6 Best Companies for Low Commission Agents | Choosing the Best Realtors Near Me | FAQs
A good low commission real estate agent can save you thousands (even tens of thousands) when you sell your house.
But a bad low commission realtor can just as easily tank your sale, erasing any theoretical cost savings — plus a few years of your life from the added stress.
This guide breaks down the top low real estate commission companies in 2023. Find out how much they cost, where they’re available, who offers the best overall value — and who to stay away from altogether.
Just looking for low commission real estate agents near you?Clever Real Estate negotiates low commissions with top local agents from major brokerages like RE/MAX and Compass. List with a top producer in your market for just 1.5% (half the usual rate). Clever’s matching service is 100% free with no obligation. |
At a Glance: Top Low Commission Real Estate Companies in 2023
Best Low Commission Real Estate Companies in 2023
🥇 1. Clever Real Estate
| ✍️ Editor’s take: Clever is the best option for most sellers. You’ll get matched with full-service agents from top brokerages who work for a low 1.5% listing fee. You can interview as many agents as you’d like until you find the right fit, or you can walk away at any time. |
If you want to pay a lower commission without sacrificing service, we recommend Clever Real Estate. Clever lets you sell with top-producing agents in your area for just a 1.5% listing fee. Its agent matching service is available nationwide and free to use.
How it works: You take a short online quiz (five questions) to help Clever understand your situation and preferences. Then Clever matches you with vetted agents in your market who are a good fit.
Why it’s great: You can use Clever to compare top-producing local realtors from major brands like Compass, Century 21, and Coldwell Banker. Each realtor in Clever’s network has agreed to offer lower rates, which lets you focus 100% on choosing the best agent for the job instead of worrying about the price tag. You get the same savings no matter what.
If you don’t like the agents Clever recommends, you can request more matches until you find the right fit — or simply walk away with no obligation. Find top agents near you today.
👍 Pros
- You get matched with top-producing local agents in minutes.
- You get a 1.5% listing fee (half the usual rate) no matter who you choose.
- The agent matching service is free to use with no obligation.
👎 Cons
- Add-ons like professional home staging and drone photography may cost extra (agents will let you know exactly what’s included during listing presentations).
- There’s no guarantee you’ll get matched with a specific local agent or brokerage (but Clever’s network of 14,000 agents offers great selection compared to similar services).
👋 Match with top agents, save thousandsClever connects you with top-rated agents in your area who can sell your home fast AND offer low listing fees of just 1.5%. |
2. Redfin
| ✍️ Editor’s take: Redfin gets you a lower commission and may get you a good outcome on your sale, but it can be a risky choice. Not all of Redfin’s agents are high quality. If you’re interviewing a Redfin agent, compare them against a few other options to ensure you’re hiring the best fit. |
Redfin is one of the more established and well-known discount brokerages. Its 1.5% listing fees offer legit savings compared to what most realtors charge. But those savings bring some potential risks and drawbacks.
Redfin agents typically handle three times more deals at once than the average realtor, which may explain the common customer complaints about lousy service. And while Redfin has some solid agents, others are inexperienced.
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%.
👍 Pros
- The 1.5% listing fee offers solid savings.
- You get a 0.5% listing fee refund if you also buy with Redfin within 12 months of selling.
- Redfin offers a few legit extras, like a 3D walkthrough and premium placement on Redfin’s home search tool.
👎 Cons
- Agent quality and customer service are spotty.
- You have limited agent selection compared to other options.
- Minimum fees are very high in some markets.
3. Ideal Agent
| ✍️ Editor’s take: Ideal Agent is free, so there’s no risk in signing up to see who you get matched with. However, Clever offers the same free matching service but with better rates, the ability to compare multiple agents, and better coverage outside of major cities. Our recommendation: Start with Clever, and if you don’t find an agent you like, try Ideal Agent. |
Ideal Agent is an agent matching service that pre-negotiates lower rates with vetted, conventional realtors across the country. That said, its 2% listing fees are higher than Clever’s 1.5% rates. Ideal Agent also has a much smaller agent network than Clever (2,000 vs. 14,000) and only provides one agent match, which means you have to take additional steps to compare options.
👍 Pros
- Ideal Agent only works with top-producing agents.
- It pre-negotiates 2% listing fees.
- The service is free to use with no obligation.
👎 Cons
- It’s more expensive than other low commission brands.
