Published
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Written by
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Edited by Kristy Snyder
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Reviewed by Tony Chahal
Written by Thomas O'Shaughnessy
Edited by Kristy Snyder
Reviewed by Tony Chahal
Best 1% commission realtors | How do 1% commissions work? | Find 1% commission realtors near me
A 1% commission realtor can save you thousands of dollars in listing fees when you sell your home.
One of the best ways to find a 1 percent commission realtor is to use a discount real estate broker. These companies can connect you with real estate agents who’ve already agreed to a low commission rate.
Only a handful of discount real estate brokers offer true 1% listing fees, and these brokerages often have limited geographic availability. You may also encounter trade-offs in service quality, like working with an agent who’s juggling many clients at a time or who’s less experienced.
The best discount real estate brokers we found charge rates around 1–1.5% and have strict screening criteria for their agents. They provide an outstanding customer experience while still offering major savings.
For example, sellers who work with Clever Real Estate get matched with top full-service realtors from well-known brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX — and pay a low listing fee of just 1.5%. On a $500,000 home sale, you’d save about $7,500 in commission.💰 SAVE: Get matched with top local agents, save thousands on realtor fees!
Keep reading for an in-depth look at our top 1% commission recommendations!
The best 1% commission realtors for 2023
| Company | Our Rating | Listing Fee | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Best overall
|
1.5% (min. $3,000)
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Nationwide
|
Learn More | |
|
1.5% (min. fee varies)
|
26 states and Washington, DC
|
Learn More | |
|
1% (min. $5,000)
|
FL, GA, TX
|
Learn More | |
|
1% (min. $2,500)
|
DC, FL, MD, NJ, PA, VA
|
Learn More |
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
Clever Real Estate is the best option for most sellers looking to save on realtor commissions. Its 1.5% listing fee is among the lowest of any full-service, nationwide brand. You’ll save thousands on commission and still get matched with top local realtors from well-known brokerages, like RE/MAX and Keller Williams. Plus, it’s free to try, and there’s no obligation to sign with an agent.
Pros
- You get a 1.5% listing fee (half the typical rate) without sacrificing service.
- You get matched with several local agents with strong sales records and great customer reviews.
- Clever’s service is free, and you have no obligation to sign with any realtor.
Cons
- Some add-ons, like drone photography and staging, may cost extra depending on the agent.
- You may not get matched with the specific realtor you want if they’re not in Clever’s agent network.
Clever Real Estate offers a 1.5% listing fee, half of what realtors traditionally charge. But you’ll still get a top local real estate agent, so you’ll save thousands without sacrificing quality.
How it works: After filling out an online questionnaire, Clever matches you with realtors in your area. You can choose to work with one of the agents, request more agent matches, or walk away with zero obligations.
Why we like it: Clever is the perfect balance of savings and quality: You get all the services and support of a traditional agent, but you pay a fraction of the typical price. By comparing agents, you ensure you’re getting the realtor who’s right for you.
Clever is available nationwide.
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
Redfin is a well-known discount brokerage that operates in most major cities. The savings are impressive, especially if you buy and sell with Redfin, but some of its agents are inexperienced. And while Redfin’s tech-focused approach comes with some neat features, it also means you’ll get less hands-on support than you may need.
Pros
- You’ll get good savings with a 1.5% listing fee.
- Redfin’s extras, like 3D walkthroughs, can help sell your home.
- If you buy and sell with Redfin, you can get a 0.5% listing fee refund.
Cons
- Agent quality and customer service are not always great.
- Minimum fees are high in some markets.
- You’ll receive less one-on-one support from your agent.
Redfin offers good commission savings, and it’s available in most metro areas. But it comes up short in terms of customer service, plus its high minimum fees negate the savings in some markets.
Redfin uses a team-based model instead of having your agent oversee every part of your sale. This approach makes the process more efficient, which allows Redfin agents to handle a higher volume of customers. But you may face misunderstandings or mix-ups when working with multiple people.
And while some Redfin agents are good, others are new and inexperienced. With relatively few realtors in its network, you run a higher risk of getting stuck with a less-than-stellar realtor when you sell with Redfin.
Redfin is available in AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, HI, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, NC, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, VA, and WA.
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
SimpleShowing’s 1% listing fee looks like a great deal at first glance. But there’s a good chance you’ll pay more than that thanks to its high minimum fee of $5,000. On top of that, agents are stretched thin, so you risk dealing with lower customer service quality and less hands-on support.
