$12,000—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: Albany discount brokers get all that done for a fraction of the cost!
Houzeo, Albany’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 Albany are Houzeo, Clever Real Estate, Get More Offers, Prevu, HomeLight, and UpNest.
- Houzeo is the best discount real estate service in Albany. 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 Albany Discount Real Estate Brokers
We’ve listed the top 6 discount real estate brokers in Cradle of Union based on how much you can save on an average $250,000 home.
| Rank | Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Listing Fee | Max Savings | 100% Online | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Houzeo.com | $349 Flat Fee | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. | Clever Real Estate | 1.5% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. | Get More Offers | $99 Flat Fee (Varies) | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 4. | Prevu | 1.5% commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. | Homelight | 2.5% - 3% (Varies) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 6. | UpNest | 4.3% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Types of Real Estate Discount Brokers in Albany
There are two types of Albany 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 New York 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 Albany
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 Albany’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. Get More Offers
GOOD EXPOSURE
Listing Fee: Starts at $99Get More Offers is a real estate software management system with a discount real estate broker e-commerce website. They offer three plans:
- FSBO Plan – ($99 upfront): 1-year listing on MyStateMLS (optional) and major real estate sites like Realtor.com, Zillow, etc.
- Solo Plan- ($299 upfront): Ideal for experienced sellers, includes expert transaction management and professional photography.
- Pro Plan – ($699 upfront): Includes full-service representation, expert pricing consultation, and professional photography.
👉 Our Take: Some plans can be counted as budget-friendly options, but they lack hand-holding support. However, they might be better for experienced sellers than for first-time home sellers.
Based on our research, the benefits of Get More Offers are:
- Fast Listing Entry: They have same-day listing to quickly get on the market.
- Control for Sellers: Self-representation options let sellers manage their own listings.
- 100% Online: The paperless system makes the process efficient and hassle-free.
- Market Exposure: Your home gets listed on the local MLS and displayed on all major real estate websites like Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc.
In our research, we found some red flags of Get More Offers, that could make your experience less satisfactory.
- Cancellation Policy: The PRO plan requires a 60-day cancellation notice, which might be inconvenient for those needing more flexibility.
- Limited Reviews: Even though Get More Offers has been here since 2005, it has no credible reviews.
- Limited Service Area: They are only available in New York and Florida.
No credible reviews were found.
Keith Robert Gordon and his partner, Erin Knorr, started GetMoreOffers.com in 2005. The company is a combination of a real estate software management system and a discount real estate broker e-commerce website.
Get More Offers gives your home far-reaching exposure. Their ‘PRO’ plan includes services like pre-listing consultation, contract negotiations, and professional photography.
Reviews: 3 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers in Albany
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 Real Estate is a licensed brokerage located 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.
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 an agent-matching company established by Drew Uher in 2012. It is a single platform where home sellers meet their prospective home buyers.
HomeLight has a huge broker database. Every agent handles multiple clients at a time. This may lead to miscommunication and a lack of personalized support.
6. Upnest
Negotiable FEES
Listing Fee: Varies as per the agentUpNest offers agent-matching services. Here’s how it works:
- No Upfront Cost: UpNest connects you with top local real estate agents at no upfront cost. Agents will discuss commission rates, fees, and potential discounts directly with you.
Here’s what UpNest offers:
- Multiple Agent Proposals: Get 3–5 commission quotes from top local agents. Compare options easily without contacting agents yourself.
- Quick Turnaround: Receive agent matches within 24 hours of signing up.
- Transparent Pricing: View all commission rates and potential savings upfront. There are no hidden fees or pressure to commit.
- Nationwide Coverage: It offers service throughout the US. It connects you with the local agent who has current market insights.
Here are some of the downsides of working with UpNest:
- No Guaranteed Savings: UpNest does not offer guaranteed savings. Instead, each agent sets their own listing fee.
- No Control Over Agent Selection: UpNest shows you commission quotes from selected agents. As a result, you might miss out on other qualified agents who are part of their network.
UpNest has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google.
» UpNest Reviews: Is UpNest actually saving you money in 2024? Read to find out.
👉 Our Take: With UpNest you get multiple real estate agent options to choose from. However, agents' commission rates and qualifications can vary significantly, and the quality of service may depend on the broker you select.
UpNest is a licensed agent-matching brokerage headquartered in California. The parent company, Move, Inc. (Realtor.com) acquired Upnest in June 2022.
UpNest pairs you with local agents with proven sales records. However, you may end up paying a high commission to the agent.
Discount Real Estate Brokers Albany: How Much Will You Save?💲
Albany 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 $16,860 to sell an average $281,000 house in Cradle of Union. But, if you choose a flat-rate broker company, you save thousands. With Houzeo’s Platinum plan, you only pay $1,679 and save $12,999!
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 Albany: Pros and Cons
Even though cheap Realtors in Albany 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 Albany than a 6% Realtor. Even if you only want to list your home on New York MLS, you pay a much lower fee than the typical 3% listing agent fee.
- Receive Full-Service Realtor Services: Discount real estate agents in Albany 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 Albany 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 NY.
- Unreliable Service Quality: Discounted real estate brokers in Albany 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 Albany 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 Albany 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 Albany:
- 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 Albany.
- 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 Albany
Here are some options if you do not want to opt for a discount Realtor in Albany:
- 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 New York will help you list on the MLS and increase exposure.
- Sell Your House to Cash Buyers: Almost all cash buyers in New York scour the MLS for New York 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 New York. You’ll end up paying a full 5% to 6% commission. That’s $15,000 on a $250,000 home gone!
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out what customers have to say about Houzeo—Albany’s best home-selling website.
