Top 2% commission companies | How real estate commission works | 2% commission savings | How to find a 2% commission realtor | Next steps: Should I Use a 2% Commission Realtor?
A 2% real estate commission is a discounted listing fee offered by some seller’s agents to cover the costs of listing, marketing, and closing the sale of a home – lower than the usual 2.5% to 3% that most seller’s agents charge. This lower rate can save you money while still offering full service.
The best 2% real estate brokers offer discounted rates and comprehensive, high-quality services. Some discount brokerages and agent matching services, like our top pick, Clever Real Estate, offer commission rates even lower than 2% without skimping on quality.
Read on to discover which 2% brokerage is the right fit for you.
🌟 Just looking for a good deal on realtor commissions? Take our quick quiz to match with leading agents in your area offering rates starting at just 1.5%—much lower than the typical 2-3%. Explore options from reputable brands like Century 21 and RE/MAX. It’s completely free, and no commitment is required.
Where to Find Realtors Who Charge 2% Commission (or Less!)
| Company | Best for | Customer Rating | Listing Fee | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🥇 Best Overall
Clever Real Estate |
Best Overall
|
5/5
3,180 total reviews
|
1.5%
|
Nationwide
|
Find Agents |
Ideal Agent |
Vetted Agents
|
4.9/5.0
7,007 total reviews
|
2%
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More |
UpNest |
Comparing traditional realtors
|
4.6/5.0
6,934 total reviews
|
Varies
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More |
Redfin |
Tech-savvy sellers
|
4.8/5.0
156,000+ total reviews
|
1.5%
|
26 states + DC
|
Learn More |
Prevu |
Select high-value markets
|
5.0/5.0
602 total reviews
|
1.5%
|
12 states + DC
|
Learn More |
The best low commission realtors offer the same level of service you’d expect from a traditional agent, including a full suite of listing and marketing services. Here are some of the top-rated real estate companies that offer a 2% commission fee or less.
Listing Fee
Active Since
Availability
Editor’s Take
Overview
Clever Real Estate is the best option if you want to sell with a top agent and save on realtor fees. Clever’s agent network has over 19,000 top-producing realtors (a larger selection than most competitors offer). You can choose your agent from several matches the company sends you. Its low listing fees are also some of the most competitive in the industry. When you find an agent through Clever, you save thousands of dollars compared to what you’d pay if you found the agent on your own.
Find top agents near you today!
Pros
- Strict vetting requirements mean you’ll get matched with experienced, top-producing agents.
- Guaranteed 1.5% listing fee, no matter which agent you use.
- Multiple agent matches come straight to your inbox and are easy to compare.
Cons
- Specific local agent or brokerage matches are not guaranteed.
- Some premium services (like 3D home tours or drone photography) may cost extra.
Clever Real Estate is a service that connects sellers and buyers with experienced, full-service real estate agents. Sellers who work with Clever pay a pre-negotiated 1.5% listing fee.
Reputability: To ensure high-quality service, Clever only partners with top-performing agents who have at least five years of experience, a proven track record of success, and positive customer reviews. With a 5/5 rating across thousands of online reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, Clever has established itself as a reliable and trusted resource in the real estate industry.
How to sign up: You can sign up for Clever by submitting your information on its website. Clever will send several agent matches to your inbox based on your zip code, home price, and preferences. You can choose to interview any of the agents. If you’re not satisfied with the initial matches, you can request more.
Services and fees: If you choose to work with a Clever agent, you will receive full service and support, including pricing advice, professional photography, MLS listing and description, and negotiation assistance. When your home sale is complete, you will pay a 1.5% listing fee. Buyers who work with Clever do not pay anything, and eligible buyers can receive a $250 rebate at closing.
Listing Fee
Active Since
Availability
Editor’s Take
Overview
Ideal Agent is another good option for home sellers who want to find a low commission real estate agent. Its 2% listing fee offers decent savings, and it has a strong track record of matching sellers with top-producing agents. The quality of its agent network makes it a better option than discount real estate brokerages like Redfin and Houwzer.
However, Clever Real Estate’s similar agent matching service gives most sellers much better overall value than Ideal Agent. Clever has lower rates, the ability to compare multiple agents, and better coverage outside of major cities.
Our recommendation: Start with Clever Real Estate, and if you don’t find an agent you like, try Ideal Agent next.
Pros
- Ideal Agent works with only top-producing agents.
- Ideal Agent’s agent matching service is free with no obligation.
- It offers 2% listing fees.
Cons
- The limited agent selection makes it hard to compare options.
- Ideal Agent often doesn’t have agents in smaller towns and rural areas.
- It’s more expensive than other low commission brands.
Ideal Agent is an agent matching service. It pre-negotiates 2% listing fees with vetted, conventional realtors across the country. However, Ideal Agent has a small network of 2,000 agents, and it provides only one agent match. Not being able to compare multiple agents is a pretty big drawback, since the agent the service matches you with might not be the right fit for your unique situation.
