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Best discount brokers of 2024 | Alternatives to discount realtors | How discount brokers work | How much can I save? | How to choose a discount realtor
When you sell your home, using a discount real estate broker is one of the easiest ways to save money.
Our team spent hundreds of hours researching discount brokers to find companies that offer big savings and good service. These brokerages offer a combination of great rates and amazing service quality.
However, before hiring a realtor, we always recommend comparing multiple options. The best agent for you will depend on your budget, timeline, location, and priorities.
Keep reading for an in-depth look at our top discount real estate broker recommendations for 2023.
⚡ Looking for discount real estate agents near you? Get agent proposals sent straight to your inbox today! This free tool matches you with realtors from top discount brokerages, plus highly rated local agents from major brands like RE/MAX and Compass. If you find an agent you like, you’ll pay a 1.5% listing fee when you sell (half what traditional realtors charge).
Best discount real estate brokers of 2024
Company | Our Rating | Listing Fee | Availability | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best overall
Clever Real Estate |
Our rating
|
1.5%
Min. $3,000
|
Nationwide
|
Find Agents |
Redfin |
Our rating
|
1.5%
Min. fee varies
|
26 states and Washington, DC
|
Find Agents |
Ideal Agent |
2%
Min. $3,000
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More | |
SimpleShowing |
1% (min. $5,000)
|
FL, GA, TX
|
Learn More | |
Houwzer |
1% (min. $2,500)
|
DC, FL, MD, NJ, PA, VA
|
Learn More | |
Prevu |
1.5%
|
CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, MD, MA, NJ, NY, PA, TX, VA, WA
|
Learn More |
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
Clever Real Estate is the best option for most sellers looking to save on realtor commissions. Its 1.5% listing fee is among the lowest of any full-service, nationwide brand. You’ll save thousands on commission while working with a top local realtor from a well-known brokerage, like RE/MAX and Keller Williams.
Pros
- 1.5% listing fee is half the typical rate.
- Agents have strong sales records and great customer reviews.
- Free agent-finding platform with no obligation to sign with a realtor.
Cons
- Certain add-ons like drone photography and staging may cost extra.
- May not get matched with the specific realtor you want if they’re not in Clever’s agent network.
Clever Real Estate offers a 1.5% listing fee, half of what realtors traditionally charge. But you’ll still get a top local real estate agent, so you’ll save thousands without sacrificing quality.
How it works: After filling out an online questionnaire, Clever matches you with realtors in your area. You can choose to work with one of the agents, request more agent matches, or walk away with zero obligations.
Why we like it: Clever is the perfect balance of savings and quality: You get all the services and support of a traditional agent, but you pay a fraction of the typical price. By comparing agents, you ensure you’re getting the realtor who’s right for you.
Clever is available nationwide.
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
Redfin is a well-known discount brokerage that operates in most major cities. The savings are impressive, especially if you buy and sell with Redfin, but some of its agents are inexperienced. And while Redfin’s tech-focused approach comes with some neat features, it also means you may get less hands-on support than you need.
Pros
- You’ll get good savings with a 1.5% listing fee.
- Redfin’s extras, like 3D walk-throughs, can help sell your home.
- If you buy and sell with Redfin, you can get a 0.5% listing fee refund.
Cons
- Agent quality and customer service are not always great.
- Minimum fees are high in some markets.
- You’ll receive less one-on-one support from your agent.
Redfin offers good commission savings, and it’s available in most metro areas. But it comes up short in terms of customer service, plus its high minimum fees negate the savings in some markets.
Redfin uses a team-based model instead of having your agent oversee every part of your sale. This approach makes the process more efficient, which allows Redfin agents to handle a higher volume of customers. But you may face misunderstandings or mix-ups when working with multiple people.
And while some Redfin agents are good, others are new and inexperienced. With relatively few realtors in its network, you run a higher risk of getting stuck with a less-than-stellar realtor when you sell with Redfin.
Redfin is available in major markets in Washington D.C. and the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia.
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
Ideal Agent does a good job of vetting its agents, and it offers decent savings for sellers. But it has a limited service area and a small agent network, which limits your ability to choose the best agent for your situation. Alternative services, like Clever, offer the same service — but with better savings, more coverage, and more agents.
Read the full Ideal Agent review.
Pros
- Matched with top-performing realtors.
- 2% listing fee is a slight discount.
Cons
- Fewer agents makes it harder to compare your options.
- Limited coverage outside of big cities.
- Mediocre savings compared to other brands.
Ideal Agent matches sellers and buyers with traditional agents. The company negotiates 2% listing fees with its realtors and screens them for quality and experience.
A 2% listing fee is decent, but you could save more with the 1.5% that Clever and Redfin offer.
