You save a whopping $22,785 when selling a median-priced $759,500 home in Hawaii. But how? With a discount real estate broker in Hawaii, you can skip the hefty 3% listing agent commission. This allows you to list your home for as low as 1% or a flat fee and save thousands of dollars!
That’s not it! These brokers help you list your property on the MLS giving maximum exposure as 43% of buyers search properties online. In addition, discount brokers offer affordability with full service making them ideal for cost-conscious sellers.
Rankings: Top 5 Hawaii Discount Real Estate Brokers
As Hawaii’s real estate market continues to rebound post-Hurricane Idalia, home sellers are exploring ways to cut costs. With rising repair and insurance premiums, sellers want to retain more of their home sale profits.
One effective way to do this is to sell with a discount real estate broker in Hawaii. They offer lower commission rates and services compared to traditional Realtors. We’ve ranked the top 5 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 | $399 Flat Fee | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. | Flat list | $299 Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. | Real Estate Agency LLC | Varies | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. | Ideal Agent | 2% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 5. | UpNest | 4.3% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
What Are the 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: 2 Best Flat Rate Discount Real Estate Brokers in Hawaii
1. Houzeo.com: Max Savings, No Hidden Fees
#1 Discount Real Estate Service
Listing Fee: $399+$350 at closing4.9/5
Houzeo is a top technology-driven real estate platform. It offers 4 different packages:
- Bronze Package ($399 + $350 at Close): List your house for 6 months. You can upload 24 house photos.
- Silver Package ($399+0.5% at Close): List your home for 6 months and post maximum photos. Unlimited open houses and listing modifications are included in this package.
- Gold Package ($429+0.5% at Close): This package offers all the benefits of the Silver package, as well as licensed broker assistance, contract review, and more.
- Platinum Package ($449+1% at Close): This package offers virtual full-service support with a licensed broker. You can list for 12 months. Brokers assist you in negotiations, disclosures, and closing.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Houzeo to all home sellers. The company has a stellar 4.9/5 customer rating. It also provides coverage in 47 states + DC, making it one of the few services with nationwide reach.
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 the MLS. On average, Houzeo home sellers save $12,231.
- 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 easily.
- 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.
- Home Value Estimator: Houzeo’s Home Worth Estimator is online and quick to know the FMV of your home. It provides free home value estimate within 30 seconds.
There are no dealbreakers with Houzeo.
» Houzeo Reviews: Houzeo is rated “Excellent” by 10,100+ happy customers on Google Reviews and Trustpilot!
Houzeo Reviews: With over 10,100+ happy customers, Houzeo is the most trusted discount real estate broker.
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. Flat list
UNLIMITED LISTING CHANGES
Listing Fee: Varies as per State5/5
FlatList.com offers 1 Flat Fee MLS package.
- Common Package – Varies as per State: You can list your house for 6 months and add up to 25 photos. You can also make unlimited changes to your listing and cancel it with no additional fee.
👉 Our Take: FlatList.com offers basic services in the common package. However, a single package limits your choice and customization.
» Is FlatList.com Legit? Here is an in-depth review of FlatList.
Some benefits FlatList.com offers.
- Market Exposure: Your listing gets syndicated to real estate websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Trulia.
- Unlimited Listing Changes: This will help you set the right price for your property during negotiations.
» Pros and Cons of FlatList.com: Read the advantages and drawbacks before dealing with FlatList.com.
In our research, we found some dealbreakers with Flat.List.com.
- Lack of Choice: FlatList.com only offers a single package in every state.
- Inconsistent Services: The prices and services of FlatList.com vary for different states. This can lead to an inconsistent user experience.
- Extra Cost for Additional Features: Essentials services like lock box, signage and assistance with offers are available at an extra fee.
FlatList com has 5 out of 5 stars from 50+ reviews on Google.
» FlatList.com Reviews: To get valuable insights and perspective read our reviews about FlatList.com.
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
3. 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.
4. Ideal Agent
Agent Matching Service
Listing Fee: 2% of Sale Price5/5
Ideal 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 agent4.7/5
UpNest 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.
👉 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.
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.
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.
How Much Will You Save With a Discount Real Estate Broker in Hawaii?
You could save up to $18,558 when selling a median-priced $759,500 home with a Flat Fee MLS service in Hawaii.
However, if you pay a standard 3% commission fee, you’d have to pay a whopping $22,785 to your listing agent. But, with Houzeo’s Gold plan, you will only pay $429 with a 0.5% charge at closing.
| Details | Traditional Realtor (3%) | Houzeo’s Flat Fee |
| Median sale price | $759,500 | $759,500 |
| Listing Price | $22,785 | $4,226 |
| Savings | $0 | $18,558 |
» Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews to know why it is one of the best discount real estate brokers in Hawaii!
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 |
Discount Realtors in Hawaii: Pros and Cons
Even though cheap Realtors in Hawaii will save you thousands in commissions, you should consider the advantages and disadvantages of hiring one:
Pros ✅
- Sell Home for a Discounted Fee: You’ll pay less fees for a discount real estate listing in Hawaii than a 6% Realtor. Even if you only want to list your Hawaii home on MLS, you pay a much lower fee than the typical 3% listing agent fee.
- Receive Full-Service Realtor Services: Discount real estate agents in Hawaii will provide the basic services that any traditional agent would. This includes assistance with pricing your home, marketing, paperwork, and negotiations.
Cons ❌
- You May Become a Victim of Hidden Fees: Some discount brokerages in Hawaii may charge hidden fees or sell essential services a la carte. Beware of shady discounted agents who lure you in with significantly low fees. Do your research and look at the best discount realtors in HI.
- Unreliable Service Quality: Discounted real estate brokers in Hawaii handle multiple clients at once to make up for the reduced commission rate. They may not be able to provide personalized assistance all the time.
- High Cancellation Fees: An HI discount real estate broker can charge a minimum withdrawal fee within a specified period. Remember to carefully review the terms and conditions of the contract before signing.
Alternatives to Discount Real Estate Agents in Hawaii
Here are some options if you do not want to opt for a discount Realtor in Hawaii:
- Sell Your Home For Sale By Owner: In a FSBO sale, you’ll have to opt for “DIY” marketing strategies like using FSBO signs, word of mouth, open houses, etc. But your listing won’t be on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and Homes.com! Meanwhile, FSBO websites in Hawaii will help you list on the MLS and increase exposure.
- Sell Your House to Cash Buyers: Almost all cash buyers in Hawaii scour the MLS for Hawaii homes for sale. This includes iBuyers, investors, and home flippers.
- Sell With a Full-Service Realtor: If you are not interested in saving your equity, you can hire a full-service, in-person Realtor in Hawaii. You’ll end up paying a full 5% to 6% commission. That’s $47,022 on a $783,700 home gone!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best discount real estate brokers in Hawaii?
The top discount real estate brokers in Hawaii are Houzeo.com and Flat List. However, Houzeo stands #1 with its 4.9-star rating based on thousands of customer reviews compared to Flat List's 50+ reviews.
How much is the real estate agent fees in Hawaii?
On average, traditional agents in Hawaii charge a whopping 3% of the sale price as commission. On the other hand, discount real estate brokerage firms in Hawaii charge a flat fee or a fixed percent of 1%.
How do I find a discount real estate broker near me in Hawaii?
You could choose a discount broker, or list your home using Houzeo. With Houzeo, your home will be listed on the MLS within 24 to 48 hours.