Listing Fee
Active Since
Availability
Editor’s Take
Overview
UpNest makes our list because it provides an easy way for home buyers and sellers to get matched with real estate agents online. The service is free and presents agent options in a user-friendly format.Â
UpNest is best for sellers who prioritize finding an experienced, quality agent over saving on commissions. It’s also a decent option for buyers who want to explore commission rebates in their area. However, potential savings are inconsistent and minimal compared to other low-fee brokerages. Home buyers and sellers who want guaranteed commission discounts should consider other alternatives.
Pros
- It’s easy to get matched with real estate agents.
- The service is free for buyers and sellers to use.
- Users can easily compare agent profiles, commission rates, experience, and reviews.
Cons
- Commission discounts for sellers are inconsistent and minimal compared to other low-fee brokers.
- Rebates for buyers may be restricted depending on location.
- Customer service can be lacking, and you might not get your questions answered.
UpNest is a real estate brokerage that matches home buyers and sellers with local agents. The service is free to use. UpNest makes money by charging its agents a referral fee on closed deals.
Unlike other low commission brokerages, UpNest doesn’t pre-negotiate commission discounts. Agents set their own rates, so savings are inconsistent. The company matches customers with agents online by having users enter property and timeline details. Users can then compare agent profiles, including their experience, rates, and reviews.
Listing Fee
Active Since
Availability
Editor’s Take
Overview
Redfin is an established discount brokerage that offers solid savings compared to what most realtors charge. Its platform offers some useful tech extras, and you can potentially save more through buying and selling with Redfin.
But while Redfin gets you a lower commission and could get you a good sale outcome, it can be a risky choice if you don’t research its agents carefully. Not all of Redfin’s agents are high quality, and many are relatively inexperienced. If you’re interviewing a Redfin agent, compare them against a few other low commission real estate agents in your area to ensure you hire the most qualified agent for your budget.
Pros
- You get a 0.5% listing fee refund if you also buy with Redfin within 12 months.
- Redfin offers a few legit extras, like a 3D walkthrough and premium placement on Redfin’s home search tool.
- The 1.5% listing fee offers solid savings.
Cons
- Redfin agent quality and customer service are spotty.
- You have limited agent selection compared to other companies.
- Redfin’s minimum fees are very high in some markets.
Redfin is one of the more established discount brokerages. Its 1.5% listing fee offers legit savings compared to what most realtors charge. But those savings bring some potential risks.
Redfin agents typically handle three times more deals at once than the average realtor, which may explain the common customer complaints about bad service. And while Redfin has some solid agents, many others are inexperienced and just starting their real estate careers.
With only a few thousand agents nationwide, Redfin may provide only one or two options to choose from in your area. Its minimum fees also vary by market — some exceed $8,000. So depending on your location and your home’s value, you could end up paying more than the advertised 1.5%.
Listing Fee
Active Since
Availability
Editor’s Take
Overview
If you’re selling a house in one of Prevu’s markets, it’s worth a look. Like Redfin, its 1.5% listing fees are solid (although the minimum fees are higher than other brands), and the potential buyer savings are great if you qualify.
Prevu has limited agent selection and availability (12 states and Washington, DC). You’ll want to compare Prevu agents with low commission realtors from other brands to make sure the agent pool is extensive enough to find the right fit.
Pros
- Home sellers get a 1.5% listing fee.
- Home buyers can get up to 2% back after closing.
Cons
- Prevu offers limited agent selection.
- Prevu charges high minimum fees for sellers (though higher-end homes likely won’t be affected).
Prevu Real Estate is a regional discount real estate brokerage. It currently operates in select higher-end markets across the U.S. The company primarily focuses on home buyers and offers a pretty substantial commission rebate. But it also offers discounted 1.5% listing fees for home sellers.
How Does a 2% Real Estate Commission Work?
A realtor commission is the pay a real estate agent receives in exchange for selling a home or representing a buyer. Commissions typically total 6%, with 3% going to the seller’s agent and 3% going to the buyer’s agent.
Choosing a 2% realtor or brokerage means you pay a lower listing fee—just 2% instead of the usual 3%. However, you’ll likely still need to pay the buyer’s agent commission, bringing your total cost to about 5%.
» LEARN: What Is the Average Real Estate Commission?
What You Can Save with a 2% Commission Realtor
The 1% you save with a 2% commission realtor may not seem like a big deal, but 1% of a home can equal thousands of dollars. Here’s what you can expect to save with a 2% commission realtor compared to a 3% conventional listing fee.
2% Real Estate Commission Savings
| Sale Price | 3% Listing Commission (Standard) | 2% Listing Commission (Discounted) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $150,000 | $4,500 | $3,000 | $1,500 |
| $350,000 | $10,500 | $7,000 | $3,500 |
| $500,000 | $15,000 | $10,000 | $5,000 |
| $800,000 | $24,000 | $16,000 | $8,000 |
The table above illustrates the savings achieved by opting for a 2% listing commission compared to the standard 3% commission across various sale prices.
