Local Realty Flat Fee
| Customer score |
4.9 |
|---|---|
| Pricing |
4.0 |
| Services |
5.0 |
| Track record |
4.3 |
Local Realty Flat Fee is a local discount real estate broker that’s active in and around Birmingham, AL. It's based in Pelham, Alabama and has been in business for at least 7 years.
Highlights
- Solid 4.6 average rating across 41 reviews.
- Well-established, with at least 7 years of verified activity.
- We’re working to verify more information about this company. Check back for updates.
Where Local Realty Flat Fee is available in Alabama
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Overall rating for Local Realty Flat Fee
Our expert take:
We strongly recommend considering Local Realty Flat Fee if you're looking for a full-service support discount real estate brokerage. It received excellent scores for customer satisfaction and services & support.
CUSTOMER SCORE Local Realty Flat Fee's Customer Score is 4.9 out of 5.0 (Excellent), which is in the bottom 50% compared to 6 similar companies in Pelham and top 50% nationwide. OVERALL RATING Lifetime average rating is 4.6, based on 41 reviews. 41 total reviews is an adequate sample size (our minimum reliability threshold is 20), suggesting the 4.6 average rating is a relatively reliable service quality indicator. RECENCY We consider this review data very fresh. 1 review (2% of all reviews) was posted in the past 6 months. The median review age is well below our "freshness" threshold of 12 months. COMPLAINTS Complaint rate is very low; only a small share of reviews (1–2 star) are complaints, well within our comfort thresholds. TREND Local Realty Flat Fee averaged 5 in the past 6 months, but across only 1 review — too few to reliably assess trends. INTERPRETATION Some historical evidence of very good customer experiences and outcomes, but limited data in the past 6 months makes it difficult to assess current service quality.
Local Realty Flat Fee has a 4.0 pricing and fees score. This suggests decent savings potential, though its rates are closer to average among discount brands.
| Fee Type | Tiered pricing |
| Listing fee (based on sale price) |
|
| Sell and buy savings | None identified |
| Buyer rebate | None identified |
Local Realty Flat Fee has a 5.0 services and support score, which is excellent relative to similar discount brokerages. It provides everything we expect from a full-service brokerage — including a dedicated agent, in-person representation, MLS syndication, and pricing assistance. It also offers non-standard features like virtual tours and floorplans, which can help listings stand out.
| Dedicated agent | |
| In-person representation | |
| MLS listing & syndication | |
| CMA & pricing strategy | |
| Professional photography | |
| Offers & negotiating assistance | |
| Paperwork & contract support | |
| Closing support | |
| House showing coordination | |
| Yard sign | |
| Lockbox for door | |
| Digital marketing | |
| Social media advertising | |
| Virtual tours | |
| Drone photography | |
| Digital floorplans | |
| Staging assistance | |
| Print marketing | |
| Open house hosting | |
| Buyer showing attendance |
Local Realty Flat Fee has a strong 4.3 track record score. We were able to verify activity dating back at least 7 years, which is about 2 years less than the typical discount real estate broker. Local Realty Flat Fee has had somewhat inconsistent new monthly activity over its lifespan. This may be due to missing data or indicate a smaller or less active operation, but it’s likely a stable and legitimate business.
Local Realty Flat Fee vs. similar discount real estate brokers
Local Realty Flat Fee reviews
Rating summary
| Rating | Total reviews | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.6 | 41 |
| 4.6 | 41 |
Rating breakdown
FAQ about low commission realtors
Before committing to any discount real estate broker, ask these key questions to ensure you're getting the service level you need:
- What's your experience in my area? Ask for recent sales in your neighborhood and how their sale prices compared to list prices.
- What services are included in your fee? Get specific details about what's covered in their listing fee. Some discount brokers offer full service while others charge extra for certain features, like pro photography or open houses.
- Will I work directly with you? Some discount realtors will assign you to another agent or support staff. Confirm whether you’ll have in-person, hands-on realtor support, especially if you want a full-service option.
- How do you market listings? Verify they list on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and major sites like Zillow and Realtor.com. Ask about their digital marketing strategy and whether they use social media or paid advertising.
- What's your average time to close? Compare this to your local market average. A good discount broker should match the local average or beat typical timelines.
- Can I see recent client reviews? Look for verified reviews on Google, Zillow, or other trusted platforms. Pay close attention to how they respond to negative feedback.
The best way to find the right agent is often through a matching service that's already vetted candidates for you. Clever Real Estate connects you with experienced, full-service agents from top brokerages who offer a 1.5% listing fee — giving you traditional agent expertise at discount broker savings. Compare top local agents near you!
The main difference is the listing commission fee, but service levels can also vary.
Traditional agents typically charge 2.5-3% listing commission and provide full-service support including marketing, showings, negotiations, and closing assistance. Their higher commission often covers extensive advertising and dedicated support staff.
Discount real estate brokers charge reduced commissions (often 1% commission, 2% commission, or flat fees) by operating more efficiently, using technology, streamlined processes, or higher transaction volumes to stay profitable at lower rates. Many offer the same core services as traditional agents, while others provide limited support.
