What Services Does Clever Real Estate Offer? | Clever Real Estate Reviews | Clever vs. Competitors
What Is Clever Real Estate?
Clever Real Estate is best known for its free agent matching service. This service helps home sellers and buyers find the best local real estate agents and save thousands on realtor fees.
Clever will match you with top-performing agents from leading brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX. The company’s pre-negotiated 1.5% listing fees are some of the most competitive available — about half the typical seller’s agent commission.
Founded in 2017, Clever has earned an average 4.9/5 star rating across 2,500+ customer reviews (from sites like Google, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau). These reviews indicate that Clever is trustworthy and has a solid reputation among its customers.
✍️ Editor’s Take: Should You Use Clever Real Estate?
If you want to sell with a top agent and save on realtor fees, Clever Real Estate checks both boxes.
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.
We particularly like that Clever is risk-free for home sellers and buyers. Customers don’t pay for its service. Instead, agents pay Clever a small referral fee in exchange for your business. And if you don’t click with any of the agents Clever sends you, you have no obligation to use them. You can simply walk away.
Get matched with Clever agents today.
What Services and Savings Does Clever Real Estate Offer?
Personalized Agent Matching
As an industry-leading agent matching service, Clever has some of the strictest eligibility criteria for inclusion in its agent network. It screens partner agents for you based on the following criteria:
- At least five years as a fulltime, licensed real estate agent
- A minimum of 13 home sales in the past year
- At least 25 verified customer reviews, with a minimum 4.8/5 star rating
- Recent transactions within your target neighborhood and price point
- Fast response times to questions and match requests
- Any specialized expertise you require, such as experience with short sales or investment properties
When you request agent matches, Clever’s team gathers details about what you’re looking for and sends you the profiles of multiple local realtors who check the boxes — even if it means going outside of its existing network to find them.
You’ll get an email with each agent’s contact info and links to their profiles on sites like Zillow, Facebook, and Realtor.com, where you can see what past customers have to say.
“I ended up getting a veteran broker that was one of the most prolific in my market,” says one Reddit user.
With multiple agents to choose from, you can select who you want to work with — or you can walk away, no strings attached.
Pre-Negotiated Savings
Clever negotiates significant savings on your behalf.
- Home sellers pay low listing fees of just 1.5%. You’ll get the same experience you’d get with a full-commission realtor, but for half the cost. Sellers who work with a Clever partner agent save an average of $7,000.
- Home buyers in states where it’s permitted earn Clever Cash Back after closing. These funds can help alleviate moving expenses and other home buying costs.
Clever Offers
If you want to sell your home for cash, Clever Offers can help you get fair cash offers from real estate investors, “we buy houses” companies, and iBuyers. You also get a free comparative market analysis from a top local agent, so you have an estimate of your home’s actual value in the current market.
Through this service, sellers can weigh the convenience and speed of a cash offer against the potential value of a full-price offer on the open market. And since Clever sources the offers for you, you can save a lot of time filling out online forms and calling cash buyers to see if they’re interested in your home.
Like Clever’s other services, Clever Offers is free for home sellers, and there’s no obligation to accept an offer.
Resources for Home Buyers, Sellers, and Investors
Since 2017, Clever has been a trusted source of real estate information, tools, and advice for home buyers, sellers, and investors.
Its team of real estate experts cover topics including how to save on realtor fees, current housing market trends, how to calculate rental property income, and tips for selling a house without a realtor.
Why Would Clever Agents Work for a Lower Commission?
Because real estate agents work on commission, they’re always looking for new clients, and finding them is one of their biggest challenges. Clever helps agents find new clients by sending them a steady stream of referrals. In exchange for the new business, agents are willing to offer lower commission rates to Clever customers.
“Real estate agents spend a lot of time and money trying to acquire new clients,” explains Justin Lindsey, an agent sourcing manager with Clever Real Estate. “By providing agents with personal introductions to motivated buyers and sellers, Clever acts as a supplement to their current business and doesn’t charge them anything upfront.”