- The limited agent selection makes it hard to compare options.
- It may not have agents in smaller towns and rural areas.
4. Prevu
| ✍️ Editor’s take: If you’re in one of Prevu’s markets, it’s worth a look. Its 1.5% listing fees are solid, and the potential buyer savings are great if you qualify. Just remember, you’re hiring the agent, not the brand. Compare the Prevu agent with agents from a few other brands on this list so you can find the right fit. |
Prevu Real Estate is a regional discount real estate brokerage. It currently operates in select higher-end markets in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington. 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.
👍 Pros
- Sellers get 1.5% listing fees.
- Home buyers can get up to 2% back after closing.
👎 Cons
- There are high minimum fees for sellers (though higher-end homes likely won’t be affected).
- It offers limited agent selection.
5. SimpleShowing
| ✍️ Editor’s take: If you’re in one of SimpleShowing’s markets and you find an agent you like, SimpleShowing’s commission savings are worth it. Just be sure to compare the agent it connects you with against a few others. Choosing the best agent for the job will impact your net sale proceeds more than saving 2% on commission.
Also watch out for SimpleShowing’s $5,000 minimum fee. Sellers with homes below the $500,000 mark will pay more than the advertised 1%. |
SimpleShowing is a full-service brokerage that offers low commission for sellers in Florida, Georgia, and Texas. The company relies on technology to bring costs down, charging a 1% listing fee to sell your home. It also offers help with closing costs for buyers.
👍 Pros
- The low 1% listing fee can net you big savings.
- The company is transparent about costs vs. services.
👎 Cons
- You get limited agent selection.
- It’s available only in select cities in Florida, Georgia, and Texas.
- The $5,000 minimum fee could mean you pay more than 1%.
6. Houwzer
| ✍️ Editor’s take: We recommend Houwzer only for sellers with high-value homes. That’s where the potential savings are highest.
Make sure you compare multiple agents to find the best one for the job. Saving $10,000 on commission is great, but if your agent underprices your home by $30,000 — there go your savings. |
Houwzer is the only full-service discount brokerage with a flat fee model on our list. It charges a flat $5,000 fee no matter how much (or little) your home sells for. Most companies with this type of model offer medium or limited service. Houwzer operates in select markets across Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
👍 Pro
- The flat fee listing structure offers big potential savings for pricier homes.
👎 Cons
- Homes at or below $500,000 can find better rates elsewhere.
- The higher transaction volume per agent creates service quality risks.
3 Limited-Service Real Estate Companies with Low Commissions
Many low commission real estate companies provide full service just like you’d expect from a traditional agent, but others offer limited support.
Limited-service companies could be a fine option if you don’t mind a little DIY, you have a flexible timeline, and your home is in a hot market.
| ⚡Quick tip: Some of these options could cost as much as a full-service company. If that’s the case, you don’t want to shell out for limited service when you could get a full-service agent for the same price. |
1. Trelora
Trelora offers a 1.5% commission, which is on par with our top recommendations for full-service agents. But the company cuts corners when it comes to customer service. Compared to the average realtor, Trelora agents handle up to 20 times more listings. You get support throughout the selling process, but the time and attention you get is limited.
2. Homie
As one of the cheapest real estate companies we reviewed, Homie charges a flat fee of $3,500 when you list. However, there are a few downsides to consider. For example, Homie agents won’t show up in person for a pricing consultation, and it’s available only in Utah, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Boise, and Denver.
3. ListingSpark
ListingSpark is an online platform that helps you sell your home, mostly DIY, for a flat fee. It’s available only in select Texas markets. ListingSpark has a few different pricing and service tiers. The package most similar to Trelora and Homie is the Premium Plan, which costs $2,999 — with a nonrefundable $500 due up front. You pay the remaining balance at closing. Be aware that ListingSpark offers no in-person support. It’s 100% virtual. Unless you have a lot of experience (and free time to manage your own sale), we don’t recommend it. You can get full service at the same or similar price points.
Can You Really Save Money with a Low Commission Realtor?
When selling your house, commission fees from a traditional real estate agent can take a big chunk out of your profits. But low commission agents help to keep more of that money in your pocket without sacrificing service or quality.
Agents from low commission companies can offer a full range of real estate services just like what you’d get with a traditional realtor.
The average listing fee is around 3%, but a low commission agent can charge just 1.5%. That gets you around $6,000 in savings on a $400,000 home!
