The Witch's Take
What is a 1% commission realtor?
The term "1% commission agent" often refers to a listing agent or brokerage that charges a 1% listing fee instead of the typical 2.5–3%, while still providing full service: MLS listing, professional photos, showings, pricing advice, and negotiation. This just covers the listing fee, and does not factor in the buyer's agent fee, which could push the total commission rate to 4% or higher.
Sound too good to be true? It's not, but just remember that some companies advertise “1%” but actually charge 1.5%, or bake in $3,000–$5,000 minimums that push the effective rate to 2% or higher on lower-priced homes. And, getting top-notch service isn't a given - you have to vet your agent carefully.
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Average listing fee2.88%A true 1% fee saves about $7,700 on a $420,000 home.
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Share of FSBO home sales5%Most sellers net more with a low-fee agent than going it alone.
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Sellers who negotiate fees37%Realtor fees have always been 100% negotiatable.
- True 1% brokerages include 1 Percent Lists, Houwzer, and SimpleShowing. Clever and Redfin charge 1.5%.
- Watch minimum fees: a $5,000 minimum on a $250,000 home is really a 2% commission.
- After the 2024 NAR settlement you’re not required to pay the buyer’s agent, but most sellers still offer ~2.5% to attract buyers.
- Always ask: “Will you personally handle my listing, or will it be passed to someone else?”
Related questions
- Are 1% commission realtors legit, or what's the catch?
They're legit: 1 Percent Lists, Houwzer, and SimpleShowing are licensed brokerages with thousands of verified reviews. The catch isn't legitimacy, it's the fine print: a $5,000 minimum turns "1%" into 2% on a $250,000 home, and some brands that advertise 1% actually charge 1.5%. Calculate your effective rate on your price.
- How can agents charge such low rates?
Volume. Closing 40 deals a year at 1% earns about what 13 deals at 3% earns, and lead-generation models cut the agent's biggest cost — marketing. Salaried models like Houwzer and Redfin replace commission with base pay, removing per-deal pressure.
- How much will I actually save?
On a $420,000 home, going from the 2.88% average listing fee to 1% keeps about $7,700 — but only if the home still sells at full price and on schedule. A listing that sits 90 days can erase that in holding costs.
- Do I still pay the buyer's agent?
It depends on your home and your market, among other factors. Our research has found that in most cases, the seller still covers the buyer's agent fee, which can range from 2-3% of the home's purchase price. Not offering to pay it could shrink your potential buyer pool.
Updated June 16, 2026
I’m a former licensed agent (Charleston, SC) who closed $6M in transactions and has personally bought and sold 30+ homes. To rank the best 1% commission real estate agents and brokerages for 2026, I evaluated 12 national and regional discount companies on actual fees, coverage, service scope, and verified reviews — then interviewed two practicing top-producing realtors outside the Clever network about where the discount model really breaks down. Here’s what actually delivers.
Top 1% commission realtors of 2026
Listing Fee
Active Since
Buyer Savings
Our take
Reviews
Service details
Locations
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 for sellers — about half the typical rate
- Up to $500 cash back for buyers
- Agents have strong sales records and great customer reviews
- Compare agent service packages and credentials before making a decision
Cons
- Fewer agent options in certain rural areas
- Add-ons like professional home staging may cost extra
Listing Fee
Active Since
Buyer Savings
Our Take
Reviews
Service details
Locations
1 Percent Lists offers an appealing 1% listing fee model that provides significant savings, especially for sellers of high-value properties across 19 states. The brokerage is known for its comprehensive service, which includes professional photography, MLS listings, contract negotiations, Bluetooth lockboxes, and robust social media marketing, making it a cost-effective option compared to other discount realtors. However, due to fewer customer reviews available, it can be difficult to gauge the quality of service based solely on past experiences. We recommend that prospective clients talk directly with an agent to get a better idea of the services offered.
