Save Thousands With Discount Real Estate Brokers

By Stephanie Ross

A traditional real estate broker charges a 5% – 6% commission. On the other hand, a discount real estate broker charges you a commission of only 1% – 2.5%. Now, that’s a huge difference. 

Say you decide to sell your house worth $300,000. With a traditional broker, you will have to pay a commission of $18,000. However, a discount broker would cost you only $6,000. Thus, you save $12,000 by selling your house with a discount real estate broker. 

We have reviewed the top 3 discount brokers in America. Let’s look at them in detail. 

Best 3 Discount Real Estate Brokers in 2024

  1. Houzeo.com

Houzeo is a technology-based real estate company headquartered in Manhattan. It charges a flat fee to get your home listed on the MLS. 

Features:

  1. Pricing Options: Houzeo offers 4 packages ranging from $399 to $499. The costs of these packages may vary depending on your home’s location.
  2. Wide Coverage: Houzeo has extensive coverage across 47 states + DC.
  3. Positive Reviews: The company has 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google and Trustpilot, with prompt customer support.
  4. Mobile App: Its user-friendly mobile app gives you a flawless experience. This app allows you to manage your house showings, accept offers, modify your listing, and more.
  5. No Hidden Fees: Houzeo discloses all required costs. This prevents last-minute expenses.

Houzeo can be a good option for those who prefer doing things online. You would be in charge of your home sale.

  1. ListingSpark

ListingSpark is a discount real estate brokerage headquartered in Austin, Texas. They have been in this industry for more than a decade.

Features:

  1. Flat Fee Pricing Plan: ListingSpark charges a flat fee commission instead of a percentage of the home’s sale price. Their basic listing plan starts at $2,199.
  2. 24 x 7 Customer Support: They offer step-by-step guidance to home sellers and buyers.

Drawbacks:

  1. Limited Coverage: ListingSpark caters only to one state, Texas. 
  2. Expensive Package: The company’s listing packages are priced higher than those of other competitors.

ListingSpark can be a great option for sellers who want to save on paying the agent’s commission. However, sellers who need more hand-holding throughout the process may find it inconvenient.

  1. Ideal Agent

Ideal Agent has been in the industry since 2016. Their head office is located in Tampa. They work with some of the top Realtors, such as Keller Williams, RE/MAX, Christie’s, and more. 

Features:

  1. Collaboration Business Model: They follow an agent-matching principle. You will be paired with an agent who will help you with your home sale from listing to closing. 
  2. Commission Package: They charge a 2% commission or a minimum of $3,000 on a home that’s under $150,000.

Drawbacks:

  1. Lacks Quality Service: Ideal Agent hires third-party agents to deal with customers, which might lead to poor service. 
  2. No Buyer Benefit: They focus primarily on home selling, so home buyers may not receive a rebate when purchasing a home with them. 
  3. Weak Technology: Young homeowners may struggle to work with their technology.

Ideal Agent is a good option if you want to work with an experienced agent. However, check their customer reviews before proceeding with them.

Should You Hire a Discount Brokerage?

Yes, definitely. Discount brokers charge a lower commission than traditional agents by almost 2% to 3%. This gives you financial independence by paying for the services you want, like marketing or negotiations. Such an approach is more comfortable for frequent home buyers and sellers. Before you finalize a discount broker, get a clear picture of the services included.