$30,000—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: Lawrence discount brokers get all that done for a fraction of the cost!
Houzeo, Lawrence’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 6 best discount brokers in Lawrence are Houzeo, Clever Real Estate, FSBO.com, Prevu, Redfin, and HomeLight.
- Houzeo is the best discount real estate service in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence Discount Real Estate Brokers
We’ve listed the top 6 discount real estate brokers in the Immigrant City based on how much you can save on an average $570,000 home.
| Rank | Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Listing Fee | Additional Charges | Max Savings | 100% Online | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Houzeo.com | $349 Flat Fee | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. | Clever Real Estate | 1.5% Commission | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. | FSBO.com | $399 Flat Fee | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. | Prevu | 1.5% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. | Redfin | 1.5% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 6. | HomeLight | 2.5% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Types of Real Estate Discount Brokers in Lawrence
There are two types of Lawrence discount real estate brokers:
- Flat Rate Discount Brokers: Also called Flat Fee MLS companies, these discount realty services let you list your home for a fixed upfront fee. A Flat Fee MLS Massachusetts listing service costs between $399 to $4,000.
- Fixed Percentage Discount Brokers: These discount Realtors charge a fixed percentage of the home’s sale price. Typically, it is anything lower than the traditional 3% fee: 1%, 1.5%, 2% or 2.5%, etc.
Reviews: 3 Best Flat Rate Discount Real Estate Companies in Lawrence
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 Lawrence’s #1 ranked discount real estate company because sellers only have to pay a flat rate. It provides an unbeatable combination of maximum savings and 5-star customer support.
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. FSBO.com
OLDEST FSBO WEBSITE
Listing Fee: $99.95 - $399.95FSBO.com offers two packages to home sellers:
For Home Sellers:
- FSBO Package ($99.95): This includes an FSBO.com listing for six months with unlimited photos and one video. You can also edit and cancel your listing 24/7.
- MLS Package ($399.95): This package includes everything from the FSBO package plus six months’ access to the MLS.
👉 Our Take: FSBO.com suits experienced, hands-on sellers looking to save on commissions. However, less experienced or those preferring a hands-off approach may find an agent worth the cost.
Here’s what makes FSBO.com stand out:
- Market Exposure: Your listing will be advertised on sites like Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and others, in addition to the MLS.
- Full Control: The sellers get complete control over the home sale process, from pricing to negotiation.
- Wide Coverage: FSBO.com is a presence in all 50 states, allowing users from all over the country to employ their services.
Here are a few red flags of FSBO.com:
- Time and Effort: Since there is no agent, the sellers will have to handle the marketing, negotiations, and paperwork alone, which can be tedious.
- Outsourced MLS Services: FSBO.com is not a licensed real estate broker; hence, they outsource the services to independent agents and licensed brokerages. This may result in a difference in the quality of service.
- Limited Expertise: Without the agent, inexperienced sellers may have trouble with pricing, marketing, and negotiating the best deal.
FSBO.com has been rated 2.9 out of 5.0 on Trustpilot.
» FSBO.com Reviews: Find out why the oldest FSBO site isn’t the best in 2023’s slow market.
FSBO.com is available in all states with coverage in 50+ markets. They allow sellers to list their property for sale while saving on the listing agent commission.
But you should know that additional services can add up to a total of $335 in costs over and above your flat fee package!
Reviews: 3 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers in Lawrence
4. 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 brokerage based in New York. It serves in 12 states across the US.
Prevu has over 400 positive reviews on Google. However, Prevu has a small team of agents who deal with multiple clients. This may limit your ability to select an agent of your choice.
5. Redfin
NATIONWIDE BROKERAGE
1.5% Listing FeeRedfin offers two packages for home sellers based on the type of properties they want to sell.
- Redfin Full-Service Agent – 1.5% Commission: It is a standard full-service package for listing, marketing and closing your sale.
