Published
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Written by
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Edited by Hannah Warrick
Written by Jared Lindstrom
Edited by Hannah Warrick
If you’re looking to sell a house and save on realtor commission fees in Des Moines, Iowa, we recommend hiring a discount real estate brokerage. A good discount real estate broker provides the same general services and support as a traditional real estate agent but for a fraction of the price.
| Company | Our Rating | Upfront Fee | Listing Fee | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏅 Best overall
Clever Real Estate |
Excellent
|
None
|
1.5% ($3,000 min.)
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More |
Redfin Des Moines |
Very good
|
None
|
1.5% ($2,500 min.)
|
Multi-state
|
Learn More |
Ruby Realty |
Very good
|
None
|
$2,500
|
Local
|
Learn More |
FSBOHOMES |
Very good
|
None
|
$3,000*
|
Local
|
Learn More |
Space Simply |
Very good
|
None
|
$2,495
|
Local
|
Learn More |
Flat Fee Group Iowa |
Good
|
$399–1995
|
0.25–0.5%
|
Statewide
|
Learn More |
Next Generation Realty |
Good
|
None
|
$3,990–9,990
|
Local
|
Learn More |
The Real Estate Witch Team evaluated 19 discount real estate brokers in the Des Moines, Iowa, area based on a variety of key factors, including fee structures, customer reviews, sales performance, and more. Our guide will help you choose the right brand to fit your budget and desired level of service.
⚡️ In a hurry? Find top discount realtors near you now.
Top full-service discount real estate brokers in Des Moines, IA
Upfront Fee
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Availability
Overview
Pricing
Reviews
Contact
Our take: Clever is our top choice for Des Moines residents seeking to save on realtor commission while still receiving exceptional service.
What we like: Clever connects you with non-discount realtors who offer discounted rates, allowing you to keep more money in your pocket. Plus Clever’s matching service is highly rated and completely free to use with no obligations.
How it works: Clever matches you with top local realtors from well-known brokerages like RE/MAX and Compass. You can compare various options to find the perfect fit, all while taking advantage of the special 1.5% listing fee, which is the same rate offered by Redfin, regardless of which realtor you choose.
Pros
- Work with a traditional agent from a respected brokerage rather than a discount agent
- Agents are willing to work at rates up to 50% below their usual fees when you go through Clever
- Largest selection of agents in Des Moines, giving you plenty of options to find the right fit
Cons
- No guarantee to work with a specific agent or brokerage of your choice
- Additional services, such as professional staging, drone photos, and 3D tours, may come with additional costs (your agent will provide a breakdown of what is included during their listing presentation)
Fee structure
- 1.5% listing fee ($3,000 min.) at closing
- 2–3% buyer’s agent commission at closing
Total reviews nationwide:
| Weighted avg. | 5.0 | 3,055 |
| Trustpilot | 5.0 | 2,755 |
| 4.8 | 300 |
Total reviews from Iowa
| Weighted avg. | 5.0 | 11 |
| Trustpilot | 5.0 | 11 |
| N/A | N/A |
Website: listwithclever.com
Phone: 1-833-225-3837
Hours: 7 a.m.–9 p.m. CST, 7 days a week
Address: 4625 Lindell Blvd, 2nd FL, St. Louis, MO 63108
Upfront Fee
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Availability
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Pricing
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Our take: Redfin’s discount real estate service offers excellent value for most home sellers in Des Moines.
What we like: Redfin’s 1.5% listing fees can equal significant savings, and you qualify for an additional 0.5% discount on the listing fee if you sell and buy with Redfin within 12 months. Redfin is a well-established brand with a larger selection of discount realtors compared to other local discount real estate brokers.
Things to watch out for: Redfin’s selling approach is team-based and revolves around technology, which may not suit everyone. Redfin conducts most of the process remotely, and you’ll work with a lead agent supported by a back-office team. Redfin also charges a minimum commission fee of $2,500 in Des Moines. If your home’s sale price falls below $150,000, you might pay more than the advertised 1.5% commission rate.
