3 Best REALTORS in Houston, TX (2023 Rankings)

Texas’s housing market is cooling down, but home prices in Houston have risen to reach a median price of $315,000. High price leads to high commissions. Home sellers will find it difficult to sell a house in such a situation.

With our rankings of the best REALTORS in Houston, you can find the right person for a fast and hassle-free sale.

Rankings: Best Realtors in Houston, Texas

Best REALTORS in Houston	Standout Feature	More Than 10 Years of Experience	More Than 100 sales in the last 12 months	Avg. Rating
1. Tod Franklin	Best Overall	✅	✅	5.0 / 5.0
2. Laura Sweeney	Best for Luxury Home Sales	✅	❌	Not enough credible sources were found.
3. Mike Mahlstedt	Best for Home Sellers	✅	❌	4.9 / 5.0

Reviews: Top Realtors in Houston, Texas

1. Tod Franklin, DFW Cityhomes

BEST OVERALL

Tod Franklin

Experience: 25+ years
Realtor in Texas
5.0/5.0 (115 reviews)

🔎 Sneak Peek

Why Tod Franklin is #1: Tod Franklin is a Realtor in Texas offering flat fee MLS services and full-service brokerage for residential real estate properties. Tod has over 25 years of experience in technology, finance, and marketing, which makes him a seller favorite.

DFWCityhomes: Tod Franklin’s DFWCityhomes was founded in 2004 when he decided to own and manage real estate. After re-establishing it as a real estate brokerage, Tod realigned the services to focus on a reduced-fee model that could compete with the traditional full-service approach to home selling.

For Home Sellers

Flat Fee Service: Tod provides a multitude of services related to Flat Fee MLS.
100% Automation: With Houzeo’s technology, Tod can help you manage your listing 100% online. Houzeo Showings for managing showing appointments online, Houzeo Offers for viewing and comparing offers, and Houzeo’s Settlement Agent Platform for closing are some other hi-tech features that Tod can provide you via Houzeo.
Onsite Consultation: As one of the best Realtors in Texas, Tod’s team meets you at your home for the initial consultation. They understand your home selling requirements and suggest the best approach for selling your home quickly.

For Home Buyers

Buyer Rebate: Tod offers a 1% buyer rebate as an incentive for home buyers. This is subject to certain conditions being met.
Home Search Feature: Buyers can search for properties by city or county. They can even sort the properties based on price, pictures, and built-up area.
Closing Cost Calculator: Buyers can even use Houzeo’s Closing Cost Calculator to estimate their expenses for purchasing their home.

Our Take: We recommend Tod Franklin as he is one of the most preferred Texas Realtors. His knowledge of the real estate market in Texas, combined with his friendly approach, ensures a smooth real estate journey for his clients.

» List With Tod: Check out the services offered by Tod via Houzeo.com

🏆 Achievements

Sold 89 properties over the last 12 months in Texas
Has done over $313 million worth of transactions
Sold over 901 properties over a period of 15 years

⭐ Reviews

Tod Franklin, DFWCityhomes: Tod Franklin has a 5-star rating on Houzeo.

📍 Coverage

Realtor Tod Franklin covers the following MLS’ in Texas:

Metrotex (DFW Area)
GEPAR (El Paso Area)
HAR (Houston Area)
ABOR (Austin Area)
CCAR (Corpus Christi Area)
SABOR (San Antonio Area)
CTX (Central Area)
GTAR (Tyler Area)

2. Laura Sweeney, Compass

BEST FOR LUXURY HOMES

Laura Sweeney

Experience: 25 years
No credible sources were found.

🔎 Sneak Peek

Why Laura Sweeney is #2: Realtor Laura Sweeney is a highly respected real estate professional in the US. She has been active for 25 years in the industry. She specializes in luxury home sales, single-family home sales, and more.

Compass: Compass is a real estate brokerage and tech company at the same time. They work with reputed real estate agents to provide superb services to their clients.

For Home Sellers

Compass Concierge: This service includes home repairs, cosmetic renovations, painting, and many other services that will help increase the value of the house. Home sellers can greatly benefit from this service as there are no upfront fees. The expenses are settled at the time of sale.
Thorough Marketing Plan: Compass has a marketing and advertising team that will promote your property for max exposure.
Luxury Home Specialist: Laura Sweeney is known for being the best when it comes to luxury home sales. She has achieved a lot of recognition for her work in the affluent communities in Houston.

For Home Buyers

Home Search Feature: Home buyers can search for properties in Houston through their website. Users can filter their search based on their preferences.
Mobile App: Home buyers can use the mobile app to search for homes on the go anytime & anywhere.

Our Take: We recommend Laura Sweeney as she is one of the most renowned figures in the real estate industry known for her skills. Her 25 years of experience make her a great choice for home sellers who need top-notch service.

