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11 min read Jan 31, 2024

Discount Real Estate Brokers in Chicago, IL (2024 Updates)

From Rogers Park to South Deering, Chicago dreads the 6% real estate agent commission. Traditional listing agents charge a commission of 3% of the sale price.

However, you can save thousands by hiring a discount real estate broker when selling your home in Chicago.

Understanding Discount Brokers

  1. Who is a Discount Broker? A discount broker provides all real estate services like a traditional broker for a low commission of 0.5% to 2%.
  2. Understanding the Discount: The discount is on the listing fee. You still have to pay the buyer agent commission.
  3. Can You Negotiate Brokerage Fee? Yes! You can negotiate brokerage fees with your agent. Before you do, make sure you offer a full buyer’s agent fee.
  4. Alternatives: You can list on the MLS using Flat Fee MLS companies like Houzeo. It is 100% online and automated to cater to various seller needs.

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 Chicago, IL

RankDiscount Real Estate Broker / CompanyListing FeeAdditional ChargesMax Savings100% Online5-Star Reviews*Mobile App
1.Houzeo$349
Flat Fee
2.Johnson Realty$500 Upfront + 0.5% commission
3.Lucid Realty1%-2.5% Commission
4.Redefy$3,500 Flat Fee
5.UpNest1.5%
Commission

Reviews: Best Discount Real Estate Brokers & Companies in Chicago, IL

1. Houzeo

#1 Discount Real Estate Service

Houzeo.com

Houzeo Logo
  • Listing Fee: $399
  • Available nationwide
  • 5 Stars 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 7,796+ happy customers on Google Reviews and Trustpilot!

Houzeo Reviews: With over 5,000+ 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 $329+, the Silver package is priced at $399+, and the Gold at $379 + 0.5% (Minimum $999) at closing. Sellers can ask for the full-service Platinum package which costs $349 + 1% (Minimum $999) at closing.

2. Johnson Realty

HYBRID PLAN

Johnson Realty

logo image
  • Listing Fee: $500 Upfront Fee + Half of 1% at Closing.
  • No credible sources found

Johnson Realty is a full-service discount brokerage. It helps sellers to list their property at a fair price with great savings.

  • The Johnson Plan ($500 Initial fee + Half of 1% at Closing): You need to pay the upfront charge of $5oo to list your house. Lockbox and professional photographs are offered at an additional cost of $120 and $50 respectively. At the time of closing, you pay Johnson Realty half of 1% of the home sale value.

👉 Our Take: Johnson Realty provides services like market analysis, MLS listing, showings, etc. It charges you a fee apart from the initial charge of $500. You may end up paying a higher amount at the time of closing compared to another discount brokerage.

Johnson Realty offers the following advantages:

  • Unique Plan: Johnson Realty’s pricing plan includes a$500 flat rate + 0.5% of 1% of the sale price.
  • Modern Technology: Their technology allows you to keep the real transaction transparent. The contract between you and the agent is also signed digitally.
  • Market Exposure: Your home will be featured on several real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com.
  • Agent Assistance: Johnson Realty’s licensed consulting team will help you execute your transaction through closing.

Johnson Realty offers a major disadvantage:

  • Outside Agent Involvement: A third-party agent schedules the MLS showings. There might be inconsistencies in the quality of these agents.

There is no credible source available for its review.

 

Johnson Realty is one of Illinois’ highest-selling brokers. You can avail yourself of an extra discount if you sell your home and buy a new one with them. An outside agent from another company will schedule the showing through the MLS.

There may be discrepancies in the quality of these agents.

3. Lucid Realty

GREAT LOCAL EXPOSURE

Lucid Realty

logo image
  • Listing Fee: 1%-2.5% Commission
  • 5 Stars 5.0/5.0 (25+ Reviews)

Lucid Realty is a full-service discount brokerage. It offers a pricing plan that helps you sell your house with less commission.

For Home Sellers

  • Commission (1% to 1.25%): Lucid Realty provides its listing services with a commission between 1% to 2.5%. It includes services like a single point of contact, professional photographs, yard signage, etc.

For Home Buyers

  • Buyer Rebate: Lucid Realty offer rebate that vary from 20% to 50% of their commission.

👉 Our Take: Lucid Realty offers full-service brokerage at a much lower commission. It follows a sliding scale service method where your expensive house makes you save more. However, you may consider other flat-fee brokerages that would eventually make you pay less.

Lucid Realty offers certain advantages:

  • Agent Assistance: You will be assigned a single agent throughout your home-selling process. He will guide you in your home inspection and appraisal procedure too.
  • Local Exposure: Lucid Realty lists your house on the local MLS to get better exposure. This helps to sell your house fast.
  • Sliding Scale for Commission: It offers a special sliding scale service in which the commission drops as the value of the house rises.
  • Exclusive Marketing Plan: Lucid Realty evaluates your house’s key features and provides suggestions for the same. It also gives you price recommendations and guidance on market analysis.

