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8 min read Apr 17, 2024

Top 5 Discount Real Estate Brokers in North Carolina (2024 Updates)

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Edited By

Jason Joshi

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Editor
Edited By

Jason Joshi

Editor, Houzeo
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Jason is a passionate content editor working at Houzeo. He has an eye for detail and keeps himself updated with the recent trends in the real estate market. He also likes to travel and explore places.

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From Charlotte to Raleigh, sellers across North Carolina can save thousands on real estate agent commissions. With discount real estate brokers in North Carolina, you can slash the traditional 6% rate down to just 2% to 3%.

The current median home price in North Carolina is $359,900. The traditional 6% commission will cost you a whopping $21,594. A discount Realtor offers you similar services at just 1.5%. With a competitive buyer agent commission of 2.5%, you now have to pay only a 4% fee. That’s just around $14,396.

You can lower this amount to around $10,797 if you list on the MLS with Houzeo’s Gold plan. You also get the professional services and tools available to real estate agents at a fraction of the cost.

Rankings: Best Discount Real Estate Brokers and Companies in North Carolina

We’ve researched and compiled a list of the best discount real estate brokers for you.

RankDiscount Real Estate Broker / CompanyListing FeeAdditional ChargesMax Savings100% OnlineMobile App
1.Houzeo.com$399
Flat Fee
2.Smart Choice Realty$1000 or 1%
Commission
3.Flat Fee Realty$139 (Varies)
4.Ideal Agent2%
Commission
5. Trelora1%
Commission

Reviews: 5 Best Discount Real Estate Brokers in North Carolina

1. Houzeo.com

#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 8,400+ happy customers on Google Reviews and Trustpilot!

Houzeo Reviews: With over 8,400+ happy customers, Houzeo is the most trusted discount real estate broker.

Houzeo is America’s #1 ranked real estate brokerage company. It provides an unbeatable combination of max savings, 5-star customer support, and cutting-edge technology.

Houzeo’s flat fee feature helps you save thousands on agent commissions. You also get dedicated customer support that makes the home-selling process much easier and effortless.

2. Smart Choice Realty

UNIQUE SERVICES

Smart Choice Realty

Smart-Choice-Realty-Raleigh-NC
  • Listing Fee: $1,000 or 1% commission
  • 4.75 Stars  4.9/5.0 (145+ Reviews)

Smart Choice Realty is a discount realtor based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

  • Flat Fee ($1000): If you sell and buy a property through Smart Choice Realty, the company lists your house for a flat fee of $1,000. It includes home valuation, professional photographs, closing assistance, etc.
  • Full Service at Closing (1% Commission): If you only sell your house, you must pay a 1% commission. The package includes everything from a $1000 Flat Fee plan.

👉 Our Take: Smart Choice Realty offers home valuation, closing details, and a free listing consultation to sellers. If you buy another home with its buyer specialists, it will list your current home for a $1,000 fee.

Smart Choice Realty offers certain advantages:

  • Home Valuation and Property Analysis: The company analyze your property condition and recommends repairs and improvements.
  • Market Exposure: Your home will be featured on 400+ websites, including Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia & more.
  • Excellent Customer Service: Home sellers and buyers have praised Smart Choice Realty’s 5-star customer service.

Below are some of the significant drawbacks of using Smart Choice Realty:

  • Limited Service Coverage: The company only offer full-service agent services in Raleigh.
  • High Price: If you only sell with Smart Choice Realty, you pay a much higher price.

Smart Choice Realty has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google.

Samara Presley established Smart Choice Realty in 2008. They are a good option if you wish to buy and sell at the same time.

Smart Choice Realty analyzes your property, suggests repairs, and helps you sell your home at the best price. However, they only offer services in Raleigh.

3. Flat Fee Realty

GREAT SAVINGS

Flat Fee Realty

Flat Fee Realty
  • Listing Fee: Varies
  • 3.5 Stars 3.4/5 (9 Reviews)

Flat Fee Realty offers a single Flat Fee MLS package, the price of which varies by state. The listing agent also retains a small percentage of the buyer broker’s commission.

  • Standard services included in the flat fee package are a listing term of 6 months with six photos. Your listings get syndicated to Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com. The package also includes free listing upgrades and state disclosures.

Listing Photos Upgrades: If you want to change your listing photos, you must purchase upgrades separately. You can add up to 25 photos for $50. 

👉 Our Take: Flat Fee Realty is a good option if an affordable plan is your priority. However, the company charges additional fees for optional upgrades like photos. Also, it does not offer any services to home buyers.

