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11 min read May 25, 2023

Best Discount Real Estate Brokers in Sarasota, FL

From North Port to Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota home sellers dread the 6% real estate agent commission. Traditional listing agents charge a commission of 3% of the sale price.

However, you can save thousands by hiring a discount real estate broker when selling your home in Sarasota.

Our list of the best discount realtors in Sarasota will assist you in identifying the best one for your next real estate transaction.

Understanding Discount Brokers

  1. Who is a Discount Broker? A discount broker provides all real estate services like a traditional broker for a low commission of 0.5% to 2%.
  2. Understanding the Discount: The discount is on the listing fee. You still have to pay the buyer agent commission.
  3. Can You Negotiate Brokerage Fee? Yes! You can negotiate brokerage fees with your agent. Before you do, make sure you offer a full buyer’s agent fee.
  4. Alternatives: You can list on the MLS using Flat Fee MLS companies like Houzeo. It is 100% online and automated to cater to various seller needs.

Rankings: Best Discount Real Estate Brokers & Companies in Sarasota

RankDiscount Real Estate Broker / CompanyListing FeeAdditional ChargesMax Savings100% Online5-Star Reviews*Mobile App
1.Houzeo.com$349
Flat Fee
2.Sarasota List For Less1.5%
Commission
3.GetMoreOffers.Com1.5%
Commission
4.HomeLight2.5%
Commission
5.UpNest2.5%
Commission

Reviews: Best Discount Real Estate Brokers & Companies in Sarasota

1. Houzeo

#1 Flat Fee MLS Service

Houzeo.com

Houzeo Logo
  • Listing Fee: $349
  • Available nationwide
  • 5 Stars 4.9/5 (4,523 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:

  1. Max Exposure: Houzeo MLS packages give you access to the MLS, Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, and 100s of other websites.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 4,523 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 America’s #1 ranked Flat Fee service. Houzeo provides an unbeatable combination of max savings, 5-star customer support, and cutting-edge technology.

Houzeo’s Bronze Package is priced at $99+, the Silver package is priced at $379+, and the Gold at $379 + 0.5% (Minimum $995) at closing. Sellers can ask for the full-service Platinum package which costs $349 + 1% (Minimum $995) at closing.

2. Sarasota List For Less

LOW FEE BROKERAGE

Sarasota List For Less

Sarasota list for less discount real estate brokers sarasota fl
  • Listing Fee: 1.5% of the sale price
  • No credible reviews were found.

Sarasota List for Less is a low-fee real estate brokerage firm in Sarasota. They offer 2 packages:

  • Prime Plan(1.5% commission): It includes listing on MLS, photography, paperwork and inspection process assistance, and installation of yard signs.
  • Choice Plan(1% commission): It is offered to sellers who also want to buy a house. It includes all the prime plan services.

👉 Our Take: We recommend them for their Prime Plan, as it covers all the major services which are required to sell a house.

Here are some advantages of choosing Sarasota list for less:

  • Market Exposure: They provide MLS Listing with exposure to websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and more
  • Optional Marketing Services: This is an additional service with different plans. It includes digital marketing, professional and aerial photography, e-brochure, and many more.

Here are some red flags you should know before choosing them:

  • Not Fully Online: Sarasota List for Less is not 100% online which makes the process manual and time-consuming. You’ll have to conduct tours and communicate with buyers on your own. This may not be ideal for you if you are a first-time seller or lack time to manage your property sale.
  • Mobile App: They do not offer any kind of mobile application services for their users.

No credible reviews were found.

Sarasota List for Less is part of Bright Realty. They only offer services for home sellers. Their services include MLS listing, photography, paperwork and inspection assistance, and many more.

However, they are not fully online which leads to a time-consuming process for sellers who want to sell their house quickly.

3. GetMoreOffers.Com

66% BUYER REBATE

Get More Offers

Get more offers discount real estate brokers sarasota fl
  • Listing Fee: Varies
  • 4.5stars 4.9/5 (53 reviews)

GetMoreOffers.com offer services for both homebuyers and sellers.

