If you are interested in investing in a home or real estate property or selling the one you already own, then you most likely have encountered issues budgeting the whole process while accounting for the standard 3–6% fee real estate agents earn. If so, then you may be interested in discount real estate agents. These agents typically offer lower rates and are a good choice for those that don't need anything extra from their real estate agent, are willing to forgo extra services for lower expenses, and even those that essentially want to sell their home without a real estate agent.

Different Service

One of the most important things to be aware of when hiring a discount real estate broker is that they typically make up for their lower payment by handling many different clients at once, far more than what a typical real estate agent would. As such, discount real estate agents typically do not provide the "full service" that other real estate agents do — there's less potential for a long-term relationship but also higher chances for a quick sale. If you don't want to bother with the "full service" and just need someone to get your house on the market, then discount real estate agents are probably right for you.

It's important to note that it's still possible to find a high-quality discount real estate agent, and these agents are not a lower quality compared to standard agents but offer a different service. If you're interested in developing a long-term relationship with the real estate agent you choose, for whatever reason, then these agents may feel like a downgrade compared to what you would prefer. However, it'd be more useful to compare the quality discount real estate agents with other discount agents.

Nearly FSBO

Finally, the term "discount real estate agents" also includes the services that will take a very low fee, around a couple hundred dollars, to list your house on the market and nothing else. Some people find that this is perfect for them and they can get a good price for their house with a minimal amount spend on an agent. However, this is basically one step away from selling your house without an agent (or, For Sale By Owner), which comes with its own risks. Some people find that they can handle the real estate negotiations without an agent, but need help getting their house on the market where prospective buyers can see. A bare-bones service can help.

Always do your research on the agent you choose before hiring them on for your property transactions, discount or otherwise.