Table of Contents

8 min read Apr 05, 2024

Top 5 Discount Real Estate Brokers in Pennsylvania (2024)

Editor
Edited By

Carol Coutinho

icon
Editor
Edited By

Carol Coutinho

Editor, Houzeo
About

Carol is a versatile content editor and writer, crafting riveting narratives with precision and finesse. When not reading a novel, she is immersed in the enthralling world of the theater.

Find Carol Here

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

The current median home price in Pennsylvania is $262,700. The traditional 6% commission will cost you a whopping $15,762. 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 $10,508.

You can lower this amount to around $7,881 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 Pennsylvania

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.Redfin1%
Commission
3.Flat Fee Realty$139
Flat Fee (Varies)
4.Coldwell Banker2%-6%
Commission
5.Rocket Homes6%
Commission

Reviews: 5 Best Discount Real Estate Brokers in Pennsylvania

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. Redfin

Best-In-Class Agents

Redfin.com

Redfin
  • Listing Fee: 1% of Sale Price
  • Available in 80+ U.S. Markets
  • 3.3 Stars 3.4/5 (135+ Reviews)

Redfin is the largest discount real estate company. Its premier agents, with years of experience, help you buy and sell high-end homes. 

  • Listing Price: Redfin charges a 1% listing fee if you want to sell a house and buy your next one with them. It charges a 1.5% listing fee if you decide to just sell your house with Redfin.

👉Our Take: Redfin is a technology-based platform. You can expect transparency and an accurately managed database. However, you may not get complete attention due to their high customer volume.

» Is Redfin Legit? Check the legitimacy of Redfin’s discount broker services

Redfin offers:

  • Competitive Pricing: You pay a listing fee of 1% if you decide to sell and buy with Redfin.
  • Updated Technology: Redfin provides a mobile app, 3D walkthrough, relevant filters, etc. This makes the real estate transaction seamless.
  • National Presence: Redfin covers 80+ markets in the US.

» Redfin Pros and ConsRead about the advantages and drawbacks of Redfin services.

The disadvantages of using Redfin are:

  • Pricing Inaccuracy: Many sellers have complained about certain factors like, lot area, a gated compound, or a city location not getting considered during valuation.
  • Long Time for Listing: As per Redfin’s agreement, it takes almost 15-18 days to verify the seller’s property and list their house.
  • Lack of Customer Service: There has been negative feedback about lack of personal attention by Redfin salaried agents.

Redfin has an average rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars on Yelp and average 3.7 out of 5 stars on Google.

» Redfin Reviews: The reality of 1% fees, pros, cons, and alternatives!

Redfin was headquartered in Seattle in 2002 by Mr. David Eraker. They cover 80+ markets in the US. They have an operating business license in New York as Redfin Real Estate.

Redfin provides an elaborate listing agreement with a marketing plan for your home. However, this agreement specifies an 18-day timeframe for listing your property. Additionally, some customers have expressed concerns about the agent’s professionalism.

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 a 0.10%—0.25% commission at closing. Although they claim the buyer’s agent pays this fee, the entire commission is deducted from the seller’s proceeds.

4. Coldwell Banker

LOCAL YET NATIONAL

Coldwell Banker

Coldwell banker realty logo
  • Listing Fee: 2.5%-3% of Sale Price
  • 1.5 Star 1.8/5 (175+ Reviews)

Coldwell Banker offers a variety of free tools to the seller. It includes tools like a home value estimator, local market data, and fast cash offer alternatives.

  • 2.5%-3% Commission: Coldwell charges a traditional brokerage fee. It offers services like renovations, home staging, technology support, etc at no upfront cost. You may negotiate your offer with their agent to get a discount.

👉 Our Take: Coldwell Banker has a huge team of professional agents. They assist you at all the stages of your real estate transaction. However, we suggest reading the customer reviews before proceeding.

