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Edited by Josiah Wilmoth
Written by Thomas O'Shaughnessy
Edited by Josiah Wilmoth
Best 2% commission realtors | How does a 2% real estate commission work? | Why would an agent offer 2%? | Is a 2% commission realtor right for you?
What is a 2% real estate commission?
A 2% real estate commission is a discounted rate that a seller pays their realtor.
In a typical real estate transaction, a seller pays around 6% of their home’s final sale price in commission fees, with 2.5–3% going to each agent at closing.
Working with a 2% commission realtor cuts your total commission rate to around 5%. On a $500,000 home, that 1% savings means an extra $5,000 in your pocket at closing!
Before using a 2% commission realtor, it’s important to gauge what services you’re getting for the commission — also taking into account the agent’s experience and expertise.
⚡ Looking for the best 2% commission realtors near you? Jump to our top picks.
Should you work with a 2% commission realtor?
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%.
» SAVE: Get a top-rated local agent, save thousands on commission.
The best 2% commission realtors of 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 | |
|
2% (min. $3,000)
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More | |
|
1.5% (min. fee varies)
|
26 states and Washington, DC
|
Learn More | |
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1.5%
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CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, MD, MA, NJ, NY, PA, TX, VA, WA
|
Learn More | |
|
1% (min. $5,000)
|
FL, GA, TX
|
Learn More |
It can be tough to find an experienced real estate agent who offers a 2% commission, so our team spent hundreds of hours doing the research for you.
Below are our top picks for where to find 2% commission realtors. These low commission real estate companies provide the best value for most home sellers.
We evaluated companies based on level of service, fee structure, and agent quality. The best options include a full range of services (e.g., pricing, home prep, MLS listing, marketing, negotiations) at a reduced fee, and they allow you to interview multiple agents.
It’s a good idea to interview agents from multiple companies so you can find the best fit for your needs and budget.
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
Customer reviews
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.
Clever has a 5/5 rating across 2,735 reviews from sites including Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and Google.
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
Customer reviews
Ideal Agent does a good job of vetting its agents, and it offers decent savings for sellers. But it has a limited service area and a small agent network, which limits your ability to choose the best agent for your situation. Alternative services, like Clever, offer the same service — but with better savings, more coverage, and more agents.
Pros
- You’ll get matched with a top-performing realtor.
- The 2% listing fee gives you a slight discount.
Cons
- Fewer agents makes it harder to compare your options.
- Coverage is limited outside of big cities.
- Savings are mediocre compared to other brands.
Ideal Agent matches sellers and buyers with traditional agents. The company negotiates 2% listing fees with its realtors and screens them for quality and experience.
A 2% listing fee is decent, but you could save more with the 1.5% that Clever and Redfin offer.
Ideal Agent’s partner realtors are good, but there aren’t very many of them, and they’re mostly located in big cities. There’s no guarantee Ideal Agent will have a realtor in your area, and if they do, you’ll get matched with only one.
Ideal Agent is available nationwide.
Ideal Agent has a 4.9/5 rating across 5,842 reviews.
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
Customer reviews
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.
Redfin has a 3.7/5 rating across 301 reviews.
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
Customer reviews
If Prevu is in your area, it may be worth looking into. The company is one of the few discount real estate brokers that offers significant savings for both sellers and buyers. Its 1.5% listing fee is competitive with other brands, and buyers can get up to 2% back after closing.
But Prevu is a small company, so you’ll want to ensure the agent it matches you with is actually suitable for your transaction. We suggest comparing Prevu’s agents to what other discount real estate brokers can offer so you get the best agent for your situation.
Pros
- Prevu’s 1.5% listing fee offers good savings for sellers.
- Buyers can save with up to 2% back after closing.
Cons
- High minimum fees can negate savings.
- The limited agent selection means you may not get the right agent for your transaction.
Prevu is a discount real estate company that offers big savings for home buyers and sellers in higher-value markets like New York City and Los Angeles. Prevu offers its savings by connecting home buyers and sellers with salaried agents who handle most of the tasks ordinarily handled by a full-service realtor.
Prevu is available in select markets in CA, CT, MA, NY, and PA.
Prevu has a 5/5 rating across 449 reviews.
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
Customer reviews
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.
SimpleShowing has a 4.9/5 rating across 1,995 reviews.
How does a 2% real estate commission work?
A 2% real estate commission is usually the result of a discounted listing agent fee.
Traditional listing agents charge around a 3% commission fee, and most buyer’s agents work for 3%, depending on the local market. As a result, total agent commissions are typically close to 6% of the home’s sale price.
A 2% commission real estate agent agrees to work for 2% commission instead of the typical rate. This lowers your total real estate commission from 6% to 5%. While the difference sounds small, it can lead to thousands of dollars in savings. On a $500,000 home sale, you’d save about $5,000.
| Fee | Rate |
|---|---|
| Listing agent | 2% |
| Buyer's agent | 3% |
| Total commission | 5% |
What services do you get with a 2% commission realtor?
Some real estate agents offer limited service for a lower commission. But 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% listing fees with its 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
Daniel Blake, who manages Clever’s concierge team, confirms that Clever offers “100% full service for a reduced commission, unlike many discount brokerages who offer less service for the discounted commission.”
