Best Flat Fee Real Estate Brokers

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By Ashley Simon Updated March 20, 2024
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The best flat fee real estate brokers | Find flat fee brands near me | How flat listing fees work | How to choose a flat fee broker | FAQ

Flat fee real estate brokers provide similar services as traditional brokers, but they charge a fixed rate instead of a percentage-based commission. The most common types of flat fee brokerages are discount real estate brokers and flat fee MLS companies.

A flat fee real estate agent is the best choice for you if you want to save on realtor fees while receiving full support and service from a real estate agent. We can match you with top-rated agents who can save you thousands on fees with reduced commissions. Simply fill out this form to get started.

A flat fee MLS company is the best choice for you if you want to pay a low, flat rate while selling your house without a real estate agent. Jump to our top flat fee MLS picks.

The best flat fee real estate brokers

Discount real estate brokers (full service, listing fee savings)

Company
Customer Rating
Listing Fee
Availability
5.0
3,856 reviews
1.5%
Min. $3,000
Nationwide
Find Agents
On realestatewitch.com
Best for 'buy and sell' savings
3.2
1,213 reviews
1.5-2%
Min. fee varies
Nationwide
Best for buyers
5.0
632 reviews
2%
Min. fee varies
Multi-state
Best for sellers wanting big savings for less support
4.9
1,404 reviews
1%
Multi-state
Good for buyer rebates
4.3
970+ reviews
$3,500
AZ, CO, ID, NV, UT

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.

Best overall

Clever Real Estate

Find Agents
On realestatewitch.com
5.0
3,856 reviews

Service

Agent matching

Listing Fee

1.5%

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

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.

Find top agents near you.
Best for 'buy and sell' savings

Redfin

Learn more
On realestatewitch.com
3.2
1,213 reviews

Service

Discount broker

Listing Fee

1.5-2%

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.

Read our full Redfin review.

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

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 a nationwide brokerage operating in more than 100 major markets across the U.S. and Canada. In some markets, you may be paired with a Redfin partner agent.

Best for buyers

Prevu

Learn More
On realestatewitch.com
5.0
632 reviews

Service

Discount brokerage

Listing Fee

2%

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

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.

Best for sellers wanting big savings for less support

Houwzer

Learn More
On realestatewitch.com
4.9
1,404 reviews

Service

Discount broker

Listing Fee

1%

Our take

Overview

Locations

Houwzer has a 1% listing fee, which is among the lowest of any low commission brand. It also offers 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.

Read our full Houwzer review.

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

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.

Good for buyer rebates

Homie

Learn More
On realestatewitch.com
4.3
970+ reviews

Service

Discount broker

Listing Fee

$3,500

Our take

Overview

Locations

Homie is a low commission company that offers a flat listing fee of $3,500 versus the traditional 2.5–3%. However, Homie can offer these discounted rates because its agents handle a lot more customers than typical agents, so you likely won't receive as much support.

The company's buyer rebate is one of the most generous in the industry. You can earn back as much as 50% of your agent's commission (or 1.5% of the final sale price). But you have to meet certain terms to qualify for Homie's refund. For example, you have to work with its mortgage and title company.

Pros

  • Homie has a low, flat listing fee.
  • The company offers buyer rebates.

Cons

  • Agents are overworked.
  • Homie takes a hands-off approach.
  • There's limited availability.

Homie Real Estate is a low-commission real estate brokerage that advertises savings for home sellers and commission rebates for buyers. You’ll pay a flat listing fee of $3,500 instead of the 2.5–3% that full-price realtors charge. It offsets its discounted rates by having its agents serve a lot more customers at once than traditional realtors.

Homie is available in AZ, CO, ID, NV, and UT.

Flat fee MLS companies (low fee, limited service)

Company
Customer Rating
Listing Fee
Availability
Best price for our readers
4.6
100+ reviews
$0–599 upfront + 0.5% at closing
Use code "Clever" to save
Nationwide, excluding SD
Best price for sellers wanting agent support
4.9
150+ reviews
$299–499 or $399 upfront + 0.5% at closing
12 states
Best online experience
4.5
600+ reviews
$99 to $599 upfront + 1% at closing
10 states
Best for sellers wanting à-la-carte options
4.6
7,000+ reviews
$95
18 states
Best for experienced sellers
4.5
25 reviews
$299–399
Nationwide, excluding ND

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 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).

