Compared to last year, the number of houses sold in Austin, TX dropped by 39% in July 2022. In this difficult market, finding the right discount real estate broker in Austin can help you save thousands of dollars in commissions and make your sale hassle-free.
Rankings: Best Discount Real Estate Brokers in Austin, TX
| Rank | Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Listing Fee | Additional Charges | 100% Online | 5-Star Reviews* | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Houzeo | $349 Flat Fee | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. | Crawford Realty Inc. | 1.5% commission | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | .❌ |
| 3. | Austin Discount Realty | 1.5% commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. | SimpleShowing | 1% commission | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 5. | HomeLight | 2.5% commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Reviews: Best Discount Real Estate Brokers & Companies in Austin, TX
1. Houzeo
🔥 BEST OVERALL
Houzeo.com
- Listing Fee: $349 Flat Fee
4.9/5
(4001 reviews)
4.9/5
(4001 reviews)Why Houzeo is #1: Houzeo is an online tech company that offers real estate solutions. It provides an unbeatable combination of maximum savings, cutting-edge technology, and 5-star customer support.
Houzeo for Homesellers
- Affordable Flat Fee: Houzeo’s plans are typically a small flat fee. This will save you thousands. If your buyer is unrepresented, you also save the buyer agent commission.
- Listings on MLS: Listings get syndicated to the MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, Trulia, and hundreds of other websites. Houzeo also has nifty social media sharing tools. No other platform gives you this much exposure.
- Fully Virtual Service: Houzeo is 100% online. Listing is easy and changes are fast. So you can focus on what is most important – your sale.
Houzeo for Homebuyers
- Access to Listings without Agents: Houzeo lets buyers get access to all the nearby listings on MLS without working with an agent.
- Closing Costs Calculator: Houzeo’s unique Closing Costs Calculator lets buyers get an accurate final cost at the end of the buying process.
👉 Our Take: Houzeo.com is our top pick because it delivers an unbeatable combination of savings, tech features, and service of any flat fee MLS listing service website we’ve reviewed.
» Houzeo Reviews: Houzeo is 100% online. You can finish the listing formalities in less than 60 mins.
- Near Nationwide Coverage: Houzeo covers 47 states + DC.
- No Listing Agent Commission: With Houzeo, you only pay a small flat fee to get access to the MLS and all the Houzeo tech
- 100% online: Easy listing, fast changes, online showings, and online offers
- Max Exposure: Listings get syndicated to Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, Redfin, and 100s of other real estate sites
- Fast Listing: Rush listing option gets you listed within a business day with Houzeo Concierge. This is best to sell your house fast.
- Real Estate On the Go: Houzeo Mobile App mimics most functionality of the Houzeo web platform, including Offers and Showings
- 5-Star Customer Service: Superb support that minimizes Houzeo complaints
- No Hidden Fees: There are no Houzeo hidden fees
» Is Houzeo Legit: Learn more about Houzeo.com’s locations and services
Houzeo has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 on Google & Trustpilot.
Houzeo is available nationwide.
2. Crawford Realty Inc.
SIMPLIFIED PLAN
Crawford Realty Inc.
- Listing Fee: 1.5% of the sale price
- Available in Austin
- 4.9/5.0
(26 reviews)
4.9/5.0
(26 reviews)
Why Crawford Realty Inc is #2?
Crawford Realty Inc. owned by Cheryl Crawford is a discount real estate broker serving in Austin. They charge low commissions to sellers and offer a great set of features.
Crawford Realty for Home Sellers
- Low Commissions: Crawford Realty Inc. lists the property on the Multiple Listing Service and other internet sites i.e. Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, etc. at a 1% seller commission. This is significantly lower than the national average.
- Additional Services: Other than a basic MLS listing, Crawford Realty also provides market analysis, lockbox, and a realtor sign, contract negotiations, inspection negotiations, internet exposure, etc.
Crawford Realty for Homebuyers
- Buyer Rebates: The buyer receives a rebate of 2% (from the 3% seller commissions) for resale homes, and a rebate of 2.5% for new homes (from 3% commissions by the builder).
- My Home Tracker: Buyers can receive specialized notifications for homes near them, as per their requirements.
👉 Our Take: Crawford Realty is a great option for you if you are looking for discount realtors in Austin that offer great value at extremely low commissions.
» Discount Real Estate Brokers in Texas: Click here to find the best discount real estate brokers in Texas.