Pros
- 1% listing fee, allowing for potentially substantial savings
- Comprehensive full-service plan covering all aspects of the selling process
- Increased exposure through listings on multiple MLSs
Cons
- Limited review information makes it hard to assess service quality
- Limited service area compared to other discount realtors
Listing Fee
Active Since
Buyer Savings
Our take
Reviews
Service details
Locations
Houwzer has a 1% listing fee, which is among the lowest of any low commission brand. It also offers an enticing buyer rebate of up to half the buyer broker fee. However, Houwzer agents work as a team and handle 3x the transaction volume of traditional agents. Reviews indicate that the higher client load and remote handling of transactions can sometimes impact agents' responsiveness.
Pros
- 1% listing fee is low compared to competitors
- Broker fee capped at 1% for buyers
- Agents provide full service and support
Cons
- Agents handle a high volume of transactions
- Small percentage of reviews mention service quality issues
Listing Fee
Active Since
Buyer Savings
Our take
Reviews
Service details
Locations
Trelora Real Estate offers a competitive commission rate of just 1% for buyers and sellers. The team provides full-service listings and hands-on support from listing through closing. With an impressive 4.7-star rating across 3rd-party review sites, Trelora is a trusted choice for buyers and sellers. However, some customers complain about the lack of personalized service offered through Trelora’s team-based model.
Pros
- Low listing fee
- Generous buyer rebate
- Fast sale process
Cons
- Lack of personalized service
- Spotty communication
- Attention to detail can be questionable
Listing Fee
Active Since
Buyer Savings
Our take
Locations
Service details
Reviews
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
🏆 Best overall: Clever Real Estate connects you with full-service agents from major brokerages like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and eXp Realty who work for just a 1.5% listing fee. You’ll get expert guidance and hands-on support while saving thousands compared to traditional realtor commissions. Just answer a few quick questions to get hand-picked agent matches sent straight to your inbox!
1% commission realtors: Real-world tradeoffs
On paper, a 1% commission sounds like a no-brainer. Who wouldn’t want to pay less? But in the real world, how it actually plays out depends a lot on the agent and the market you’re in.
We’ve seen sellers go with a low-fee agent and then switch halfway through the listing because communication fell off, or follow-ups just weren’t happening. In slower markets, we’ve also seen 1% listings sit longer than expected, followed by a few price cuts, because the home was priced too high and the seller and their agent lacked a clear strategy.
Team-based, high-volume models (like Redfin) can be a mixed bag, too. They often work fine for renovated, move-in-ready homes that basically sell themselves. But when pricing gets tricky, buyer feedback is less positive, or negotiations get tense, this approach can backfire.
Bottom line: paying less upfront doesn’t automatically mean you’ll come out ahead. In the right situation, a 1% agent can save you real money. But, in the wrong one, those savings can disappear fast through price drops, extra time on the market, or the frustration of having to start over with a new agent.
📍Find 1% commission realtors near you
Searching for a 1 percent commission realtor near me is the most common way sellers start, because availability is local: 1 Percent Lists, Houwzer, and SimpleShowing each operate in specific states, while Clever and Redfin cover all 50. The fastest way to see who actually serves your ZIP code is to compare matched agents directly rather than guess from a static list.
Find 1% agents in your state. Select your state below to see which discount brokers near you offer 1–1.5% listing fees, or get matched with top-rated local agents who’ve pre-agreed to a 1.5% fee.
How 1% real estate commission works
When you sell with a 1% commission realtor, you pay your agent a listing fee of just 1–1.5% instead of the typical 2.5–3%.
Traditionally, sellers also covered the buyer’s agent fee, ranging from 2.5 to 3%, making the total commission costs 5–6% (deducted from the sale proceeds at closing).
However, due to the recent NAR settlement, sellers are no longer required to offer compensation to a buyer’s agent through the MLS. You now have the flexibility to decide whether to contribute to that fee, potentially reducing your total commission costs.
In practice, however, many sellers still offer a buyer’s agent commission to attract more buyers, since most buyers can’t easily afford to pay their agent out of pocket (especially in today’s high-rate, high-price market.)
