Circle One Realty is a locally owned real estate company based in the Chicagoland area. They specialize in helping property sellers list their homes on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) for a flat fee, which can save sellers thousands of dollars in Realtor® commissions. Unlike traditional real estate companies, they don’t charge the usual commission for listing services, but they still provide full Realtor® support throughout the selling process.
What makes Circle One Realty stand out is that they are not some out-of-state referral service—they’re local experts who understand the Chicago real estate market. They list properties on the MRED MLS (which covers Chicagoland), Realtor.com, Zillow, and other top real estate websites to give sellers maximum exposure. Essentially, they offer all the benefits of working with a Realtor®, but at a lower cost.
Is Circle One Realty Legit?
Yes, Circle One Realty is a reputable company with several indicators of legitimacy. They maintain a strong online presence, featuring client reviews and details about their services on their website. They also hold a positive rating on RateMyAgent, with most reviews praising their flat-fee MLS listings and customer service.
Additionally, the company is headquartered in Yorkville, Illinois, and is likely registered with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, further supporting their credibility as a licensed real estate firm.
How Does Circle One Realty Work?
Circle One Realty is a full-service real estate brokerage that’s all about making the home buying or home selling process smooth and straightforward for clients. Here’s how it works:
- Expert Agents: Circle One Realty has a team of licensed, knowledgeable agents who are there to guide you through every step—whether you’re buying or selling a home.
- For Buyers:
- Finding Your Dream Home: Your agent listens to your needs and helps you discover homes that match your criteria.
- Home Tours: They’ll schedule viewings so you can visit homes and see if they’re the right fit.
- Making Offers: When you’ve found the perfect home, your agent assists in crafting a competitive offer and negotiating with the seller.
- Closing the Deal: From the paperwork to the final signatures, they handle everything to make sure the purchase goes smoothly.
- For Sellers:
- Listing Your Property: If you’re selling, Circle One agents help you price your home competitively and list it on the market, reaching a wide audience.
- Marketing Expertise: They handle all the marketing, from professional photos to online listings, ensuring your home gets noticed.
- Showings and Offers: Agents coordinate showings and manage offers, negotiating on your behalf to get you the best deal.
- Sealing the Sale: They take care of all the details at closing, ensuring a seamless transaction.
Coverage of Circle One Realty:
Circle One Realty focuses on providing flat fee MLS services across Illinois, making it easy for homeowners to list their properties and reach potential buyers. In 2024, they proudly serve 44 counties, including key areas like:
- Cook County
- DuPage County
- Kane County
- Will County
- Lake County
- McHenry County
While Circle One Realty offers extensive coverage within Illinois, they don’t refer clients to brokers outside the state, so their services are limited to Illinois residents.
Circle One Realty Pricing Plans:
Circle One Realty offers several pricing plans for 2024, primarily structured around flat-fee MLS (Multiple Listing Service) packages. Here’s a detailed coverage of their offerings:
Pricing Plans:
MLS Entry Package – $145
What We Like 👍:
- Online Listing Process: Easy and convenient for homeowners.
- Wide Exposure: Your listing appears on popular sites like Zillow and Trulia.
- Realtor Support: Access to knowledgeable agents for guidance and assistance.
What We Don’t Like 👎:
- Limited Photos: Fewer images may not showcase the property as effectively.
- Lack of Marketing Materials: No yard signs or additional promotional materials to attract local interest.
👉 Our Take: This plan is a fantastic choice for listing vacant land. We value the realtor support provided at this price point. However, including a few more photos to showcase the property would definitely improve the overall listing experience!
MLS Basic Package – $295
What We Like 👍:
- Up to 25 photos allowed on MLS
- This package lets homeowners list their property for 6 months
- Full-service realtor support and a yard sign included
What We Don’t Like 👎:
- No listing management tool available
- Lacks a lockbox for easy access
👉 Our Take: Overall, this plan is reasonably priced, but we believe it could be improved by including basic services like a lockbox for added convenience!
MLS Classic Package – $495
What We Like 👍:
- 12-Month Listing Period: Enjoy a full year to showcase your property!
- Professional Photography: High-quality images that help your listing stand out.
What We Don’t Like 👎:
- No Management Platform: Unfortunately, there’s no platform for managing your listings or showings.
- Lack of Pricing Assistance: This package doesn’t include pricing guidance or a comparative market analysis.
- Limited Value Compared to Elite Plan: For the same price, the Elite plan offers more comprehensive services.
👉 Our Take:
While the MLS Classic Package has its perks, we think it might not be the best choice for home sellers. The cost is on the higher side, and the benefits are only slightly better than those offered in the Basic plan. If you’re looking for more value, consider exploring other options!
MLS Elite Package – $495 (discounted from $645)
What We Like 👍:
- List Until Sold or Cancelled: Enjoy the flexibility of keeping your listing active until your home sells or you decide to cancel.
- Discounted Price: Take advantage of a budget-friendly option that still offers great value.
What We Don’t Like 👎:
- No Digital Experience: Unfortunately, this plan doesn’t provide a digital platform for managing your listing.
- Manual Process: The listing and form-filling process is done manually, which can be time-consuming.
- Potential Add-On Costs: Sellers may find themselves needing to purchase additional services to enhance their listing.