Keep in mind: You’ll still want to offer a buyer’s agent commission, which is typically 2–3% of your home’s sale price. Skipping this can deter agents from showing your home to prospective buyers, since the agent wouldn’t get paid for the sale.
Pros and Cons of Low Commission Real Estate Agents
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
How to Choose a Low Commission Real Estate Agent Near You
The best way to choose a low commission realtor is to use an agent matching service. You can talk with two to three different agents in your area to decide who will be the best fit.
Keep in mind, the right real estate agent does more than just list your house. They work hard to market your home, negotiate with buyers, get the highest sale price, and provide exceptional customer service.
To find an agent that lives up to your expectations, we suggest working with a free agent matching service like Clever Real Estate.
Clever matches you with multiple agents from well-known brokerages like RE/MAX and Century 21. It also negotiates lower listing fees with the best real estate agents in your area, so you can focus on selling your home for top dollar. You’ll get full service while paying just 1.5% in listing fees.
👋 Find the best realtors near me today!
Low Commission Real Estate Agents vs. Traditional Realtors
Traditional agents are what most people consider when thinking about buying or selling a house. Low commission real estate agents offer many of the same services but charge lower fees.
Low Commission Real Estate Agent vs. Flat Fee MLS Company
A flat fee MLS company lists your house on the multiple listing service (MLS) in your area, ensuring your home is seen by more buyers in less time. But that’s where the service ends. Flat fee MLS companies don’t help you market your home, manage paperwork, or negotiate offers.
Low Commission Real Estate Agents vs. Virtual Real Estate Agents
Low commission agents generally offer more support compared to virtual agents. A virtual agent might meet you in person once, but they’ll manage most communication and services by phone, email, or other electronic means.
Alternatives to Low Commission Real Estate Agents
While low commission real estate brokers help you keep more of the profits in your pocket and get many of the same services a traditional agent might offer, they aren’t the only option. You might also consider:
- Selling for sale by owner (FSBO): You take care of everything from setting the sale price and marketing to juggling showings and negotiating offers. We don’t recommend this option unless you have the time and experience to properly market and sell your home on your own.
- Cash buyer companies: Often called “we buy houses” companies, these cash buyers give you a cash offer for your home. There’s no sale process or waiting for a buyer to come along. However, you’ll likely get offers that are much lower than fair market value.
- Traditional real estate agents: They’re often more familiar with your neighborhood, but they charge much higher rates to sell your house compared to other agents.
Don’t Overpay on Realtor Fees
Choosing a real estate agent is a big decision. If you aren’t sure which method is best for you, consider working with a low commission real estate company. It’s a great middle-of-the-road option that gives you the best of both worlds — personalized service to sell your house and lower fees than the average agent.
We recommend trying Clever Real Estate. Its free service matches you with top local agents who work for a pre-negotiated 1.5% rate. Compare agents until you find the right fit, or walk away with no obligation.
👋 Get matched with top-rated agents and start saving today!
FAQs about Low Commission Real Estate Agents
Where are the best low commission real estate agents?
We recommend choosing a low commission real estate company with agents available nationwide, like Clever Real Estate. The best low cost realtors provide the same service you’d get from a standard agent and charge a fraction of the cost. Find the top low commission companies in your area!
What is the lowest commission a real estate agent will take?
You can find low commission realtors who charge as little as 1.5%. Typically, real estate agents charge a 3% commission, which adds up to 6% total commission for the buyer’s agent and seller’s agent. We found the best companies that help you find low commission agents — and which ones cut corners.
Are low commission realtors worth it?
Low commission realtors are worth the discount price if you choose the right company. When you work with brands like Clever and Ideal Agent, you’ll get a full-service experience while paying a much lower rate. However, other brands may offer minimal service with their discount price. Research the best low commission real estate brokerages.
What percentage do most realtors charge?
Most traditional realtors charge 3%, but some charge a 2% real estate commission or even 1.5%. Commission is typically a percentage of the home’s sale price, with both the buyer’s agent and the listing agent getting a cut (3% each). If your realtor works for a large brokerage, keep in mind that the real estate broker may charge a percentage of the sales price in commission, often from your agent’s cut.
What is the most common commission for a realtor?
Total real estate commissions can be anywhere from 4.5% to 6% of the property’s final sale price. Commission is usually split between the buyer’s agent and the listing agent, with each person typically receiving between 2.5% and 3%.