Houston Discount Realtors: 5 Low Commission Options (2026)
Houston sellers comparing a Houston discount Realtor can choose among local 1% brokerages, national low-commission companies, agent-matching services and flat-fee MLS plans. The important comparison is not only the headline fee—it is the actual listing-side cost, any minimum, who represents you and what work remains with the seller.
Ownership disclosure: Eaton Real Estate Company publishes this guide and is included in the comparison. This is not an independent consumer publication. To make the ranking auditable, the criteria, limitations and direct source links used on September 1, 2026 are shown below.
In This Guide
What Counts as a Low Commission Realtor?
A low commission real estate brokerage charges less on the listing side than many conventional full-service agents. The discount can be a percentage, a flat fee or a conditional rate tied to another transaction.
A licensed brokerage represents the seller, markets the property, handles offers and provides contract-to-close support for a reduced listing-side fee.
A marketplace refers the seller to a local partner agent who has agreed to a pre-negotiated listing rate.
The broker enters the property into the MLS while the seller manages more of the active sale and transaction.
These models should not be treated as interchangeable. A $500 MLS entry can cost less than a percentage-based listing, but it does not include the same representation or transaction management as a full-service plan.
How This Houston Ranking Was Built
We reviewed the companies' public pricing and service pages, checked whether they showed current Houston or nationwide availability, and compared the practical terms a seller can verify before making contact. The research snapshot is dated September 1, 2026.
Published listing-side fee, minimum commission and when payment is due.
Representation, MLS exposure, photography, negotiations and contract-to-close help.
Local Houston presence or clearly stated nationwide coverage with Houston agents.
Cancellation terms, published limitations and how clearly the company explains its model.
Correction from the earlier draft: 1 Percent Lists Lonestar Realty was removed because its official location page identifies San Antonio as its served market, not Houston. It was replaced with Clever Real Estate, which publishes nationwide availability and a 1.5% partner-agent rate.
A company can still be a good fit even if it ranks lower here. Sellers should obtain the Houston-specific agreement, confirm the individual agent or broker and compare the complete responsibilities before signing.
Houston Discount Realtor and Low Commission Options
| Company | Published Listing-Side Price | Model | Important Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eaton Real Estate Company | 1% full service with no minimum; separate $500 MLS-only plan | Direct Houston broker or MLS-only | Photography is optional; MLS-only does not include seller representation |
| Creekstone Real Estate | 1% with a $3,000 minimum | Local Houston full service | Minimum raises the effective rate below a $300,000 sale |
| Houston Discount Realty | Advertises 1% full service | Local Houston full service | No minimum or cancellation terms were clearly published on the reviewed page |
| Clever Real Estate | 1.5% with a $3,000 minimum | Nationwide agent-matching marketplace | The actual listing agent works for a partner brokerage |
| Redfin | Advertises 1% when an eligible seller also buys with Redfin | National brokerage with Houston agents | Base rate, minimum and rebate terms can vary; verify the Houston quote |
Listing side only. Buyer-agent compensation, concessions, title charges and other selling expenses are separate. Pricing and terms can change; verify every proposal in writing.
Five Low Commission Real Estate Options for Houston Sellers
1. Eaton Real Estate Company
Eaton offers Houston sellers two deliberately different choices: 1% Full-Service representation or a $500 MLS-Only listing. The 1% plan has no minimum listing fee, is paid at closing only if the property sells and can be canceled under the written agreement.
Full service includes seller representation, MLS exposure, pricing and positioning guidance, showing coordination, buyer-agent communication, offer review, negotiation help and contract-to-close guidance. The $500 plan provides MLS entry but leaves inquiries, showings, offers, negotiations, title and closing coordination with the seller.
- Published price: 1% full service with no minimum, or $500 MLS-only.
- Why it ranks first here: Lowest verified full-service fee without a minimum, plus a separate seller-managed option.
- Watch for: Photography is not bundled. Sellers may provide photos or choose optional professional photography starting at $199.
- Buyer side: Separate, negotiable and chosen by the seller.
- Verify: Eaton's Houston plans and terms.