- Basic technology
- Plan for buyers as well
- Various options to choose
- Provides yard sign
- Internet Exposure
- Full representation
- Contract negotiations
Crawford Realty has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 on Google.
Crawford Realty Inc. covers Austin, TX and other surrounding areas.
3. Austin Discount Realty
VARIOUS FREEBIES
Austin Discount Realty
- Listing Fee: 1.5% of the sale price
- Available in Austin
- Not enough credible reviews were found.
Why Austin Discount Realty is #3?
Austin Discount Realty is a local real estate brokerage that has been operating for the past 25 years. They offer a range of packages for all kinds of sellers, from ones looking to sell their house FSBO to sellers looking for full service discount realtors in Austin. We will here be focusing on their full service package.
Austin Discount Realty for Home Sellers
- Low Commissions: They charge a seller commission of 1.5%, which is lower than the national average of 3%.
- Additional Services: They provide a yard sign, lock-box, a CMA, photos, a staging consultation which is free of cost, and more.
Austin Discount Realty for Home Buyers
- Buyer Rebates: Austin Discount Realty offers 50% of their buyer commissions as rebates to home buyers.
- Expertise: The discount brokerage claims to have expertise in dealing with foreclosed and distressed properties
👉 Our Take: Austin Discount Realty is a great option as they offer great services at low commissions for both sellers and buyers.
» How to Sell a House by Owner in Texas: Click here and find all that you need to know about selling a house by yourself in Texas.
- Basic technology
- Plan for buyers as well
- Free staging consultation
- Provides free yard sign, lock-box, a CMA, and staging consultation
- Various options to choose
- Per and post-offer serviceS
- Coordination of inspection
- Coordination of appraisal
- Continuous monitoring of offers
Not enough credible reviews were found for the discount brokerage.
Austin Discount Realty covers only Austin, Georgetown, Lakeway & Cedar Park in the United States.
4. SimpleShowing
⛔ LIMITED SAVINGS
Simple Showing
- Listing Fee: 1% of sale price
- Restricted coverage
- 4.9/5.0
(335 reviews)
SimpleShowing, like any other low-cost real estate broker, matches sellers with real estate agents.
For Home Sellers
- Agent Matching: The hi-tech brokerage matches sellers with local Realtors and charges a 1% listing fee instead of the traditional 3%. This may be a benefit for the firm but it surely is a compromise on quality.
- Self-Tour Lockbox: For an additional $995, lets verified buyers tour your property without a buyer’s agent. With an unrepresented buyer, you save the buyer agent commission as well.
- Additional Services: With SimpleShowing you get access to various services like listing on MLS, professional photographers, home valuation, and much more.
For Home Buyers
- In-person Support: From recommending suitable properties to carrying out negotiations, SimpleShowing offers all the services that a traditional agent does.
- Buyer Refund: If you hire SimpleShowing as your buyer agent, you will get half of the buyer agent’s commission as closing cost credit. This reduces the amount that you are expected to pay at closing.
Mobile App: Yes
👉 Our Take: SimpleShowing is not at all a cost-effective discount for real estate brokerage. The additional charges for a premium lockbox increase the seller’s cost instead of decreasing it.
» Flat Fee MLS: Sell your house with a Flat Fee MLS company instead!
- Qualified agents
- Low listing fee when compared with competitors
- Mobile App
- Marginal savings
- Limited real estate agents
- Compromise on quality because of less number of agents
- Average customer support
- Restricted coverage
SimpleShowing has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 on Google.
SimpleShowing offers its services in the regions of Florida, Texas, and Georgia.
5. HomeLight
GOOD AGENT COVERAGE
HomeLight
- Listing Fee: 2.5% of sale price
- Good agent coverage
- 4.6/5
(237 reviews)
HomeLight 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.
Here’s a quick recap of the best discount real estate brokers in America:
America’s Best Discount Real Estate Brokers (2023)
We’ve reviewed the best discount real estate brokers in 2023
Discount Real Estate Brokers to Avoid
Some agent-matching websites advertise themselves as “free,” but in reality, they keep a portion of the commission received by the discount real estate brokers. Since you pay the commission, this amount technically goes from your pocket.
For example, List With Clever promotes itself as a real estate educational website that matches sellers with discount realtors in Austin. Even though Clever claims to be “free,” 25% to 40% of the commission you pay will be directed to Clever as a “Referral Fee.”
