$16,000—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: Cincinnati discount brokers get all that done for a fraction of the cost!
Houzeo, Cincinnati’s #1 discount real estate service, offers virtual full-service assistance for just $399. 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 Cincinnati are Houzeo, Clever Real Estate, Exactly, Homes That Click, Redfin, and UpNest.
- Houzeo is the best discount real estate service in Cincinnati. 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 Cincinnati Discount Real Estate Brokers
We’ve listed the top 6 discount real estate brokers in the Queen City based on how much you can save on an average $265,500 home.
| Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Total Commission | MLS Access | 100% Online | 5-Star Customer Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Houzeo | $349 Flat Fee | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. Clever Real Estate | 1.5% Commission | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 3. 1 Percent Lists | 1% Commission | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 4. Homes That Click | 1% Commission | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 5. Trelora Real Estate | 1% Commission | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 6. UpNest | 4.3% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 7. Redfin | 1.5% Commission | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Types of Real Estate Discount Brokers in Cincinnati
There are two types of Cincinnati 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 Ohio 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 Cincinnati
1. Houzeo.com: Max Savings, No Hidden Fees
BEST DISCOUNT REAL ESTATE SERVICE
Listing Fee: $299Houzeo dominates the discount real estate market in the Sunshine State with 236K+ active homes for sale on its platform. You get to choose from 3 packages: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Here is how they differ from one another:
- Silver Package – $299: 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 – $349: You get all the benefits in the Silver package plus maximum photos and licensed broker assistance. You also get seller disclosures and a premium yard sign that makes your listing pop.
- Platinum Package – $399: 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 the 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.
👉 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 Cincinnati’s #1 ranked real estate brokerage company. It provides an unbeatable combination of max savings, 5-star customer support, and cutting-edge technology.
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 to sell, 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: In many states, you can actually receive 0.5% to 1% of the home’s purchase price back. On a $400,000 home, that’s $2,000–$4,000, which is much higher than the $250 you mentioned.
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 4,026 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. Exactly
LOCAL EXPERT
Listing Fee: $5,800 Flat RateExactly is a local, full-service real estate agency. They offer 3 packages and 1 add-on plan.
- Negotiation Package – ($3,200): Once you’ve identified a buyer, Exactly negotiate and manage the transaction with them.
- Marketing Package – ($3,200): They develop strategies for marketing. You have to find the buyer and negotiate on your own.
- Complete Package – ($5,800): They handle everything from the initial in-home consultation to closing the deal.
Add-On
- Luxury Option – ($4,000): It’s an optional add-on that provides a few more perks for homes that need the most elite marketing. However, Exactly has recommended this for homes over $800,000.
👉 Our Take: Exactly offers several services. They include negotiating your home sale and developing and managing ongoing marketing. However, they only serve 8 counties in Ohio, and the packages are more expensive than many other Flat Fee MLS websites offering similar services.
Based on our research, the benefits of Exactly are:
- Multiple Packages: Exactly has 3 flat-rate options. All fees are due after you sell your home. There are no upfront fees.
- Market Exposure: Apart from listing on the MLS, they will list on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, etc.
- Custom Market Pricing Analysis: With this pricing analysis, you will be able to set a listing price that maximizes your profit.
Here are some limitations we found with Exactly:
- Limited Coverage: Exactly caters to only 8 counties in Ohio. These counties include Summit, Medina, Cuyahoga, Stark, Wayne, Lorain, Geauga, and Portage.
- High Fee: Despite Exactly having a Flat Fee MLS model, the packages cost are high compared to other flat fee companies.
Exactly has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google.
Exactly is a full-service, local real estate brokerage with full-time, licensed real estate agents. With Exactly, your agent will be your single point of contact for the entire sale, backed by their team of experts.
Whenever an offer is submitted, it is sent to you directly. Exactly, keep you up to date on the status of your sale. However, they only serve Summit, Medina, Cuyahoga, Stark, Wayne, Lorain, Geauga, and Portage Counties in Ohio.
Reviews: 3 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers in Cincinnati
4. Homes That Click
LOCAL EXPERT
Listing Fee: 1% Commission (Min $3,500)Homes That Click is a discount real estate brokerage. They offer a single package.
- 1% Commission (Min $3,500): They charge a fixed 1% commission on the total home sale price plus buyer agent fee. This is a full-service package for home sellers. It includes in-home consultation, professional photography, contract assistance, etc.
Based on our research, the benefits of Homes That Click are:
- Market Exposure: Along with the MLS, your home will be displayed on real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, etc.
- Full-Service: They provide professional marketing, home inspections, transaction management, and more.
- Local Expertise: They have over 20 years of experience selling homes in 143 Columbus neighborhoods.
Here are some limitations we found with Homes That Click:
- Not 100% Online: Home That Click operates with a local presence in Columbus, Ohio. Their services involve both online and in-person interactions, such as property showings, negotiations, and consultations.
- Buyer Agent Fee: You must still cover the buyer agent’s commission, increasing overall selling costs.
- Limited Coverage: Homes That Click mainly serves Central Ohio, so it is not available in other areas.
Homes That Click Realtors have an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google.
👉 Our Take: Home That Clicks offers 1% that is below a traditional agent's commission. It can be a great option for sellers. However, Flat Fee MLS services provide greater savings.
