Clever Real Estate matches home buyers and sellers with highly-qualified realtors in their area. Their 1.5% listing fee is about half the typical rate, and they also offer cash back savings for buyers — making them our top pick for real estate commission savings.
Agents who partner with Clever Real Estate have strong sales records and great feedback from customers. The company maintains an average 5-star rating across thousands of reviews on 3rd-party sites like Google, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau.
Clever's agent-finding service is free to consumers, and there's no information-selling or obligation to sign with a realtor. If you don't find the agent you're looking for, you can request more matches or simply walk away.
Clever Real Estate at a glance
| 🏢Company type | Agent matching service |
| 🏴Active since | 2017 |
| 💲Listing fee | 1.5% ($3,000 minimum) |
| 💰Buyer savings | $250–500 |
| ⭐Average customer rating | 5/5 ⭐ (3,800+ reviews) |
| 📍Availability | Nationwide |
» JUMP TO: Clever vs. alternatives | Reviews | Savings | Services | How it works | News | Bottom line
Who Clever Real Estate works best for
Clever Real Estate ultimately works best for sellers and buyers who want to save on realtor commissions without sacrificing service. It's a particularly good fit for:
- Sellers looking for full-service agents at lower rates. Clever pre-negotiates a 1.5% listing fee with highly vetted agents from top brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX. This makes it a great option for those who want the full benefits of a traditional agent but at about half the cost.
- Buyers looking for expert support. Clever also connects buyers with experienced agents who offer full-service support throughout the buying process. Plus, eligible buyers can receive cash back after closing.
- Those seeking flexibility. Clever's free agent matching service allows users to interview multiple agents and choose the best fit. If you're unsatisfied, you can walk away anytime without being locked into a commitment.
- Sellers interested in cash offers. In addition to its agent finding platform, Clever can connect sellers to vetted cash buyers through its Clever Offers program, helping them earn more and potentially sell faster than they would by going directly to an investor.
While Clever is our top pick among both agent matching services and low commission brokerages, we don't recommend choosing a realtor based solely on the brand. So feel free to compare its services and ratings to other competitors we recommend.
Clever Real Estate vs. alternatives
Clever Real Estate stands out from its competitors due to its rigorous agent vetting process and commitment to high-quality service. The company ensures its partner agents meet strict performance standards, including a proven track record of successful transactions and strong customer reviews. This gives Clever an edge in offering top-notch agents from well-known brokerages.
While Ideal Agent also emphasizes agent quality, it has a smaller network, so we think Clever offers a better chance of being matched with an excellent agent in your area.
Regarding savings, Clever’s 1.5% commission rate is one of the lowest in the industry. It undercuts competitors like Ideal Agent, which charges a 2% listing fee, and HomeLight, which doesn’t offer discounted fees. Its lower fee structure helps sellers retain more equity from their home sale.
Although some users might be concerned that lower fees equate to lesser service, customer feedback consistently highlights that Clever agents provide the same full-service experience as traditional agents, with dedicated support throughout the process. This combination of savings and service quality places Clever above its competition.
Clever Real Estate reviews: What real customers say
| Review site | Rating |
|---|---|
| Better Business Bureau | 4.9/5 (100+ reviews) |
| 4.9/5 (400+ reviews) | |
| Trustpilot | 5/5 (3,300+ reviews) |
| Average rating | 5.0 (3,800+ reviews) |
Clever Real Estate reviews online give the company a 5/5 rating from 3,800+ reviews across Trustpilot, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Clever Real Estate is also accredited by the BBB and has an A+ rating.
Customer sentiment toward Clever Real Estate is overwhelmingly positive. Numerous reviewers praise the company for its high-quality agents, significant cost savings, and agent selection process.
✅ Pros: High-quality agents, plenty of selection, and big savings
Customers repeatedly express satisfaction at the quality of agents they find through Clever, as well as the ability to choose from among several agents Clever sends their way. Agents are repeatedly described as professional and responsive, helping sellers navigate the real estate process just like they would for a customer paying full commission.
