Traditional agents charge 2.5% to 3% to list your home, and you usually cover another 2.5% to 3% for the buyer's agent on top of that. That is 5% to 6% of your sale price gone to commission. A 2% listing fee could save you between .50% to 1% off your total commission bill.
More sellers are making the switch. A 2% commission realtor often provides the same full-service experience as a traditional agent but charges 2% to list instead of 3%. On a $400,000 sale, that one-point difference keeps about $4,000 in your pocket.
Most sellers still use an agent and avoid going the for-sale by owner route, too: 90% of recent home sellers used a real estate agent and 88% listed on the MLS. Professional guidance and MLS exposure still drive quick sales at top dollar. [1]
The risk to watch out for is service quality. Some 2% agents are every bit as hands-on as a traditional agent. Others trim showings, lean on support staff, or quietly hand you more of the work. The rate tells you what you'll pay, not how good your agent will be.
We reviewed the top 2% commission companies on savings, service quality, and verified customer reviews. We also pulled in our own homeownership-cost data to show why squeezing every dollar out of your sale matters more now than it used to.
2% commission realtors, ranked
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
Ideal Agent can connect you with a full-service realtor at a discounted listing fee of 2%. The company has high standards for the agents it recommends, claiming to work with only the top 1% based on sales volume in each agent's market. While the savings aren't as significant as some low commission alternatives, customers are generally happy with the outcome from their home sale. Note that buyers won't qualify for any savings with Ideal Agent, and the company's small network size means your agent selection will be limited.
Read our full Ideal Agent review.
Pros
- Matched with a vetted, full-service realtor
- 2% listing fee is slightly below industry average
Cons
- Don't get to choose who you're matched with
- Other brands offer better savings
Listing Fee
Active Since
Buyer Savings
Our take
Reviews
Service details
Locations
Prevu is one of the few discount real estate brokers that offers significant savings for buyers as well as sellers. Buyers can get up to 1% back after closing, while sellers can benefit from a competitive listing fee of 2%. Prevu's agents are lauded as expert negotiators with considerable market expertise. Just be prepared to do a little more of the legwork when it comes to finding and touring homes. While some customers appreciating the independence and others cautioning that it may not be best for first-time buyers.
Pros
- 2% listing fee offers good savings for sellers
- Buyers can receive up to 1% back after closing
Cons
- High minimum fees can limit savings
- Small agent network means you may not get an agent with local expertise
Listing Fee
Active Since
Buyer Savings
Our take
Reviews
Service details
Locations
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
- Lax vetting standards compared to some competitors
- A small percentage of complaints mention a lack of professionalism and communication
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
How we chose our top picks
Clever Real Estate is our best overall pick for 2% commission realtors, or even lower. We rank on agent quality, fee transparency, customer feedback, and overall service, not just the headline rate. Clever connects you with top-rated agents at a pre-negotiated 1.5% listing fee, lower than Ideal Agent or Prevu, with thousands of verified reviews and no obligation to move forward.
Clever also has the best ratings from its past customers. Thousands of verified reviews praise Clever for its hands-on support, professional service, and big savings (often $7,000 or more on a typical home sale.) The platform is free to use, and there’s no obligation to move forward with an agent you’re matched with.
🏅 Honorable mention picks
Ideal Agent is a strong, straightforward 2% option with a praised concierge team, though its network is smaller. Redfin is a low-fee, tech-forward choice that fits buy-and-sell sellers, but its agents tend to be stretched thin, which matters when 83% of sellers say they want full-service support.[1] Prevu is a solid pick for buyers chasing cash back, and UpNest is useful for comparison shopping without a guaranteed discount.
Where to find 2% commission realtors near you
The fastest way to find a vetted 2% (or 1.5%) agent is a free agent-matching service, which pre-negotiates the rate and screens agents so you are not trading service for savings. You can also search low-commission realtors, 1% commission agents, and discount brokers in your area, or negotiate the fee with an agent you already like.
Looking for a 2% commission realtor near you? Select your state to find a roundup of the best discount brokers in your area, including national and local options.
What is a 2% real estate commission?
| Fee type | Commission rate | Cost on $500,000 sale |
|---|---|---|
| Listing agent commission | 2% | $10,000 |
| Buyer’s agent commission | 2.5–3% | $12,500–$15,000 |
| Estimated total commission | 4.5–5% | $22,500–$25,000 |
Generally, a 2% real estate commission is a discounted listing fee. If you're the seller, you'll pay your agent a 2% listing fee instead of the typical 2.5–3% charged by most listing agents nationwide.
However, you may still need to cover the buyer's agent commission, which typically ranges from 2.5% to 3%. Who pays this fee is negotiable between the buyer and seller, but the seller usually covers the cost. This would bring your total real estate commission to 4.5–5%.
