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Top 5 Discount Real Estate Brokers in California (2025 Update)

Steph Sanchez
February 2, 2025
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Selling a home in California doesn’t have to mean paying sky-high commission fees. With the rise of discount real estate brokers, sellers now have more cost-effective ways to list their homes while still getting the exposure and support they need. Here are the top five discount real estate brokers in California for 2025.

1. ListLean – The Best Value in California

If you’re looking for the most affordable way to list your home on the MLS, ListLean is the clear winner. For just $95, sellers can get their property listed on the MLS, ensuring maximum exposure without the hefty commission fees.

For those who want full-service agent support, ListLean also offers its Elite Plan, which provides everything you’d expect from a traditional real estate agent—but for just 1% commission instead of the usual 5-6%. This plan includes contract negotiation, marketing assistance, and closing support, making it an unbeatable deal.

Check out ListLean’s pricing and services at ListLean Pricing.

2. Redfin – A Well-Known Discount Option

Redfin is a well-known name in the real estate industry, offering discounted commissions compared to traditional brokerages. Sellers using Redfin can expect to pay around 1.5% to 2% commission, which is lower than standard agent fees but still significantly higher than ListLean’s flat-fee and Elite plans. Redfin also provides a tech-driven experience with online tools and a team-based approach to real estate transactions.

3. Clever Real Estate – Agent Matching with Commission Savings

Clever Real Estate connects sellers with full-service agents who agree to work at a reduced commission rate. While this gives sellers access to experienced agents, the commission structure is 1.5%, meaning you’ll still pay more than you would with a flat-fee MLS service like ListLean. However, for those who prefer traditional agent support at a lower cost, Clever can be a good option.

4. Houzeo – Another Flat Fee MLS Contender

Houzeo is a popular flat-fee MLS listing service, offering plans starting at a few hundred dollars. While it allows sellers to get their home listed without paying a full commission, additional services often come at extra costs. Compared to ListLean’s $95 flat-fee listing, Houzeo’s plans can be more expensive, especially for sellers who need extra assistance.

5. HomeLight – Agent Referral with Reduced Fees

HomeLight isn’t a direct discount brokerage but rather a real estate agent referral service. It connects sellers with top agents who offer competitive commission rates. The savings depend on the agent you’re matched with, but it may not always be as cost-effective as using a dedicated flat-fee MLS service.

Why Choose a Discount Real Estate Broker?

Traditional real estate agents charge 5-6% in commission, which can mean losing tens of thousands of dollars when selling a home. Discount real estate brokers like ListLean offer a smarter way to sell, whether you prefer a flat-fee MLS listing for $95 or full-service agent support for just 1% commission.

If saving money while selling your home sounds like a smart move, check out ListLean’s plans and see how much you can keep in your pocket: ListLean Pricing.

Selling a home FSBO (For Sale By Owner) can be an attractive option for homeowners looking to save on realtor commissions and retain control over the selling process. However, navigating the complexities of a real estate transaction without professional guidance can be challenging. To help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve a successful sale, let's explore some of the top FSBO mistakes to avoid when selling your home.

1. Pricing it Wrong:

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2. Neglecting Legal Requirements:

Selling a home involves adhering to various legal requirements and disclosures. Failure to comply with state and local regulations can lead to legal issues and jeopardize the sale. Make sure you familiarize yourself with California's real estate laws, including disclosure requirements, contract terms, and any local ordinances that may affect the sale of your home.

3. Poor Marketing Strategy:

Effective marketing is essential for attracting potential buyers and generating interest in your property. Many FSBO sellers make the mistake of neglecting marketing efforts or relying solely on traditional methods such as yard signs and classified ads. Take advantage of online platforms, social media channels, and professional photography to showcase your home to a wider audience and maximize its exposure.

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FAQ’s

Frequently asked questions

What is the MLS?

The Multiple Listing Service, or MLS, is a database used by real estate brokers to share information about properties for sale by sellers they represent to brokers who represent potential buyers.

What is a Flat Fee MLS listing?

A Flat Fee MLS listing is a service that allows homeowners like you to list their property on the local MLS for a flat fee rather than paying a traditional real estate agent's commission, which is typically a percentage of the sale price.

How does a Flat Fee MLS listing work?

You pay a one-time fee to have your property listed on the MLS database. This fee usually covers the cost of listing your property on the MLS for a specified period, often ranging from 6 months to a year. You retain the right to sell your home FSBO and handle the selling process yourself.

Why can’t I edit my Zillow listing after my property goes live on the MLS?

Once your home is listed on the MLS, websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com automatically pull your listing data directly from the MLS.

Because of this MLS connection, Zillow removes homeowner editing access to avoid conflicting information online. This is a Zillow policy that applies to any home listed through the MLS — regardless of which agent or company lists it.

You can read Zillow's official policy here:
https://www.zillow.com/c/about-linking-and-claiming-listings/

Am I signing a listing agreement with ListLean?

No, you are not signing a traditional listing agreement with us. ListLean does not represent you as an agent. Instead, you are signing an MLS Entry Agreement, which is required to list your property on the MLS while staying compliant with board and MLS regulations. This agreement allows us to post your listing but does not establish an agent-client relationship. You still remain a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) seller, maintaining full control over your sale.

Do I need to provide photos and descriptions for my listing?

Yes. Try to provide high-quality photos and a detailed description of your property for the MLS listing. Remember, you want to get the best price for your home, so clear, well-lit photos and an accurate (non-puffed) description will go a long way towards generating interest for your house. We offer professional photography for an extra $250 because we know first impressions are the only ones that matter online in the age of swiping left.

Can I change the listing price or details after it's posted on the MLS?

Absolutely! Just email us anytime at team@listlean.com for any updates, changes, or open house requests.

For Open Houses, please send us:

  • Property Address (in the email subject line)
  • Open House Day(s)
  • Start & End Time

We ask for at least 48 hours’ notice so we can update the MLS properly. Once updated, Zillow and other websites will reflect those changes automatically within 24-48 hours.

How do showings and negotiations work with a Flat Fee MLS listing?

As the FSBO homeowner, you'll be responsible for scheduling and conducting showings with potential buyers. When you receive offers, you'll negotiate directly with the buyer or their agent. It's advisable to seek legal counsel or hire a real estate attorney to review any offers or contracts to ensure they're in your best interest.

What happens if my property doesn't sell during the listing period?

If your property doesn't sell during the initial listing period, you may have the option to renew your Flat Fee MLS listing for an additional fee.

Is ListLean a Licensed Broker?

Absolutely. ListLean LLC operates under Offercity Brokerage Inc, holding California CalBRE #02185966. As a licensed broker, we’re authorized to list your home on local MLS databases throughout California.