In a standard real estate transaction, sellers pay 5–6% of their home’s final sale price in commission fees, with half going to the seller’s agent and half going to the buyer’s agent.
Choosing a 2% commission realtor to list your home can significantly reduce your costs. However, some home sellers are understandably skeptical of discounted real estate commissions, cautioning that you get what you pay for.
The reality is that plenty of 2% realtors offer great service. Conversely, there's no guarantee you're going to get a great agent simply because you pay a higher rate.
For example, a Reddit user recently interviewed three full-commission agents and shared the following details:
"[One agent] put together a binder of 10 comparable homes, their asking and/or sale price, with markups and markdowns … . This is clearly an agent who takes her job seriously … , so if I ever decided to pay full price for a realtor, that's who I'd pick.
"Unfortunately, the two other realtors we met with both showed up with little data besides square footage, they didn't even bother to tour and inspect before assessing the value, and had just a broad range."
Meanwhile, homeowner Michelle Dunaj, who found her listing agent through Clever Real Estate and paid just 1.5%, described her experience this way:
"We got one of the greatest realtors I have ever worked with. We had our home sold in 3 days with 11 offers for us to choose from!"
Before opting for any realtor — whether they charge a 2% commission or full price — it's essential to ensure they have the necessary experience, expertise, and dedication to help you achieve your goals.
Our team rigorously evaluated the top 2% commission realtors, focusing on service quality, agent experience, and overall value, so you can confidently choose an agent who delivers significant savings without sacrificing service.
⚡ Get the best agents at a better rate. Use our free agent matching tool to find a great agent and take advantage of a pre-negotiated 1.5% listing fee. Compare local realtors from top discounts brokerages and major brands like Keller Williams and RE/MAX — with no added fees or strings attached.
Where to find the best 2% commission realtors in 2025
Listing Fee
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Buyer Savings
Our take
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Clever Real Estate delivers the best combination of savings and service of any competitor that we’ve reviewed. Its agents are held to high standards and provide full service and support for just a 1.5% listing fee, saving you thousands when you sell your home. In states where it's permitted, buyers can also get cash back at closing. Clever has more agents (19,000+) in more markets than most other low-commission options, plus the highest customer rating among brands we evaluated. Unlike some of its competitors, Clever also allows you to choose your own agent. It matches you up with multiple agents, and you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
Read the full Clever Real Estate review.
Pros
- Low 1.5% listing fee
- Agents have strong sales records and great customer reviews
- Get multiple agent options to choose from
Cons
- Fewer agent options in certain rural areas
- Add-ons like professional home staging may cost extra
Listing Fee
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Buyer Savings
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Redfin is an established discount brokerage that offers impressive savings — especially if you buy and sell with a Redfin agent. While the company's standard listing fee varies from 1.5–2%, it's reduced by an additional 0.5% if you also purchase a home within a year. However, Redfin may not be the best fit for those seeking personalized, high-touch service, as some customers have noted that Redfin agents are often less involved than traditional agents.
Pros
- 1.5–2% listing fee, and up to 0.25% cash back for buyers
- Convenient home search site with high marketing visibility for sellers
- Significant savings if you buy and sell with Redfin
Cons
- Agents handle more transaction volume and may be less hands-on
- Reviews on 3rd-party sites are lower than many competitors'
- High minimum fees in some markets
Listing Fee
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Buyer Savings
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Ideal Agent can connect you with a full-service realtor at a discounted listing fee of 2%. The company has high standards for the agents it recommends, claiming to work with only the top 1% based on sales volume in each agent's market. While the savings aren't as significant as some low commission alternatives, customers are generally happy with the outcome from their home sale. Not that buyers won't qualify for any saving with Ideal Agent, and the company's small network size means your agent selection will be limited.
Read our full Ideal Agent review.
Pros
- Matched with a vetted, full-service realtor
- 2% listing fee is slightly below industry average
Cons
- Don't get to choose who you're matched with
- Other brands offer better savings
Listing Fee
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Buyer Savings
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UpNest is a legitimate agent matching service, and it can be a good way to compare real estate agents in your area. But there’s no guarantee you’ll save on real estate commissions because UpNest doesn’t negotiate a lower fee with their agents.
