Published
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Edited by Ashley Simon
Written by Hannah Warrick
Edited by Ashley Simon
Top IL discount realtors | How to choose | Commission fees | Using a 1% realtor | Using a 2% realtor | Alternatives | IL real estate market | Methodology
If you’re looking to sell a house and save on realtor commission fees in Illinois, we recommend hiring a low commission realtor.
A good full-service low commission realtor (also known as a discount realtor) provides the same general services as a traditional real estate agent, but for a fraction of the price. Discount realtors typically charge a 1-2% listing fee instead of the Illinois average listing fee of 2.64%.
We found and scored the 6 best full-service low commission realtors in Illinois. Browse our list to find the best one for you.
⚡️ Compare top-rated discount realtors near you. Enter your zip code and get matched with local agents who charge a 1.5% listing fee.
🏅 The best discount real estate brokers in Illinois
| Company | Our Rating | Avg. Rating | Best for | Listing Fee | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏅 Agent-matching service
Clever Real Estate |
✅ Highly recommend
|
4.9 ⭐ (3,650 reviews)
|
Best for most sellers
|
1.5%
|
National
|
Find Agents |
FSBOHOMES |
✅ Highly recommend
|
4.8 ⭐ (258 reviews)
|
Best for more expensive homes
|
$3,900
|
Multi-state
|
Learn More |
Redfin |
👍 Recommend
|
2.6 ⭐ (153 reviews)
|
Best for full service
|
1.5%
|
Multi-state
|
Learn More |
Lucid Realty |
👍 Recommend
|
5 ⭐ (106 reviews)
|
Best for full service
|
Unverified
|
Local
|
Learn More |
Johnson Realty |
🤔 Maybe consider
|
3.4 ⭐ (5 reviews)
|
Best for full service
|
0.5%
|
Multi-state
|
Learn More |
|
1% Listings |
🤔 Maybe consider
|
Unverified
|
Best for most sellers
|
1%
|
Local
|
Learn More |
Our Rating
Listing Fee
Minimum Fee
Availability
Takeaways
Reviews
Plan
Contact
Listing fee: Offers a low listing fee of just 1.5% (compared to the traditional 2.64% listing fee in Illinois).
Upfront fee: No upfront fee required.
Savings: The average Illinois home seller can save $3,040 using Clever (compared to using a traditional broker).
Reviews: Excellent customer review score, with an average rating of 4.9 stars across 3,650 reviews.
Standard services: Clever agents offer all the standard services at no additional cost, including photography, showing management, and more.
Premium services: Clever agents offer professional listing photography at no extra cost (other premium services may be included).
Clever Real Estate excels in offering a seamless and easy process, connecting clients with experienced agents who provide professional service and prompt communication. Clients appreciate the significant savings on commissions, while agents work efficiently to sell homes quickly, often above asking price. With a focus on integrity and hands-on support, Clever ensures a trustworthy and stress-free experience for buyers and sellers alike.
🟢 Primary positive themes
- Professional service (34% of reviews)
- Significant savings (33%)
- Hands-on support (28%)
- Easy process (27%)
- Sells fast (22%)
| Source | Avg rating | Review count |
|---|---|---|
| BBB | 4.9 | 107 |
| 4.7 | 371 | |
| TrustPilot | 4.9 | 3,172 |
| Weighted average | 4.9 | 3,650 |
Pricing overview
| Upfront fee | None |
| Listing fee | 1.5% |
| Minimum fee | $3,000 |
| Sell & buy savings | None |
🏠 Standard services
- In-person representation: ✅ Included
- Pricing assistance: ✅ Included
- MLS listing and syndication: ✅ Included
- Basic photography: ✅ Included
- Yard sign: ✅ Included
- Lockbox: ✅ Included
- Marketing materials: ✅ Included
- Showing management: ✅ Included
- Negotiation support: ✅ Included
- Transaction coordination: ✅ Included
- Paperwork and contract assistance: ✅ Included
- Closing support: ✅ Included
⭐ Premium services
- Virtual tours: ❓Depends on agent
- Professional photography: ✅ Included
- Drone photography: ❓Depends on agent
- Floorplans: ❓Depends on agent
- Virtual staging: ❓Depends on agent
- Social media marketing: ✅ Included
- Open houses: ✅ Included
Website: https://listwithclever.com
Phone: +1 833-225-3837
Address: 6358 Delmar Blvd Suite 300 St. Louis, MO 63130
Locations served: Nationwide
Our Rating
Listing Fee
Minimum Fee
Availability
Takeaways
Reviews
Plan
Contact
Listing fee: Charges a flat fee of $3,900 at closing, which is ideal for sellers with expensive homes.