Flat Fee Realty is a decent option if you are looking for a low-cost real estate brokerage.

  • Market Exposure: Your listing gets syndicated to the local MLS and other real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com.
  • Full Representation: Flat Fee Realty offers a full representation of your property, enabling you to sell your home quickly.
  • Custom Home Search: You can save your home search preferences on their website. Later, you can view homes matching your description as they become available.

In our research, we have found some red flags associated with Flat Fee Realty.

  • Low on Tech: Flat Fee Realty is not 100% online. Some of the processes are carried out manually. Your listing might get delayed.
  • Non-customizable Packages: Flat Fee Realty’s listing package provides no scope for customization. The package is a one-size-fits-all plan, limiting the options you want. 
  • No Buyer Support: Flat Fee Realty isn’t a buyer-focused platform, offering no significant benefits for home buyers.

Flat Fee Realty has an average rating of 3.4 out of 5 on Yelp.

Fred Romano owns Flat Fee Realty LLC. The company is a licensed brokerage in Connecticut. In the remaining states, they partner with licensed brokers to list your property on the MLS.

Flat Fee Realty charges 0.10 – 0.25% commission at closing. Even though they claim the buyer agent pays this, the entire commission comes out of the seller’s proceeds.

4. Ideal Agent

GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE

Ideal Agent

Ideal Agent Logo
  • Listing Fee: 2% of Sale Price
  • Nationwide coverage
  • 5 Stars 5/5 (6,240+ Reviews)

Ideal Agent is an agent matching company. It offers a single listing package for its sellers:

  • Full Service (2% Commission): Ideal Agent charges a 2% commission on the home’s sale price. On an average home price of $400,000, you will be charged $8,000 to sell your house.

👉 Our Take: Ideal Agent offers full-service assistance for home sellers. However, it does not provide any cash rebates to buyers.

» What Is Ideal Agent? Know what Ideal Agent customers have to say about their services.

Ideal Agent offers certain advantages: 

  • Pre-Negotiated Commission: Ideal Agent has fixed the commission with their agents. This helps sellers to focus on the important aspects of the deal like showings, staging, home inspection, etc.
  • Time-Saving: You will be paired with the most capable agent. They’ll save you time and effort by giving you step-by-step assistance.
  • Dedicated Concierge: Their agents will assist you at each phase of the deal, from marketing to negotiation and closing.

» How Does Ideal Agent WorkHere is a detailed explanation of Ideal Agent services.

Ideal Agent offers certain disadvantages:

  • No-Multiple Matching Agent: The ideal agent matches the seller with only one agent. You don’t get to choose the agent based on your requirements.
  • Sub-Par Agent: Several customers complain about being assigned agents with low reliability.
  • No Buyer Support: Ideal Agent isn’t a buyer-focused platform and they do not offer any significant benefits for home buyers.

Ideal Agent has a rating of 5 out of 5 on TrustPilot.

» Is Ideal Agent Worth it? Find out how Ideal Agent can help you get higher profit. 

Steve Johnston established ldeal Agent in 2016. It is headquartered in Tampa. It offers all the traditional realtor services with a 2% commission on home sale value.

Ideal Agent lacks a modern technology system. Customers who have used their services have complained about hidden charges.

5. Trelora

GOOD ADD-ON FEATURES

Trelora

Trelora Savings
  • Listing Fee: 1% of sale price
  • Restricted coverage
  • Best Companies that Buy Houses for Cash in Raleigh, NC 4.9/5 (515+ Reviews)

Trelora is a full-service realty that offers services to home sellers at discounted rates. The company strives to modernize home ownership through the use of technology.

For Home Sellers:

Trelora offers two listing packages for sellers:

  • Trelora EasySell ($2,500): This package is available only through Trelora’s mobile app, where sellers can get full virtual service for a flat fee.
  • In-Person Full Service (1% Commission): This package offers in-person full service for a commission of 1% of the sale price at closing.

For Home Buyers:

  • Buyer’s Rebate: With Trelora, home buyers can get a rebate of up to $2,500 by bundling the mortgage and title.

Coverage: Trelora offers services only in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Washington.

👉 Our Take: Trelora offers full-service assistance for home sellers. However, it does lack multiple agent assistance.

Trelora offers certain advantages:

  • Good Add-On Features: It offers add-on features like listing consultation, professional photography, and negotiation assistance.
  • Good Technology: The company’s software claims to make the process for home sellers digital and straightforward. However, not much information was found on the specifics of their tech stack.

» What is TreloraCheck this out before choosing them.