Clever Real Estate was very helpful to work with and saved us a lot of money! They sent several realtor options and we are very happy with the one we chose. They did everything they do for people paying the full commission. We highly recommend Clever!
— Sandy C., Nov. 2024, Google, ★★★★★
Clever's 1.5% listing fee also stands out as a major benefit, with many customers noting that they saved thousands of dollars without sacrificing service quality.
Super easy to get started, filled out my info online and within minutes I had local realtors contacting me about our home sale. The house was listed within a few days and sold within 2 days of listing. Tiffany (our realtor) was very professional, responsive and personable. We saved thousands of dollars in commissions using Clever and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to sell their home.
— S.B., Sept. 2024, TrustPilot, ★★★★★
Buyers and sellers alike appreciated the responsiveness and hands-on support of Clever’s agents, who often exceed their expectations — especially given the savings.
Tiffany made my sale of property go very smoothly. She went beyond Clever's full service (with low commission) when she vacuumed my carpet, and put personal touches to the unit. Her husband, Jesse, wired my ceiling smoke detectors.
— Phoebe C., Sept. 2024, TrustPilot, ★★★★★
When we interviewed Thorsteinn S. about his experience with a Clever agent in the Seattle, Washington area, he praised Clever for the quality of its agents and the savings. Thorsteinn's agent was communicative, personable, and provided expert advice that led to his home selling in a week for about $150,000 over the asking price.
Many online reviewers echo the same sentiments and were surprised by the caliber of service they receive for the price.
❌ Cons: Occasional unmet expectations
Although most reviews are highly favorable, a few customers (less than 1%) have expressed dissatisfaction.
For example, one reviewer felt they had to take charge of key aspects of their home sale that the agent should have been responsible for, such as pricing and coming up with a fair concession amount following the inspection report.
Our agent suggested listing below market value, but we went with my price instead. They also made a big deal out of items in the inspection report. After I read the report, I found a few items that were reasonable concerns and offered an equitable concession.
— Bill, March 2024, TrustPilot, ★★★
How much can I save with Clever?
By using Clever Real Estate, sellers can save up to 50% on listing fees compared to traditional agents. Clever charges a pre-negotiated 1.5% listing fee, significantly lower than the typical 2.5–3% most brokerages charge.
| Clever's listing fee | 1.5% of home sale price |
| Nationwide average listing fee | 2.5–3% of home sale price |
| Amount saved with Clever | 1–1.5% of home sale price |
For example, a traditional 3% commission on a $400,000 home would cost $12,000, but with Clever, you’d pay only $6,000 — a savings of $6,000. On a $600,000 home, you'd save $9,000 in listing fees.
On average, Clever sellers save around $7,000 on their home sale, while still receiving full-service support from top agents. In addition to the listing fee, sellers may need to cover the buyer's agent commission, which is negotiable and ranges from 2-3% nationwide.
💡 Why do Clever's partner agents work for just 1.5%?
You may be wondering why any real estate agent — especially one who already has a solid track record — would agree to work for a 1.5% commission when the standard rate is 2.5–3%. In fact, Clever’s 1.5% model is a win-win for both agents and customers.
Here’s why: Agents usually invest much time and money on marketing to attract clients. Clever handles this by providing agents with pre-qualified leads, meaning they don’t have to spend as much on finding new business. As a result, agents can take on more clients with less effort, and the savings get passed on to you. Everyone benefits from this efficient setup.
How Clever Real Estate works
Clever Real Estate connects you with top agents from both local and nationally known brokerages like Berkshire Hathaway, Keller Williams, and more.
When you request an agent through Clever, you'll get several options to compare. Regardless of who you choose, you'll receive a pre-negotiated listing commission rate of just 1.5%, or cash back savings when you buy.
Clever partner agents are carefully vetted to ensure they have ample real estate experience, excellent reviews, and a strong track in the markets they serve.
To be a part of Clever's network, agents sign an agreement stipulating they must provide 100% full service to all clients referred through Clever.
