89% of buyers used real estate agents or brokers to buy homes. Additionally, 85% of sellers believe agents can secure a higher sale price for their homes. This highlights the value of professional help, but these services come with a steep cost.
Real estate companies charge a 5-6% commission on the sale price, which can amount to $24,000 for a $400,000 home. With such hefty fees, these companies must provide value that justifies the cost.
People rely on real estate companies for their market knowledge, negotiation skills, and ability to handle complex paperwork. Whether you’re considering a full-service brokerage or a tech-driven platform, here are our top picks in the Lone Star State.
Top 6 Ohio Real Estate Companies:
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For Home Sellers
- Houzeo: Best Technology
- RE/MAX: Best for Local Market
- Century 21: Best for Marketing Properties
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For Home Buyers
- Coldwell Banker: Best For Local Market
- eXp Realty: Best For Luxury Properties
- Zillow: Best for Local Market
3 Best Real Estate Companies in Ohio for Home Sellers
Here are the top 3 real estate companies in Ohio that help sellers maximize their savings.
1. Houzeo
100% ONLINE
Listing Fee: $249Houzeo is a high-tech platform that streamlines listings, updates, and online showings/offers. Choose from 3 Flat Fee MLS packages to simplify your home sale.
- Silver Package – $249 + 0.5% at Close: You can upload 24 photos, and your listing term will be 6 months. You can also make unlimited changes to your listing.
- Gold Package – $299 + 1% at Close: You can post the maximum number of photos, avail licensed broker assistance, get access to seller disclosures, and a premium yard sign.
- Platinum Package – $349 + 1.25% at Close: You get virtual full assistance from a licensed broker and a 12-month listing term.
Houzeo is America’s #1 Flat Fee MLS service because of these reasons:
- Max Exposure: Your home listing is syndicated to popular real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, etc., increasing its visibility.
- Quicker Sale: Houzeo’s Homes For Sale page showcases your home to thousands of buyers, which may result in a faster sale.
- 100% Online: You can list your home, manage offers, and close deals, all at your fingertips with a powerful mobile app.
- 5-star Customer Service: You have access to listing support and chat services 6 days a week.
- No Hidden Fees: What you see is what you pay. Houzeo mentions all of its fees upfront on its website.
There are no dealbreakers with Houzeo.
» Is Houzeo Legit? Discover why so many homeowners are choosing Houzeo to list their properties.
Houzeo is rated an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars by thousands of home sellers on Google and Trustpilot. Homeowners also praise the Houzeo Mobile App, which helps them list, manage, and close their home sales seamlessly—right from their phones.
» Houzeo Reviews: Rated “Excellent” by 11,000+ happy home sellers.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Houzeo’s Gold Plan for most home sellers. It gives you maximum exposure, highest savings, and access to Houzeo technology features. A licensed broker will also assist you with pricing your home, offer negotiations, inspection, and closing.
2. RE/MAX
Good Exposure
3% - 6% CommissionRE/MAX has its headquarters in Orlando, FL. The company does not disclose agent commissions on its website. However, based on reviews you may have to pay 3% to 6% as commission.
- No corporate fee is involved with RE/MAX referrals. You can choose the agents or vice versa and set the terms of your agreement.
👉 Our Take: RE/MAX is known for its reputation and credibility. It is a solid choice for home sellers due to its extensive network and experienced agents. The company offers unparalleled exposure for your property.
Here are the key features of RE/MAX:
- Global Reach: RE/MAX has over 135,000 agents, and its network is spread over 100 countries.
- Competitive Home Pricing: Agents at RE/MAX will conduct an in-depth evaluation and a CMA of your property to price your home competitively.
- Additional Service: RE/MAX Collection and RE/MAX Commercial offer specialized tools and advertising programs to luxury and commercial real estate professionals.
Here are some drawbacks of RE/MAX:
- Limited Discount Options: The company focuses on traditional full-service brokerage rather than discount or low-cost options.
- Inconsistent Service: Service quality may vary depending on the local franchise office.
RE/MAX has a poor rating of 1 out of 5 stars from 300+ users on Consumer Affairs.
RE/MAX LLC is part of RE/MAX Holdings and has more than 135,000 agents in over 100 countries. It is known for its large network and expert seller assistance.
RE/MAX has a high market share in residential and commercial real estate. Clients also have access to market data and valuation tools and a user-friendly search platform.
3. Century 21
Brand Recognition
3% - 6% CommissionCentury 21 is a traditional real estate brokerage with a franchise model. For sellers, it offers:
- Traditional Commission Model: You can negotiate the Realtor fees to some extent and have it split between the listing and buyer’s agents.
- Comprehensive Marketing: Your agent’s service includes pricing strategies, professional photography, listing on the MLS, and managing showings.
- Seller Ready Program: Some franchises provide this program that offers a line of credit for home improvement and staging, repayment due at closing.
For home buyers, Century 21 provides:
- Local Agent Expertise: You are paired with a local agent who offers extensive knowledge of the area and guides you from pre-qualification to closing.
