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Best 2% commission realtors | Savings | 2% commission realtors near me | What it is | Services | Why agents offer 2% | How to choose | Should I work with a 2% 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.
The best 2% commission realtors of 2024
Company | Our Rating | Best for | Listing Fee | Availability | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best overall
Clever Real Estate |
Our rating
|
Comparing multiple top-producing agents, realtor fee savings
|
1.5%
Min. $3,000
|
Nationwide
|
Find Agents |
Ideal Agent |
Connecting with a single agent
|
2%
Min. $3,000
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More | |
Redfin |
Our rating
|
Buy & sell savings, digital marketing
|
1.5%
Min. fee varies
|
26 states and Washington, DC
|
Learn more |
UpNest |
Our rating
|
Comparing multiple agents
|
Varies by agent
Avg. 2.2%
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More |
Listing Fee
Active Since
Buyer Savings
✍️ Our take
Pros and cons
Company details
Clever Real Estate is the best option for sellers looking to save on realtor commissions. Its 1.5% listing fee is among the lowest of any full-service, nationwide brand. You save thousands on commission and work with top local realtors from well-known brokerages, like RE/MAX and Keller Williams.
Pros
- 1.5% listing fee is half the typical rate.
- Agents have strong sales records and great customer reviews.
- Free agent-finding platform with no obligation to sign with a realtor.
Cons
- Add-ons like drone photography and staging may cost extra.
- May not get matched with a specific realtor if they’re not in Clever’s network.
- Service that matches sellers and buyers with full-service real estate agents
- Sellers pay a pre-negotiated 1.5% listing fee (half the average rate) to their realtor after a successful home sale
- Sellers are responsible for paying a competitive buyer’s agent commission, usually 2.5-3% depending on the market
- To join Clever’s network, real estate agents must be top performers in their local market, have 5+ years of experience, and demonstrate a track record of positive customer reviews
- Clever has a 5/5 rating across 3,180 online reviews
- Accredited through the Better Business Bureau and holds an A+ rating
- Agents offer full service and support, including pricing advice, photography, MLS listing and description, negotiation support, etc.
- Eligible buyers receive $250 cash back
Listing Fee
Active Since
Buyer Savings
✍️ Our take
Pros and cons
Company details
Ideal Agent does a good job of vetting its agents, and it offers a small discount 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
- Matched with full-service realtors.
- 2% listing fee is slightly less than average.
Cons
- Only get one agent match.
- 2% listing fee is higher than most discount brands.
- Platform that matches sellers and buyers with full-service real estate agents
- Company negotiates a 2% listing fee with its realtors, which is slightly less than market value (2.5-3%)
- Sellers are responsible for paying a competitive buyer’s agent commission, usually 2.5-3% depending on the market
- Ideal Agent has a 4.9/5.0 rating across 7,007 reviews
- Accredited through the Better Business Bureau with a A+ rating
- Agents are expected to offer full-service and support, including pricing advice, photography, negotiation support, etc.
- No guaranteed buyer savings
Listing Fee
Active Since
Buyer Savings
✍️ Our take
Pros and cons
Company details
Redfin is an established discount brokerage that offers impressive savings — especially if you buy and sell with the brokerage. But some of its agents are inexperienced. And while Redfin’s tech-focused approach comes with some neat features, it also means you may get less hands-on support than you need.
Pros
- 1.5% listing fee provides good savings.
- Extras (like 3D walk-throughs) can help sell your home.
- Significant savings if you buy and sell with Redfin.
Cons
- Agent quality and customer service are not always great.
- High minimum fees in some markets.
- Agents may not have expertise in your local market.
- Full-service discount brokerage with licensed, salaried agents
- Sellers pay a 1.5% listing fee to their agent after a successful home sale
- Sellers who also buy a home with Redfin will receive 0.5% cash back, bringing their total commission to 1%
- Minimum fees vary by market but are $4,000 on average, meaning that sellers of homes priced $250,000 or below may pay more than the 1.5% listing fee
- Sellers are responsible for paying a competitive buyer’s agent commission, usually 2.5-3% depending on the market
- Redfin has a 1.6/5 rating across 220 third-party review sites — but you can find reviews of individual agents on Redfin.com
- Not accredited through the Better Business Bureau
- Redfin agents provide free photography and a 3D walkthrough to market your home to potential buyers, as well as traditional services like pricing advice, negotiation support, yard sign, open houses, etc.
