get to choose from 3 packages:
- Silver Package – $249: Your home is listed on your local MLS with 24 photos for 6 months. It is also visible on Zillow, Trulia, etc. You get unlimited listing changes, open houses, and tools like Houzeo Showings and Houzeo offers.
- Gold Package – $299: You get all the benefits in the Silver package plus maximum photos and licensed broker assistance in this package. You also get seller disclosures and a premium yard sign that makes your listing pop.
- Platinum Package – $349: You get everything in the Gold Package, along with virtual full-service support and a personal concierge. Plus, all the buyer and agent calls are forwarded to you along with a 12-month listing term.
Note: Expect an additional fee of 0.5% to 1.25% at closing.
Here are the key reasons why Houzeo is one of the top discount real estate services:
- Max Savings: Houzeo’s flat fee packages help you skip agent commissions. Plus, with Platinum package, you get professional assistance similar to that of traditional agents.
- 100% Online: You can manage your listing, showings, and negotiations from your phone with the Houzeo Mobile App.
- Instant Social Sharing: You can post your home listing across Facebook, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and X in an instant.
- 5-Star Customer Service: Houzeo has a 5-star customer support and chat service. You can access them 6 days a week.
- No Hidden Charges: All costs are disclosed upfront on Houzeo’s website, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees.
There are no dealbreakers with Houzeo.
Houzeo is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google and Trustpilot.
» Houzeo Reviews: With over 11,100 happy customers, Houzeo is the most trusted discount real estate broker.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Houzeo’s Gold plan for most home sellers. It combines Houzeo’s advanced technology, maximum exposure, 5-star customer service, and virtual broker assistance. Plus, you can save 2% to 5% on commissions at closing.
Houzeo is the #1 discount real estate broker in San Francisco. The company provides features like IntelliList management to simplify your listing process. Besides this, you get 5-star customer support, advanced technology, showings management, and offers all at your fingertips.
2. Clever Real Estate
IN-PERSON REALTOR ASSISTANCE
Listing Fee: 1.5% CommissionClever Real Estate offers 1 full-service package with in-person agent assistance:
- 1.5% Commission: Your property is listed on the MLS by your chosen agent. You also get assistance with pricing your home, professional photography, marketing, negotiations, and closing. The 1.5% listing fee comes with a minimum commission of $3,000.
Here are the reasons why Clever Real Estate can be a good choice for you:
- No Upfront Fee: You pay nothing to list your property. Commission is only due when your home sells.
- No Obligation Process: You can interview agents with no obligation. A listing agreement and commission are only paid if you sign and close with an agent
- Full-Service Agent Experience: You get matched with a full-service local agent who helps you from listing to closing. They also use creative ways to market your house, like professional photography, and help with closing paperwork.
- Nationwide Agent Network: Clever works with top-rated agents from major brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX. Every agent has at least 5+ years of experience, a strong sales record, and positive customer reviews. Clever’s network spans all 50 states.
- Buyer Cashback Program: If you’re a buyer, you could get a cashback of $250 (if you buy with Clever) or $500 (if you buy and sell with Clever). This money can help with moving, furniture, or closing costs.
Here’s one drawback of working with Clever Real Estate:
- High Minimum Fee: There’s a minimum listing fee of $3,000. This isn’t ideal for homes under $200,000 or fix-uppers.
Clever Real Estate has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 3,696 reviews on Trustpilot.
Clever Real Estate Reviews: Read why Clever Real Estate is the best choice for in-person assistance.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Clever Real Estate for first-time sellers. Their full-service agents guide you throughout your home sale process with no upfront fees. You get in-person Realtor assistance at just 1.5% commission.
3. CA Flat Fee
GREAT LOCAL EXPOSURE
Listing Fee: $5,000 Flat Fee + $500 upfrontCA Flat Fee is a full-service broker that operates in Southern California.
For Home Sellers:
- Basic ($5,500): This package offers full realtor service for $500 upfront + a $5,000 closing fee for a typical listing of $400K or below. Services include offer negotiation, professional photography, MLS, managed showings, full-time agent support, and more.
- Standard ($7,700): This package includes everything from the Basic Package, including Zillow express video, paid social ads, twilight or drone photos, and more. For this package, you must pay $700 upfront and $7,000 at closing for a property between $400K and $900K.
- Deluxe ($11,000): This package includes everything from the Standard package, including an HD property walkthrough video, targeted marketing, property brochures, and a 3D matter port. You must pay $1,000 upfront and $10,000 at closing for this package for a listing of $900K or above.
👉 Our Take: CA Flat Fee provides the same offerings as a traditional agent at a flat fee. However, for lower-priced homes, the flat fee may seem high. If you’re selling a less expensive property, it’s worth exploring options with a more affordable flat fee structure.
CA Flat Fee offers the following advantages:
- Full-Time Agent Representation: The CA Flat Fee agent will assist you throughout your home-selling journey. They will manage showings, negotiations, and purchase contract management. Moreover, the agent will help coordinate with title, escrow, and every dedicated real estate agent service.
