$13,273! That’s a whopping 3% that you have to pay for a house with a median sale price of $442K. That’s a huge amount of money out of your pocket in the name of a broker’s commission.
However, you can sell your home and pay as little as 1% to 1.5% with a low-commission real estate agent. This means that you save $8,849 and pay just $4,424 as Realtor fees.
But, if you want to save more on commission you should list your home on the MLS for a Flat Fee. With platforms like Houzeo, your home gets listed within 24 to 48 hours. For a flat fee, your home will get maximum exposure which is a fraction of what you have to pay to a Realtor.
Ranking: Top 10 Low-Fee Real Estate Agents in 2024
Low Commission Realtor / Company | Fee | Max Savings | 100% Online | 5-star Reviews* | Broad Coverage | Mobile App |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Houzeo | $399 Flat Fee | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
2. Redfin | 1.5% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
3. Ideal Agent | 2% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
4. HomeLight | 2.5% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
5. UpNest | 4.3% or As decided by the agent | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
6. Trelora | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
7. Homie | $5,000 Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
8. Houwzer | 1% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
9. Redefy | $2,995 Flat Fee | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
10. Prevu | 1.5% Commission | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Reviews: 10 Best Low Commission Real Estate Companies
Here are the 10 best low cost real estate agents and brokerages:
1. Houzeo.com
#1 Flat Fee MLS Service
Houzeo.comHouzeo is a high-tech platform with easy listing, fast changes, and online showings and offers.
You can choose from 4 Flat Fee MLS packages:
- Bronze Package – $399+$350 at Close: This package offers a Houzeo listing only for 6 months with 24 photos.
- Silver Package – $399+0.5% at Close: This offers maximum photo upload and provides you with seller disclosures.
- Gold Package—$429+0.5 % at Close: This is Houzeo’s signature MLS package and includes all the technology Houzeo is known for, such as Houzeo Showings, Houzeo Offers, and DigiTransact.
- Platinum Package – $449+1% at Close: It includes the assistance of a licensed broker to help you with negotiations, seller disclosures, and closing.
👉 Our Take: We recommend the GOLD plan. You’ll have access to Houzeo tech, making managing showings and offer negotiations easy! Before you list, confirm all prices on your particular state’s pricing page.
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out why 10,000+ Americans love Houzeo.
Houzeo is America’s #1 Flat Fee MLS service because of 5 reasons:
- Max Exposure: Houzeo’s listing packages get your home on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, and 100s of other real estate 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 a high-tech platform with easy listing, fast changes, online showings, and online offers. Its powerful house search app makes your home visible to potential buyers on the go.
- No Hidden Fees: All fees are disclosed upfront, so there are no Houzeo hidden fees. You get to bypass the traditional listing agent commission.
- Free Home Value Estimator: Now, you can get a free home value estimate within 30 seconds. It helps you set a listing price.
There are no dealbreakers with Houzeo.
» Is Houzeo Legit? Houzeo addresses all Houzeo complaints from home sellers.
Houzeo is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by thousands of home sellers on Google & Trustpilot.
» Houzeo Reviews: Houzeo is rated “Excellent“ by 10,020+ home sellers.
Houzeo is America’s #1 flat-fee MLS platform. It offers a seamless home selling process with its 5-star customer service. It is also available in both Android and iOS platforms which helps you schedule listings and showings on the go.
Houzeo’s flat fee feature helps you save up to $10,000 on agent commissions. The platform also allows you to compare, review, and counter offers online.
2. Redfin
BEST TECH-ENABLED BROKERAGE
Redfin.comRedfin does not disclose its pricing on its website. Sellers will have to pay common closing costs.
- It offers 0.5% buyer’s rebate. To avail this, you’ll have to buy and sell with them.
👉 Our Take: Redfin offers 1 rebate option but with a strict clause. While, other real estate companies are willing to offer a higher rebate.
» Redfin Reviews: The reality of the buyer’s rebate.
Here are some advantages of choosing Redfin:
- Advanced Technology: With 3D walkthroughs and 40+ filters to narrow down your search, the Redfin app makes it easy to find the right home from anywhere.
- Paired With Local Agents: Local agents know their market better. This can help you secure a good deal.
- Home Tour: You can see updated listings every 5 minutes on their website. You can also schedule a home tour for the same day.
- Nationwide Coverage: Redfin covers 80+ markets in the US.
Here are some limitations we found with Redfin.
- Strict Rebate Criteria: Clients who sell and buy with Redfin within one year get a rebate of 0.5%.
