Selling or buying a home can be costly, and saving money on real estate commissions may be tempting. That’s where discount real estate brokers come in. These brokers offer lower commission rates than traditional agents, making it possible for home sellers to save money on the cost of the transaction.

But are discount real estate brokers a good deal, or is there more to consider than just the cost? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about discount real estate brokers and whether they’re the right choice for you.

What are Discount Real Estate Brokers?

Discount real estate brokers, also known as flat-fee or limited-service brokers, charge lower commission rates than traditional real estate agents. Instead of charging a percentage of the sale price, they charge a flat fee for their services.

Discount brokers typically offer various services, from listing your house on the MLS to handling negotiations and closing paperwork. However, they may provide different services than a traditional real estate agent, such as staging your home or providing professional photography.

The Top discount real estate broker list for 2023

Redfin (www.redfin.com) History: Redfin was founded in 2004 by David Eraker, Michael Dougherty, and David Selinger.

Major Selling Points: Redfin offers sellers lower commission rates and refunds some of the commission for buyers. They also provide a user-friendly website and app with accurate listing information. It is known for its innovative technology and commitment to saving consumers money.

Pros:

  • Lower commission fees for sellers
  • Commission refund for buyers
  • User-friendly website and app
  • Accurate listing information Cons:
  • Service may vary depending on the local agent.
  • Limited availability in some areas

Purplebricks (www.purplebricks.com):

Purplebricks was founded in the UK in 2012 by Michael and Kenny Bruce. It expanded into the US market in 2017. Major Selling Points: Purplebricks offers a flat fee for sellers instead of a percentage-based commission. They also provide a 24/7 online platform for booking showings and receiving offers.

Pros:

  • Flat fee for sellers
  • 24/7 online platform
  • Transparent pricing Cons:
  • Limited agent support compared to traditional brokerages
  • No buyer commission refund

REX (www.rexhomes.com):

REX was founded in 2015 by Jack Ryan, a former Goldman Sachs partner, to use technology to simplify the home buying and selling process. They use AI and machine learning to market homes directly to potential buyers. Major Selling Points: REX charges a low, fixed fee for sellers and offers a buyer rebate.

Pros:

  • Low, fixed fee for sellers
  • Buyer rebate
  • AI-powered marketing Cons:
  • Not a member of the MLS, which could limit listing exposure
  • Limited availability in some areas

Clever Real Estate (www.listwithclever.com):

Clever Real Estate was founded in 2017 by Ben Mizes, a real estate investor, to connect home sellers with top local agents at discounted commission rates. Major Selling Points: Clever partners with full-service agents who agree to reduce their commission fees. They also offer a free consultation with a local agent and a no-obligation service.

Pros:

  • Discounted commission rates
  • Full-service agents
  • Free consultation and no-obligation service Cons:
  • Service quality may vary depending on the agent
  • Discounts may be less significant in competitive markets.

Assist-2-Sell (www.assist2sell.com):

Assist-2-Sell was founded in 1987 by Mary LaMeres-Pomin and Lyle Martin, experienced real estate brokers who wanted to offer a more cost-effective solution for home sellers.

Major Selling Points: Assist-2-Sell offers a flat fee for full-service representation or a menu of services for sellers to choose from, depending on their needs.

  • Flat fee or menu of services
  • Full-service representation
  • Experienced agents Cons:
  • No buyer commission refund
  • Service quality may vary depending on the local franchise.

Homie (www.homie.com) History:

Homie was founded in 2015 by Johnny Hanna, Mike Peregrina, and Mike Trionfo. They have simplified the home buying and selling process using technology. Their platform automates many aspects of the home buying and selling process, allowing for reduced costs.

Major Selling Points: Homie offers a flat fee for sellers and buyer rebates.

  • Flat fee for sellers
  • Buyer rebates
  • Streamlined technology-driven process Cons:
  • Limited to specific regions
  • Less personalized service compared to traditional brokerages

Trelora (www.trelora.com) History:

Trelora was founded in 2011 by Joshua Hunt, a real estate agent with over 20 years of experience. The company’s name stands for “The Real Estate Leader of the Revolution.”

