Home sellers across Chesapeake dread the 6% real estate agent commission. The best discount real estate brokers use cutting-edge technology and stellar customer service making it easy to sell your home.
👉🏻 Key Takeaways
- Discount real estate brokers will help you list your home for 0.5% to 2% commission. Traditional listing brokers charge 2.5-3%.
- The discount is on the listing fee. You still have to pay the buyer agent commission, typically 2.5-3%.
- Discount real estate brokers will save you between $5,000 to $20,000 on average.
- Houzeo.com is America’s best discount real estate company. Houzeo offers the best combination of maximum exposure, commission savings, cutting-edge tech, and stellar customer service.
We’ve spent thousands of hours researching discount real estate brokers and compiled our list of the best discount real estate brokers.
Rankings: Best Discount Real Estate Brokers & Companies in Chesapeake, VA
| Rank | Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Listing Fee | Additional Charges | 100% Online | 5-Star Reviews* | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Houzeo | $349 Flat Fee | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. | Redefy | $3500 Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. | HomeLight | 2.5% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. | Take 2 Real Estate | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. | Quest Realty | 2% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Reviews: Best Discount Real Estate Brokers & Companies in Chesapeake, VA
1. Houzeo.com
#1 Discount Real Estate Service
Houzeo.com
- Listing Fee: $399
- Available nationwide
4.9/5
(8,400+ Reviews)
4.9/5
(8,400+ Reviews)Houzeo is a top technology-driven real estate platform. It offers 4 different packages:
- Bronze Package ($399): List your house for 6 months. You can upload 24 house photos.
- Silver Package ($399+0.5% at Close): List your home for six months and post maximum photos. Unlimited open houses and listing modifications are included in this package.
- Gold Package ($429+0.5% at Close): This gives you all the benefits of the Silver package. It also provides licensed broker assistance, contract review, etc.
- Platinum ($449+1% at Close): This package offers virtual full-service support with a licensed broker. You can list for 12-month. Brokers assist you in negotiations, disclosures, and closing.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Houzeo to all home sellers. The company has an excellent customer rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. It has extensive coverage across 47 states + DC, a feat achieved by only a handful of other services.
» Houzeo Reviews: Houzeo is 100% online. You can finish listing formalities within 60 minutes.
These are the key features that make Houzeo one of the top discount real estate brokers:
- Significant Commission Savings: You will pay just a small flat fee to list on MLS. On average, home sellers who used Houzeo saved $11,490.
- No Hidden Fees: All costs are disclosed upfront so you don’t have to worry about hidden charges.
- Near Nationwide Coverage: Houzeo operates in 47 states and DC, with ongoing plans for expansion.
- Max Exposure: Houzeo packages give you access to renowned MLS companies.
- Advanced Technology: Eliminate the hassle of extensive paperwork. E-signature and online forms make house listing quick and easy.
- 5-star Customer Service: Dedicated customer support addresses your every concern easy.
- Mobile App: Houzeo’s mobile app lets you manage showing requests from verified buyers and buyer agents. You can either accept, reject, or reschedule showings at your convenience.
There are no dealbreakers with Houzeo.
» Houzeo Reviews: Houzeo is rated “Excellent” by 8,400+ happy customers on Google Reviews and Trustpilot!
Houzeo Reviews: With over 8,400+ happy customers, Houzeo is the most trusted discount real estate broker.
Houzeo.com is America’s #1 ranked Flat Fee service. Houzeo provides an unbeatable combination of max savings, 5-star customer support, and cutting-edge technology.
Houzeo’s Bronze Package is priced at $99+, the Silver package is priced at $379+, and the Gold at $379 + 0.5% (Minimum $995) at closing. Sellers can ask for the full-service Platinum package which costs $349 + 1% (Minimum $995) at closing.
2. Redefy
IN-HOUSE SUPPORT
Redefy
- Listing Fee: $3,500 Flat Fee
- In-person support
- 4.1/5
(40+ Reviews)
4.1/5
(40+ Reviews)Redefy is one of the renowned discount real estate companies in the US. It offers 3 packages at a flat fee:
- Self-Service ($379): You get a 6-month listing period. This includes local listing, yard sign, 10 photos on the listing, etc.
