How Much Can You Save with a Discount Real Estate Brokerage in Pittsburgh?

If you’re a homeowner in Pittsburgh getting ready to list your home for sale, you’ve likely started thinking about one big number: how much it’s going to cost you to sell. While it’s easy to focus on repairs, staging, and curb appeal, one of the biggest costs is often overlooked—real estate commission.

Traditional brokerages typically charge 5–6% of your home’s sale price in commissions, which can mean tens of thousands of dollars out of your pocket. But what if you could keep more of your equity and still receive full-service representation?

That’s where discount real estate brokerages like 1 Percent Lists Metro PGH come in. In this blog, we’ll break down how much you could actually save and what services you still receive—including staging advice, professional real estate photos, and expert guidance to help you set the listing price with confidence.

How Traditional Real Estate Commissions Work

Before we dive into the savings, let’s take a quick look at how commissions are usually structured when you list your home for sale through a traditional brokerage.

The typical commission is 5% to 6% of the final sale price. That total is usually split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent—often 2.5% to 3% each. And while it might seem like that’s being paid by both parties, the seller is usually the one footing the entire bill.

Here’s an example:
If your home sells for $400,000 and the total commission is 6%, that’s $24,000 in fees. That’s $24,000 coming out of your proceeds—money that could have gone toward your next home, savings, or even those final repairs to get your current house market-ready.

When you’re going through the steps to selling a home, it’s important to know exactly where your money is going. And with commission costs being one of the biggest line items, exploring your options could make a huge difference in your bottom line.

The 1 Percent Lists Model Explained

At 1 Percent Lists Metro PGH, we believe you shouldn’t have to sacrifice service just to save money. Our model offers a 1% listing fee—a straightforward, full-service approach to selling your home that keeps more equity in your pocket.

Here’s how it works: instead of paying 2.5–3% to the listing agent, you pay just 1%. The buyer’s agent commission (usually 2.5–3%) is still offered as part of your listing to remain competitive in the Pittsburgh market, but the overall savings on your side are substantial.

And just because you’re paying less doesn’t mean you’re getting less. Our services still include:

• Professional real estate photos to make your home stand out online
• Proven staging advice to help buyers envision themselves in your space
• Guidance to help you set the listing price strategically based on current market trends
• Marketing across the MLS, major home search platforms, and social media
• Skilled negotiations, contract management, and closing coordination

This isn’t a DIY discount model—this is full-service real estate, just without the inflated fees. If you’re planning to list your home for sale soon, it’s worth considering whether you’re really getting more value with a traditional 6% commission.

Real Numbers: Savings Examples in the Pittsburgh Market

Let’s break it down with some realistic examples, using Pittsburgh-area home prices.

Example 1:

Home price: $250,000

• Traditional 3% listing commission: $7,500
• 1 Percent Lists 1% listing commission: $2,500
• Savings: $5,000

Example 2:

Home price: $400,000

• Traditional 3% listing commission: $12,000
• 1 Percent Lists 1% listing commission: $4,000
• Savings: $8,000

Example 3:

Home price: $600,000

• Traditional 3% listing commission: $18,000
• 1 Percent Lists 1% listing commission: $6,000
• Savings: $12,000

These are real dollars you could use for your next down payment, home upgrades, or even final repairs to ensure a smooth sale. And when you’re following the steps to selling a home, those savings can give you more flexibility and financial peace of mind.

Are There Trade-Offs? (Spoiler: No Hidden Fees)

One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is: “What’s the catch?” It’s a fair question—after all, saving thousands on commission might sound too good to be true. But with 1 Percent Lists Metro PGH, there are no hidden fees and no cut corners.

You still receive everything you’d expect from a full-service real estate team:

• A dedicated agent to guide you through all the steps to selling a home
• Expert staging advice to maximize your home’s appeal
• High-quality professional real estate photos to draw more attention online
• MLS listing and exposure on top real estate platforms
• Help to set the listing price accurately, based on recent market data
• Negotiation support, paperwork management, and contract-to-close coordination

In short: you’re not sacrificing service—you’re just paying a lot less for it.

Our clients are often surprised at how seamless the process is. We don’t just help you list—we help you sell smart. Whether your home needs minor repairs or just a little decluttering, our team walks you through exactly what to do to get top dollar without overspending.

Why This Matters in Today’s Market

The real estate landscape in Pittsburgh—and across the country—is evolving. With higher mortgage rates and rising home values, today’s sellers are more focused than ever on maximizing their profits and minimizing expenses. Choosing the right brokerage can play a huge role in that.

If you’re planning to list your home for sale, it’s important to think strategically. Every dollar you save on commission is a dollar you keep—whether you’re putting it toward your next home, paying off debt, or simply protecting your hard-earned equity.

Plus, buyers are still actively searching. That means pricing, presentation, and marketing matter more than ever. When you list with 1 Percent Lists Metro PGH, you get the benefit of local expertise, professional marketing, and smart pricing strategies to help your home stand out—and sell quickly.

At the end of the day, the best way to prepare for the market is to be informed. If you understand the costs involved, take time for needed repairs, and follow the right steps to selling a home, you can move forward with confidence—and a lot more money in your pocket.

Real Seller Stories from Pittsburgh

Don’t just take our word for it—here’s what one local homeowner had to say after listing with 1 Percent Lists Metro PGH:

“I cannot express how thankful I am to Sue Deely and her expertise in selling my dad’s home. She was amazing! She had my dad’s home on the market, beautifully photographed and ready to go within a day or two. We had offers in less than a few hours! Her realtor & communication skills are unmatched. She made the process so seemless and not stressful at all. I would recommend Sue Deely in a heartbeat to anyone in the Pittsburgh area looking for a dedicated and wonderful realtor!”
— Lauren Vokish

Stories like Lauren’s are becoming more common as Pittsburgh-area homeowners realize they don’t need to overpay for excellent service.

Ready to Save When You List Your Home for Sale?

Selling your home doesn’t have to come with high commission costs. If you’re preparing to list your home for sale, now is the time to take a smarter approach. With 1 Percent Lists Metro PGH, you get:

• Full-service representation
• A trusted local team
• Professional real estate photos, staging advice, pricing guidance, and more
• Huge savings on listing commissions

From strategic marketing to helping you set the listing price and prepare for showings, we handle every detail—so you can focus on the next chapter of your life.

Let’s talk. Contact us today for a free consultation and see how much you could save by listing with Pittsburgh’s leading discount real estate brokerage.