When it comes to saving on real estate commissions, the debate of flat fee vs discount brokerages often comes up. A flat fee brokerage charges a fixed, transparent price for their services—regardless of the home’s value. At Arrivva, for example, we charge:
- $9,750 to buy a home
- $15,750 to sell a home
That price includes full service, from strategy and valuation to marketing, negotiation, and close. There’s no upsell, no sliding scale, and no surprises.
"We charge one flat fee because your success shouldn’t cost more just because your home is worth more." — Fred Glick, Broker & Founder of Arrivva
What Is a Discount Brokerage?
A discount brokerage typically offers a reduced commission rate (e.g., 1%–2%) rather than the standard 2.5%–3%. Sounds like a good deal, right? The catch: most discount brokers offer limited service to match the lower price.
That may include:
- No custom marketing strategy
- No professional photography or copywriting
- No expert negotiation support
- Minimal listing visibility or agent involvement
You may save on commission—but it could cost you thousands more in missed opportunities or lower offers.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Flat Fee (Arrivva) | Discount Brokerage |
| Pricing Model | Fixed ($9,750 / $15,750) | Reduced % (1%–2%) |
| Pricing Transparency | ✅ Upfront & flat | ❌ Often unclear or variable |
| Full-Service Listing Support | ✅ Included | ❌ Often limited |
| Negotiation Oversight | ✅ Broker-supervised | ❌ Agent-only or DIY |
| Incentive Alignment | ✅ No upselling | ❌ Can still be commission-based |
| Tech & Dashboard Access | ✅ Modern, transparent | ❌ Rare or limited |
| Real Savings | ✅ Thousands | ⚠ Varies |
Why This Matters
Buying or selling a home isn’t a basic transaction—it’s a major financial milestone. Choosing the wrong model could lead to overpaying in commission or underselling your home. You need a partner that offers both cost-efficiency and expert support.
Flat fee brokerages like Arrivva are built around transparency and value. We’ve helped clients save tens of thousands without sacrificing results. And we’re not incentivized to close quickly or push you toward higher prices just to earn more.
Bottom Line: Flat Fee Wins on Service & Savings
If you want a better real estate experience—one that’s modern, fair, and transparent—flat fee is the way to go. It’s the best of both worlds: professional representation and predictable pricing.
Want to learn more about how flat fee real estate works? Read our full breakdown here: Flat Fee Real Estate: The Future of Buying and Selling Homes
Or schedule a consultation to see how much you could save.