👉 Our Take:
We believe this plan is one of the most comprehensive options available. However, it does fall short in terms of technology that could streamline your home-selling experience. If you value convenience and efficiency, you might want to consider other plans that offer more digital support!
Additional Services:
Listing Upgrades:
- Combination lockbox: $45
- Electronic lockbox: $200
- Appointment scheduling and feedback: $85
- Additional signs: $25
- Professionally installed yard sign: $150
- Professional photography (25 photos): $175
Buyer Rebates: Circle One Realty offers rebates ranging from 25% to 50% of the buyer agent’s commission, depending on the time spent by agents showing homes.
Reviews of Circle One Realty:
Circle One Realty got 5 ratings and 222 reviews in google.
Circle One Realty Positive Reviews:
- A seller shares a great experience using a low-cost service to list their condo, avoiding high commissions. They paid $495 for MLS listing with photos, got responsive support, and sold the property in four days, saving thousands even after offering 2% to the buyer’s agent.
- A seller shares that they received professional and helpful service, saving about $20,000 in commissions. Their house sold the next day, and they highly recommend the service.
Circle One Realty Negative Reviews:
A customer expresses disappointment with a broker, citing rude behavior and harassment, which led them to terminate the agreement. They regret losing nearly two weeks on the market due to the experience.
Circle One Realty Pros and Cons:
Here are the pros and cons associated with their services:
Pros
- Experienced Support Team: Circle One Realty has a knowledgeable broker, Ryan Cherney, who brings nearly 20 years of experience, potentially aiding sellers in securing favorable deals.
- Flat Fee Structure: The company allows sellers to list their properties on the MLS for a flat fee, which can lead to significant savings compared to traditional commission structures.
- Seller Disclosure Forms: They provide necessary documentation, such as seller disclosure forms, which can help in maintaining transparency during transactions.
- Cash Rebate: They offer a cash rebate of 25-50% of the buyer agent’s commission, which can be an attractive incentive for buyers.
Cons
- Outdated Technology: Circle One Realty’s technology is considered modest and outdated, requiring manual efforts for tasks like comparing offers and scheduling showings, unlike many competitors that offer automated solutions.
- Limited Information: The company does not adequately disclose important information such as their privacy policy or terms of service on their website, which could lead to misunderstandings about their offerings.
- Geographical Limitations: Their services are limited to 44 counties in Illinois, which may not be suitable for those outside this area.
- Potential Additional Costs: While the flat fee is appealing, sellers may still need to purchase add-ons for services like professional photography or lockboxes, which can increase overall costs.
Circle One Realty Competitors:
Circle One Realty vs. reAlpha:
Circle One Realty and reAlpha are both innovative real estate platforms, but they offer different features and approaches to homebuying. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:
1. Business Model:
- Circle One Realty: Traditional brokerage focusing on residential and commercial properties.
- reAlpha: AI-powered platform offering commission-free homebuying and fractional ownership in rental properties.
2. Commission Structure:
- Circle One Realty: Standard 6% commission.
- reAlpha: No buyer’s commission, making the process more affordable.
3. AI Integration:
- Circle One Realty: Limited technology use, with most processes handled by human agents.
- reAlpha: Advanced AI (Claire) offers 24/7 support, assisting users throughout the homebuying journey.
4. Document Handling:
- Circle One Realty: Manual review of documents by agents, which can be time-consuming.
- reAlpha: AI-powered document review simplifies complex paperwork for users.
5. End-to-End Services:
- Circle One Realty: Services may be fragmented, requiring buyers to engage multiple parties.
- reAlpha: A comprehensive Super App integrates all homebuying services from search to closing in one platform.
Circle One Realty vs. Houzeo:
When comparing Circle One Realty and Houzeo, both offer distinct features tailored to home sellers, but they cater to different preferences.
Circle One Realty provides a range of flat fee MLS packages with full-service realtor support, including professional photography and various add-ons for enhanced listing visibility. However, their pricing can include hidden fees for additional services, which may accumulate quickly.
In contrast, Houzeo is known for its high-tech platform that allows for a fully online process with no hidden fees, ensuring transparency in pricing. Their packages start at a competitive rate and offer extensive exposure across multiple real estate websites like Zillow and Realtor.com.
Other Options You Might Want to Explore:
Sell For Sale By Owner (FSBO): If you’re feeling confident about handling the sale yourself, FSBO websites can be a great resource. They empower you to list and sell your home independently, helping you save thousands in agent commissions.
Sell to an iBuyer: iBuyers are a convenient option for homeowners looking to sell quickly. They purchase homes in as-is condition, typically needing minimal repairs. If speed is your priority, this could be a fantastic choice for you!
Sell to Cash Home Buyers: Individual cash home buyers can make all-cash offers, often within just 24 to 48 hours. This route allows you to bypass the traditional MLS listing process, making it a hassle-free way to sell your home.
Each of these options has its own advantages, so consider what aligns best with your goals and timeline!
Should You Sell or Buy with Circle One Realty?
Circle One Realty can be a worthwhile option for sellers looking to save on commissions while receiving professional support. However, potential clients should consider the limitations regarding technology and coverage area. Circle One Realty does not include essential services like pricing assistance and comparative market analysis in any of their packages. If these factors align with your needs and you value cost savings alongside experienced guidance, Circle One Realty may be a good fit for your real estate transactions.