Below are some of the significant drawbacks of using Trelora:

  • Multiple Agents Assistance: Trelora agents handle multiple clients to save on operating costs. Different low-cost real estate agents assist you at every sale stage, leading to better communication.
  • Poor Customer Support: Customers who have worked with the company have complained about poor customer service quality.

Trelora has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 on Zillow.

» Trelora Reviews: Check out the customer reviews that can help you know more about Trelora.

Joshua Hunt established Trelora in 2011. It is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Trelora was acquired by Houwzer, a prominent real estate firm, in December 2022.

Trelora does not assign a dedicated agent to home sellers. They connect with a different agent at every step of the process. This may lead to delays, mistakes, and miscommunication.

Top Discount Real Estate Brokers Near Me

Find discount realtors in your neighborhood:

1. Mooresville, NCDiscount Real Estate Brokers in Mooresville, NC
2. Charlotte, NC Discount Real Estate Brokers in Charlotte, NC
3. Raleigh, NCDiscount Real Estate Brokers in Raleigh, NC
4. Asheville, NCDiscount Real Estate Brokers in Asheville, NC

What Are Discount Real Estate 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. Such low-cost real estate agents typically offer the same services for reduced fees of 0.5% to 2% or a flat fee.

How Much Can I Save With a Discount Realtor in North Carolina?

As a seller, you can save anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000.

Typically, home sellers pay a total of 6% as Realtor commissions to both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. Whereas, with discount real estate brokers you can pre-negotiate this at 1% to 2%.

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, Redfin offers a buyer rebate of 0.5% to clients who sell and buy with Redfin within 1 year.

Types of Discount Brokers in North Carolina

The four major types of real estate discount brokerages and companies in Tar Heel State 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. The Best Flat Fee MLS listing companies like Houzeo can get you on the MLS within 24 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 at only 1% or 2%. They cover everything from listing, negotiations, and pricing. They are also called 1% commission Realtors, or 2% commission brokers, etc.

4. Virtual Full Service: A virtual full-service discount broker handles everything online. All services including negotiation and marketing support are at no additional cost.

Pros and Cons of a Discount Realtor

Here are the pros and cons of discount Realtors:

Pros ✅

  • Reduced Fees: You’ll pay less for listing agent fees. While standard brokers typically charge at least 3%, discount brokers may charge as little as 0.5% to 1%.
  • Full Access to Basic Services: You receive the same services as you would with a traditional agent. They assist with home pricing, marketing, and negotiations.
  • Streamlined Process: A low-cost Realtor provides similar services as traditional agents. They streamline the process of listing your property on the MLS, marketing the property, negotiating offers, and assisting with paperwork.

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 rarely talk to anyone in person. A first-time seller or buyer who needs some hand-holding may not be able to get benefits.
  • 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. Remember to carefully review the terms and conditions of the contract before signing.

Who Should Use a Discount Broker?

Discount brokers are ideal for:

  • Sellers on a Tight Budget: Homeowners who wish to save money should list with a low-fee Realtor. This can help them save big. 
  • Real Estate Investors: Real estate investors who frequently trade homes 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 Agents in North Carolina

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

  • 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 North Carolina markets. iBuyers can be a great option if you want to sell your house fast in North Carolina.
  • Sell to Cash Home Buyers: Individual cash home buyers and companies 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 in North Carolina will help you list and sell a house by owner and save thousands in listing agent commission.

Are Discount Brokerages Worth It?

YES! There are various advantages to using a low-cost real estate agent. Using an affordable brokerage can save you at least $8,000 to $10,000.

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 in 24 hours, for a small flat fee. You get extra savings and services like, access to offers dashboard, showings management, and many more.

Eager to Know How Houzeo Works?

Houzeo is the #1 For Sale By Owner website in the U.S. Check out the following video to understand how Houzeo would help you crack the deal faster in 5 steps.

How to List on MLS With Houzeo?

5 Easy Steps to List on MLS with Houzeo as FSBO

Start Your MLS 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

Who are the best discount real estate brokers in North Carolina?

Houzeo.com, and Smart Choice Realty are the top discount real estate brokers in North Carolina.

How much is the real estate agent fees in North Carolina?

On average, traditional agents in North Carolina, charge 5% to 6% of the sale price as commission. On the other hand, discount real estate brokers charge 1% to 3% commission.

How do I find low cost discount realtors near me to sell my home?

You could do a Google search, go with an agent from one of the national discount brokers like Redfin, or list your home using Houzeo. With Houzeo, your home will be listed on the MLS without the added expense of a listing agent.

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