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6 min read Jan 29, 2024

7 Best Real Estate Websites in Boston, MA (2024 Update)

In Boston, MA, 47% of buyers search for properties online, while 18% contact a real estate agent. Moreover, 80% of buyers found the property descriptions and photos to be very useful online. This shows that more people are using real estate websites to find their dream home.

A good real estate website increases your chances of getting an offer. However, it comes with a hefty 6% agent commission that you have to bear. An FSBO real estate website eliminates the listing agent fee. So, you have to pay only the buyer’s agent commission, i.e., 3%.

Houzeo is one of Massachusetts’ best FSBO websites. It offers maximum savings, advanced technology, 5-star customer service, and listing exposure.

We’ve spent thousands of hours researching and reviewing the best real estate websites in the Beantown. Here are our rankings:

🏅 7 Best Real Estate Sites in Boston

  1. Houzeo: Best Technology
  2. Zillow: Biggest Database
  3. Redfin: Best Discounted Brokerage
  4. Realtor: High Data Accuracy
  5. Boston Z Realty: Local Coverage
  6. Coldwell Banker Homes: Best For Local Market
  7. RE/MAX: Good Exposure

Reviews: Best Boston Real Estate Websites

1. Houzeo.com

MOST ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

Houzeo.com

Houzeo Logo
  • Listing Fee: $399
  • 5 Stars 4.9/5 (8,000+ reviews)

Houzeo offers 4 Flat Fee MLS packages.

  • Bronze Package – $399+: This package offers Houzeo listing only for 6 months with maximum photos.
  • Silver Package – $399+0.5% at closing: This includes everything that home sellers typically look for.
  • Gold Package – $429+ 0.5 at closing: It is Houzeo’s signature MLS package and includes all the technology Houzeo is known for Houzeo Showings, Houzeo Offers, and DigiTransact.
  • Platinum – $449+ 1% at closing: It includes the assistance of a licensed broker to help you with negotiations, disclosures, and closing.

👉 Our Take: We recommend Houzeo’s Gold plan for most home sellers. It gives you access to high-tech features like Houzeo Offers and Houzeo Showings.

» Houzeo Reviews: Houzeo is 100% online. You can finish listing formalities in less than 60 mins.

Houzeo is America’s #1 Flat Fee MLS service because of 4 reasons:

  • Max Exposure: Your listing gets syndicated to popular real estate websites like, Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, and more.
  • 5-star Customer Service: Houzeo has a fully staffed customer service desk available 6 days a week. Chats and emails are open 7 days a week. This is rare in today’s world.
  • 100% Online: Houzeo offers a complete online listing experience.
  • No Hidden Fees: In most states, you’ll be paying just a small flat fee to list on MLS by owner. And remember, all fees are disclosed upfront, so there are no Houzeo hidden fees. You get to bypass the listing agent commission.

There are no dealbreakers with Houzeo.

» Is Houzeo Good?  Houzeo addresses all Houzeo complaints from home sellers.

Houzeo has 4.9 out of 5 stars from thousands of home sellers on Google and Trustpilot.

» Houzeo Reviews: Read why Houzeo is rated excellent by 8,000+ home sellers.

Houzeo.com is Boston’s #1 real estate company, as it provides an unbeatable combination of max savings, 5-star customer support, and cutting-edge technology.

Houzeo offers America’s FSBO home sellers affordable listing packages. Your home will be listed within 48 hours. Even if you’re new to selling FSBO, Houzeo’s offer management and showings tool will help you ace your real estate journey like a pro.

2. Zillow

Extensive Property Data

Zillow

Zillow
  • Free FSBO Listing
  • 1.5 Star 1.7/5 (300+ reviews)

Zillow offers the following listing plans for home sellers:

  • FSBO Listing on Zillow – $0: You can list your home for free on Zillow’s FSBO platform.
  • Zillow Premier Agent – 3% commission: This is the traditional way to sell your home. An agent assists you through the home sale process.

👉 Our Take: You can list your home on Zillow FSBO free of charge. So, you save money on agent commissions, which are 2.5% to 3% of the home sales price.

»  How Does Zillow Work? Read further to learn the process of Zillow.

