$31,000—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: Portland discount brokers get all that done for a fraction of the cost!
Houzeo, Portland’s #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 Portland are Houzeo, Clever Real Estate, By Owner Oregon, Change Realty, Redfin, and Ideal Agent.
- Houzeo is the best discount real estate service in Portland. 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 Portland Discount Real Estate Brokers
We’ve listed the top 6 discount real estate brokers in the The City of Roses based on how much you can save on an average $530,000 home.
| 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. | By Owner Oregon | $999
Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. | Change Realty | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. | Redfin | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 6. | Ideal Agent | 2% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Types of Real Estate Discount Brokers in Portland
There are two types of Portland discount real estate brokers:
- Flat Rate Discount Brokers: Also called Flat Fee MLS companies, these discount realty services let you list your home for a fixed upfront fee. A Flat Fee MLS Oregon listing service costs between $399 to $4,000.
- Fixed Percentage Discount Brokers: These discount Realtors charge a fixed percentage of the home’s sale price. Typically, it is anything lower than the traditional 3% fee: 1%, 1.5%, 2% or 2.5%, etc.
Reviews: 3 Best Flat Rate Discount Real Estate Companies in Portland
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 Portland’s #1 ranked discount real estate company because sellers only have to pay a flat rate. It provides an unbeatable combination of maximum savings and 5-star customer support.
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. By Owner Oregon
Local Expert
Listing Fee: From $99-$999ByOwnerOregon.com offers Oregon homeowners three options for listing their homes for sale:
- Flat Fee MLS ($99 to $999): This includes multiple sub-packages. All sub-packages include an MLS listing in the local MLS. The listing period varies from 30 days to “until sold,” depending on the package.
- Agent Assist ($499 to $1099): These sub-packages include agent assistance upon request. The agent will assist you with pricing, CMA, and real estate transaction support. This package offers MLS listing for 3, 6, and 12 months.
- Multiple Packages from $0 to $999: This package offers full-service discount options of 1%, 0.75%, and 0.5%, with all three packages providing the same features. Each package includes MLS listings, “until sold” listing terms, digital photos, virtual tours, and more.
👉 Our Take: If you want to sell in Oregon, By Owner Oregon can be on your list. It offers low commissions, high exposure, various package options, and great customer reviews.
By Owner Oregon offers certain advantages:
- Market Exposure: By Owner Oregon markets your property on the local MLS and websites like Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, etc.
- MLS Packages: They offer various listing packages consisting of diverse offerings.
- Photography Packages: They offer various photography packages. They include interior/exterior photos, drone photos, and a Zillow 3-D scan of the property.
Here is a red flag of By Owner Oregon:
- No Refunds: Although By Owner Oregon allows you to cancel your listing anytime, they don’t offer refunds on your listing fee.
By Owner Oregon has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews.
» By Owner Oregon Reviews: Find out if By Owner Oregon is too good or too good to be true?
By Owner Oregon is one of the top real estate companies in Oregon. They offer a variety of services and packages, which includes Flat Fee MLS, photography, full-service, and agent assist packages.
Furthermore, they have good customer ratings and feedback.
Reviews: 3 Best Fixed Percent Discount Brokers in Portland
4. Change Realty
LOCAL EXPERTS
Listing Fee: 1% of the sale priceChange Realty is a full-service discount real estate brokerage that has been serving for 14 years.
- 1% Commission: Change Realty charges 1% of the sale price as its commission. The fee includes professional photography, multiple listing services, and a custom video tour.
👉 Our Take: Change Realty’s 1% listing fee is attractive for budget-conscious homeowners, offering full-service expertise. However, ensure their service level matches your expectations compared to traditional brokers before committing.
Here are some advantages of choosing Change Realty:
- Experienced Team: The company has been in business for over 13 years. Their agents have good real estate and financial planning experience and will guide you throughout the process.
- In-Home Consultation and Valuation: Change Realty provides full support, starting with a home consultation and market analysis. They handle negotiations, inspections, and closing, delivering full-service care at a discounted rate.
Here are some red flags you should consider before choosing them:
- Poor Customer Service: Customers have complained that some agents neglected them. Moreover, customers reported that the communication and feedback were not satisfactory.
- Unsatisfactory Agent Assistance: Customers reported that the agents did not discuss any strategies to sell their house with them.
Change Realty has a rating of 3.7 out of 5 from 19 reviews on Google.
Change Realty has been in the real estate market for 14 years. They offer home buying and selling services. They have an experienced and knowledgeable team.
