Discount real estate brokers can help you save money on your home sale by charging lower commission rates than traditional agents, while still providing many of the essential services you’d expect from a full-service realtor. Companies like Clever Real Estate, Redfin, and Ideal Agent use this model.
But not all discount brokers are the same—they vary in the fees they charge, the services they provide, and the quality of agents they employ. Home sellers should carefully compare options to find the best fit for their needs.
We're here to help: 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 commission savings and great service? Our top pick — Clever Real Estate — connects you to top local realtors who offer a flat 1.5% commission rate - far lower than the national average of 2.5-3%. Fill out this short quiz to get matched with top local realtors today!
🔍 Why you should trust our advice
Our rankings and insights are crafted carefully, backed by comprehensive research and the expertise of our dedicated team. We assess each discount broker based on stringent criteria such as pricing, service levels, agent quality, and customer feedback, ensuring you receive well-rounded and accurate information.
- Pricing: We compare each company’s fee structure against the traditional 3% listing fee to highlight those offering the best overall savings and clear, straightforward terms. We avoid providers with high minimum fees, non-refundable upfront costs, or hidden expenses.
- Service level: We only include and rate full-service discount real estate brokers, which we think 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: We evaluate how each broker manages agent assignments, whether clients can choose their agent or if one is automatically assigned, and the professional standards expected of these agents, such as required years of experience or a minimum number of closed deals.
- Customer reviews: We evaluate all verifiable customer reviews for each company. We consider the total review counts, average customer ratings, and key positive and negative themes identified by our AI sentiment analysis tool.
- Data integrity: We continuously update our evaluations as new data becomes available, ensuring our rankings reflect the most current and relevant information. While limited data may affect a company's ranking, it doesn't lead to disqualification. We strive to uncover and incorporate missing information to keep our assessments accurate and comprehensive.
About the authors
This article was written by Ashley Simon. She's been a pivotal member of the Real Estate Witch Team since 2021, specializing in topics like discount real estate brokers and commission costs. With nearly a decade of experience in professional writing, Ashley’s expertise spans home design, architecture, and construction technology. She has written for publications like HomeLight and Family Handyman. Before her tenure at Real Estate Witch, she was a grant writer for Habitat for Humanity, deepening her knowledge of housing and community development.
It was edited by Katy Byrom, editor at Real Estate Witch since 2021. Her work focuses on non-traditional home sales, including selling with a discount broker, and the financial aspects of real estate. Katy’s passion for demystifying real estate helps readers make more informed decisions. When she’s not diving into real estate trends or consulting experts on probate sales, Katy enjoys exploring Chattanooga with her cocker spaniel and embarking on a DIY remodel of her 1930s cottage. She holds a BA from San Diego State University and an MA from Pepperdine University.
This article was also expert reviewed by Steve Nicastro, Managing Editor at Clever Real Estate, which leads national real estate education for buyers, sellers, and investors. Steve’s background in real estate is extensive, having closed 20 home sales in Charleston, S.C., over 2020 and 2021. In total, Steve has bought and sold over 30 homes in his career. His hands-on experience is complemented by a solid foundation in personal finance writing, with his insights featured in prominent outlets such as USA Today and The New York Times.
Best discount real estate brokers for 2025
Listing Fee
Buyer Savings
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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
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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. Not that buyers won't qualify for any saving 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
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SimpleShowing offers a 1% listing fee, subject to a $5,000 minimum — meaning you need to sell a home worth $500,000 or above to qualify for the full savings. Buyers can also save with SimpleShowing, though the buyer rebate comes with numerous restrictions. Apart from the savings, customers are pleased with their agents' availability and guidance through various aspects of their real estate transactions.
Pros
- 1% listing fee is among the lowest in the industry
- Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
- Buyers get up to 1% cash back on their home purchase
Cons
- $5,000 minimum fee means you must sell for $500,000+ to get full savings
- Home buyer rebate decreases after 10th home tour
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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
- 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
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Houwzer has a 1% listing fee, which is among the lowest of any low commission brand. It also offers 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
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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 the top discount real estate brokers
When it comes to finding the best discount real estate brokers, we've done our homework so you don't have to. Let's dive into why certain companies topped our list and what makes them stand out.