While the percentage difference may seem small, it can result in significant savings. For instance, on a $500,000 home sale, you could save around $5,000.
What's the average realtor commission in my state?
According to our realtor commission study, sellers pay about 5.70% of the home's sale price on realtor fees, 2.88% going to the seller's agent and 2.82% going to the buyer's agent.
However, 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 | Total commission | Buyer commission | Seller commission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 5.96% | 3.00% | 2.96% |
| Alaska* | 5.51% | 2.78% | 2.73% |
| Arizona | 5.82% | 2.92% | 2.90% |
| Arkansas* | 5.66% | 2.84% | 2.82% |
| California | 5.47% | 2.74% | 2.73% |
| Colorado | 5.71% | 2.73% | 2.98% |
| Connecticut* | 5.57% | 2.67% | 2.90% |
| Delaware* | 5.66% | 2.84% | 2.82% |
| Florida | 5.57% | 2.82% | 2.75% |
| Georgia | 5.66% | 2.86% | 2.80% |
| Hawaii* | 5.51% | 2.78% | 2.73% |
| Idaho* | 5.71% | 2.73% | 2.98% |
| Illinois | 5.53% | 2.72% | 2.81% |
| Indiana | 5.50% | 2.85% | 2.65% |
| Iowa* | 5.84% | 2.88% | 2.96% |
| Kansas* | 5.84% | 2.88% | 2.96% |
| Kentucky* | 5.66% | 2.84% | 2.82% |
| Louisiana* | 5.66% | 2.84% | 2.82% |
| Maine* | 5.57% | 2.67% | 2.90% |
| Maryland | 5.41% | 2.64% | 2.77% |
| Massachusetts* | 5.57% | 2.67% | 2.90% |
| Michigan | 6.20% | 3.11% | 3.09% |
| Minnesota | 5.84% | 2.88% | 2.96% |
| Mississippi* | 5.66% | 2.84% | 2.82% |
| Missouri | 5.94% | 2.98% | 2.96% |
| Montana* | 5.71% | 2.73% | 2.98% |
| Nebraska* | 5.84% | 2.88% | 2.96% |
| Nevada* | 5.71% | 2.73% | 2.98% |
| New Hampshire* | 5.57% | 2.67% | 2.90% |
| New Jersey | 5.20% | 2.50% | 2.70% |
| New Mexico* | 5.82% | 2.92% | 2.90% |
| New York | 5.69% | 2.76% | 2.93% |
| North Carolina | 5.53% | 2.73% | 2.80% |
| North Dakota* | 5.84% | 2.88% | 2.96% |
| Ohio | 5.90% | 2.80% | 3.10% |
| Oklahoma* | 5.82% | 2.92% | 2.90% |
| Oregon | 5.51% | 2.78% | 2.73% |
| Pennsylvania* | 5.77% | 2.80% | 2.97% |
Rhode Island* | 5.57% | 2.67% | 2.90% |
| South Carolina | 5.88% | 2.97% | 2.91% |
| South Dakota* | 5.84% | 2.88% | 2.96% |
| Tennessee | 6.05% | 3.10% | 2.95% |
| Texas | 5.88% | 2.95% | 2.93% |
| Utah* | 5.71% | 2.73% | 2.98% |
| Vermont* | 5.57% | 2.67% | 2.90% |
| Virginia | 5.50% | 2.75% | 2.75% |
| Washington | 5.90% | 3.15% | 2.75% |
| Washington, D.C. | 4.50% | 2.50% | 2.00% |
| West Virginia* | 5.66% | 2.84% | 2.82% |
| Wisconsin | 5.84% | 2.88% | 2.96% |
| Wyoming* | 5.71% | 2.73% | 2.98% |
| Total Average | 5.70% | 2.82% | 2.88% |
How much can I save with a 2% commission?
This calculator estimates how much you could save on real estate fees by working with an agent who charges 2% (or 1.5%) instead of the traditional 2.5% to 3%. Enter your expected sale price, and adjust the listing and buyer's-agent percentages to compare.
| Traditional realtor | 2% realtor | |
|---|---|---|
| Home sale price | $370,320 | $370,320 |
| Listing realtor fee | $10,665 | $7,406 |
| Buyer's realtor fee | $10,443 | $10,443 |
| Total realtor fees | $21,108 | $17,849 |
A 2% commission would save you $3,259 compared to traditional realtor commission. Want to save even more? Clever pre-negotiates a 1.5% listing fee with top agents — which could save you $5,110 more compared to a 2% rate.
Start by entering the expected sale price of your home. Regarding commission rates, the default percentages are based on national averages from Real Estate Witch's 2026 commission data. Adjust this to compare traditional listing fees (typically around 2.5–3%) with discounted rates like 2% or 1.5%.