2. Creekstone Real Estate
Creekstone is a Houston-area brokerage advertising full-service representation for 1% with a $3,000 minimum. Its public seller page says the fee is paid at closing and includes professional photography, pricing strategy, HAR MLS marketing, showing coordination, negotiation and transaction management.
Creekstone also publishes no-long-term-lock-in language and says sellers can cancel. Its local focus and clearly described service scope make it the strongest directly comparable Houston alternative in this review.
- Published price: 1% with a $3,000 minimum.
- Best for: Houston sellers who want a local 1% full-service brokerage with photography included.
- Watch for: On a sale below $300,000, the $3,000 minimum produces an effective rate above 1%.
- Buyer side: Separate and negotiable.
- Verify: Creekstone's current seller page.
3. Houston Discount Realty
Houston Discount Realty advertises full-service listing representation for a 1% listing fee. Its public page describes MLS exposure, professional photos, showing management, offer negotiation, contract handling, inspections and appraisal coordination.
The reviewed page did not clearly state a minimum commission, cancellation structure or every potential additional charge. That does not mean those terms are unfavorable; it means a seller should request the actual agreement before comparing the effective price with other 1% options.
- Published price: Advertised 1% full-service listing fee.
- Best for: Sellers who want another local Houston brokerage to interview.
- Watch for: Confirm minimum fees, listing term, cancellation terms and exactly what photography is included.
- Verify: Houston Discount Realty's current page.
4. Clever Real Estate
Clever is a nationwide agent-matching marketplace rather than a traditional local brokerage office. It refers sellers to partner agents who have agreed to a 1.5% listing fee with a $3,000 minimum. Sellers can interview matches and are not charged for using the matching service.
This model can be useful for a seller who wants multiple agent introductions without negotiating the listing rate separately with each one. The trade-off is that the experience depends on the specific Houston partner agent and brokerage.
- Published price: 1.5% with a $3,000 minimum.
- Best for: Sellers who want to compare several pre-negotiated agent matches.
- Watch for: Ask who the actual Houston agent will be, what that agent includes and whether the minimum changes the effective rate.
- Verify: Clever's current pricing FAQ.
5. Redfin
Redfin operates in Houston and publishes a current Houston agent roster. Its lowest advertised 1% listing rate is conditional: the seller must also complete an eligible home purchase with Redfin within the stated time window.
Redfin's public selling materials explain that the seller may initially pay a higher listing rate and receive the difference after the qualifying purchase. Minimum commissions and local terms apply, and its public calculator notes that the listing fee can increase when the buyer is unrepresented. Sellers should request the exact Houston proposal before comparing Redfin with an unconditional 1% listing.
- Published price: Conditional 1% buy-and-sell rate; base rate and minimum vary.
- Best for: Sellers who want a large brokerage and also expect to buy through Redfin.
- Watch for: Eligibility window, upfront rate, minimum commission and unrepresented-buyer terms.
- Verify: Redfin's selling FAQ and Houston agent roster.
Listing-Fee Examples at Common Sale Prices
These examples use the published percentage and known minimums. They compare the listing side only and do not include buyer-agent compensation or other selling expenses.
| Sale Price | Eaton 1% | Creekstone 1% / $3K min. | Houston Discount 1%* | Clever 1.5% / $3K min. | Redfin Conditional 1%* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $2,000 |
| $300,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $4,500 | $3,000 |
| $500,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $7,500 | $5,000 |
| $750,000 | $7,500 | $7,500 | $7,500 | $11,250 | $7,500 |
*Houston Discount Realty: table applies the advertised 1% rate, but the reviewed page did not clearly publish a minimum; verify the quote. Redfin: the 1% column assumes all buy-and-sell eligibility requirements are met and excludes any higher initial fee, minimum or unrepresented-buyer adjustment.
For a broader explanation of listing-side versus buyer-side compensation, read Houston Realtor Commission: What Sellers Pay in 2026.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Low Commission Realtor
Ask every company the same questions and compare the written answers:
- Is this full seller representation or MLS entry only?
- What is the listing-side rate, dollar minimum and total brokerage fee?
- When is the fee due, and is anything paid before the listing is active?