Upfront fee: Doesn’t charge an upfront fee, which is ideal.
Savings: You’d save around $3,141 on a typical Illinois home valued at $266,706, compared to selling with the traditional listing fee of 2.64% in the state.
Reviews: Good customer review score, with an average rating of 4.8 stars across 258 reviews.
Standard services: This brokerage offers all the standard services at no additional cost, including photography, showing management, and more.
Premium services: This discount realtor includes some premium listing services at no extra cost to help market your house.
FSBOHOMES impresses with its easy process and significant savings for clients. Homes sell rapidly, often within days, thanks to the company’s efficient approach. The team, including Mike and Celena, provides hands-on support and professional service, keeping clients informed and comfortable throughout. Clients appreciate the cost savings, with many noting thousands saved on realtor commissions. This makes FSBOHOMES a top choice for hassle-free home selling.
🟢 Primary positive themes
- Easy process (50% of reviews)
- Hands-on support (31%)
- Significant savings (24%)
- Sells fast (22%)
- Prompt communication (20%)
| Source | Avg rating | Review count |
|---|---|---|
| 4.8 | 258 | |
| Weighted average | 4.8 | 258 |
Pricing overview
| Upfront fee | None |
| Listing fee | $3,900 |
| Minimum fee | None |
| Sell & buy savings | None |
🏠 Standard services
- In-person representation: ✅ Included
- Pricing assistance: ✅ Included
- MLS listing and syndication: ✅ Included
- Basic photography: ✅ Included
- Yard sign: ✅ Included
- Lockbox: ✅ Included
- Marketing materials: ✅ Included
- Showing management: ✅ Included
- Negotiation support: ✅ Included
- Transaction coordination: ✅ Included
- Paperwork and contract assistance: ✅ Included
- Closing support: ✅ Included
⭐ Premium services
- Virtual tours: ✅ Included
- Professional photography: ✅ Included
- Drone photography: 🚫 Not included
- Floorplans: 🚫 Not included
- Virtual staging: 🚫 Not included
- Social media marketing: ✅ Included
- Open houses: ✅ Included
Website: https://www.fsbohomes.com
Phone: +1 319-373-8150
Address: 576 Boyson Road NE Suite 102, Cedar Rapids, IA, United States, Iowa
Locations served: Chicago
Is this your company? Claim your your profile here.
Our Rating
Listing Fee
Minimum Fee
Availability
Takeaways
Reviews
Plan
Contact
Listing fee: Offers a low listing fee of just 1.5% (get a 1% listing fee if you buy and sell with Redfin).
Upfront fee: Doesn’t charge an upfront fee, which is ideal.
Savings: You’d save around $3,040 on a typical Illinois home valued at $266,706, compared to selling with the traditional listing fee of 2.64% in the state.
Reviews: Lower average customer review score and fewer reviews than other discount realtors, with an average rating of 2.6 stars across 153 reviews.
Standard services: This company includes most of the standard services at no extra cost, including in-person representation.
Premium services: This discount realtor includes some premium listing services at no extra cost to help market your house.
Redfin offers a smooth and easy process with attentive hands-on support from agents who guide clients through every step. Their market expertise ensures informed decisions, while prompt communication keeps clients updated. Customers appreciate the professional service and value provided, including reduced closing fees. Redfin’s technology and full-service approach make it a reliable choice for both buying and selling real estate.
🟢 Primary positive themes
- Hands-on support (8% of reviews)
- Prompt communication (5%)
- Market expertise (5%)
- Professional service (5%)
- Easy process (3%)
| Source | Avg rating | Review count |
|---|---|---|
| BBB | 1.1 | 74 |
| 4.2 | 67 | |
| TrustPilot | 2.3 | 12 |
| Weighted average | 2.6 | 153 |
Pricing overview
| Upfront fee | None |
| Listing fee | 1.5% |
| Minimum fee | $4,000 |
| Sell & buy savings | 0.5% listing fee (only if you also buy with Redfin) |
🏠 Standard services
- In-person representation: ✅ Included
- Pricing assistance: ✅ Included
- MLS listing and syndication: ✅ Included
- Basic photography: ✅ Included
- Yard sign: 💰 Extra fee
- Lockbox: ✅ Included
- Marketing materials: ✅ Included
- Showing management: ✅ Included
- Negotiation support: ✅ Included
- Transaction coordination: ✅ Included
- Paperwork and contract assistance: ✅ Included
- Closing support: ✅ Included
⭐ Premium services
- Virtual tours: 🚫 Not included
- Professional photography: ✅ Included
- Drone photography: 🚫 Not included
- Floorplans: 🚫 Not included
- Virtual staging: 🚫 Not included
- Social media marketing: 🚫 Not included
- Open houses: ✅ Included
Website: https://www.redfin.com
Phone: +1 877-973-3346
Address: 1099 Stewart St #600, Seattle, WA 98101
Locations served: Chicago
Is this your company? Claim your your profile here.