For many agents, says Lindsey, Clever is appealing because it allows them to compete with larger discount real estate brokers like Redfin without labeling themselves as a discount realtor. They can uphold the reputations they built at mainstream brokerages like Keller Williams without losing clients to lower commission competitors.
Do Clever Partner Agents Provide Full Service?
According to Lindsey, Clever agents sign an agreement pledging to provide full service to their clients. So when you work with a Clever partner agent, you get the same service you’d get from that agent if they were charging a full realtor commission.
Clever’s concierge team also monitors the home sale process, checking in periodically to ensure you’re satisfied with the agent’s performance.
One Reddit user explains, “I’ve sold [a home] twice, last time with Clever for 3% total. Super happy with their services and saved a boatload of money. Got all the standard services, photos, MLS listing, reviewed offers with me, kept in touch ’til closing, etc. It doesn’t cost 6% to sell a house.”
Clever Real Estate Reviews from Recent Customers
Before committing to Clever, we recommend reading about customer experiences through online reviews.
| Review Site | Customer Rating |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot (2,400+ reviews) | 5/5 stars |
| Google (200+ reviews) | 4.8/5 stars |
| Better Business Bureau (80+ reviews) | 5/5 stars |
| Weighted Average | 4.9/5 stars |
Overall, Clever Real Estate reviews are excellent. The company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. And Trustpilot, a leading independent review site, has ranked Clever as the top real estate company on its platform.
Clever Real Estate reviews consistently highlight three themes:
- Outstanding agent quality: Customers say that the caliber of their agent was far beyond what they expected from a low commission realtor. Multiple reviewers even state that their Clever agent was the best they ever had.
- Excellent customer service: Customers notice that Clever works hard upfront to ensure their agent is a good fit. They also note how the company checks in throughout the process to make sure the agent delivers quality service.
- Major savings: Clever customers are surprised by how easy it is to save thousands, simply by finding a qualified local agent through its free matching service.
| “Excellent service” Steve R., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Clever was very responsive and walked me through every step of the process and checked in regarding the service I received. The agents that I was matched with were very professional and experienced in my community. I received excellent service from the agent I selected from my matches and the reduced commission structure did not alter the quality of service I received at all. I’m very happy with the benefits of using Clever and have no downsides to report. Source: Trustpilot |
| “Very pleased” Daniel T., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This was an extremely easy and smooth process. We signed up and within an hour we had one of the top agents in our very hot Silicon Valley market. We got him at an extremely great rate, and I was shocked that we were able to get him. Throughout that time, Clever kept following up, and we were very pleased with the process and the outcome. Source: Google |
| “I’m a bargain hunter” Israel K., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’m a bargain hunter. I refused to accept a real estate industry without disruption — especially considering what a historic sellers market we are in. By using Clever to pick both my buyers agent and sellers agent, I qualified for their cash back program. I was thrilled with this option and it did the trick for me to decide on both realtors at one time. I would select Clever again for the cash back program alone, but we got more than that! Source: Trustpilot |
| “Saved almost $20k on commission fees” David G., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Saved almost $20k on commission fees, and our agent worked tirelessly to make the sale happen. Our original buyer dropped out, but the Agent had a backup buyer, who also subsequently backed out. Agent then went back to the original buyer and got the sale done. All went smoothly after that. Source: Trustpilot |
| 💰 Get a great agent, save thousands 💰
Clever’s top-rated agent network offers bigger savings when you sell your home. Compare as many agents as you’d like, with no strings attached — and get a low 1.5% listing fee when you sell your home. |
While the vast majority of Clever Real Estate reviews are positive, a few poor reviews mention dissatisfaction with specific agents, as well as confusion about Clever’s promised savings.
For example, some homeowners were frustrated that they had to pay a buyer’s agent commission or that the home buyer rebate wasn’t as much as they had hoped.
Clever’s team is highly responsive to negative reviews. Some formerly negative reviews have been updated after Clever reached out to resolve the customer’s issue directly.
How Clever Real Estate Works
Clever makes it easy to find the best real estate agents in your area in just three steps:
- Submit basic information about your goals through Clever’s website.
- Receive your free, personalized agent matches from Clever’s licensed concierge team.