With mortgage rates holding above 5-6% and all-cash buyers accounting for only about a quarter of the market, most buyers are still financing their purchases and have limited flexibility to cover additional out-of-pocket costs.[1]
"Most buyers that I have come across barely have enough for the down payment and closing cost and can't afford to pay their buyer agent, and don't want the extra expense wrapped up into their mortgage," says Tracy Trammel, realtor, Washington, D.C.
If you decide to offer that fee, your total commission will usually land around 4–4.5%, depending on local norms and how well you negotiate. (Note: Check the average commission rate in your area to see what typical rates are).
We recommend consulting with a local realtor for tailored advice on your specific market conditions. Answer a few quick questions to get matched with an agent today.
How 1% commission compares to average rates
| Traditional realtor | 1% commission realtor | |
|---|---|---|
| Listing agent fee | 3% ($12,570) | 1% ($4,190) |
| Buyer’s agent fee | 3% ($12,570) | 3% ($12,570) |
| Total commission | 6% ($25,140) | 4% ($16,760) |
| 💰 You could save $8,380 with a 1% listing agent | ||
*Estimates based on the U.S. median home sale price of $419,000 at the time of publication. Actual savings may vary depending on your local market, home price, and negotiated commission rates.*
When you sell your home, realtor commissions can take a big bite out of your profits. Typically, you might expect to shell out close to 6% of your home's sale price in commissions, covering both the listing and buyer's agents.
At the median U.S. home sale price of $419,000, that adds up to more than $25,000 in fees.[2] The commission estimates in the table above are based on this $419,000 price point to show how much you could realistically save.
1% realtors shake things up by offering a much lower fee for sellers—just 1-1.5% of the sale price. So, if you're selling that median-priced home, your cost for the listing agent's services drops to as low as $4,190, more than half of what you'd typically pay, for a total savings of over $8,000!
1% commission calculator: How much can I save?
This calculator compares the cost of selling with a traditional realtor — who typically charges around 2.5–3% on the listing side — versus a low commission agent who charges just 1.5%. It estimates how much you could save by paying less to your listing agent while keeping the buyer’s agent concession the same to stay competitive.
Enter your home’s estimated sale price, and the calculator will instantly break down your potential savings on listing fees and total commission costs.
A quick note on the math
To keep the comparison realistic, the calculator focuses on savings from the listing agent side. In many markets, offering a buyer’s agent fee is still common, so we hold that part constant and show what you can save by paying less to your listing agent.
Why 1% realtors might work for less commission
It's all about volume and potential total earnings. An agent earning 1% on 40 transactions a year makes roughly the same gross income as one earning 3% on 13.
Low-commission companies generate leads for their agents, which cuts the agent’s biggest expense: Marketing and prospecting. Salaried-agent models like Houwzer and Redfin replace per-deal commission with base pay plus bonuses, removing the pressure of any single sale.
Agents we spoke with said that the model works best on straightforward listings in active markets, where a well-priced, move-in-ready home needs less marketing effort. It backfires on complex sales, slow markets, or overpriced homes that demand real agent time.
David Baca, a realtor with Life Realty District in Henderson, NV who runs a 30,000-contact database and a full-service team, puts the potential hidden cost bluntly: “When your home sits on the market for 30 to 60 to 90 days, guess who’s paying the mortgage? The seller. Let’s say your mortgage is $2,400 or $2,500 and it’s been on the market for three months. That’s $7,500 the seller’s losing because you have inadequate representation.”
On a $420,000 home, three months of holding cost can erase the entire savings between a 1% listing fee and a 2.5% one. The lesson: weigh the listing fee against realistic days-on-market in your area, not just the headline rate. Avoid this trap: Get matched with a top local agent who can price and market your home to sell quickly.
📊 Realtor survey insights
Real Estate Witch's annual survey of over 800 real estate agents found that agents are also more likely to reduce their fees for the following reasons:
- The homeowner is listing multiple properties for sale (46.9% of agents surveyed)
- The homeowner also plans to buy with you (45.7%)
- High competition for clients (42.6%)
- The homeowner is a repeat client (41.6%)
- Higher property value (40.5%)
In short, agents are most willing to offer a 1% commission when they see strong client loyalty or the potential for multiple deals.