Listing Fee
Active Since
Buyer Savings
✍️ Our take
Pros and cons
Company details
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.
- No guarantee your agent is a top performer or experienced in your market.
- Customer complaints mention a lack of professionalism and communication.
- Platform that matches sellers and buyers with full-service real estate agents
- Sellers fill out an online questionnaire and receive agent matches in an online dashboard
- Agents can offer to work for a reduced listing fee, but most charge close to market value (2.5-3%)
- Sellers are responsible for paying a competitive buyer’s agent commission, usually 2.5-3% depending on the market
- UpNest has a 4.6/5.0 rating across 6,934 reviews
- Not accredited through the Better Business Bureau
- Services may vary by agent, but most offer the same general services as traditional real estate agents (pricing advice, photography, negotiation support, etc.)
- No guaranteed buyer savings
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! 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.
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). We’ve compiled the best national and local options.
Note: If you don’t see your state, please check back soon. We’re working on building pages for all 50 states.
Discount Brokers Near Me | State |
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Discount real estate brokers in Alabama | Alabama |
Discount real estate brokers in Alaska | Alaska |
Arizona | |
Arkansas | |
California | |
Colorado | |
Connecticut | |
Florida | |
Georgia | |
Idaho | |
Illinois | |
Indiana | |
Iowa | |
Kansas | |
Kentucky | |
Louisiana | |
Discount real estate brokers in Maine | Maine |
Maryland | |
Massachusetts | |
Michigan | |
Minnesota | |
Mississippi | |
Missouri | |
Nebraska | |
Discount real estate brokers in Nevada | Nevada |
Discount real estate brokers in New Hampshire | New Hampshire |
New Jersey | |
New Mexico | |
New York | |
North Carolina | |
Ohio | |
Oklahoma | |
Oregon | |
Pennsylvania | |
Discount real estate brokers in Rhode Island | Rhode Island |
South Carolina | |
Discount real estate brokers in South Dakota | South Dakota |
Tennessee | |
Texas | |
Utah | |
Discount real estate brokers in Vermont | Vermont |
Virginia | |
Washington | |
Wisconsin | |
Discount real estate brokers in West Virginia | West Virginia |
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 a 2% listing fee to your agent instead of the typical 2.5–3%.
You’ll still be responsible for paying the buyer’s agent commission, which is typically 2.5–3%. This will bring your total real estate commission rate to 4.5–5%. 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.
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 | Average commission rate |
---|---|
Alabama | 5.44% |
Alaska* | 4.99% |
Arizona | 5.43% |
Arkansas* | 5.44% |
California | 4.91% |
Colorado | 5.52% |
Connecticut* | 5.12% |
Delaware* | 5.44% |
Washington DC | 4.96% |
Florida | 5.40% |
Georgia | 5.76% |
Hawaii* | 4.99% |
Idaho* | 5.36% |
Illinois | 5.24% |
Indiana | 5.67% |
Iowa* | 5.67% |
Kansas* | 5.67% |
Kentucky* | 5.44% |
Louisiana* | 5.44% |
Maine* | 5.12% |
Maryland | 5.11% |
Massachusetts* | 4.84% |
Michigan | 5.64% |
Minnesota | 5.41% |
Mississippi* | 5.44% |
Missouri | 5.73% |
Montana* | 5.36% |
Nebraska* | 5.67% |
Nevada* | 5.02% |
New Hampshire* | 5.12% |
New Jersey | 5.13% |
New Mexico* | 5.59% |
New York | 4.97% |
North Carolina | 5.60% |
North Dakota* | 5.67% |
Ohio | 5.81% |
Oklahoma* | 5.59% |
Oregon | 4.99% |
Pennsylvania* | 5.53% |
Rhode Island* | 5.12% |
South Carolina | 5.63% |
South Dakota* | 5.67% |
Tennessee | 5.44% |
Texas | 5.59% |
Utah* | 5.36% |
Vermont* | 5.12% |
Virginia | 5.23% |
Washington | 5.29% |
West Virginia* | 5.44% |
Wisconsin | 5.67% |
Wyoming* | 5.36% |
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.
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
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 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
Bottom line: Should I 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%.
⚡ 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. |
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
The Real Estate Witch Team filtered and ranked the top low commission real estate brokerages based on the following criteria:
- Availability: We only included national and regional brokerages that 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.
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 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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