- No Freedom in Agent Selection: You get an agent assigned automatically without having a choice in the matter.
- Agents Are Less Incentivized: Unlike traditional agents who work for commission, Redfin agents get a fixed salary. This can demotivate them from offering you additional services.
- Poor Customer Reviews: Customers have complained that agents are often unreachable and unprofessional.
Redfin has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 60+ reviews on Google.
» Redfin Reviews: The Reality of the 1% Fees, Pros, Cons, and Alternatives!
Redfin was founded by Mr. David Eraker in Seattle in 2002. It is a full-service real estate brokerage. The company covers 100+ markets in the US. They also provide 3D walkthroughs and market analysis to buyers.
However, they have faced criticism for their long 18-day MLS listing timeframe. Additionally, some customers have expressed concerns about the unprofessionalism of their agents.
3. Ideal Agent
Agent Matching Service
Ideal AgentIdeal 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 a Florida-based agent-matching service. It connects sellers and buyers with top-rated local real estate agents at a reduced commission rate. The platform selects its agents based on experience, transaction rate, and customer reviews.
The company aims to provide a high-quality selling experience and save sellers from high commission fees. However, they have a limited selection of agents which makes it difficult for the sellers to choose.
4. HomeLight
AGENT MATCHING SERVICE
HomeLightHomeLight is an agent-matching service provider. Its technology-based platform provides agent suggestions within minutes.
- No Upfront Cost: HomeLight does not charge any fees to buyers or sellers. The real estate agents pay a referral fee to HomeLight at the time of closing.
👉 Our Take: HomeLight connects you with a local agent to help you sell your house. The agent charges you as per his customized services including the HomeLight’s referral fee. This will ultimately make you pay more than other discount real estate brokers.
Based on our research, the benefits of HomeLight are:
- Quick Pairing: HomeLight connects you with the list of agents within two minutes of your online form filling.
- Representative Network: HomeLight has a database of over 28,000 agents. This allows you to compare the agents and select the best one based on discounts, experience, and sales records.
- Coverage: Their services are available in 51 states and all major cities across the country.
» Homelight Pros & Cons: Know about their offerings that would help you sell your house seamlessly.
Here are some limitations we found with HomeLight:
- Non-Negotiable Commissions: Every agent has to pay a referral fee to Homelight. Hence, you lose the ability to bargain for the commission.
- Off-Market Restriction: You can instantly receive bids from agents by registering on HomeLight.
- Inconsistent Agent Quality: The assigned agents may not work at your convenience. Even the listing speed will be based on the agent selected.
HomeLight has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Sitejabber.
» HomeLight Reviews: Check out our detailed reviews on HomeLight.
HomeLight is a tech-centric real estate website with a database of over 28,000 agents. Their agent database helps connect home sellers and buyers with top-rated local brokers.
You can compare agents and select the best one based on discounts, experience, and sales records. HomeLight also offers tools like home value estimators and calculators to assist with decision-making.
However, the agent fee can ultimately make you pay more than other discount real estate brokers. Also, some users have complained about inconsistencies in agent quality. There are also complaints about the lack of personalized services.
5. UpNest
Negotiable FEES
UpNestUpNest offers agent-matching services. Here’s how it works:
- No Upfront Cost: UpNest connects you with top local real estate agents at no upfront cost. Agents will discuss commission rates, fees, and potential discounts directly with you.
👉 Our Take: With UpNest you get multiple real estate agent options to choose from. However, agents’ commission rates and qualifications can vary significantly, and the quality of service may depend on the broker you select.
Here’s what UpNest offers:
- Multiple Agent Proposals: Get 3–5 commission quotes from top local agents. Compare options easily without contacting agents yourself.
- Quick Turnaround: Receive agent matches within 24 hours of signing up.
- Transparent Pricing: View all commission rates and potential savings upfront. There are no hidden fees or pressure to commit.
- Nationwide Coverage: It offers service throughout the US. It connects you with the local agent who has current market insights.
Here are some of the downsides of working with UpNest:
- No Guaranteed Savings: UpNest does not offer guaranteed savings. Instead, each agent sets their own listing fee.
- No Control Over Agent Selection: UpNest shows you commission quotes from selected agents. As a result, you might miss out on other qualified agents who are part of their network.
UpNest has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google.
» UpNest Reviews: Is UpNest actually saving you money in 2024? Read to find out.