- Redfin Premier Agent – 1.5% Commission: This is a high-end service for luxury properties that includes additional marketing and services for high-end buyers.
Note: If the sellers buy a property with Redfin, they have to pay only 1% of commission as listing fee instead of 1.5%.
Here are some advantages of choosing Redfin:
- Advanced Technology: Redfin is primarily known for its high-tech platform and mobile app.
- Near Nationwide Coverage: Redfin covers 50 states in the US.
- Assistance Through Closing: Redfin agents guide you through paperwork, marketing plans, and negotiations to make your closing easy and faster.
Here are some drawbacks of Redfin based on their customer reviews:
- Pricing Inaccuracy: Many sellers have complained that a lot area, a gated compound, or a city location are not considered during valuation.
- Slow Listing Process: According to Redfin’s listing agreement, a Redfin property takes 18 days to list on MLS. Services like Houzeo will list you on the MLS within 24 to 48 hours.
- Lack of Customer Service: There are a few negative reviews about the lack of personal attention by Redfin agents.
- Limited Agent Selection: As per customer reviews, Redfin lacks an array of agents. This means you get an agent assigned automatically without having any choice in the matter.
- Lack of Personalized Services: Due to agents handling multiple clients at once, customers have often complained that Redfin agents are not able to give personalized service.
Redfin has 3.7 out of 5 stars from 30+ reviews on Google.
» Redfin Reviews: Read more to make an informed decision before selling your home.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Redfin for its advanced technology. However, some flat fee services offer you the same technology and more at much lower costs.
Redfin, founded in Seattle in 2002 by Mr. David Eraker, covers 80+ markets in the US. It provides an elaborate listing agreement with a marketing plan for your home.
However, this agreement specifies a long 18-day timeframe for listing your property on the MLS. Additionally, some customers have expressed concerns about the non-availability and unprofessionalism of their agents.
6. HomeLight
GOOD AGENT COVERAGE
Listing Fee: 2.5% of sale priceHomeLight has a network of thousands of successful real estate agents and brokers. It is an agent-matching tech-platform.
- Standard Commission: HomeLight is a free agent-matching platform. The agent you get through this platform will charge the standard commission of 2% to 3% for listing.
👉 Our Take: HomeLight provides decent agent-matching services. However, the standard listing commission means zero savings for you.
» HomeLight Reviews: The Truth You Need To Know
HomeLight offers a number of advantages to both sellers and buyers:
For Home Sellers:
- Free Agent Matching: The agent matching service from HomeLight is free for home sellers. HomeLight furnishes details of the best real estate agents in your neighborhood. Depending on the agent, the traditional 5% to 6% commission is charged.
- Estimators and Calculators: HomeLight offers Home Value Estimator, Best Time To Sell Calculator, Agent Commissions Calculator, and Net Proceeds Calculator to home sellers.
- HomeLight Simple Sale: HomeLight has a network of pre-approved buyers. If you want to sell your house fast, this option allows you to sell it to a cash buyer within 7 days.
For Home Buyers:
- Home Search Feature: Buyers can search for homes by city, zip code, or address.
- Estimators: HomeLight offers estimators like Home Affordability Calculator, Down Payment Calculator, and Closing Costs Calculator for home buyers.
In our research, we have found some red flags associated with HomeLight.
- Inconsistent Agent Quality: The agents they assign may not work at your convenience. Even the listing speed will be based on the agent selected.
- Off-market Restriction: Registering on HomeLight will get you offers from agents instantly. Although the process is fast, only homes that are off-market are allowed.
HomeLight has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 237 reviews on Sitejabber.
HomeLight is an agent-matching company established by Drew Uher in 2012. It is a single platform where home sellers meet their prospective home buyers.
The company has a huge broker database. However, every agent handles multiple clients at a time. This leads to miscommunication and a lack of personalized support.
Discount Real Estate Brokers Lawrence: How Much Will You Save?💲
Lawrence discount brokers can help you save almost the entire 6% commission, depending on your home’s worth.