- Global Reach: As a globally recognized brand, Century 21’s network gives you access to a vast number of listings and resources.
- Full-Service Support: Your agent assists with all aspects of the purchase, from property search to negotiating the offer and contract.
Here are some advantages of choosing Century 21:
- Strong Brand Recognition: As a globally recognized brand, Century 21 offers trust, reliability, and good experiences related to real estate transactions.
- Full-Service Experience: The company provides a professional real estate experience through their agents who assist you on every step of the way.
- Vast Network: Century 21 offers wide coverage and local expertise through its massive network of independent brokerages and thousands of agents.
Here are some disadvantages of choosing Century 21:
- Higher Fees: Century 21 does not really offer commission rebates for buyers or discounted listing fees for sellers, which means higher costs for consumers.
- Service Variation: The company is a franchise network and so, the quality of service can vary from one office or agent to another.
- Lack of Transparency on Costs: Fees and commission structures are not publicly listed. So, you need to negotiate with the local agent properly.
Century 21 has a rating of 1.2 out of 5 stars from 100+ reviews on Consumer Affairs.
Century 21 offers sellers comprehensive support, including professional marketing, pricing analysis, and a wide-reaching listing network to maximize exposure. For buyers, affiliated agents provide full-service assistance from the initial search and property showings to expert negotiation and transaction management.
Century 21 is one of the most popular real estate companies based in New Jersey. Founded in 1971, it operates in over 80 countries with a team of more than 140,000 agents.
Additionally, Century 21 has an online platform for property searches, virtual tours, and market analysis tools. However, as a large franchise, the quality of service can vary between individual offices and agents.
3 Best Real Estate Companies in Ohio for Home Buyers
Here are the top home-buying companies in Ohio to help you find your dream home.
1. Coldwell Banker Realty
MOST SUCCESSFUL INVESTORS
Based in New JerseyColdwell Banker Real Estate LLC is an American full-service real estate brokerage.
- No Service Fee: As a buyer, you do not have to pay any fee to avail services of Coldwell Banker.
👉 Our Take: Coldwell Banker is great for buyers because of its long-standing experience and wide property selection. It is especially helpful for those looking to invest in popular areas or unique properties.
Key features of Coldwell Banker include:
- Experts in Negotiations: Coldwell Banker’s agents are skilled and have considerable experience in negotiating the best deal for you.
- Lender Assistance: It helps you to find a lender for pre-qualification according to your affordability.
- Home Search: With MLS and other tools, agents find your ideal home based on your preferences and budget.
- Finance Assistance: It helps with down payments, mortgage prequalification, and getting your finances ready to buy a house.
- Strong Agent Network: Your agent can find many property options for you as they have good connections with other real estate agents.
Red flags of Coldwell Banker include:
- Less Flexibility in Negotiation: The company’s established policies might offer less flexibility in negotiating commission rates.
- Inconsistent Agent Quality: While many agents are experienced, the quality of service can vary depending on the specific agent assigned.
- Lapses in Transactions: Customer complaints include delays in transactions and unresponsive agents.
Coldwell Banker is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars from 200+ reviews on Trustpilot
Coldwell Banker, based in New Jersey, has been a trusted name in real estate for over a century. It offers services for various property types, from residential homes to investment properties.
Coldwell Banker offers market analysis tools to help clients make informed decisions. It also provides virtual tours and detailed online listings. However, their extensive network can sometimes lead to less personalized service.
2. eXp Realty
Attracts Qualified Renters
Based in Washington, D.C.Apartments.com is one of the leading rental platforms in the U.S. It provides a wide range of rental listings, which includes apartments, houses, condos, and townhomes.
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Application Fee: Apartments.com charges $29 + tax for renters to apply to up to 10 listings in 30 days. This fee doesn’t affect home buyers.
Here are some of the advantages that you get with Apartments.com:
- Customizable Search Options: The platform lets users narrow down home listings using filters like pet-friendliness, price range, and amenities.
- Online Rent Payment: You get to pay rent and security deposits online.
- No Search Fees: Renters can explore listings without a subscription or search fees.
Here are a few drawbacks we found about Apartments.com:
- Mobile App Limitations: While helpful for on-the-go searches, the app lacks some features found on the website. Users report limited filters, location defaults, no “not interested” option, and missing accessibility tools.
- Missing or Outdated Details: Some property listings lack complete information or current details.
- Delayed Landlord Response: Renters may not get timely replies. Some wait longer than expected to hear from property owners.
Apartments.com has a rating of 2.1 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.
eXp Realty is a modern real estate company known for its innovative approach and virtual business model. It offers a technology-driven platform that appeals to buyers looking for a more flexible real estate experience.
eXp Realty also assists with negotiating home offers, inspection costs, repairs, and legal agreements. However, the virtual model may not suit those who prefer face-to-face interactions with their agent.
3. Zillow
Largest Marketplace
Based in WashingtonZillow is the most visited real estate website. Zillow provides an exceptional home buying, renting, and selling experience.