UpNest is a real estate platform that connects home sellers and buyers with local real estate agents. Sellers receive multiple offers, allowing them to select the most suitable agent. This competitive environment among the agents results in reduced commission rates.
UpNest also offers a user-friendly dashboard to compare and review agent services and fees. This helps you make an informed decision before selling your home. However, some users noted that savings on commission fees can vary based on market conditions and agent availability.
6. Trelora
FULL-SERVICE REALTY
TreloraTrelora is a full-service realty. It simplifies home ownership and makes real estate transactions transparent and fair.
- 1% of the Sale Price at Closing: Trelora lists and advertises your home on multiple marketplaces at just 1% of the sale price, which is typically a minimum of $3,000.
- 1% Buyer Broker Commission: Trelora offers just 1% buyer broker commission, with an option to cancel anytime until you go under contract.
👉 Our Take: Trelora is a good choice for sellers who prioritize savings and simplicity, but those who need hands-on agent attention may want to consider alternatives.
Here’s what makes Trelora a suitable option for your real estate transaction:
- Market Exposure: Along with the local MLS, your listing will also be advertised on sites like Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc.
- No Hidden Fees: Trelora doesn’t charge any hidden fees. The cost of all their services is included in the 1% of the sale price.
- Professional Photographers: Trelora’s listing package includes professional photography of your house to highlight its features.
There are some disadvantages of Trelora that you should consider, including:
- Lack of Personalized Support: Trelora might be less suitable if your situation is complicated and requires more personalized support.
- Limited Coverage: Trelora is available only in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Washington.
- Weak Customer Support: Customers have experienced a lack of clear communication while working with Trelora agents.
Trelora has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 on Yelp.
» Trelora Reviews: Check out the customer reviews that can help you know more about Trelora.
Joshua Hunt founded Trelora in 2011. The company has its headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Trelora was acquired by Houwzer, a prominent real estate firm, in December 2022.
Trelora is a full-service real estate company offering flat-fee packages. They aim to streamline your transaction with their cutting-edge technology.
However, some customers have expressed concerns about inconsistent service quality and fewer agents.
7. Homie
FLAT FEE PACKAGE
HomieHomie serves as a comprehensive real estate solution:
- Listing Price ($ 5,000 to $10,000): Homie sellers pay a flat fee, which varies based on the price of the home. For sellers, it charges a flat fee rate.
👉 Our Take: Homie offers a single flat fee package to sellers and multiple in-house services to buyers. It benefits buyers with better mortgage rates, suitable insurance, and hassle-free paperwork. Hence, you may consider buying a house through a Homie instead of selling.
Below are the key advantages of choosing Homie for your home sale:
- Manage Buyer Tours: Coordinate buyer tours from anywhere, ensuring convenience.
- Expert Homie Agent: You will meet a dedicated agent who will guide you throughout the process.
- Home Value Report: Receive a personalized home value report to help you set the right price.
- Professional Photos: Homie helps you get high-quality professional photos to showcase your home.
- Social Media Marketing: Homie promotes your home on social media to reach more potential buyers.
Below are the Homie drawbacks:
- Limited Coverage: Homie provides services in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah.
- Customer Support: As per the customer reviews, Homie agents cannot respond with proper guidance.
- No Advanced Tech: Some clients are disappointed with their slow and outdated technology.
Homie has a 4.4 out of 5 stars rating on Google.
» Is Homie Worth It? Read to know Homie benefits when selling your house.
Homie is a tech-driven Utah-based real estate company founded in 2015. It offers in-person agent support to home sellers. Additionally, it also has a user-friendly dashboard and a mobile app.
The company also provides in-house support for mortgages, title services, and insurance. However, Homie has limited coverage and covers only 5 states.
Many customers have also complained about its poor customer service and their agent’s lack of experience.
8. Houwzer
BEST FOR LOW VALUE HOMES
HouwzerHouwzer is a full-service discount Realtor. It offers:
- 1% Commission: It charges a fixed 1% listing fee on the total home sale price. That’s huge, for a $500,000 home, you’ll pay around $5,000. This 1% fee includes the charges for signs, photography, open houses, negotiation, etc.
👉 Our Take: The 1% commission is a little steep for MLS access. You can consider a Flat Fee MLS alternative for more savings and better tech.
Based on our research, the benefits of Houwzer are:
- Market Exposure: Your listing will be displayed on sites like Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc.
- Unlimited Showings: Houwzer’s agents are available seven days a week. You can schedule as many private showings as you want.