Major Selling Points: Trelora offers a flat fee for sellers and a commission rebate for buyers. They also provide a team-based approach, assigning a team of agents to each client.

  • Flat fee for sellers
  • Commission rebate for buyers
  • Team-based approach for personalized service Cons:
  • Currently only available in select markets
  • Some clients may prefer a single agent instead of a team

Door (www.door.com) History: 

Door was founded in 2015 by Alex Doubet to provide a more transparent and efficient way to buy and sell homes.

Major Selling Points: Door offers a flat fee for sellers and a buyer rebate. They have an online platform that streamlines the home buying and selling process.

  • Flat fee for sellers
  • Buyer rebate
  • Efficient, technology-driven process Cons:
  • Limited availability in some regions
  • Less personalized service compared to traditional brokerages

Houwzer (www.houwzer.com

Houwzer was founded in 2015 by Mike Maher and Kevin Baird; they create a better, more cost-effective real estate experience. Major Selling Points: Houwzer offers a flat fee for sellers and a buyer rebate. They also provide full-service representation and have a team of experienced agents.

Pros:

  • Flat fee for sellers
  • Buyer rebate
  • Full-service representation Cons:
  • Currently only available in select markets
  • Service quality may vary depending on the agent

Surefield (www.surefield.com

Surefield was founded in 2014 by David Eraker, the co-founder of Redfin, creating a better home-selling experience using technology.

Major Selling Points: Surefield offers a low, fixed fee for sellers and uses 3D home tours to showcase properties better. They also provide data-driven pricing strategies.

  • Low, fixed fee for sellers
  • 3D home tours for better property exposure
  • Data-driven pricing strategies Cons:
  • No buyer commission rebate
  • Limited availability in some regions

UpNest (www.upnest.com)

UpNest was founded in 2013 by Simon Ru, a real estate investor, to create a more transparent and competitive marketplace for real estate services. Major Selling Points: UpNest is a platform that connects home buyers and sellers with top local agents who compete for their business, often leading to discounted commission rates and buyer rebates.

  • Competitive platform for agents
  • Potential for discounted commission rates
  • Buyer rebates Cons:
  • Service quality may vary depending on the agent
  • Discounts and rebates depend on the competitive landscape

Flat Fee Realty (www.flatfeerealty.com)

Flat Fee Realty was founded in 2006 by Terry McDonald, a real estate broker with over 25 years of experience, to offer an alternative to traditional commission structures.

 Major Selling Points: Flat Fee Realty offers a flat fee for sellers, providing full-service representation at a lower cost. They also offer a menu of services for sellers based on their needs.

  • Flat fee for sellers
  • Full-service representation
  • Menu of services to choose from Cons:
  • No buyer commission rebate
  • Limited availability in some areas

FSBOHOMES (www.fsbohomes.com

Marv and Laura D. founded FSBOHOMES to simplify the for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) process while helping sellers save on commission fees. Major Selling Points: FSBOHOMES provides a platform for sellers to list their homes as FSBO, offering services such as professional photography, home valuation, and marketing tools.

  • Assistance for FSBO sellers
  • Range of services to choose from
  • Potential savings on commission fees Cons:
  • No buyer commission rebate
  • Not a full-service brokerage
  • Limited to FSBO listings

iBuyers (e.g., Opendoor, Offerpad, Zillow Offers) History: iBuyers emerged in the late 2010s as a new way for homeowners to sell their homes quickly and conveniently, using data-driven algorithms to determine the value of a property. Major Selling Points: iBuyers make instant cash offers on homes, allowing sellers to avoid the traditional listing process. They charge a service fee, typically higher than the commission discount brokers charge.

Pros:

  • Fast, convenient selling process
  • Instant cash offers
  • Avoid traditional listing process Cons:
  • Higher service fees compared to discount brokers
  • Not suitable for all property types
  • Limited availability in some areas

EasyKnock (www.easyknock.com):

EasyKnock was founded in 2016 by Jarred Kessler and Benjamin Black, aiming to create a more flexible homeownership experience.