» Flat Fee MLS Houston: Check out how Houzeo compares to other Flat Fee MLS Listing Services in Houston, TX.

🏆 Achievements

One of the top 60 real estate agents in the US.
Houston’s No.1 Agent since 2009.
Top Residential Real Estate Agent by Sales Volume – awarded by Wall Street Journal
Top Negotiator 2021
Top Producer 2021
Sold 368 single-family homes.

⭐ Reviews

No credible sources were found to provide the information.

📍 Coverage

Laura Sweeney is licensed in Texas, and with Compass, she offers her services in Houston.

3. Mike Mahlstedt, Compass

BEST FOR HOME SELLERS

Mike Mahlstedt

Experience: 17 years
4.9/5.0 (43 reviews)

🔎 Sneak Peek

Why Mike Mahlstedt is #3: Mike Mahlstedt is a Realtor based in Houston, TX. He specializes in staging guidance, luxury home sales, negotiations, and more.

Compass: Compass is a real estate brokerage and tech company at the same time. They work with reputed real estate agents like Mike Mahlstedt to provide superb services to their clients.

For Home Sellers

Compass Concierge: This service includes home repairs, cosmetic renovations, painting, and many other services that will help increase the value of the house. Home sellers can greatly benefit from this service as there are no upfront fees. The expenses are settled at the time of sale.
Thorough Marketing Plan: Compass has a marketing and advertising team that will promote your property for max exposure.

For Home Buyers

Home Search Feature: Home buyers can search for properties in Houston through their website. Users can filter their search based on their preferences.
Mobile App: Home buyers can use the mobile app to search for homes on the go anytime & anywhere.

Our Take: We recommend Mike Mahlstedt for his experience in the industry. Having closed more than 900 sales, he is a good option for home sellers who want a smooth real estate experience.

» Flat Fee MLS Texas: Check out how a Realtor’s services compare to the flat fee MLS companies in Texas.

🏆 Achievements

Amongst the Top 3 Residential Real Estate Professionals in Houston – Houston Business Journal.
Amongst the Top 0.5% of real estate professionals in the US.
Elected to the Board of Directors in 2014 by the Houston Association of Realtors®
Won the Texas Monthly 5-Star Realtor® Award from 2012 – 2015.
Sold over 900 properties as a real estate professional.

⭐ Reviews

Mike Mahlstedt has a 4.9 out of 5-star rating on Zillow.

📍 Coverage

Mike Mahlstedt is licensed in Texas. With Compass, he works for clients in Houston.

What are Realtor Agents?

Realtor Agents are real estate professionals adhering to the code of ethics laid down by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), America’s largest real estate association.

For becoming a licensed member of the NAR, a real estate agent or broker has to be a certified member of a local realtor association and complete their NAR Code of Ethics training.

Membership to be a Realtor in Houston, TX is open to a variety of professionals like commercial brokers, agents, appraisers, property managers, and counselors working in the real estate sector.

» NAR Code of Ethics: A Comprehensive Guide

What is the Average Realtor Commission in Houston, TX?

The average Realtor commission in Houston is typically between 5 and 6%. However, this fee is negotiable and varies from sale to sale depending on the region and firm they work for.

🔎 Average Real Estate Agent Commission: Know what is the average real estate commission in the US!

💸 Want To Save On The REALTOR® Commission?

We have got you covered. Sell your house with Houzeo.com for a small flat fee – as less as $349!

START YOUR MLS LISTING NOW

REALTOR vs. Real Estate Agent vs. Real Estate Broker

Sr. No.	Defining Features	Real Estate Agent	Real Estate Broker	REALTOR®
1.	Explanation	A real estate professional possessing the license to assist people in buying, selling, or renting real estate.	A real estate professional having in-depth knowledge of the field, who has obtained a license after completing additional coursework beyond the agent level.	Real estate agents or real estate brokers can become realtors by becoming members of the NAR. They follow the NAR Code of Ethics and are held to a higher standard than real estate agents and brokers.
2.	Training	No additional training is required except the completion of the prelicensing coursework	Required to undergo additional training pertaining to contracts, insurance, taxes, and ethics	Same as a Real Estate Agent and/or Broker
3.	Eligibility	Required to pass the pre-licensing exam to obtain an agent’s license	Required to have some experience working as an agent and obtain a broker’s license after completing additional coursework	Same as a Real Estate Agent and/or Broker
4.	Mode of Operation	Real estate agents are required to work for a broker or a brokerage.	Brokers can either start their brokerage or work independently as agents.	Same as a Real Estate Agent and/or Broker
5.	Responsibility	Seller agents are required to help the seller price the property, host open houses, be present during the inspection, provide contract assistance, etc.	Brokers are required to oversee other agents working for them and hold other roles depending on whether they are a Principal Broker, Managing Broker, or Associate Broker.	Same as a Real Estate Agent and/or Broker

How to Find a REALTOR in Houston, TX?