- Proprietary Software: You can organize your sale easily with Houwzer’s tech tools
Here are some limitations we found with Houwzer:
- Not Ideal for High-Value Homes: Houwzer’s model might not be ideal for luxury homes. For example, selling a house worth $1 million would still mean paying $10,000 in commission.
- Less Personalized Service: Houwzer agents handle multiple clients due to the flat-fee model, which means you might not get the one-on-one attention.
Houwzer has an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars on Yelp.
» Houwzer Reviews: Check out our detailed reviews on Houwzer.
Houwzer was launched in Philadelphia, PA, in 2014. This real estate brokerage company has an easy-to-navigate dashboard. They let you chat with the assigned agent and track your listings.
Moreover, their add-ons, like professional photography and closing assistance, make your home-selling journey easy.
However, Houwzer’s agents handle multiple clients at once. They may not be able to provide you with personalized help.
9. Redefy
IN-HOUSE SUPPORT
RedefyRedefy DIY is a real estate service that allows homeowners to list their properties on the MLS for a flat fee. It offers 3 packages:
- Self-Service – ($379): This plan includes a 6-month listing on Zillow, Realtor.com, and your local MLS. You get a yard sign, 10 photos, and a door key lockbox. No agent support is provided.
- Limited Service – ($499): Features a 1-year listing on Zillow, Realtor.com, and your local MLS. It includes a yard sign, 25 photos, a door key lock box, and CSS showing service. It also includes live chat support.
- Virtual Full Service – ($2,995): This premium plan provides a 1-year listing with all features from the Limited Service plan. Additionally, you get in-home consulatation, contract reviews, professional photography, and market analysis.
👉 Our Take: Redefy is a good option if you want flexible pricing and prioritize savings over personalized service. However, the service quality may vary and you’ll need to opt for the premium package for additional support.
Here’s what stands out about Redefy:
- Affordable Pricing: Packages start as low as $379, giving you flexible options to fit your budget. Every plan includes essential features like local listing, email, text, live chat support, yard signs, and door lock keys.
- In-House Support: You are provided with professional in-house support like home staging with accurate pricing.
- Mortgage Calculator: Redefy’s Mortgage Calculator allows you to estimate your overall mortgage, insurance, and taxes.
Here are some of the downsides of working with Redefy::
- Limited Agent Availability: Full support is only available with the premium package, and service quality can vary.
- Lack of Personalized Services: Customers have often complained that Redefy agents are not able to give personalized service, as they serve a high volume of clients.
- Limited Coverage: Services are only available in 9 states: Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
Redefy has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Yelp.
Redefy, headquartered in Aurora, Colorado, is a licensed discount real estate agent firm. They work on the principle of a flat fee brokerage.
They offer a wide range of services, from property valuation to professional photography. However, some customers faced issues with service quality from their agent. Also, they operate in only 9 states in the US.
10. Prevu
Lower Commission
PrevuPrevu is a reliable discount real estate agent service. It offers full service to sellers, like a traditional broker.
- 1.5% Commission: Prevu charges a fixed 1.5% commission on the total home sale value. It includes features like home valuation, professional photographs, closing assistance, etc.
👉 Our Take: Prevu offers services from listing your home to its closing. It charges you a non-negotiable commission of 1.5% of the home sale value. However, it could cost you more in commission for a high-value house.
Based on our research, the benefits of Prevu are:
- Advanced Marketing: It includes home valuation, 3D virtual tours, open houses, professional photographs, listing on MLS, and social ad campaigns.
- Market Exposure: Your listing will be displayed on sites like Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc.
- Closing Costs Calculator: You can get an estimate of their closing costs.
Here are some limitations we found with Prevu:
- Limited Coverage: Prevu serves 13 states and Washington D.C. focusing on metro areas and suburbs.
- Not Ideal for High-Value Homes: Prevu’s model might not be ideal for luxury homes. For example, selling a house worth $500,000 would still mean paying $7,500 in commission.
- Variable Listing Fee: The listing fee with Prevu can vary based on your location, which may result in higher costs depending on the market.
- Mobile App: The company does not provide any mobile application service to its users.
Prevu has a stellar rating of 5 out of 5 on Google.
» Prevu Reviews: Is it a good idea to choose them? Read the comprehensive review to learn more.
Prevu Real Estate is a licensed brokerage located in New York. It has highly qualified agents and over 500 positive reviews on Google.
They provide services from home valuation, and 3-D virtual tours, to open houses and social media campaigns.
However, Prevu has a small team of agents who deal with many clients. This limits your ability to select an agent of your choice.
