The Witch's Take
What is a flat fee real estate broker?
A flat-fee real estate broker charges a set listing fee, or a low flat-style rate such as 1% to 1.5%, instead of the traditional 2.5% to 3% listing commission, which can save sellers thousands.
How much service you get depends on the model: full-service flat-fee brokers still handle pricing, photos, showings, and negotiation, while cheaper flat-fee MLS services (often under $1,000) just get your home on the MLS and leave most of the selling work to you.
Among the brokers we reviewed, Clever Real Estate rates best overall for pairing full agent service with a 1.5% listing fee, which is why it tops our list for most sellers.
Whichever route you lean toward, compare at least two or three brokers on price, service, and recent reviews before you commit. Fill out this short form to get matched with agents today.
-
Typical listing fee$3,000 - $8,000Full-service flat fee; discount brokers run 1%–1.5%
-
Average savings$7,500On a $500K home, 1.5% vs. a 3% listing fee
-
Top-rated option4.9Clever Real Estate (4,774 reviews)
- You cut the listing commission, often to a 1%–1.5% rate or a flat fee.
- You still get full agent service (pricing, photos, showings, negotiation) with full-service flat-fee brokers.
- You still typically offer a 2%–3% buyer's agent commission to attract offers.
Related questions
- How much do flat-fee real estate brokers charge?
Full-service flat-fee and discount brokers typically charge $3,000 to $8,000 or a 1% to 1.5% listing fee. Flat-fee MLS companies charge under $1,000, but you handle most of the sale yourself.
- Are flat-fee real estate brokers worth it?
Yes, if you are comfortable with a leaner service model. You can save thousands versus a 3% listing fee, though service levels vary by company.
- What's the difference between a flat-fee broker and a flat-fee MLS service?
A full-service flat-fee broker gives you a real agent who handles pricing, photos, showings, and negotiation for a set fee (usually $3,000 to $8,000) or a low 1% to 1.5% rate. A flat-fee MLS service just gets your home onto the MLS for under $1,000, and you handle the sale yourself.
- Do I still have to pay the buyer's agent commission?
Not automatically. Since the 2024 NAR settlement, buyer's agent compensation (typically 2% to 3%) is no longer assumed.[1] Many sellers still offer it to attract more buyers, but it's now a choice you make as part of your offer strategy.
Updated June 10, 2026
The best flat fee real estate brokers of 2026
Discount real estate brokers
Customer ratings reflect Trustpilot, BBB, and Google review scores as of June 2026.[2] Listing fees are sourced from each company's published pricing.
In today's real estate market, most national real estate brokerages charge a percentage of your home's final sale price instead of a flat fee. You can still save thousands of dollars by working with a discount realtor who charges a 1-1.5% listing fee. In exchange, you'll receive full support and service from a dedicated real estate agent.
Service
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
Clever Real Estate delivers the best combination of savings and service of any competitor that we’ve reviewed. Its agents are held to high standards and provide full service and support for just a 1.5% listing fee, saving you thousands when you sell your home. In states where it's permitted, buyers can also get cash back at closing. Clever has more agents (19,000+) in more markets than most other low-commission options, plus the highest customer rating among brands we evaluated. Unlike some of its competitors, Clever also allows you to choose your own agent. It matches you up with multiple agents, and you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
Read the full Clever Real Estate review.
Pros
- Low 1.5% listing fee for sellers — about half the typical rate
- Up to $500 cash back for buyers
- Agents have strong sales records and great customer reviews
- Compare agent service packages and credentials before making a decision
Cons
- Fewer agent options in certain rural areas
- Add-ons like professional home staging may cost extra
Service
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
Redfin is an established discount brokerage that offers impressive savings — especially if you buy and sell with a Redfin agent. While the company's standard listing fee varies from 1.5–2%, it's reduced by an additional 0.5% if you also purchase a home within a year. However, Redfin may not be the best fit for those seeking personalized, high-touch service, as some customers have noted that Redfin agents are often less involved than traditional agents.
Pros
- 1.5–2% listing fee, and up to 0.25% cash back for buyers
- Convenient home search site with high marketing visibility for sellers
- Significant savings if you buy and sell with Redfin
Cons
- Agents handle more transaction volume and may be less hands-on
- Reviews on 3rd-party sites are lower than many competitors'
- High minimum fees in some markets
Service
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
Prevu provides a home buying platform with a 1.5% listing fee for sellers and home buyer rebates of up to 2%. However, our Prevu review found that its savings come with tradeoffs, namely, limited agent selection and less customer support compared to a traditional realtor. Prevu is also only available in select markets.