For Home Sellers 

Solo Program $99 Up Front: It includes self-representation, MLS (Realtor.com, Zillow, etc.), iBuyer lead forwarding, uploading up to 100 photos, same-day listing entry, and a free yard sign.

  • $0 at closingIf you opt for New Frontier Title.
  • $299 at closing: If you opt for another title/closing company.

Pro Program: It includes CMA & pre-listing price consult, complete broker management, expert transaction services, professional photography, and concierge onboarding.

  • 1.5% at closing ($4,500.00 min): If you opt for New Frontier Title.
  • 2% at closing ($4,500.00 min)If you opt for another title/closing company.

For Home Buyers

  • Buyer Rebate: Get More Offers provides up to 66% buyer rebate. However, it is only for new construction.

👉 Our Take: GetMoreOffers.com can be cost-effective for sellers with houses priced at more than $300,000.

Here are some advantages of choosing GetMoreOffers.com:

  • Buyer’s Rebate: You can get a 66% buyer’s rebate only on new construction.
  • Affiliation with Title Company: They have collaborated with New Frontier Title for estimating closing costs.
  • Experienced Team: They are in the market for 16 years, and they have sold over $1.3 billion in real estate in Florida alone.
  • Home Search Feature: They provide a home search feature for their home buyers with advanced search options.
  • Good Customer Feedback: They have received 4.9/5 star ratings from the customers for their good service and support.

Here are some red flags you should consider before choosing them:

  • Extra Fee at Closing: If you opt for any other title company, then you will end up paying extra at the closing.
  • No Open House: They do not offer open houses, unlike other real estate companies.
  • Not Fully Online: GetMoreOffers.com is not 100% online which makes the process manual and time-consuming. You’ll have to conduct tours and communicate with buyers on your own. This may not be ideal for you if you are a first-time seller or lack time to manage your property sale.
  • Mobile App: They do not provide any mobile application service to their customers.

GetMoreOffers.com has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 53 reviews on Google.

GetMoreOffers.com offers flat fee MLS listings which allow homeowners to list their property. They also offer various services like marketing support, broker management, same-day listing entry, and many more.

However, the process is difficult and time-consuming because they are not completely online. Additionally, you will have to pay more if you choose a different title company than Frontier Title.

4. HomeLight

GOOD AGENT COVERAGE

HomeLight

Homelight Logo
  • Listing Fee: 2.5% of sale price
  • Good agent coverage
  • 4.75 Stars  4.6/5 (237 reviews)

HomeLight has a network of thousands of successful real estate agents and brokers. It is an agent-matching tech-platform. 

  • Standard Commission: HomeLight is a free agent-matching platform. The agent you get through this platform will charge the standard commission of 2% to 3% for listing.

👉 Our Take: HomeLight provides decent agent-matching services. However, the standard listing commission means zero savings for you.

» HomeLight Reviews: The Truth You Need To Know

HomeLight offers a number of advantages to both sellers and buyers:

For Home Sellers:

  • Free Agent Matching: The agent matching service from HomeLight is free for home sellers. HomeLight furnishes details of the best real estate agents in your neighborhood. Depending on the agent, the traditional 5% to 6% commission is charged.
  • Estimators and Calculators: HomeLight offers Home Value Estimator, Best Time To Sell Calculator, Agent Commissions Calculator, and Net Proceeds Calculator to home sellers.
  • HomeLight Simple Sale: HomeLight has  a network of pre-approved buyers. If you want to sell your house fast, this option allows you to sell it to a cash buyer within 7 days.

For Home Buyers:

  • Home Search Feature: Buyers can search for homes by city, zip code, or address.
  • Estimators: HomeLight offers estimators like Home Affordability Calculator, Down Payment Calculator, and Closing Costs Calculator for home buyers.

In our research, we have found some red flags associated with HomeLight. 