- Choose a top-rated agent.
Step 1: Submit Your Information
The first step is providing basic information about your location and goals.
Clever’s licensed concierge team uses this information to identify the best agents for your specific home sale or purchase.
Step 2: Clever Finds the Best Agents Near You
Next, Clever searches its network of more than 19,000 pre-vetted, experienced agents to find the perfect match for you. You’ll get a list of agents who fit your needs, sent straight to your inbox.
Clever’s agents come from the nation’s best brokers, including Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Coldwell Banker. You’ll receive the same high-quality service you normally would through these brokers — the only difference is that Clever helps you save time by connecting you directly with agents who fit your specific goals.
In most areas, Clever can provide several matches up front and additional matches until you find the perfect fit.
If you live in a remote or rural area, Clever’s in-house sourcing team can find additional agents beyond its network.
Step 3: Choose Your Favorite Agent
At this point, you’ll speak directly with each agent to see if they’re right for you. We recommend asking agents questions such as:
- Have you sold homes like mine, or helped buyers find a similar property?
- What is your communication style? What kind of response time can I expect throughout the process?
- How many clients do you work with at the same time?
- How much experience do you have in my specific market?
If you don’t click with any of your Clever agent matches, you can reach out to the company to request additional introductions.
Or you can walk away, with no hidden fees or obligations.
Selling a House with Clever Real Estate
When you sell your house with Clever, your agent provides a full-service experience that’s identical to working with a traditional agent — but at a fraction of the cost.
Sellers who work with Clever pay a low listing fee of 1.5%. You’ll still have to offer a conventional buyer’s agent commission of 2.5–3%, bringing your total commission to around 4–4.5%.
That’s a fraction of the 6% conventional sellers pay. In fact, the average homeowner who lists with Clever saves $7,000!
Buying a House with Clever Real Estate
When you buy a home with Clever, you get matched with top buyer’s agents in your area, so you can interview and choose the best fit for your situation. Your agent provides help with showings and tours, assistance with offers, negotiations on your behalf, and guidance through closing.
Eligible buyers can also receive cash back on their home purchase after closing. Clever Cash Back is currently available in 41 U.S. states that allow commission rebates. Unfortunately, home buyer rebates are not currently legal in eight states:
- Alaska
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Tennessee
Iowa only allows rebates in dual agent sales — so you’ll have to use the same agent to sell your home and buy a new one in order to qualify.
» MORE: Looking for a Home Buyer Rebate? Read This First!
Clever Real Estate vs. Competitors
| Company | Avg. Customer Rating | Listing Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Clever | 4.9 | 1.5% |
| Redfin | 3.7 | 1.5% |
| Ideal Agent | 4.9 | 2% |
| UpNest | 4.6 | 2–2.5% |
| HomeLight | 4.7 | ~3% |
Whether you’re buying or selling a home, finding the right agent can make or break your experience.
We always recommend shopping around to find an agent who can offer:
- Expert insights about your local real estate market
- A strong track record of past sales
- Genuine interest in supporting your financial and personal goals for your home purchase or sale
- An interpersonal approach that aligns with your preferences
Ideally, you’ll also be able to save on the fees that typically accompany a real estate transaction.
Clever Real Estate offers some of the lowest listing fees and the best agent network, with top performers from leading brokers like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Coldwell Banker. Meet your free, no-obligation agent matches today!
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⚡️ Pro tip: Agent matching services are free! We recommend trying a few and shopping around to find the best match and savings.
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Clever Real Estate vs. Redfin
As one of the largest discount brokerages in the U.S., Redfin has huge brand recognition and a presence in nearly every large market in the country, but it doesn’t match Clever’s service.
Redfin’s listing fees are the same, but minimum fees may eat into your savings. Redfin offers the same 1.5% listing fee as Clever. However, the company has high minimum fees in certain markets, which could limit your savings — especially at lower price points.
Redfin no longer offers a buyer rebate. Redfin used to offer buyers a commission rebate, but it has phased out the program. Clever Cash Back is available to home buyers in all states where it’s legal.