However, they have received negative feedback from customers due to unprofessional agent behavior.
5. 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.
6. 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?
Ideal Agent is an agent matching service that bridges sellers and buyers with licensed real estate agents in their locality. They offer a dedicated concierge but have weak technology.
Customers who have worked with them prior have complained about hidden charges as well.
Discount Real Estate Brokers Portland: How Much Will You Save?💲
You could save up to $24,399 when selling a median-priced $521,000 home with a Flat Fee MLS service in Portland.
However, if you pay a standard 6% commission fee, you’d have to pay a whopping $31,260 to your listing agent. But, with Houzeo’s Platinum plan, you will only pay $349 with a 1.25% charge at closing.
NAR Settlement Saves Sellers Thousands in Commission
The NAR Settlement went into effect on August 17, 2024. Buyer agent commissions can no longer be offered on the MLS. This means sellers will save thousands! But it also means there’s a lot more compliance and litigation risks.
Here’s what this means for you:
- Sellers Can Save Thousands in Commissions: You will likely be paying much less than the traditional 3% buyer agent commission. That’s because buyer agent commissions will be negotiated twice: Once when buyers engage Buyer Agents and again when sellers review offer contracts.
- Seller Priority #1 Will Be Paperwork (to Mitigate Compliance & Litigation Risks): Buyer agents mitigate all types of risks. From seller disclosures, offer contracts, contingencies, inspections, repair requests, appraisal, and closing – Buyer agents keep the paperwork tight. Their state licensing authorities, Realtor associations, and MLS’ audit paperwork compliance. Without buyer agents, sellers will have to learn and adapt. Or risk expensive litigation.
- Negotiations Can Now Feel Like Haggling: Buyer agent commissions will now be part of offer contracts and buyer agency agreements. Buyers may ask sellers to include commissions in the form of seller concessions. That means home buyers and sellers alike will be negotiating commissions. Sellers will need expert licensed brokers to help them with these negotiations.
- Buyer Agent Commissions Can Be Offered Offline: Buyer agent commissions can still be offered outside of the MLS. They just cannot be advertised on the MLS.
How to Find Discount Real Estate Brokers Near Me in Portland?
Here’s a list of the best discount Realtors in the most popular cities of the The City of Roses:
| 1. Eugene, OR | Discount Real Estate Brokers in Eugene, OR |
Discount Realtors in Portland: Pros and Cons
Even though cheap Realtors in Portland will save you thousands in commissions, you should consider the advantages and disadvantages of hiring one:
Pros ✅
- Sell Home for a Discounted Fee: You’ll pay less fees for a discount real estate listing in Portland than a 6% Realtor. Even if you only want to list your Oregon home on MLS, you pay a much lower fee than the typical 3% listing agent fee.
- Receive Full-Service Realtor Services: Discount real estate agents in Portland will provide the basic services that any traditional agent would. This includes assistance with pricing your home, marketing, paperwork, and negotiations.
Cons ❌
- You May Become a Victim of Hidden Fees: Some discount brokerages in Portland may charge hidden fees or sell essential services a la carte. Beware of shady discounted agents who lure you in with significantly low fees. Do your research and look at the best discount realtors in Portland.
- Unreliable Service Quality: Discounted real estate brokers in Portland handle multiple clients at once to make up for the reduced commission rate. They may not be able to provide personalized assistance all the time.
- High Cancellation Fees: An Portland discount real estate broker can charge a minimum withdrawal fee within a specified period. Remember to carefully review the terms and conditions of the contract before signing.
How to Choose the Right Portland 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 Portland:
- 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 Portland.
- 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 Agents in Portland
Here are some options if you do not want to opt for a discount Realtor in Portland:
- Sell Your Home For Sale By Owner: In a FSBO sale, you’ll have to opt for “DIY” marketing strategies like using FSBO signs, word of mouth, open houses, etc. But your listing won’t be on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and Homes.com! Meanwhile, FSBO websites in Oregon will help you list on the MLS and increase exposure.
- Sell Your House to Cash Buyers: Almost all cash buyers in Portland scour the MLS for Portland homes for sale. This includes iBuyers, investors, and home flippers.
- Sell With a Full-Service Realtor: If you are not interested in saving your equity, you can hire a full-service, in-person Realtor in Portland. You’ll end up paying a full 5% to 6% commission. That’s $31,800 on a $530,000 home gone!
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out what customers have to say about Houzeo—Portland’s best home-selling website.