Best price for our readers

Unreal Estate

Learn More
On unrealestate.com
4.6
100+ reviews

Service

Flat fee MLS

Listing Fee

$0–599 upfront + 0.5% at closing

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

Starter: 0.5% at closing

  • 6-month MLS listing
  • 5 photos
  • Email Q&A with a licensed broker
  • Live chat support

Basic: $99 upfront + 0.5% at closing (or just $99 through Clever)
Includes Starter plan, plus:

  • 15 photos
  • 2 listing changes
  • Email support
  • Lead caller ID
  • No cancellation fee

Deluxe: $139 upfront + 0.5% at closing (or just $250 through Clever)
Includes Basic plan, plus:

  • 25 photos
  • 4 listing changes
  • Phone support
  • Optional "for sale" sign
  • Call forwarding

Premium: $249 upfront + 0.5% at closing (or just $450 through Clever)
Includes Deluxe plan, plus:

  • 45 photos
  • Unlimited listing changes
  • Sales agreement form(s) review
  • 30-minute broker form review
  • Buyer qualification information

Unreal Estate is available nationwide, excluding South Dakota.

Best price for sellers wanting agent support

Congress Realty

Learn More
On congressrealty.com
4.9
150+ reviews

Service

Flat fee MLS

Listing Fee

$299–499 or $399 upfront + 0.5% at closing

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

Congress Realty is available in AZ, AK, CA, ID, LA, MT, NV, NM, OR, TX, UT, and WA.

Best online experience

beycome

Learn More
On realestatewitch.com
4.5
600+ reviews

Service

Flat fee MLS

Listing Fee

$99 to $599 upfront + 1% at closing

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.

Beycome has a 90-day money-back guarantee. However, you won't get your money back if you close, are under contract, or receive at least two credible offers within 90 days. You can cancel anytime.

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

Basic Package: $99

  • List until sold
  • Max photos allowed by MLS
  • Unlimited listing changes
  • Open house scheduler
  • Home visit manager tool
  • Access to legal forms and disclosures
  • Customer service in English and Spanish

Enhanced Package: $399 

Includes Basic plan, plus:

  • 25 professional HDR photos 
  • Customizable flyers and brochures
  • Personalized yard sign
  • Printable promotional items
  • Open house package
  • Craigslist easy click and share ad
  • Virtual tour YouTube video
  • Listing featured on beycome.com

Concierge Service: $599 upfront + 1% at closing (min. $999)

Includes Enhanced plan, plus:

  • Comparative market analysis
  • Home valuation service and pricing assistance
  • Full marketing support
  • Immersive 3D tour
  • Full negotiation and paperwork support
  • Dedicated closing coordinator

Beycome is available in AL, CT, FL, GA, IL, MN, NC, SC, and TX.

Best for sellers wanting à-la-carte options

Homecoin

Learn More
On homecoin.com
4.6
7,000+ reviews

Listing Fee

$95

Overview

Service package

Availability

Homecoin offers one low-cost MLS listing package and many à-la-carte services to customize it. This option is ideal for experienced FSBO sellers who know exactly what services they need. However, the add-ons are more expensive than competitors. If you think you need add-ons like a lockbox or yard sign, another FSBO website might be a better pick.

You can order a Real Estate Comps Report without purchasing the package.

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.

Canceling a listing is free, and you can do it anytime there isn’t an active offer.

Pros

  • Comprehensive Real Estate Comps Report with comparable sales, property details, and market trends
  • 12-month listing term with unlimited photos
  • Fully online listing management

Cons

  • No full-service option for additional support
  • Add-on costs can accumulate quickly

MLS Listing: $95

  • 12-month MLS listing
  • 25+ photos
  • 10 listing changes
  • Yard sign (sign post rental $99+)
  • Open house kit
  • Comparable sales
  • Home value report
  • Call forwarding
  • Cancel anytime
  • Lockbox rental ($125)
  • Pro photography (cost varies)
  • Help with forms (cost varies)

In some parts of Michigan, not all add-ons are available.

Homecoin serves 22 states in total:

  • Arizona
  • California
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Louisiana
  • Massachusetts
  • Maryland
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • North Carolina
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Oregon
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin
Best for experienced sellers

ISoldMyHouse.com

Learn More
On realestatewitch.com
4.5
25 reviews

Listing Fee

$299–399

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.

Get LISTED!: $299 upfront + 0.5% and $250 at closing

  • 6-month MLS listing
  • 6 photos
  • Schedule open houses
  • Online customer support
  • Lead forwarding
  • Custom, printed sign ($75)
  • Realtors combo lockbox ($50)
  • One-month featured listing ($25)

Get SOLD!: $399 upfront + 0.5% and $250 at closing
Includes Get LISTED! plan, plus:

  • 25 photos

ISoldMyHouse.com is available nationwide, excluding ND.