» Clever Real Estate: Read our full review of Clever Real Estate
Everything You Should Know About Selling with Discount Real Estate Brokers in Austin, TX
Discount real estate brokers are licensed individuals who help clients to buy and sell their property at a flat rate or low commission. Some low-cost brokers offer full-service whereas, others offer limited services that may just include a flat fee MLS listing in Austin. Before choosing a low-cost broker, ensure that they include all the features you require to sell your property.
There are 4 distinct types of discount realtors in Austin, TX and each has its benefit. Let’s try and understand the different types:
Types of Discount Realtors in Austin, Texas
| Types | Description | Why It's Unique? | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Fee MLS | Flat fee MLS lets seller list their property on the local MLS from a list of packages. Each package consists of unique benefits. | 💰 Multiple Services | Houzeo |
| Flat Rate | Flat rate brokers charge a flat fee for full service that includes everything from MLS listing to price negotiations, etc. | 💲Cost - Effective | Redefy |
| Low Commission | With low commission, sellers can list and sell their homes with a listing fee as low as 1% commission. This helps sellers save thousands of dollars at end of the sale process. | 💵 More Savings | HomeLight |
| Virtual Full-Service | Sellers who want to list and sell their property from the comfort of their homes can opt for virtual service. Each step right from listing to negotiation is carried out virtually. | 💻 100% Online | Houzeo |
4 More Ways To Get Discounted Realtor Fees
Are you a good negotiator? In fact, commissions in Austin real estate can be negotiated. Even if the company is a flat-rate discounter, you can always ask for a few minor tweaks. You can lower the amount you pay by a wide range of factors, including the location of your property, its condition, and the brokerage.
Houzeo, a low-cost real estate company, can save you tens of thousands of dollars in commissions while still providing excellent service. If you want to lower your commission, keep reading to learn how.
Average Area Commission
Know your leverage before negotiating. For example, the real estate commission in Texas is 5.59%, which is slightly higher than the national average. Lowering your overall commission might not be possible. Once you know your reference point, negotiations can get a lot more reasonable.
Buying and Selling With the same Discount Brokerage
Using the same discount brokerage or company to buy and sell has its own set of advantages. It makes you more likely to be repeat customers, giving you more chances to get refunds and cheaper commissions. For example, Landfall Properties, an MLS listing company, offers a rebate that can only be applied to your next purchase with the same company.
Pick the right type of Discount Broker
For example, picking a flat rate discount broker may not be the best option if your house is priced on the lower end. You will wind up losing more, instead, for maximum savings, you can pick a flat fee MLS company.
Buyer Agent Fees
Almost all buyers work with an agent. For maximum savings, offer a competitive buyer agent commission. Once you cut out the risk factor of selling the house, your listing agent will be more comfortable with lowering their fee.
» Seller Closing Costs in Texas: Use this free tool by Houzeo to get an estimate on your closing costs.
How to choose a Low commission/ Discount Real Estate Broker, Brokerage, or Company?
To find discount real estate brokers in Austin, look for a low-commission brand. Check for services and top companies. You will be assigned a low-commission real estate agent based on brokerage policies. As a seller, you can choose the right broker based on your requirements.
Alternatives to Discount/Low Commission Real Estate Agents
Traditional Agent
A traditional agent assists you in buying, selling, renting, and all other aspects of real estate. A listing agent and a buyer agent are two types of traditional agents. Agents operate for brokerages and companies or under the supervision of a qualified broker.
Let’s get down to business with their commissions. The average overall commission fee for selling a house in Texas is somewhere between 5% to 6%. This is deducted from the seller’s proceeds and shared between the listing and buyer agents. The commission rate changes on a regular basis and is determined by the location of your property.
The listing agent assists the seller in selling and marketing their home. The buyer’s agent, on the other hand, brings in clients who buy the house. They each get 2.5 percent after closing for a total of 5%.
iBuyers
An instant buyer, often known as an iBuyer, is a corporation that buys houses for sale for a cash offer. Unlike the usual way, the major goal is to sell it swiftly and efficiently. They employ cutting-edge technology and provide you with complete closing flexibility.
They make reasonable offers, although with a large service cost. Most iBuyers charge additional closing fees, which can easily push your commissions up to 12%! For example, Redfin Now charges up to 13% in service fees, 3% in maintenance fees, and 1% in closing costs which can potentially total up to a staggering 17%!
iBuyers have their own set of rules, with costs that aren’t necessarily in line with market norms. It is always better to pick a discount real estate broker instead and save thousands of dollars!