Here are some advantages to choosing Zillow:

  • Free Listing: You can list your home on Zillow’s FSBO website free of charge.
  • Free Cancellation: You can cancel your Zillow listing without any additional charges or hidden costs.
  • Market Exposure: It is one of the most popular real estate websites, with millions of visitors each month. This means that your listing will be seen by a large number of potential buyers.
  • Nationwide Coverage: Zillow FSBO is present in all 50 states in America.
  • Easy To Use: Zillow’s website and mobile app are easy to use and navigate. Users can search for properties by location, price, features, and other criteria.

Zillow has some major drawbacks that a user should be aware of.

  • Slow Listings: Your listing can take up to 72 hours from the time you submit your property details.
  • Inaccurate Zestimate: Zestimate, Zillow’s property valuation tool is often inaccurate. This misleads both buyers and sellers.
  • Limited Support: Zillow’s customer support may not match the level of personalized guidance offered by other FSBO companies.
  • Lead for Real Estate Agent: Your listing information gets sold to Zillow’s agents. You’ll get calls not from buyers but from agents.
  • Hide FSBO Listings: Zillow hides FSBO listings behind agent listings. FSBO listings are hidden 2 clicks away and get almost no traffic.

Zillow has a poor rating of 1.7 out of 5 stars from 300+ reviews on Trustpilot.

» Zillow Reviews: Read further to know why customers are dissatisfied with Zillow services.

Zillow is the most popular real estate website in Boston. It extracts the data from top MLS platforms and assists buyers and agents to view the listings directly on the platform.

Sites like Zillow provides an on-demand buying experience. However, Zillow has poor customer reviews and record-breaking debacles.

3. Redfin

BEST TECH-ENABLED BROKERAGE

Redfin.com

redfin-logo-DRB
  • Listing Fee: 1% of Sale Price
  • Available in 80+ U.S. Markets
  • 4.25 stars 4.3/5 (66+ reviews)

Redfin does not disclose its pricing on its website. Sellers will have to pay common closing costs.

  • It offers 0.5% buyer’s rebate. To avail this, you’ll have to buy and sell with them.

👉 Our Take: Redfin offers 1 rebate option but with a strict clause. While, other real estate companies are willing to offer a higher rebate.

» Redfin Reviews: The reality of the buyer’s rebate.

Here are some advantages of choosing Redfin:

  • Advanced Technology: With 3D walkthroughs and 40+ filters to narrow down your search, the Redfin app makes it easy to find the right home from anywhere.
  • Paired With Local Agents: Local agents know their market better. This can help you secure a good deal.
  • Home Tour: You can see updated listings every 5 minutes on their website. You can also schedule a home tour for the same day.
  • Nationwide Coverage: Redfin covers 80+ markets in the US.

Here are some limitations we found with Redfin.

  • Strict Rebate Criteria: Clients who sell and buy with Redfin within one year get a rebate of 0.5%.
  • No Freedom in Agent Selection: You get an agent assigned automatically without having a choice in the matter.
  • Agents Are Less Incentivized: Unlike traditional agents who work for commission, Redfin agents get a fixed salary. This can demotivate them from offering you additional services.
  • Poor Customer Reviews: Customers have complained that agents are often unreachable and unprofessional.

Redfin has an average rating of  4.3 out of 5 stars from 66+ reviews on Google.

» Redfin Reviews: The Reality of the 1% Fees, Pros, Cons, and Alternatives!

Redfin is Boston’s best discount real estate brokerage that specializes in home buying. Also, it offers a ‘Redfin Refund’ where if you sell or buy with them you get a refund.

Redfin has a very slow listing process. It takes almost 18 days to list on the MLS as per Redfin’s listing agreement. But, services like Houzeo will list your house on MLS within 24 to 48 hours.

4. Realtor.com

Verified Listing

Realtor.com

Realtor Logo
  • Based in California
  • 1.5 Star 1.6/5 (1,000+ reviews)

Realtor.com does not charge home buyers or renters any fees for using their platform. However, they do charge real estate agents fees for listing homes on their platform.

The exact fees depend on the agent’s location and other factors, such as home size.

👉 Our Take: Realtor.com seems to be a comprehensive platform for home buyers, sellers, and renters. They offer a range of services such as home listings, neighborhood information, real estate news, and many more.

