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Edited by Josiah Wilmoth
Written by Thomas O'Shaughnessy
Edited by Josiah Wilmoth
Best 2% commission companies | How does a 2% real estate commission work? | Why would an agent offer 2%? | How much can I save? | How to get a 2% commission
Should you work with a 2% commission realtor?
A 2% commission realtor can offer significant savings over the standard 3% commission rate.
Real estate commissions are one of the biggest costs when selling a home. Home sellers typically pay around 6% of their home’s final sale price in commission fees, with 2.5–3% going to each agent.
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!
A good 2% commission realtor helps you save on fees without sacrificing the hands-on support of a traditional agent. Some of the best-rated low commission real estate companies charge even less than 2%.
» SAVE: Get a top-rated local agent, save thousands on commission.
The best companies offering a 2% real estate commission (or less)
| 2% commission company | Listing fee | Average rating |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Clever Real Estate | 1.5% | 4.9 (1,995 reviews) |
| 🥈 Ideal Agent | 2% | 4.9 (5,842 reviews) |
| 🥉 Redfin | 1.5% | 3.7 (301 reviews) |
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.
🏆 1. Clever Real Estate
National
- Listing fee: 1.5% (min. $3,000)
- Available nationwide
- Full service, zero trade-offs
Sellers save an average of $5,625 when they list with Clever, compared to a traditional 3% listing fee.*
*Average savings based on listing fees at four common price points: $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $750,000.
Clever has a 4.9 out of 5 rating (1,995 total reviews) on popular review sites like Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.
Clever is available to sellers and buyers nationwide.
Clever Real Estate is the top pick on our list of discount real estate companies. It charges a 1.5% commission — less than the 2% real estate commission that many competing brands offer — and provides best-in-class services.
Clever’s free agent matching service connects you with top agents in your area from major brands like Keller Williams and Century 21. All of these agents honor the pre-negotiated 1.5% rates. That means you get the same full-service experience for a fraction of their typical rate, saving you thousands at closing.
Clever’s approach isn’t just the best way to save on commission when you sell your home — it’s the easiest way to find a great realtor, period. Find a top local agent and get a 1.5% listing fee now!
2. Ideal Agent
National
- Listing fee: 2% (min. $3,000)
- One agent match
- Great agents, mediocre savings
Sellers save an average of $3,750 when they list with Ideal Agent, compared to a traditional 3% listing fee.*
*Average savings based on listing fees at four common price points: $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $750,000.
Ideal Agent has a 4.9 out of 5 rating (5,842 total reviews) on popular review sites like Google and Trustpilot.
Ideal Agent is available to sellers nationwide.
Ideal Agent is another agent matching service that pre-negotiates lower rates with conventional agents. Its listing fee is 2% of the sale price, instead of the usual 2.5–3% rate. The company’s main selling point is the quality of its nationwide agent network, but unlike many of its competitors, Ideal Agent matches you with only one agent.
Ideal Agent is very low risk since you’d work with seasoned 2% commission realtors at established brands like Keller Williams. It’s also a free, no-obligation service, so you can always walk away if you don’t like the agent it provides.
Overall, Ideal Agent is a great way to find a top 2% commission real estate agent and save money compared to hiring a realtor on your own. The company offers convenience and good value, but it’s worth noting that Clever’s model works the same way and saves you even more money! You’ll get essentially the same real estate services for less.
3. Redfin
National
- Listing fee: 1.5% (min. fees vary)
- Available in 80+ U.S. markets
- Listings featured on Redfin app
Sellers save an average of $5,541 when they list with Redfin, compared to a traditional 3% listing fee.*
*Average savings based on listing fees at four common price points: $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $750,000.
*Accounts for Redfin’s average minimum fee across all U.S. markets.
Redfin has a 3.7 out of 5 rating (301 total reviews) on popular review sites like Google, Yelp, and Consumer Affairs.
Redfin is available in 80+ U.S. markets, giving it near-nationwide coverage.
Redfin is one of the leading discount real estate brokerages in the U.S. It offers a listing fee of 1.5%, like Clever. But it also has high minimum fees (up to $8,500!) that vary by market. Depending on your home’s value and location, you could end up paying more than the advertised rate.
Redfin provides in-house agents that work for a salary instead of commission. The company’s team-based model means you work with a succession of different Redfin employees in addition to your dedicated listing agent. This approach saves you more than a 2% commission realtor, but it could lead to delays, miscommunication, and mistakes in an already complex transaction.
Redfin can be an excellent fit for sellers who value working with a large national company and are comfortable dealing with a team instead of just one agent. It can also be great for sellers who are planning to buy with Redfin, because the company offers additional savings for customers who both sell and buy within a 12-month period.
However, Redfin may not be a great fit for sellers who want a personalized, one-on-one relationship with their agent. Redfin agents close about three times as many deals as the average realtor, which means you’re competing with a ton of other customers for your agent’s time and attention.
4. Prevu
Regional
- Listing fee: 1.5% (min. fees vary)
- Regional coverage
- Premium services
Sellers save an average of $2,450 when they list with Prevu, compared to a traditional 3% listing fee.*
*Average savings based on listing fees at four common price points: $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $750,000.
Prevu has a 5.0 out of 5 rating (449 total reviews) on popular review sites like Google and Yelp.
Prevu is available in the following areas: CA, CT, MA, NY, PA.
