$34,000—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: Washington DC discount brokers get all that done for a fraction of the cost!
Houzeo, DC’ #1 discount real estate service, offers virtual full-service assistance for just $349. 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 Washington DC are Houzeo, Clever Real Estate, Ideal Agent, Cottage Street Realty, DNK Real Estate, and Redfin.
- Houzeo is the best discount real estate service in Washington DC. You get virtual full-service support, high-tech tools to manage your offers, and 5-star customer support.
- Clever ranks second because of their high professionalism, excellent communication, and 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 Washington DC Discount Real Estate Brokers
As Washington DC’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 Washington DC. They offer lower commission rates and services compared to traditional Realtors. We’ve ranked the top 6 discount brokerages in the Nation’s Capital State for you to choose from.
| Rank | Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Listing Fee | Additional Charges | Max Savings | 100% Online | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Houzeo.com | $349 Flat Fee | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. | Clever Real Estate | 1.5% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. | Ideal Agent | 2% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. | Cottage Street Realty | $299 - $999 Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. | DNK Real Estate | $249 Flat Fee | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 6. | Redfin | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Types of Discount Real Estate Brokers
Washington DC 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 Companies in Washington DC
1. Houzeo.com
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 Washington DC. 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. Ideal Agent
Agent Matching Service
Listing Fee: 2% of Sale PriceIdeal Agent is an agent matching company. It offers a single listing package for sellers:
- 2% Commission: Ideal Agent charges a 2% commission to the listing agent, which is lower than traditional rates (typically 2.5 – 3%). On an average home price of $400,000, you will be charged $8,000.
👉 Our Take: The 2% listing fee is competitive, however, the buyer’s agent still gets a 2.5 – 3% commission, bringing the total commission to around 4.5 – 5%. The savings are notable but not as significant as flat-fee brokers.
Ideal Agent stands out with several attractive offerings:
- Top Agents: The platform only works with experienced agents from major brokerages like Keller Williams Realty and RE/MAX.
- National Network: Coverage extends across the U.S., making it a versatile option for sellers nationwide.
It’s important to be aware of these potential drawbacks:
- Limited Savings: Despite the reduced listing commission, the total commission cost isn’t drastically different from standard agents.
- Agent Pool: In less populated areas there may be fewer agents to choose from, limiting flexibility.
Ideal Agent has a rating of 5 out of 5 on Trustpilot.
» Ideal Agent Reviews: Does Ideal Agent benefit you in the 2024 market?
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.
Reviews: 3 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers in Washington DC
4. Cottage Street Realty
GREAT LOCAL EXPOSURE
Listing Fee: $299 - $999Cottage Street Realty is a licensed discount brokerage. It offers its services only in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
- Basic ($299): This package allows you to list your house for 6 months. You get to upload up to 50 photos, access to state forms and disclosures, and marketing add-ons.
- Showcase ($399): This package includes all the services from the basic plan along with other add-ons. It includes a keybox (upon request), a yard sign (upon request), and house-showing assistance.
- Premium ($799): This package offers a 1-year house listing along with the benefits of the basic and showcase plans. A printable color flyer, market analysis, and closing assistance also contribute to this plan.
- Full Service ($999): Your property is listed until your house is sold. This package includes all the services from the basic, showcase, and premium plans. You also get negotiation assistance, a professionally installed signpost, and a docu-sign contract.
Listing Upgrades:
- Yard Sign – $59
- Unlimited Changes – $45
- Listing Extension – $99
- Market Analysis – $59
- Combo Lockbox – $50
- Docusign contracts – $65.00
👉 Our Take: Cottage Street Realty offers 4 flat fee packages with different offerings. However, the Basic package will make you pay extra for its add-on features like a yard sign, key box, and more. The supreme package looks slightly expensive compared to other brokerages offering similar services.
Based on our research, the benefits of Cottage Street Realty are:
- Access to Legal Documents: All packages include state-wise contracts, forms, addendums, and disclosures you need to sell your house.