Major Selling Points: EasyKnock offers a sell-and-stay program, allowing homeowners to sell their home and rent it back. This provides the homeowner immediate cash from the sale while remaining in the house as a tenant.

  • Sell-and-stay program for financial flexibility
  • Immediate cash from the sale
  • Remain in the home as a tenant Cons:
  • Not a traditional brokerage service
  • Limited to specific situations and needs

Pros and Cons of Working with a Discount Real Estate Broker

Before deciding to work with a discount real estate broker, weighing the pros and cons is important.

Pros

  • Lower commission rates: One of the main benefits of working with a discount real estate broker is that you can save on commission fees. Depending on the broker, you can save thousands of dollars.
  • More control over the process: When you work with a discount broker, you may have more control over the selling process. Since you’re paying for specific services, you can choose which ones you want to take advantage of and which ones you don’t.
  • Flexibility: Discount brokers offer more flexible services than traditional real estate agents. For example, you can pay for individual services a la carte rather than a full-service package.

Cons

  • Limited services: Discount brokers may offer different services than traditional real estate agents. For example, they may not provide professional photography or staging services, which could impact the sale of your home.
  • Less experience: Some discount brokers may have less experience than traditional agents. While this is only sometimes the case, it’s important to research and choose a broker with a good track record of successful transactions.
  • Less exposure: Discount brokers may have a different level of exposure than traditional agents, which could impact the number of potential buyers who see your home.

How to Choose a Discount Real Estate Broker

If you decide to work with a discount real estate broker, choosing the right one is important. Here are some tips to help you find a reputable discount broker:

  • Research: Do your homework and research several discount brokers in your area. Look at their websites, read reviews, and ask for references.
  • Check credentials: Ensure the broker is licensed and has a good track record of successful transactions.
  • Ask about services: Find out exactly what services the broker offers and what they don’t. Make sure they provide the services you need to sell your home successfully.
  • Compare commission rates: Compare commission rates between different brokers to ensure you get a fair deal.
  • Ask for a contract: Before signing on with a discount broker, make sure you understand the terms of the agreement.

How to Negotiate with a Discount Real Estate Broker

Once you’ve chosen a discount real estate broker, it’s important to negotiate the terms of your agreement. Here are some tips for negotiating with a discount broker:

  • Be clear about your needs: Ensure the broker understands precisely what services you need and how much you will pay.
  • Don’t be afraid to negotiate: Just because the broker offers a flat fee doesn’t mean it’s set in stone. Negotiate to get the best deal possible.
  • Get everything in writing: Make sure the terms of the agreement are clearly spelled out in writing, including the commission rate, the services being provided, and the timeline for the transaction.
  • Stay involved: Even if you’re working with a discount broker, staying engaged in the selling process is essential. Ensure you’re kept up-to-date on the status of your listing and be available to answer any questions potential buyers may have.

FAQs about Discount Real Estate Brokers

How much can I save by working with a discount real estate broker?

The amount you can save will depend on the broker and the services you need. Some discount brokers may charge a flat fee of a few thousand dollars, while others may charge a percentage of the sale price lower than the traditional 3% commission rate.

What services do discount real estate brokers typically offer?

Discount brokers typically offer various services, including listing your home on the MLS, handling negotiations, and assisting with the closing paperwork. However, they may provide different services than a traditional real estate agent, such as staging or professional photography.

Will working with a discount real estate broker impact the sale of my home?

Working with a discount broker could impact the sale of your home, especially if they don’t offer all of the same services as a traditional agent. However, if you choose a reputable discount broker with a good track record of successful transactions, you can minimize any potential negative impacts.

How do I choose the right discount real estate broker for me?

  • research
  • check credentials
  • Ask about services and compare commission rates.

Working with a discount real estate broker can be a great way to save money on commission fees, but it’s important to consider the pros and cons before deciding. By doing your research, negotiating the terms of your agreement, and staying involved in the selling process, you can successfully sell your home with the help of a discount broker.

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