NewStone Realty: Review & Ratings (July 2026)

Discount Real Estate Broker

NewStone Realty

Select cities in NC

NewStone Realty is active in Carrboro, Cary, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Durham, Henderson, Knightdale, Mebane, Morrisville, Raleigh, Sanford, and Wake Forest, North Carolina.
Our rating Our rating: A measure of the quality and strength of a product or service on a 1–5 scale, based on key factors such as customer ratings, credibility signals, value, and flexibility.
4.7 ★★★★ Recommended
Experience ★★★★ 4.9
Experience Score: Measures overall level of customer satisfaction. Based on average customer ratings, total review counts, and recency of reviews across online review platforms.
Pricing ★★★★ 4.5
Pricing Score: Measures the savings potential of the company's listing fees compared to a traditional 3% listing fee. It also takes into account additional fees like an upfront fee, plus incentives like buy and sell savings.
Services ★★★★★ 5.0
Services Score: Measures the variety of services a discount broker offers. The analysis checks whether they include core expected services like MLS syndication and in-person representation, as well as bonus services and add-ons like drone photography.
Track Record ★★★★ 4.5
Track Record Score: Measures how well-established and stable a given brand is. Based on number of years since first verified review and % distribution of new activity per month over lifetime.
Listing Fee 1.08%
NewStone Realty advertises a total commission fee of 3.9%, which includes both the listing and buyer's agent fees. We estimated a 1.08% listing fee by subtracting 2.82% from the total advertised commission.

💡 Because of recent lawsuits and legislation, requiring sellers to pay a set buyer's agent fee rate is technically illegal. Check with the company for their most up-to-date pricing details.
Est. Cost $5,109
Your estimated cost reflects only NewStone Realty’s cut of the total commission. We excluded the buyer’s agent fee to make it easier to compare with other brands that don’t charge total commission fees. We calculate an estimated listing fee % by subtracting the national buyer's commission average (2.82%) from the advertised total commission. Then we apply our estimated listing fee to the median U.S. sale price ($473,055) to calculate our default estimated cost. When you enter your home’s expected sale price, this field changes to reflect your estimated cost at your price point.
Est. Savings $8,515
We calculate your potential savings with NewStone Realty by subtracting your estimated actual cost ($) from the estimated fee you’d pay with a conventional realtor where the company operates. The conventional realtor fee estimate is based on the nationwide average listing fee (2.88%) and median sale price ($473,055) — or your personal estimated sale price, if provided.

NewStone Realty is a regional low commission real estate brokerage that’s active in Raleigh, Durham, Sanford, and 1 more city in NC. It's based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and has been in business for at least 13 years.

Key Highlights

  • Perfect 5.0 average rating across 85 reviews.
  • Fee is 10% lower than average among similar companies.
  • Saves ~$8,515 on average compared to a traditional agent in same markets.
  • Well-established, with at least 13 years of verified activity.
  • We’re working to verify more information about this company. Check back for updates.
Experience ★★★★ 4.9
Experience Score: Measures overall level of customer satisfaction. Based on average customer ratings, total review counts, and recency of reviews across online review platforms.
Pricing ★★★★ 4.5
Pricing Score: Measures the savings potential of the company's listing fees compared to a traditional 3% listing fee. It also takes into account additional fees like an upfront fee, plus incentives like buy and sell savings.
Services ★★★★★ 5.0
Services Score: Measures the variety of services a discount broker offers. The analysis checks whether they include core expected services like MLS syndication and in-person representation, as well as bonus services and add-ons like drone photography.
Track Record ★★★★ 4.5
Track Record Score: Measures how well-established and stable a given brand is. Based on number of years since first verified review and % distribution of new activity per month over lifetime.

Availability

Burlington, Durham, Henderson, Raleigh, Sanford, NC

Phone

(919) 932-5742

Business Address

104 S Estes Dr Ste 103 Chapel Hill, NC 27514-2868

$

Enter a home value between $100K and $10M.

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Where NewStone Realty is available in North Carolina

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Similar low commission real estate companies nearby

How does NewStone Realty compare?

Range of scores for 12 discount real estate brokers like NewStone Realty

3.03.54.04.55.0
4.7
Below averageAverageAbove averageExcellent

Our expert take: Recommended

We strongly recommend considering NewStone Realty if you're looking for a full-service support discount real estate brokerage. It received excellent scores for customer satisfaction, pricing & savings, sales performance, and services & support.

