$13,000—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: Connecticut discount brokers get all that done for a fraction of the cost!
Houzeo, Connecticut’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 Connecticut are Houzeo, Clever Real Estate, Landfall Properties, Entry Only, Redfin, and FSBO.com.
- Houzeo is the best discount real estate service in Connecticut. You get virtual full-service support, high-tech tools to manage your offers, and 5-star customer support.
- Clever Real Estate ranks second because of its comparatively lower commissions and a 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 Connecticut Discount Real Estate Brokers
We’ve ranked the top 6 discount brokerages in the Nutmeg State for you to choose from.
| Rank | Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Listing Fee | Additional Charges | Max Savings | 100% Online | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Houzeo.com | $349 Flat Fee | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. | Clever Real Estate | 1.5% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. | Landfall Properties | $699 Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. | Entry Only | $399 Flat Fee | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. | Redfin | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 6. | FSBO.com | $399 Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Types of Discount Real Estate Brokers
Connecticut sellers can choose from two main types of discount real estate brokers. Each of these cater to the unique needs of the home sellers:
- Flat Rate Discount Brokers: Also known as Flat Fee MLS companies, they charge a fixed upfront fee to list your home on the MLS. A Flat Fee MLS service costs between $399 to $4,000. These services offer maximum exposure for a low fee.
- Fixed Percentage Discount Brokers: These discount Realtors charge a fixed percentage of the home’s sale price. Typically, this percentage is lower than the traditional 3%. Depending on the broker, these rates may vary from 1% to 2.5%.
Reviews: 3 Best Flat Rate Discount Real Estate Brokers in Connecticut
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 the #1 discount real estate broker in Connecticut. The company provides features like IntelliList management to simplify your listing process. Besides this, you get 5-star customer support, advanced technology, showings management, and offers all at your fingertips.
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. Landfall Properties
NEW ENGLAND BASED
Listing Fee: $699Landfall Properties is a New England-based Flat Fee MLS service provider. It offers 3 packages for flat-fee MLS listings:
- Level One package – Free: This package includes a free listing on the MLS for 2 months with 40 photos. You can make unlimited updates to your listing at no additional cost.
- Level Two package – $699: You receive an unlimited listing term along with professional services like a ‘For Sale’ yard sign, contract forms and addendums, escrow services, and virtual tours.
- Level Three package – 1% Commission: The premium plan offers everything from the Level Two package, plus full broker assistance throughout the transaction. Additional perks include pricing guidance, a Bluetooth lockbox, and comprehensive support until closing.
These are the advantages of Landfall Properties:
- Free Listing: Allows listing for free in REALTOR MLS for up to 2 months.
- Experienced Broker: Paul Marino, the broker, has over 35 years of experience, providing valuable guidance for higher-tier plans.
- Market Exposure: Your listing is shared across national and local MLSs such as Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, etc.
Landfall Properties has the following disadvantages:
- DIY Responsibility: In the free and basic packages, you need to handle most of the sales process. This includes showings, price negotiations, and paperwork for selling a house.
- Limited Service Options: You’ll need to opt for a premium package if you want extensive assistance such as full agent support.
- Limited Coverage: Landfall properties only serve in 5 states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
Landfall Properties LLC has a 5-star rating on Zillow.
👉 Our Take: The Level Three Package offers unlimited broker support. However, we don’t recommend their 'Free' package as it includes a buyer agent’s commission. Moreover, the yard sign rental costs $249 without installation, and they lack a mobile app for convenience.
Landfall Properties has various experienced brokers who can help you stand apart in the listing service game.
Although the packages offered by Landfall Properties are very flexible, they fall short on technology as they do not have a mobile application.
Reviews: 3 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers in Connecticut
4. Entry Only
FLAT FEE MLS LISTING SERVICE
Listing Fee: $399Entry Only is a discount real estate brokerage with national coverage. They mainly cater to home sellers but have some services for buyers as well.
For Home Sellers:
Entry Only offers 3 flat fees MLS packages:
- Basic ($399): Includes a 6-month MLS listing, 20 photos, transaction coordination, MLS property flyers, buyer lead forwarding, and a yard sign.
- Enhanced ($699): All features of the Basic package plus contract review.
- Premium ($999): This is a full-service package. It includes all services of the Enhanced package as well as negotiations before/after inspections and closing assistance.
For Home Buyers:
- Buyer’s Rebate: The buyers who choose Entry Only as their representative get up to 50% of the buyer agent’s commission as a rebate.
Entry Only offers the following advantages:
- Buyer Lead Forwarding: All email inquiries will be forwarded to the sellers. In addition to this, Entry Only has a 24/7 receptionist service to redirect buyers and agents to sellers.
- Closing Assistance: Entry Only strives to make the closing process smoother by coordinating with buyer agents, lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, attorneys, and title companies.
- Buyer Services: Home buyers get assistance with property search, tours, offers, negotiation, contracts, and closing.
Entry Only offers the following disadvantages:
- Expensive Upgrades: Entry Only offers a significant number of listing upgrades. However, the ones that may boost the sale of your house, like expedited MLS entry, and secondary MLS listing, are steeply-priced.
Entry Only has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot.
Entry Only is a part of the HomeZu network. With more than 20 years of experience, Jason Saphire, the managing broker, has cultivated an excellent reputation in the industry.
However, the company’s add-on services are not as competitively priced as their packages. Past sellers appreciate their low turnaround time and prompt service.
5. Redfin: 1% Fee, Nationwide Coverage
NATIONWIDE BROKERAGE
1.5% Listing FeeRedfin offers two packages for home sellers based on the type of properties they want to sell.
