Real estate in The United States Of America is thriving. It has only seen exponential growth in the last couple of years and it is still showing signs of further growth. The market is hot for sellers and this has given a rise to real estate commissions as well.
While sellers are looking at more and more unconventional options, buyers are focussed on finding trusted real estate agents and experts to crack a good deal, from amongst the listed homes.
It is therefore important to know about major real estate companies who are best in practice to do business with or even work for.
How to select an appropriate real estate company?
Before we discuss different real estate companies, here is why finding an appropriate company is crucial. Sellers and buyers are spoilt for choice with different real estate companies coming up across the country but here is how you navigate through this path.
A: Local network and connect
It is very important that the real estate company is well connected, locally. Having intimate information about the market is very important to making a successful sale. An agent or company who has local contacts would know a great deal about all the local listings. Also, capturing the local pulse comes in handy while pricing, closing negotiations, and being well-versed with the legal aspects associated with the transaction.
B: Pricing
Checking price points while finalizing a real estate company is the probability on the priority list of sellers, buyers, and even brokers wanting to work with a real estate company. While checking out the pricing, sellers and buyers should look at the hidden costs and brokers should look for a commission deal that they can work out and not run into losses.
C: Services offered
With the current dynamic market lot of options have opened up for sellers and buyers to hop ad finally shop for the services they need. Having good technological know-how has been essential for a real estate company.
D: Professionalism
Reputation takes a top seat when in the industry. A great name can be built with thorough professionalism and safeguarding ethical practices in the field. Word of mouth feedback is important to choose the correct company. Experience in the field also speaks volumes about the company.
E: Reviews
People’s relationships are most important when it comes to selling or buying a property. There should be positive reviews about a company’s customer service and pricing. Without good reviews, it is difficult to trust a company with your business.
Top 5 real estate companies in 2022
Following are America’s most highly rated and reputed real estate companies in 2022.
1: Houzeo
Houzeo is a tech company that harnesses technology to solve real estate problems and make home selling seamless providing Flat Fee MLS services on pay per package basis to sell your house. They have four packages to the sellers starting from $299+ which go up to $999. They provide a speedy MLS listing with photos, digitalization of documentation, an app with a good interface to manage listings and showings, state and federal disclosures, closing assistance, and other services related to pricing and staging.
If you take their highest package at $999, you get the full services of a virtual real estate agent. Houzeo reviews claim that the sellers save their commission while still providing them with necessary services.
There are no hidden fees and FSBO sellers have a level of autonomy and transparency to make a sale.
Typically, Houzeo is routed to all the best real estate companies.
2: Keller Williams
Keller Williams is one of the most experienced and agent-oriented companies in the business with a country-wide coverage. Its commission model is 70-30 percent. Meaning, that agents get to keep 70 percent of their commission while 30 percent goes to the market center. Agents need to pay about 6 percent to the main company as royalty. Plus they have add-on benefits, awards, etc for the agents based on their performance.
They have a huge network of experienced agents which makes it easy for sellers to trust them with their properties. Technologically, they are advanced which helps both buyers and sellers.
Buyers to have a well-equipped agent working with them at all times to make sure that they get the desired property without losing money.
Despite having a good name in the business, the same cannot be said uniformly across all its franchises.
3: RE/MAX
Real Maximus or RE/MAX is one of the oldest companies in the United States which is based on the principle of giving its agents maximum commission. It boasts 125,000 and more agents across the country and is the highest in terms of visibility. They are generous in terms of commission splits for their high-performing agents but they also expect high desk fees. Agents negotiate a deal on a local level with the company.
For sellers, they can expect completely experienced handling of their deal. And the best part is inexperienced sellers can benefit from the fact that the company takes entire responsibility for the sale. A dedicated agent is always a call away. Sellers pay brokerage only if the sale takes place.
Buyers benefit from this arrangement as experts handle the deal and make sure to get maximum listing information to the buyer. While closing also, only professionals handle the deal.
4: eXp Realty
eXp Realty gained much popularity due to the pandemic because it operates virtually and encourages remote working for agents. Agents here can work on a part-time basis and can still sustain their conducive commission structure. They have an 80-20 percent model with a $1600 cap. After agents meet the $1600 cap they don’t have to pay desk fees or royalty to the company.
They also have unique features like foreclosure assistance should difficult times arrive and also have home inspection services which further a seller’s chance of getting good buyer interest.
For buyers, they have a lending calculator which helps you choose a viable loan and EMI option. The company has a technologically advanced interface that provides information about various loans a buyer is eligible for.
eXp Realty has discounted commission offer through Houzeo.
5: Coldwell Banker
Coldwell Banker is one of the oldest real estate companies in the United States and has rightfully earned a reputation for being experienced and efficient. They have one of the fantastic agent onboarding programs and they charge a 7 percent commission to their agents.
Coldwell Banker’s USP lies in the fact that they have advanced technology in the form of CBx which does cutting-edge market research for sellers and buyers. Both parties can get their pricing right. In addition to this, agents enjoy leverage to sell their property because CBx provides them with cutting-edge marketing tools and in-depth data.
Conclusion
In this time and age which is more digitally driven, it is better to go for a Flat Fee MLS like Houzeo which can route you to reputed real estate companies suitable for your area. Houzeo reviews claim that there are no hidden charges, plus their service is quick and effective.