Be sure to interview at least 1–2 other agents in addition to NewStone Realty to find the best possible fit for your situation and needs. Compare top local discount realtors here →

Detailed scoring breakdown

Bottom 50%
Ranking
Local & national Ranking: How this company’s customer experience score compares to similar discount brokers — locally where we have enough data, otherwise nationwide. “Bottom 50%” means it ranks in the bottom half of comparable companies.
85
Reviews
Solid sample Reviews: We analyzed this company’s 85 reviews — a solid sample, comfortably above our 20-review reliability floor, so its average rating is a reliable signal.
Stale
Recency
0 reviews in 6 months Recency: How current this company’s reviews are, based on a freshness score that weights how recently they were posted. Right now they rate as stale — the badge shows how many landed in the past 6 months.
Limited data
Trend
Unverified Trend: How this company’s average review rating over the past 6 months compares with its all-time average. We don’t have enough recent reviews — fewer than 3 in the past 6 months — to read a reliable trend yet.
Customer Experience Summary

Customer score: NewStone Realty's Customer Score is 4.9 out of 5.0 (Excellent), which is in the bottom 50% compared to 12 similar companies where it's available and top 50% nationwide.

Overall rating: Lifetime average rating is 5.0, based on 85 reviews. 85 total reviews is a solid sample size, suggesting the 5.0 average rating is a highly reliable service quality indicator.

Recency: We consider this review data very fresh. 0 reviews (0% of all reviews) were posted in the past 6 months. The median review age is well below our "freshness" threshold of 12 months.

Complaints: No concerns.

Trend: Unable to assess recent trends due to insufficient data.

Interpretation: Solid historical evidence of excellent customer experiences and outcomes, but limited data in the past 6 months makes it difficult to assess current service quality.

Sentiment Analysis Summary

Across 85 reviews, sentiment is consistently positive — reviewers surfaced 8 recurring positive themes and no significant concerns. NewStone Realty earns positive notes across quality agents (100.0%), great customer service (94.0%), and local market expertise (94.0%). Reviewers describe the expertise, professionalism, and dedication of their agent; they also point to service that felt personal rather than transactional.

Based on 85 reviews — moderate confidence in these signals.

What customers talk about

Click any theme to see what reviewers are saying

Reviewers describe prompt responses and proactive updates through every stage.

Sample review

Pricing Summary

NewStone Realty has a 4.5 pricing and fees score. This reflects a very competitive offering relative to other discount brokerages in its markets.

Fee type Total commission (pct)
Total commission % 3.9%
Sell and buy savings None identified
Buyer rebate None identified
Average buyer commission 2.82%
Estimated listing fee 1.08%
Transaction coordination fee None identified

Estimate your cost & savings

Enter your home’s estimated sale price to see what you’d pay with NewStone Realty.

Enter a sale price between $100K and $10M.

Services Summary

NewStone Realty has a 5.0 services and support score, which is excellent relative to similar discount brokerages. It provides everything we expect from a full-service brokerage — including a dedicated agent, in-person representation, MLS syndication, and pricing assistance. It also offers non-standard features like virtual tours and floorplans, which can help listings stand out.

Standard services Core services we expect from any full-service brokerage — like a dedicated agent, MLS listing and syndication, pricing strategy, and contract support.

  • Dedicated agent
  • In-person representation
  • MLS listing & syndication
  • CMA & pricing strategy
  • Professional photography
  • Offers & negotiating assistance
  • Paperwork & contract support
  • Closing support
  • House showing coordination
  • Yard sign
  • Lockbox for door
  • Digital marketing

Premium extras Bonus services and add-ons beyond the core set — like virtual tours, drone photography, staging assistance, and social media advertising.

  • Virtual tours
  • Digital floorplans
  • Staging assistance
  • Print marketing
Included Unverified (couldn’t confirm) Not included
Top 50%
Ranking
Local & national Ranking: How this company’s track record score compares to similar discount brokers — locally where we have enough data, otherwise nationwide. “Top 50%” means it ranks higher than about 50% of comparable companies.
13.5 yrs
Active
Since 2013 Active: How long the company has been verifiably active — based on the earliest review or activity our team could confirm. The badge shows the first confirmed year.
3
Platforms
Moderate coverage Platforms: Distinct review platforms (Google, Yelp, BBB, etc.) where the company has a confirmed presence. This company is active on 3 platforms — moderate coverage of the major review sites.
4 yrs
Since last review
Inactive Since last review: How recently the most recent review was posted. This company is inactive — its last review was 4 yrs ago.
Track Record Summary

Track record score: NewStone Realty has a 4.5 track record score, placing it in the middle of the pack among local companies and slightly above average nationwide. This score reflects the company's years in business, consistency over time, and online presence. A 4.5 score indicates solid historical performance signals typical of stable companies.

Lifespan: NewStone Realty has at least 13 years of verified activity, with third-party performance data going back to 2013. That's about 1 year less than the typical discount real estate brokerage where it operates, and 6 more years vs. the nationwide average.