Here are some advantages of choosing Realtor.com:

  • Accurate Listings: Realtor.com claims to have an up-to-date listings of homes for sale and rent.
  • Neighborhood Information: Realtor.com provides information about neighborhoods, such as school ratings, crime rates, and local amenities.
  • Home Value Estimator: It provides an online tool that estimates the value of your home based on recent sales and other factors.
  • Mortgage Calculator: Realtor.com offers a mortgage calculator that helps you estimate your monthly mortgage payments. The estimation is based on the price of the home, down payment, interest rate, and other factors.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Their easy-to-use interface makes it simple to search for homes and access other features.
  • REALTOR Support: It is the official listing website of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). So, buyers can buy or rent a property through a Realtor.

Here are some major drawbacks that a user should be aware of.

  • Offline Process: Realtor.com has manual and offline procedures which can be very complex and time-taking.
  • Poor Reviews: Many of their users complained about their customer support and realtor’s services.
  • Unwanted Calls: Once you inquired about a property on Realtor.com, you start getting unsolicited calls from their agents.

Realtor.com has a poor rating of 1.6 out of 5 stars from 1000+ users on Trustpilot.

Realtor.com has a lot of statistical data as it sources listings from 800 regional MLS systems. This information is updated regularly, making realtor.com the most accurate real estate database in Boston.

It is the official listing website of the NAR. However, Realtor.com has manual and offline procedures which can be very complex and time-taking.

5. Boston Z Realty

EXPERT LOCAL AGENTS

Boston Z Realty

Boston Z Realty Logo
  • 3% - 6% Commission
  • 5 Stars 5/5 (70+ reviews)

Boston Z Realty does not disclose pricing on the website. This means you might end up paying the traditional 3% to 6% commission.

 

👉 Our Take: Boston Z Realty offers a smooth list-to-close journey with dedicated agents. They have a team of 19 people, including 2 brokers. Their services are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Boston Z Realty offers good service in the selected states they are available in:

  • Local Market Expertise: Several customer reviews reflect that the Boston Z Realty agents are well-acquainted with the local market.
  • Personalized Customer Support: It is easy to connect with the agents and the problem resolution is quick. They are well-known for their dedicated agents.
  • Negotiation Assistance: A BZR client said that Dillon was able to negotiate a cash offer within 4 days with no inspection. She earned $75,000 over her list price.
  • Superfast Closing: According to many reviews, they have a record of closing within 10 days.

In our research, we came across some deal breakers with Boston Z Realty.

  • Outdated Website: Its user interface is clunky and hard to navigate. Their website is outdated with no seller dashboard or buyer features. No information about pricing is available.
  • No Mobile App: BZR does not have a free mobile app. This means you are left to deal with their outdated website.
  • Offline Process: Boston Z Realty has a manual paperwork process. This can delay your listing.

Boston Z Realty has 5 out of 5-star ratings from 70+ users on Google.

Boston Z Realty is one of the best local real estate agencies in MA. They have a proven track record of providing customers with the best-in-class real estate agent services.

However, their outdated website is difficult to navigate and offers little to no information about their services.

6. Coldwell Banker Homes

Best For Local Market

Coldwell Banker Homes

coldwell banker adv
  • 3% - 6% Commission
  • 1.5 Star 1.9/5 (100+ reviews)

Coldwell Banker does not disclose pricing on its website. This means you might end up paying the traditional 3% to 6% commission.

To get an exact figure about your commission, contact your local Coldwell Banker office.

👉 Our Take: Coldwell Banker is one of the oldest real estate franchises. It has a global network and offers a wide range of services. However, the traditional agent commission can burn a hole in your pocket.

Here are some advantages of choosing Coldwell Banker:

  • Good Presence & Reach: They have 94,000+ affiliated sales agents and a diverse network of over 3000 offices.
  • Technology Integration: They have developed a tech suite. This includes RealVitalize®, AARP® Real Estate Benefits by Anywhere, CB Estimate®,  and more.
  • Strong Brand Recognition and Loyalty: They attract more customers and referrals due to their long history and reputation in the real estate industry.

Here are some disadvantages of Coldwell Banker:

  • Additional Costs: There are additional costs for signs, advertising, photography, etc.
  • Platform Issues: Previous customers have reported issues related to their agent platform.

Coldwell Banker has an average rating of 1.7 out of 5 stars  from 100+ users on Consumer Affairs.

Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC is Boston full-service real estate brokerage owned by Realogy, started in 1906 in San Francisco.

Their Full-Service Marketing System shows that they are reliable, professional, and committed to providing services. However, they have poor customer reviews that should be considered before working with them.