Pros
- Low 1.5% listing fee is half the usual rate
- Higher buyer rebate than many discount brokers
Cons
- Limited agent selection
- Buyer rebate is subject to restrictions
Service
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
Houwzer has a 1% listing fee, which is among the lowest of any low commission brand. It also offers an enticing buyer rebate of up to half the buyer broker fee. However, Houwzer agents work as a team and handle 3x the transaction volume of traditional agents. Reviews indicate that the higher client load and remote handling of transactions can sometimes impact agents' responsiveness.
Pros
- 1% listing fee is low compared to competitors
- Broker fee capped at 1% for buyers
- Agents provide full service and support
Cons
- Agents handle a high volume of transactions
- Small percentage of reviews mention service quality issues
Flat fee MLS companies (low fee, limited service)
A flat fee MLS company charges a low, flat rate to put your home on the MLS. You'll save a lot of money, but the low fee does not include support from a real estate agent, so you'll essentially be selling your house as a "for sale by owner." Some flat fee MLS services offer premium packages where you can work with an agent, but these usually aren't worth the cost (you pay the same amount and receive better service with a discount realtor).
Listing Fee
Overview
Reviews
Availability
Houzeo is a nationwide flat fee MLS company designed primarily for For Sale By Owner (FSBO) sellers. With an impressive average customer rating of 4.8/5 across thousands of reviews, Houzeo stands out as a prominent player in the industry. It provides an easy-to-use online dashboard, simplifying the management of property listings for sellers.
However, it's important to note that its fees are often higher than some competitors, especially when additional services are required. Service quality can vary based on the partner agent assigned to the customer, potentially leading to inconsistent experiences. Additionally, Houzeo's refund policy is considered restrictive by some customers.
One of Houzeo's key strengths is its nationwide presence, allowing sellers to list their homes on the MLS, a crucial database used by real estate professionals. This significantly enhances the chances of finding a buyer. The company offers various pricing packages with different levels of support and services, but pricing and availability can vary by location.
Pros
- User-friendly online dashboard
- Positive reviews of its customer service
- Extra services available, including contract reviews and professional showings (for a fee)
Cons
- High fees for some services
- Varied service quality
- Restrictive refund policy
Service
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
Unreal Estate is a nationwide flat fee MLS service with a wide range of plans and good reviews. Notably, Unreal Estate offers a Starter package with no up-front costs — you just pay 0.5% at closing.
But the company’s two top-tier plans offer the best overall value. You get a higher photo limit, phone support, and lead forwarding.
Unreal Estate’s pricing includes a flat fee plus 0.5% at closing. However, we have an exclusive agreement with Unreal Estate. The company drops the 0.5% charge on most plans when you use code “Clever,” so you get a flat rate of $99–450 no matter how much your home sells for.
Pros
- Offers three affordable options
- No upfront cost with the Starter package
Cons
- Cancellation fee for the Starter package
- Phone support limited to higher-priced plans
Service
Listing Fee
Overview
Availability
Congress Realty offers four MLS listing packages and has good online reviews. Unlike many flat fee MLS services, it's licensed in the states where it operates, so there’s no intermediary.
The Basic and Plus plans aren’t great value. They have some strict limits, especially on photos and listing changes, that comparable packages by competitors don't have.
Only the Full Service plan comes with agent support and sales comps to help you price your home. But the price for the Full Service plan can quickly add up since it includes a percentage at closing.
Pros
- Showing schedule tool on all plans
- Responsive and knowledgeable customer support
Cons
- Basic plan only allows up to four photos
- Basic and Plus plans don’t offer unlimited changes to your listing
- Sales comps only on Full Service plan
Service
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
Beycome offers three flat fee packages, ranging from a basic MLS listing to mostly full service. The Basic plan is competitively priced and includes lots of helpful features, making it a good choice for experienced FSBO sellers.
The concierge service isn't worth the money. It offers hands-on support with pricing, negotiating, and closing. But it costs about the same as some leading low-commission brokerages — and you still have to do some of the work yourself.
Online reviews are positive. Reviewers report a high-quality, professional experience, quick responses, knowledgeable information, and no hidden fees.
Pros
- Listings appear on the MLS within 36 hours
- Bilingual customer service via phone, chat, and email
- All plans include listing until sold and max photos allowed by the MLS
Cons
- Comparative market analysis only with Concierge Service
- Agent support limited to Concierge Service
Listing Fee
Overview
Service package
Availability
Homecoin offers three flat-fee MLS listing plans, starting at just $95. Each plan includes a 12-month MLS listing term, unlimited photos, listing syndication, 10 free changes, and free cancellation. The basic plan is a great fit for confident FSBO sellers who can manage the listing process themselves.