Activity levels: NewStone Realty is a relatively active business. We weren't able to verify any new reviews posted within the last 6 months. Available data points to a historically consistent and stable business that is still reasonably active today.

Online presence: NewStone Realty has a very strong online presence. It has moderate coverage across major online review platforms, with 3 verified profiles (Google, Yelp, and Zillow). Profile activity is distributed, with 78% of its 85 reviews appearing on Zillow and the rest across its other active profiles.

Interpretation: NewStone Realty has a strong track record. It's been in business for many years; Activity has been very consistent, month to month, over its lifespan; Activity levels in recent months have been decent; It has an excellent online presence. Our assessment is based on a decent amount of verified data.

Online Presence
Zillow 66 reviews (78%)
Google 16 reviews (19%)
Yelp 3 reviews (4%)

How NewStone Realty compares to alternatives

Company Overall rating Listing fee Reviews Active since
This company
NewStone Realty
4.7
★★★★★★★★★★
Recommended
1.08%
5.0 (85)
2013
Don Anthony Realty
5.0
★★★★★★★★★★
Top-rated
$3,000
4.8 (194)
2011
Charlotte Home Zone
4.8
★★★★★★★★★★
Top-rated
1%
5.0 (63)
2019
Redfin Raleigh
4.7
★★★★★★★★★★
Recommended
1.5%
5.0 (3)
2021

NewStone Realty reviews

Rating distribution

5 stars 100%
4 stars 0%
3 stars 0%
2 stars 0%
1 star 0%

What 85 reviewers talk about

85 reviews

Filter by transaction type

Click a segment to see what that group talks about most.

Top themes across all reviewers

Quality agents
100%
“Steve doyle is a first-class realtor. we could not imagine working with anyone else. … however, steve has been the best realtor we have ever had the privilege of working with. he has our highest recommendation.”
Read review on Google
Great customer service
94%
“He knows how to communicate a client's needs and did an excellent job of advocating on our behalf. even though we were living out of state, he helped us keep track of the construction process. he was more than generous with his time and did everything possible to see the process…”
Read review on Yelp
Local market expertise
94%
“He is incredibly knowledgeable about housing in the triangle and fully knows the territory. … he gave us great advice about picking out a lot, with special attention to the location, orientation, and lighting.”
Read review on Google

No recurring concerns surfaced across these 85 reviews — a very strong trust signal.

Frequently asked questions

Before committing to any discount real estate broker, ask these key questions to ensure you're getting the service level you need:

  1. What's your experience in my area? Ask for recent sales in your neighborhood and how their sale prices compared to list prices.
  2. What services are included in your fee? Get specific details about what's covered in their listing fee. Some discount brokers offer full service while others charge extra for certain features, like pro photography or open houses.
  3. Will I work directly with you? Some discount realtors will assign you to another agent or support staff. Confirm whether you'll have in-person, hands-on realtor support, especially if you want a full-service option.
  4. How do you market listings? Verify they list on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and major sites like Zillow and Realtor.com. Ask about their digital marketing strategy and whether they use social media or paid advertising.
  5. What's your average time to close? Compare this to your local market average. A good discount broker should match the local average or beat typical timelines.
  6. Can I see recent client reviews? Look for verified reviews on Google, Zillow, or other trusted platforms. Pay close attention to how they respond to negative feedback.

The best way to find the right agent is often through a matching service that's already vetted candidates for you. Clever Real Estate connects you with experienced, full-service agents from top brokerages who offer a 1.5% listing fee — giving you traditional agent expertise at discount broker savings. Compare top local agents near you!

The main difference is the listing commission fee, but service levels can also vary. Traditional agents typically charge 2.5-3% listing commission and provide full-service support including marketing, showings, negotiations, and closing assistance. Their higher commission often covers extensive advertising and dedicated support staff.

Discount real estate brokers charge reduced commissions (often 1% commission, 2% commission, or flat fees) by operating more efficiently, using technology, streamlined processes, or higher transaction volumes to stay profitable at lower rates. Many offer the same core services as traditional agents, while others provide limited support.

A discount realtor isn't automatically a worse choice. The best low commission realtors maintain high service standards while passing savings to clients. However, it's important to verify exactly what's included in their fee structure, confirm they have strong local market expertise, and check their customer reviews for pros and cons.