Ideal Agent’s partner realtors are good, but there aren’t very many of them, and they’re mostly located in big cities. There’s no guarantee Ideal Agent will have a realtor in your area, and if they do, you’ll get matched with only one.
Ideal Agent is available nationwide.
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
SimpleShowing’s 1% listing fee looks like a great deal at first glance. But there’s a good chance you’ll pay more than that thanks to its high minimum fee of $5,000. On top of that, agents are stretched thin, so you risk dealing with lower customer service quality and less hands-on support.
Pros
- The low 1% listing fee can be a good deal for homes over $500,000.
- Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
Cons
- Its $5,000 minimum fee means you pay more than 1% on homes below $500,000.
- It’s only available in a handful of cities in Florida, Georgia, and Texas.
- Its realtors handle a lot of clients, which can negatively affect service quality.
SimpleShowing offers a 1% listing fee with a high minimum of $5,000. If you’re selling a home for more than $500,000, you’ll pay more than 1% in listing fees.
Its agents juggle five times as many customers as a typical real estate agent. That isn’t necessarily a deal breaker if you’re selling a desirable home in a hot market. But if you expect your agent to provide more hands-on support, you could be disappointed and end up doing a lot of the work yourself.
SimpleShowing is available in FL, GA, and TX.
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
Houwzer gets points for its low 1% listing fees, which could save you a lot of money. Its $10,000 cap on listing fees makes it especially enticing if you’re selling a million-dollar home. But Houwzer’s high-volume, team-based approach is a red flag if you need one-on-one support from your agent. Unless you’re in a market where homes are “selling themselves,” using Houwzer is probably more risky than it’s worth.
Pros
- The company offers a low 1% listing fee with a reasonable minimum.
- It has a $10,000 listing fee cap, making it a good deal for homes over $1 million.
Cons
- Agents handle a lot of clients, which may negatively impact service quality.
- You have fewer agents to choose from compared to other brands.
Houwzer is one of the cheapest discount realtors because of its 1% listing fee and reasonable minimum. It even has a cap of $10,000 on fees, which is an especially good deal if you’re selling a home for more than $1 million.
But Houwzer might not have the best service quality. Like Redfin and SimpleShowing, Houwzer’s agents handle a lot more clients than traditional realtors do. Your sale might not get the attention it needs from your realtor. And because you’ll work with a team instead of just your agent, the chances of miscommunication and mistakes also increase.
Houwzer is available in DC, FL, MD, NJ, PA, and VA.
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
If Prevu is in your area, it may be worth looking into. The company is one of the few discount real estate brokers that offers significant savings for both sellers and buyers. Its 1.5% listing fee is competitive with other brands, and buyers can get up to 2% back after closing.
But Prevu is a small company, so you’ll want to ensure the agent it matches you with is actually suitable for your transaction. We suggest comparing Prevu’s agents to what other discount real estate brokers can offer so you get the best agent for your situation.
Pros
- Prevu’s 1.5% listing fee offers good savings for sellers.
- Buyers can save with up to 2% back after closing.
Cons
- High minimum fees can negate savings.
- The limited agent selection means you may not get the right agent for your transaction.
Prevu is a discount real estate company that offers big savings for home buyers and sellers in higher-value markets like New York City and Los Angeles. Prevu offers its savings by connecting home buyers and sellers with salaried agents who handle most of the tasks ordinarily handled by a full-service realtor.
Prevu is available in select markets in CA, CT, MA, NY, and PA.
Alternatives to selling with discount real estate agents
Do it yourself with a flat fee MLS broker
If you have experience selling homes and are willing to do most realtor tasks yourself, hiring a flat fee MLS listing service may be your best option. These brokers can list your home on the MLS, but they leave the rest of the home sale to you.
Flat fee MLS companies are almost always cheaper than traditional real estate agents. But these companies are also a lot riskier since you’re essentially selling your house without a realtor.
At a minimum, a flat fee MLS service should provide:
- A 6–12 month MLS listing
- A high photo limit (25 or more)
- Free cancellation
- Free listing edits
- Buyer and agent lead forwarding
Some flat fee companies offer extras like lockboxes and online appointment scheduling. You can also get an agent’s help with pricing your home, reviewing offers, negotiating, and completing paperwork.
Here are our top picks for flat fee MLS listing services. These companies have strong customer ratings and many service options, from basic MLS listings to virtual full service.