Home sellers can find the right REALTOR in Houston, Texas with proper research. If you wish to sell a single-family home or a condo, it is essential to find a REALTOR who specializes in that type of sale.

We have listed the process for finding a Houston Realtor who will help you in your real estate journey.

How to Find Realtors in Houston

Look for real estate agents or brokers who are members of the NAR.
Verify whether they provide cutting-edge tech.
Check their customer reviews.
Find out whether they offer optional online paperwork.
Interview Realtors and convey your requirement.
Compare the Realtors based on commission percentage and services provided.
Finalize the one that best understands your real estate goals.

» Best REALTORS: Check out our rankings of the top REALTORS across the country

Can You List Your Home on the MLS Without a REALTOR?

No. Only licensed real estate agents have access to the MLS. There is no way to list on the MLS without an agent.

You can just opt for a Flat Fee MLS listing service. With a Flat-Fee MLS listing, you pay a small fee instead of a full listing agent commission. A Flat Fee MLS listing is the fastest way to get listed on the MLS and hit the market.

With high-tech services like Houzeo real estate, you can get listed faster than a traditional full-service Realtor. And save thousands!

» How to Get Access to MLS: Here’s how to list on MLS without a REALTOR!

Alternatives to Top Realtors in Houston, TX

If saving money is the main goal you should consider the following:

1. Sell with Flat Fee MLS Companies

With Flat Fee MLS companies like Houzeo real estate, you can not only save thousands of dollars in commissions but also take advantage of their technology to sell your house fast. These companies will list your property on your local MLS for a flat fee of a few hundred dollars.

They also offer a range of other services like showing management, offer management, and digital transaction management. These companies are the cheapest way to get your house on the MLS and maximize your profits.

We’ve compiled a list of the best Flat Fee MLS listing services near you.

Region	States/Cities	States
Northeast	States	Connecticut \| Maine \| Massachusetts \| New Hampshire \| New Jersey \| New York \| Pennsylvania \| Rhode Island \| Vermont
Northeast	Cities	Boston, MA \| Long Island, NY \| Rochester, NY \| Syracuse, NY \| Pittsburgh, PA
Midwest	States	Illinois \| Indiana \| Iowa \| Kansas \| Michigan \| Minnesota \| Missouri \| Nebraska \| North Dakota \| Ohio \| South Dakota \| Wisconsin
Midwest	Cities	Chicago, IL \| Peoria, IL \| Indianapolis, IN \| Kansas City, KS \| Grand Rapids, MI \| Minneapolis, MN \| Kansas City, MO \| St. Louis, MO \| Cleveland, OH \| Cincinnati, OH \| Appleton, WI \| Milwaukee, WI \| Madison, WI
South	States	Alabama \| Arkansas \| Delaware \| Florida \| Georgia \| Kentucky \| Louisiana \| Maryland \| Mississippi \| North Carolina \| Oklahoma \| South Carolina \| Tennessee \| Texas \| Virginia \| Washington D.C. \| West Virginia
South	Cities	Birmingham, AL \| Huntsville, AL \| Jacksonville, FL \| Miami, FL \| Naples, FL \| Tampa, FL \| Palm Beach, FL \| Atlanta, GA \| Louisville, KY \| Charlotte, NC \| Greensboro, NC \| Raleigh, NC \| Wilmington, NC \| Asheville, NC \| Oklahoma City, OK \| Tulsa, OK \| Greenville, SC \| Columbia, SC \| Charleston, SC \| Knoxville, TN \| Austin, TX \| Dallas, TX \| El Paso, TX \| Houston, TX \| San Antonio, TX \| Fort Worth, TX \| Richmond, VA \| Hampton Roads, VA
West	States	Alaska \| Arizona \| California \| Colorado \| Hawaii \| Idaho \| Montana \| Nevada \| New Mexico \| Oregon \| Utah \| Washington \| Wyoming
West	Cities	Seattle, WA \| Phoenix, AZ \| Los Angeles, CA \| Bakersfield, CA \| Denver, CO \| Colorado Springs, CO \| Las Vegas, NV \| Albuquerque, NM

2. Sell with Discount Brokers

Discount Brokers are licensed individuals or companies that help you sell your home at a low commission or flat rate. Most discount realtors charge a single fee for the entire sale.

These Flat Fee Realtors have the tools to provide excellent exposure to home sellers. They offer social media exposure, a personalized website, and other features despite offering their services at a lower rate than traditional real estate brokers.

Here are our top recommendations:

Discount Brokers	Fees
Redfin	1.5% of the sale price
Ideal Agent	2% of the sale price
Houwzer	$5000 Flat Fee
HomeLight	2.5% of the sale price

⚡ Discount Real Estate Brokers: Check out detailed reviews of top discount real estate brokers near you.

