$46,000—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: Hawaii discount brokers get all that done for a fraction of the cost!
Houzeo, Hawaii’s #1 discount real estate service, offers virtual full-service assistance for just $499. That’s thousands of dollars in your pocket!
Key Takeaways:
- Discount real estate brokers save thousands in commission while still offering professional support.
- The 5 best discount brokers in Hawaii are Houzeo, Flat List, Ideal Agent, UpNest, and Real Estate Agency.
- Houzeo is the best discount real estate service in Hawaii. 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 Hawaii Discount Real Estate Brokers
We’ve ranked the top 6 discount brokerages in the Aloha State for you to choose from.
| Rank | Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Listing Fee | Max Savings | 100% Online | 5-Star Reviews* | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Houzeo | $499 Flat Fee | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. | Clever Real Estate | 1.5% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 3. | Flat List | $299 Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. | Real Estate Agency LLC | Varies | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. | Ideal Agent | 2% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 6. | UpNest | 4.3% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
Types of Discount Real Estate Brokers
Hawaii 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 Hawaii
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 Hawaii. 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. Flat List
UNLIMITED LISTING CHANGES
Listing Fee: $285 - $399FlatList.com offers 1 Flat Fee MLS package, the price of which varies in each state:
- Common Package – $285 – $399: You can list your house for 6 months and add up to 40 photos on the MLS. You can also make unlimited changes to your listing and cancel it with no additional fee.
Some benefits of opting for FlatList.com include:
- Market Exposure: Your listing gets syndicated to major real estate websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Trulia.
- Unlimited Listing Changes: You can update your listing, including photos, anytime at no additional cost.
In our research, we found some deal breakers with FlatList.com:
- Lack of Choice: The company only offers a single package in every state.
- Extra Cost for Additional Features: Essential services like a lockbox, FSBO yard sign, and assistance with offers are available only at an extra fee.
- Lack of Services: You don’t get any tool or a mobile app to help you manage your listing, showings, and offers.
- Expensive Offer Assistance Fee: You must pay the broker 0.5% of your sales price at closing if you need help reviewing or negotiating offers.
FlatList.com has 5 out of 5 stars from 50+ reviews on Google.
FlatList.com Reviews: To get more valuable insights and perspective, read our reviews about FlatList.com.
👉 Our Take: FlatList.com is an ideal choice for first-time home sellers who need comprehensive assistance, from MLS listing forms to minor instructions. However, their inconsistent packages and add-on costs can quickly increase your expenses.
Stacie Whitfield, the Managing Broker at FlatList.com, is amongst the best HI Flat Fee MLS brokers. Stacie is known for her expertise in helping home sellers and for her fast responses to queries.
FlatList.com is not 100% online. The website requires home sellers to print, sign, scan, and do several other processes manually. If you’re comfortable with a low-tech service, FlatList.com is a great option for you.
Reviews: 3 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers in Hawaii
4. Ideal Agent
Agent Matching Service
Listing Fee: 2% of Sale PriceIdeal Agent is an agent matching company. It offers a single listing package for sellers:
- 2% Commission: Ideal Agent charges a 2% commission to the listing agent, which is lower than traditional rates (typically 2.5 – 3%). On an average home price of $400,000, you will be charged $8,000.
👉 Our Take: The 2% listing fee is competitive, however, the buyer’s agent still gets a 2.5 – 3% commission, bringing the total commission to around 4.5 – 5%. The savings are notable but not as significant as flat-fee brokers.
Ideal Agent stands out with several attractive offerings:
- Top Agents: The platform only works with experienced agents from major brokerages like Keller Williams Realty and RE/MAX.
- National Network: Coverage extends across the U.S., making it a versatile option for sellers nationwide.
It’s important to be aware of these potential drawbacks:
- Limited Savings: Despite the reduced listing commission, the total commission cost isn’t drastically different from standard agents.
- Agent Pool: In less populated areas there may be fewer agents to choose from, limiting flexibility.
Ideal Agent has a rating of 5 out of 5 on Trustpilot.
» Ideal Agent Reviews: Does Ideal Agent benefit you in the 2024 market?
Ideal Agent is an agent-matching service headquartered in Hawaii. It connects sellers and buyers with partner agents in its network.
