Howard Hanna is a traditional real estate brokerage known for its comprehensive array of services and strong presence across the East Coast and Midwest. The company’s agents assist both homeowners and buyers throughout the process and charge industry-standard fees (5-6% in total for both buyer's and seller's agents).
Howard Hanna offers additional services and can provide clients with a one-stop shop experience, which helps to streamline the whole process. However, customer feedback varies by office location, so we recommend researching the particular agent you’d be working with before signing a listing agreement.
🔎Howard Hanna at a glance
Overall rating: 4.25 based on 950+ reviews across Yelp and Google.
Traditional real estate brokerage with an extensive list of additional services.
Pros & Cons summary:
- Pros: Unique programs, high brand recognition
- Cons: Inconsistent agent service, limited availability.
Founded in 1957, headquartered in Pittsburgh.
Availability: CT, IN, KY, MD, MI, NJ, NY, NC, PA, OH, SC, VA, WV.
Additional services: Mortgage, title, relocation, insurance.
Who Howard Hanna works best for
Howard Hanna can be perfect for buyers and sellers who value a comprehensive service package and want to choose from extra programs. For example, if you’re looking for a real estate company that offers a realtor’s assistance as well as mortgage and title services and assistance with relocation, this company might be an ideal option.
Also, Howard Hanna has programs that could benefit certain types of sellers. The company’s “Buy Before You Sell” solution allows homeowners to unlock equity in their current house to purchase a new one and move into it before putting the old home on the market.
If you want to prioritize savings on the broker’s commission, however, this company may not be your best bet, as its agents charge a typical listing fee. Also, Howard Hanna’s agents vary in their quality of service, so it’s a good idea to research the Howard Hanna agent and to consider several agents before hiring one.
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Howard Hanna reviews: What customers say
| Source | Customer rating |
|---|---|
| Google* | 4.6/5 (800+ reviews) |
| Yelp | 2.4/5 (155 reviews) |
| Weighted average | 4.25/5 (950+ reviews) |
| * We collected reviews from over 25 offices across different states to give you a deeper understanding of Howard Hanna’s average quality of service. | |
Generally, Howard Hanna’s clients were satisfied with the company’s services; however, some noted a lack of consistency among their agents.
Positive feedback
Many of Howard Hanna’s agents get high praise from their clients. Sellers complimented their professionalism, communication, and dedication to their jobs.
Very professional experience! Debbie was a star. Several curveballs were thrown at us during the time our house was listed but Debbie handled everything like the professional that she is. Stayed in constant communication with us and led us to final sale well above asking price!
— John Y., Google
Some reviewers note brokers who have gone above and beyond when trying to sell the property and excel at showings and marketing efforts.
Communication is key to a successful real estate transaction. Rebekah was extremely attentive to my needs and always returned calls, texts and emails promptly if she wasn't immediately available. Rebekah guided me through a real estate sale and purchase during a unprecedented and challenging time. I was so fortunate to have had her by my side.
— Melissa O., Yelp
Negative feedback
One of the main themes we noticed is the inconsistency in the level of service across different offices. Many sellers reported dissatisfaction with certain agents and their approach.
I never felt that Greg had my best interests at heart and when issues arose, he always sided with the buyers. He acted as if he was representing the buyers and not me. Mistakes were made drawing up the contract and misinformation was given to me that cost me thousands… It was extremely stressful and frustrating, one of the worst experiences I've ever had.
— Stefan S., Yelp
Lack of communication from the agents and unresponsiveness are other prominent complaints for some of Howard Hanna’s agents.
Howard Hanna pros and cons
Pros
- High brand visibility
- Unique seller and buyer programs
- Mortgage and title services
Cons
- No discounted commission
- Quality and service vary by location
Advantages of working with Howard Hanna include the strong marketing presence of the company and services such as “Buy Before You Sell” and the “100% Money Back Guarantee.” This is also one of the companies that can provide you a start-to-finish experience with additional offerings, which include mortgages, insurance, and relocation assistance.
One of Howard Hanna’s biggest drawbacks for sellers to be aware of is the inconsistency of its agents’ quality of service. While some brokers receive stellar reviews, there are multiple mentions of a lack of professionalism, issues with communication, and unresponsiveness.
Low-commission alternatives to Howard Hanna
| Company | Listing fee | Avg. customer rating |
|---|---|---|
| Clever | 1.5% | 5/5 |
| Howard Hanna | ~2.74% | 4.25/5 |
| Redfin | 1.5% | 4.5/5 |
| Ideal Agent | 2% | 4.6/5 |
The industry-standard fees for Howard Hanna’s agents are about 2.5-3% for a seller’s agent.
It’s possible to save thousands on the realtor’s commission while working with an experienced agent who provides complete guidance throughout the process. If you’re looking for Howard Hanna alternatives, we recommend giving discount brokerages a shot.
For example, check out Clever Real Estate. This low-commission platform matches sellers with local, top-rated agents at a reduced cost. They negotiate fees directly with brokers, so sellers can enjoy the same level of service for a significantly lower 1.5% listing fee.
Alternatively, you can take a look at Redfin or Ideal Agent — both companies have a similar approach and can connect you with discounted brokers in your area, though agent quality may vary more widely.
How Howard Hanna works
Your agent will assist you with common home-selling tasks for a listing fee of around 3%. To find an agent, you can look for the company office in your area or go through a full list of Howard Hanna’s agents.
If you decide to sell your home with Howard Hanna, here’s what the process is likely to look like:
- Contact the office and receive an initial consultation.
- Sign a listing agreement with an agent of your choosing.
- Receive a comparative market analysis (CMA) and advice on pricing.
- Prepare for staging and putting the house on the market. Your agent will take care of marketing, such as professional photography and the MLS listing.
- Organize showings and open houses (your agent is likely to handle most of this).
- Negotiate offers and sign the purchase agreement.
- Go through home inspections and appraisals.
- Close on the sale.
Howard Hanna’s unique programs
Howard Hanna’s strength lies in its additional services for sellers and buyers.
- Buy Before You Sell: Leverage equity from your current home to purchase a new one.
- Sunday Showcase of Homes: Free home showcase on TV and YouTube, which gives extra visibility for sellers and a convenient way for buyers to find and explore new properties.
- Find It First: Alerts for Howard Hanna’s new homes before they hit the market and appear on websites such as Zillow or Realtor.com.
- 100% Money Back Guarantee: Refund policy for buyers who are not satisfied with their purchase.
Premium or luxury offerings
For sellers of upscale properties, Howard Hanna provides the ability to work with a realtor who’s experienced in selling luxury homes and is familiar with the local market. Dedicated Hanna Luxury services come with extra marketing efforts, such as custom video tours and exposure in the Hanna Luxury magazine.
Howard Hanna review: The bottom line
Howard Hanna offers a comprehensive real estate experience with unique services and additional segments. However, their commission rates are standard, and the individual agent’s quality may vary.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one type of agency that can provide a full range of services with some extra assistance, such as Buy Before You Sell, Howard Hanna is well worth checking it out. But, if it’s important for you to receive high-quality service while still saving money on commission, consider exploring alternatives.
Low-commission options could offer a similar experience for less. Just don’t forget to research your agent prior to starting your partnership officially!
Want to save on commission? Try Clever’s free agent-matching service and save thousands with just a 1.5% prenegotiated commission.