From Robertsville to Los Paseos, home sellers across San Jose dread the 6% real estate agent commission. The best discount real estate brokers use cutting-edge technology and stellar customer service making it easy to sell your home.
👉🏻 Key Takeaways
- Discount real estate brokers will help you list your home for 0.5% to 2% commission. Traditional listing brokers charge 2.5-3%.
- The discount is on the listing fee. You still have to pay the buyer agent commission, typically 2.5-3%.
- Discount real estate brokers will save you between $5,000 to $20,000 on average.
- Houzeo.com is America’s best discount real estate company. Houzeo offers the best combination of maximum exposure, commission savings, cutting-edge tech, and stellar customer service.
We’ve spent thousands of hours researching discount real estate brokers and compiled our list of the best discount real estate brokers.
Rankings: Best Discount Real Estate Brokers in San Jose, CA
| Rank | Discount Real Estate Broker / Company | Listing Fee | Additional Charges | Max Savings | 100% Online | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Houzeo.com | $349 Flat Fee | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. | Flat Rate Realty San Jose | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3. | Everhome Realty | $5,950 Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. | Redfin | 1.5% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 5. | Ideal Agent | 2% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Reviews: 5 Best Discount Real Estate Brokers in San Jose, CA
1. Houzeo.com
#1 Flat Fee MLS Service
Houzeo.com
- Listing Fee: $349
- Available nationwide
4.9/5
(5,000+ reviews)
4.9/5
(5,000+ reviews)Houzeo offers 4 Flat Fee MLS packages.
- Bronze Package – $329+: This package offers Houzeo listing only for 6 months with maximum photos.
- Silver Package – $399+: This includes everything that home sellers typically look for.
- Gold Package – $379+: It is Houzeo’s signature MLS package and includes all the technology Houzeo is known for Houzeo Showings, Houzeo Offers, and DigiTransact.
- Platinum – $349+: It includes the assistance of a licensed broker to help you with negotiations, disclosures, and closing.
👉 Our Take: We recommend the GOLD plan. You’ll have access to Houzeo tech, making managing showings and offer negotiations easy!
» Houzeo Reviews: Houzeo is 100% online. You can finish listing formalities in less than 60 mins.
Houzeo is America’s #1 Flat Fee MLS service because of 4 reasons:
- Max Exposure: Houzeo MLS packages give you access to the MLS, Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, and 100s of other websites.
- 5-star Customer Service: Houzeo has a fully staffed customer service desk available 6 days a week. Chats and emails are open 7 days a week.
- 100% Online: Houzeo is high-tech. For you, this means easy listing, fast changes, online showings, and online offers. Houzeo Mobile App is also very powerful.
- No Listing Commission: In most states, you’ll be paying just a small flat fee to list on MLS. Houzeo covers 47 states + DC! And remember, all fees are disclosed upfront, so there are no Houzeo hidden fees. You get to bypass the listing agent commission!
There are no dealbreakers with Houzeo.
» Houzeo Reviews: Houzeo is rated “Excellent” with a 4.9 out of 5-star rating by 5,000 home sellers on Google Reviews and Trustpilot!
Houzeo is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by thousands of home sellers on Google & Trustpilot.
» Houzeo Reviews: Check out how Team Houzeo has addressed all Houzeo complaints from home sellers.
Houzeo.com is San Jose’s #1 ranked Flat Fee MLS service. Houzeo provides an unbeatable combination of max savings, 5-star customer support, and cutting-edge technology.
In San Jose, Houzeo’s Bronze package is priced at $329. The Silver package is priced at $399, and the Gold package costs $379 + 0.5% (Minimum $999) at closing. The full-service Platinum package costs $349 + 1% (Minimum $999) at closing.
2. Flat Rate Realty San Jose
LOW COMMISSION
Flat Rate Realty San Jose
- Listing Fee: 1% of sale price
- No credible reviews were found.
Flat Rate Realty San Jose is a full-service discount real estate broker in San Jose. They offer a blend of expertise, experience, and a cohesive network.
For Home Sellers:
- 1% Commission: This is a full-service package that includes services like professional photography, virtual tours, open houses, marketing on online platforms, and a full team of agents.
For Home Buyers:
- Buyer’s Rebate: The firm offers a buyer rebate of up to 50% of the buyer agent’s commission. Buyers can use this rebate towards closing or receive it outside the escrow company transaction.
👉 Our Take: Flat Rate Realty can be a great broker for both buyers and sellers. However, the seller still needs to pay the buyer agent’s commission which is between 2% and 3%.
Flat Rate Realty offers the following advantages to home sellers and buyers:
- Experienced Team of Agents: The agents of Flat Rate Realty have more than 30 years of experience in dealing with real estate. Home sellers get an entire team of agents working to sell their homes.
