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Edited by Jessica Johansen
Written by Ashley Simon
Edited by Jessica Johansen
Discount real estate brokers can help you save money on your home sale by charging lower commission rates than traditional agents. These brokers typically charge reduced listing fees while still providing many of the essential services you’d expect from a full-service realtor.
However, we always recommend comparing multiple options before hiring a realtor. The best agent for you will depend on your budget, timeline, location, and priorities.
Keep reading for an in-depth look at our top discount real estate broker recommendations for 2024. Our team spent hundreds of hours researching discount brokers to find companies offering significant savings and high-quality service. These brokerages combine great rates with dependable service, making them a smart option for most home sellers.
⚡ Looking for discount real estate agents near you? Get agent proposals sent straight to your inbox today! This free tool matches you with realtors from top discount brokerages, plus highly-rated local agents from major brands like RE/MAX and Compass. Find an agent you like, and pay a 1.5% listing fee when you sell (half what traditional realtors charge).
Best discount real estate brokers of 2024
| Company | Our Rating | Listing Fee | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Best overall
Clever Real Estate |
3,700+ reviews
|
1.5%
Min. $3,000
|
Nationwide
|
Find Agents |
Redfin |
155,000+ reviews
|
1.5-2%
Min. fee varies
|
Multi-state
|
Learn more |
Ideal Agent |
7,000+ reviews
|
2%
Min. $3,000
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More |
Simple Showing |
275+ reviews
|
1%
Min. $5,000
|
Multi-state
|
Learn More |
Prevu |
600+ reviews
|
1.5%
Min. fee varies
|
Multi-state
|
Learn More |
Houwzer |
600+ reviews
|
1%
|
Multi-state
|
Learn More |
Listing Fee
✍️ Our take
Pros and cons
Overview
Clever Real Estate is the best option for sellers looking to save on realtor commissions. Its 1.5% listing fee is among the lowest of any full-service, nationwide brand. You save thousands on commission and work with top local realtors from well-known brokerages, like RE/MAX and Keller Williams.
Pros
- 1.5% listing fee is half the typical rate.
- Agents have strong sales records and great customer reviews.
- Free agent-finding platform with no obligation to sign with a realtor.
Cons
- Add-ons like drone photography and staging may cost extra.
- May not get matched with a specific realtor if they’re not in Clever’s network.
Clever Real Estate offers a 1.5% listing fee, half of what realtors traditionally charge. But you’ll still get a top local real estate agent, so you’ll save thousands without sacrificing quality.
How it works: After filling out an online questionnaire, Clever matches you with realtors in your area. You can choose to work with one of the agents, request more agent matches, or walk away with zero obligations.
Why we like it: Clever is the perfect balance of savings and quality: You get all the services and support of a traditional agent, but you pay a fraction of the typical price. By comparing agents, you ensure you’re getting the realtor who’s right for you.
Listing Fee
✍️ Our take
Pros and cons
Overview
Redfin is an established discount brokerage that offers impressive savings — especially if you buy and sell with the brokerage. But some of its agents are inexperienced. And while Redfin’s tech-focused approach comes with some neat features, it also means you may get less hands-on support than you need.
Pros
- 1.5% listing fee provides good savings.
- Extras (like 3D walk-throughs) can help sell your home.
- Significant savings if you buy and sell with Redfin.
Cons
- Agent quality and customer service are not always great.
- High minimum fees in some markets.
- Agents may not have expertise in your local market.
Redfin offers good commission savings, and it’s available in most metro areas. But it comes up short in terms of customer service, plus its high minimum fees negate the savings in some markets.
Redfin uses a team-based model instead of having your agent oversee every part of your sale. This approach makes the process more efficient, which allows Redfin agents to handle a higher volume of customers. But you may face misunderstandings or mix-ups when working with multiple people.
And while some Redfin agents are good, others are new and inexperienced. With relatively few realtors in its network, you run a higher risk of getting stuck with a less-than-stellar realtor when you sell with Redfin.
Listing Fee
✍️ Our take
Pros and cons
Overview
Ideal Agent does a good job of vetting its agents, and it offers a small discount for sellers. But it has a limited service area and a small agent network, which limits your ability to choose the best agent for your situation. Alternative services, like Clever, offer the same service — but with better savings, more coverage, and more agents.