- Redfin Full-Service Agent – 1.5% Commission: It is a standard full-service package for listing, marketing and closing your sale.
- Redfin Premier Agent – 1.5% Commission: This is a high-end service for luxury properties that includes additional marketing and services for high-end buyers.
Note: If the sellers buy a property with Redfin, they have to pay only 1% of commission as listing fee instead of 1.5%.
Here are some advantages of choosing Redfin:
- Advanced Technology: Redfin is primarily known for its high-tech platform and mobile app.
- Near Nationwide Coverage: Redfin covers 50 states in the US.
- Assistance Through Closing: Redfin agents guide you through paperwork, marketing plans, and negotiations to make your closing easy and faster.
Here are some drawbacks of Redfin based on their customer reviews:
- Pricing Inaccuracy: Many sellers have complained that a lot area, a gated compound, or a city location are not considered during valuation.
- Slow Listing Process: According to Redfin’s listing agreement, a Redfin property takes 18 days to list on MLS. Services like Houzeo will list you on the MLS within 24 to 48 hours.
- Lack of Customer Service: There are a few negative reviews about the lack of personal attention by Redfin agents.
- Limited Agent Selection: As per customer reviews, Redfin lacks an array of agents. This means you get an agent assigned automatically without having any choice in the matter.
- Lack of Personalized Services: Due to agents handling multiple clients at once, customers have often complained that Redfin agents are not able to give personalized service.
Redfin has 3.7 out of 5 stars from 30+ reviews on Google.
» Redfin Reviews: Read more to make an informed decision before selling your home.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Redfin for its advanced technology. However, some flat fee services offer you the same technology and more at much lower costs.
Redfin is a top nationwide real estate brokerage known for its advanced technology. Their premier package helps you sell luxury homes. The platform also provides easy access to local experts while selling a house by owner in Connecticut.
6. FSBO.com
OLDEST FSBO WEBSITE
Listing Fee: $99.95 - $399.95FSBO.com offers two packages to home sellers:
For Home Sellers:
- FSBO Package ($99.95): This includes an FSBO.com listing for six months with unlimited photos and one video. You can also edit and cancel your listing 24/7.
- MLS Package ($399.95): This package includes everything from the FSBO package plus six months’ access to the MLS.
👉 Our Take: FSBO.com suits experienced, hands-on sellers looking to save on commissions. However, less experienced or those preferring a hands-off approach may find an agent worth the cost.
Here’s what makes FSBO.com stand out:
- Market Exposure: Your listing will be advertised on sites like Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and others, in addition to the MLS.
- Full Control: The sellers get complete control over the home sale process, from pricing to negotiation.
- Wide Coverage: FSBO.com is a presence in all 50 states, allowing users from all over the country to employ their services.
Here are a few red flags of FSBO.com:
- Time and Effort: Since there is no agent, the sellers will have to handle the marketing, negotiations, and paperwork alone, which can be tedious.
- Outsourced MLS Services: FSBO.com is not a licensed real estate broker; hence, they outsource the services to independent agents and licensed brokerages. This may result in a difference in the quality of service.
- Limited Expertise: Without the agent, inexperienced sellers may have trouble with pricing, marketing, and negotiating the best deal.
FSBO.com has been rated 2.9 out of 5.0 on Trustpilot.
» FSBO.com Reviews: Find out why the oldest FSBO site isn’t the best in 2023’s slow market.
FSBO.com is available in all states with coverage in 50+ markets. They allow sellers to list their property for sale while saving on the listing agent’s commission.
But you should know that additional services can add up to a total of $335 in costs over and above your flat fee package!
How Much Will You Save With a Discount Real Estate Broker in Connecticut?
You could save up to $21,093 when selling a median-priced $451,400 home with a Flat Fee MLS service in Connecticut.
However, if you pay a standard 6% commission fee, you’d have to pay a whopping $27,084 to your listing agent. But, with Houzeo’s Platinum plan, you will only pay $349 with a 1.25% charge at closing.
Pros and Cons of Discount Realtors in Connecticut
Discount real estate brokers in Connecticut offer a great way to save. While this cost-saving option sounds good, it’s important to weigh both the pros and cons.
✅ Pros
- Lower Fees: You’ll pay less than a traditional 3% Realtor. Plus, you’ll get full access to features and tools for a low fee.
- Full-Service Support: Discount real estate agents in Connecticut offer all basic home-selling services. This includes assistance with how to price your home, marketing, paperwork, and negotiations.
- MLS Access: Discount brokers help you list your home on the MLS in Connecticut, providing exposure to a maximum no. of buyers.
❌ Cons
- Hidden Fees: Some discount brokerages in Connecticut may charge hidden fees for additional a la carte services. You must do your research and opt for the best discount Realtors in CT.
- Inconsistent Service: Some discounted brokers in Connecticut handle multiple clients at once, so personalized attention may be limited. They do this to make up for the reduced commission rate.
- High Cancellation Fees: A few of the discount brokers may impose a significant withdrawal fee if you cancel your agreement within a specific time frame.
How to Choose the Right Connecticut 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 Connecticut:
- 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 Connecticut.
- 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 Brokers in Connecticut
Here are some other options to consider for selling a house in Connecticut:
- For Sale By Owner Companies: In a FSBO sale, you have to handle every step from listing to paperwork. You can choose For Sale By Owner websites in Connecticut that provide MLS access.
- Cash Buyers: Cash buyers in Connecticut, including iBuyers, investors, and home flippers, actively search on the MLS for the listed properties.
- Full-Service Realtor: If you can’t handle the process yourself, you can opt for the traditional home-selling method. But, you’ll have to pay a 3% commission fee.
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out what customers have to say about Houzeo—Connecticut’s best home-selling website.