  • Inconsistent Agent Quality: The agents they assign may not work at your convenience. Even the listing speed will be based on the agent selected.
  • Off-market Restriction: Registering on HomeLight will get you offers from agents instantly. Although the process is fast, only homes that are off-market are allowed.

HomeLight has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 237 reviews on Sitejabber.

HomeLight offers a range of services for buyers, sellers, and agents all under one roof. It claims to be a straightforward alternative to a DIY search for a real estate agent.

However, you may end up spending a lot more and the quality of agents and services would still be questionable.

5. UpNest

TRADITIONAL COMMISSION FEES

UpNest

Upnest logo
  • Listing fee: 2.5% of the sale price (or as decided by agent)
  • Available in all major cities
  • 4.75 Stars  4.7/5 (56 reviews)

UpNest is an innovative real estate marketplace that connects home sellers and buyers with agents in their area.

  • Pricing: There’s no direct cost to using UpNest, but the savings are marginal. UpNest agents decide their commission fees. The discount rate varies.

👉 Out Take: We do not recommend Upnest for home sellers or buyers. UpNest’s network is reliable and quick, but savings aren’t guaranteed. You might end up paying more than you had expected.

» Is UpNest Legit? Find out if UpNest is legit!

Here are some advantages of using Upnest. No Obligation Service

  • No Obligation Service: Within 24 hours timeline after signing up, UpNest will send you multiple agents you can choose from. If nothing fits, you can simply walk away.
  • High-quality Agent Network: UpNest partners with top agents from leading national brokerage firms across the U.S. All agent matches remain unbiased, based on your criteria and preferences.
  • User-friendly Dashboard: UpNest’s customer dashboard is intuitive and makes it easy to compare agent matches. It also features options to contact the matched agents or your UpNest Advisor with a single click.

» What is UpNest? Read the comprehensive review to know more!

In our research, we found some red flags associated with UpNest.

  • Marginal Savings: The commission rates aren’t pre-defined. The negotiation ultimately relies on you. Past sellers have claimed that the lowest listing fee is 2% which is quite high.
  • Inconsistent Customer Service: Customers have revealed that some UpNest representatives are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. However, rest of them struggle to answer simple questions.

» How Does Upnest WorkAgent-matching at UpNest is pretty straightforward. Check it out!

UpNest has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 56 customer reviews on BBB.

» UpNest Reviews: How Much Will it Save You in 2023?

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 low as you expected.

Here’s a quick recap of the best discount real estate brokers in America:

America’s Best Discount Real Estate Brokers (2023)

We’ve reviewed the best discount real estate brokers in 2023

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 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!


START YOUR MLS LISTING NOW

 

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 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.

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 Sarasota

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

  • Flat Fee MLS Companies: Flat Fee MLS Sarasota 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 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 Sarasota markets. iBuyers can be a great option if you’re wondering how to sell my house fast in Sarasota.
  • Sell to Cash Home Buyers: Individual cash home buyers and companies that buy houses for cash in Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 Florida: We’ve researched and reviewed all the best For Sale By Owner sites in Florida. See our rankings!

Savings Calculator

Here’s how much you can save with Houzeo.com!

New!

Savings in Sarasota!

Enter Your Home Sale Price

$ Please enter your home price
  • Listing Fee
  • Traditional Agent 46877

    $15,000

  • idealagent

    $10,000

  • houzeo

    $349

houzeo

Your savings via Houzeo

$14,705

Houzeo saves you $9,705 more than Sarasota List For Less !

Start Your Free Houzeo Listing Now

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 Florida: 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.

What is Houzeo?

An overview of what the platform is all about

Start Your FREE 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

How is the Sarasota housing market?

Sarasota's housing market is very competitive. On average, it only takes 9 days for a house to get sold in Sarasota.

Who are the top 3 discount real estate brokers in Sarasota, FL?

The top 3 discount real estate brokers in Sarasota are Sarasota List For Less, GetMoreOffers.com, and Houzeo.com

How much do discount real estate brokers in Sarasota, FL, charge?

Discount real estate brokers in Sarasota, FL, charge 1-2% commission on average.

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