Company | Our Rating | Listing Fee | Availability | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best overall value
HomeZu |
537 reviews
|
$399 + 1% at closing in most states
|
Nationwide, excluding ND and WY
|
Learn More |
Homecoin |
112 reviews
|
$95
|
AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NY, OH, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI
|
Learn More |
Congress Realty |
105 reviews
|
$299–499 or $399 upfront + 0.5% at closing
|
AZ, AK, CA, ID, LA, MT, NV, NM, OR, TX, UT, WA
|
Learn More |
beycome |
587 reviews
|
$99 to $599 upfront + 1% at closing
|
AL, CA, CT, FL, GA, IL, MN, NC, SC, TX
|
Learn More |
Flat Fee Group |
Reviews vary by location
|
$299–1,289
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More |
Sell to a cash buyer or an iBuyer
If you need to sell your home on a very specific timeline, selling to a company that buys houses for cash can be a good option. This is also a good option if your home needs extensive repairs, and you don’t have the time or money to fix it up.
Cash buyers can close quickly (anywhere from seven days to 90 days), and many investors will buy homes sight unseen. Just be aware that your home will likely sell for significantly less than its after-repair market value.
Negotiate with your agent
Another way to get a lower listing fee is by negotiating with your real estate agent directly. Your listing agent might not be willing or able to lower their rate (often, realtors work with brokerages who set their rates for them). However, if your home is in market-ready condition, and you live in a market where homes are selling quickly, a realtor might be willing to accept a lower listing fee.
👉 Jump to: How do discount realtors work? | How much can I save? | How to choose a discount realtor | Risks | Find discount real estate brokers near me
What is a discount real estate broker?
A discount real estate broker is a company or agent that helps you sell your house for less than the typical 2.5–3% listing fee. Some discount brokers also save buyers money by offering rebates and cash back.
The level of service discount brokerages offer varies. Some give the same service as full-service real estate agents, guiding you through the process from start to finish. Others provide limited service and won’t negotiate on your behalf, assist with paperwork, or help you navigate the closing process.
How do discount real estate brokers work?
Discount real estate brokers create savings by identifying areas in the conventional brokerage model that are inefficient, unnecessary, or outdated.
It’s important to understand where your savings are coming from. Some discount realtors offer the same service as a typical real estate agent, while others cut fees in risky ways that could cost you money on your sale.
Full-service discount real estate brokers
The best discount brokers address inefficiencies in the selling process, which allows them to charge less than a traditional agent while still offering full service.
For example, our top recommendation — Clever Real Estate — connects you to top local realtors who offer a commission discount in exchange for referrals. Agents save time and money securing new clients, while you enjoy pre-negotiated commission savings.
Other discount companies try to reinvent the entire brokerage model. You might work with a team instead of one dedicated agent, or you might have a 100% remote agent. These approaches could lead to less support than a traditional realtor provides.
Limited-service real estate brokers
Some discount brokers, like flat fee MLS listing services, create savings by letting you do most of the work to sell your house. These companies charge a flat fee (as low as $100) to list your home on the multiple listing service (MLS). You handle the marketing, negotiations, closing, paperwork, and more.
Some flat fee MLS companies offer add-ons like marketing materials and pricing assistance. A few companies, such as Congress Realty and Flat Fee Group, offer more extensive help, like negotiation assistance and contract review. These services usually cost a high fixed fee or a small percentage of the final sale price.
If you don’t have real estate expertise, using a flat fee MLS company can be risky. For sale by owner (FSBO) homes tend to sell for much less than homes sold with a realtor.
» JUMP TO: Our top discount broker rankings
How much can I save with a discount realtor?
Selling with a discount realtor could save you thousands of dollars compared to listing with a traditional brokerage.
Here’s how much you could save if you sold with a company that charges a 1.5% listing fee, instead of the traditional 3% commission rate:
Home price | 1.5% commission savings* |
---|---|
$250,000 | $3,750 |
$500,000 | $7,500 |
$750,000 | $11,250 |
$1 Million | $15,000 |
However, there’s more to choosing a discount real estate broker near you than finding the one that charges the lowest fee in your area.
If you want to work with top notch realtors at a great rate, we recommend using an agent-finding tool. When you use our free service, you’ll save up to 50% on listing fees and work with realtors from well-known brokerages like Keller Williams and Century 21. Get realtor proposals sent straight to your inbox today (it’s free, and there’s no obligation to move forward).
How to choose the right discount real estate broker
Think about how much support you need from an agent versus how much you want to handle on your own. If you want the same service as a traditional realtor, look at full-service brokers. If you want just an MLS listing and a few add-on services, look at limited-service brokers.
Once you choose the type of brokerage, research several companies. Read reviews from multiple sites to check each company’s reputation.
After narrowing down your list, interview agents from the remaining brokerages.
Some discount brokerages, like Houwzer and Flat Fee Group, automatically assign you a realtor. But we recommend using a brokerage like Clever that allows you to vet agents before you decide who to hire. At the end of the day, you’ll be working with an individual realtor — not a brand!