- Who provides pricing guidance and prepares the MLS presentation?
- Are professional photographs, signs or lockboxes included?
- Who coordinates showings and follows up with buyer agents?
- Who reviews and negotiates the complete terms of each offer?
- Who manages inspection, appraisal, title and contract deadlines?
- Can the seller cancel, and is there a cancellation fee?
- Is buyer-agent compensation clearly shown as a separate, negotiable decision?
Seller tip: Compare the likely net and the work you must perform—not just the advertised percentage. A low fee can be valuable, but a service mismatch can cost more than the commission savings.
Full-Service Discount Broker vs. Flat-Fee MLS
A full-service discount broker represents the seller and remains involved through pricing, launch, showings, offers, negotiation and closing. A flat-fee MLS service focuses on MLS exposure while the seller performs more of the active sale.
Eaton's 1% Full-Service plan and $500 MLS-Only plan make that distinction explicit. The lower upfront price of MLS-only is most useful for sellers who are prepared to manage inquiries, access, negotiations, contracts, title and deadlines.
For a direct service comparison, see 1% Full-Service vs. Flat-Fee MLS.
Related Houston Seller Guides
Understand listing-side fees, separate buyer-agent compensation and 2026 Texas rules.
Review title charges, taxes, concessions, payoffs and a worked seller-net example.
Compare 1% Full-Service representation with the seller-managed $500 MLS-Only plan.
Official Sources Reviewed
Pricing and service claims were checked against the following public pages on September 1, 2026:
- Eaton Real Estate Company — Houston listing options
- Creekstone Real Estate — Houston seller pricing and services
- Houston Discount Realty — advertised 1% full-service listing
- Clever Real Estate — pricing FAQ
- Redfin — selling FAQ and conditional 1% terms
- Redfin — Houston agent roster
- 1 Percent Lists — Lonestar Realty location and served market
- National Association of REALTORS® — offers of compensation
- Texas Real Estate Commission — 2026 buyer and tenant representation changes
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I compare Houston discount Realtors?
There is no universal best Houston discount Realtor. Under the disclosed criteria on this Eaton-published page, Eaton ranks first for its unconditional 1% full-service fee with no minimum and its separate $500 MLS-only option. Creekstone is a strong local alternative with photography included and a $3,000 minimum. Sellers should compare the individual broker, agreement and responsibilities.
Can I sell a Houston home with a 1% listing fee?
Yes. Eaton, Creekstone and Houston Discount Realty publish 1% listing options. Their minimums, photography, cancellation terms and service structures differ, so the effective cost and seller responsibilities should be confirmed in writing.
Is Realtor commission fixed in Houston?
No. Broker compensation is negotiable and is not set by law. The listing-side fee and any buyer-agent compensation should be explained separately in the applicable agreements.
Does a 1% listing fee include buyer-agent compensation?
Not on the plans compared here. The published percentage refers to the listing side. Buyer-agent compensation, if offered or negotiated, is separate and should be evaluated with the complete offer and seller net.
Which Houston options have minimum commissions?
Creekstone publishes a $3,000 minimum and Clever publishes a $3,000 minimum. Eaton states that its 1% full-service plan has no minimum. Houston Discount Realty's reviewed page did not clearly publish a minimum, and Redfin says minimums and terms apply, so sellers should request Houston-specific figures.
Is flat-fee MLS the same as full-service representation?
No. Flat-fee MLS generally provides listing entry while leaving more work with the seller. Full-service representation includes an agent or broker actively representing the seller through the transaction.
Compare the Agreement, Not Just the Advertisement
Start with the actual property, expected sale price and level of support you want. Then compare the listing fee, minimum, included services, cancellation terms and who will personally handle the transaction.
Disclosure: Eaton Real Estate Company publishes this comparison and is ranked in it. The page uses public information available on September 1, 2026 and may not capture later changes or property-specific quotes. Listing fees, minimums, services, cancellation terms, buyer-agent compensation, concessions and closing costs are negotiable or contract-dependent. Verify current terms directly with each company. REALTOR® is a membership mark and may not apply to every company or license holder mentioned. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.