» iBuyer Reviews: Selling your home for cash in 2022!
For Sale By Owner
As the term indicates, a for sale by owner property is one that is sold by the owner without the assistance of a listing agent or real estate broker. It’s the most cost-effective approach to avoid commissions and selling your house quickly. FSBO is ideal for sellers with some experience with the selling process and marketing. The best way to FSBO is to list on the Multiple Listing Service. Their large database allows them to market your home to agents all throughout the country, allowing it to sell faster and with the most exposure possible.
» For Sale by Owner Websites: Best for sale by owner websites in 2022!
Why Choose a Discount Real Estate Broker/Company Over a Traditional Agent?
Let’s assume, a property costs $600,000. Through traditional real estate commissions in the US, the seller is required to pay 5% – 6% in commissions. Through a traditional process, the seller closing costs in Texas are anywhere between $30000 – $32000 – that’s too expensive. A home seller can avoid these exorbitant commissions through low commission or flat rate brokers.
| Traditional Agent (2.5% commission) | Discount (1% commission) | Discount (1.5% commission) | Discount (2% commission) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seller's Agent | $15,000 | $6,000 | $9,000 | 12,000 |
| Buyer's Agent | $15,000 | $15,000 | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| Total | $30,000 | $21,000 | 24,000 | $27,000 |
| Savings | ❌ | $9,000 | $6,000 | $3,000 |
Approaching a discount realty can also be beneficial for you as a buyer. This is because if the seller pays lower commission, this reduces the overall price of the house, making the property that much more inexpensive to buy for you.
» Buyer Closing Costs in Texas: Use this free tool by Houzeo to get an estimate on your closing costs.
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💡Make A Note: Sellers get discount on seller’s agent commission only, they still have to pay 2.5%-3% commission to the buyer’s agent at the end of the sale process.
Houzeo Helps You Save Thousands
| Package | Price | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| SILVER | $349 | 3-month listing, 24 photographs, syndication to popular real estate websites, and a few more additional services. |
| GOLD | $449 | 6-months listing, Maximum number of photos, syndication to popular real estate websites, and a few more additional services. |
| PLATINUM | $499 | 12-months listing + Virtual Full Service that includes everything you require to sell the property. |
Savings Calculator
Here’s how much you can save with Houzeo.com!
Discount Real Estate Companies Who Offer Flat Fee MLS Near Me
Before opting for a discount realtor in Austin, you would want to know its coverage. All the discount brokers do not have the same coverage. Some have nationwide coverage, while some are restricted to a few states.
We’ve compiled a list of the best flat fee MLS Listing Services in each state. Click on your state to check them out!
| Region | States |
|---|---|
| Northeast | Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont |
| Midwest | Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin |
| South | Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia |
| West | Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming |
- ✍️ SAVE: With Flat fee MLS, you will save thousands of dollars in listing fees. You also get the option of selecting the service you want and customizing the packages to your seller’s needs.
Final Word
There are a number of low-cost discount real estate brokers in Austin, TX today that provide unique features at a great value. For a seller, it is recommended to look for pointers like listing fees, listing time, services offered, customer service, coverage, and technology before selecting a discount realtor in Austin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a realtor make in Austin?
In Austin, Texas, a realtor makes an average yearly compensation of $100,576.
Can you negotiate realtor fees in Austin, TX?
Yes, you can negotiate realtor fees if you know your property's worth. A seller can negotiate based on the condition of the house, and the location of the property. It is advisable to negotiate in the beginning because unaware sellers can end up paying high commission fees which they could have avoided. So, negotiate on the terms both parties can mutually agree upon.
Who pays closing costs in Austin, TX?
Closing costs are borne by both buyer and seller. They pay based on the legal agreements and will have to pay separate amounts. The closing costs are higher for sellers because they have to pay the buyer and seller agent's commissions. Both buyers and sellers must be careful before doing the final closing and ensure they settle after a thorough check.
How much are closing costs in Austin, TX?
Some of the common closing costs in Austin, TX are loan origination fees, home appraisal fees, credit reports, home inspection, recording fees, transfer taxes fees, etc. All of these can be understood with the help of a broker. Closing costs differ from state to state, so it is advisable to research thoroughly before making any decision.
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