- Home Evaluation: Home sellers and buyers can opt for a free evaluation of any property and get a fair market value of it. This a no-obligation service.
- Home Care Center: Flat Rate Realty has tied up with different service providers for home care. Sellers can book services like cleaning, painting, repairs, and a lot more from the website to prepare their homes for sale.
- Cashback for Buyers: Buyers purchasing a home with Flat Rate Realty get half the share of the buyer agent’s commission, up to 1.5% of the home’s purchase price. This can be a massive saving for them.
In our research, we came across some red flags associated with Flat Rate Realty:
- No Credible Reviews: There are no credible reviews available online for the services offered by Flat Rate Realty. Home sellers and buyers need to verify the service quality before proceeding.
- Lack of Buyer Services: Apart from the buyer’s rebate, the website of Flat Rate Realty does not mention any buyer services. There are no packages mentioned for buyers although agent representation is provided.
No credible reviews were found.
Flat Rate Realty San Jose offers services mainly to home sellers in the San Jose area for a low commission of 1%. They provide full-service representation at a low cost.
However, there is no mention of services for home buyers apart from the rebate being offered.
3. Everhome Realty
REMOTE FULL-SERVICE BROKER
Everhome Realty
- Listing Fee: $5,950 Flat Fee
- 5/5
(142 Reviews)
Everhome Realty is a flat rate discount realty that offers full service at a discounted price.
For Home Sellers:
- Flat Fee Packages – $5,950 to $10,950: The brokerage offers different flat rates for single-family and multifamily homes. There are two remote full-service packages including services like MLS listing, professional photography, virtual tour, custom website, offer negotiations, legal paperwork, escrow, and title.
For Home Buyers:
- Buyer’s Rebate: Everhome Realty offers a buyer rebate of up to 50%. However, this is only for buyers who have already identified a home for which they want to write an offer.
👉 Our Take: Everhome Realty’s flat rate full-service packages can be a great option for home sellers. However, the services are more seller-oriented and buyers need to clarify the cost of services offered before proceeding.
Everhome Realty offers the following advantages to home sellers and buyers:
- 10 Days Sale Guarantee: Home sellers are given a guarantee of a home sale within 10 days of listing. They can also cancel Everhome Realty’s service and pay nothing if their home is not sold within the stipulated time.
- Remote Representation: All the services offered are on a remote basis. Minimal physical interaction takes place between the agent and the client.
- Full-service Representation for Buyers: Although there is no mention of the package price, Everhome Realty offers full-service representation to buyers locally.
- Tech-enabled Platform: Home sellers can upload all the details of their property on the property dashboard online. This ensures a faster listing on the MLS and reduces operational costs.
- Good Customer Feedback: Everhome Realty’s founder David Bartels is a part of the top 100 brokers in America. The firm has received great reviews from customers for its services.
In our research, we came across a few red flags associated with Everhome Realty:
- Expensive Services: Even though Everhome Realty charges a flat fee, the rates are quite high for both packages compared to other discount brokers. Home sellers can look for more affordable options.
- Limited Coverage: Everhome Realty provides its services only in California and Florida. It does not have a nation-wide coverage and the customer base is also limited.
Everhome Realty has a 5-star rating from 142 reviews on Zillow.
Everhome Realty offers full-service packages at flat rates to home sellers in California and Florida. Their tech-enabled platform and remote services save time for home sellers.
However, there is no clarity about packages for home buyers though they provide buyer’s rebate and agent representation.
4. Redfin
BEST TECH-ENABLED BROKERAGE
Redfin.com
- Listing Fee: 1% of sale price
- Available in 80+ U.S. Markets
- 3.4/5
(100+ reviews)
3.4/5
(100+ reviews)Redfin is a popular discount brokearge that helps you sell for only 1.5%. They also provide a 1% discounted listing fee for buying and selling with them.
Redfin for Home Sellers
- Redfin Full-Service Agent – 1% Commission (Buy & Sell): This is a full-service package. This includes premium placement on Redfin, professional photos, and a 3D walkthrough.
- Redfin Premier Agent – 1% Commission (Buy & Sell): This package is exclusively for luxury properties and includes coordinated e-mail campaigns, luxe mailers, and brochures.
Redfin For Home Buyers
- Buyer Rebate – 0.5%: If you sell first, Redfin initially charges a 1.5% listing fee. Later, they refund 0.5% if you buy your next home with them within a year.
👉Our Take: Redfin gives your property exposure and provides other services. But you can only enjoy these benefits if you use Redfin to buy and sell.
Here are some advantages of choosing Redfin:
- Nationwide Coverage: Redfin covers 80+ markets in the US.
- Advanced Technology: They have a user-friendly website and provide a mobile app.
- Full-Service Agents at Low Commission: Redfin’s full-service package is priced at 1.5%. It saves you thousands compared to the traditional 3% listing commission.