💰 Find top local agents, get a 1.5% listing fee with Clever
How to choose a 2% commission realtor
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 you may 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
Can I offer a 2% buyer’s agent commission?
Technically, you can offer a 2% buyer’s agent commission, but it’s not a great idea.
Sellers need to offer a competitive buyer’s agent commission that is up there with what’s being offered [in the area],” says Kristyn Grewell, a licensed realtor based in Oklahoma.
The typical rate for a buyer’s agent fee is 2.5–3%, depending on the area. Offering a competitive rate incentivizes local agents to show your home to their buyers. Not offering a competitive rate could steer prospective home buyers away from your property.
With fewer potential buyers and less competition, you’d likely net a lower sales price for your home. This could cut into — or even fully negate — any savings you might have had by offering a low buyer’s agent commission.
» LEARN: Common realtor fees and commissions
Is it possible to pay a 2% total real estate commission?
While you can definitely get a 2% rate for listing agents, it’s trickier to secure a total 2% commission. 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
- Having the same agent represent both the buyer and seller (known as dual agency)
Both of these approaches come with risks.
By not offering a buyer’s agent commission, you’re cutting your pool of potential buyers way down and risking a lower final sale price.
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 offering 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.'”
As for dual agency, this approach inherently creates a conflict of interest for the agent. Without a dedicated agent on either side of the table, either the seller or buyer (or both!) may not get the best deal. Due to these issues, dual agency is actually illegal in a handful of states.
Why would a real estate agent offer a 2% commission?
Real estate transactions require significant paperwork, specialized knowledge, and effort. However, even an experienced agent may benefit from working at a lower commission rate.
Here are six reasons real estate agents may agree to a lower agent’s commission.
1. They’re looking to gain new clients
Lower commission rates can help agents attract more clients by giving them an edge, particularly in highly competitive markets.
2. They’re new to real estate or the area
New realtors may offer more competitive commission rates to help them get started in their career and compete against other local realtors.
3. They offer a different service package for the lower commission rate
A seller’s agent may agree to a lower commission rate if their full services aren’t required. For example, they may offer à la carte pricing, so you select and pay for only the services you want.
4. They’re confident that your house will be easy to sell
Homes that are move-in ready or in prime locations often require less work to sell. Some agents are willing to work for a reduced fee when they know their job will be easier.
5. They’re able to list your home at a high price
A seller’s agent may reduce their agent’s commission when a home has a high listing price. They know they’ll still make a good commission at the reduced fee.
6. They’re helping you with multiple real estate transactions
Realtors may work for a reduced fee if they’re helping you with multiple deals, including helping you sell your current house and buy a new one. They’re motivated to work with you when they know they can secure two commissions from one client.
How much can I save with a 2% commission?
| Price point | 3% listing commission | 2% listing commission | Savings* |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $7,500 | $5,000 | $1,250 |
| $500,000 | $15,000 | $10,000 | $2,500 |
| $750,000 | $22,500 | $15,000 | $6,750 |
| $1,000,000 | $30,000 | $20,000 | $10,000 |
The difference between a 2% and 3% listing commission might sound minor, but the savings add up! On a $500,000 home, a 2% listing fee would save you $5,000 compared to the typical 3% rate.
To see how much you can save, enter your home’s estimated sale price into the 2% real estate commission calculator below.
2% real estate commission calculator
Note: Listing fees do not include the buyer’s agent commission, which typically costs an additional 2.5–3% of the sale price.
How can I find 2% commission realtors near me?
Looking for a 2% commission realtor near you? Select your state in the table below to find out what companies near you charge 2% real estate commissions (or less). Click on a company name to read our in-depth review, complete with feedback from real customers!
| Company | Listing Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Clever Real Estate | 1.5% (min. $3,000) | 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 |
| Ideal Agent | 2% (min. $3,000) | 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 | 1.5% (min. fees vary) | 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 |
| Prevu | 1.5% (min. fees vary) | California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington |
| SimpleShowing | 1% (min. $5,000) | Florida, Georgia, Texas |
FAQ about 2 percent commission realtors
What are the best 2% commission real estate companies?
The best 2% commission companies include Clever Real Estate, Ideal Agent, and Redfin. These discount brokerage services offer the hands-on service and support you expect from a traditional realtor, but charge a listing commission rate of 2% or less. See the full list of the top 2% commission brokerages!
Where can I find a 2% commission realtor near me?
Several 2% commission companies, including Clever Real Estate and Ideal Agent, have agents available nationwide. Depending on where you're located, you may have even more options. Click here to find 2% commission realtors near you.
Is a 2% real estate commission fair?
Real estate commissions are negotiable, so a fair rate is whatever you and your agent are comfortable with. Competition in the real estate industry is driving down commission rates. Today, it's easier than ever to find listing agents who are happy to offer full service for 2% commissions instead of the conventional 3% rates. Check out our guide to the top 2% commission companies.
Methodology
We spent hundreds of hours researching 2% commission real estate companies to find the best options and bring you the most relevant information. We then ranked these companies based on their dollar-for-dollar value compared to other brands in categories such as savings, service quality, and overall customer experience.
Since most 2 percent commission realtors and companies charge minimum commission fees on homes below a certain price point, we calculated average savings based on what you’d pay across four common price points — $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
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 an in-depth look at our top recommendations.
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 commission across the board.
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 provides a complete list of the best 1% commission real estate companies.
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