🏆 No. 1 pick: Clever Real Estate
Topping our charts, Clever offers a sweet deal with its 1.5% listing fee and cash-back options for buyers, making it our best overall choice. They have a massive network of over 19,000 agents nationwide, which means you're likely to find a great match no matter where you live. Customers love the blend of savings and quality service they get here.
Our AI sentiment analysis sheds light on what people value most about Clever:
🟢 Primary positive themes
- Professional service (34% of reviews)
- Significant savings (33%)
- Hands-on support (28%)
- Easy process (27%)
- Sells fast (22%)
Ready to get matched with local realtors near you? Fill out this short quiz to get started!
🥈 Runner-up: Ideal Agent
If you're after top-notch service and don’t mind paying a bit more for it, Ideal Agent is a go-to. Their 2% listing fee is justified by the high quality of their agents, who come highly praised for their professionalism and expertise in handling transactions smoothly.
Customers particularly rave about the attentive support and top-tier service they receive.
🟢 Primary positive themes
- Hands-on support (43% of reviews)
- Professional service (40%)
- Easy process (33%)
- Sells fast (32%)
- Prompt communication (30%)
👍 Worth considering: SimpleShowing
This broker shines for those looking to save big on higher-priced homes. With a 1% listing fee and potential cash back for buyers, SimpleShowing matches the full-service experience you’d expect from a traditional realtor but at a fraction of the cost.
Their agents are known for being knowledgeable and professional. Customers are particularly impressed with the company's hands-on support and its communication.
🟢 Primary positive themes
- Hands-on support (64% of reviews)
- Prompt communication (51%)
- Market expertise (38%)
- Significant savings (36%)
- Easy process (31%)
Other companies to consider
Redfin is well-known for its technology-driven approach, which includes an easy-to-use home search app. They offer lower fees, but reviews are mixed—some rave about the savings and convenience, while others wish for more personalized service.
Prevu is a particularly good choice for buyers. It offers up to 1% back at closing, coupled with strong agent support. It's a great pick if you're looking for savings and a helping hand through the buying process.
Houwzer is an option for sellers who want to keep more of their sale proceeds, with a 1% listing fee. Customers appreciate them for their straightforward costs and helpful agents, though some feedback suggests the agents might be a bit overworked.
🤖 About our AI sentiment analysis
Our use of AI to analyze online customer reviews gives us a unique window into what customers really think. Our rankings blend hard data with real-life feedback, processed through AI tools to ensure we give you a clear and honest analysis of each broker.
Whether you're buying or selling, these insights are designed to help you choose wisely, saving you time and money. Here’s how it helps us determine our rankings.
- Data collection: We gathered extensive customer reviews from multiple sources, including online platforms and direct feedback. This gave us a large dataset representing various experiences and opinions.
- Sentiment scoring: Using advanced natural language processing (NLP) techniques, each review was analyzed for emotional tone and sentiment—positive, negative, or neutral.
- Theme identification: The AI categorized comments into thematic buckets such as 'professional service', 'significant savings', 'hands-on support', 'easy process', and 'quick sales', which helped us identify common patterns and key areas impacting customer satisfaction.
- Quantitative analysis: We quantified the sentiments to understand the prevalence of each theme within the reviews. This involved calculating the percentage of reviews mentioning each theme, providing a clear picture of what aspects customers care about most.
- Insight generation: Based on the analysis, we generated insights that inform not only our rankings but also provide valuable feedback to the brokers themselves.
Overall, our AI sentiment analysis work helped us better understand consumer behavior and preferences in the discount brokerage industry.
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.
The best discount brokerages hold their agents to high standards and provide all the same services that a traditional realtor would offer, including:
- An accurate comparative market analysis (CMA) and pricing strategy
- A marketing plan with high-quality listing photos, virtual tours, and targeted online/offline marketing
- Professional MLS Listing
- Home staging advice
- Showing and open house management
- Offer reviews
- Contract negotiations and compliance
- Guidance through inspections, appraisals, and closing
- Regular updates and feedback throughout the process
A good discount agent will also give you a direct line of communication, be available when you need them, and have excellent customer reviews.
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 may feel less hands on than what you'd get with a traditional realtor, but if you're comfortable communicating by phone and text — and don't mind a little DIY — they may still be for you.
