Redfin vs Flat-Fee Realtor – Which Saves You More?
Compare Redfin's discount brokerage model with flat-fee MLS services in Washington. Learn which option saves more money and fits your selling strategy.
Redfin vs Flat-Fee Realtor – Which Saves You More?
If you’re selling a home in Washington and looking to cut costs, you’ve probably heard about Redfin and flat-fee realtors.
- Redfin: a national brokerage with discounted listing fees, offering full-service agents and tech tools for less than traditional commissions.
- Flat-fee realtors: brokers who list your home on MLS for a one-time fee, leaving you in control of showings and negotiations.
Both can save you money compared with paying a 6% commission, but they work very differently.
This guide explores how Redfin’s discount brokerage model compares to flat-fee MLS listings. We’ll look at fees, services, and potential savings for homes in Washington. By the end, you’ll understand which route keeps more money in your pocket and how to decide which is right for you.
How Redfin Works in Washington
Redfin combines a traditional brokerage model with technology to reduce costs. Key details:
- Listing Fee: 1.5% of the sale price (sometimes 1% with promos if you also buy with Redfin). Lower than the standard 3% charged by many full-service agents.
- Buyer’s Agent Commission: Still required—usually 2.5–3% in Washington. On a $600,000 sale, total commission is 4–4.5% even with Redfin’s discount.
- Services Offered: Full-service agents handle pricing, marketing, negotiations, and paperwork. Technology helps with scheduling tours and sharing feedback.
- Local Expertise: Licensed agents familiar with Washington markets, though higher client volume may reduce personal attention.
- Savings Programs: Occasional 1% listing fee promos tied to also buying with Redfin.
💡 Example: On a $500,000 home, you’d pay about $7,500 to Redfin (1.5% fee) plus $12,500 to the buyer’s agent. That’s $20,000 total—cheaper than a 6% commission but still significant.
How Flat-Fee Realtors Work
Flat-fee MLS services charge a fixed upfront fee (typically $79 in Washington) to post your home on MLS.
- MLS Listing: Licensed broker posts your property, ensuring syndication to Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and more.
- Syndication: Your home appears on major portals, including Redfin’s site—even without a Redfin agent.
- Seller Responsibilities: You handle photos, pricing, showings, negotiations, and paperwork. Add-on services (photography, pricing advice, contract review) may cost extra.
- Buyer’s Agent Commission: You set this—typically 2–3%—to attract agents.
- Flexibility and Control: Full control over terms and pricing, with major savings from avoiding listing commissions.
👉 Flat-fee realtors appeal to confident sellers ready to DIY parts of the process. The higher your home price, the bigger your savings.
Cost Comparison
Assuming a 2.5% buyer’s agent commission:
| Home Price | Traditional (6%) | Redfin (1.5%) | Redfin 1% Promo | Wayber Flat-Fee MLS ($79) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | $18,000 | $12,000 | $10,500 | $7,579 |
| $500,000 | $30,000 | $20,000 | $17,500 | $12,579 |
| $1,000,000 | $60,000 | $40,000 | $35,000 | $25,079 |
- Traditional assumes 3% listing + 3% buyer commission.
- Redfin charges 1.5% listing, plus 2.5% buyer commission.
- Redfin 1% promo applies if you also buy through them.
- Flat-fee MLS = $79 + 2.5% buyer commission.
💡 For a $1M home, a flat-fee MLS service saves $15,000 more than Redfin’s standard and $10,000 more than Redfin’s promo.
Service Differences
Redfin
- Full-service support: pricing, staging, negotiation, and paperwork.
- Professional photography and 3D walkthroughs included in many packages.
- Advanced tech for scheduling tours and analytics.
- Lower fees than traditional agents, but still percentage-based.
- Some agents juggle many clients, reducing responsiveness.
Flat-Fee MLS
- MLS listing + syndication to all major portals for a single fee.
- Optional add-ons (photos, broker consults).
- You manage pricing, showings, and negotiations.
- Minimal ongoing support.
- Biggest potential savings, especially at higher home values.
Pros and Cons
Redfin – Pros
- Lower listing commission than traditional (1–1.5%).
- Full-service agent with pricing, marketing, and negotiation.
- Technology platform for tours and analytics.
- Recognizable brand.
Redfin – Cons
- Total commission still 4–5%.
- Service quality varies by agent workload.
- Promos tied to also buying with Redfin.
- Less control over sale details.
Flat-Fee Realtors – Pros
- No percentage listing fee—dramatically lower costs.
- Full MLS exposure + syndication.
- Control over pricing, showings, and negotiations.
- Pay only for add-ons you want.
Flat-Fee Realtors – Cons
- More responsibility—manage inquiries, tours, and negotiations.
- Time-consuming for some sellers.
- Learning curve for first-time sellers.
- Limited guidance unless you buy extra support.
Which Saves More in Washington?
Savings depend on your home’s value and your willingness to DIY.
Example: $700,000 home:
- Traditional (6%) = $42,000.
- Redfin (1.5%) = $28,000.
- Redfin promo (1%) = $24,500.
- Flat-Fee MLS = $18,000.
👉 Flat-fee MLS beats Redfin by $10,500 (vs standard) and $6,500 (vs promo). Even with add-ons, flat-fee leaves more money in your pocket.
When to Choose Each Option
Choose Redfin If:
- You want full-service support at lower cost.
- You prefer to delegate paperwork, negotiations, and showings.
- You’re also buying through Redfin to qualify for promos.
- Convenience matters more than maximum savings.
Choose Flat-Fee MLS If:
- You’re comfortable handling showings, pricing, and negotiations.
- You want maximum savings on higher-priced homes.
- You value flexibility and control.
- You have prior real estate experience (or are willing to learn).
💡 Hybrid tip: List with a flat-fee MLS service, then hire a real estate attorney or transaction broker for limited consultation. You’ll still save thousands.
Related Resources
Conclusion: Choose the Model That Maximizes Your Equity
Redfin and other discount brokerages can reduce costs while providing professional service. But Redfin’s model still ties your costs to your home price and requires paying buyer’s agent commissions.
Flat-fee MLS services offer full MLS exposure for a fixed cost, consistently saving more money. While you’ll take on more responsibility, many sellers find the trade-off worthwhile.
👉 If maximizing equity is your goal, a flat-fee MLS service like Wayber is the clear winner. Start today with Wayber’s platform for transparent pricing and local expertise.