- Direct Buyer Lead: Buyer lead will be directly forwarded to you with no agent involvement. This would make the discussions and negotiation easy.
- Market Exposure: Your home gets listed on the local MLS and displayed on all major real estate websites like Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc.
In our research, we found some limitations of Cottage Street Realty, that could make your experience less satisfactory.
- Extra Charges for Additional Services: Except supreme package, you pay extra for many services in the rest of the packages. It includes a combo lockbox, showing time, a yard sign, etc.
- Less Coverage: It offers real estate services only in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. A property with less exposure stays on the market for a longer duration. This would increase your maintenance costs, mortgage payments, utility bills, etc.
- Limited Reviews: Despite being in the business for over 18 years, Cottage Street Realty does not have enough reviews.
Cottage Street Realty has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Google.
Cottage Street Realty was established by Alex Hodge. It is a “locally” operated full-service real estate brokerage company. The company offers its services only in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
However, you need to pay extra for their services like market analysis, house show time, or to make changes to your listing.
5. DNK Real Estate
No credible reviews found.
No credible reviews found.
PREMIUM SERVICE PACKAGES
Listing Fee: $249DNK Real Estate is a local brokerage that offers multiple Flat Fee packages to sellers:
- Basic Package ($249 ): This package offers a 6-month MLS listing with up to 6 photos and syndication on platforms like Realtor.com
- Deluxe Package ($499 ): This includes 15 photos, MLS listing, sales comparables, and a printable flyer.
- Luxury Package ($799 ): This package offers 25 photos, a yard sign, a virtual tour, sales comps, and an online flyer for maximum visibility.
DNK Real Estate has the following advantages:
- Full-Service Support: The company provides full-service support, handling everything from listing to marketing and negotiations for sellers.
- Flexible Packages: DNK Real Estate offers several packages to its sellers. These can benefit home sellers with different budgets and requirements.
DNK Real Estate has certain drawbacks:
- Outdated Website: DNK Real Estate works with a basic website with no seller’s dashboard, e-sign option, or mobile app. This makes your listing process manual and time-consuming.
- Expensive Add-ons: Even basic add-ons such as a wooden yard sign cost up to $350. You will have to pay $25 to make any change in your house listing.
- Limited Coverage: DNK Real Estate has coverage only in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. This may restrict the opportunity to attract potential buyers.
DNK Real Estate has no customer reviews on popular sites like Google or Trustpilot.
👉 Our Take: DNK Real Estate offers a good balance of services and pricing, making it suitable for a variety of sellers. The Deluxe package is one of the best packages that helps to sell houses faster. However, the limited customer reviews make its credibility uncertain.
DNK Real Estate LLC is a full-service real estate brokerage company. It is licensed in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. They offer a range of flat fee packages from $249 to $799.
DNK Real Estate offers competitive flat fee packages, allowing sellers to save money. The multi-state licensing provides broader service options. You can choose packages tailored to your specific needs.
6. Redfin
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, 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.
How Much Will You Save With a Discount Real Estate Broker in Washington DC?
You could save up to $34,801 when selling a median-priced $740,000 home with a Flat Fee MLS service in Washington DC.
However, if you pay a standard 6% commission fee, you’d have to pay a whopping $44,400 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 | $740,000 | $740,000 |
| Listing Fee | $44,400 | $9,599 |
| Savings | $0 | $34,801 |
Pros and Cons of Discount Realtors in Washington DC
Discount real estate brokers in Washington DC 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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC, providing exposure to a maximum no. of buyers.
❌ Cons
- Hidden Fees: Some discount brokerages in Washington DC may charge hidden fees for additional a la carte services. You must do your research and opt for the best discount Realtors in DC.
- Inconsistent Service: Some discounted brokers in Washington DC 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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC:
- 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 Washington DC.
- 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 Washington DC
Here are some other options to consider for selling a house in Washington DC:
- 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 Washington DC that provide MLS access.
- Cash Buyers: Cash buyers in Washington DC, 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—Washington DC’s best home-selling website.