Pros
- Significant savings listing fees at 1.5%
- Renowned brand with a solid agent selection
- Appealing tech-driven approach for some sellers
Cons
- Higher minimum commission fee compared to other Des Moines options
- High-volume and team-based service model may not be suitable for everyone
- Offers a smaller selection of agents compared to Clever
Fee structure
- 1.5% listing fee ($2,500 min. in Des Moines) at closing
- 2–3% buyer’s agent commission at closing
- 0.5% listing fee refund if you also buy with Redfin within 12 months
*Not enough data available at this time
Website: redfin.com
Phone: 1-844-759-7732
Hours: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. CST, 7 days a week
Address: 699 Walnut St, 4th Floor, Des Moines, IA 50309
Areas served: Ames, Ankeny, Bettendorf, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, Dubuque, Iowa City, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, and more
Upfront Fee
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Availability
Overview
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Contact
Our take: Ruby Realty could be a good fit for home sellers in Des Moines looking for a flat fee real estate broker with local knowledge and personal attention.
What we like: Ruby Realty’s full-service plan costs $2,500 at closing with the Ruby Plan, which could mean significant savings for sellers. Flat fee listings include free market analysis, signage, online marketing, and partnership with a local real estate broker. The team at Ruby Realty has exceptional local knowledge with over a decade working in the Des Moines area.
Things to watch out for: Sellers have to upgrade to the diamond plan (2% at closing) if they want scheduled open houses, which could offset potential savings.
Pros
- Relatively low fixed listing fee
- Free market analysis, yard signs, online marketing, and lock boxes
- Local knowledge and personal service from a veteran Des Moines realtor
Cons
- Limited number of customer reviews
- No recent reviews
- No transaction data in our dataset
- Open houses require the diamond plan with a 2% listing fee
Fee structure
Ruby Package
- $2,500 listing fee at closing
- 3% buyer’s agent commission at closing
Diamond Package
- 2% listing fee at closing
- 3% buyer’s agent commission at closing
Website: ruby-realty.com
Phone: (515) 987-8400
Address: 974-73rd #8, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Areas served: Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Des Moines, Lovington, Norwoodville, Pleasant Hill, Saylorville, West Des Moines, and Windsor Heights
Upfront Fee
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Customer Rating
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Overview
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Our take: FSBOHOMES provides flat fee real estate services for experienced, do-it-yourself home sellers in Des Moines.
What we like: FSBOHOMES offers a competitive flat fee full-service plan that includes 3D virtual open houses, custom yard signs, local market advertising, posting on national real estate sites, and more. The broker also offers up-front or at-closing payment options.
Things to watch out for: The $2,500 upfront or $3,000 at closing listing fee could cost you more than other discount real estate brokerages in the area, and some homeowners may be charged an additional fee due to property size or location. Local MLS listings cost extra. All fees are subject to change, and FSBOHOMES doesn’t provide real estate broker services according to its terms.
Pros
- Flat fee keeps costs low and could save home sellers money
- Includes 3D virtual open houses, yard signs, and local market advertising
- High positive customer review score
Cons
- Upfront fee can be a barrier for some sellers
- Some sellers may pay extra due to property size or location
- FSBOHOMES doesn’t act as a real estate broker for customers
- Listings on local MLS isn’t included in the flat fee
- All fees are subject to change
Fee structure
- $2,500 upfront or $3,000 at closing
*Fee is reflective of the Des Moines market, all fees are subject to change, additional charges may occur based on property location or size
Website: fsbohomes.com
Phone: (515) 393-4688
Address: 110 N Ankeny Blvd, Ste 600, Ankeny, IA 50023
Areas served: Ankeny, Clive, Des Moines, Grimes, Johnston, Urbandale, Waukee, and West Des Moines
Upfront Fee
Listing Fee
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Our take: Space Simply’s flat fee model offers predictable costs and potential for significant savings in Des Moines, but the service area and agent selection are limited compared to larger national brands.
What we like: A flat fee of $2,495 offers significant savings for many homes in the Des Moines area with no upfront risk. Space Simply’s listings include professional photography, online marketing with data analysis, realtor-led negotiations, and closing assistance.
