89% of buyers use 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.
Top real estate companies in America 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.
🏅 Top 10 Real Estate Companies in USA
-
For Home Sellers
- Houzeo: Best Advanced Technology
- Prevu: Best Agents
- Redfin: Best Market Insights
- Century 21: Best Market Exposure
- RE/MAX : Best Assistance
-
For Home Buyers
- Coldwell Banker: Best Investment Properties
- Trulia : Best Mobile App
- eXp Realty : Best Traditional Agent Service
- Berkshire Hathaway: Best Luxury Properties
- Zillow: Best Residential Properties
5 Best Real Estate Agencies for Home Sellers in America
We have spent thousands of hours researching and reviewing top home-selling real estate companies. Here are our rankings:
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. Prevu
Lower Commission
Listing Fee: 1.5% of Sale PricePrevu is a full-service brokerage that is tech-enabled that offers these features for the sellers:
- 2% Listing Fee: Prevu charges a 2% listing fee, which is lower than the traditional 3% fee. This does not include the buyer’s agent commission.
- Full-Service Agents: Prevu agents provides a range of services, including a CMA Report, professional photography, 3D tours, and negotiation support.
- Digital Platform: The company emphasizes its online platform for quickening and streamlining the home-selling process.
For home buyers, Prevu primarily provides these services:
- Smart Buyer™ Rebate: You get a rebate of up to 1% of your home’s purchase price. However, this amount can differ from transaction to transaction.
- Dedicated Agents: Your dedicated Prevu agent guides throughout the process – from viewing properties to closing deals.
- Technology-Driven Search: Prevu’s platform allows you to easily search for properties and simplifies your communication with your agent.
Based on our research, the benefits of Prevu are:
- Significant Savings for Buyers: Your rebate can add up to thousands of dollars. You can use this money to pay closing costs and other expenses.
- Lower Fees for Sellers: The 2% listing fee is a discounted amount against the traditional 3%, helping you save on commission.
- High Customer Satisfaction: Prevu’s customer reviews often praise the significant savings clients make and the expertise of the agents.
Here are some limitations we found with Prevu:
- Variable Rebate: The rebate is “up to” 1% and not a guaranteed amount. It can be subject to minimum commission requirements.
- Seller Savings are Less Dramatic: While the 2% fee is a discounted percentage, it is not as low as other flat-fee or low-commission models on the market.
- Hand-off Approach: Prevu’s model often requires independence and effort from buyers. This may not be ideal for those who need guidance.
Prevu has a stellar rating of 5 out of 5 on Google.
» Prevu Reviews: Is it a good idea to choose Prevu? Read the comprehensive review to learn more.
Prevu offers a discounted, full-service experience for sellers. The agents provide professional marketing and transaction support for a reduced listing fee. For buyers, the company provides expert agent assistance and a significant "Smart Buyer Rebate" of up to 1% of the purchase price.
Prevu is a modern real estate company headquartered in New York City. It operates in major urban markets, including New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle. The company has more than 100 licensed agents who are local experts in their respective cities.
Prevu offers a home valuation tool, professional photography, and market insights. Additionally, it lists homes on major websites and helps with pricing and negotiations. However, Prevu only operates in 14 states.
3. Redfin
FAST LISTING
1.5% Listing FeeRedfin offers services in over 100 real estate markets across 49 U.S. states.
- Redfin Full-Service Agent – 1.5% Commission: This is a full-service package. This includes pricing assistance, listing paperwork, negotiation support, etc.
- Redfin Concierge – 2.5% Commission: The “Concierge” plan includes everything from the Full-Service package. Additional services include professional cleaning and home staging.
- Redfin Premier Agent – 1.5% Commission: This package is exclusively for luxury properties and includes everything that comes with the Full-Service package.
Here are some advantages of choosing Redfin:
- Advanced Technology: Redfin is primarily known for its advanced tech platform and mobile app.
- Full-Service Agents at Low Commission – 1.5%: Redfin’s full-service package is priced at 1.5%. It saves you thousands of dollars compared to the traditional 3% listing commission.
- Free Professional Photography: Unlike some traditional agents, Redfin provides free professional photos using its in-house photography team.
In our research, we found the following red flags with Redfin that could make your experience less satisfactory:
- Poor Customer Reviews: Customers have complained that agents are often unreachable.
- Limited Agent Selection: As per customer reviews, Redfin lacks an array of agents. This means you get an agent assigned automatically without having any choice in the matter.
- Lack of Personalized Services: Customers have often complained that Redfin agents are not able to give personalized service, as they serve a high volume of clients.
Redfin has an average rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars on Yelp.
» Redfin Reviews: Pros, Cons, and Real Customer Experiences.
👉Our Take: When you opt for Redfin, you can save a considerable amount on the commission fees. Although Redfin tries to provide its service 3x faster than the traditional agents, it limits its ability to provide personalized service.
Redfin is one of the largest real estate companies in the US. David Eraker, David Selinger, and Michael Dougherty founded the company in 2004. Since 2017, Redfin has been a publicly traded company.
Additionally, Redfin offers great services at lower rates. It also provides an elaborate listing agreement with an 18-day timeframe for listing your property. However, some customers have expressed concerns about the agent’s professionalism.
4. 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.
Century 21 has an online platform for property searches, virtual tours, and market analysis tools. However, since it’s a large franchise, the quality of service can vary between individual offices and agents.
5. 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.
Additionally, RE/MAX has a high market share in residential and commercial real estate. Clients also have access to market data, valuation tools, and a user-friendly search platform.
5 Best Real Estate Companies for Home Buyers in America
Here are the top 5 biggest real estate companies for home buyers in America:
1. Coldwell Banker
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.