“It’s not just about the list of services a brokerage provides,” says Joy Riley, a realtor with Westcott Properties. “It’s also the experience of the agent. An agent that’s good has great knowledge of the market, can price appropriately, can get your home viewed, and can negotiate on your behalf. Those are things that can’t be put into a list of services.”
Discount realtors, like traditional agents, should earn your business by establishing rapport and demonstrating their expertise. Great agents exist at every price point. Choose a realtor who understands your goals and has a solid strategy to achieve them.
» LEARN: How to Choose a Realtor When Selling | How to Choose a Realtor for Buying
Risks of selling with discount real estate brokers
Some discount real estate brokers are riskier to work with because their brokerage doesn’t offer full service, which could leave you without the support you need. Another risk is that you may end up with an agent who is inexperienced or lacks local market knowledge: though this is a risk you’d face with any traditional brokerage.
The best discount brokerages have strict agent vetting requirements and provide all the same services that a traditional realtor would offer. Look for the following indicators to spot a discount broker that offers a solid level of service:
- Agents are required to be top performers in their market or maintain a certain level of customer satisfaction.
- Agent will meet with you in person, help you evaluate offers, and guide you through negotiations, due diligence, and closing.
- You receive a comparative market analysis (CMA), pricing guidance, staging advice, a for-sale sign, and a lock box for buyers’ agents at no additional charge.
How can I find discount real estate brokers near me?
Select your state or city to find a roundup of the best discount brokers in your area, including national and local options.
Note: If your location isn’t listed below, we’re currently working to bring you in-depth reviews of discount brokers near you.
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FAQ about selling with a discount real estate brokerage
What are the best discount real estate brokers?
The best discount real estate broker for most home sellers is Clever Real Estate because it offers best-in-class savings and service quality. Other companies we recommend include Redfin, SimpleShowing, and Ideal Agent. See the full list of the best (and worst) discount brokers.
How can I find top discount brokers near me?
Clever Real Estate, Redfin, and Ideal Agent have agents available nationwide, but most other low commission companies only have regional coverage. Click here to search for discount brokers near you.
Are discount realtors worth it?
Yes, discount realtors are usually worth it. No matter your budget, you can likely find a low commission company that offers great savings while still providing an experience that's similar to selling with a traditional agent.
What are discount brokers in real estate?
A discount real estate broker is any company whose agents will list and sell your house for less than the standard 2.5–3% commission rate that real estate agents typically charge.
What do discount brokers do for home sellers?
Different discount brokers provide varying levels of service. The top brands offer full service, which means they'll give you a similar range of services and support as traditional real estate agents. Limited-service discount brands typically perform only a handful of services, like publishing your listing on the MLS.
Should I sell my house with a discount real estate broker?
Discount brokerages can save you money, but it's important to choose a brand and real estate agent that will deliver the service you need. Some of the top discount brokerages offer the same level of service that you'd get with a full service agent, but at a fraction of the cost. Others offer more limited service and may not provide much help beyond creating an MLS listing.
Is Clever better than Redfin?
We rank Clever better than Redfin overall. Both companies offer 1.5% listing fees that save you money. But with Clever, you get a dedicated full-service agent to guide you through the entire selling process. Redfin, on the other hand, uses a team-based approach: different Redfin team members handle different aspects of your sale. As a result, Redfin's service tends to be less personalized to your needs.
Related links
The Best iBuyer Companies: Need to sell your house as fast as possible, even if it means earning slightly less than you would on the open market? Check out our reviews of the top iBuyer companies.
What Companies Offer the Lowest Real Estate Commission Fees? Read our full rankings of the top low commission real estate companies. Compare listing fees, pros and cons, and customer ratings to find the best company for your individual situation.
How to Choose a Realtor: Whether you’re listing with a discount real estate company or a traditional brokerage, finding the right agent makes all the difference. Read our complete guide to choosing the right realtor.
How to Sell Your Home | The Ultimate Guide: This guide gives a complete breakdown of the home sale process, from start to finish, to help prepare you for your big sale and save money on realtor fees.
Negotiating Realtor Fees: 5 Tips to Lower Commission: Negotiating real estate fees depends on knowing the market and your situation, then using that info while talking to multiple agents.
Janet says
Hi Ryan, great post. I am an experienced buyer/seller but because the property I am selling is in Florida, I would like a broker who can provide help with the transaction. I recently sold a property in Alabama using a broker who provided an a la carte selection of services. I was very satisfied and sold home in 2 days on the market at above list price. The company was Crawford Realty. (Wayne Crawford) Was wondering if you knew of similar type broker for the Florida panhandle. We are in Walton County but also need listings in Okaloosa and Bay. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Cynthia Gomez says
What’s the reason discount brokers can’t create their own websites to list houses they have for sale?