For home sellers who are looking to save some money during the entire home sale process, discount real estate brokers are a good option. Discount real estate brokers are entities or agents who provide built-in commission savings for sellers.
Rather than charging the 2.5-3% commission that traditional brokerages charge, these discount providers charge a rate that is as low as 1% or just a flat fee.
Here is a list of top discount real estate brokers for all budgets.
1. Houzeo
Listing fee: $249 to $399
Houzeo offers a great mix of new-age technology, high savings, and unbeatable customer support. It is an advanced tech online platform, which enables sellers to list their homes on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for a flat fee. This saves the users nearly 50% of the agent commissions upfront.
Based on the more than 2,000 Houzeo reviews, the company has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot and Google. Sellers can customize the packages based on their needs and also opt for a la carte services.
Positive Houzeo reviews mainly talk about the smooth process of registering and navigating through the platform and excellent customer service.
The website also has features like counteroffers, contract updates, yard signs, home showings, etc.
2. Clever Real Estate
Listing fee: $3,000 or 1% of the sale price
Clever is a simple and quick way of finding a local realtor. Unlike other similar firms, Clever pre-negotiates big discounts on sellers’ behalf so that they can pocket thousands in savings without compromising on service.
The company’s licensed concierge team connects sellers with top brokerages and handpicked agents. Sellers get a similar experience to that of working with a traditional brokerage but at a fraction of the price.
You can interview as many agents as you like and find your perfect fit. It is also as easy to walk away without any obligation.
3. Redfin
Listing fee: 1.5% of the sale price
Redfin is also one of the leading discount real estate brokers you can find near you.
When you consider Redfin over a traditional realtor, you can save nearly 20-30% on commissions. Among the several real estate brokers, Redfin has one of the best technologies. Their robust platform is great for full-service brokerage. Its user interface makes the entire process very easy for sellers.
Rather than having one agent handle every part of the sale, Redfin deploys a team model. This renders the process more efficient as agents can handle a greater volume of clients. However, this may also result in mix-ups or misunderstandings due to working with multiple agents.
The company has proven that its model is effective. But, it is not for everyone. So, if you are a first-time seller or your selling situation is a bit complicated, you may want to consider another discount broker.
4. SimpleShowing
Listing fee: 1% of the sale price or a minimum $3,500
SimpleShowing has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 238 reviews on popular sites like Yelp, Google, and Zillow.
However, this discount real estate broker is only available in some select markets – mainly the Southeast.
Compared to a typical brokerage, the company juggles its agents five times as much. However, it does not have to be a deal-breaker if your property is situated in a hot market.
With SimpleShowing, sellers can access a variety of services like professional photography, MLS listing, home valuation, and others.
That said, if your home is unique or your selling situation is complex, then you might want to collaborate with someone who gives proper time and attention to your house.
5. Prevu
Listing fee: 1.5% of the sale price
Prevu is another discount brokerage that has a presence on the West Coast and in the northeastern US. Akin to other leading discount real estate brokers mentioned in this article, Prevu’s full-service agents offer services that are on par with traditional realtors.
Besides the standard listing service, Prevu’s package also has some premium features. For instance, sellers will get a 3D virtual home tour service and paid social media ads for no extra money.
The majority of the documentation is digital and demands e-signatures.
However, note that the listing fee is variable based on the location, which might translate into lesser savings. Negative customer reviews about the company mention average customer support and inconsistent agent matching at times.
Final Word
It is recommended that if you decide to use the services of discount real estate brokers, then pick the one that offers the most savings while offering the time and attention your home deserves.
Ergo, interview agents from different brokerages to find the one that suits your bill. While this can be a bit time-consuming, you will be satisfied with the end result. After all agent quality is the most key factor in your overall experience.