$15,000—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: Ohio discount brokers get all that done for a fraction of the cost!
Houzeo, Ohio’s #1 discount real estate service, offers virtual full-service assistance for just No data found for the state: og. 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 Ohio are Houzeo, Clever Real Estate, Exactly, Homes That Click, UpNest, and Redfin.
- Houzeo is the best discount real estate service in Ohio. 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 Ohio Discount Real Estate Brokers
As Ohio’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 Ohio. They offer lower commission rates and services compared to traditional Realtors. We’ve ranked the top 6 discount brokerages in the Buckeye State for you to choose from.
| Rank | Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Listing Fee | Max Savings | 100% Online | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Houzeo.com | $349 Flat Fee | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. | Clever Real Estate | 1.5% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. | Exactly | $4,800 Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. | Homes That Click | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. | Redfin | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 6. | UpNest | 4.3% Commission or As decided by the agent | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Types of Discount Real Estate Brokers
Ohio 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 Ohio
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 Ohio. 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. Exactly
LOCAL EXPERT
Listing Fee: $5,800 Flat RateExactly is a local, full-service real estate agency. They offer 3 packages and 1 add-on plan.
- Negotiation Package – ($3,200): Once you’ve identified a buyer, Exactly negotiate and manage the transaction with them.
- Marketing Package – ($3,200): They develop strategies for marketing. You have to find the buyer and negotiate on your own.
- Complete Package – ($5,800): They handle everything from the initial in-home consultation to closing the deal.
Add-On
- Luxury Option – ($4,000): It’s an optional add-on that provides a few more perks for homes that need the most elite marketing. However, Exactly has recommended this for homes over $800,000.
👉 Our Take: Exactly offers several services. They include negotiating your home sale and developing and managing ongoing marketing. However, they only serve 8 counties in Ohio, and the packages are more expensive than many other Flat Fee MLS websites offering similar services.
Based on our research, the benefits of Exactly are:
- Multiple Packages: Exactly has 3 flat-rate options. All fees are due after you sell your home. There are no upfront fees.
- Market Exposure: Apart from listing on the MLS, they will list on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, etc.
- Custom Market Pricing Analysis: With this pricing analysis, you will be able to set a listing price that maximizes your profit.
Here are some limitations we found with Exactly:
- Limited Coverage: Exactly caters to only 8 counties in Ohio. These counties include Summit, Medina, Cuyahoga, Stark, Wayne, Lorain, Geauga, and Portage.
- High Fee: Despite Exactly having a Flat Fee MLS model, the packages cost are high compared to other flat fee companies.
Exactly has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google.
Exactly is a full-service, local real estate brokerage with full-time, licensed real estate agents. With Exactly, your agent will be your single point of contact for the entire sale, backed by their team of experts.
Whenever an offer is submitted, it is sent to you directly. Exactly, keep you up to date on the status of your sale. However, they only serve Summit, Medina, Cuyahoga, Stark, Wayne, Lorain, Geauga, and Portage Counties in Ohio.
Reviews: 3 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers in Ohio
4. Homes That Click
LOCAL EXPERT
Listing Fee: 1% Commission (Min $3,500)Homes That Click is a discount real estate brokerage. They offer a single package.
- 1% Commission (Min $3,500): They charge a fixed 1% commission on the total home sale price plus buyer agent fee. This is a full-service package for home sellers. It includes in-home consultation, professional photography, contract assistance, etc.
👉 Our Take: Home That Clicks offers 1% that is below a traditional agent’s commission. It can be a great option for sellers. However, Flat Fee MLS services provide greater savings.
Based on our research, the benefits of Homes That Click are:
- Market Exposure: Along with the MLS, your home will be displayed on real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, etc.
- Full-Service: They provide professional marketing, home inspections, transaction management, and more.
- Local Expertise: They have over 20 years of experience selling homes in 143 Columbus neighborhoods.
Here are some limitations we found with Homes That Click:
- Not 100% Online: Home That Click operates with a local presence in Columbus, Ohio. Their services involve both online and in-person interactions, such as property showings, negotiations, and consultations.
- Buyer Agent Fee: You must still cover the buyer agent’s commission, increasing overall selling costs.
- Limited Coverage: Homes That Click mainly serves Central Ohio, so it is not available in other areas.
Homes That Click Realtors have an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google.
Homes that Click was established in 2002. They offer full-service real estate marketing and Realtor representation to home sellers.
However, Homes that Click lacks a modern technology system. This may delay your listing process.
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. It is headquartered in California. Move, Inc. (Realtor.com, the parent company) acquired Upnest in June 2022.
UpNest pairs you with local agents with a proven sales record. However, you may end up fixing a high commission for the agent.
6. 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 Ohio.
How Much Will You Save With a Discount Real Estate Broker in Ohio?
You could save up to $11,711 when selling a median-priced $253,900 home with a Flat Fee MLS service in Ohio.
However, if you pay a standard 6% commission fee, you’d have to pay a whopping $15,234 to your listing agent. But, with Houzeo’s Platinum plan, you will only pay $349 with a 1.25% charge at closing.
| Details | Traditional Realtor (6%) | Houzeo’s Flat Fee |
| Median Sale Price | $253,900 | $253,900 |
| Listing Fee | $15,234 | $3,523 |
| Savings | $0 | $11,711 |
How to Find Discount Real Estate Brokers Near Me in Ohio?
Here’s a list of the best discount Realtors in the most popular cities of the Buckeye State:
| Cincinnati, OH | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Cincinnati, OH |
| Cleveland, OH | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Cleveland, OH |
| Columbus, OH | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Columbus, OH |
| Dayton, OH | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Dayton, OH |
Pros and Cons of Discount Realtors in Ohio
Discount real estate brokers in Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio, providing exposure to a maximum no. of buyers.
❌ Cons
- Hidden Fees: Some discount brokerages in Ohio may charge hidden fees for additional a la carte services. You must do your research and opt for the best discount Realtors in OH.
- Inconsistent Service: Some discounted brokers in Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio:
- 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 Ohio.
- 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 Ohio
Here are some other options to consider for selling a house in Ohio:
- 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 Ohio that provide MLS access.
- Cash Buyers: Cash buyers in Ohio, 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—Ohio’s best home-selling website.