Pros
- Matched with full-service realtors.
- 2% listing fee is slightly less than average.
Cons
- Only get one agent match.
- 2% listing fee is higher than most discount brands.
Ideal Agent is an agent matching service that pre-negotiates 2% listing fees with vetted, conventional realtors across the country. The company is very selective about the real estate agents it works with. However, its agent network is also smaller than its competitors, and it provides only one agent match. Not being able to compare multiple agents is a big risk to consider, as the agent might not be the right fit for your situation.
Listing Fee
Our take
Pros and cons
Overview
SimpleShowing offers great value for sellers of homes over $500,000 with its 1% listing fee. Its $5,000 minimum commission means that sellers of homes below $500,000 will pay more than a 1% listing fee. Buyers can also save with SimpleShowing, though the buyer rebate comes with numerous restrictions.
Pros
- Solid listing fee savings for homes over $500,000
- Eligible buyers receive a rebate after closing
- Customers report a positive experience with agents
Cons
- Savings are not great for homes under $500,000
- Home buyer rebate decreases if a buyer sees more than 10 homes
- Small agent network means your agent may not have local expertise
SimpleShowing is a full-service real estate brokerage that offers low commission rates for sellers in Florida, Georgia, and Texas. While it offers a 1% listing fee, it comes with some serious drawbacks: It has far fewer real estate agents than a typical brokerage, and its agents handle five times more customers than the average realtor.
Listing Fee
Our take
Pros and cons
Overview
Prevu is one of the few discount real estate brokers that offers significant savings for both sellers and buyers. Its 1.5% listing fee is competitive with other brands, and buyers can get up to 2% back after closing. But Prevu is a small company, so you’ll want to ensure the agent it matches you with is actually suitable for your transaction.
Pros
- 1.5% 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
Prevu is a discount real estate company that offers big savings for home buyers and sellers in higher-value markets like New York City and Los Angeles. Prevu offers its savings by connecting home buyers and sellers with salaried agents who handle most of the tasks ordinarily handled by a full-service realtor.
Listing Fee
Our take
Pros and cons
Overview
Houwzer has a 1% listing fee, which is among the lowest of any low commission brand. Its commission is capped at $10,000, which makes it especially appealing for higher-valued homes. Like Redfin, Houwzer has a few potential service risks, but if you’re selling an expensive house, the savings may be worth the tradeoffs.
Pros
- Low 1% listing fee
- Agents provide full service and support
Cons
- Limited agent options
- No guaranteed buyer savings
Houwzer’s low 1% listing fee and $10,000 commission cap makes it a great option for sellers of higher-priced properties. The higher your sale price, the more you’ll save. However, Houwzer’s customer service approach introduces a few potential trade-offs into the home-selling process.
Discount broker rankings breakdown
🏆 No. 1 pick: Clever Real Estate. We ranked Clever Real Estate the highest because it offers significant savings with its 1.5% listing fee while providing top local agents. Clever doesn’t sacrifice quality for price, making it the best balance of savings and service. You get the same full-service experience you’d expect from a traditional realtor, but at a fraction of the cost – plus the flexibility to compare agents and walk away if unsatisfied.
🥈 Runner-up: Redfin. Like Clever, this well-known discount brokerage also offers a 1.5% listing fee, but Redfin falls short due to its team-based model and inconsistent service quality. While it’s great for tech-savvy sellers who want a streamlined, efficient process, Redfin’s approach can lead to mix-ups, and some agents are less experienced. Despite this, Redfin is widely available in most metro areas, making it a convenient option for many sellers.
🥉 Honorable mention: Ideal Agent. It earned its spot for providing high-quality, vetted agents with a 2% listing fee, making it ideal for homes over $500,000. However, Ideal Agent ranks lower because it only provides one agent match, limiting your ability to compare options and find the best fit for your needs. It also charges slightly higher rates than Redfin and Clever.
👉 Jump to: How discount realtors work | Potential savings | How to choose | Risks | Find options near me | Alternatives
What is a discount real estate broker?
A discount real estate broker is a company or agent that helps you sell your house for less than the typical 2.5–3% listing fee. Some discount brokers also save buyers money by offering home buyer rebates and cash back.