Lucid Realty has certain disadvantages:

  • Fluctuating Commission: The commission percent is not fixed. It may go to 1.25% which is higher than another discount brokerage.
  • Coverage: It offers services only in the Chicago suburbs and its neighborhoods.

Lucid Realty has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Yelp.

Lucid Realty is ideal for luxury home sellers. They provide a unique sliding scale service where the more expensive the house the more you save.

A single agent serves you. You will receive full feedback following each showing, as well as continuous market assessments.

4. Redefy

IN-HOUSE SUPPORT

Redefy

Redefy logo
  • Listing Fee: $2,995 Flat Fee
  • In-person support
  • 4.25 stars  4.2/5 (30+ 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 4.2 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.

5. UpNest

Negotiable FEES

UpNest

Upnest logo
  • Listing Fee: 2.5% of the Sale Price (or as decided by the agent)
  • Available in all major cities
  • 4.75 Stars  4.7/5 (295+ Reviews)

UpNest is a marketplace that connects home sellers and buyers with local agents.

  • Pricing: UpNest does not charge you any upfront fee. It allows their agents to discuss the pricing with you like commission, fees, discounts, etc.

👉 Our Take: UpNest introduces you to 2 to 3 agents once you register on their platform. You may face trouble in evaluating these agents concerning their experience and knowledge.

» Is UpNest Legit? Find out if UpNest can be the best option for your house sale.

UpNest offers certain advantages:

  • No Fees: UpNest does not charge you an upfront commission. Instead, you are introduced to an agent to discuss the services and commissions.
  • User-Friendly Dashboard: It has a user-friendly dashboard which makes it easy to compare agent profiles.
  • No Obligation Service: UpNest connects you with multiple agents as soon as you sign up with them. If you are not satisfied, then you can simply walk away.
  • Nationwide Coverage: Prevu offers service throughout the US. It connects you with the local agent who has current market insights.

» What is UpNest? Read the comprehensive study for UpNest to learn more details!

UpNest has certain disadvantages:

  • Lower Savings: The commission depends on your negotiation with the agent. A higher commission fixed would make you pay more.
  • Uncertain Customer Service: Some customers share feedback of agents being extremely helpful and knowledgeable. However, less experienced agents struggle to answer simple questions.

» How Does Upnest WorkAgent-matching at UpNest is pretty straightforward. Check it out!

UpNest has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google.

» UpNest Reviews: How Much Will it Save You in 2023?

UpNest connects you with agents in your area by utilizing technology and market data. They partner with top agents from leading national brokerage firms across the U.S.

However, your savings are not guaranteed. Your ability to negotiate would be the key factor in the deal. In other words, you may end up paying more commission, or discount rates won’t go low as you expected.

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 Reviews: 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!


START YOUR MLS LISTING NOW

 

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, Lucid Realty offers a buyer rebate of 20% – 50% of the commission to clients.

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 Illinois

Here are some options if you do not want to opt for a discount Realtor in Illinois.

  • Flat Fee MLS Companies: Flat Fee MLS Chicago 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 Rogers Park and other Chicago markets. iBuyers can be a great option if you’re wondering how to sell my house fast in Chicago.
  • Sell to Cash Home Buyers: Individual cash home buyers and companies that buy houses for cash in Illinois 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 Chicago 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 Illinois: We’ve researched and reviewed all the best For Sale By Owner sites in Illinois. See our rankings!

Savings Calculator

Here’s how much you can save with Houzeo.com!

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Savings in Chicago, IL!

Enter Your Home Sale Price

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  • Listing Fee
  • Traditional Agent 46877

    $15,000

  • idealagent

    $10,000

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Your savings via Houzeo

$14,705

Houzeo saves you $9,705 more than Lucid Realty!

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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 Illinois: 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.

What is Houzeo?

An overview of what the platform is all about

Start Your FREE Listing NOW!

» 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

Are real estate commissions negotiable in Chicago, Illinois?

Yes, you can negotiate real estate commissions 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.

Do buyers pay realtor fees in Chicago, Illinois?

Realtor fees in Chicago are mostly paid by sellers as they pay agent commission fees for both the seller agent and buyer agent.

How much are closing costs in Chicago?

Closing costs in Chicago include seller and buyer agent commission, home warranty fees, home inspection fees, and more. So, if the final sale price of a house is $550,000, then the closing costs can be approximately $34,000! this is a large sum of money if the seller goes to a traditional agent. A seller can instead save on these closing costs if they approach a low-cost realtor.

What is the lowest a realtor can charge in Chicago, Illinois?

A realtor can charge as low as 1% commission if they work as a discount realtor, but generally, the average commission of a realtor is 5%-6% in the US. This commission is based on the state, the location of the property, and various other factors.

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