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 transparent pricing and proven results, compare your options before you list. Clever Real Estate lets you work with top-rated local agents from major brokerages — and lock in a low 1.5% listing fee, half the typical rate. It’s free to try, with no obligation to move forward. Find top agents today!
🔎Help-U-Sell at a glance
Company type: Flat-fee, full-service discount brokerage (franchise model)
Headquarters: Sarasota, Florida
Founded: 1976 by Don Taylor
Availability: AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, MI, MN, NV, NC, OK, PA, TX, UT, VA
Average rating: 4.7/5 (425+ reviews across Google and Yelp)
Typical fees: Varies by location (usually $4,000–$6,000 flat rate)
Average closing time: Similar to traditional agents
👍 Pros
- Flat-fee pricing can save thousands vs. 6% commission
- Full-service support with MLS access and local expertise
- Highly rated customer experience in top-performing markets
👎 Cons
- Pricing and service quality vary by franchise
- Limited coverage in smaller markets
- Some sellers report inconsistent marketing and follow-up
💡 Pro tip: Help-U-Sell’s flat-fee pricing can be a good deal — but results depend heavily on your local franchise.
For consistent savings and top-tier service nationwide, Clever Real Estate pre-negotiates 1.5% listing fees with vetted agents from trusted brands like Keller Williams and Compass. Compare your options for free before you list.
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
If you value predictable pricing and don’t mind managing parts of the sale yourself, Help-U-Sell could be a cost-effective choice.
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
If you want consistent service and stronger marketing, a low-commission brokerage may be a better fit.
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 | |
✅ 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.
We could not be more pleased from beginning to end. Our agent, Grant M*****, stayed on top of everything and made sure we were aware at al stages He took the lead on everything to make sure we made all deadlines. Grant had worked with us for some time to find just the right place for us. He never worked just to make a sell. He worked for our best interest.
We received exceptional service from Jack and his team. We were informed of every showing and were given timely and informed advice of changes in the market. And the costs and fees associated with the closing were significantly less than elsewhere. They are highly recommended!
❌ Poor communication
While most customers report positive experiences, a few negative reviews mention poor communication and unprofessional service from certain franchises, like the examples below.
Do not use these people. They acted as though they've never helped anyone buy a home before when I used them! I was screwed out of land, money. They didn't even show me the corners of the property or make the sellers pay for lying about what land they actually had to sell me.
I am in the market to buy a house and this company with held information from my realtor that potentially prevented me from getting the home that I wanted. I hope Jack can sleep good at night.
Help-U-Sell pros and cons
Pros
- Flat-fee pricing can mean big savings
- Local expertise and personal service
- Control for sellers who prefer DIY
Cons
- Pricing varies by franchise
- Service quality isn’t consistent
- Limited marketing resources
Overall, Help-U-Sell can be a smart choice for sellers who live near a strong franchise and want to save on commission without losing full-service support. However, because pricing and service quality vary by location, it’s important to research your local office before committing.
In areas with less-established franchises, you may find better value and consistency with a national low-commission realtor like Clever Real Estate.
Low-commission alternatives to Help-U-Sell
| Company | Listing fee | Avg. customer rating |
|---|---|---|
| Clever Real Estate | 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 2-3% most realtors charge.
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 is 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'll pay less than the typical rate.. 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.