Our Rating
Listing Fee
Minimum Fee
Availability
Takeaways
Reviews
Plan
Contact
Listing fee: Their pricing plan is unclear based on available information.
Upfront fee: Doesn’t charge an upfront fee, which is ideal.
Savings: There is insufficient data to estimate how much a typical Illinois home seller could save using this firm.
Reviews: Excellent customer review score, with an average rating of 5 stars across 106 reviews.
Standard services: This brokerage offers all the standard services at no additional cost, including photography, showing management, and more.
Premium services: This discount realtor includes some premium listing services at no extra cost to help market your house.
Lucid Realty stands out for its significant savings and market expertise. Clients praise the company’s innovative commission rebate program, which saves them thousands. The team provides professional service and prompt communication, ensuring a smooth and easy process. Agents like Marco and Denise offer hands-on support and honest guidance, making Lucid Realty a trusted choice for buyers and sellers.
🟢 Primary positive themes
- Market expertise (67% of reviews)
- Hands-on support (58%)
- Prompt communication (44%)
- Significant savings (42%)
- Professional service (39%)
| Source | Avg rating | Review count |
|---|---|---|
| Zillow | 5 | 41 |
| 4.9 | 35 | |
| Yelp | 5 | 30 |
| Weighted average | 5 | 106 |
Pricing overview
| Upfront fee | None |
| Listing fee | Unverified |
| Minimum fee | None |
| Sell & buy savings | None |
🏠 Standard services
- In-person representation: ✅ Included
- Pricing assistance: ✅ Included
- MLS listing and syndication: ✅ Included
- Basic photography: ✅ Included
- Yard sign: ✅ Included
- Lockbox: ✅ Included
- Marketing materials: ✅ Included
- Showing management: ✅ Included
- Negotiation support: ✅ Included
- Transaction coordination: ✅ Included
- Paperwork and contract assistance: ✅ Included
- Closing support: ✅ Included
⭐ Premium services
- Virtual tours: 🚫 Not included
- Professional photography: ✅ Included
- Drone photography: 🚫 Not included
- Floorplans: 🚫 Not included
- Virtual staging: 🚫 Not included
- Social media marketing: 🚫 Not included
- Open houses: ✅ Included
Website: https://lucidrealty.com
Phone: +1 877-582-4399
Address: 444 W Lake Street, Suite 1700 Chicago, IL 60606
Locations served: Addison, Chicago, Cook, Dale, Dupage, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Itasca, Lake County, Wood
Is this your company? Claim your your profile here.
Our Rating
Listing Fee
Minimum Fee
Availability
Takeaways
Reviews
Plan
Contact
Listing fee: Offers a very low listing fee of 0.5% (compared to the traditional 2.64% listing fee in Illinois).
Upfront fee: Charges an upfront fee, which isn’t ideal.
Savings: You’d save around $5,708 on a typical Illinois home valued at $266,706, compared to selling with the traditional listing fee of 2.64% in the state.
Reviews: Lower average customer review score and fewer reviews than other discount realtors, with an average rating of 3.4 stars across 5 reviews.
Standard services: This company includes most of the standard services at no extra cost, including in-person representation.
Premium services: This discount realtor offers a limited number of premium listing services to help you sell your home.
We did not find enough reviews of Johnson Realty to identify any significant positive or negative themes.
None
| Source | Avg rating | Review count |
|---|---|---|
| 3.4 | 5 | |
| Weighted average | 3.4 | 5 |
Pricing overview
| Upfront fee | $500 |
| Listing fee | 0.5% |
| Minimum fee | None |
| Sell & buy savings | None |
🏠 Standard services
- In-person representation: ✅ Included
- Pricing assistance: ✅ Included
- MLS listing and syndication: ✅ Included
- Basic photography: ✅ Included
- Yard sign: ✅ Included
- Lockbox: 💰 Extra fee
- Marketing materials: ✅ Included
- Showing management: ✅ Included
- Negotiation support: ✅ Included
- Transaction coordination: ✅ Included
- Paperwork and contract assistance: ✅ Included
- Closing support: ✅ Included
⭐ Premium services
- Virtual tours: 🚫 Not included
- Professional photography: 💰 Extra fee
- Drone photography: 🚫 Not included
- Floorplans: 🚫 Not included
- Virtual staging: 🚫 Not included
- Social media marketing: 🚫 Not included
- Open houses: ✅ Included
Website: https://www.johnsonrealty.com
Phone: +1 314-726-3174
Address: 12578 Durrow Ct, Town and Country, MO, United States, Missouri
Locations served: Statewide
Is this your company? Claim your your profile here.