Redfin sometimes struggles with customer service. The biggest difference between the two is that Clever connects you with local, commissioned agents, while Redfin agents are salaried employees who don’t make any commission.
A Redfin agent will handle three times more customers than the average realtor. Working at that high volume with less incentive can understandably lead to subpar service and support.
🔎 Redfin Reviews: Learn the Pros and Cons
Clever vs. Ideal Agent
Ideal Agent has a similar business model to Clever. It’s a free, nationwide agent matching service that negotiates commission discounts on your behalf and connects you with agents in your area. But there are important differences.
Ideal Agent has a small agent network of just 2,000 agents. As a result, Ideal Agent typically matches you with only one agent who may not be familiar with your zip code.
By contrast, Clever’s agent network includes more than 18,000 agents nationwide. In the rare event that Clever is unable to provide several options (such as in a rural area), the company’s in-house sourcing team reaches out to additional agents on your behalf.
Ideal Agent’s listing fees are pricier. The best discount that Ideal Agent offers is a 2% listing fee, while Clever guarantees a lower listing fee of just 1.5%.
Ideal Agent doesn’t provide home buyer rebates. Ideal Agent can introduce you to buyer’s agents, but there’s no financial incentive. With Clever, eligible buyers can receive cash back after closing in most states.
🔎 Ideal Agent Reviews: Learn the Cost and How It Works
Clever vs. UpNest
UpNest creates competition between agents to drive prices down and offer benefits to buyers and sellers, but these savings aren’t guaranteed like they are with Clever. UpNest is a free nationwide agent matching service, just like Clever, but that’s where the similarities end.
UpNest’s promised savings vary and may not be available. According to UpNest, their average total commission rate is 5.2%, while most Clever sellers will pay 4–4.5% in total commission.
🔎 UpNest Reviews: Can Home Sellers REALLY Save $8,000 on Commission?
Clever vs. HomeLight
HomeLight offers similar services to Clever, but without the savings. Like Clever, HomeLight matches you with top-rated agents in your area for free. It also presents you with a list of agents to work with, and HomeLight and Clever often partner with the same local agents.
HomeLight isn’t designed to provide savings. HomeLight doesn’t actually offer any built-in savings. With a HomeLight agent, you’ll pay the full listing commission, while with Clever, you’ll pay just 1.5%.
How Does Clever Real Estate Make Money?
When Clever connects an agent and a seller, and the agent closes the sale, that agent earns a commission. Clever takes a percentage of the agent’s commission as payment for connecting the agent with the seller.
This is called a referral fee, and it’s the standard payment structure for all agent matching services. Agents pay Clever a referral fee only after they close a sale, and it’s only a small portion of their commission.
Most importantly, Clever doesn’t charge customers for any of its services.
Is Clever Real Estate Legitimate?
Yes, Clever Real Estate is a legitimate, reputable real estate company. Clever is a licensed brokerage in the state of Missouri, and its in-house concierge team is fully licensed to practice real estate.
Next Steps: Talk to a Real Estate Expert
If you’re weighing your options for buying or selling a house, Clever Real Estate can help! Clever’s licensed concierge team is available to answer your real estate questions and help you find the right agent for your needs.
👋 Need a great agent?
Clever Real Estate FAQ
Is Clever Real Estate a Reputable Company?
Yes, Clever Real Estate is a legitimate, highly-rated real estate company that helps home sellers save thousands. Clever Real Estate has a 4.9 star rating on Trustpilot with 2,000+ reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Read Clever Real Estate reviews from recent customers.
How Does Clever Real Estate Work?
It’s simple to find a real estate agent through Clever. You’ll start by submitting basic information about your upcoming home purchase or sale, then receive personalized introductions to the best real estate agents near you. Home sellers pay just 1.5% in listing fees, while home buyers in most states can receive cash back after closing. Learn more about how Clever works for home sellers and buyers.
What Is Clever Real Estate?
Clever Real Estate is a free agent matching service that connects home buyers and sellers with the best local real estate agents from top-rated brokers including Keller Williams and RE/MAX. Along with providing expert advice and personalized agent matches, Clever negotiates savings on your behalf. Read Clever Real Estate reviews from recent customers.
