$28,000—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: Richmond discount brokers get all that done for a fraction of the cost!
Houzeo, Richmond’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 Richmond are Houzeo, Clever Real Estate, Share Realty, Equity First Realty, UpNest, and Houwzer.
- Houzeo is the best discount real estate service in Richmond. You get virtual full-service support, high-tech tools to manage your offers, and 5-star customer support.
- Clever ranks second because of their high professionalism, excellent communication, and 5-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 Richmond Discount Real Estate Brokers
We’ve listed the top 6 discount real estate brokers in the River City based on how much you can save on an average $375,000 home.
| Rank | Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Listing Fee | Max Savings | 100% Online | 5-Star Reviews* | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Houzeo.com | $349 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. | Clever Real Estate | 1.5% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 3. | Share Realty | $3500 Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. | Equity First Realty | 2.5% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. | UpNest | 2.5% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 6. | Houwzer | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Types of Real Estate Discount Brokers in Richmond
There are two types of Richmond 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 Virginia 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 Richmond
1. Houzeo.com: Max Savings, No Hidden Fees
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 Richmond’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. Share Realty
Multiple Packages
Listing Fee: $3,500 - $5,000Share Realty is a discount realty in Virginia. They charge a flat fee for a full-service representation. They offer both Flat Fee and FSBO packages.
- FSBO Package – $1,000: You get an MLS listing, the Richmond Realtor supra lockbox, and a yard sign.
- Flat Fee – $3,500 – $5,000: This package includes services like MLS listing, HD photographs, ‘Showcase Home’ placement on Realtor.com, and open houses.
👉 Our Take: Share Realty offers flexible options for sellers looking to save on commissions while still accessing professional services. Its tiered approach allows sellers to choose their level of involvement and support.
You get the following benefits if you sell with Share Realty.
- Flexible Options: Multiple service tiers cater to different seller needs and preferences.
- Premium Marketing Service: You can upgrade your full-service package to the Premium Marketing plan for an additional cost of $1,500 – $2,000. You get your own webpage and a custom sign rider.
- Comprehensive Services: Full Service and Premium tiers offer end-to-end support from listing to closing date.
Here are a few drawbacks of Share Realty:
- Limited Coverage: Its services are primarily available only in Charlottesville and Richmond areas.
- FSBO Involvement: The lowest-cost option requires significant seller participation.
Share Realty has no customer reviews on popular sites like Google or Trustpilot.
Share Realty offers flat fee listings and buyer rebates that help save buyers and sellers thousands of dollars.
Their Premium Marketing Plan provides you with your own webpage, a custom sign rider, and much more. You must, however, pay an extra $1,500 – $2,000.
Reviews: 3 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers in Richmond
4. Equity First Realty
GREAT SAVINGS
Listing Fee: 0%Equity First Realty is a full-service discount realty with more than 20 years of market experience. They offer the following programs for home sellers and buyers:
- 0% Listing Fee: Sellers who engage Equity First Realty to buy and sell their homes will not be charged a listing fee.
- 3% Seller Cash Back Rebate: Home buyers who list their property with Equity First Realty can receive a 3% cash back rebate at closing. It can be used for paying the closing costs.
👉 Our Take: Equity First Realty offers a 0% listing service, with the condition that clients both buy and sell properties through them. The company has not disclosed the full terms and conditions of this offer.
Equity First Realty has certain advantages:
- 0% Listing Fee: You do not pay a listing fee if you sell and buy a house with them.
- Home Value Calculator: Equity First Realty’s House Worth Calculator allows you to estimate your home’s current market value.
- Local Expertise: The team has over 20 years of experience in Virginia real estate markets.
Equity First Realty has certain drawbacks:
- Lack of Detailed Information: Their website provides limited information about the terms and conditions of their 0% listing services.
- Program Restrictions: You have to use both their buying and selling services to get the benefits.
- Regional Focus: Equity First Realty operates only in Virginia.
Equity First Realty has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Google.
With intimate local area knowledge in Richmond and Hampton Roads, Equity First Realty works extensively to help buyers and sellers meet their real estate goals.
Their agents assist you from start to finish, negotiate the best price and terms for you, and earn you money as well!
5. UpNest
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.
UpNest connects you with agents in your area by utilizing technology and market data. They partner with top agents from leading national brokerage firms across the U.S.
However, your savings are not guaranteed. Your ability to negotiate would be the key factor in the deal. In other words, you may end up paying more commission, or discount rates won’t go low as you expected.
6. Houwzer
BEST FOR LOW VALUE HOMES
Listing Fee: 1% of Sale PriceHouwzer is a full-service discount Realtor. It offers:
- 1% Commission: Houwzer charges a fixed 1% listing fee on the total home sale price. This includes the charges for signs, photography, open houses, negotiation, etc.
Based on our research, the benefits of Houwzer are:
- Market Exposure: Your listing will be displayed on sites like Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc.
- Unlimited Showings: Houwzer’s agents are available seven days a week. You can schedule as many showings as you want.
Here are some limitations we found with Houwzer:
- Not Ideal for High-Value Homes: Houwzer’s package might not be ideal for luxury homes. For example, selling a house worth $1 million would still mean paying $10,000 in commission.
- Less Personalized Service: Houwzer agents handle multiple clients due to the flat-fee model, which means you might not get personalized attention.
Houwzer has an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars on Yelp.
» Houwzer Reviews: Check out our detailed reviews on Houwzer.
👉 Our Take: The 1% commission is a little steep for the services they provide. You can consider a Flat Fee MLS in Florida alternative for more savings and better tech.
Houwzer provides useful extras including a virtual tour, high-resolution photographs, and closing help.
We do not recommend Houwzer to most home sellers and buyers. You may benefit if you are buying and selling with Houwzer or if your home is priced at a higher end.
Discount Real Estate Brokers Richmond: How Much Will You Save?💲
You could save up to $22,152 when selling a median-priced $473,700 home with a Flat Fee MLS service in Richmond.
However, if you pay a standard 6% commission fee, you’d have to pay a whopping $28,422 to your listing agent. But, with Houzeo’s Platinum plan, you will only pay $349 with a 1.25% charge at closing.
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 Richmond: Pros and Cons
Even though cheap Realtors in Richmond 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 Richmond than a 6% Realtor. Even if you only want to list your Virginia 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 Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond.
- Unreliable Service Quality: Discounted real estate brokers in Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond:
- 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 Richmond.
- 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 Richmond
Here are some options if you do not want to opt for a discount Realtor in Richmond:
- 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 Virginia will help you list on the MLS and increase exposure.
- Sell Your House to Cash Buyers: Almost all cash buyers in Virginia scour the MLS for Richmond 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 Richmond. You’ll end up paying a full 5% to 6% commission. That’s $22,500 on a $375,000 home gone!
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out what customers have to say about Houzeo—Richmond’s best home-selling website.