- Zillow Premier Agent: You can connect with an agent representing a particular property and get their commission rates on request. Typically, a buyer agent charges a 2%-3% commission on the sale price.
👉 Our Take: Zillow lets you list your property for free and is great for exposure, but your information is stored as a lead in their marketing funnel. Essentially, the bargain is your confidential data in exchange for Zillow’s “free” listing.
» Zillow Offers Reviews: Everything you need to know about Zillow
Key Features of Zillow:
- Your Listing is Updated in Real-Time: On Zillow, you do all the listing changes which reflect immediately, instead of waiting for a listing agent to do it for you.
- Free Listing: Zillow provides free For Sale By Owner listing. But, all FSBO listings on Zillow are hidden in the ‘Other Listings’ tab. This has lowered the success rate of free Zillow FSBO listings drastically.
- Zestimate: Zillow’s home value estimate is a tool for pricing your home. It incorporates data from the MLS, market trends, location, etc. to give you an accurate property value.
Zillow has some major drawbacks that home sellers should be aware of.
- Unsolicited Calls From Listing Agents: Your information will become an FSBO lead for Listing Agents. You will get numerous unsolicited calls from these agents asking you to list with them.
- Inaccurate Tool: Many users have faced inconveniences in selling their homes due to Zestimate’s inaccuracy.
- Poor Customer Reviews: A staggering number of customers have complained regarding their disappointing experience with Zillow.
Zillow has a rating of 1.1 out of 5 on Consumer Affairs.
Zillow was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Seattle, WA. It is one of the most popular real estate websites in America. The company extracts data from top MLS platforms, allowing buyers to view listings directly.
Additionally, Zillow’s user-friendly interface makes home searches convenient and extensive. It also offers a Zestimate home valuation tool, which provides estimated property values based on market data.
Best Real Estate Companies to Work for in Ohio
When you choose a real estate company to work for in Ohio, it’s important to consider how the commission is split. Most real estate agents get paid a commission which is then divided between the agent and the brokerage.
For example, if you sell a $300,000 home with a 6% commission split equally between buyer and seller agents, you’d get 3% or $9,000. With a 60/40 split, you’d receive $5,400 before taxes. Some brokerages now offer salaries and benefits, so it’s worth exploring various options.
Here’s a comparison of top real estate brokerages in Ohio:
| Brokerage | Commission Split | Best For |
| Keller Williams | 70/30 | Agents seeking higher commissions and more educational resources. |
| RE/MAX | 95/5, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40 (capping system) | Agents who want customized commission splits and desk fees. |
| Century 21 | 50/50, 70/30 + 8% franchise fee (capping system) | Agents who want brokerage brand recognition. |
| Coldwell Banker | 50/50, 60/40, 70/30 (capping system) | Agents who need marketing, lead generation, and other tools. |
| Compass | 50/50 | Agents who want access to a wide range of online resources and tools. |
What to Consider When Choosing a Real Estate Brokerage to Work For?
- Franchise vs. Independent Choices: Franchises like RE/MAX and Keller Williams offer a nationwide presence and provide more support and training. Independent real estate firms offer more freedom but may have fewer resources.
- Company Reputation: Research the brokerage’s market presence and reputation. A reputable company can help with lead generation.
- Support and Resources Offered: Some brokerages provide mentorship programs and free advertising, while others offer minimal support. You can also visit company events to get a feel for the work culture.
- Scope for Specialization: Consider the brokerage’s niche and how it aligns with your interests and local opportunities in Ohio’s real estate market.
How to Choose the Best Real Estate Company in Ohio?
You can choose the best real estate companies based on these factors:
For Sellers:
- Strong Technology: A company’s website should have robust technology that can make selling a house more efficient. Also, look for features like virtual tours, professional photos, and user-friendly interfaces.
- Responsive Customer Service: Having good customer service can help you with smooth real estate transactions. Find a company that aligns with your preferences and also has helpful customer service.
- Maximum Exposure: Find a company that will give maximum exposure to your property, especially if you want to list for sale by owner. This could also include an MLS listing, social media advertisement, and customizable yard signs.
For Buyers:
- Property Listings: Opt for a company that has MLS access, so you can easily browse all Ohio real estate listings and find the perfect home in your favorite area.
- Buyer-Friendly Tools: Look for a company with useful online tools. It will help you compare houses, learn about neighborhoods, and also figure out how much your mortgage payment could be.
- Experienced Agents: Seek a company with agents who have experience with buyers. They should be able to guide you through every step, from looking at houses to finally buying one.
Are Real Estate Companies in Ohio Worth It?
Yes! Real estate companies in Ohio are worth it. Top companies offer advanced technology, a large network of agents, and maximum savings. This is where Houzeo stands out as a smart choice for sellers in Ohio.
Houzeo offers a flat fee listing service that saves sellers thousands of dollars in commissions. With user-friendly tools, it is ideal for homeowners looking to sell their homes quickly.
Eager to Know How Houzeo Works?
We have got you covered. Check out how you can list your property on the MLS with Houzeo.
» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why Houzeo is Ohio’s best home buying and selling website.