The calculator presets show that based on a national median sale price of $368,198, a traditional agent charging 2.88% would cost $10,604 to list. A 2% agent charges $7,364, saving you $3,240. Clever pre-negotiates a 1.5% listing fee with top agents, which drops the listing cost to $5,523, saving you $5,081 versus a traditional rate (about $1,841 more than a 2% agent).
Where savings can slip away: We’ve noticed that some sellers focus so much on cutting the listing fee that they overlook other costs that matter just as much. Buyer-agent fees, pricing missteps, and extra time on the market can eat into savings fast - sometimes even wiping out what you saved on commission.
Important notes about buyer’s agent fees
Listing fees don't include the buyer's agent commission, which is negotiable between the parties. Under the recent NAR settlement, the buyer sets this fee with their agent before viewing homes, though they may still try to negotiate for the seller to cover it.[3] If the seller agrees to pay (which usually happens), the commission typically ranges from 2% to 3% of the home's final sale price. Sellers still cover the buyer's-agent fee in many markets through concessions, so factor it into your total when you compare 2% listing fees.
» MORE: Who pays realtor fees?
Can I pay a 2% total commission?
While you can get a 2% rate for listing agents, securing a total 2% commission is trickier, even after the recent NAR settlement, which shifted the responsibility of setting the buyer's agent fee to the buyer. Very few realtors and brokerages offer a flat 2% real estate commission because the only ways to do so are by:
- Eliminating the 2.5–3% buyer’s agent fee, by either finding an unrepresented buyer (which is rare) or negotiating for the buyer to pay their own agent.
- Using dual agency (the same agent represents both the buyer and seller.)
Both of these approaches come with risks.
Under the recent NAR settlement, buyers now set the buyer’s agent commission rate and sign an agreement with their agent before even viewing homes. However, sellers still cover the buyer’s agent fee in many markets through concessions.
If a seller is unwilling to negotiate or refuses to pay the buyer’s agent's commission, it could make it difficult to secure offers or close deals, as many buyers aren't prepared to cover this fee out of pocket.
“Many second-home buyers are already struggling with affordability,” says agent Crisann Conroy, an agent with Big Bear VIP Homes in California. “And now they think they also need to pay the buyer’s agent out of pocket.”
Dual agency is risky because it creates a built-in conflict of interest: one agent cannot fully advocate for both sides. That is why several states restrict or prohibit it. Colorado bans dual agency outright, while Florida and Texas effectively eliminate single-agent dual representation through transaction-broker and intermediary rules. [4]
What services are included with a 2% listing fee?
Some real estate agents offer limited service for a lower commission. However, many realtors work for a 2% real estate commission (or less) and offer the same service as a full-commission agent, including:
- Setting a listing price for your home
- Getting your home ready for the market
- Listing and marketing your house to potential buyers
- Evaluating offers
- Negotiating with the buyer’s agent
- Completing paperwork and close
“Full-service agents offer hands-on support, professional marketing, and top-notch photography — things that really help a home stand out,” says Leticia Sotomayor, a real estate agent based in Chino, CA.
One of the best ways to find a full-service agent for less is through an agent matching service like Clever Real Estate or Ideal Agent. As opposed to a typical brokerages, which matches clients with in-house agents who work on staff, agent matching services negotiate commission savings with top local realtors from around the country.
Agents agree to provide a full-service experience at a lower rate to clients referred through these networks. In exchange, they get a steady stream of referrals to boost their business.
Why agents accept a 2% listing commission
Real estate transactions require significant paperwork, specialized knowledge, and effort. However, even an experienced agent may benefit from a lower commission rate. The truth is that many agents are open to negotiating — especially when the deal offers other benefits that justify a lower rate.
Here are seven reasons real estate agents may agree to a lower agent’s commission.
1. Attracting new clients
In a competitive market, a lower fee can be a way to land the listing, earn a strong review, and generate repeat or referral business. Newer agents and agents breaking into a new area often discount for the same reason: to build a track record. It can be a win for sellers if the agent is hungry and responsive, but weigh price against experience.
2. New to real estate or the area
Agents who are just starting out — or new to a particular market — may offer discounted rates to build up their client base and reputation. However, it's wise to negotiate with a seasoned agent or use a discount brokerage to get better value for the reduced fee.
For sellers, this can be a win-win if the agent is motivated and responsive. Still, it’s wise to weigh the trade-off between price and experience.
3. Offering limited services
Some agents offer à la carte pricing with fewer services. For example, they might skip open houses, staging advice, or professional photography. You save on fees, but you may need to handle more of the work yourself. If you're confident managing some parts of the sale process, this can be a smart way to reduce your overall costs.
4. Confident in a quick sale
Move-in-ready homes or properties in prime locations usually sell faster with less effort. Agents may be more willing to accept a lower commission for such properties, as the sale is simpler, takes less time, and pays out more quickly.
“When a seller agrees to price aggressively, and we expect a quick turnaround, I’m happy to be flexible,” says agent Leticia Sotomayor.