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. In fact, local companies sometimes offer better service and rates. They can be more knowledgeable about the local real estate market and are often able to 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 service. 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 no matter what your house sells for. 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.

Note: With recent changes in commission structures, sellers are no longer 100% required to cover the buyer’s agent commission. Instead, this fee is now negotiable between the buyer and their agent.[1] Sellers may still choose to provide a commission to close a deal, which ranges from 2-3% nationwide, but it’s no longer mandatory.

Flat fee MLS listing services

Flat fee MLS companies list your house on the multiple listing service (MLS), which is 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. And buyers can see MLS listings reposted on major real estate websites, like 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 usually charge fixed rates no matter what your house sells for. You can find a basic MLS listing for around $100, or you can pay a couple hundred more for extra services like 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 get full services, but you work with a team instead of one real estate agent. Other companies, like Clever Real Estate, offer the exact same service as a traditional full-service realtor, but for 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 using a traditional real estate agent. They’re an especially good choice for high-value homes.

Benefits of working with a flat fee realtor

You could save A LOT on realtor fees

Most people choose to 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, $5,000 is more than a 1.5% commission. 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.

Home priceSavings with a $5,000 flat fee realtor*Savings with a 1.5% discount realtor ($3,000 min.)*
$250,000$2,500$3,750
$500,000$10,000$7,500
$750,000$17,500$11,250
$1,000,000$25,000$15,000
Show more
*Savings rate compared to a 3% listing fee, which is traditional for most realtors.

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, let you interview multiple real estate agents so you can choose one who 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 have different pricing plans for different levels of service, you can choose how much you want to control 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. If you work with a flat fee MLS company instead of a realtor, you may struggle to attract competitive offers. On average, homes listed with a realtor sell for more than homes without one.

Although realtor fees are a big expense, for most sellers realtors are worth it. 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, which often results 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, like 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 in a timely manner. As one Reddit user who used Houzeo noted, "Our ‘agent’ has 100+ listings so how is he able to 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 for less. 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.

💰 Work with a top local agent, save thousands!

We negotiate low 1.5% listing fees with top-rated agents, so you don't have to. 100% free with no obligation, available nationwide. Find an agent near you today!

Learn More

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 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 selling with a particular brokerage is actually like. 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, what their ideas are for marketing your house, and whether their support will be in person.

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 and make sure you know exactly what you're getting

Be sure to 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 on top of the up-front 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 who 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 house 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 for a flat rate on high-value homes, like multimillion ones. The flat fee will still be in the tens of thousands, but it’s often a better deal for sellers than paying a percentage-based commission.

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?

A flat rate in real estate is when an agent or brokerage charges a set rate to sell your home, instead of a standard percentage-based commission. In most cases, only the listing fee is fixed. You may still need to cover a 23% buyer's agent fee. The fixed listing fee varies by company, but it generally ranges anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000.

How much do flat fee realtors charge?

Flat fee realtors charge a wide range of prices depending on the level of service, your homes selling price, and your location. For a traditional, full-service realtor, expect to pay around $3,0008,000. 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 many factors into account, but we prioritized each company's pricing and service model. This article is reviewed regularly and updated to provide you with the latest information on each flat fee real estate brokerage.

Why you should trust us


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

Related links

Want to learn more about the different ways you can save money when selling your home? You have plenty of options. Here are some more resources to help you have a successful real estate journey:

The Best Discount Real Estate Brokers for Every Budget: Dive into our full ranking of the top discount real estate companies. Read reviews from real buyers and sellers and compare brokers to find the best fit for you.

Read This BEFORE You Pay for a Flat Fee MLS Service: Flat fee MLS services advertise impossibly low fees — but is there a catch? Here's what you need to know about these flat fee realty services!

How to Choose a Realtor: Expert Secrets: Thinking of selling your home for sale by owner? Here's everything you need to know for a successful sale.

What Companies Offer the Lowest Real Estate Commission Fees? Hiring a low commission real estate broker is one of the best ways to save money when you sell your home. Read our complete guide to find a company near you that offers the perfect combination of savings and service. 

Top 2% Real Estate Commission Companies: Getting a 2% real estate commission can save you thousands of dollars on your home sale! Read about top 2 percent commission realtors here.

Article Sources

[1] National Association of Realtors – "What the NAR Settlement Means for Home Buyers and Sellers".

Authors & Editorial History

Our experts continually research, evaluate, and monitor real estate companies and industry trends. We update our articles when new information becomes available.

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