Key risks of working with a 1% realtor
Low-commission services, including 1% commission for realtors, can deliver excellent results, but go in with your eyes open to these trade-offs.
Reduced marketing
At 1%, agents earn less per transaction, which can mean fewer dollars for professional photography, staging consultations, and targeted advertising. Ask specifically what’s included and what costs extra.
The “team” handoff
This one trips up the most sellers: the agent who pitches you may not be the one who actually handles your transaction. Christina Rordam, a 21-year top-producing realtor with Florida Realty Investments in Orlando, has seen the pattern play out repeatedly.
“A lot of times, somebody’s offering a discounted rate and they sell 50, 100-plus homes. But to do that volume, a lot of it is outsourced. Maybe it’s outsourced to a VA in another country. Maybe it’s outsourced to AI. Maybe you meet with one agent who’s the face of the team, and then a junior agent who just got their license six months ago handles the negotiations of your contract," she says.
Her best advice is to ask the agent directly whether they'll personally handle your listing or pass it off once the contract is signed.
Dual agency
Some discount brokerages encourage dual agency (representing both buyer and seller) to capture both sides of the commission. It’s legal in most states but creates a conflict of interest. Ask upfront whether the company practices it and whether you can opt out.
Experience and specialization gaps
Not all discount agents have deep experience in your local market or property type. Ask about their recent sales in your area, their average days on market, and their list-to-sale price ratio.
How to get a 1% listing fee
1. Work with a low commission realtor
The easiest way to get a lower listing fee when you sell your home is to work with a discount real estate brokerage. The top discount brands — like our low commission brokerage recommendations — offer huge savings and full support that matches what you’d get from a traditional agent.
However, some discount brokerages offer more value than others. Many low-fee companies offset their cheap rates with serious trade-offs in service quality. Others surprise you with hidden fees and conditions that chip away at your savings.
» MORE: Find the best discount real estate broker for your home sale!
Watch out for minimum fees
When comparing low commission companies, pay close attention to minimum fees. Even small fee differences can materially affect a seller's net proceeds.
On lower-priced homes, minimum fees often matter more than the advertised percentage. A 1% rate with a $5,000 minimum can quietly turn into a 2% commission.
For example, if you sell a $250,000 home with a brokerage that charges a $5,000 minimum fee, your listing commission would cost 2% — even if the company advertises a 1.5% rate.
2. Negotiate a lower listing fee with your agent
If you want a reduced real estate commission and you want to sell with a specific agent, you can try to negotiate real estate commissions on your own. But if your preferred agent charges a 2.5–3% listing fee, chances are you won't convince them to reduce it much.
That said, realtor fees are always 100% negotiable, so there's no harm in asking your agent before you sign your listing agreement. In general, you'll have more success negotiating a cheaper listing fee when:
- You're in a seller's market where homes like yours are selling quickly
- Most homes in your area are selling above their list price
- You're selling an expensive home
- Your home is in pristine condition or you're willing to invest in up-front repairs
- You offer to do more of the work yourself (e.g., host your own open house)
- You commit to working with the same agent to buy your new home
- You're willing to walk away if the agent doesn't lower their fee
⚡ Save on realtor fees - no negotiation required. Find all the top-producing agents in your zip code who charge a 1.5% listing fee. Compare agents from the best discount brokerages and well-known brands like Keller Williams and Century 21.
How the NAR settlement affects 1% commissions
Under MLS rules that took effect August 17, 2024, sellers are no longer required to offer buyer’s agent compensation through the MLS, and buyer’s agents must sign written fee agreements before touring homes.
In practice, most sellers still offer a buyer’s agent fee (typically 2-3%) to attract the widest pool of buyers, since most buyers are financing and can’t easily pay their agent out of pocket. (See the latest NAR settlement details.)
The real-world impact so far has been modest, however. Commission rates dipped briefly in late 2024 but largely rebounded within about five months, and roughly two-thirds of agents in a 2026 survey reported no significant change. That matches what we heard from agents in active markets.
“Sellers are no longer expected to automatically cover buyers’ agent commissions, but they have the equity. That’s normally what’s going to pay," says Baca, the agent with Life Realty District in Las Vegas metro.