Pros
- The low 1% listing fee can be a good deal for homes over $500,000.
- Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
Cons
- Its $5,000 minimum fee means you pay more than 1% on homes below $500,000.
- It’s only available in a handful of cities in Florida, Georgia, and Texas.
- Its realtors handle a lot of clients, which can negatively affect service quality.
SimpleShowing offers a 1% listing fee with a high minimum of $5,000. If you’re selling a home for more than $500,000, you’ll pay more than 1% in listing fees.
Its agents juggle five times as many customers as a typical real estate agent. That isn’t necessarily a deal breaker if you’re selling a desirable home in a hot market. But if you expect your agent to provide more hands-on support, you could be disappointed and end up doing a lot of the work yourself.
SimpleShowing is available in FL, GA, and TX.
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
Houwzer gets points for its low 1% listing fees, which could save you a lot of money. Its $10,000 cap on listing fees makes it especially enticing if you’re selling a million-dollar home. But Houwzer’s high-volume, team-based approach is a red flag if you need one-on-one support from your agent. Unless you’re in a market where homes are “selling themselves,” using Houwzer is probably more risky than it’s worth.
Pros
- The company offers a low 1% listing fee with a reasonable minimum.
- It has a $10,000 listing fee cap, making it a good deal for homes over $1 million.
Cons
- Agents handle a lot of clients, which may negatively impact service quality.
- You have fewer agents to choose from compared to other brands.
Houwzer is one of the cheapest discount realtors because of its 1% listing fee and reasonable minimum. It even has a cap of $10,000 on fees, which is an especially good deal if you’re selling a home for more than $1 million.
But Houwzer might not have the best service quality. Like Redfin and SimpleShowing, Houwzer’s agents handle a lot more clients than traditional realtors do. Your sale might not get the attention it needs from your realtor. And because you’ll work with a team instead of just your agent, the chances of miscommunication and mistakes also increase.
Houwzer is available in DC, FL, MD, NJ, PA, and VA.
How can I find 1% commission realtors near me?
Looking for a 1 percent commission realtor in your area? Select your state in the table below to find out what discount brokerages near you offer low listing fees. Click on a company name to learn more and find customer reviews from real buyers and sellers.
| Company | Avg. rate* | |
|---|---|---|
| Clever Real Estate | 1.8% | Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, D.C., Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
| Redfin | 2% | Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, D.C., Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
| SimpleShowing | 2.2% | Florida, Georgia, Texas |
| Houwzer | 2.1% | Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C. |
How does a 1% real estate commission work?
When you sell with a 1% commission realtor, you pay your agent a listing fee of just 1–1.5% instead of the typical 2.5–3%. Your total commission costs, which usually include a 2.5–3% buyer’s agent fee, go down to 4–4.5% instead of the traditional 5–6%.
On a $500,000 home, a 1.5% listing fee saves you about $7,500 in realtor commissions.
You don’t have to pay realtor fees out of pocket. Instead, they’re deducted from your sale proceeds at closing.
| Fee | Traditional rate | Low rate |
|---|---|---|
| Listing agent commission | 2.5–3% | 1.5% |
| Buyer's agent commission | 2.5–3% | 2.5–3% |
| Total commission | 5–6% | 4–4.5% |
Why do real estate agents work for lower listing fees?
Today, the real estate industry is more competitive than ever. Commission rates are falling across the board as agents compete for listings, making the standard 3% realtor fee a thing of the past.
Discount brands have also found ways to make the home selling process more efficient, allowing them to charge lower rates. The best low commission companies offer listing fees as low as 1–1.5% without compromising on customer service or support.
For example, our top recommendation — Clever Real Estate — helps traditional real estate agents reduce their marketing expenses. These agents can pass their savings on to you.
Other discount real estate brokers have major trade-offs. Companies like Trelora cut their fees in risky ways that could cost you money on your sale. Always compare your options to find a local agent who offers the right combination of savings and hands-on service.
Check out our list of top picks and companies to avoid to learn more.
Can I offer a 1% buyer’s agent fee too?
As the seller, you can offer the buyer’s agent whatever commission rate you want (or even none at all). However, advertising a lower buyer’s agent commission than other sellers in your area could put you at a competitive disadvantage.
The buyer’s agent fee incentivizes buyer’s agents to show your home to their clients. If you’re offering a smaller fee than the seller down the street, which house do you think realtors will show their buyers first?
» MORE: Find the average commission rate in your area
Watch out for minimum fees
When comparing low commission companies, pay close attention to minimum fees.