- Excellent Customer Service: Many customers have reported that some agents went out of their way to help them sell their homes.
- Market Exposure: CA Flat Fee markets your property on the MLS and other online marketplaces. They also handle all the inbound inquiries.
CA Flat Fee has the following disadvantages:
- Suitable for Expensive Properties: The CA Flat Fee is ideal for expensive properties. However, paying $5,000 may not be the most cost-effective option for more affordable properties.
- Limited Coverage: The CA Flat Fee operates only in Southern California. Sellers from other parts of the country cannot use its services.
CA Flat Fee has a 5-star rating on Google.
CA Flat Fee is a licensed discount real estate company based in San Francisco. It offers services in the southern part of San Francisco.
CA Flat Fee offers full-service packages at a flat fee. Their services include marketing, photography, home valuations, etc. for a flat fee of $5,000. This $5,000 flat fee will only make sense when selling expensive property.
Reviews: 3 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers in San Francisco
4. 1% Listing Fee
COST EFFECTIVE
Listing Fee: 1% of Sale Price1% Listing Fee is a full broker service that assists home sellers in California. It offers a pricing package for sellers that include:
- Full Service (1% Commission): This package includes extensive marketing, professional photography, showings, and open houses.
- All Cash Sell (1% Commission): 1% Listing Fee helps you sell your house fast against cash.
👉 Our Take: A 1% Listing Fee can be the best choice in search of a budget broker. However, to sell your high-priced house you would have to pay a huge commission. Instead, consider selling your house with a flat fee discount broker.
1% Listing Fee offers several advantages to home sellers:
- Low Commission: The 1% commission fee is less than the majority of the discount real estate brokerages in California.
- Free Home Valuation: The brokerage offers a free home worth calculator to sellers, even before the consultation.
- New Listing Notifications: It sends timely notifications of new listings on MLS to buyers.
- Experienced Agents: 1% Listing Fee has been in business for more than 34 years. The experienced agents provide valuable market insights to make the transactions hassle-free.
1% Listing Fee has some disadvantages:
- Lack of Transparency: Some online reviews reveal that 1% Listing Fee has hidden costs. The seller has to pay these costs which is not informed upfront.
- Limited Coverage: 1% Listing Fee provides its services only in Southern California. This limits its customer base and the pool of potential buyers.
1% Listing Fee has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 on Google.
1% Listing Fee was established by Mr. Oscar Gracia in 2017. As the name suggests, they offer full-service packages at a 1% Listing Fee.
Although the savings for sellers are significant, they offer very low savings for buyers in the form of a 33% buyer’s rebate.
5. HomeLight
AGENT MATCHING SERVICE
Listing Fee: Varies as per the agentHomeLight is an agent-matching service provider. Its technology-based platform provides agent suggestions within minutes.
- No Upfront Cost: HomeLight does not charge any fees to buyers or sellers. The real estate agents pay a referral fee to HomeLight at the time of closing.
👉 Our Take: HomeLight connects you with a local agent to help you sell your house. The agent charges you as per his customized services including the HomeLight’s referral fee. This will ultimately make you pay more than other discount real estate brokers.
Based on our research, the benefits of HomeLight are:
- Quick Pairing: HomeLight connects you with the list of agents within two minutes of your online form filling.
- Representative Network: HomeLight has a database of over 28,000 agents. This allows you to compare the agents and select the best one based on discounts, experience, and sales records.
- Coverage: Their services are available in 51 states and all major cities across the country.
» Homelight Pros & Cons: Know about their offerings that would help you sell your house seamlessly.
Here are some limitations we found with HomeLight:
- Non-Negotiable Commissions: Every agent has to pay a referral fee to Homelight. Hence, you lose the ability to bargain for the commission.
- Off-Market Restriction: You can instantly receive bids from agents by registering on HomeLight.
- Inconsistent Agent Quality: The assigned agents may not work at your convenience. Even the listing speed will be based on the agent selected.
HomeLight has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Sitejabber.
» HomeLight Reviews: Check out our detailed reviews on HomeLight.
HomeLight is a reputable discount real estate broker company established by Drew Uher in 2012. It is a common platform where sellers meet the buyers.
They have a huge agent database that handles multiple clients at a time. This could lead to miscommunication and a lack of personalized support.
6. Prevu
Lower Commission
Listing Fee: 1.5% of Sale PricePrevu is a full-service brokerage that is tech-enabled that offers these features for the sellers:
- 2% Listing Fee: Prevu charges a 2% listing fee, which is lower than the traditional 3% fee. This does not include the buyer’s agent commission.
- Full-Service Agents: Prevu agents provides a range of services, including a CMA Report, professional photography, 3D tours, and negotiation support.
- Digital Platform: The company emphasizes its online platform for quickening and streamlining the home-selling process.
For home buyers, Prevu primarily provides these services:
- Smart Buyer™ Rebate: You get a rebate of up to 1% of your home’s purchase price. However, this amount can differ from transaction to transaction.