3. Sell “For Sale By Owner”

77% of the FSBO sellers sold their houses in 2 weeks. Advanced FSBO websites like Houzeo help you sell your home fast and make a successful sale.

The best part about selling a house by owner is the freedom to make decisions about your home sale without a Realtor. Since there is no listing agent involved, you end up saving thousands of dollars on the seller agent commission which would have been impossible otherwise.

⚡ Sell Your Home Fast As FSBO: Check out our tips for selling your home like a pro with FSBO

Selling with a Realtor vs. FSBO vs. Flat Fee MLS

Features	Selling With a Realtor	Selling by Owner (purely FSBO)	Selling with a Flat Fee MLS Service like Houzeo
💲 Pricing	👎 3% listing agent commission	👍 Savings on listing agent commission, you only pay the buyer agent commission	👍 A small Flat Fee for listing. Unrepresented buyers can help you save on buyer agent commission
⚙️ Control Over Transaction	👎 Minimal control of the owner	👎 Full control, zero guidance	👍 Full control, Houzeo's 5-star customer support for guidance
📞 Contacting Buyers and Managing Offers	👎 No direct contact, meetings depend on agent's convenience	👎 Handling multiple offers and buyers all on your own	👍 Direct contact with prospective buyers. Manage offers efficiently with Houzeo's dashboard.
💻 Technology	👎 Manual, outdated technology with tedious paperwork	👎 Single-handed management without tech-support	👍 Houzeo Showings app helps you manage showings at your convenience, & the Settlement Agent Platform guides you until closing
💰 Closing Cost Estimation	👍 Guaranteed expert advice	👎 Estimation can go wrong	👍 Accurate estimation with Houzeo's Advanced Closing Cost Calculator
📢 Exposure	👍 MLS exposure	👎 Zero MLS access	👍 Exposure on MLS, social media, & 100+ real estate websites

4. Sell to “We Buy Houses for Cash” Companies

When selling a home for cash, you can skip on repairs to reduce your expenses. Selling your house as-is will save you money and time. Home sellers get 50% – 70% of the property’s market value for their houses, whether it’s a distressed property or not.

Lesser paperwork and inspections when selling their houses to cash companies speed up the closing process significantly.

⚡ Companies That Buy Houses for Cash: Check our rankings of the top cash companies!

5. Sell to iBuyers

iBuyers are companies that buy houses for cash. The price is decided with the help of their proprietary algorithm, recent real estate data, and in-house experts. An iBuyer offers and closes the deal within 24 hours. However, there are certain pitfalls when dealing with an iBuyer.

The offer price is sometimes way lower than the actual market price
Their offer price is generally non-negotiable
Charge steep service fees – generally 5%-14% of the sale price

Hence, iBuyers are only recommended if you want a quick sale rather than to save your money.

⚡ iBuyer Reviews: See who’s No.1 in America!

Final Word

Having a good REALTOR® when selling a house can make the process cakewalk. Their guidance can help you get the best price for your property in the most hassle-free manner.

However, with the average REALTOR commission being 6% across the nation – split 50-50 between the listing and the buyer agent, your profits on the sale are substantially reduced. Additionally, seller closing costs will eat away at your profits.

Although there is no escaping the closing costs, opting for Flat Fee Realtor, empowered by Houzeo, can help you save 3% listing agent commission.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to choose a REALTOR in Houston, TX?

For choosing a REALTOR in Houston, TX, one should identify their real estate goals and carefully compare the REALTORS in their area based on the commission charged and the services offered.

What is REALTOR commission in Houston?

Realtor Commission in Houston is 3% for the listing agent and 2.5%-3% for the buyer's agent.

Who is the best REALTOR in Houston, TX?

Tod Franklin is the #1 Realtor in Houston, TX who provides stellar services for home sellers and buyers through his company and Houzeo's tech. Besides him, Laura Sweeney and Mike Mahlstedt are other good REALTORS in Houston who can help locals with their real estate transactions.

Related: compass realty Houston, compass real estate Houston, compass.com Houston, compass Houston, mike mahlstedt compass, mike mahlstedt har, Laura Sweeney Houston

Additional Resources for Home Sellers

Selling a House in Texas

Selling your house involves various steps like pricing, marketing, negotiating, paperwork, etc. Check out our comprehensive guide for selling your house in Texas.

How to Sell a House by Owner in Texas

Home sellers who wish to sell their home themselves should know these things before they start. Read to know what steps to take.

Best Realtors in Texas

Home selling can be daunting, but with the right REALTOR you can sell your house at the right price and in the right way. Check out the top REALTORS who can help you!

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Best Real Estate Websites in Texas

Top real estate websites use advanced technology to increase efficiency and reduce time required for a real estate transaction. Check out the best near you!