You save a whopping $7,416 when selling a median-priced $247,200 home in Ohio. But how? With a discount real estate broker in Ohio, 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 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 5 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 | $399 Flat Fee | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. | Exactly | $4,800 Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. | Homes That Click | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. | Redfin | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. | UpNest | 4.3% Commission or As decided by the agent | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
What Are the 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: 2 Best Flat Rate Discount Real Estate Brokers in Ohio
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 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. Exactly
LOCAL EXPERT
Listing Fee: $5,800 Flat Rate4.8/5
Exactly 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
3. Homes That Click
LOCAL EXPERT
Listing Fee: 1% Commission (Min $3,500)4.9/5
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.
4. 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. 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.
5. Redfin: 1% Fee, Nationwide Coverage
#1 Nationwide Brokerage
1% Listing Fee3.7/5
Redfin offers services in 100+ real estate markets across the country in 49 states.
- Redfin Full-Service Agent – 1% Commission: This package includes pricing assistance, listing paperwork, negotiation support, etc.
- Redfin Premier Agent – 1.5% Commission: This package is exclusively for luxury properties and includes everything that comes with the Full-Service package.
👉Our Take: When you opt for Redfin you might get their service 3x faster than the traditional method. However, you may not get personalized attention with less no. of agents for home staging, showings, etc.
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 49 states in the US.
- Easy Deal Closings: 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 an average rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars on Yelp and an average of 3.7 out of 5 stars on Google.
» Redfin Reviews: Read more to make an informed decision before selling your home.
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 $5,751 when selling a median-priced $247,200 home with a Flat Fee MLS service in Ohio.
However, if you pay a standard 3% commission fee, you’d have to pay a whopping $7,416 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 | $247,200 | $247,200 |
| Listing Fee | $7,416 | $1,665 |
| Savings | $0 | $5,751 |
» Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews to know why it is one of the best discount real estate brokers in Ohio!
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. And get access to all the features and tools for a much lower 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best discount real estate brokers in Ohio?
The top discount real estate brokers in Ohio are Houzeo.com and Exactly. However, Houzeo stands #1 with its 4.9-star rating based on thousands of customer reviews compared to Exactly's 30+ reviews.
How much is the real estate agent fees in Ohio?
On average, traditional agents in Ohio charge a whopping 3% of the sale price as commission. On the other hand, discount real estate brokerage firms in Ohio charge a flat fee or a fixed percent of 1%.
How do I find a discount broker near me in Ohio?
To find a discount Realtor near you, check online reviews and ratings of local discount brokers. Houzeo can list your home on the MLS within 24 to 48 hours and lets you review and compare offers, manage showings everything with mobile app.