- Dedicated Agents: Your dedicated Prevu agent guides throughout the process – from viewing properties to closing deals.
- Technology-Driven Search: Prevu’s platform allows you to easily search for properties and simplifies your communication with your agent.
Based on our research, the benefits of Prevu are:
- Significant Savings for Buyers: Your rebate can add up to thousands of dollars. You can use this money to pay closing costs and other expenses.
- Lower Fees for Sellers: The 2% listing fee is a discounted amount against the traditional 3%, helping you save on commission.
- High Customer Satisfaction: Prevu’s customer reviews often praise the significant savings clients make and the expertise of the agents.
Here are some limitations we found with Prevu:
- Variable Rebate: The rebate is “up to” 1% and not a guaranteed amount. It can be subject to minimum commission requirements.
- Seller Savings are Less Dramatic: While the 2% fee is a discounted percentage, it is not as low as other flat-fee or low-commission models on the market.
- Hand-off Approach: Prevu’s model often requires independence and effort from buyers. This may not be ideal for those who need guidance.
Prevu has a stellar rating of 5 out of 5 on Google.
» Prevu Reviews: Is it a good idea to choose Prevu? Read the comprehensive review to learn more.
Prevu offers a discounted, full-service experience for sellers. The agents provide professional marketing and transaction support for a reduced listing fee. For buyers, the company provides expert agent assistance and a significant "Smart Buyer Rebate" of up to 1% of the purchase price.
Prevu is a licensed full-service discount real estate broker based in New York.
It has highly qualified agents and over 500 positive reviews on Google. However, Prevu has a small team of agents who deal with many clients. This limits your ability to select an agent of your choice.
How Much Will You Save With a Discount Real Estate Broker in San Francisco?
You could save up to $68,764 when selling a median-priced $1,455,000 home with a Flat Fee MLS service in San Francisco.
However, if you pay a standard 6% commission fee, you’d have to pay a whopping $87,300 to your listing agent. But, with Houzeo’s Platinum plan, you will only pay $349 with a 1.25% charge at closing.
| Details | Traditional Realtor (6%) | Houzeo’s Flat Fee |
| Median Sale Price | $1,455,000 | $1,455,000 |
| Listing Fee | $87,300 | $18,536 |
| Savings | $0 | $68,764 |
Pros and Cons of Discount Realtors in San Francisco
Discount real estate brokers in San Francisco offer a great way to save. While this cost-saving option sounds good, it’s important to weigh both the pros and cons:
✅ Pros
- Lower Fees: You’ll pay less than a traditional 3% Realtor. And get access to all the features and tools for a much lower fee.
- Full-Service Support: Discount real estate agents in San Francisco offer all basic home-selling services. This includes assistance with how to price your home, marketing, paperwork, and negotiations.
- MLS Access: Discount brokers help you list your home on the MLS in California, providing exposure to a maximum no. of buyers.
❌ Cons
- Hidden Fees: Some discount brokerages in San Francisco may charge hidden fees for additional a la carte services. You must do your research and opt for the best discount Realtors in San Francisco.
- Inconsistent Service: Some discounted brokers in San Francisco handle multiple clients at once, so personalized attention may be limited. They do this to make up for the reduced commission rate.
- High Cancellation Fees: A few of the discount brokers may impose a significant withdrawal fee if you cancel your agreement within a specific time frame.
How to Choose the Right San Francisco Discount Real Estate Broker?
Choosing the right discount listing agent can feel like navigating an alligator alley, tricky but not impossible! Here’s how to make the right decision in San Francisco:
- Assess Your Selling Needs: Consider whether you need full-service support or just a basic MLS listing. If you can handle the negotiations and closing paperwork yourself, you can go for basic listing-only plans.
- Compare Pricing and Services: Check the list of services and their prices from different companies. Ensure the company you choose doesn’t have any hidden fees that will increase your overall expenses.
- Evaluate Technology and Tools: Check to see if your discount broker provides tools for offer and showings management. Also, ensure the home is visible to serious buyers browsing for properties for sale in San Francisco.
- Check Agent Support: Some companies offer virtual support, while others provide dedicated agents. Make the decision based on your requirements.
- Read Customer Reviews: Check platforms like Google, Trustpilot, and BBB for authentic reviews. Take note of closing success stories, responsiveness, and service quality.
Alternatives to Discount Real Estate Brokers in San Francisco
Here are some other options to consider for selling a house in San Francisco:
- For Sale By Owner Companies: In a FSBO sale, you have to handle every step from listing to paperwork. You can choose For Sale By Owner websites in California that provide MLS access.
- Cash Buyers: Cash buyers in San Francisco, including iBuyers, investors, and home flippers, actively search on the MLS for the listed properties.
- Full-Service Realtor: If you can’t handle the process yourself, you can opt for the traditional home-selling method. But, you’ll have to pay a 3% commission fee.
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out what customers have to say about Houzeo—San Francisco’s best home-selling website.