If you choose a 6% full-service Realtor, you’d pay $39,492 to sell an average $658,200 house in the Immigrant City. But, if you choose a flat-rate broker company, you save thousands. With Houzeo’s Platinum plan, you only pay $8,577 and save $30,916!
NAR Settlement Saves Sellers Thousands in Commission
The NAR Settlement went into effect on August 17, 2024. Buyer agent commissions can no longer be offered on the MLS. This means sellers will save thousands! But it also means there’s a lot more compliance and litigation risks.
Here’s what this means for you:
- Sellers Can Save Thousands in Commissions: You will likely be paying much less than the traditional 3% buyer agent commission. That’s because buyer agent commissions will be negotiated twice: Once when buyers engage Buyer Agents and again when sellers review offer contracts.
- Seller Priority #1 Will Be Paperwork (to Mitigate Compliance & Litigation Risks): Buyer agents mitigate all types of risks. From seller disclosures, offer contracts, contingencies, inspections, repair requests, appraisal, and closing – Buyer agents keep the paperwork tight. Their state licensing authorities, Realtor associations, and MLS’ audit paperwork compliance. Without buyer agents, sellers will have to learn and adapt. Or risk expensive litigation.
- Negotiations Can Now Feel Like Haggling: Buyer agent commissions will now be part of offer contracts and buyer agency agreements. Buyers may ask sellers to include commissions in the form of seller concessions. That means home buyers and sellers alike will be negotiating commissions. Sellers will need expert licensed brokers to help them with these negotiations.
- Buyer Agent Commissions Can Be Offered Offline: Buyer agent commissions can still be offered outside of the MLS. They just cannot be advertised on the MLS.
Discount Realtors in Lawrence: Pros and Cons
Even though cheap Realtors in Lawrence will save you thousands in commissions, you should consider the advantages and disadvantages of hiring one:
Pros ✅
- Sell Home for a Discounted Fee: You’ll pay less fees for a discount real estate listing in Lawrence than a 6% Realtor. Even if you only want to list your Massachusetts home on MLS, you pay a much lower fee than the typical 3% listing agent fee.
- Receive Full-Service Realtor Services: Discount real estate agents in Lawrence will provide the basic services that any traditional agent would. This includes assistance with pricing your home, marketing, paperwork, and negotiations.
Cons ❌
- You May Become a Victim of Hidden Fees: Some discount brokerages in Lawrence may charge hidden fees or sell essential services a la carte. Beware of shady discounted agents who lure you in with significantly low fees. Do your research and look at the best discount realtors in Lawrence.
- Unreliable Service Quality: Discounted real estate brokers in Lawrence handle multiple clients at once to make up for the reduced commission rate. They may not be able to provide personalized assistance all the time.
- High Cancellation Fees: An Lawrence discount real estate broker can charge a minimum withdrawal fee within a specified period. Remember to carefully review the terms and conditions of the contract before signing.
How to Choose the Right Lawrence 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 Lawrence:
- 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 Lawrence.
- 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 Agents in Lawrence
Here are some options if you do not want to opt for a discount Realtor in Lawrence:
- Sell Your Home For Sale By Owner: In a FSBO sale, you’ll have to opt for “DIY” marketing strategies like using FSBO signs, word of mouth, open houses, etc. But your listing won’t be on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and Homes.com! Meanwhile, FSBO websites in Massachusetts will help you list on the MLS and increase exposure.
- Sell Your House to Cash Buyers: Almost all cash buyers in Massachusetts scour the MLS for Lawrence homes for sale. This includes iBuyers, investors, and home flippers.
- Sell With a Full-Service Realtor: If you are not interested in saving your equity, you can hire a full-service, in-person Realtor in Lawrence. You’ll end up paying a full 5% to 6% commission. That’s $34,200 on a $570,000 home gone!
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out what customers have to say about Houzeo—Lawrence’s best home-selling website.