- Detailed Marketing Plan: Redfin provides the necessary paperwork and a marketing plan.
- Buyer Rebate: If you sell with Redfin for a 1.5% commission, you get a 0.5% rebate for buying another home within 365 days.
In our research, we found some red flags of Redfin, that could make your experience less satisfactory.
- No Dedicated Service: Customers have often complained that Redfin agents are not able to give personalized service.
- Mixed Customer Reviews: Customers have complained that agents are often unreachable and unprofessional.
- Slow Listing Process: According to Redfin’s listing agreement, a Redfin property takes 18 days to list on MLS.
- Limited Agent Selection: Based on customer reviews, Redfin has a limited selection of agents. This results in giving you fewer options to choose an agent.
Redfin has an average rating of 3.4 out of 5 on Yelp.
» Redfin Reviews: The Reality of 1% Fees, Pros, Cons, & Alternatives!
Redfin connects you with real estate agents in your area by utilizing technology and market data. However, your savings are not guaranteed.
You need to buy a house through Redfin within a year to get back 0.5% of the listing fee. If you do not opt for that, you lose out on the refund.
5. Ideal Agent
GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE
Ideal Agent
- Listing Fee: 2% of sale price
- Nationwide coverage
- 4.9/5
(5,727 Reviews)
4.9/5
(5,727 Reviews)Ideal Agent is among the top discount brokerages. It is an agent matching service that specializes in home selling.
- Full Service – 2% Commission: The full-service package will get you all the services from start to end. This includes professional photos, negotiation, and closing assistance.
👉 Our Take: Ideal Agent is a good choice for home sellers. Although their overall online reviews are good, they are often inconsistent while matching agents with clients. They have no services for home buyers.
» What is Ideal Agent: Check out our reviews of Ideal Agent to know more about them.
Ideal Agent is an agent matching service that helps sellers find low commission real estate agents.
- Agent Matching: They claim that you will be matched with an agent from the top 1% producers in your locality.
- Pre-Negotiated Commission: Ideal Agent has pre-negotiated the commission with their agents. This allows sellers to focus on the other aspects of the transaction.
- Profit Maximization: Your agent will leverage the best features of your house and help maximize your sale profits.
- Dedicated Concierge: Their agents guide you in every step of the transaction from marketing, to negotiation assistance, and closing.
» How does Ideal Agent work: Here is a detailed explanation about them. Check it out!!
Ideal Agent has some drawbacks we came across in our research.
- Low Savings: Ideal Agent charges more than most low-commission companies, compromising your savings. You will be paying a total commission of 4.5% – 5% even with discounted listing fees.
- Additional Referral Fees: Ideal agent fees includes a 25% referral fee from real estate agents after successful transactions. Since you pay the agent, these fees are essentially going from your pocket.
- Outdated Technology: Their agent matching algorithm is inconsistent. Several customers complain about being assigned sub-par agents.
- No Buyer Support: Ideal Agent isn’t a buyer-focused platform and they offer no significant benefits for home buyers.
Ideal Agent has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 5,727 reviews on TrustPilot.
» Ideal Agent Reviews: Check out our reviews of Ideal Agent to make an informed decision.
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.
What Are Discount 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. Sellers receive basic real estate services at a pre-negotiated fee of 0.5% to 2% or even a flat fee.
The reduced fee can easily save sellers thousands in commissions.
You may be now wondering if their services are comparable to those of a traditional Realtor at this point. Discount real estate brokers typically offer the same services as full-service brokers. The key difference is in pricing.
-
🤔 Do you offer buyer agent commission to discount brokerages?
YES! Most real estate discount brokers and brokerages will recommend you pay a full buyer agent fee. It is typically between 2% and 3% in most states.
It is vital to pay a competitive commission to the buyer’s agent. This will ensure you sell your home quickly while still receiving the best price possible.
Types of Discount Brokers
Find a discount real estate broker that fits your budget and saves you the most money! The four major types of real estate discount brokerages and companies 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. Best Flat Fee MLS listing companies like Houzeo can get you on the MLS within 48 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. These are usually priced at 1% or 2%. They cover everything from listing, negotiations, and pricing.
4. Virtual Full Service: A virtual full-service discount broker handles everything online. Companies like Houzeo, also provide full-service options that are 100% online. All services including price negotiation and marketing support are at no additional cost.
Pros and Cons of a Discount Realtor
The primary benefit of working with discount real estate brokers is that they have lower overhead costs. However, a discount broker may not have as much time to communicate. They juggle many clients and may not be available for your queries.
Pros
- Reduced Fees: You’ll pay less for listing costs. While standard brokers typically charge at least 3%, discount brokers may charge as little as 0.5% to 1%.
- Full Access to Basic Real Estate Services: You receive the same basic services as you would with a traditional agent. They provide assistance with pricing, marketing, and negotiations.