The level of service discount brokerages offer varies. Some give the same service as full-service real estate agents, guiding you through the process from start to finish. Others provide limited service and won’t negotiate on your behalf, assist with paperwork, or help you navigate the closing process.
How do discount real estate brokers work?
Discount real estate brokers create savings by identifying inefficient, unnecessary, or outdated areas in the conventional brokerage model.
It’s important to understand where your savings are coming from. Some discount realtors offer the same service as a typical real estate agent, while others cut fees in risky ways that could cost you money on your sale.
Full-service discount real estate brokers
The best discount brokers address inefficiencies in the selling process, which allows them to charge less than a traditional agent while still offering full service.
For example, our top recommendation — Clever Real Estate — connects you to top local realtors who offer a commission discount in exchange for referrals. Agents save time and money securing new clients, while you enjoy pre-negotiated commission savings.
Other discount companies try to reinvent the entire brokerage model. You might work with a team instead of one dedicated agent, or you might have a 100% remote agent. These approaches could lead to less support than a traditional realtor provides.
Limited-service real estate brokers
Some discount brokers, like flat fee MLS listing services, create savings by letting you do most of the work to sell your house. These companies charge a flat fee (as low as $100) to list your home on the multiple listing service. This is a big deal, as the MLS is the top listing method for the vast majority of home sellers, and studies have shown that MLS-listed homes sell for far more than non-MLS homes. 1 2
You’ll still handle the marketing, negotiations, closing, paperwork, and more. Some flat fee MLS companies offer add-ons like marketing materials and pricing assistance. A few companies, such as Congress Realty and Flat Fee Group, offer more extensive help, like negotiation assistance and contract review. These services usually cost a high fixed fee or a small percentage of the final sale price.
Using a flat fee MLS company can be risky if you don’t have real estate expertise. For sale by owner (FSBO) homes tend to sell for much less than homes sold with a realtor.
» JUMP TO: Our top discount broker rankings
How much can I save with a discount realtor?
Selling with a discount realtor could save you thousands of dollars on realtor fees compared to listing with a traditional brokerage.
Here’s how much you could save if you sold with a company that charges a 1.5% listing fee, instead of the traditional 3% commission rate:
| Home price | 1.5% commission savings* |
|---|---|
| $250,000 | $3,750 |
| $500,000 | $7,500 |
| $750,000 | $11,250 |
| $1 Million | $15,000 |
However, there’s more to choosing a discount real estate broker near you than finding the one with the lowest fee in your area.
We recommend using an agent-finding tool to work with top-notch realtors at a great rate. Using our free service, you’ll save up to 50% on listing fees and work with realtors from well-known brokerages like Keller Williams and Century 21. Get realtor proposals sent straight to your inbox today (it’s free, and there’s no obligation to move forward).
How to choose the right discount real estate broker
Think about how much support you need from an agent versus how much you want to handle on your own. If you want the same service as a traditional realtor, look at full-service brokers. If you want just an MLS listing and a few add-on services, look at limited-service brokers.
Once you choose the type of brokerage, research several companies. Read reviews from multiple sites to check each company’s reputation.
After narrowing down your list, interview agents from the remaining brokerages.
Some discount brokerages, like Houwzer and Flat Fee Group, automatically assign you a realtor. But we recommend using a brokerage like Clever that allows you to vet agents before you decide who to hire. At the end of the day, you’ll be working with an individual realtor — not a brand!
“It’s not just about the list of services a brokerage provides,” says Joy Riley, a realtor with Westcott Properties. “It’s also the experience of the agent. A good agent has great market knowledge, can price appropriately, can get your home viewed, and can negotiate on your behalf. Those things can’t be put into a list of services.”
Like traditional agents, discount realtors should earn your business by establishing rapport and demonstrating their expertise. Great agents exist at every price point. Choose a realtor who understands your goals and has a solid strategy to achieve them.
» LEARN: How to Choose a Realtor When Selling | How to Choose a Realtor for Buying
Risks of selling with discount real estate brokers
Some discount real estate brokers are riskier to work with because their brokerage doesn’t offer full service, which could leave you without the support you need. Another risk is that you may end up with an agent who is inexperienced or lacks local market knowledge: though this is a risk you’d face with any traditional brokerage.