Prevu is a discount real estate brokerage that operates in five states, offering large savings for sellers in high-priced markets like New York City and Los Angeles. The company advertises a 1.5% listing commission, but this number is subject to high minimum fees that aren’t listed on Prevu’s website.
Due to these high minimum fees, sellers may not actually get the 1.5% advertised rate unless their homes are very expensive. Sellers of lower-priced homes may end up paying much more than a 2% real estate commission — and even occasionally more than the 3% listing fee a traditional listing agent would charge.
Some customers report great service. But if you work with Prevu, you’re limited to the company’s small group of in-house agents. And while substantial savings are possible, unclear and high minimum fees mean some customers could actually save more with other 2% commission real estate agents.
5. SimpleShowing
Regional
- Listing fee: 1% (min. $3,500)
- Limited service area
- Full service, few trade-offs
Sellers save an average of $6,375 when they list with SimpleShowing, compared to a traditional 3% listing fee.*
*Average savings based on listing fees at four common price points: $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $750,000.
SimpleShowing has a 4.9 out of 5 rating (335 total reviews) on popular review sites like Google, Yelp, and Zillow.
SimpleShowing is available in the following areas: FL, GA, TX.
SimpleShowing is a regional real estate brokerage available in select markets in Florida, Georgia, and Texas. The company advertises listing fees as low as 1%. But the $5,000 minimum can limit savings, especially for those with homes below $500,000.
To offer discounted listing fees, SimpleShowing maintains a smaller team of agents than most brokerages and incentivizes buyers to look at fewer homes in person. The company also has its agents close a high volume of deals — up to five times more deals than a typical realtor.
SimpleShowing’s agents have passed the same licensing requirements as traditional realtors and should provide the same basic services. However, the company employs very few agents spread across multiple states, which limits your options if you want to take advantage of its 1% listing fee.
What percentage do most realtors charge?
Most traditional realtors charge a commission of 2.5–3% on a home’s final sale price.
In a conventional real estate transaction, the home seller typically covers both agents’ fees — meaning they’ll pay a 6% total commission, split between their listing agent and the buyer’s agent.
For 3% of the sale proceeds, the listing agent helps with home staging and pricing strategy, runs open houses and showings, negotiates, and helps close the deal.
The buyer’s agent earns their 3% by bringing a qualified buyer to your home and guiding them through the sale process.
| Fee | Rate |
|---|---|
| Listing agent | 3% |
| Buyer's agent | 3% |
| Total commission | 6% |
How does a 2% real estate commission work?
A 2% real estate commission is a discounted commission rate for a listing agent.
Sellers typically pay the commission for both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. 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% real estate commission?
Many realtors who work for a 2% real estate commission (or less) offer the same level of service and experience as a full-commission agent.
For example, Clever Real Estate pre-negotiates 1.5% listing fees with top local realtors across the country. In exchange for a steady stream of referrals, Clever’s partner agents agree to provide sellers with a 5-star experience at a lower rate.
When you work with a reputable agent matching service like Clever, your agent will help you:
- Set a listing price for your home
- Help you get your home ready for the market
- List and market your house to potential buyers
- Evaluate and explain offers
- Negotiate with the buyer’s agent
- Assist with paperwork and the closing process
What are the pros and cons of agent matching services?
Using a free agent matching service can save you time when looking for a real estate agent. Many of these services connect you with multiple agents, making it easy to compare your options. Additionally, these brokerages typically vet realtors, which can help ensure you get a high-quality agent.
However, you’ll want to carefully vet brokers and agents to ensure their processes and services fit your needs.
Some companies create savings in ways that could mean trade-offs for you. You may not have in-person support during your sale or may be shuffled between a team of agents and support staff. Or a company may have a small network of realtors, which might lead to low-quality agent matches.
The best agent matching services, like Clever, give you savings without compromising on the quality, making this option of finding an agent worth it for most home sellers.
Can I offer the buyer’s agent 2%?
Technically, you can offer a 2% buyer’s agent commission, but it’s not a great idea.
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 lead agents to steer their clients 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 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.
And dual agency 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 2%?
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 to get a 2% commission rate
1. Work with a low commission realtor
The easiest way to get a 2% commission rate is to work with a discount real estate brokerage that offers built-in commission savings.
Some discount brokerages cut corners and aren’t worth it, but the best ones offer great savings and full service and support.
Our top recommendations are Clever Real Estate, Ideal Agent, and Redfin. Clever and Ideal Agent are agent matching services that connect you with pre-vetted agents in your area. Redfin is a discount brokerage that provides in-house agents.
Prevu and SimpleShowing are other discount brands you might want to consider.
These brokerages offer different fees, which determine how much you can save. For example, Ideal Agent advertises a 2% commission, while Clever offers a 1.5% listing commission.
Read our full breakdown of low commission real estate agents and companies to help you decide which option is best for you.
2. Negotiate with your realtor
You can try to negotiate a 2% rate with a traditional realtor, but your success will depend on:
- Average commission rates in your area
- Your property’s desirability
- How in-demand the agent is
- Local market conditions
Even if the odds are in your favor, it’s not easy to negotiate a 2% real estate commission as an individual customer. Agents are experienced professional negotiators, and you’re essentially asking them to take less money to do the same amount of work.
» MORE: Tips for negotiating a lower commission rate
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
Want to learn more about how to save on your real estate commission fees? Check out these articles for additional information.
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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