The agent matching process
To get matched with a listing agent through Clever, you complete the following steps:
1. Fill out an online form: Enter your zip code on Clever’s website. Then, answer a few basic questions about your property, how many agents you want to interview, your address, estimated market value, and the best time to connect with an agent.
2. Clever concierge reaches out: You'll get contacted to learn more about your situation, answer any questions, and provide more information about Clever's services.
3. Agent matching begins: Clever will search through its network of 19,000 partner agents to find the best matches based on your location, needs, and agent experience.
4. Introductions: You’ll receive both an email and group text with agent introductions, including links to their brokerage, Zillow profile, and social media for easy comparison.
5. Schedule interviews: You can meet with your recommended agents and choose to interview them in person or over the phone.
6. Get started: After choosing and signing with your agent, you can start the home sale process, with Clever providing ongoing support throughout.
For buyers, the agent matching process is simple: Clever will first ask about the type of property you're looking for, your price range, and your timeline for purchasing.
On the next page, you'll select the number of agents you'd like to interview and your preferred time for contact.
If you're not already working with a mortgage lender, Clever will offer to match you with one. After you submit the form, Clever’s team will send agent introductions within two hours.
Selling with Clever Real Estate
When you sell with a Clever partner agent, you’ll get the same service and support you’d expect from a traditional listing agent charging full commission.
We spoke with Thorsteinn S., who sold his home with a Clever agent in the Seattle, Washington area. Thorsteinn told us that his agent provided more hands-on service and support than any realtor he'd paid 3% to before. His listing agent provided the following services:
- Comparative market analysis (CMA) and pricing strategy
- Connection with a pre-listing stager
- Professional photography
- Full listing on the MLS and hundreds of other real estate sites
- Showings and open houses
- Help with offers, counteroffers, and negotiations
- Contract and paperwork support
- Closing and title coordination
Thorsteinn told us that his agent's pricing and marketing strategy were instrumental in procuring four offers just days after his home was listed on the MLS.
Marc P, a Trustpilot reviewer, was also impressed with the knowledgeable agent Clever paired him with. Despite the discounted listing fee, Marc's realtor provided top-notch service, including professional photography, resulting in his home selling in just one day for well above the asking price.
Clever’s concierge team will check in with you and the agent continuously to ensure your agent delivers the promised service and support. Thorsteinn told us that Clever's customer service team kept in touch with him throughout the process and that the communication was all very straightforward.
Buying with Clever Real Estate
As a buyer, you can expect to receive the following services, typical of a buyer's agent:
- Real-time MLS alerts
- On-demand house tours
- Help with offers and counteroffers
- Support during the inspection and any renegotiations
- Final walk-through and closing coordination, and more
With Clever’s Cash Back program, eligible buyers can get up to $500 after closing: $250 for buying, or $500 if you buy and sell with a Clever agent. This rebate is available in most states for homes priced over $50,000, though some states don't allow commission rebates.
Other Clever Services
In addition to its core agent matching service, Clever's offers title and escrow services through its subsidiary, Clever Closings.
For homeowners who need to offload a property quickly or as is, Clever also provides connections to reputable cash buyers and other sell-fast solutions through its Clever Offers program.
Clever Real Estate news and updates
Clever has made significant strides recently, with key developments in its services, partnerships, and industry recognition:
- In February 2024, Clever Real Estate launched Clever Title, a full-service title and escrow company.[1]
- In January 2024, Clever acquired Gravy Technologies, a startup that built a rewards platform for home buyers.[2]
- In October 2023, two of Clever's executive team members received the HousingWire Insiders Award.[3]
- Clever launched a product for mortgage lenders called Clever Pro in July 2023.[4]
- In June 2023, Clever was named the number 1 real estate agency on Trustpilot.com.[5]
- In May 2023, Clever raised $2 million in funding and ranked #65 on Inc.'s List of Fastest-Growing Companies in the Midwest.[6]
Bottom line: Should I use Clever Real Estate?