Discover the Top Low Commission Realtors Near Me
Locate nearby low commission real estate agents for cost-effective transactions.
What Are Low Commission Real Estate Agents?
Low-commission real estate agents charge a lower listing fee than traditional agents. Where a traditional agent charges you 2.5% to 3%, low-commission agents charge 1% to 1.5%. This can save up to $5,000 to $10,000 on a $500,000 home sale.
These agents provide similar services and professional support for the same price. They may provide full service, and manage the entire sale. They help you to list, market, and do paperwork for selling a house.
How Much Will I Save With a Low-Cost Realtor?
For example, you want to sell your house for $500,000. Now if you use a low-commission agency, they will help you save the following amounts:
Traditional Agent (2.5% commission) | Discount (1% commission) | Discount (1.5% commission) | Discount (2% commission) | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seller's Agent | ||||
Buyer's Agent | ||||
Total | ||||
Savings |
Types of Low-Commission Real Estate Agents
Real estate agents with low commissions are divided based on the services they offer:
- Flat Fee MLS Companies: These 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!
- Virtual Full-Service Agents: A virtual full-service low-commission broker handles everything online. They provide all services, including negotiation and marketing support, free of charge.
- Flat-Rate Low Commission Agents: These companies charge a fixed fee instead of the regular 3% commission. The fee can be anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000. A flat-rate Realtor is perfect for homes priced on the higher end.
How Do I Choose a Low Commission Real Estate Agent?
The low commission does not always equate to the best value. Consider these key factors when choosing a real estate agent.
- Low Commission: Look for listing agents charging the lowest commission, typically around 2%.
- Agent Experience: Choose an agent with a proven track record in your area. Apart from offering lower commissions, their expertise can outweigh the cost savings.
- Services Offered: Prioritize agents who offer essential services like professional photography, effective marketing, and strong negotiation skills. These services can significantly boost your property’s sales.
- Authentic Reviews: Check customer reviews on Google and Trustpilot to ensure that you don’t fall for any scams.
Low Commission Realtors: Pros and Cons
✅ Pros of Low-Cost Realtors
- Enhanced Saving: With lower commission fees, you save thousands of dollars on commission fees.
- Less Paper Work: Some low-commission agents streamline the process, reducing the amount of paperwork and administrative tasks you need to handle.
❌ Cons of Low-Cost Realtors
- Limited Support: Low-commission agents may offer fewer services, potentially leading to less personalized attention and support throughout the selling process.
- Lower Profit: If essential services like marketing and negotiation are compromised, your property might sell for less. As a result, you could end up with a lower profit, even with a reduced commission.
Alternatives to Low Commission Real Estate Agents
Here are some options if you do not want to opt for a low-cost Realtor:
- List With a Full-Service Realtor: For first-time sellers, we suggest you hire a full-service Realtor for personalized assistance. Nevertheless, it’s important to consider that the standard commission fee usually ranges from 5% to 6%.
- Sell to an iBuyer: Opendoor and Offerpad purchase homes across the country. iBuyers can be a great option to sell your house quickly. Some iBuyers also give you an option to sell your house as-is.
- Sell to Cash Home Buyers: Cash home buyers present all-cash offers, typically within 24 to 48 hours. This spares you from the trouble of listing on the MLS, inspection, appraisal, and other processes.
- Sell For Sale By Owner: For Sale By Owner, websites will help you list and sell a house by owner and save thousands in listing agent commission.
Are Low Commission Real Estate Agents Worth It?
Yes, low-commission real estate agents are trustworthy. They are the best way to save money on commissions. Instead of the typical 3% listing agent commission, you’d need to pay around 1% to 2% of your home’s sale price.
You can reduce this amount further by using flat-fee MLS services like Houzeo. Companies like Houzeo provide personal assistance and smooth real estate transactions for a fraction of the price.
Eager to Know How Houzeo Works?
Here’s how you can list your home on the MLS with Houzeo.
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 it is one of the best FSBO sites in America.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find the best low commission real estate agents near me?
To find low commission real estate agents near you, you should look online, ask for refferals and consider flat fee brokerages.
Which real estate company charges the least commission?
Houzeo , Redfin, and Ideal Agent top the charts. On the other hand, low cost Realtors like Houwzer can be a good bet for high valued homes.
Are low commission Realtors worth it?
Yes, hiring low fee real estate agents is the best way to save money. They charge you 1% to 1.5%, which is less than the typical 3% listing agent commission.