Pros
- Fast, easy way to compare local agents
- Agents offer full service and support
- Many customers report a positive experience with their agent
Cons
- No guaranteed savings for buyers or sellers
- Lax vetting standards compared to some competitors
- A small percentage of complaints mention a lack of professionalism and communication
Listing Fee
Active Since
Buyer Savings
Our take
Reviews
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Prevu is one of the few discount real estate brokers that offers significant savings for buyers as well as sellers. Buyers can get up to 1% back after closing, while sellers can benefit from a competitive listing fee of 2%. Prevu's agents are lauded as expert negotiators with considerable market expertise. Just be prepared to do a little more of the legwork when it comes to finding and touring homes. While some customers appreciating the independence and others cautioning that it may not be best for first-time buyers.
Pros
- 1.5% listing fee offers good savings for sellers
- Buyers can receive up to 1% back after closing
Cons
- High minimum fees can limit savings
- Small agent network means you may not get an agent with local expertise
» JUMP TO: Where to find 2% agents | What 2% commission means | Paying a 2% total commission | Why agents work for 2% | Bottom line
Where to find 2% commission realtors near me
Looking for a 2% commission realtor near you? Select your state to find a roundup of the best discount brokers in your area, including national and local options.
What is a 2% real estate commission?
| Fee | Rate |
|---|---|
| Listing agent | 2% |
| Buyer's agent | 3% |
| Total commission | 5% |
Generally, a 2% real estate commission is a discounted listing fee. If you're the seller, you'll pay your agent a 2% listing fee instead of the typical 2.5–3% charged by most listing agents nationwide.
However, you may still need to cover the buyer's agent commission, which typically ranges from 2.5% to 3%. Who pays this fee is negotiable between the buyer and seller. This would bring your total real estate commission to 4.5–5%.
While the percentage difference may seem small, it can result in significant savings. For instance, on a $500,000 home sale, you could save around $5,000.
What's the average realtor commission in my state?
Realtor commission rates can vary widely across the US. Find your state in the table below to learn what realtors typically charge in your area.
| State | Total commission | Buyer commission | Seller commission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 5.31% | 2.50% | 2.81% |
| Alaska* | 5.04% | 2.47% | 2.57% |
| Arizona | 5.40% | 2.62% | 2.78% |
| Arkansas* | 5.30% | 2.55% | 2.75% |
| California | 4.99% | 2.45% | 2.54% |
| Colorado | 5.29% | 2.62% | 2.67% |
| Connecticut* | 5.25% | 2.57% | 2.68% |
| Delaware* | 5.30% | 2.55% | 2.75% |
| Florida | 5.05% | 2.42% | 2.63% |
| Georgia | 5.62% | 2.71% | 2.91% |
| Hawaii* | 5.04% | 2.47% | 2.57% |
| Idaho* | 4.68% | 2.30% | 2.38% |
| Illinois | 5.07% | 2.43% | 2.64% |
| Indiana | 5.31% | 2.50% | 2.81% |
| Iowa* | 5.51% | 2.60% | 2.91% |
| Kansas* | 5.51% | 2.60% | 2.91% |
| Kentucky* | 5.30% | 2.55% | 2.75% |
| Louisiana* | 5.30% | 2.55% | 2.75% |
| Maine* | 5.25% | 2.57% | 2.68% |
| Maryland | 5.30% | 2.55% | 2.75% |
| Massachusetts* | 4.47% | 2.03% | 2.44% |
| Michigan | 5.86% | 2.93% | 2.93% |
| Minnesota | 5.77% | 2.62% | 3.15% |
| Mississippi* | 5.30% | 2.55% | 2.75% |
| Missouri | 5.73% | 2.76% | 2.97% |
| Montana* | 4.68% | 2.30% | 2.38% |
| Nebraska* | 5.51% | 2.60% | 2.91% |
| Nevada* | 3.51% | 1.66% | 1.85% |
| New Hampshire* | 5.25% | 2.57% | 2.68% |
| New Jersey | 5.07% | 2.52% | 2.55% |
| New Mexico* | 5.68% | 2.83% | 2.85% |
| New York | 5.36% | 2.64% | 2.72% |
| North Carolina | 5.47% | 2.57% | 2.90% |
| North Dakota* | 5.51% | 2.60% | 2.91% |
| Ohio | 5.60% | 2.68% | 2.92% |
| Oklahoma* | 5.68% | 2.83% | 2.85% |
| Oregon | 5.00% | 2.42% | 2.58% |
| Pennsylvania* | 5.35% | 2.60% | 2.75% |
Rhode Island* | 5.25% | 2.57% | 2.68% |
| South Carolina | 5.36% | 2.61% | 2.75% |
| South Dakota* | 5.51% | 2.60% | 2.91% |
| Tennessee | 5.54% | 2.63% | 2.91% |
| Texas | 5.76% | 2.89% | 2.87% |
| Utah* | 4.68% | 2.30% | 2.38% |
| Vermont* | 5.25% | 2.57% | 2.68% |
| Virginia | 5.19% | 2.57% | 2.62% |
| Washington | 5.18% | 2.56% | 2.62% |
| Washington, D.C. | 4.82% | 2.29% | 2.53% |
| West Virginia* | 5.30% | 2.55% | 2.75% |
| Wisconsin | 5.78% | 2.47% | 3.31% |
| Wyoming* | 4.68% | 2.30% | 2.38% |
| Total Average | 5.32% | 2.58% | 2.74% |
How much can I save with a 2% commission?
