Best 2% Commission Realtors to Consider in 2024

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  Written by Ashley Simon

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  Edited by Josiah Wilmoth

In a standard real estate transaction, sellers typically pay about 5.49% of their home’s final sale price in commission fees, with 2.83% going to the seller’s agent and 2.66% to the buyer’s agent. However, choosing a 2% commission realtor can significantly reduce your costs.

A 2% realtor simply refers to a licensed real estate agent or brokerage that charges a 2% listing agent fee. For example, on a $500,000 home, hiring an agent with a 2% fee versus the national average could save you just over $4,000.

However, not all 2% agents provide great service. Before opting for a 2% commission realtor, it’s essential to assess the services offered for that fee and ensure the agent has the necessary experience and expertise.

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.

The best 2% commission realtors of 2024

🏆 Top pick: Clever Real Estate

Clever tops our list because of its unbeatable combination of savings and service. With a 1.5% listing fee—nearly half the typical rate—sellers can save thousands while still working with top-rated local agents from well-known brokerages like RE/MAX and Keller Williams. Clever’s strong agent vetting and positive customer reviews make it the best choice for most sellers.

🥈 Runner-up: Redfin

Redfin is a strong contender with a competitive 1.5% listing fee and additional savings if you buy and sell with them. Redfin’s tech-savvy approach, including features like 3D walk-throughs, is ideal for sellers who value digital tools. However, some customers report less personalized support, which keeps it from ranking higher.

🥉 Honorable mentions: Ideal Agent and UpNest

Ideal Agent lands in the third spot for its high-quality agent network, with agents in the top 1% of sales in their local markets. While the 2% listing fee offers good savings, the service’s single-agent match and limited buyer savings prevent it from taking a higher spot on our list. However, Ideal Agent is a great option if you’re looking for a top-performing agent with a slightly reduced commission.

UpNest is a solid option for comparing local agents, offering a convenient platform to connect sellers and buyers with full-service real estate professionals. However, unlike Clever and Redfin, UpNest doesn’t guarantee commission savings, as each agent sets their own listing fee. The lack of assured savings and inconsistent agent quality prevent it from ranking higher.

» JUMP TO: Where to find 2% agents | What 2% commission means | Paying a 2% total commission | Why agents work for 2% | Bottom line

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! For example, for a $500,000 home, a 2% listing fee would save you $5,000 compared to a 3% rate.

To see how much you can save on real estate fees, enter your home’s estimated sale price into the 2% real estate commission calculator below.

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.

Where to find 2% commission realtors near me

Looking for a 2% commission realtor near you? Select your state in the table below to determine what companies near you charge 2% real estate commissions (or less). We’ve compiled the best national and local options.

Note: Please check back soon if you don’t see your state. We’re working on building pages for all 50 states.

What is a 2% real estate commission?

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.

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.*Dual agency is illegal in AK, CO, FL, KS, MD, TX, VT, and WY.

What services are included?

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 six 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.

Some home sellers are skeptical of discount real estate agents, cautioning that you get what you pay for. But not all full-commission realtors are high quality, and plenty of 2% realtors offer great service.

One Reddit user interviewed three full-commission agents. The user shared these 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.”

Michelle Dunaj found her agent through Clever Real Estate and paid just a 1.5% listing fee. She 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!”

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 identify and rank the top low-commission real estate brokerages, the Real Estate Witch Team applied a rigorous evaluation process based on the following key criteria:

• Availability: We only included national and regional brokerages, which would be an option for most readers across the US.
• Agent quality: We looked at each company’s agent standards, including average years of experience, sales performance, and customer reviews, and ranked companies according to which had the highest standards for their agents.
• Agent selection: We recommended companies that offered multiple options to compare to increase the odds of a good fit and outcome.
• Service level: We only included full-service discount realtors and brokerages, 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.
• Pricing: We assessed each company’s fee structure and cross-referenced it with the service model to determine who offered (a) the best overall value — price vs. service — and (b) the fewest unfavorable pricing terms, like high minimums, nonrefundable up-front fees, or hidden costs.
• Customer reviews: We evaluated all verifiable customer reviews for each service. We considered not only the total review counts, average customer ratings, and key positive and negative themes, but also assessed factors like how recent and relevant the reviews are to customers making hiring decisions right now. 
• Sales activity: We looked at available data about past transactions to gauge sales performance and activity level.

Our thorough process helps ensure that our recommendations reflect the best options available for home sellers looking to save on commissions.

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.

Sources

1. National Association of Realtors. “What the NAR Settlement Means for Home Buyers and Sellers.” ↩︎
2. North Carolina Real Estate Commission. “Dual Agency: When Is It Appropriate?” ↩︎