- Streamlined Process: A low-cost Realtor facilitates the selling process. They are motivated to work efficiently and eliminate all unnecessary steps from the sales process.
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 almost never have to talk to anyone in-person. A first-time seller or buyer who needs some hand-holding may not be able to benefit much.
- 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 of time. Remember to carefully review the terms and conditions of the contract before signing.
Discount Real Estate Brokers to Avoid
Some agent-matching websites advertise themselves as “free”. But in reality, they keep a portion of the commission received by the discount real estate brokers. Because you pay the commission, this amount comes out of your pocket.
For example, List With Clever promotes itself as an informational real estate website that matches sellers with discount realtors. Even though Clever claims to be “free”, 25% to 40% of your commission will be directed to Clever as a “Referral Fee”.
» Clever Real Estate: Check out what you lose when you sell or buy with Clever!
💸 Save Thousands in REALTOR Commission
Sell your house with Houzeo.com for a small flat fee – as low as $349!
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How to Choose a Discount Realtor or Company?
It is essential to select the right real estate agent for your home-selling journey. The following are a couple of pointers to assist you with picking the ideal discount broker or company.
1. Savings: Discount real estate brokers in San Jose, CA have a variety of pricing structures. So, choose one that maximizes savings while still providing all of the services you require.
2. Technology: Choose companies that use cutting-edge technology, offer online paperwork, and have a mobile app.
3. Customer Reviews: Check for online customer reviews. This helps you to get an idea of the kind of services you are going to receive.
How Much Can I Save With a Discount Realtor?
As a seller, you can save anywhere between $1,632 and $ 6,680.
Typically, home sellers pay 6% of total realtor commissions. The total commission is divided between the listing agent (3%) and the buyer’s agent (3%). Discount real estate brokers pre-negotiate a reduced listing agent commission of 1% to 2%.
Therefore, you save a commission of 4% to 5% on your home sale.
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%.
However, in order to qualify for this buyer rebate, buyers must fulfill specific requirements. The most important is the minimum price range.
-
🤔 What is a home buyer rebate?
A Realtor rebate is a type of cashback you receive as a buyer. Some brokerages and agents offer these rebates as an incentive to attract more buyers. Buyer rebates are allowed in 40 states.
Who Should Use a Discount Broker?
Discount Brokers are ideal for sellers and buyers who want to focus on savings.
- Sellers on a Tight Budget: Homeowners who wish to save money might list with a low-fee Realtor. This can help them save big.
- Real Estate Investors: Real estate investors who frequently trade 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 Brokers in San Jose, CA
Here are some options if you do not want to opt for a discount Realtor in San Jose.
- Flat Fee MLS Companies: Flat Fee MLS San Jose companies list your property on your local MLS for a flat fee of a few hundred dollars. You can save on commissions and also take advantage of their technology for a faster sale.
- List With a Full-Service Realtor: If you need hand-holding, we recommend you hire a full-service in-person San Jose 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 San Jose and other California markets. iBuyers can be a great option if you’re wondering how to sell my house fast in San Jose.
- Sell to Cash Home Buyers: Individual cash home buyers and companies that buy houses for cash in California 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 will help you list and sell a house by owner in San Jose and save thousands in listing agent commission. Many FSBO websites will also get you listed on the MLS and help you with FSBO paperwork.
» Best FSBO Sites in California: We’ve researched and reviewed all the best For Sale By Owner sites in California. See our rankings!
Savings Calculator
Here’s how much you can save with Houzeo.com!
Are Discount Brokers Worth It?
YES! There are various advantages to using a discount real estate broker. Using a cheap brokerage can save you a lot of money. The commission savings can be significant.
There are several discounted real estate brokers on the market today, each with its own set of advantages. Examine factors such as listing fees, listing time, services provided, customer service, and coverage before you choose one.
With Houzeo, you can get your home on the MLS for a small flat fee. You get access to cutting-edge tools like offers dashboard, showings management, and many more to make your selling journey easy.
» List My House on MLS in California: The fastest way to get on the MLS!
Eager to Know How Houzeo Works?
We’ve got you covered. Check out the following video to understand how Houzeo works and why it is one of the best For Sale By Owner websites in the U.S.
» 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 pays the closing costs in San Jose?
The seller usually pays 8% of the sales price as closing costs, while the buyer contributes 2% to 3% of the sales price as closing costs.
Who are the best discount real estate brokers in San Jose?
Houzeo.com, Flat Rate Realty San Jose, and Everhome Realty are the top discount real estate brokers in San Jose.
What percentage do most realtors charge in San Jose?
Traditional real estate agents in San Jose charge 5% to 6% of the sales price as commission. On the other hand, discount brokers charge 2% to 3% commission.
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California Discount Real Estate Brokers San Jose
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