A discount realtor isn't automatically a worse choice. The best low commission realtors maintain high service standards while passing savings to clients. However, it's important to verify exactly what's included in their fee structure, confirm they have strong local market expertise, and check their customer reviews for pros and cons.
Reputable full-service discount real estate brokers usually include these essential services:
- MLS listing and syndication to major real estate websites (Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.)
- Professional photography (typically 20-40 photos)
- Comparative market analysis (CMA) and pricing strategy
- Yard sign, lockbox, and showing service
- Offer review and negotiation assistance
- Contract and paperwork management
- Closing coordination and support
Some discount realtors provide premium services at no cost or for an extra fee.
- Open house hosting
- Premium photography packages (drone shots, virtual tours, 3D walkthroughs)
- Staging consultation or rental furniture
- Extensive print marketing (postcards, brochures, magazine ads)
- In-person showing attendance (some use lockboxes and self-showing instead)
Always ask for a detailed service breakdown in writing before signing a listing agreement. The best low commission realtors are transparent about what's included versus what costs extra.
Don't rely solely on information from the broker's website. Take these steps to independently verify their reputation:
- Check multiple review platforms. Search for the company and individual agent on Google Reviews, Zillow, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for patterns in both positive and negative feedback.
- Verify licensing. Confirm the agent and brokerage are properly licensed in your state. Most state real estate commissions offer free license lookup tools online.
- Look for complaint history. Check with your state's real estate regulatory board for any disciplinary actions or formal complaints.
- Assess review recency and volume. A discount broker with 100+ recent reviews is more reliable than one with 5 reviews from three years ago. Fresh reviews indicate active business and current service levels.
- Read negative reviews carefully. All businesses get some complaints. Focus on how the company responds and whether you see repeated patterns (poor communication, hidden fees, etc.).
- Ask for references. Request contact information for 2-3 recent clients in your area. Reputable discount real estate brokers should be willing to provide these.
- Check sales data. Ask to see their recent sales in your neighborhood. Compare their sale prices and time-on-market to comparable homes sold by traditional agents.
Be cautious of brokers with no recent reviews, reviews only on their own website, consistently vague or generic testimonials, or reluctance to provide verifiable references.
Not all low commission realtors operate the same way. Choose the right type based on your experience level, available time, and comfort with negotiation:
Full-service discount brokers offer the same services as traditional agents (dedicated support, professional marketing, in-person showings, negotiation assistance) but at reduced rates (typically 1-2%). They achieve lower commissions through efficiency and higher transaction volumes. This model is best for most sellers who want to save on commission.
Flat-fee real estate agents charge a fixed fee regardless of home price, typically with full traditional agent services. This model is most beneficial for sellers with higher-priced homes.
Flat fee MLS listing services list your home on MLS for a one-time fee ($99-$500) but provide minimal additional support. You manage the entire sale yourself — essentially selling for-sale-by-owner with MLS access. This model is best for experienced sellers in hot markets.
Explore more ways to sell your house
Methodology
How we review and rate discount real estate brokers
Clever reviews and rates discount real estate brokers across the U.S. to help home sellers find the best combination of savings and service quality. Our evaluation process combines quantitative analysis with direct verification to assess how well each company delivers value compared to other discount realtors in the same market.
Our research process
- Identifying companies: Our team uses public business directories, online search, and manual research to identify all active discount real estate brokers advertising services in each viable market.
- Gathering review data: We aggregate customer ratings and reviews from Google, Zillow, Yelp, and other trusted platforms. We analyze overall ratings, review volume, recency of feedback, complaint patterns, and trends over time to assess customer satisfaction.
- Verifying pricing: We display fee structures by reviewing publicly available rate information on their websites, confirming directly with the companies, and calculating savings estimates based on their commission rates compared to traditional agents in the same market. When exact pricing isn't available, we clearly note this in our review.
- Confirming services: We verify service offerings through company websites, direct inquiries, and cross-referencing with customer reviews that mention specific features. Our service checklist covers 20 standard and premium features that impact the selling experience.
- Regular updates: We continuously monitor review platforms and update our data to reflect the most current information, including recent rating trends and any changes to pricing or services.
Our scoring model
Each company receives an overall rating based on four weighted factors:
- Customer Experience (35%) — Do past clients recommend the company? Are recent reviews positive and consistent?
- Pricing & Fees (30%) — How much does the service cost relative to other brokers? Are there rebates or discounts?
- Services & Support (20%) — Does the company offer the same level of service as a traditional agent? Any extras?
- Track Record (15%) — How long has the company been active, and how steady is their review activity over time?
We regularly update our data and rankings to reflect the most recent information, helping you find the best mix of support and savings for your needs.
About the author - Jamie Ayers
Jamie Ayers leads content product at Clever Real Estate and specializes in evaluating discount real estate brokerages and agent matching services. His research helps home sellers navigate commission savings options and make informed decisions when choosing a real estate professional.
Jamie has managed digital publications across multiple industries, including real estate technology, commercial development, and financial services, bringing a data-driven approach to real estate company reviews. His analysis and expert advice on real estate services have been featured in Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, and BiggerPockets.