If you’re selling a lower-priced home, these fees could limit — or even eliminate — your commission savings.
For example, if you sell a $250,000 home with a brokerage that charges a $5,000 minimum fee, your listing commission will actually cost 2% — even if the company advertises a 1.5% rate.
How to get a 1% listing fee
1. Work with a low commission realtor
The easiest way to get a lower listing fee when you sell your home is to work with a discount real estate brokerage. The top discount brands — like our low commission brokerage recommendations — offer huge savings and full support that matches what you’d get from a traditional agent.
However, some discount brokerages offer more value than others. Many low-fee companies offset their cheap rates with serious trade-offs in service quality. Others surprise you with hidden fees and conditions that chip away at your savings.
» MORE: Find the best discount real estate broker for your home sale!
2. Negotiate a lower listing fee with your agent
If you want a reduced real estate commission and you want to sell with a specific agent, you can try to negotiate a discount yourself. But if your preferred agent charges a 2.5–3% listing fee, chances are you won’t convince them to drop it down very far.
✍️ Editor’s Note
Companies like Clever can negotiate 1.5% listing fees because they offer their partner agents a steady stream of new business at no up-front cost. You don’t have that kind of negotiating power as an individual customer. Learn more about how Clever works.
That said, realtor fees are always 100% negotiable, so there’s no harm in asking your agent before you sign your listing agreement. In general, you’ll have more success negotiating a cheaper listing fee when:
- You’re in a seller’s market where homes like yours are selling quickly
- Most homes in your area are selling above their list price
- You’re selling an expensive home
- Your home is in pristine condition or you’re willing to invest in up-front repairs
- You offer to do more of the work yourself (e.g., host your own open house)
- You commit to working with the same agent to buy your new home
- You’re willing to walk away if the agent doesn’t lower their fee
» LEARN: More tips and tricks for negotiating realtor commission
FAQ
What are the best 1% commission real estate brokers?
The best 1% commission real estate brands include Clever Real Estate, SimpleShowing, and Redfin. These discount companies offer all the same real estate services and support you’d get from a traditional realtor, but they charge listing fees as low as 1%! See our full list of top low commission brokerages.
How can I find a 1% commission real estate agent near me?
Two low commission companies that we recommend, Clever Real Estate and Redfin, are available in all or most states. Depending on where you're located, you may have even more options. Click here to find all the 1% commission realtors near you!
Is it fair to get a lower commission rate?
Real estate commissions are negotiable, so a fair listing commission is whatever you and your agent agree is reasonable. Competition in the industry is pushing down commission rates nationwide, so it's easier than ever to find listing agents willing to offer full service for less than the traditional 3%. Check out our guide to the top low commission companies.
What does a 1% listing fee mean?
A 1% listing fee is a real estate agent commission equal to 1% of a home's final sales price. In any real estate transaction, agents make money by charging the home seller a percentage of the sales price as commission. While a traditional real estate agent typically charges 2–3% of the sales price, commissions are negotiable — meaning a realtor can theoretically charge just 1%. Looking to save on your next real estate transaction? Check out the top 1% commission realtors near you.
Methodology
We spent hundreds of hours researching discount real estate companies to help you find the best combination of savings and service for your home sale. We ranked these discount brands based on their dollar-for-dollar value compared to other brands in categories such as savings, service quality, and overall customer experience.
Since most companies that offer 1% listing fees charge minimum commissions on homes below a certain price point, we calculated average savings based on what you’d pay across four common home values — $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $750,000 — compared to a standard 3% listing agent commission.
Note: Pricing data, locations, and other data points are current as of when this article was last updated.
Related links
Working with a 1% commission realtor is one of the best ways to save on real estate commission, but other options are worth considering. Check out these resources to learn more.
The Best Discount Real Estate Brokers for Every Budget: Listing your home with a discount real estate broker is one of the easiest ways to save money. Check out our top picks for low commission brokers, as well as companies to avoid.
What Companies Offer the Lowest Real Estate Commission Fees? After hundreds of hours of research, we compiled a definitive ranking of the best low commission real estate companies. Compare savings, service quality, and pound-for-pound value to find the right option for you.
How to Negotiate Real Estate Commission: No matter what you’ve heard, real estate commission is always negotiable. Learn proven tips and tricks for persuading your agent to sell your house for less than the typical 3% listing fee.
How to Sell Your House without a Realtor: This guide outlines the steps to selling without a realtor, the pros and cons, and the costs.
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