Based on our research of Clever Real Estate and other popular agent matching services, we think Clever offers the best overall service for most buyers and sellers. Clever’s partner agents are consistently high quality, its savings for sellers and buyers are the best in the industry, and you can try it for free with zero obligation.
The only thing to keep in mind is that Clever's minimum commission is $3,000, so if you're selling a house for less than $200,000, you'll end up paying slightly more than 1.5%. While a $3,000–5,000 minimum is fairly typical among low-commission realtors, you may want to do some cost comparison to see if you can find a better deal with another discount broker.
FAQ
Yes, Clever Real Estate is a legitimate and well-reviewed company that makes buying and selling real estate more affordable. Clever has an average customer rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on over a thousand customer reviews. Clever is a licensed brokerage in Missouri and partners with agents all over the country from top brokerages like Keller Willams, Century 21, and Coldwell Banker.
Clever sellers typically save between 40-50% on total commission fees or $7,000 or on average thanks to the pre-negotiated 1.5% listing fee. See how much you can save with Clever!
Yes. As a seller or buyer, you won't ever pay Clever a referral fee. Sellers only pay their Clever partner agents discounted 1.5% listing fee when their home sells. Buyers won't pay any agent fees, because their agents' fee is typically covered by the seller.
Like other agent matching companies, Clever collects a small fee from its partner agents in exchange for referring new customers. This allows Clever to offer a free service for its customers
Most agents burn a lot of time and money trying to attract new clients. Clever's partner agents get a steady stream of new business with zero up-front cost or effort (they pay Clever a fee only when a deal closes). The arrangement boosts their revenue, sales numbers, and visibility within their local market and the volume allows them to lower their rates, helping sellers and buyers save money. In other words, it's a win-win for all parties.
To be a Clever partner agent, realtors must have an active real estate license, at least five years of experience, and a proven track record of success. Clever also states on its website that it will remove agents from its network that don't provide excellent service, and its team actively reviews its partner agents' performance on an ongoing basis.
Yes. All Clever's partner agents have signed contracts that they'll provide 100% full service and support to Clever customers.
No! You can interview as many agents as you'd like through Clever. Until you've connected with an agent you like and decided to move forward, you don't sign a thing. The benefit of Clever is getting a reduced commission, whereas if you reach out directly to an agent, you'll likely pay full commission.
Related links
How to Find a Realtor: The Complete Guide: A good agent can make a big difference in how well your home sale or purchase goes — and how much you get or save for your house. Find out how to choose the right realtor for you.
Top 10 Low Commission Real Estate Agents: Low commission real estate companies can help you save thousands on your home sale. Check out our ranking of the best low commission companies, and see what options are available in your local real estate market.
The Best Discount Real Estate Brokers and Agents: Discount brokers can save you a lot of money, but some come with significant drawbacks. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a discount realtor.
Negotiating Realtor Fees: Tips to Lower Commission: Negotiating real estate fees centers on knowing the market and your situation and using that information while talking to multiple agents.
Methodology
The Real Estate Witch team evaluated Clever Real Estate on various factors, including savings, customer service, online reviews, agent quality, and how it compares to the competition. Our mission is to empower you to decide whether Clever Real Estate is right for your next real estate transaction.
We regularly update all our reviews to ensure they are accurate and relevant. We aim to help you find an agent who can get you the best possible value when you buy or sell your home.
Our low commission real estate brokerage rankings are based on three key criteria:
- Cost and savings. We compare each brokerage's pricing model to top competitors and average prices across the U.S., including the average listing fee, minimum fees, and any buyer incentives offered.
- Customer service. We perform an in-depth analysis on each brokerage's customer reviews across review sites. We broke down the sentiment of reviews, looking at themes around agent responsiveness, expertise, and meeting customer expectations.
- Ease of use. We evaluate how efficient it is for customers to find, compare, and select an agent through a brokerage; and we evaluate their agent network size, technical platforms, communication methods, and post-transaction support.
Disclosure
Real Estate Witch is a partner brand of Clever Real Estate. However, we form our opinions based on the same facts we share with you, and we apply the same objective standards to Clever Real Estate that we do to all companies we review.