» JUMP TO: Our top discount broker rankings
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.
What's the typical real estate commission?
The average real estate agent commission varies by market. In the United States, listing agents charge anywhere from 1.00% to 4.50% of the home sale price, with home sellers paying an average of 2.74%. On a home valued at $357,138 — the median home price in the United States — that equals about $9,786.
Discount brokers offer significant cost savings by charging lower listing fees—typically between 1-1.5%. That means selling a home at the median price could cost as little as $3,500 with a discount broker—a potential savings of over $6,000 compared to the average traditional agent fee.
Buyer's agent commission rates are similarly variable, ranging from 1.00% to
4.50%, or 2.58% on average. That comes out to a range of about $3,571 to $16,071 on a $357,138 home.
Discount broker savings vs. traditional realtors
| Home price | Traditional agent cost | Discount agent cost |
|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | $9,000 | $4,500 |
| $500,000 | $15,000 | $7,500 |
| $700,000 | $21,000 | $10,500 |
| $1,000,000 | $30,000 | $15,000 |
The table above assumes a flat 3% listing fee for a traditional realtor and a 1.5% listing fee for discount brokers. You'll see that the higher the home price, the larger the savings.
By choosing a discount broker, sellers can significantly reduce the costs of selling their home, making these brokers an attractive option for those looking to maximize their financial return in a real estate transaction.
However, there's more to choosing a realtor than finding the one with the lowest fee in your area – it's about ensuring they provide the best value for that fee.
How do real estate commissions generally work?
In 2024, a lawsuit settlement reached with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) significantly changed how buyers and sellers handle real estate commissions.
Traditionally, home sellers were expected to pay the commissions for both their listing agent and the buyer's agent, with combined rates typically ranging from 5–6% of the home's sale price. This setup often led to higher home prices, as the costs were indirectly passed on to buyers.
Following the NAR settlement, the rules changed: listing agents can no longer set or advertise buyer's agent commissions in the MLS. This shift means that each agent must negotiate their fees directly with their respective clients, formalizing these agreements before representation begins. This change could lead to a more transparent and possibly lower commission structure.[3]
Impact on discount brokers
This new environment favors discount real estate brokers, who typically offer lower listing fees (around 1-1.5% compared to the traditional 3%). With the NAR settlement enforcing separate negotiations for agent fees, discount brokers stand out by offering substantial cost savings without needing to negotiate.
"Some buyers may struggle to afford an agent's commission on top of their down payment and closing costs," notes Paul Smith, a real estate broker from El Paso. "In these cases, sellers using discount brokers can still attract buyers by offering competitive yet lower commission rates, which may also expedite the sale process."
Despite the changes, many sellers continue to assist with buyer's agent commissions through closing cost concessions. This flexibility further benefits sellers who opt for discount brokers, as they can negotiate from a stronger financial position, potentially saving thousands.
The future of realtor commissions
As the real estate market adjusts to these new norms, we will likely see a broader acceptance and growth of discount brokerage services. With traditional commission structures being challenged, discount brokers are well-positioned to capitalize on the demand for more cost-effective, transparent realty services.
"Total commission rates are shrinking — the days of a 6% standard commission are fading," says Yoann Dorat of One Sotheby's International Realty. "The rise of alternative models, such as flat-fee services, hybrid agents, and agent-matching platforms, is making commission structures more flexible."
However, there's more to choosing a realtor than finding the one with the lowest fee in your area.
How to choose the right discount real estate broker
Like traditional agents, discount realtors should earn your business by establishing rapport and demonstrating their expertise.
"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."
Great agents exist at every price point. We recommend comparing multiple options before hiring a realtor. The best agent for you will depend on your budget, timeline, location, and priorities. Choose the realtor who really understands your goals and has a solid strategy to achieve them.
To make quick work of comparing your options, we recommend starting with an agent finding service like Clever Real Estate, which can match you with top-notch realtors for a much lower commission rate. They offer a great selection of realtors from top local brokerages — including well-known brands like Keller Williams and Berkshire Hathaway. You can compare agent proposals before deciding, and there's no obligation to move forward. Fill out this short quiz to get started!
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 real estate brokers
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.[4]
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.