18,500—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: Illinois discount brokers get all that done for a fraction of the cost!
Houzeo, Illinois’ #1 discount real estate service, offers virtual full-service assistance for just $349. That’s thousands of dollars in your pocket! Prefer in-person Realtor help? Clever Real Estate, with its 1.5% agent fee, is the next best option.
Key Takeaways:
- Discount real estate brokers save thousands in commission while still offering professional support.
- The 6 best discount brokers in Illinois are Houzeo, Clever Real Estate, Circle One Realty, Lucid Realty, TELORA Real Estate, and Prello Realty.
- Houzeo is the best discount real estate service in Illinois. 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.
Rankings: Top 6 Illinois Discount Real Estate Brokers
| Rank | Discount Real Estate Companies | Total Commissions | MLS Access | 100% Online | 5-Star Customer Support* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Houzeo | $349 Flat Fee | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. | Clever Real Estate | 1.5% Commission | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 3. | Circle One Realty | $295 Flat Fee | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 4. | Lucid Realty | 1%-2.5% Commission | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. | TELORA Real Estate | 1% Commission | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 6. | Prello Realty | $295 Flat Fee | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
*Companies rated 4.75 stars and above are considered 5-star.
How Do We Rank Discount Brokers?
We have evaluated the discount real estate agencies in Illinois based on the following factors:
- Customer Ratings and Reviews: We prioritize feedback from real users. Ratings and reviews from trusted platforms like Google and Trustpilot play a major role in our analysis.
- Range and Quality of Services: Brokers that provide well-rounded, all-inclusive packages without requiring costly add-ons are rated higher. While those with limited tools rank low.
- Pricing and Charges: We have evaluated brokers based on the services they provide. Those with more services and lower prices are scored higher.
- Additional Fees: Extra fees for services like document handling, photography, lockboxes, etc. are carefully reviewed. We also take customer feedback for hidden charges into account.
Reviews: 6 Best Flat Rate Discount Real Estate Brokers in Illinois
1. Houzeo
BEST DISCOUNT REAL ESTATE SERVICE
Listing Fee: $249Houzeo dominates the discount real estate market in the Prairie State with 20M+ active Illinois 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. 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 the 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 licensed broker assistance. Plus, you can save 2% to 5% on commissions at closing.
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. Circle One Realty
LOCAL REALTOR SUPPORT
Listing Fee: $295Circle One Realty offers 4 listing packages that provide cost-effective solutions for home sellers.
- MLS Entry Package – $145: You can list your vacant land on the local MLS. It is also syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more. You get to upload 1 photo for a listing term of 3 months.
- MLS Basic Package – $295: You can list your home for 6 months with 25 photos. You also get full-service realtor support and a standard yard sign.
- MLS Classic Package – $495: This includes MLS Basic Package services with a 12-month listing term. You also get the additional benefits of a lockbox combo and professional photography.
- MLS Elite Package – $495: This top-tier package includes all the features of the MLS Classic Package. Additionally, you can list your home until it sells or you get to cancel the listing.
Here are some advantages of listing with Circle One Realty:
- Full Service Realtor Support: All the packages come with comprehensive realtor services to help you throughout the sale process.
- Professional Photography: The Classic and Elite packages include professional real estate photography to enhance your listing’s appeal.
- Yard Sign Included: The Elite package comes with a professional yard sign. Meanwhile, the Basic and Classic packages include a standard yard sign, upgradeable to a professional one.
Our research uncovered some deal-breakers you should consider before choosing Circle One Realty:
- Limited Coverage: They cover only 44 counties in Illinois. If your house is outside those areas, you cannot list with Circle One Realty.
- Not 100% Online: The tech stack of Circle One Realty is modest. Many procedures, like form filling and listing, need to be manually completed. Paperwork for selling your house might delay the listing process.
- Entry Package for Vacant Land Only: You can only list vacant land on the MLS with this package. The listing lasts just 3 months and includes only one photo.
- Sellers may Require Add-ons: Circle One Realty offers comprehensive packages, but add-ons for custom needs may raise costs.
Circle One Realty is rated 5 out of 5 stars from 245+ reviews on Google.
» Circle One Realty: Read our in-depth review to know more about the company.
👉 Our Take: Most reviewers praise Circle One Realty for their expertise, and their packages are comprehensive. If you choose to list with them, do keep in mind that they cover only some Illinois counties, and their limited tech may slow down the listing process.
4. Lucid Realty
GREAT LOCAL EXPOSURE
Listing Fee: 1%-2.5% CommissionLucid Realty is a full-service discount brokerage. It offers a pricing plan that helps you sell your house with less commission.
- Commission (1% to 2.5%): Lucid Realty provides its listing services with a commission between 1% to 2.5%. It includes services like a single point of contact, professional photography, yard signage, etc.