Furthermore, 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. Trulia
Informative App
Based in CaliforniaTrulia doesn’t charge users for features like browsing listings, photos, or contacting agents. However, renters do have to pay $29 rental screening fees.
👉 Our Take: Trulia stands out for its user-friendly interface and extensive property listings. It offers valuable tools like neighborhood insights and crime maps. Trulia is a good choice for those seeking a convenient home search experience.
Here are some advantages of Trulia:
- Extensive Listings: Trulia covers several property types, allowing users to explore various options.
- Neighborhood Information: Trulia keeps you updated with all the neighborhood information such as crime rates, schools, amenities, etc.
- Agent Connectivity: You can connect with real estate agents directly through the platform. This service may benefit you if you want to work with an agent.
- Mobile App: It provides convenient access to property listings, saved searches, and notifications.
- Local Coverage: It offers a comprehensive map and filters, which make it easier to look for local information about the property.
- Best Calculators: Trulia has a mortgage, affordability, and refinancing calculator to serve you better.
Here are some disadvantages of Trulia:
- Incomplete Data: Some listings may lack details, such as neighborhood insights or detailed property histories.
- Outdated Listings: Sometimes even if the house is sold, the listing is not updated. This can mislead the buyers.
Trulia has a rating of 3.2 out of 5 stars from 70+ reviews on G2
» Trulia Reviews: Click here to know the reason behind the 3-star review on G2.
Trulia is owned by Zillow. It is located in San Francisco and provides information based on user feedback. It also allows users to switch between agent-listed and owner-listed homes.
Additionally, Trulia keeps you updated with neighborhood information, such as crime rates, schools, amenities, etc. Moreover, its website has over 1 million homes for sale. However, it relies on user-generated content that may sometimes lead to inconsistencies in listing accuracy.
3. 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.
-
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. Furthermore, it has a technology-driven platform that appeals to buyers looking for a more flexible real estate experience.
Additionally, eXp Realty 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.
4. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Luxury Listings
Based in MinneapolisBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices is a real estate brokerage franchise. BHHS makes over $136 billion annually in residential real estate transactions.
- No Service Fee: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices does not charge home buyers any fee for its services.
👉 Our Take: Berkshire Hathaway is ideal for buyers seeking luxury homes or high-end properties. Their agents provide expert advice and detailed market insights.
The key features for Berkshire Hathaway include:
- Exclusive Listings: Buyers gain access to high-end and luxury properties that may not be available on other platforms.
- Professional Network: Access to a broad network of professionals, including mortgage brokers and home inspectors.
- Assistance in Paperwork: The agents handle all paperwork for you to buy a house.
Here are a few drawbacks of Berkshire Hathaway:
- Higher Costs: The focus on luxury properties often means higher prices, which might not suit all budgets.
- Limited Options: Fewer choices are available for buyers looking for more budget-friendly homes.
Berkshire Hathaway has a rating of 2.9 out of 5 on Best Company.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. It is known for dealing with high-end luxury properties. Additionally, It provides buyers with access to property features and amenities to help them choose the best home.
Moreover, their email updates keep you informed about new homes that are available. However, the high-quality service may come with a higher commission fee.
5. Zillow
Largest Marketplace
Based in WashingtonZillow ranks among the top real estate sites. It is known for user-friendly buying and renting tools which offers a smooth experience.
- Zillow Premier Agent: You can connect directly with an agent and check commission fees. Typically, a buyer agent charges a 2%-3% commission on the sale price.
Top Zillow Features for Buyers:
- Extensive Listings: Zillow offers a wide range of properties for sale, rentals, and foreclosures.
- Mortgage Calculator: It allows you to compare mortgage rates from lenders. You can pre-qualify for a loan through Zillow Home Loans.
- Zestimate Tool: It provides property estimates to assess fair market value.
Here are some drawbacks of Zillow:
- Outdated Listings: Some property listings may not be updated in real time. Homes marked as “available” may be already under contract or sold.
- User-Generated Content: Home details and photos heavily rely on user input, which can sometimes be inaccurate.
- Overwhelming Ads: The site has frequent promotions and ads, which can slow down your search.
Zillow has a rating of 1.3 out of 5 stars on Consumer Affairs.
» Zillow Offers Reviews: Everything you need to know about Zillow.
Zillow was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Seattle, WA. It is one of the top realty firms 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.
Top Real Estate Agencies Near Me
| Region | States |
|---|---|
| Northeast | Connecticut, Massachusetts , New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine |
| Midwest | Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, , Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio , South Dakota, Wisconsin |
| South | Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia,Texas, Washington, D.C., West Virginia |
| West | Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming |
Best Real Estate Companies to Work for in the US
When you choose a real estate firm to work for in America, it’s important to consider how the commission is split. Most real estate agents get paid a commission which is then split between the agent and the brokerage.
Here’s a comparison of top real estate brokerages in the US:
| 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 prioritizing 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 | Professionals who seek 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 have offices across the country 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 of Specialization: Consider the brokerage’s niche and how it aligns with your interests and local opportunities in the real estate market.
How to Choose the Best Real Estate Company?
You can choose the top real estate companies in the US based on these important factors:
For Sellers:
- 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.
- 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: Good customer service can ensure that your real estate transaction goes smoothly. Find a company that aligns with your preferences and also has helpful customer service.
For Buyers:
- Property Listings: Opt for a company that has MLS access, so you can easily browse all real estate listings across America 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 Worth It?
Yes! Real estate companies in America 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 across the U.S.
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?
Check out the following video for all the details you need:
» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why Houzeo is America’s best home buying and selling website.
