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Finding a reliable low commission realtor is straightforward when you choose a real estate company known for its discounted listing fees. These agents often charge between 1–1.5% for listing fees, a significant reduction from the traditional rates of 2.5–3%.
While some low commission realtors deliver the same full range of services as traditional agents, others are limited-service, offering greater savings in exchange for sellers taking on more tasks themselves.
The companies featured in this article all provide comprehensive services, managing everything from listings and marketing to showings, negotiations, paperwork, and closings, all at reduced rates. This can lead to substantial savings for sellers compared to standard agent commissions.
Continue reading to learn about the costs, availability, and overall value offered by low commission real estate agents.
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Best low commission real estate agents of 2025
| Company | Home Bay Rating | Listing Fee | Customer Rating | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🥇 Best Overall
Clever Real Estate |
Exceptional
|
1.5%
|
5/5
3,180 total reviews
|
Nationwide
|
Find Agents |
Ideal Agent |
Good
|
2%
|
4.9/5.0
7,007 total reviews
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More |
Redfin |
Average
|
1.5%
|
4.8/5.0
156,000+ total reviews
|
26 states + DC
|
Learn More |
UpNest |
Fair
|
Varies
|
4.6/5.0
6,934 total reviews
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More |
Prevu |
Fair
|
1.5%
|
5.0/5.0
602 total reviews
|
12 states + DC
|
Learn More |
Houwzer |
Poor
|
1%
|
4.8/5.0
617 total reviews
|
DC, FL, MD, NJ, PA, VA
|
Learn More |
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
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
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.
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.
Listing Fee
Active Since
Availability
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.
Low commission realtors: How much can you save?
| Sale price | Standard fee (2.5%) | Low commission (1.5%) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | $7,500 | $4,500 | $3,000 |
| $500,000 | $12,500 | $7,500 | $5,000 |
| $700,000 | $17,500 | $10,500 | $7,000 |
Note: This table includes the selling agent only and not the buyer’s agent.
The table above illustrates how much you could save with a low-commission realtor charging 1.5% compared to the standard 2.5% commission rate.
For example, on a $500,000 home, choosing a low-commission agent could save you $5,000—money that stays in your pocket while still receiving the full range of real estate services. If you sell a $700,000 home, the savings climb to $7,000.
As you can see, 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.
💰 Want to save on realtor fees? Find all the top-rated agents in your zip code who charge a 1.5% listing fee.
Real estate commission changes
As part of the recent changes from the NAR lawsuit settlement, sellers might still be responsible for covering the buyer’s agent commission, typically around 2–3% of the sale price. Here are key changes from the big settlement:
1. Direct negotiations. Buyers must now negotiate commission directly with their agents, marked by a mandatory buyer’s agency agreement before home tours.
“Buyers are taking more time to look themselves before doing anything, showing a hesitance to sign anything quickly,” notes agent Alicia Holmquist from Myrtle Beach.
2. Fee transparency. The settlement increases transparency and shifts the responsibility of commission fees from sellers to buyers, which could lower overall costs for sellers.
Realtor Kevin Hill from New Jersey observes: “Sellers are offering less to the buyer’s agent as soon as the settlement was in the news.” This is backed up by recent data from Redfin, which shows that average buyer’s agent commission rates fell from 2.62% to 2.55% after the settlement.
3. Impact on costs. Sellers are less burdened by commissions, potentially saving costs, while buyers gain more control over their expenses.
“Buyers do not have the money to pay for the buyer agent commission,” mentioned Londi Sutton from Oregon, highlighting the financial challenges buyers face.
Ultimately, we think this environment is favorable for low commission realtors, as consumers become more aware of the fees associated with traditional real estate transactions and seek ways to minimize expenses.
🏛️ Need help navigating the NAR settlement? Connect with top-rated low-commission agents in your area who can help you save on fees and guide you through the new rules. Fill out this short quiz to get matched with agents today!
What percentage do most realtors charge?
Most traditional realtors charge around 3% for their services, with sellers typically covering both the listing agent and buyer’s agent commissions. So, the average total commission you pay is 5.5-6%, or 4.5–5%, with a low-commission listing agent.
However, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement is poised to reshape realtor fees. According to the Urban Institute, Americans have historically paid some of the highest real estate commissions globally, totaling about $100 billion annually. The settlement’s changes, transparency, and competition are expected to drive these fees lower.
As mentioned previously, sellers will now have greater power to negotiate, and buyers must sign agreements directly with their agents, clearly outlining services and fees. Decoupling commission structures from MLS listings could save sellers and buyers thousands while reducing steering toward higher-commission homes.
Low commission realtors: Pros and cons
Pros
- Big savings.
- MLS listing access
- Professional photography.
- Negotiation and paperwork assistance.
Cons
- Potential for hidden fees.
- You might receive limited service.
- Your house may sell for less money.
- Agents may not be available in your area.
By opting for low commission realtors, sellers can save thousands of dollars in listing fees. Sellers receive an MLS listing, ensuring their property is visible to a broad market, appearing on popular websites like Zillow and Realtor.com. Also, high-quality photos are provided to showcase the property effectively. This is crucial, as the most valuable content on real estate websites were photos, according to an industry survey.
Finally, you get assistance from a licensed professional who handles negotiating with buyers and manages all the paperwork.
The cons of low commission realtors include the potential for add-ons or hidden fees; the risk of receiving more limited services compared to traditional realty, which might require sellers to manage more aspects of the sale process themselves; and the risk that the property may sell for less than market value, given that you may receive less marketing and fewer services compared to traditional agents.
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.
💡 Insights from industry experts
Should you go with a low-commission agent or a traditional realtor? Opinions vary.
Alexei Morgado, a seasoned realtor and CEO of Lexawise Real Estate Exam Preparation in Florida, points out that traditional commission models fund a comprehensive suite of services that can significantly improve your home’s appeal and its final sale price, making them worth the added cost.
He notes that these extensive services might not be as viable under low-commission models, where the reduced incentive for agents could impact the level of service and your odds of a successful sale.
“The incentive for agents to maximize sale price—and thus their commission—can lead to better outcomes for clients [under traditional commission models],” he says.
Robert Washington, a broker at Savvy Buyers Realty, discusses the growing popularity of low-commission models amid regulatory pressures to reduce traditional real estate commissions.
“I would recommend that anyone with previous real estate transactions should strongly consider exploring low-commission models,” he says. “First-time homebuyers should exercise caution since they’ll probably be unfamiliar with the process.”
Best alternatives to low commission agents
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 market and sell your home properly.
- 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.
Remember, 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.
👋 Next steps: Talk to an expert!
FAQ
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%.