The best discount brokerages have strict agent vetting requirements and provide all the same services that a traditional realtor would offer. Look for the following indicators to spot a discount broker that offers a solid level of service:
- Agents must be top performers in their market or maintain a certain level of customer satisfaction.
- The agent will meet with you in person, help you evaluate offers, and guide you through negotiations, due diligence, and closing.
- You receive a comparative market analysis (CMA), pricing guidance, staging advice, a for-sale sign, and a lockbox for buyers’ agents at no additional charge.
By choosing a reputable discount real estate broker, you can enjoy significant savings without sacrificing the quality and support needed to sell your home successfully.
How can I find discount real estate brokers near me?
Select your state or city to find a roundup of the best discount brokers in your area, including national and local options.
Note: If your location isn’t listed below, we’re currently working to bring you in-depth reviews of discount brokers near you.
Alternatives to discount agents
Do it yourself with a flat fee MLS company
Have experience selling homes and are willing to do most realtor tasks yourself? Hiring a flat fee MLS listing service may be your best option. These brokers can list your home on the MLS, but leave the rest of the home sale to you.
Flat fee MLS companies are almost always cheaper than traditional real estate agents. But these companies are also much riskier since you selling your house without a realtor.
At a minimum, a flat fee MLS service should provide:
- A 6–12 month MLS listing
- A high photo limit (25 or more)
- Free cancellation
- Free listing edits
- Buyer and agent lead forwarding
Some flat fee companies offer extras like lockboxes and online appointment scheduling. You can also get an agent’s help pricing your home, reviewing offers, negotiating, and completing paperwork.
View our top picks for flat fee MLS listing services. These companies have strong customer ratings and many service options, from basic MLS listings to virtual full service.
Sell to a cash buyer
If you need to sell your home on a specific timeline, selling to a company that buys houses for cash can be a good option. This is also a good option if your home needs extensive repairs, and you don’t have the time or money to fix it.
Cash buyers can close quickly (anywhere from seven days to 90 days), and many investors will buy homes sight unseen. Just be aware that your home will likely sell for significantly less than its after-repair market value.
Negotiate with your agent
Another way to get a lower listing fee is to negotiate with your real estate agent directly. Your listing agent might not be willing or able to lower their rate (often, realtors work with brokerages who set their rates for them).
If your home is in market-ready condition, and you live in a market where homes are selling quickly, a realtor might be willing to accept a lower listing fee.
However, negotiating a lower rate with an agent isn’t a given. In fact, an industry study found that only 19% of recent home sellers brought up the topic of negotiating commission and successfully negotiated reduced fees with their agents.3
Related links
The Best iBuyer Companies: Need to sell your house as fast as possible, even if it means earning slightly less than you would on the open market? Check out our reviews of the top iBuyer companies.
What Companies Offer the Lowest Real Estate Commission Fees? Read our full rankings of the top low commission real estate companies. Compare listing fees, pros and cons, and customer ratings to find the best company for your situation.
How to Choose a Realtor: Whether you’re listing with a discount real estate company or a traditional brokerage, finding the right agent makes all the difference. Read our complete guide to choosing the right realtor.
How to Sell Your Home | The Ultimate Guide: This guide gives a complete breakdown of the home sale process, from start to finish, to help prepare you for your big sale and save money on realtor fees.
Negotiating Realtor Fees: 5 Tips to Lower Commission: Negotiating real estate fees depends on knowing the market and your situation and using that information while talking to multiple agents.
Sources
- National Association of Realtors (NAR). “Quick Real Estate Statistics.” ↩︎
- Bright MLS. “On-MLS Study: Measuring the Benefits of an Open and Transparent Housing Marketplace.” Page 5 ↩︎
- National Association of Realtors (NAR). “2024 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report.” Page 67 ↩︎
Janet says
Hi Ryan, great post. I am an experienced buyer/seller but because the property I am selling is in Florida, I would like a broker who can provide help with the transaction. I recently sold a property in Alabama using a broker who provided an a la carte selection of services. I was very satisfied and sold home in 2 days on the market at above list price. The company was Crawford Realty. (Wayne Crawford) Was wondering if you knew of similar type broker for the Florida panhandle. We are in Walton County but also need listings in Okaloosa and Bay. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Cynthia Gomez says
What’s the reason discount brokers can’t create their own websites to list houses they have for sale?