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 home 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.
- Comprehensive Market Analysis: Sellers receive a thorough market analysis and pricing recommendation, ensuring their home is competitively priced.
Lucid Realty has certain disadvantages:
- Fluctuating Commission: The commission percent is not fixed. It may go to 2.5% which is higher than another discount brokerage.
- Limited 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 with 35+ reviews.
👉 Our Take: Lucid Realty follows a sliding scale service method where your expensive house makes you save more. However, you could consider other flat-fee brokerages that would eventually make you pay less.
5. TELORA Real Estate
FREE CONSULTATION
Listing Fee: 1% CommissionTrelora Real Estate offers a single full service package:
- Single Listing Package – 1% Commission: Your home will get listed on MLS and Zillow, Redfin, Trulia, etc. Your agent will handle everything from listing to closing, including photoshoot, marketing, negotiations, paperwork, etc.
The positive standout points of Trelora Real Estate are:
- Professional Photography: Trelora’s professional real estate photographers know all the angles to make your home shine.
- Yard Sign: The single full service package comes with a yard signage.
- Free Consultation: You get a free consultation call that explains pricing process even before registeration.
The drawbacks of listing with Trelora Real Estate are:
- No Mobile App: Trelora Real Estate does not have a dedicated Mobile App for user convinience.
- Lack of Personal Assistance: As they have a small team, communication suffers, which some customer reviews also note.
Trelora Real Estate has 4.9 out of 5 stars from 545+ reviews on Zillow.
» Trelora Real Estate Reviews: Read our in-depth review of Trelora Real Estate.
👉 Our Take: Trelora Real Estate is a good choice for cost-sensitive sellers. However, they lack a dedicated mobile app and some customers report poor communication.
6. Prello Realty
LOCAL EXPERTISE
Listing Fee: $295Prello Realty offers 3 Flat Fee MLS packages:
- MLS Basic Package – $295: Your home will be on the local MLS and major sites like Zillow, Trulia, and Redfin. The listing term is 6 months.
- MLS Plus Package – $495: It includes everything from the Basic Package plus professional photography of your property. The listing term is 9 months.
- MLS Pro Package – $795: You get everything from the previous packages, along with a combination lockbox and appointment for scheduling home showings.
The positive standout points of Prello Realty are:
- Yard Sign With Every Package: The Basic and Plus packages include a standard yard sign, while the Pro package includes a professional one.
- Free and Unlimited Listing Changes: If you opt for their Pro package, you can modify your listing anytime at no extra cost.
- Free Open House Advertising: With the Pro package, Prello Realty advertises your open house on the MLS, Realtor.com, Trulia, and Zillow for free.
The drawbacks of listing with Prello Realty are:
- Limited Customization: You may have to purchase add-ons, which can increase the total transaction cost.
- Unclear Communication: Some customers report a lack of communication, leading to potential surprises during the transaction process.
- Narrow Coverage: Prello Realty operates exclusively in Illinois. If your property is located in another state, you cannot use their flat fee services. Furthermore, they cover only half of the counties in the state.
Prello Realty has 4.6 out of 5 stars from 55+ reviews on Google.
» Prello Realty Reviews: Read our in-depth review of Prello Realty.
👉 Our Take: Prello Realty offers free and unlimited listing changes and open house advertising. However, some negative reviews mention poor communication, listing mistakes, and rushing deals. Additionally, their services cover only half of Illinois' counties.
Discount Brokers vs. Traditional Agents in Illinois
Are you wondering how to sell your home in Illinois? Confused whether to choose a discount broker or a traditional agent? Here’s a comparison between the two to help you make an informed decision:
| Features | Discount Brokers | Traditional Agents |
| Savings on Commissions | ✅ | ❌ |
| Faster Listing Process | ✅ | ❌ |
| Showings Management Tool | ✅ | ❌ |
| Offer Negotiation | ✅ | ✅ |
| Listing Changes | ✅ | ✅ |
How Much Can You Save With Discount Real Estate Brokers in Illinois?
Almost $14,500! That’s how much you can save with discount real estate brokers, who typically charge a low 1% to 2% fee. On the other hand, you have to pay a steep 5% to 6% of your home sale price to traditional agents, which quickly adds up to thousands.
Let’s understand this with an example:
On a median home of $312,900, you would pay $18,774 to a traditional agent. However, with a discount real estate platform like Houzeo, you can save $14,514! You can use these savings to enjoy a weekend getaway along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile or create a cozy outdoor patio with a fire pit for chilly Illinois evenings.
✅ Benefits of Discount Real Estate Brokers
Here’s why discount real estate brokers might be the right choice for you:
- Lower Commission Fees: You pay only 1% to 2% in agent fees instead of 6%. So, you save thousands with lowest real estate commission in Illinois.
