From Ballad to Bellevue, sellers across Seattle can save thousands on real estate agent commissions. With discount real estate brokers in Seattle, you can slash the traditional 6% rate down to just 2% to 3%.
The current median home price in Seattle is $847,500. The traditional 6% commission will cost you a whopping $50,850. 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 $33,900.
You can lower this amount to around $25,425 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 Seattle, WA
We’ve researched and compiled a list of the best discount real estate brokers for you.
Rank | Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Listing Fee | Additional Charges | 100% Online | 5-Star Reviews* | Mobile App |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Houzeo | $399 Flat Fee | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
2. | UpNest | 4.3% commission or As Decided by the Agent | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | .✅ |
3. | Trelora | 1% commission | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
4. | Century 21 Northwest | $3000 Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
5. | Redfin | 1% commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Reviews: Best Discount Real Estate Brokers in Seattle, WA
1. Houzeo.com
#1 Discount Real Estate Service
Houzeo.comHouzeo 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 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 the 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 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 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 maximum savings, and 5-star customer support, and is available both on iOS and Android platforms.
Houzeo’s flat fee feature helps you save at least $10,000 on agent commissions. You also get dedicated customer support to make your home-selling process easier.
2. UpNest
Negotiable FEES
UpNest- Listing Fee: 4.3% of the Sale Price (or as decided by the agent)
- Available in all major cities
- 4.7/5 (295+ Reviews)
UpNest is a marketplace that connects home sellers and buyers with local agents.
- Pricing: UpNest does not charge you any upfront fee. It allows their agents to discuss the pricing with you like commission, fees, discounts, etc.
👉 Our Take: UpNest introduces you to 2 to 3 agents once you register on their platform.
» Is UpNest Legit? Find out if UpNest can be the best option for your house sale.
UpNest offers certain advantages:
- No Fees: UpNest does not charge you an upfront commission. Instead, you are introduced to an agent to discuss the services and commissions.
- User-Friendly Dashboard: It has a user-friendly dashboard which makes it easy to compare agent profiles.
- No Obligation Service: UpNest connects you with multiple agents as soon as you sign up with them. If you are not satisfied, then you can simply walk away.
- Nationwide Coverage: It offers service throughout the US. It connects you with the local agent who has current market insights.
» What Is UpNest? Read the comprehensive study for UpNest to learn more details!
UpNest has certain disadvantages:
- Lower Savings: The commission depends on your negotiation with the agent. A higher commission fixed would make you pay more.
- Uncertain Customer Service: Some customers share feedback of agents being extremely helpful and knowledgeable. However, less experienced agents struggle to answer simple questions.
» How Does Upnest Work? Agent-matching at UpNest is pretty straightforward. Check it out!
UpNest has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google.
» UpNest Reviews: How much will it save you in 2024?
UpNest connects you with agents in your area by utilizing technology and market data. They partner with top agents from leading national brokerage firms across the U.S. However, your savings are not guaranteed.
Your ability to negotiate would be the key factor in the deal. In other words, you may end up paying more commission, or discount rates won’t go as low as you expected.
3. Trelora
GOOD ADD-ON FEATURES
TreloraTrelora 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 Trelora? Check 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.
Trelora is a real estate website that puts home sellers, agents, and buyers under the same roof.
Their agents handle multiple clients at a time. This could lead to miscommunication and a lack of personalized support.
4. Century 21 Northwest
SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS
Century 21 NorthwestCentury 21 Northwest provides discount real estate services only in Washington.
- Variable Commission: Century 21 Northwest practices a traditional brokerage model for home sellers. It offers services like open houses, professional photography, online marketing, etc. You need to negotiate with the agent to get a discounted deal.
👉 Our Take: Century 21 Northwest doesn’t have a fixed listing package like other discount brokerages. You need to consult the agent to know how much you pay to sell your house. Your service requirements may make you pay a traditional 3% commission.
Century 21 Northwest offers below advantages:
- User-Friendly Website: Century 21 Northwest has an easy-to-navigate website. This allows users to get quick access to their required information.
- Contract Negotiation: Homebuyers get assistance in their home negotiations. This would help buyers get the best price for their new house.
Century 21 Northwest has certain pitfalls:
- Limited Services: It provides fewer seller services than other real estate brokers. This can make you pay additional for extra services like house video, legal paperwork assistance, a yard sign, etc.
- No Mobile App: Century 21 Northwest doesn’t have a mobile app. Sellers and buyers have to personally visit the office for documentation work. This may cause a lot of inconvenience and can be time-consuming.
Century 21 Northwest is a real estate company. They offer a variety of services, which includes photography, online marketing, and open house.
However, they offer limited seller services as compared to many other discount real estate agents for a similar price point.
5. Redfin
Best-In-Class Agents
Redfin.comRedfin 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 Cons: Read 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, founded in Seattle in 2002 by Mr. David Eraker, covers 80+ markets in the US.
It provides an elaborate listing agreement with a marketing plan for your home. However, this agreement specifies a long 18-day timeframe for listing your property on the MLS. Additionally, some customers have expressed concerns about the non-availability and unprofessionalism of their agents.
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 Seattle?
As a seller, you can save anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000 depending on the worth of your home.
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 Seattle
The four major types of real estate discount brokerages and companies in the Emerald City 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 Seattle
Here are some options if you do not want to opt for a discount Realtor in Seattle:
- 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 Seattle and other markets. iBuyers can be a great option if you want to sell your house fast in Washington.
- 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 Washington 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 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
» 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 Seattle?
Houzeo.com and Redfin are the top discount real estate brokers in Seattle.
How much is the real estate agent fees in Seattle?
On average, traditional agents in Seattle, 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.