- Limited Service ($499): Here, you get a 1-year listing period. This package includes a local listing, door key lock box, 25 photos on the listing, etc.
- Virtual Full Service ($2,995): This premium package offers personal consultation, full customer support, extensive marketing, etc.
👉 Our Take: Redefy offers different pricing models that suit your needs. It offers all the necessary services you need to close the sale. Along with a low flat fee, it charges you a non-refundable fee of $500. This increases the value of the package.
Redefy offers:
- Affordable Pricing: You need to pick the package that suits your requirements. Although features like local listing, email, text & live chat support, yard signs, and door lock keys remain constant throughout.
- In-House Support: You are provided with professional in-house support like home staging with accurate pricing.
- Mortgage Calculator: Redefy’s Mortgage Calculator allows you to estimate your overall mortgage, insurance, and taxes.
The disadvantages with Redefy are:
- No Refund Deposit: You have to pay a non-refundable deposit of $500.
- Inconsistent Agent Quality: Redefy has limited agents attending to a large volume of customers. This can hamper the service quality.
- Service Coverage: They serve only 9 states in the US (Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia)
Redefy has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Yelp.
Redefy offers its services based on your home value. If your house costs anything below a million, they charge a flat rate fee of $5,500. However, their agent quality may not be consistent You are also required to pay a non-refundable deposit of $500.
3. HomeLight
GOOD AGENT COVERAGE
HomeLight
- Listing Fee: 2.5% of sale price
- Good agent coverage
- 4.6/5
(237 reviews)
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.
HomeLight offers a range of services for buyers, sellers, and agents all under one roof. It claims to be a straightforward alternative to a DIY search for a real estate agent.
However, you may end up spending a lot more and the quality of agents and services would still be questionable.
4. Take 2 Real Estate
COST-EFFECTIVE
Take 2 Real Estate
- Listing Fee: 1% of Sale Price
- 5/5
(3 Reviews)
Take 2 Real Estate is a full-service discount brokerage.
For Home Sellers:
- 1% Commission or $3,500: You will be offered several benefits like staging consultation, 4K video tour, digital documentation, etc.
For Home Buyers:
- Buyer’s Rebate: Home buyers get cashback of up to 2% of the buyer agent’s commission.
👉 Our Take: Take 2 Real Estate gets you personalized services and recommendations to help you maximize your home’s value. However, it offers its services only in Northern Virginia.
Take 2 Real Estate offers certain advantages:
- Full-Time Agent Support: You will get assistance at every step of your home-selling process. The agent will also give you recommendations for house renovations to attract potential buyers.
- No Obligation Consultation: You can schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and get an expert market analysis of your home.
- Digital Documents and Communication: You can sign all real estate documents online using DocuSign.
In our research, we could not find any deal breakers with Take 2 Real Estate.
Take 2 Real Estate has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Yelp.
Paul Thistle, broker and owner of Take 2 Real Estate is Northern Virginia’s top full-service discount Realtor. Buyers receive up to 2% cash back on any home purchase. Sellers pay just a 1% listing fee at closing.
Their easy-to-navigate website helps sellers and buyers find exactly what they are looking for.
5. Quest Realty
LOCAL EXPOSURE
Quest Realty
- Listing Fee:2% commission
- 4.1/5.0
(46 reviews)
4.1/5.0
(46 reviews)Quest Realty, a full-service real estate company in Virginia, offers sellers a discounted commission to list and sell their property. Their package includes everything a traditional agent would offer without the hefty commissions.
Quest Realty for Home Sellers
- 2% Commission: This includes MLS listing on real estate websites like Zillow and Realtor.com, home staging, pricing evaluation, and negotiations to determine the final closing price. Additionally, you get high-resolution photography, advanced 3D imagery, and more.
Quest Realty for Home Buyers
- Buyer Incentives: Quest Realty claims to offer incentives to buyers, although the exact figure of this incentive is not mentioned on their website.
👉 Our Take: Quest Realty is a decent option to sell or buy a house in Virginia. One of the company’s key benefits is the 5% closing discount for houses valued under $350,000.
Here are some advantages you get with Quest Realty.
- Discount: During the closing, a 5% discount will be offered for properties priced below $350,000.
- Additional Assistance: Apart from helping you find a home, Quest Realty also helps you with acquiring loan, contacting house inspectors, and closing.