7. RE/MAX

Good Exposure

RE/MAX

RE/MAX
  • 3% - 6% Commission
  • 1.5 Star 1.1/5 (300+ reviews)

RE/MAX has its headquarters in Orlando, FL. The company does not disclose agent commissions on its website. However, based on reviews you may have to pay 3% to 6% as commission.

  • No corporate fee is involved with RE/MAX referrals. You can choose the agents or vice versa and set the terms of your agreement.

👉 Our Take: RE/MAX is known for its reputation and credibility. The company’s agents will guide you throughout the entire selling process. However, the huge commission can be heavy on your pocket.

Key features of RE/MAX are:

  • Global Reach: RE/MAX has 100,000 agents, and its network is spread over 100 countries.
  • Competitive Home Pricing: Agents at RE/MAX will conduct an in-depth evaluation and a CMA of your property to price your home competitively.
  • Additional Service: RE/MAX Collection and RE/MAX Commercial offer specialized tools and advertising programs to luxury and commercial real estate professionals.

Here is a drawback of RE/MAX:

  • Poor Customer Reviews: RE/MAX has many customer complaints. Previous customers have also said that their home-selling process got delayed.

RE/MAX has a poor rating of  1.1 out of 5 stars from 300+ users on Consumer Affairs.

RE/MAX has 125,000 agents across the country and was named the top real estate brokerage franchisor by the Franchise 500 for the year 2020.

They have a wide presence in Boston. Customers have given good reviews to RE/MAX’s real estate agents for their professionalism, in-person support, and ability to bring in good offers.

Types of Real Estate Websites in Boston

Real estate websites can be categorized into 6 main types:

Types of Real Estate Websites
  • Home Selling Websites: These websites provide maximum exposure to the property and make the sale in a short time. They also help sellers price their homes competitively and attract potential buyers.
  • Home Buying Websites: These websites help buyers search for properties online. Perfect home-buying sites must provide efficient tools, adequate resources, and impressive features to work on.
  • Best Rental Websites: Rental websites also allow property owners to lease their properties and reach out to potential customers.
  • Best Property Search Websites: The best house-hunting websites help you search for all types of properties online. This includes homes, rental properties, plots, ranches, and commercial properties.
  • Best MLS Listing Websites: Best MLS listing sites help you list your property online for free or for a small listing fee. These best real estate listing websites list on other MLS to provide greater exposure to the property.
  • Best Real Estate Investor Websites​​: Websites for real estate investing help investors with property resources, price trends, and community forums.

How to Choose the Best Real Estate Website in Boston?

You can choose the best real estate websites based on these important factors:

  • Maximum Exposure: Find a website that gives maximum exposure to your property. This could also include an MLS listing, social media sharing, and a customizable yard sign.
  • Strong Technology: Websites with robust technology can make selling or buying a house faster and more efficient. Look for features like virtual tours, high-quality photos, and user-friendly interfaces.
  • Responsive Customer Service: Having good customer service can make your real estate transaction go smoothly. Find a website that offers prompt and helpful customer service.

Why Houzeo is the #1 Real Estate Website in Boston?

Houzeo.com is the #1 real estate website in Boston thanks to its combination of max savings, 5-star customer service, and cutting-edge technology.

  • Max Exposure: It gives you access to the MLS, Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, and 100s of other websites.
  • 100% Online: Easy listing, fast changes, online showings, and online offers.
  • 5-star Customer Service: You get assistance from the list to close with Houzeo Concierge.
  • No Listing Commission: In most states, you’ll be paying just a small flat fee to get access to the MLS.
  • Real Estate On the Go: The Houzeo Mobile App allows you to access features of Houzeo’s web platform on any device.

Check out how does Houzeo work and know why Houzeo is the best for sale by owner sites out there:

Houzeo Reviews

Real People, Real Stories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best real estate websites in Boston, MA?

The best real estate websites in San Jose, CA are Houzeo, Zillow, Redfin, Realtor, and Boston Z Realty.

Are there fees for real estate websites in Boston?

Yes, almost all real estate websites charge listing fees from sellers. Some even charge convenience fees to the renter who wants to apply for an apartment. Although there are websites like Houzeo that offer listing services for free.

Are real estate websites safe in Boston?

Yes, real estate websites are safe as long as you find the right ones. However, there are scam sites, so make sure to do your research before providing any personal details regarding property or payment.

Boston Massachusetts Real Estate Websites

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