Higher-tier plans add more support, such as listing reviews and live remote assistance. However, even the most expensive package doesn’t include full-service features like pricing help or contract support — so you’ll still be responsible for much of the work.
Homecoin also offers à-la-carte services like lockbox rental, yard sign post installation, and professional photography.
Customers say that Homecoin offers a great service and is easy to work with. Reviewers also mention the convenient online platform and professional, responsive customer service.
Pros
- Affordable $95 basic plan with 12-month listing and unlimited photos
- Tiered support options for different seller needs
- Fully online listing management
Cons
- Even the “Full Service” plan requires significant DIY effort
- Add-on costs can accumulate quickly
Listing Fee
Overview
Service packages
Availability
ISoldMyHouse.com offers two flat fee MLS plans, both of which are fairly barebones and best for experienced DIY sellers. Both offer lead forwarding, online support, and free cancellation. The higher-priced plan includes a longer listing term (in some states) and higher photo limit, making it better overall value.
The company also has an online library of resources to help new FSBO sellers. However, it doesn't offer broker assistance, so it may not be the best choice if you need extra support.
Customers commend the company's customer service and ability to answer questions quickly.
Pros
- Its simple plans are a good fit for experienced sellers.
- It offers several add-ons to customize your package.
Cons
- The only difference between the packages is the number of photos allowed.
- Its packages don't include as many services as some other companies.
Where can I find the best flat fee real estate brokers near me?
The best flat fee real estate brokers aren’t always the big national brands. Local companies sometimes offer better service and rates. They can be more knowledgeable about the local real estate market and can often provide more personalized customer support.
Best local discount brokers
Select your state or city to find a roundup of the best discount real estate brokers in your area, including national and local options. If your location isn’t listed below, we’re currently working to bring you in-depth reviews of discount brokers near you.
Best local flat fee MLS listing services
Select your state to see what flat fee MLS services are available near you.
How do flat fee real estate brokers work?
👉 Jump to: Benefits | Drawbacks | How to choose | Negotiating a flat rate
When you work with a flat fee realtor, you typically pay an up-front flat rate. Flat fee MLS brokers are usually the cheapest option and offer very limited services. Discount real estate brokers charge more than flat fee MLS brokers but less than traditional realtors, and some offer full service.
Flat fee brokers have different pricing models. Some brokerages charge the same flat fee regardless of the house's sale price. Others charge on a sliding scale based on your home’s value or other factors. Some companies charge a flat rate commission only for homes that sell under a certain sale price.
What changed: Since the 2024 NAR settlement took effect, agents can no longer advertise buyer's agent compensation on the MLS. Buyers now also sign a written agreement with their agent before touring a home, and that agreement has to spell out exactly how much the agent will be paid.[2] The practical result is that buyer's agent fees are now negotiated directly and out in the open, instead of being assumed from the listing.
What didn't change: Commissions were always negotiable, and they still are. Sellers can still choose to offer or contribute to the buyer's agent commission, they just arrange it off the MLS now, through their listing agent, a buyer concession, or the offer itself. Buyer's agent fees still commonly land around 2% to 3%, and the settlement did not set, cap, or eliminate any commission.
What it means for you: Sellers have more control over whether they offer a buyer's agent fee and how much, based on their strategy and local market. That added flexibility is exactly what makes flat-fee and low-commission models more competitive.
Flat fee MLS listing services
Flat fee MLS companies list your house on the multiple listing service (MLS), a directory of homes for sale. Getting on the MLS is essential for sellers. Buyer's agents use it to find homes for their clients. Buyers can also view MLS listings that are reposted on major real estate websites, such as Zillow and Realtor.com.
Only people with a realtor license can post to the local MLS, so the only way to get on it is through a realtor or a flat fee MLS company.
These companies typically charge fixed rates, regardless of the sale price of your house. You can find a basic MLS listing for around $100, or you can pay a couple of hundred dollars more for extra services, such as marketing materials and pricing assistance. Some companies charge closer to $1,000 for more extensive services, like negotiation assistance.
Flat fee MLS companies can save you a lot of money, but they're also risky. Homes sold without an agent tend to sell for much less than those sold with an agent. And to have a successful sale, you need the time and expertise to price and market your home, negotiate with buyers, and complete paperwork.
Full-service discount brokers
Full-service discount brokers are like traditional realtors. The main difference is that traditional agents charge a percentage-based commission, and flat fee agents charge a flat rate.
Many flat fee agents offer the same services as a traditional agent, but the experience may differ slightly. For example, with Redfin, you receive full services, but you work with a team rather than a single real estate agent. Other companies, such as Clever Real Estate, offer the same service as a traditional full-service realtor but at a lower price.