The takeaway for sellers: the settlement hasn’t produced dramatic price drops, but it has made commission conversations more normal. You likely have more leverage to negotiate than you did two years ago, and 1% services remain the most reliable path to lower fees.
Methodology
Here’s how we conducted our research to identify the best 1% commission realtors:
1. Comprehensive data collection. We began by compiling a list of all real estate companies and brokers that advertise a 1% (or close to it) listing fee. This included gathering data from public sources, customer reviews, and proprietary databases to ensure a complete understanding of each company’s offerings.
2. Evaluation criteria. Each company was assessed based on several critical factors, including:
- Commission savings: We compared potential savings with traditional 3% commissions and minimum fees to ensure accurate representation of the cost benefits.
- Customer experience: We analyzed customer reviews for ratings and sentiment across 20 key dimensions, including agent quality and communication. Our customer ratings and positive/negative sentiment breakdown is based on an AI-assisted analysis of all verified customer reviews from third-party review sites, including BBB, Consumer Affairs, Google, TrustPilot, and Yelp.
- Availability: We considered each company's geographic reach to ensure our recommendations are relevant to a wide range of sellers across the U.S.
3. Comparative analysis. To offer a fair comparison, we evaluated potential savings across four typical home values—$100,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $750,000. This approach allowed us to illustrate the dollar-for-dollar value for different types of sellers.
4. Expert verification. Our findings were reviewed by real estate professionals, ensuring that the recommendations align with industry standards and current market trends. This process involved consultations with experienced current and former agents, brokers, and market analysts.
5. Updates and accuracy. We continually monitor the market to update our data, ensuring that our recommendations remain relevant as new companies emerge and existing ones evolve. All data points, including pricing and locations, were last verified in June 2026.
Disclaimer: Clever Real Estate is owned by the same company that publishes Real Estate, Witch. We disclose that above and apply identical scoring to Clever and its competitors; where competitors outperform Clever, we say so. Neither realtor interviewed for this guide has any financial relationship with Clever. We refresh this ranking quarterly.
FAQ
What are the best 1% commission real estate brokers?
The best 1% commission real estate brands include Clever Real Estate, SimpleShowing, and Redfin. These discount companies offer all the same real estate services and support youd get from a traditional realtor, but they charge listing fees as low as 1%.
How can I find a 1% commission real estate agent near me?
Two low commission companies that we recommend, Clever Real Estate and Redfin, are available in all or most states. Depending on where you're located, you may have even more options. Click here to find all the 1% commission realtors near you.
Is it fair to get a lower commission rate?
Real estate commissions are negotiable, so a fair listing commission is whatever you and your agent agree is reasonable. Competition in the industry is pushing down commission rates nationwide, so it's easier than ever to find listing agents willing to offer full service for less than the traditional 3%.
What does a 1% listing fee mean?
A 1% listing fee is a real estate agent commission equal to 1% of a home's final sales price. In any real estate transaction, agents make money by charging the home seller a percentage of the sales price as commission. While a traditional real estate agent typically charges 2% to 3% of the sales price, commissions are negotiable meaning a realtor can theoretically charge just 1%. Looking to save on your next real estate transaction? Check out the top 1% commission realtors near you.
Related links
Working with a 1% commission realtor is one of the best ways to save on real estate commission, but other options are worth considering. Check out these resources to learn more.
The Best Discount Real Estate Brokers for Every Budget: Listing your home with a discount real estate broker is one of the easiest ways to save money. Check out our top picks for low commission brokers and companies to avoid.
What Companies Offer the Lowest Real Estate Commission Fees? After hundreds of hours of research, we compiled a definitive ranking of the best low commission real estate companies. Compare savings, service quality, and pound-for-pound value to find the right option.
How to Negotiate Real Estate Commission: No matter what you’ve heard, real estate commission is always negotiable. Learn proven tips and tricks for persuading your agent to sell your house for less than the typical 3% listing fee.
How to Sell Your House without a Realtor: This guide outlines the steps to selling without a realtor, the pros and cons, and the costs.