Our Rating
Listing Fee
Minimum Fee
Availability
Takeaways
Reviews
Plan
Contact
Listing fee: Offers a very low listing fee of 1% (compared to the traditional 2.64% listing fee in Illinois).
Upfront fee: Doesn’t charge an upfront fee, which is ideal.
Savings: You’d save around $4,374 on a typical Illinois home valued at $266,706, compared to selling with the traditional listing fee of 2.64% in the state.
Reviews: We didn’t find any public reviews about this company.
Standard services: This company includes most of the standard services at no extra cost, including in-person representation.
Premium services: This discount realtor offers a limited number of premium listing services to help you sell your home.
We did not find enough reviews of 1% Listings to identify any significant positive or negative themes.
None
Pricing overview
| Upfront fee | None |
| Listing fee | 1% |
| Minimum fee | $2,500 |
| Sell & buy savings | None |
🏠 Standard services
- In-person representation: ✅ Included
- Pricing assistance: 💰 Extra fee
- MLS listing and syndication: ✅ Included
- Basic photography: ✅ Included
- Yard sign: ✅ Included
- Lockbox: 💰 Extra fee
- Marketing materials: ✅ Included
- Showing management: ✅ Included
- Negotiation support: ✅ Included
- Transaction coordination: ✅ Included
- Paperwork and contract assistance: ✅ Included
- Closing support: ✅ Included
⭐ Premium services
- Virtual tours: 💰 Extra fee
- Professional photography: 💰 Extra fee
- Drone photography: 🚫 Not included
- Floorplans: 🚫 Not included
- Virtual staging: 🚫 Not included
- Social media marketing: 🚫 Not included
- Open houses: ✅ Included
Website: https://www.1percentlistings.com
Phone: +1 847-212-0966
Address: N/A
Locations served: Belleville, Caseyville, Collinsville, Edwardsville, Fairview Heights, Freeburg, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Mascoutah, Millstadt, O’Fallon, Shiloh, Smithton, Swansea, Troy
Is this your company? Claim your your profile here.
How to choose a low commission real estate broker in Illinois
Finding the best low commission or discount realtor isn’t just about finding the lowest commission rates. There’s a lot to consider when choosing a discount real estate broker, from the services offered, quality of agents, and fees at closing.
Average real estate commission rates in Illinois
In Illinois, sellers are responsible for paying the listing agent directly. The average listing fee in Illinois is 2.64%, though you can pay lower rates by using a discount real estate agent.
Traditionally, sellers also set the fee they were willing to pay a buyer’s agent. But a 2024 lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors changed this so buyer’s agents have to negotiate rates directly with the buyers they represent.
Most buyers will still ask sellers to pay this fee as a concession from their sale proceeds, so the buyer doesn’t have to bring more cash to closing.
The average buyer’s agent commission in Illinois is 2.43%. That’s $6,481 on an Illinois home with the median sale price of $289,300.
Should I use a 1% commission realtor?
Using a 1% commission realtor to sell your home can be a great option if you’re looking to maximize your profits. You’ll save money on commissions compared to the traditional 2.64% listing fee in Illinois.
However, it’s important to choose the best realtor for your situation — not just the realtor with the lowest commission rate. Before you choose to sell with a 1% realtor, verify that they offer all the same services that you’d get from a traditional realtor. Avoid any 1% realtors that don’t offer in-person support, negotiation assistance, or hands-on support during closing.
It’s also a good idea to read online reviews from former clients to learn about how the agent works. If you have time, interview 2–3 agents from different discount brokerages, and choose the agent that you feel the most comfortable with.
Should I use a 2% commission realtor?
Choosing a 2% commission realtor can still provide you significant savings compared to a traditional realtor. But as with any real estate brokerage, the level of service can vary by agent, so it’s important to clarify exactly what’s included.
Your decision should be based on your local market dynamics, the complexity of your sale, and your comfort level with handling certain aspects of the process yourself. Always interview multiple agents and compare their track records and customer reviews before making a choice.
Should I use a flat fee realtor?