Things to watch out for: There’s no mention of an MLS listing length, which could be a concern if your home takes longer to sell.
Pros
- Potential large savings for higher-priced homes with flat fee structure
- Listings include photography, marketing, yard signs, and more
- Receive full support from a local Des Moines agent from listing to close
Cons
- Service area is limited to the Greater Des Moines metro
- No customer reviews available
- No clarity on MLS listing length
Fee structure
- $2,495 listing fee at closing
- 3% buyer’s agent commission at closing
Website: spacesimply.com
Phone: (515) 423-0899
Address: 10306 Douglas Ave, Urbandale, IA 50322
Areas served: Clive, Des Moines, Urbandale, West Des Moines, and Waukee
Upfront Fee
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
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Our take: Flat Fee Group’s saving potential with a flat fee plus and relatively low commission upon closing could be enticing for experienced sellers, but you need to be careful when selecting a listing package.
What we like: Flat Fee Group offers Des Moines sellers a low upfront fee ($399–1995) paired with 0.25 to 0.5% listing fees that could net significant savings. The full-service package includes one year of MLS listing, in-person open houses, yard signs, and contract negotiation assistance.
Things to watch out for: Flat Fee Group advises sellers to negotiate the lowest buying agent commission possible (as low as 1%), which may limit collaboration with buying agents in the area. You can cancel anytime, but all fees are non-refundable — even if you’re unhappy with the service you receive.
Pros
- Potential savings compared to traditional brokerages
- Combines a low up-front fee with a discounted listing fee, providing some flexibility
Cons
- Risk of losing the upfront fee if you cancel service
- Aggressive buying agent commission negotiation could harm sales potential
- Minimal customer reviews and a lack of local transaction data
Fee structure
Basic Listing Package:
- $399 upfront + 0.5% at closing
- 1–3% buyer’s agent commission recommended at closing
Premium Listing Package:
- $799 upfront + 0.5% at closing
- 1–3% buyer’s agent commission recommended at closing
Full Service Package:
- $1,995 upfront + 0.25% at closing
- 1–3% buyer’s agent commission recommended at closing
*Not enough data available at this time
Website: flatfeegroup.com
Phone: (515) 770-2491
Address: N/A
Areas served: Altoona, Ames, Ankeny, Bellevue, Belmond, Bennett, Bettendorf, Bloomfield, Boone, Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Clinton, Clive, Coralville, Council Bluffs, Davenport, De Soto, Decorah, Denison, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fort Dodge, Glenwood, Grand Junction, Greene, Grinnell, Grundy Center, Guthrie Center, Indianola, Iowa City, Johnston, Keokuk, Marion, Marshalltown, Mason City, Muscatine, Newton, North Liberty, Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, Pella, Pleasant Hill, Sioux City, Spencer, Storm Lake, Urbandale, Waterloo, Waukee, West Des Moines, and more
Upfront Fee
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Availability
Overview
Pricing
Reviews
Contact
Our take: Next Generation Realty offers a flat fee model that scales by price and covers all commission for Des Moines residents, but service offerings could be limited.
What we like: Next Generation Realty works with buying agents to bundle commissions into one flat fee based on home value. Market analysis, signage, and professional photography are included with listings. The flat fee real estate brokerage is well established in Des Moines and has served the community since 1994.
Things to watch out for: Sellers primarily handle open houses on their own — realtor-led open houses are an additional fee. Commission structure may limit buying agent collaboration. There could be more focus on higher-priced homes to maximize the broker’s profit. Homes at the lower end of the pricing tiers are less profitable for sellers.