Flat fee brokers tend to charge around $3,000–8,000. These companies calculate fees in different ways. Some, like Homie, offer the same flat rate no matter what your house sells for. Others charge on a sliding scale based on selling price or square footage. A few, including Clever, offer a flat rate only for houses that sell under a certain price point.
Full-service flat fee realtors are more expensive than flat fee MLS companies, but they're less risky. And you’ll usually save money compared to a traditional real estate agent. They’re an especially good choice for high-value homes.
Benefits of working with a flat fee realtor
| Home price | Traditional commission (3%)* | Your cost (discount options) | Your potential savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $7,500 | $3,750 to $5,000 | $2,500–$3,750 |
| $500,000 | $15,000 | $5,000 to $7,500 | $7,500–$10,000 |
| $750,000 | $22,500 | $5,000 to $11,250 | $11,250–$17,500 |
| $1,000,000 | $30,000 | $5,000 to $15,000 | $15,000–$25,000 |
Most people work with a flat fee realtor because they’re trying to save money on realtor fees. Those savings can be substantial compared to traditional realtor fees, but they'll depend on your home's price and the brokerage’s pricing model.
With full-service flat fee brokers, the savings are best for higher-value homes. For example, if your brokerage charges a flat fee of $5,000, you’ll get the most savings if your house sells for over approximately $330,000.
If it sells for under that amount, a $5,000 commission is more than 1.5%. Since several discount realtors charge 1.5% while offering full service, you’d be better off using a percentage-based commission for a lower-valued home. We recommend comparing multiple discount real estate brokers to find the best rates.
On a home sold at the national median of about $429,300, cutting the listing fee from 3% to 1.5% saves roughly $6,400.[3]
A flat fee MLS company is usually the cheapest option, but it’s also a lot riskier since you’ll be selling on your own. On average, homes sold without a realtor sell for much less than homes sold with an agent. The difference can easily negate any up-front savings.
You can choose the level of support you need
Flat fee real estate companies offer a wide range of services, which usually correspond to how much support you need from your realtor. For example, Flat Fee Group offers a no-frills flat fee MLS plan for just a few hundred dollars for experienced sellers, and they offer a full-service option for $5,000 for those who want more help.
Some companies, like Clever, allow you to interview multiple real estate agents, enabling you to choose one that offers the services you need. The only difference between using Clever and finding a traditional agent on your own is that Clever has already negotiated lower fees on your behalf.
You may have more control over the process
With some flat fee brokerages, you have more control over the selling process. This is especially true for flat fee MLS companies and limited-service brokerages. If you have experience selling houses and prefer a DIY approach, this increased control can be an advantage.
You can manage showings, negotiate with buyers, and even handle the closing process yourself. Since many brokerages offer different pricing plans for varying service levels, you can choose how much control you want over the process.
Drawbacks of working with a flat fee realtor
You could end up netting less
Saving on realtor fees doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll walk away with more money after you sell your house. You may struggle to attract competitive offers if you work with a flat fee MLS company instead of a realtor. On average, homes listed with a realtor sell for more than homes without one.
Although realtor fees are a big expense, for most sellers, a good realtor is often worth the cost. A good agent knows how to market to local buyers, vet buyers’ financing, negotiate concessions, and close on your timeline. These skills help your house gain more interest from qualified buyers, often resulting in a higher sale price.
Service quality can vary
Some flat fee real estate companies have excellent service, but others can make the selling process more difficult than it needs to be.
Sometimes, brokerages charge extra for basic services, such as managing showings. And some flat fee brokers have too many clients. The agents are stretched thin, and they don’t always forward buyer leads to sellers promptly. As one Reddit user who used Houzeo noted, "Our ‘agent’ has 100+ listings so how can he handle all of that? Probably not prioritizing [us]."
What sets some companies apart is that they provide the same full service as a traditional agent, but at a lower cost. For example, Real Estate Witch has a network of agents from trusted brokerages like Keller Williams and Berkshire Hathaway. You get a dedicated, full-service realtor, but without paying high realtor fees.
You may have to do more of the heavy lifting
Unless you use a full-service agent, you’ll likely have to do some or even most of the work a traditional real estate agent does. Many flat fee MLS services offer only an MLS listing, leaving it up to you to manage showings, marketing, negotiations, and closing.
Even some companies that claim to offer full service may leave you feeling like you’re on your own. For example, Homie provides you with a dedicated agent, but that agent won’t offer in-person support or host open houses.
