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The Best Brokerages for Low Commission Real Estate Agents

Best Companies for Low Commission Real Estate Agents | Average Real Estate Commission | What’s a Low Commission Realtor? | Pros and Cons | How to Find the Best Realtors Near Me | FAQ

The easiest way to find a good low commission realtor is to work with a real estate company that offers discounted listing fees.

This guide breaks down the top low real estate commission companies in 2023. Find out how much they cost, where low commission real estate agents are available, and who offers the best overall value.

đź‘‹ Just looking for low commission realtors in your city? Fill out this short quiz, and get matched with top local agents offering a 1.5% listing fee! Compare your options for free. There’s no obligation to move forward.

Best Low Commission Real Estate Brokerages

Company Home Bay Rating Listing Fee Availability
🥇 Best Overall
4.8
Exceptional
1.5% ($3,000 min. fee)
Nationwide
Learn More
At homebay.com
3.3
Average
1.5% (min. fee varies)
26 states + DC
Learn More
3.6
Good
2% ($3,000 min. fee)
Nationwide
Learn More
3
Fair
Varies
Nationwide
Learn More
2.7
Fair
1.5% (min. fee varies)
12 states + DC
Learn More
2.1
Poor
1% (min. $2,500)
DC, FL, MD, NJ, PA, VA
Learn More
🥇 Best Overall

Clever Real Estate

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At homebay.com
4.8
Exceptional

Listing Fee

1.5% ($3,000 min. fee)

Availability

Nationwide

Editor’s Take

Overview

Clever Real Estate is the best option for most sellers who are looking for a low commission realtor. Clever matches you with multiple full-service agents from local brokerages, including top brands like Keller Williams and RE/MAX. 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 choose a Clever agent, you’ll pay a low 1.5% listing fee.

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 which real estate agent you choose.
  • Clever’s agent matching service is free, with no obligation to commit to any realtor.
  • Clever’s network of 19,000 agents offers great selection compared to similar services like Ideal Agent and UpNest.

Cons

  • There’s no guarantee you’ll get matched with a specific local agent or brokerage.
  • Add-ons like professional home staging and drone photography may cost extra (agents will let you know exactly what’s included during listing presentations).

Clever Real Estate offers a lower commission without sacrificing quality. Through its free service, you can find top-rated agents in your area and sell for just a 1.5% listing fee (much lower than the average realtor commission rate).

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. If you don’t like the agents Clever recommends, you can request more matches until you find the right fit — or simply walk away.

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 commission rates, which lets you focus on choosing the best agent instead of worrying about the price. You get the same savings no matter what.

Redfin

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At homebay.com
3.3
Average

Listing Fee

1.5% (min. fee varies)

Availability

26 states + DC

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%.

Ideal Agent

Learn More
At homebay.com
3.6
Good

Listing Fee

2% ($3,000 min. fee)

Availability

Nationwide

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.

UpNest

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At homebay.com
3
Fair

Listing Fee

Varies

Availability

Nationwide

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. 

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.

Prevu

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At prevu.com
2.7
Fair

Listing Fee

1.5% (min. fee varies)

Availability

12 states + DC

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.

Houwzer

Learn More
At houwzer.com
2.1
Poor

Listing Fee

1% (min. $2,500)

Availability

DC, FL, MD, NJ, PA, VA

Editor’s Take

Overview

Houwzer’s 1% listing fee is one of the lowest in the industry. It has a reasonable minimum fee of $2,500 and a maximum of $10,000. The cap on the listing fee makes Houwzer an especially good deal if you’re selling a home for $1 million or more.

But it has the same drawbacks as other discount real estate brokerages like Redfin and SimpleShowing. It has a relatively small number of agents, so you can’t be picky when choosing your realtor. And like SimpleShowing, Houwzer uses a high-volume, team-based model that can impact the quality of service you receive.

Pros

  • Houwzer’s 1% listing fee is one of the cheapest realtor commission rates in the industry.
  • You can save a lot on homes over $1 million.

Cons

  • Your options are limited if you don’t like the first agent Houwzer sends you.
  • Houwzer agents handle a high transaction volume, which creates service quality risks.

Houwzer offers low commission rates and a variety of premium home selling services, including 25 HD professional photos and a virtual home tour. However, the company has a team-based business model. This means you’ll deal with several people from Houwzer at different steps in your transaction, which increases the risk of mistakes and miscommunication.

What Percentage Do Most Realtors Charge?

Most traditional realtors charge 3%, but some listing agents charge a 2% real estate commission or even 1.5%. As a home seller, you typically pay for both your listing agent and the buyer’s agent. So the average total commission you pay is 6%, or 4.5–5% with a low commission listing agent.

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.

What Is a Low Commission Realtor?

Low commission realtors charge reduced listing fees compared to traditional realtors, often 1–1.5% instead of the standard 2.5–3%.

Some low commission realtors provide full service, just like traditional agents. Limited-service discount realtors offer even bigger savings but require sellers to handle more responsibilities themselves.

The companies listed in this article provide full service. These agents manage the entire sale process, including the listing, marketing, showings, negotiations, paperwork, and closing. The only difference is their reduced rates, saving sellers thousands compared to traditional agent commissions.

How Much Can You Save 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 agent commission is around 3%, but a low commission agent charges just 1–2% to sell your home. That gets you around $4,000–8,000 in savings on a $400,000 house!

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

  • You save thousands of dollars in listing fees.
  • You get an MLS listing for your house.
  • You get professional photography.
  • Your agent negotiates with potential buyers.
  • Your agent handles closing documents.

Cons

  • Some companies have hidden fees.
  • You might receive limited service.
  • Your house may sell for less money.
  • Agents may not be available in your area.

Low commission realtors offer significant savings on listing fees, but there are some risks to consider. Some companies have hidden charges that could negate your savings. Others provide limited service, leaving sellers to take on more work themselves.

However, the top low commission brokers we recommend offer full service and support. They provide all the same services as traditional agents, including an MLS listing, professional photography, buyer negotiations, and help with closing. The main benefit is that you’ll save thousands on commissions.

Alternatives to Low Commission Realtors

Low commission real estate brokers help you keep more money in your pocket and get many of the same services a traditional agent offers. But 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.
  • Selling to a cash buyer company: Often called “we buy houses” companies, these 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.
  • Using a traditional real estate agent: These agents are often more familiar with your neighborhood, but they charge much higher rates to sell your house compared to other agents.
  • Hiring a flat fee MLS company: A flat fee MLS company lists your house on your local multiple listing service (MLS), ensuring more buyers see your home 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 unless you pay for upgrades.

How to Find a Low Commission Realtor Near You

The best way to find a low commission realtor is to use an agent matching service like Clever Real Estate, which matches you with multiple agents in your area and lets you decide who’s 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.

Companies like Ideal Agent and Houwzer also have great agents in their networks, but the agent selection is limited. To find an agent that lives up to your expectations, you want to talk to more than one.

Clever sends you two to three agents from well-known brokerages in your area. It also negotiates lower listing fees with the best real estate agents, so you can focus on selling your home for top dollar. You’ll get full service while paying just 1.5% in listing fees.

đź‘‹ Next steps: Talk to an expert!

If you're weighing your options for buying or selling a house, our friends at Clever can help! Clever's licensed concierge team is available to answer your real estate questions, or help you find the right agent for your needs. 

FAQ about Low Commission Realtors

Where can I find 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 is the most common commission for a realtor?

Total real estate commissions can be 4.5–6% 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 2.5–3%.

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