Coldwell Banker provides the following advantages:

  • Local and Experienced Agents: Agents with local expertise help you learn more about the current housing market state. You can then price your house right.
  • Effective Marketing Plan: A marketing strategy is drawn based on market knowledge, advanced pricing tools, and comprehensive housing data. This helps you sell your house faster.
  • Seller’s Assurance Program: It offers benefits like home staging, renovations, and technology support at no upfront cost. You pay for this expense only after your house is sold.
  • Home Financing: Coldwell Banker assists buyers with home financing options. This includes down payments, mortgage prequalification, loan approval, etc.

Coldwell Banker provides the following disadvantages:

  • Poor Customer Feedback: Customers have mentioned issues regarding commission percentage and unprofessionalism.
  • Undisclosed Commission: Coldwell Banker does not offer fixed packages like other discount brokerages. You will not know how much to pay until you consultant them. If you don’t negotiate well you may end up paying a higher amount.

It has a rating of 1.8 out of 5 stars on Consumer Affairs.

Coldwell Banker has been serving the real estate industry since 1906. It has a large network of brokers and sales associates that is spread across 40 countries.

It also offers a mobile app that makes the online listing process easy.

5. Rocket Homes

Best For Home Buyers

Rocket Homes

rocket-homes-logo
  • Listing Fee: $495 One Time Professional Fee
  • 4.75 Stars4.6/5  (575+ Reviews)

Rocket Homes is a one-stop shop for connecting with agents, browsing listings, and obtaining home finance.

For Home Sellers:

  • $495 One Time Professional Fee: Sellers receive a full-service package including listing, selling, REALTOR® search, personal loan, and mortgage. They get back 0.5% of the sale price as rebate after closing.

For Home Buyers:

  • Closing Credit: Buyers using Rocket Mortgage and Rocket Homes for financing and purchasing homes get back 0.5% of the final sale price.

👉 Our Take: Rocket Homes is primarily an agent referral service. Sellers pay the standard $495 one time professional fee and get just 0.5% rebate. Buyers benefit more in terms of home financing and closing credits.

Rocket Homes offers the following advantages:

  • Full-Service Agents: Rocket Homes gives access to a large network of full-service agents that take care of the home selling and buying processes.
  • Nationwide Coverage: They have a nationwide network of trusted real estate professionals and cover all the States.
  • Advanced Technology: It is a tech-based real estate service provider that eases transactions through the mobile app.
  • Home Finance: They offer personal loans and Rocket Mortgage. Bundling the services can save thousands of dollars.
  • Professional Guidance: A licensed advisor can help with legal documents, home inspection and appraisals, title resources and closing arrangements.

Rocket Homes has a few drawbacks:

  • Standard Commission: Sellers are expected to pay the full commission of 6% and get only 1% back. Discount real estate brokers offers the same services at a much lower rate.
  • Negative Reviews: Some reviews on Google mention that Rocket Homes deserves a zero star and has been a very traumatic experience.

Rocket Homes has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Google.

Rocket Homes is an agent referral network. Its sister company is Rocket Mortgage.

Sellers are expected to pay the standard 6% commission, and the 1% rebate is not a substantial money-saver.

Top Discount Real Estate Brokers Near Me

Find discount realtors in your neighborhood:

Pittsburgh, PADiscount Real Estate Brokers in Pittsburgh, PA

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 Pennsylvania?

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 Pennsylvania

The four major types of real estate discount brokerages and companies in Coal 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% of the usual fee. They cover everything from listing to 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 Pennsylvania

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

  • 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 Pennsylvania markets. iBuyers can be a great option if you want to sell your house fast in Pennsylvania.
  • 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 Pennsylvania 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 advantages. Before you choose one, examine factors such as listing fees, listing time, services provided, customer service, and coverage.

With Houzeo, you can get your home on the MLS in 24 hours for a small flat fee. You also get extra savings and services like access to an offers dashboard, showings management, and 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 Pennsylvania?

Houzeo.com, and Redfin are the top discount real estate brokers in Pennsylvania.

How much is the real estate agent fees in Pennsylvania?

On average, traditional agents in Pennsylvania, 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.

Discount Real Estate Brokers Pennsylvania

Save $20

On Silver & up plans

Use Coupon Code:

Copied
Need help? Call us on
(844) 448-0110