Using a flat fee realtor can be a good way to save thousands of dollars compared to traditional percentage-based commissions — particularly if you’re selling a high-value home. But, if you’re selling a less expensive property, you may get more savings by choosing a discount realtor who charges percentage-based commission. It all depends on the amount of the flat fee and how that compares to your home’s potential sale price.
Additionally, consider the level of service you require and ensure that the flat fee option provides all the assistance you need throughout the selling process.
Alternatives to using an Illinois discount real estate broker
- Sell to an Illinois cash home buyer: This is a good option if you need to sell your house as fast as possible, don’t have time to make repairs, and don’t mind selling for less than you’d get on the market.
- Sell to an iBuyer: Similar to a cash buyer, iBuyers are companies that make quick, all-cash offers on homes. However, they typically have strict criteria for the homes they buy and generally only buy move-in ready homes in hot markets. They may request you make certain repairs on your home before completing the offer.
- Sell without a realtor and use an Illinois flat fee MLS company: This option allows you to list your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for a flat fee, typically a few hundred dollars. You’ll handle most of the sale process yourself, including pricing, marketing, and negotiations. While this can save you money on commissions, it requires more time and effort on your part, and you may not have access to a realtor’s expertise and network.
- Negotiate realtor fees yourself: Instead of accepting standard commission rates, you can try to negotiate lower fees with full-service realtors. This approach allows you to potentially reduce costs while still benefiting from professional services. Your success may depend largely on market conditions, the complexity of your sale, and your negotiation skills. Be prepared to discuss what services you need and what you’re willing to pay for them.
Overview of the Illinois real estate market
📊 Current market data
- Median home value: $266,706 — up by 5.26% compared to last year
- Median listing price: $303,000 —down by 0.49% compared to last year
- Median sale price: $289,300 — up by 7.66% compared to last year
By understanding what’s happening in your local real estate market, you and your discount realtor can make the best decisions about your selling strategy. The market can influence everything from your listing price to the time your listing sits on the market.
Your discount realtor should provide you with a comparative market analysis (CMA) report that gives an estimate of your home’s fair value, based on what similar homes have recently sold for in your area. Based on this analysis, you’ll set a listing price with your agent that’s both reasonable and competitive in your local market.
Ranking methodology
Our Research Team gathered 14 discrete pricing and service models to create our initial list of the best Illinois discount real estate brokerages. We then compiled and analyzed a further 10,344 publicly available data points tied to customer reviews, pricing, service offerings, and more to create our final list and rankings of the best discount realtors in Illinois.
We evaluated each company based on the following criteria:
- Pricing: We assessed each company’s fee structure and cross-referenced it with the traditional listing fee of 3% to determine who was offering (a) the best overall savings and (b) the fewest unfavorable pricing terms, like high minimums, nonrefundable upfront fees, or other hidden costs. (40% of the ranking score)
- Service level: We only included and rated 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. We also assessed whether the companies offer premium services, such as virtual tours and floorplans, at no additional cost. (30% of the ranking score)
- Customer reviews: We evaluated all verifiable customer reviews for each service. We considered the total review counts, average customer ratings, and key positive and negative themes by using our AI sentiment analysis tool. (30% of the ranking score)
Housing market data in Illinois comes from vetted sources including Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin. As our primary sources update, we refresh the data on our pages. Before making any decisions based on housing market data, we recommend speaking with a real estate agent to get a better understanding of your local market.
✍️ 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.
Editorial policy
Credible, primary sources power our pages. When you hire a service through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. But this does not influence our advice or ranking methodology. Learn more about Real Estate Witch here.
The Real Estate Witch content team created parts of this page with the assistance of an AI tool. Our team of humans researched the companies, collected and analyzed the data, ranked the companies, and then used AI to assist in identifying positive and negative themes from company reviews. Our team fact-checked and edited the text, as we do for all of our content.
Related articles
Average Real Estate Commission in Illinois: Knowing the standard commission rate in your area can help you avoid overpaying for a realtor and accurately estimate costs when you sell your home.
Illinois Seller Closing Costs and More: Read this guide for a complete breakdown of the costs of selling a house in Illinois, including tips on how to save on your sale.
Steps to Selling a Home in Illinois: Are you ready to sell your home in Illinois but need help understanding the process first? Read our complete guide on selling a home in Illinois (with or without a realtor).
How to Negotiate Realtor Commissions: Negotiating real estate fees centers on knowing the market and your situation, then using that info while talking to multiple agents.
How to Choose the Right Realtor to Sell Your House: When selling a home in today’s market, choosing the right listing agent is key. Most people hire the first traditional agent they interview — here’s a better approach.
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