As shown, the savings increase with the property’s sale price. For instance, choosing a 2% commission saves $1,500 on a $150,000 home, while the savings escalate to $8,000 on an $800,000 home.
These figures highlight the potential financial benefits of selecting a discounted commission rate when selling a property.
How to Negotiate a Real Estate Commission
Negotiating realtor fees can lead to significant savings, making it a worthwhile effort. A seller’s agent might lower their typical 3% commission for various reasons, such as if your property is likely to sell quickly or it’s listed at a higher price.
Get the most from your commission by following these real estate commission negotiation tips:
- Interview multiple agents. Look for an agent who understands your needs, knows the local market well, and has a successful track record with homes similar to yours. You can research an agent’s recent home sales using a real estate website like Zillow or Realtor.com.
- Understand the local market. Gain a good grasp of the local real estate scene to better evaluate what you can ask for during negotiations. Research how long it takes homes to sell in your area, and what price homeowners are selling for compared to their initial asking price.
- Highlight your plans. If you plan to sell your current property and buy a new one, make this clear to potential agents. This dual transaction can make you a particularly appealing client, potentially motivating agents to offer you more favorable terms or even reduced commissions for handling both sides of the deal.
- Seek extra value. Instead of just asking for a lower rate, consider requesting additional services like free home staging, virtual tours, and other value-added options that typically aren’t included.
As you negotiate with real estate agents, remember that they may not choose to work with you if they feel a lower rate won’t adequately cover their services.
How to Find a 2% Commission Realtor
To find a 2% commission agent in your area, research and compare local brokerages and agent matching services based on these factors:
Total costs
Look into the total cost of each real estate agent you’re considering, including the advertised commission and minimum fees charged by the broker or platform. Also evaluate whether you’ll be charged up-front fees before listing. This can be a red flag, since most reputable agents cover up-front costs like marketing expenses out of pocket.
Services
When choosing a 2% commission realtor, look for a full-service provider who offers the same services as a traditional agent. Many discounted services offer limited service and skimp on in-person support to cut costs.
One-on-one service can be the difference between selling your home quickly and letting it sit on the market, so choose an agent that’s hands-on and committed to marketing your property effectively.
Reputation
Research each agent’s reputation by reading online reviews and, if possible, connecting with people who have worked with the agent. Interview each agent to evaluate their experience and sales record in your market and at your home’s price point.
Some 2% commission platforms don’t give you the ability to choose your own realtor — or they match you with only one agent. But remember that you don’t have to commit to the first agent you find. In fact, it’s best to interview at least two to three.
How the NAR Settlement Impacts Commission Rates
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) lawsuit settlement has significantly changed real estate rules. Now, listing agents can’t include buyer’s agent commissions in MLS listings, which used to be common practice.
As of August 17, 2024, buyer’s agents must have written agreements with buyers that:
- Show the exact compensation amount.
- Have clear and fixed compensation terms.
- Prevent agents from getting more than the agreed payment.
- Confirm that all commission fees are negotiable.
- These changes mean more negotiation is needed when buying a home, as buyers might ask sellers to pay some or all of their agent’s fees.
Low commission realtors, like Clever and Redfin may benefit from these changes. With buyers looking for better rates and clearer transactions, low-commission models are becoming more appealing in a cost-focused market.
Next Steps: Is a 2% Commission Realtor Right for Me?
Working with a full-service 2% commission realtor is a good option for most sellers. It allows you to save money on realtor fees while still receiving the same service from a traditional realtor.
If you want to find local realtors but don’t want to do all the research yourself, try working with Clever. Clever finds top agents in your area for you and pre-negotiates a 1.5% listing fee.
Best of all, you’ll still get full service from agents at top-performing brokerages like Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, and RE/MAX. Interview as many agents as you’d like for free, or walk away at any time — there’s no obligation to move forward with an agent.
🌟 Get matched with local agents today, save thousands in realtor commissions
FAQ
How much commission do realtors make?
Real estate commission is typically around 6% of the home sale price, half for the buyer’s agent and half for the seller’s agent. As the real estate market becomes more competitive, some agents or brokerages offer lower commissions of 1–2%. Learn how to find a low commission real estate agent.
What is a 2% real estate commission?
A 2% real estate commission refers to a discounted seller’s agent fee that saves sellers money on their home sale. It’s 1% lower than the typical 3% commission. Some real estate companies offer 2% commission, while others offer even lower fees. Find the best 2% commission realtors near you.
Who pays realtor fees?
Traditionally, the seller pays the commissions of both the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent, for a total fee of 6% of the home sale price. But you can negotiate the listing fee with your agent. Read tips for how to negotiate a real estate commission.