The difference between a 2% and 3% listing commission might sound minor, but the savings add up!
To see how much you can save on real estate fees at various commission rates, enter your home’s estimated value into the real estate commission calculator below and adjust the commission percentages.
Note: Listing fees don't include the buyer's agent commission, which is negotiable between the parties. Under the recent NAR settlement, the buyer sets this fee with their agent before viewing homes, though they may still try to negotiate for the seller to cover it.[1] If the seller agrees to pay, the commission typically ranges from 2% to 3% of the home's final sale price.
Can I pay a 2% total real estate commission?
While you can get a 2% rate for listing agents, securing a total 2% commission is trickier, even after the recent NAR settlement, which shifted the responsibility of setting the buyer's agent fee to the buyer. Very few realtors and brokerages offer a flat 2% real estate commission because the only ways to do so are by:
- Eliminating the 2.5–3% buyer’s agent fee entirely, by either finding an unrepresented buyer (which is rare) or negotiating for the buyer to pay their own agent;
- Using dual agency, where the same agent represents both the buyer and seller.
Both of these approaches come with risks.
Under the recent NAR settlement, buyers now set the buyer’s agent commission rate and sign an agreement with their agent before even viewing homes. However, sellers still cover the buyer’s agent fee in many markets through concessions.
If a seller is unwilling to negotiate or refuses to pay the buyer’s agent commission, it could lead to difficulties in securing offers or closing deals, as many buyers aren't prepared to cover this fee out of pocket.
"Agents are not going to work for free, says Grewell. In the U.S., buyers in most markets have no expectation of having to pay a commission to an agent. Offering none is not going to get your house shown.
"I've tried to show properties where a seller wasn't open to paying a [buyer's agent] commission, continues Grewell, and I've had to tell the buyers, 'This may be the house for you, but they don't want to work with an agent.' Rather than having to come up with their realtor's commission out of pocket when they're already maxed out with the down payment and closing costs, the buyer will say, 'Oh, we'll just skip that one.'"
Dual agency, where one agent represents both the buyer and seller in a transaction, is risky because it inherently creates a conflict of interest. The agent is tasked with serving the best interests of both parties, which can lead to compromises that may not fully benefit either side. [2]
This lack of dedicated representation means the seller might not secure the highest possible price, and the buyer might not negotiate the best terms for themselves. That's why dual agency is actually illegal in a handful of states.
What services are included for a 2% real estate commission?
Some real estate agents offer limited service for a lower commission. However, many realtors work for a 2% real estate commission (or less) and offer the same service as a full-commission agent.
For example, Clever Real Estate negotiates 1.5% listing fees with top realtors nationwide, and Ideal Agent negotiates 2% with partner agents. Agents in both networks agree to provide sellers with a 5-star experience at a lower rate in exchange for referrals.
When you work with a reputable company like Clever (rated 5/5 on Trustpilot) or Ideal Agent (rated 4.9/5), your agent will help you:
- Set a listing price for your home
- Get your home ready for the market
- List and market your house to potential buyers
- Evaluate offers
- Negotiate with the buyer’s agent
- Complete paperwork and close
By choosing a 2% commission realtor from a trusted network, you can get significant savings without sacrificing on service.
Why would a realtor accept 2%?
Real estate transactions require significant paperwork, specialized knowledge, and effort. However, even an experienced agent may benefit from a lower commission rate.
Here are seven reasons real estate agents may agree to a lower agent’s commission.