How to choose a flat fee realtor
1. Think about the level of service you need from an agent
If you're an experienced seller and comfortable handling most realtor tasks yourself, then finding a flat fee MLS company may be best. 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
If you need a lot of support, you can hire a full-service flat fee realtor. Full-service brokers help you with the selling process from start to finish. They provide:
- An MLS listing
- Professional photography
- Marketing for your listing
- Showing management
- Help with negotiations
- Support with closing and paperwork
2. Look for solid customer ratings
Customer reviews can tell you a lot about what it's actually like to sell with a particular brokerage. Good customer reviews are one of the best signs that a company’s marketing claims align with how it serves its clients.
Some companies sound more impressive than they are. For example, they might promise full-service support but fail to mention that the support isn’t in person. Customer reviews can reveal these sorts of issues.
We recommend finding reviews from multiple sources, like Google, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau. Forums like Reddit are another great source, especially for learning why some people didn't choose a particular company in the first place.
3. Interview at least three agents before you decide
If you want to find a real estate agent, we recommend interviewing at least three so you can get a full picture of what each offers and whether they seem like a good fit for you.
During the interviews, you should ask agents about their experience in your local real estate market, their ideas for marketing your house, and whether they'll provide in-person support.
Some brokerages don't allow you to choose between multiple realtors, which might be a reason to think twice before using them.
4. Read the fine print
Read your contract carefully before signing with any flat fee agent. Unfortunately, some flat fee brokers — especially flat fee MLS services — have a reputation for hidden fees and other unwanted surprises.
One of the most common hidden fees is a percentage charged at closing, in addition to the upfront flat fee. Some companies also take a percentage of the buyer’s agent commission, which could discourage buyer's agents from working with you.
Can you negotiate a flat fee with a traditional realtor?
Some traditional realtors are willing to negotiate their commission, including by offering a flat fee. Smaller brokerages that understand their local market may try to set themselves apart by offering flexible commission structures.
Other traditional realtors may work for a flat fee if there's something about your house that makes it particularly appealing. For example, if your home is in a hot market and likely easy to sell, realtors may be open to offering a flat rate to get your business.
Some realtors are also open to working on a flat rate for high-value homes, such as multimillion-dollar properties. While the flat fee could still reach tens of thousands, it may be a better value than a full commission on a multimillion-dollar home.
FAQ about flat fee real estate brokers
How can I find the best flat fee realtors near me?
To find the best flat fee realtor near you, look for an agent who offers a similar range of services and support to a traditional agent. At minimum, the realtor should list your home on the MLS, provide professional photography, market your listing, and offer support with negotiations, closing, and paperwork.
Are flat rate realtors worth it?
Flat rate realtors can be worth it, but it ultimately depends on the price of your home, the listing fee, and your service preferences.
If you're selling an expensive home, you could save thousands of dollars by using a flat rate realtor instead of a traditional realtor. But sellers with less costly homes (generally below $500,000) will likely find better savings with another discount brokerage.
It's also important to choose a company that still offers full service, including an MLS listing, photography, and negotiations support. If a flat fee realty company offers a low rate in exchange for limited service (such as no in-person support or help with negotiations), the service trade-offs will likely not be worth the potential savings.
What does "flat rate" mean in real estate?
n most cases, only the listing fee is fixed. You may still choose to offer a buyer's agent commission, which typically runs 2% to 3% of the sale price. Since the 2024 NAR settlement, this fee is negotiable and is no longer assumed, though many sellers still offer it to attract buyers. The fixed listing fee varies by company, but it generally ranges from $3,000 to $8,000.
How much do flat fee realtors charge?
For a full-service flat-fee realtor, expect to pay around $3,000 to $8,000. For a flat-fee MLS company, expect to pay less than $1,000.
Methodology
This article drew on hundreds of hours of research by the team at Real Estate Witch, including:
- Mystery shopping
- Combing through hundreds of online reviews from real buyers and sellers
- Reaching out to staff members at individual brokerages
To create our ranking, we took several factors into account, prioritizing each company's pricing and service model. We spent dozens of hours researching flat fee real estate brokers across the country. Our process included:
- Researching more than 160 flat fee MLS services and discount brokers to compare services, contract terms, and fees
- Mystery shopping dozens of companies to understand the consumer experience
- Interviewing sellers and real estate agents who have experience with flat fee MLS services
- Analyzing Google, Trustpilot, BBB, and Facebook reviews for each business
- Visiting user forums like Reddit and Bigger Pockets for additional perspectives
This article is reviewed regularly and updated to provide you with the latest information on each flat fee real estate brokerage.
Related reading
Want to learn more about saving money when selling your home? You have plenty of options. Here are some more resources to help you have a successful real estate journey:
