Help-U-Sell is a franchise discount real estate brokerage that offers full-service support at a flat rate. Each franchise has the independence to set pricing and services, which can cause inconsistencies from location to location.
Compared to the percentage-based commissions of traditional real estate agents, Help-U-Sell’s flat rate simplifies selling costs, but the fee you pay depends on what your local branch wants to charge.
Customers are typically pleased with Help-U-Sell’s franchises, and many reviewers praise the level of support they received from agents.
However, it’s worth noting that a handful of customers had a less-than-favorable experience with their agents.
If you want a consistent selling experience with top-rated agents, you may want to look into another discount real estate service, like Clever Real Estate. Clever matches sellers with reputable agents from leading brokerages and helps you lock in a low 1.5% commission rate.
🔎Help-U-Sell at a glance
Overall rating: 4.7/5 rating across 425+ reviews on Google and Yelp
Pros
- Exceptional realtor support
- Knowledgeable of local markets
- Easy selling process
Cons
- Services vary by location
- Pricing is set by individual franchises
- Sellers may need to be hands on
Company details: Established by Don Taylor in 1976 and is the nation's largest real estate franchise model.
Available locations: AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, MI, MN, NV, NC, OK, PA, TX, UT, VA
Who Help-U-Sell works best for
Best fit
Sellers in markets with highly reviewed Help-U-Sell franchises will have the best experience with the company. You might also want to check out Help-U-Sell if you:
- Are comfortable being hands-on with the process
- Prefer to pay a flat fee instead of a percentage
- Want to save money on realtor fees
Who should avoid Help-U-Sell
The full-service Help-U-Sell experience might not stack up against other realtors in areas with weaker franchises. You may want to avoid Help-U-Sell if you:
- Want to work with a guaranteed full-service realtor
- Prioritize the convenience of working with high-performing realtor
- Rely heavily on your realtor’s marketing expertise and negotiation skills
Looking for a low-commission agent without sacrificing service? Clever Real Estate pre-negotiates 1.5% listing fees with top-rated agents nationwide.
Help-U-Sell Reviews: What customers are saying
| Source | Customer rating |
|---|---|
| 4.8/5 (<400 reviews) | |
| Yelp | 4.6/5 (<50 reviews) |
| *Aggregate rating across ~20 franchise locations | |
Help-U-Sell reviews: Professionalism and attentiveness
Many Help-U-Sell customers rave about their realtors’ hands-on, professional approach to selling.
Agents in strong franchises are attentive to their clients’ needs, easy to work with, and have a quick response time.
Wendy M. had this to say about selling through Help-U-Sell Bakersfield:
Help-U-Sell reviews: areas for improvement
Some franchises don’t offer the same attention to detail as others. While they are rare, negative reviews tend to come from buyers who couldn’t get in touch with the selling agent.
This was Karen T’s experience when trying to see a house listed by a Minnesota franchise:
Help-U-Sell pros and cons
Pros
- Low commission potential
- Solid local market knowledge and support
- Control for sellers who prefer DIY
Cons
- Fee structures vary widely
- Franchise model = inconsistent service quality
- Less marketing and agent support
Low-commission alternatives to Help-U-Sell
| Company | Listing fee | Avg. customer rating |
|---|---|---|
| Clever | 1.5% (min. $3,000) | 5.0 (3,500+ reviews) |
| Help-U-Sell | Varies by location | 4.7 (<450 reviews) |
| Redfin | 1.5% (min fee varies) | 4.8 (156,000+ reviews) |
| Ideal Agent | 2% (min. $3,000) | 5.0 (7,000+ reviews) |
Alternatives overview
While Help-U-Sell advertises full-service real estate agents at a lower price, the company is unclear on how much you’ll actually pay. Some franchises may charge a low fee, while others apply a sliding scale to your home’s value.
Opting for a low-commission agent or brokerage using a more transparent pricing structure can still get you similar service quality.
For example, Redfin works with a team of salaried agents to keep commissions low (1.5%), and you have support from a network of experts when selling your house. And matching services, like Ideal Agent, hand-pick a vetted real estate agent in your area at rates below the typical 2.75% most realtors charge.
If you want the best of all worlds — low commission rates and exceptional service — Clever is a solid choice. Clever matches you with agents from top brokers, like Re-Max and Compass, while scoring you a 1.5% commission rate on your sale.
Want to compare top low-commission agents? Clever helps you save thousands while working with a full-service agent.
How Help-U-Sell works
Finding and hiring an agent
Start by using the office locator tool on the company’s website. This tool shows you the closest branch to your address and gives you the contact info for your local franchise.
When you get in touch with your local agent, ask about the following details to make sure they’re a good fit for you:
- How many years of experience they have
- How they calculate their fees
- What services they provide with listing
- How long the listing period is
Selling with Help-U-Sell
You can sell through Help-U-Sell in one of two ways. You can list through them and find your own buyer, or you can rely on one of their agents to find the buyer for you.
Regardless of who secures a buyer, Help-U-Sell’s listing services typically include:
- MLS listings and marketing support, like yard signs
- Comparative market analysis (CMA) and pricing strategies
- Guidance during inspections, appraisals, and financing
- Negotiation and closing assistance
It’s important to remember that none of these services are guaranteed. You should speak with your local franchise directly to find out exactly what they offer.
Buying with Help-U-Sell
Help-U-Sell offers buying agent services for potential buyers. These agents will help you:
- Build a clear picture of what you want in a home
- Locate potential homes (on and off MLS)
- Negotiate price and close on the property
Franchises also offer home buyer rebates, or cash back on the buyer’s agent commission (BAC), when you buy a home through an agent.
However, you must check with your local branch to see if they offer a discount in your area, as these deals aren’t available everywhere.
Potential savings
If you choose Help-U-Sell, you could save thousands of dollars on realtor fees, but the amount you save depends on how the franchise sets up its pricing.
For example, your local franchise could charge a flat fee of $4,500 when selling your home. If your home is worth $164,000 or more, you will pay less than the typical 2.75%. But you won’t see any savings if the property is worth less than $164,000.
Because fee structures vary from location to location, it’s essential to learn how Help-U-Sell charges sellers in your area. In some areas, competitors may offer better value and better service.
Premium packages
Some locations offer premium marketing packages for high-end homes that include perks like:
- Professional photography
- Staging services
- 3D virtual tours
- Drone photos
These packages typically cost extra, but the upcharge varies from franchise to franchise.
Help-U-Sell: The bottom line
Help-U-Sell customers praise its franchises for quality service, value, and professionalism, but the actual level of attention you receive depends heavily on your local franchise.
Some sellers may benefit from lower fees and outstanding realtors, while others may have better luck with a competitor.
Before you settle on working with a Help-U-Sell franchise, it’s best to shop around at more low-commission options. You may find that a competitor better suits your needs at a lower price.
Want lower commission and full service? Clever Real Estate connects you with top-rated agents charging 1.5% commissions. Answer a few questions and get matched today!