- Flexible Packages: Depending on the level of support you need, you can choose from a variety of plans, whether it’s a Flat Fee MLS listing or a full-support package.
- Advanced Technology: Some Illinois discount real estate services like Houzeo offer high-tech tools like showings and offer management platforms, a mobile app, etc. These tools streamline your home sale.
❌ Drawbacks of Discount Real Estate Brokers
- Limited Agent Support in Basic Plans: Some services may not help with pricing, offer negotiations, or closing in their basic plans.
- Inconsistent Service Quality: Discount agents handle multiple homes simultaneously. This may affect the service quality you receive and delay your home-selling timeline.
- Additional Costs: Some agents offer specific services like scheduling showings and open houses or professional photography at extra costs. This can increase the overall cost of selling your house.
- High Cancellation Fees: A few discount brokers may charge high cancellation fees even if you want to cancel the plan before your property is listed.
Types of Discount Real Estate Brokers in Illinois
Illinois sellers can choose from two main types of discount real estate brokers:
- Flat Rate Discount Brokers: They list your home on the MLS for a flat fee instead of a 3% commission. It can cost between $249 to over $4,000. This deal offers maximum exposure and agent assistance for a low fee.
- Fixed Percentage Discount Brokers: These brokers charge a fixed percentage of your home’s sale price. Typically, it is lower than the traditional 3%. Depending on the Illinois real estate brokerage you choose, these rates may vary from 1% to 2.5%.
If you’re selling a luxury property in Chicago, Naperville, or any other upscale Illinois market, a flat-rate broker is a smart choice. Since their fee remains the same regardless of your home’s price, you can save on paying a high percentage-based commission.
How to Find Discount Real Estate Brokers Near Me in Illinois?
Here’s a list of the best discount Realtors in the most popular cities of the Prairie State:
| 1. Chicago, IL | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Chicago, IL |
| 2. Naperville, IL | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Naperville, IL |
| 3. Westchester, IL | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Westchester, IL |
What Tools Are Used by Discount Brokers in Illinois?
Discount real estate brokers in Illinois use technology to lower costs and simplify the home-selling process. With tools like online dashboards and offer management, they let you handle most of the process digitally.
However, Houzeo takes it to the next level with smarter technology, greater control, and a seamless online experience tailored for today’s home sellers. With Houzeo, you get tools like:
- E-Signature and Digital Documents: Sign and submit paperwork online for faster processing and a 100% online experience.
- Mobile App: List your home, schedule showings, compare offers- all with the Houzeo mobile app.
- Pricing Tools and CMA Access: Use Houzeo’s Home Worth Calculator and get an estimate of your house’s approximate value.
How to Choose the Right Illinois 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 Illinois:
- 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 Illinois.
- 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.
👉 Ready to Sell Your Home? List with the best discount broker!
When Not to Choose a Illinois Discount Broker?
While discount real estate brokers work well for many sellers, their basic plans often come with limited services. In some situations, you may need the support and expertise of a full-service agent. Here are cases where a discount broker may not be the right fit:
- You’re Selling a Luxury or High-End Property: High-value homes in Chicago or Oak Brook often require premium marketing, expert staging, and strategic negotiations. Luxury buyers expect a full-service experience that some discount brokers may not offer.
- Your Sale is Legally or Logistically Complex: A property in probate, trust, shared ownership, or liens can be hard to sell. So, along with a full-service broker, it’s also best to choose a real estate attorney.
Alternatives to Discount Real Estate Brokerages in Illinois
Here are some other options to consider when selling a house in Illinois:
- Flat Fee MLS: With Flat Fee MLS services in Illinois, you pay a small upfront fee to get your home on the MLS. It’s a cost-effective way to reach buyers while managing the sale yourself and saving thousands in commissions.
- For Sale By Owner Websites: If you can roll up your sleeves and handle everything from listing to closing, along with the paperwork, you should sell FSBO. However, choose a For Sale By Owner website in Illinois that provides MLS access and 5-star customer support.
- Full-Service Realtor: Don’t want the stress of doing it all? Opt for a traditional real estate agent. However, you’ll have to pay a 6% agent fee.
- Cash Buyers: Cash home buyers in Illinois, such as iBuyers, investors, and home flippers, actively look for homes on the MLS. If you want to avoid repairs and sell your home fast for cash, this can be your best bet!
Should You Choose Discount Real Estate Brokers in Illinois?
Yes, in Illinois’ real estate market, discount brokers are a smart way to save thousands on commissions without compromising on service. Platforms like Houzeo offer MLS exposure, digital tools, and top-rated support with plans starting at just $249.
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out what customers have to say about Houzeo— Illinois’ best home-selling website.