1. Attracting new clients
Offering a lower commission can give agents a competitive edge, especially in markets with tons of active realtors. While they may earn less on this sale, it can lead to future referrals, positive reviews, and repeat business.
2. New to real estate or the area
Realtors new to the industry or a region might offer lower rates to build their client base. However, it's wise to negotiate with a seasoned agent or use a discount brokerage to get better value for the reduced fee.
3. Offering limited services
Some agents will lower their commission if their full services aren't required, offering an à la carte pricing model. This can save you money but may require you to handle certain tasks independently, so comparing rates and services is crucial.
4. Confident in a quick sale
Move-in ready homes or properties in prime locations usually sell faster with less effort. Agents may be more willing to accept a lower commission for such properties, as the sale is simpler, takes up less time, and gets paid more quickly.
5. High listing price
Agents are often open to reducing their commission for higher-priced homes. For instance, a 2% commission on a $1 million sale is still $20,000, while the same rate on a $300,000 sale is just $6,000. Higher-priced homes still offer a substantial payday, even at a lower rate.
6. Multiple transactions
Agents may agree to a lower commission if you’re working on multiple deals, such as selling your current home and buying a new one, or an investor handling several transactions. The promise of multiple commissions gives you leverage to negotiate.
7. Low inventory, but high competition
Agents might be more flexible on commission rates in markets with low inventory but plenty of competition among agents. Securing a listing in these conditions can provide a future income in an otherwise uncertain market.
How to choose a 2% commission agent
You can find low commission agents by using a free agent matching service. Many of these services quickly connect you with multiple agents, making it easy to compare your options. They also typically vet realtors, which can help ensure you get a high-quality agent, even at a discount.
It's important to pick a reputable 2% brokerage, since some companies create savings in ways that could mean trade-offs for you. For example, you may not receive in-person support or be shuffled between a team of agents and support staff.
After reading reviews and narrowing down your list of brokerages, interview at least 2–3 agents to find the best realtor for you.
👉 LEARN: How to Choose a Realtor When Selling | How to Choose a Realtor for Buying
Bottom line
Whether you should work with a 2% realtor depends on the individual agent and the value they bring to your home sale.
A good 2% commission realtor will help you save on fees without sacrificing the hands-on support of a traditional agent. Some of the best-rated companies match you with top agents who charge even less than 2%.
| ⚡ Ready to find an agent? Compare top-producing agents in your zip code from discount brands and top brokerages like Century 21 and RE/MAX. All charge a 1.5% listing fee (half the usual rate). Agent proposals are sent straight to your inbox, and there's no obligation to move forward. |
Methodology
To formulate our discount broker rankings, we evaluate each company based on the following criteria:
- Pricing: We assess each company’s fee structure and cross-reference it with the traditional listing fee of 3% to determine who is offering (a) the best overall savings and (b) the fewest unfavorable pricing terms, like high minimums, nonrefundable upfront fees, or other hidden costs.
- Service level: We only include and rate full-service discount real estate brokers, which we think are the best option for most home sellers. These companies offer the same key services you’d expect from a traditional realtor, including in-person representation and end-to-end support.
- Agent selection: We factor in agent selection, including whether customers are automatically assigned to an agent or have a choice in who they work with. We also look at the standards to which a company holds its agents, including required years or experience or minimum closed deals.
- Customer reviews: We evaluate all verifiable customer reviews for each company. We consider the total review counts, average customer ratings, and key positive and negative themes identified by our AI sentiment analysis tool.
We regularly refresh the data on our pages as our primary sources update.
| ✍️ Editor’s note: Limited or missing data doesn’t disqualify a real estate company from our list, but it does lower the company’s ranking. We base our rankings on objective measurements, and we can only measure what we can see. We regularly try to find missing data to update our rankings accordingly. |
Related reading
The Best Discount Real Estate Broker for Every Budget: Are discount brokers that offer huge discounts too good to be true, or is there some truth to their claims? Read on for the full story and look at our top recommendations in-depth.
What Companies Offer the Lowest Real Estate Commission Fees? It can be hard to keep track of all the different rates offered by various brokerages, but our definitive guide discusses which companies charge the lowest commissions.
1% Listing Fees — Huge Savings, or a Huge Scam? A 1% listing fee sounds impossibly low, but it’s not — if you understand the math. Our article explains what you should know and lists the best 1% commission real estate companies.