Selling a home with redfin vs realtor in Crestview/Brentwood: What you need to know

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Selling a home in Crestview and Brentwood, TX, often brings up the question: should you choose Redfin or a traditional realtor? Crestview and Brentwood are sought-after neighborhoods known for their charm, excellent schools, and proximity to Austin’s vibrant downtown. Choosing the right method to sell your home can significantly impact your timeline, profits, and overall experience. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences, benefits, and potential drawbacks of selling with Redfin versus a traditional realtor in these neighborhoods.

1. Understanding the Crestview and Brentwood Market

Crestview and Brentwood are highly desirable neighborhoods with a mix of mid-century homes, modern renovations, and new builds. This unique blend attracts a variety of buyers, from young professionals to families. Homes in this area often sell quickly, but pricing and presentation are critical for maximizing your sale.

Working with a professional who understands the nuances of these neighborhoods can make all the difference. Whether you’re selling a modernized bungalow or a classic ranch-style home, it’s essential to have a strategic plan tailored to the Crestview and Brentwood markets.

2. What is Redfin?

Redfin is a tech-driven real estate brokerage offering lower commission rates, often around 1% to 1.5%, compared to traditional realtor fees of 2.5% to 3%. Their platform combines online tools with in-house agents to provide a streamlined home-selling process. While the lower fees can be attractive, it’s important to weigh the potential trade-offs.

3. Traditional Realtors: Expertise and Personalization

Traditional realtors, like James Lucas, offer a hands-on, personalized approach. With in-depth knowledge of the Crestview and Brentwood markets, they provide:

  1. Customized Marketing Strategies: From professional photography to open houses, realtors ensure your home gets maximum exposure.
  2. Local Expertise: A seasoned realtor knows what buyers in Crestview and Brentwood are looking for and how to highlight your home’s unique features.
  3. Negotiation Skills: Realtors can often secure higher offers through skilled negotiation, offsetting the higher commission fees.

For expert guidance, you can connect with James Lucas, a trusted real estate professional specializing in Crestview and Brentwood.

4. Comparing Costs: Redfin vs. Realtor

While Redfin’s lower commission fees can save you money upfront, traditional realtors often provide more comprehensive services, which can lead to a higher sale price. Consider this scenario:

  1. Redfin: Sells your home for $500,000 with a 1.5% fee = $7,500 commission.
  2. Realtor: Sells your home for $525,000 with a 3% fee = $15,750 commission.

Despite the higher commission, the realtor’s expertise could net you an additional $17,250 in profit after fees.

5. Marketing and Exposure

Redfin relies heavily on its online platform, which can limit marketing reach. Traditional realtors, on the other hand, leverage a wide range of strategies, including:

  1. Social media campaigns
  2. Networking with local agents
  3. Hosting open houses
  4. Featuring your property in luxury home listings, such as this site

These efforts ensure your home reaches the right audience, whether they’re looking for a starter home or a high-end property.

6. Personalized Guidance and Support

Selling a home involves more than listing it online. From staging advice to navigating inspections, a traditional realtor provides hands-on support every step of the way. This level of service is especially valuable in competitive markets like Crestview and Brentwood, where small details can make or break a sale.

7. Choosing the Right Option for You

When deciding between Redfin and a traditional realtor, consider your priorities:

  1. Cost Savings: If minimizing commission fees is your top priority, Redfin might be the right choice.
  2. Maximizing Profits: If you want the highest possible sale price and expert guidance, a traditional realtor like James Lucas is worth the investment.
  3. Local Expertise: For sellers in Crestview and Brentwood, working with someone who understands the neighborhood’s unique appeal is invaluable.

Make Your Move

Selling your home in Crestview and Brentwood, TX, is a significant decision. By weighing the pros and cons of Redfin and traditional realtors, you can choose the approach that aligns with your goals. If you’re ready to get started, reach out to James Lucas for expert advice and personalized support.

About the Author
James Lucas
James Lucas
I’m James Lucas, a full-time real estate advisor and Northwest Hills resident, focused on helping clients buy and sell homes right here in Northwest Hills, Austin, Texas. This is more than just where I work—it’s where I live, raise my family, and advocate for my neighbors.

If you're thinking about buying or selling in Northwest Hills, you deserve more than a generalist. You need someone who understands how pricing can change from street to street—and how to position your home to stand out in this specific market. As the #1 Real Estate Agent in Northwest Hills, that’s where I come in.

I focus all my experience on a single goal—helping Northwest Hills homeowners navigate this market with clarity and confidence. I’ve developed a three-part listing strategy that goes far beyond what most agents offer. It starts with targeted pre-marketing to qualified buyers, includes a private off-market phase to test pricing and generate interest, and ends with a full MLS launch that maximizes exposure.

Not every home in Northwest Hills is listed publicly—and some of the best ones sell quietly, off-market. I maintain an active network of qualified buyers looking specifically in this neighborhood and use a data-backed outreach system to match them with potential sellers. This off-market approach helps clients sell with more control, less hassle, and better outcomes—often without ever going live onto the market.

I also invest heavily in marketing that actually reaches buyers. That includes cinematic video tours, targeted YouTube ads, SEO-driven content, and a strong presence across Instagram and Facebook. These aren’t just vanity metrics—they generate real leads and have directly helped my listings sell faster and for more money. In fact, many of my buyers first discover Northwest Hills homes through my YouTube channel or social media.

If you’re considering a move, or just want honest insight into your options, let’s talk. I’ll give you a clear strategy, backed by real data and local expertise—let's have a quick chat.