Reputable full-service discount real estate brokers usually include these essential services:

  • MLS listing and syndication to major real estate websites (Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.)
  • Professional photography (typically 20-40 photos)
  • Comparative market analysis (CMA) and pricing strategy
  • Yard sign, lockbox, and showing service
  • Offer review and negotiation assistance
  • Contract and paperwork management
  • Closing coordination and support

Some discount realtors provide premium services at no cost or for an extra fee:

  • Open house hosting
  • Premium photography packages (drone shots, virtual tours, 3D walkthroughs)
  • Staging consultation or rental furniture
  • Extensive print marketing (postcards, brochures, magazine ads)
  • In-person showing attendance (some use lockboxes and self-showing instead)

Always ask for a detailed service breakdown in writing before signing a listing agreement. The best low commission realtors are transparent about what's included versus what costs extra.

Don't rely solely on information from the broker's website. Take these steps to independently verify their reputation:

  1. Check multiple review platforms. Search for the company and individual agent on Google Reviews, Zillow, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for patterns in both positive and negative feedback.
  2. Verify licensing. Confirm the agent and brokerage are properly licensed in your state. Most state real estate commissions offer free license lookup tools online.
  3. Look for complaint history. Check with your state's real estate regulatory board for any disciplinary actions or formal complaints.
  4. Assess review recency and volume. A discount broker with 100+ recent reviews is more reliable than one with 5 reviews from three years ago. Fresh reviews indicate active business and current service levels.
  5. Read negative reviews carefully. All businesses get some complaints. Focus on how the company responds and whether you see repeated patterns (poor communication, hidden fees, etc.).
  6. Ask for references. Request contact information for 2-3 recent clients in your area. Reputable discount real estate brokers should be willing to provide these.
  7. Check sales data. Ask to see their recent sales in your neighborhood. Compare their sale prices and time-on-market to comparable homes sold by traditional agents.

Be cautious of brokers with no recent reviews, reviews only on their own website, consistently vague or generic testimonials, or reluctance to provide verifiable references.

Not all low commission realtors operate the same way. Choose the right type based on your experience level, available time, and comfort with negotiation:

Full-service discount brokers offer the same services as traditional agents (dedicated support, professional marketing, in-person showings, negotiation assistance) but at reduced rates (typically 1-2%). They achieve lower commissions through efficiency and higher transaction volumes. This model is best for most sellers who want to save on commission.

Flat-fee real estate agents charge a fixed fee regardless of home price, typically with full traditional agent services. This model is most beneficial for sellers with higher-priced homes.

Flat fee MLS listing services list your home on MLS for a one-time fee ($99-$500) but provide minimal additional support. You manage the entire sale yourself — essentially selling for-sale-by-owner with MLS access. This model is best for experienced sellers in hot markets.

How we review and rate discount real estate brokers

Clever reviews and rates discount real estate brokers across the U.S. to help home sellers find the best combination of savings and service quality. Our evaluation process combines quantitative analysis with direct verification to assess how well each company delivers value compared to other discount realtors in the same market.

Our research process

  1. Identifying companies. Our team uses public business directories, online search, and manual research to identify all active discount real estate brokers advertising services in each viable market.
  2. Gathering review data. We aggregate customer ratings and reviews from Google, Zillow, Yelp, and other trusted platforms. We analyze overall ratings, review volume, recency of feedback, complaint patterns, and trends over time to assess customer satisfaction.
  3. Verifying pricing. We display fee structures by reviewing publicly available rate information on their websites, confirming directly with the companies, and calculating savings estimates based on their commission rates compared to traditional agents in the same market. When exact pricing isn't available, we clearly note this in our review.
  4. Confirming services. We verify service offerings through company websites, direct inquiries, and cross-referencing with customer reviews that mention specific features. Our service checklist covers 20 standard and premium features that impact the selling experience.
  5. Regular updates. We continuously monitor review platforms and update our data to reflect the most current information, including recent rating trends and any changes to pricing or services.

Our scoring model

Each company receives an overall rating based on four weighted factors:

  • Customer Experience (35%) — Do past clients recommend the company? Are recent reviews positive and consistent?
  • Pricing & Fees (30%) — How much does the service cost relative to other brokers? Are there rebates or discounts?
  • Services & Support (20%) — Does the company offer the same level of service as a traditional agent? Any extras?
  • Track Record (15%) — How long has the company been active, and how steady is their review activity over time?

We regularly update our data and rankings to reflect the most recent information, helping you find the best mix of support and savings for your needs.

About the author — Jamie Ayers

Jamie Ayers leads content product at Clever Real Estate and specializes in evaluating discount real estate brokerages and agent matching services. His research helps home sellers navigate commission savings options and make informed decisions when choosing a real estate professional.

Jamie has managed digital publications across multiple industries, including real estate technology, commercial development, and financial services, bringing a data-driven approach to real estate company reviews. His analysis and expert advice on real estate services have been featured in Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, and BiggerPockets.

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