In our research, we could not find any deal breakers associated with Quest Realty.
Quest Realty has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 46 reviews on Google.
An online marketing team at Quest Reality uses the internet to promote your property. The customer service crew there is really proactive.
Quest Realty claims to give incentives to purchasers, although the specific amount is not specified on their website.
Here’s a quick recap of the best discount real estate brokers in America:
America’s Best Discount Real Estate Brokers (2024)
We’ve reviewed the best discount real estate brokers in 2024
What Are Discount Brokers and Companies?
Discount real estate brokers are companies or agents who sell your home for less than the standard 2.5 to 3% commission. Sellers receive basic real estate services at a pre-negotiated fee of 0.5% to 2% or even a flat fee.
The reduced fee can easily save sellers thousands in commissions.
You may be now wondering if their services are comparable to those of a traditional Realtor at this point. Discount real estate brokers typically offer the same services as full-service brokers. The key difference is in pricing.
-
🤔 Do you offer buyer agent commission to discount brokerages?
YES! Most real estate discount brokers and brokerages will recommend you pay a full buyer agent fee. It is typically between 2% and 3% in most states.
It is vital to pay a competitive commission to the buyer’s agent. This will ensure you sell your home quickly while still receiving the best price possible.
Types of Discount Brokers
Find a discount real estate broker that fits your budget and saves you the most money! The four major types of real estate discount brokerages and companies are as follows:
1. Flat Fee MLS Companies: Flat Fee MLS companies get you on the MLS for a small flat fee saving you thousands in commissions. Best Flat Fee MLS listing companies like Houzeo can get you on the MLS within 48 hours, or even faster!
2. Flat Rate Full-Service Companies: These companies charge a fixed fee instead of the regular 3% commission. This amount can be anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000. A flat rate Realtor is perfect for homes priced on the higher end.
3. Low Commission Estate Agents: Low commission discount brokers offer full-service packages. These are usually priced at 1% or 2%. They cover everything from listing, negotiations, and pricing.
4. Virtual Full Service: A virtual full-service discount broker handles everything online. Companies like Houzeo, also provide full-service options that are 100% online. All services including negotiation and marketing support are at no additional cost.
Pros and Cons of a Discount Realtor
The primary benefit of working with discount real estate brokers is that they have lower overhead costs. However, a discount broker may not have as much time to communicate. They juggle many clients and may not be available for your queries.
Pros
- Reduced Fees: You’ll pay less for listing costs. While standard brokers typically charge at least 3%, discount brokers may charge as little as 0.5% to 1%.
- Full Access to Basic Real Estate Services: You receive the same basic services as you would with a traditional agent. They provide assistance with pricing, marketing, and negotiations.
- Streamlined Process: A low-cost Realtor facilitates the selling process. They are motivated to work efficiently and eliminate all unnecessary steps from the sales process.
Cons
- Not Enough Savings: Some discount brokerages may charge hidden fees or sell their services a la carte. This might add to your expenses.
- Not for First-Time Sellers: Most discount real estate brokerages are digital, so you almost never have to talk to anyone in-person. A first-time seller or buyer who needs some hand-holding may not be able to benefit much.
- Lack of Personal Attention: Discount Realtors handle multiple clients at once to make up for the reduced commission rate. They may not be able to provide personalized services.
- High Cancellation Fee: A discount realty company can charge a minimum withdrawal fee within a specified period of time. Remember to carefully review the terms and conditions of the contract before signing.
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. Because you pay the commission, this amount comes out of your pocket.
For example, List With Clever promotes itself as an informational real estate website that matches sellers with discount realtors. Even though Clever claims to be “free”, 25% to 40% of your commission will be directed to Clever as a “Referral Fee”.
» Clever Real Estate: Check out what you lose when you sell or buy with Clever!
💸 Save Thousands in REALTOR Commission
Sell your house with Houzeo.com for a small flat fee – as low as $349!
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How to Choose a Discount Realtor or Company?
It is essential to select the right real estate agent for your home-selling journey. The following are a couple of pointers to assist you with picking the ideal discount broker or company.
1. Savings: Discount real estate brokers have a variety of pricing structures. So, choose one that maximizes savings while still providing all of the services you require.