However, this strategy works best in seller-friendly markets. In slower or more balanced markets, agents may not be as open to fee reductions, since selling takes more time and effort.
5. High listing price
Agents are often willing to reduce their commission on higher-priced homes. For instance, a 2% commission on a $1 million sale is still $20,000, while the same rate on a $300,000 sale is just $6,000. That’s why agents are often more flexible on commission rates for luxury or high-end properties. They may be more willing to negotiate because they still earn a solid return.
6. Multiple transactions
Agents may agree to a lower commission if you’re working on multiple deals, such as selling your current home and buying a new one, or an investor handling several transactions. The promise of repeat business or multiple commissions can justify a discount on one sale and give you leverage in negotiations.
“If I know I’ll also be helping the client buy their next home, I’m usually willing to lower my fee on the sale,” says Ryan Radecki, a top-performing agent based in Indiana.
"Loyalty matters to me, and I like to reward clients who come back or work with me on both ends of a transaction,” adds Radecki.
7. Low inventory, but high competition
Agents might be more flexible on commission rates in markets with low inventory but plenty of competition among agents. Getting a listing — especially in a low-inventory market — helps them stay active, market themselves, and generate buyer leads for future deals. It’s worth the commission cut if it keeps their pipeline full.
How to choose a 2% commission agent
You can find low commission agents by using a free agent matching service. Many of these services quickly connect you with multiple agents, making it easy to compare your options. They also typically vet realtors, which can help ensure you get a high-quality agent, even at a discount.
It's important to pick a reputable 2% brokerage, since some companies create savings in ways that could mean trade-offs for you. For example, you may not receive in-person support or be shuffled between a team of agents and support staff.
After reading reviews and narrowing down your list of brokerages, interview at least 2–3 agents to find the best realtor for you.
From our experience, the best results usually come from experienced agents who choose to discount their fee, and not from agents competing on price alone. Sellers who take the time to interview a few agents and ask how they’ll price and market the home tend to feel better about the process and the final sale.
👉 LEARN: How to Choose a Realtor When Selling | How to Choose a Realtor for Buying
Bottom line
In 2026, paying 5–6% in realtor fees is no longer the norm. Many sellers save thousands by working with realtors who charge 2% or less in commission. The key is finding a trustworthy agent who offers full service at a lower cost.
Just remember this: The most common regret we see from sellers isn’t paying too much in commission. It’s picking an agent without fully understanding what was included. Sellers who focus on service, pricing strategy, and communication usually end up happier and with better results than those who choose based on fee alone.
Why you should trust us
This article was written by Ashley Simon and reviewed by Steve Nicastro, a former licensed real estate agent in Charleston, SC who closed $6 million in transactions and has bought and sold more than 30 homes. Our rankings draw on verified third-party customer reviews, primary sources, including the National Association of Realtors and company disclosures, and Clever Real Estate's proprietary commission and homeownership cost surveys. We update this page as new data becomes available.
Methodology: how we rank 2% commission realtors
We evaluate each discount brokerage on four criteria to keep our rankings fair, data-driven, and focused on what matters to sellers:
- Pricing and savings potential: We assess each company’s fee structure and cross-reference it with the traditional listing fee of 3% to determine who is offering (a) the best overall savings and (b) the fewest unfavorable pricing terms, like high minimums, nonrefundable upfront fees, or other hidden costs.
- Service quality: We include and rate only full-service discount real estate brokers, which we believe 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.
- Agent selection and quality: We factor in agent selection, including whether customers are automatically assigned to an agent or have a choice in who they work with. We also look at the standards to which a company holds its agents, including required years or experience or minimum closed deals.
- Customer satisfaction: We evaluate all verifiable customer reviews for each company. We consider the total number of reviews, average customer ratings, and key positive and negative themes identified by our AI sentiment analysis tool.
We regularly refresh our data as new information becomes available. Limited or missing data doesn’t disqualify a company, but it can affect its ranking since we only rate what we can verify.
Disclosure: Real Estate Witch is owned by Clever Real Estate, which is ranked #1 on this page. We evaluate Clever using the same criteria as every other company we review, and our editorial team scores it independently. We may also earn a referral fee when you use some of the services we recommend, at no extra cost to you.
Related reading
The Best Discount Real Estate Broker for Every Budget: Are discount brokers that offer huge discounts too good to be true, or is there some truth to their claims? Read on for the full story and look at our top recommendations in-depth.
What Companies Offer the Lowest Real Estate Commission Fees? It can be hard to keep track of all the different rates offered by various brokerages, but our definitive guide discusses which companies charge the lowest commissions.
1% Listing Fees — Huge Savings, or a Huge Scam? A 1% listing fee sounds impossibly low, but it’s not — if you understand the math. Our article explains what you should know and lists the best 1% commission real estate companies.