Pros
- Bundled flat fee commission structure
- Support from experienced Des Moines realtors
- Market analysis, signage, and professional photography included
Cons
- Fee structure may impact collaboration with buying agents
- Agent-led open houses cost extra
- Broker could focus on higher priced homes
Fee structure
- $3,990 listing fee at closing (below $140,000)
- $5,990 listing fee at closing ($140,000–300,000)
- $7,990 listing fee at closing ($300,000–500,000)
- $9,990 listing fee at closing ($500,000 and up)
*Flat fee covers both listing agent commission and buyer’s agent commission
Website: nextgenerationrealty.com
Phone: (515) 224-9900
Address: 2011 NW 100th St, Des Moines, IA 50325
Areas served: Des Moines and West Des Moines
Other discount real estate brokerages in Des Moines, IA
Assist-2-Sell is a nationwide flat fee broker that serves the Des Moines area, but a lack of pricing transparency and limited service offerings kept it off our list. These factors made it challenging to compare Assist-2-Sell to other discount real estate brokers in the area and provide accurate descriptions of its services.
Discount Realtor pairs sellers in Des Moines with licensed real estate agents who offer their services at a flat fee or discounted rate on local MLS. A lack of concrete pricing and service information kept Discount Realtor from making our list of the best discount real estate brokers in Des Moines.
1 Percent Lists Dream Street offers an attractive listing fee of 1% for Des Moines residents, but it did not make our list of best discount real estate brokers. A lack of physical office space, no in-person open house options, and limited recent sales data were all factors that kept us from adding 1 Percent Lists Dream Street.
» MORE: Compare all full-service discount real estate brokers in Iowa.
Limited-service and flat fee MLS Des Moines brokers
Sellers who have more experience in real estate may be interested in using limited-service or flat fee MLS companies. These brokerages offer less support but for a lower fee than full-service discount realtors.
| Company | Our Rating | Listing Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Best choice for a user-friendly platform
Houzeo |
9,000+ reviews
|
$399 – $499 upfront + .50% – 1% at closing
|
Learn More |
Unreal Estate |
100+ reviews
|
$0–599 upfront + 0.5% at closing
Use code “Clever” to save
|
Learn More |
FSBO.com |
50 reviews
|
$399.95
|
Learn More |
» MORE: Compare all flat fee MLS services in Iowa.
Next steps: Start interviewing real estate agents
Related articles
Average Real Estate Commission in Iowa: Knowing the standard commission rate in your area can help you accurately estimate costs when you sell your home and avoid overpaying for a realtor.
How to Sell a House Without a Realtor in Iowa: Selling your home without a realtor means you won’t have to pay a listing commission, but do the positives outweigh the negatives? Read this guide to find out if FSBO in Des Moines is right for you.
How to Negotiate Realtor Commissions: Negotiating real estate fees centers on knowing the market and your situation, then using that info while talking to multiple agents.
How to Choose the Right Realtor to Sell Your House: When selling a home in today’s market, choosing the right listing agent is key. Most people hire the first traditional agent they interview — here’s a better approach.
Why trust us
Data sources
Our Research Team gathered 43 discrete pricing and service models to create our initial list of Des Moines, IA, discount real estate brokerages. We then compiled and analyzed a further 989,175 publicly available data points tied to past transactions, customer reviews, licensing info, and more to categorize each service and create our final list and rankings.
Methodology
The Real Estate Witch Team used public business directories to identify every company in the greater Des Moines region calling itself a discount real estate broker or agent. We then filtered that list down and ranked the top Des Moines options based on the following criteria:
- Service level: We only included and rated full-service discount realtors and brokerages to start, which we think are the best option for most home sellers. These companies offer the same key services you’d expect from a traditional realtor, including in-person representation and end-to-end support.
- Pricing: We assessed each company’s fee structure and cross-referenced it with the service model to determine who was offering (a) the best overall value — price vs. service — and (b) the fewest unfavorable pricing terms, like high minimums, nonrefundable upfront fees, or other hidden costs.
- Customer reviews: We evaluated all verifiable customer reviews for each service. We considered not only the total review counts, average customer ratings, and key positive and negative themes, but we also assessed factors like how recent and relevant the reviews were to customers making hiring decisions right now.
- Sales activity: We looked at available data about past transactions to gauge sales performance and activity level.
Editorial policy
Credible, primary sources power our pages. When you hire a service through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. But this doesn’t influence our advice or ranking methodology. Learn more about Real Estate Witch here.
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