Homes that Click was established in 2002. They offer full-service real estate marketing and Realtor representation to home sellers.
However, Homes that Click lacks a modern technology system. This may delay your listing process.
5. Redfin
DISCOUNT BROKERAGE
Listing Fee: 1-2%Redfin charges a reduced commission with optional financing for home improvements. Here are the details:
- Discounted Listing: Redfin charges a minimum 2% discounted listing fee. This fee is further reduced to 1% if you also buy a home with a Redfin agent within 365 days. However, you are eligible for this percentage-based commission only if it exceeds their minimum fee requirement.
- Redfin Concierge: The Concierge Service prepares your home for the market with a customized plan. It costs 3% and includes staging, house cleaning, painting, and more hands-on services to ensure that your home is in top shape.
Here are some advantages of choosing Redfin:
- Professional Marketing: Professional photography and 3D walkthroughs are a part of Redfin’s standard listing. This enhances your home’s online presence.
- Intuitive Tech: Redfin sellers get a personal real-time dashboard showing how many buyers are viewing their home and what actions the agent is taking to sell it. The Redfin app is also easy to use.
- Local Agent Assistance: Local agents know their market better and can help you secure a good deal.
Here are some limitations we found with Redfin:
- Minimum Commission: Redfin charges a 2% commission if it exceeds their minimum fee requirement. The minimum fee ranges from $2,000 to $9,000, depending on the market.
- Poor Service Quality: Redfin agents often handle a high volume of clients. This may limit personalized attention and reduce the range of services you receive.
- Bad Customer Experiences: According to customer feed, Redfin agents are criticized for often being unreachable and unprofessional.
Redfin has an average rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars from 1000+ reviews on Yelp.
Check Redfin Reviews for more comprehensive analysis.
👉Our Take: When you opt for Redfin, you can save on the 3% listing agent's commission. However, you will still have to pay a considerable amount of money for their 2% fee. Moreover, you will have to undertake a lot of the task yourself since you will be working with discount real estate agents.
Redfin was headquartered in Seattle in 2002 by Mr. David Eraker. It covers 80+ markets in the US. They have an operating business license in New York as Redfin Real Estate.
It provides an elaborate listing agreement with a marketing plan for your home. However, this agreement specifies an 18-day timeframe for listing your property. Additionally, some customers have expressed concerns about the agent’s professionalism.
6. UpNest
Negotiable FEES
Listing Fee: Varies as per the agentUpNest offers agent-matching services. Here’s how it works:
- No Upfront Cost: UpNest is a free, no-obligation marketplace for home buyers and sellers. They make money by charging a referral fee to the agent only after a successful closing.
- Agent Matching: After submitting your property or search details, you will be contacted by an UpNest Advisor to verify your needs. Within 24 hours, you receive 3–5 personalized proposals from top-performing local agents (including those from major brands like RE/MAX and Keller Williams).
- Commission Transparency: These proposals include competing commission rates, a list of included services (like professional photography or staging), and potential buyer rebates (where legal).
- Direct Comparison: You can compare agent experience, reviews, and fees side-by-side in a single dashboard before choosing which agents to interview or hire.
Here’s what UpNest offers:
- Multiple Agent Proposals: Receive 3–5 personalized proposals from top-performing local agents. Compare their experience, reviews, and specific services in one dashboard without having to research them yourself.
- Quick Turnaround: View your curated list of agent matches and receive your first commission quotes within 24 hours of submitting your request.
- Transparent Pricing: Review the agents’ commission rates, included services, and potential buyer rebates upfront. There are no hidden fees to use the platform and no obligation to hire any of the agents.
- Nationwide Coverage: UpNest operates in all 50 states, using data-driven matching to connect you with local experts who have a proven track record in your specific neighborhood.
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 4.5 out of 5 stars on Google.
👉 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. It is headquartered in California. Move, Inc. (Realtor.com, the parent company) acquired Upnest in June 2022.
UpNest pairs you with local agents with a proven sales record. However, you may end up fixing a high commission for the agent.
Discount Real Estate Brokers Cincinnati: How Much Will You Save?💲
You could save up to $12,545 when selling a median-priced $272,500 home with a Flat Fee MLS service in Cincinnati.
However, if you pay a standard 6% commission fee, you’d have to pay a whopping $16,350 to your listing agent. But, with Houzeo’s Platinum plan, you will only pay $399 with a 1.25% charge at closing.
| Details | Traditional Realtor (6%) | Houzeo’s Flat Fee |
| Median sale price | $272,500 | $272,500 |
| Listing Price | $16,350 | $3,755 |
| Savings | $0 | $12,545 |
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 Cincinnati: Pros and Cons
Even though cheap Realtors in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati than a 6% Realtor. Even if you only want to list your Ohio 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati.
- Unreliable Service Quality: Discounted real estate brokers in Cincinnati 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: A Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati:
- 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 Cincinnati.
- 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 Cincinnati
Here are some options if you do not want to opt for a discount Realtor in Cincinnati:
- 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 Ohio will help you list on the MLS and increase exposure.
- Sell Your House to Cash Buyers: Almost all cash buyers in Cincinnati scour the MLS for Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati. You’ll end up paying a full 5% to 6% commission. That’s $15,930 on a $265,500 home gone!
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out what customers have to say about Houzeo—Cincinnati’s best home-selling website.