2. Technology: Choose companies that use cutting-edge technology, offer online paperwork, and have a mobile app.
3. Customer Reviews: Check for online customer reviews. This helps you to get an idea of the kind of services you are going to receive.
How Much Can I Save With a Discount Realtor?
As a seller, you can save anywhere between $1,632 and $ 6,680.
Typically, home sellers pay 6% of total realtor commissions. The total commission is divided between the listing agent (3%) and the buyer’s agent (3%). Discount real estate brokers pre-negotiate a reduced listing agent commission of 1% to 2%.
Therefore, you save a commission of 4% to 5% on your home sale.
As a home buyer, you get a buyer’s rebate – a type of cashback received after the sale. A typical buyer rebate is 1% to 2% of the home’s purchase price. For example, Redfin offers a buyer rebate of 0.5% to clients who sell and buy with Redfin within 1 year.
However, in order to qualify for this buyer rebate, buyers must fulfill specific requirements. The most important is the minimum price range.
-
🤔 What is a home buyer rebate?
A Realtor rebate is a type of cashback you receive as a buyer. Some brokerages and agents offer these rebates as an incentive to attract more buyers. Buyer rebates are allowed in 40 states.
Who Should Use a Discount Broker?
Discount Brokers are ideal for sellers and buyers who want to focus on savings.
- Sellers on a Tight Budget: Homeowners who wish to save money might list with a low-fee Realtor. This can help them save big.
- Real Estate Investors: Real estate investors who frequently trade can benefit from low-commission discount brokers.
- House Flippers: Home flipping is a strategy where an investor purchases a property to renovate it and sell it for a profit. Home flippers can save thousands on agent commissions by selling via discount brokers.
Alternatives to Discount Real Estate Brokers in Chesapeake
Here are some options if you do not want to opt for a discount Realtor in Chesapeake.
- Flat Fee MLS Companies: Flat Fee MLS Virginia companies list your property on your local MLS for a flat fee of a few hundred dollars. You can save on commissions and also take advantage of their technology for a faster sale.
- List With a Full-Service Realtor: If you need hand-holding, we recommend you hire a full-service in-person Realtor. You’ll get all the professional help you need, but you will end up paying a full 5% to 6% commission.
- Sell to an iBuyer: Many iBuyers, like Opendoor and Offerpad, purchase hundreds of homes in Chesapeake markets. iBuyers can be a great option if you’re wondering how to sell my house fast in Chesapeake.
- Sell to Cash Home Buyers: Individual cash home buyers and companies that buy houses for cash in Virginia make all-cash offers, usually within 24 to 48 hours. Cash buyers let you skip the hassle of listing on the MLS, inspection, appraisal, etc.
- Sell For Sale By Owner: For Sale By Owner websites will help you list and sell a house by owner in Chesapeake and save thousands in listing agent commission. Many FSBO websites will also get you listed on the MLS and help you with FSBO paperwork.
» Best FSBO Sites in Virginia: We’ve researched and reviewed all the best For Sale By Owner sites in Virginia. See our rankings!
Savings Calculator
Here’s how much you can save with Houzeo.com!
Are Discount Brokers Worth It?
YES! There are various advantages to using a discount real estate broker. Using a cheap brokerage can save you a lot of money. The commission savings can be significant.
There are several discounted real estate brokers on the market today, each with its own set of advantages. Examine factors such as listing fees, listing time, services provided, customer service, and coverage before you choose one.
With Houzeo, you can get your home on the MLS for a small flat fee. You get access to cutting-edge tools like offers dashboard, showings management, and many more to make your selling journey easy.
» List My House on MLS in Virginia: The fastest way to get on the MLS!
Eager to Know How Houzeo Works?
We’ve got you covered. Check out the following video to understand how Houzeo works and why it is one of the best For Sale By Owner websites in the U.S.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lowest a realtor will charge as commissions in Chesapeake, VA?
Discount Real Estate Brokers in Chesapeake, VA can charge as low as 1%. With a flat fee service, you can save even more if the valuation of your home is high.
Can you negotiate prices with real estate brokers in Chesapeake, VA?
There are no laws in the U.S. that set the real estate broker commissions in stone. So, you can of course try negotiating with them!
Do sellers pay closing costs in Virginia?
Both the buyers and sellers pay the closing costs in Virginia.
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