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.
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.
👋 Why you can trust our rankings
To formulate our discount broker rankings, we evaluate each company based on the following criteria:
- Pricing: 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 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 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 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.
We regularly refresh the data on our pages as our primary sources update.
| ✍️ Editor’s note: Limited or missing data doesn’t disqualify a real estate company from our list, but it does lower the company’s ranking. We base our rankings on objective measurements, and we can only measure what we can see. We regularly try to find missing data to update our rankings accordingly. |
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
Listing Fee
Buyer Savings
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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
Listing Fee
Buyer 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
Listing Fee
Buyer Savings
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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
Listing Fee
Buyer Savings
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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
Listing Fee
Buyer Savings
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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
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 $355,328 — the median home price in the United States — that equals about $9,736.
Buyer's agent commission rates range from 1.00% to
4.50%, or 2.58% on average. That comes out to a range of about $3,553 to $15,990 on a $355,328 home.
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.
In the past, it was typical for home sellers to cover commissions for both the listing agent and the buyer's agent. The total commission amount could easily come out to 5–6% of the home’s sale price. The buyer's agent's cut would be advertised on the MLS, which some argued encouraged agents to steer their clients toward properties offering higher commission payouts.
While buyers didn't pay their agents upfront, higher commission rates meant higher home prices — and ultimately, it's the buyer who pays the mortgage.
As a result of the NAR settlement, listing agents can no longer determine a buyer's agent commission or advertise it in the MLS. Instead, agents must set their fees separately with the client they represent. The rate must be disclosed and signed off on in a formal agreement before representation begins. [3]
While buyers are now technically on the hook for their agent's commission, most still ask sellers for a closing cost concession to help cover the expense when making an offer.
"Some buyers may not be able to afford to pay an agent on top of their down payment and closing costs," says El Paso-based real estate broker Paul Smith. "Sellers may see their homes sit longer on the market if they choose not to pay a buyer agent commission."
While early signs indicate that many sellers continue to offer concessions to cover the buyer's agent compensation, this is now a point of negotiation between buyer and seller, rather than a given.
With buyer's agents now having to negotiate their fees, most experts we've spoken with predict realtor fees will decline. Agents may have to work harder to show the value they bring to the transaction in order to stay competitive with lower commission options.
"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."
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 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 making a decision, and there's no obligation to move forward. Get started here.
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.