These agents pre-negotiate their commission with Ideal Agent. This fee is higher than the other agent matching services. You will have to pay a 2% commission, from which the broker pays 25% to the company as a referral fee.
5. UpNest
Negotiable FEES
Listing Fee: Varies as per the agentUpNest offers agent-matching services. Here’s how it works:
- No Upfront Cost: UpNest connects you with top local real estate agents at no upfront cost. Agents will discuss commission rates, fees, and potential discounts directly with you.
Here’s what UpNest offers:
- Multiple Agent Proposals: Get 3–5 commission quotes from top local agents. Compare options easily without contacting agents yourself.
- Quick Turnaround: Receive agent matches within 24 hours of signing up.
- Transparent Pricing: View all commission rates and potential savings upfront. There are no hidden fees or pressure to commit.
- Nationwide Coverage: It offers service throughout the US. It connects you with the local agent who has current market insights.
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 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google.
» UpNest Reviews: Is UpNest actually saving you money in 2024? Read to find out.
👉 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 headquartered in California. The parent company, Move, Inc. (Realtor.com) acquired Upnest in June 2022.
UpNest pairs you with local agents with a proven sales record. However, you may end up paying a high commission to the agent.
6. Real Estate Agency LLC
Local Expertise
VariesReal Estate Agency LLC is a full-service discount brokerage in Hawaii.
- Full Service: The company charges a varying commission on your final home sale price. It offers various services, including online marketing, professional photography, listing across high-traffic websites, etc.
👉 Our Take: Real Estate Agency LLC is a solid choice for home sellers in Hawaii. They offer full-service support at discounted rates with local expertise. This helps sellers get the best price while saving on commissions.
Real Estate Agency LLC offers the following advantages:
- Agent Management: All agents working with Real Estate Agency LLC are highly qualified. It provides excellent insights to sellers about the local real estate market.
- Full Service: You can avail professional photography/videography, online marketing, exposure on real estate websites, and much more.
- Buyer Representation: A buyer agent will represent the buyer throughout the buying process, from negotiation to closing the deal.
Real Estate Agency LLC has certain disadvantages:
- Limited Coverage: The company primarily focuses on the Hawaii real estate market. This means their services may not be available to those looking to sell property in other parts of the US.
- No Credible Reviews: Real Estate Agency LLC has no credible reviews online.
Real Estate Agency LLC has no customer reviews on popular sites like Google or Trustpilot.
Real Estate Agency, LLC is a full-service discount brokerage. The company’s headquarters is on the Oahu island in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The company provides full-service packages that include agent assistance, market analysis, negotiation assistance, etc. However, they have no reviews on any credible review sites.
How Much Will You Save With a Discount Real Estate Broker in Hawaii?
You could save up to $36,052 when selling a median-priced $769,500 home with a Flat Fee MLS service in Hawaii.
However, if you pay a standard 6% commission fee, you’d have to pay a whopping $46,170 to your listing agent. But, with Houzeo’s Platinum plan, you will only pay $499 with a 1.25% charge at closing.
| Details | Traditional Realtor (6%) | Houzeo’s Flat Fee |
| Median Sale Price | $769,500 | $769,500 |
| Listing Fee | $46,170 | $10,118 |
| Savings | $0 | $36,052 |
How to Find Discount Real Estate Brokers Near Me in Hawaii?
Here’s a list of the best discount Realtors in the most popular cities of the Aloha State:
| Oahu, HI | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Oahu, HI |
| Maui, HI | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Maui, HI |
| Honolulu, HI | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Honolulu, HI |
| Pearl City, HI | Discount Realtors in Pearl City, HI |
| Ewa Beach, HI | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Ewa Beach, HI |
Pros and Cons of Discount Realtors in Hawaii
Discount real estate brokers in Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii, providing exposure to a maximum no. of buyers.
❌ Cons
- Hidden Fees: Some discount brokerages in Hawaii may charge hidden fees for additional a la carte services. You must do your research and opt for the best discount Realtors in HI.
- Inconsistent Service: Some discounted brokers in Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii:
- 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 Hawaii.
- 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 Hawaii
Here are some other options to consider for selling a house in Hawaii:
- 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 Hawaii that provide MLS access.
- Cash Buyers: Cash buyers in Hawaii, 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—Hawaii’s best home-selling website.
