HomeSmart Reviews

HomeSmart is a real estate brokerage with a mix of franchise and corporate offices across 47 states. It provides a full-service experience for buyers and sellers, and its agents charge typical commission rates of 2.5–3%.

HomeSmart's main value prop is for agents. It eliminates the industry-standard brokerage split, meaning its agents can retain up to 100% of earned commissions (although they do pay transaction fees). However, if you’re looking into HomeSmart as a buyer or seller, this commission model doesn't affect your experience with one of its agents.

If you’re looking into HomeSmart agents, we recommend comparing them with agents from discount brokers. These low-cost agents provide the same services as traditional realtors, but for only a 1.5% listing fee (half the typical rate). Compare the top low-cost agents in your area.

Who HomeSmart works best for

HomeSmart realty might work for you if you’re looking for a traditional real estate agent and personalized service. The company has a strong presence in some areas, so if you have a HomeSmart office with highly rated brokers in your area, it may be worth checking out.

HomeSmart real estate may also be a decent fit for tech-savvy buyers and sellers. The company equips its agents with digital tools and has a dedicated app for buyers and sellers, although some of its competitors put a bigger emphasis on technology.

However, if you want to save money on realtor fees, you'll find better value with discount brokers such as Clever Real Estate or Redfin. These companies can save you thousands of dollars without sacrificing service quality.

HomeSmart alternatives

HomeSmart vs. other traditional brokerages

HomeSmart’s services are comparable to those of other traditional brokerages, such as eXp Realty and Fathom Realty. HomeSmart agents provide standard services, such as helping clients find or list a home, assisting with the negotiation process, and preparing closing paperwork.

While the company offers digital tools for its agents and clients, it still favors a traditional approach to real estate.

HomeSmart has more than 200 offices (including many franchises) and over 26,000 agents. The large number of offices makes it easier to find a HomeSmart agent in your area. But multiple customer reviews suggest that the quality of the service can largely depend on the location and particular agent.

HomeSmart vs. discount brokers

HomeSmart charges a standard listing agent commission of 2.5–3%. While it is possible to negotiate this rate, most buyers and sellers can’t change the amount significantly.

Discount brokers negotiate realtor’s fees for you. They can connect you with a low-commission agent who provides the same level of service but for only 1.5% of the sales price.

The top discount brokers have a rigorous vetting process and allow you to compare multiple agents. For example, Clever Real Estate vets agents based on years of experience, successful transactions, and customer reviews. It also connects you with several agents upfront, and you can request more agent recommendations until you find the right fit.

HomeSmart reviews: What customers say

We analyzed six company offices on Google and five on Yelp to provide you with a better picture of clients’ opinions of the company.

HomeSmart realty reviews vary noticeably depending on the location and franchise. For example, one location has an average of 4.4, while another has only 2.6. So, if you decide to work with a HomeSmart agent, be sure to check customer opinions of your prospective office or broker to be certain of their quality.

Here are some themes we noticed across reviews:

✅ Knowledgeable and tech-savvy realtors

HomeSmart agents were praised for their market knowledge, real estate experience, and effective use of technology. Multiple reviews mentioned specific agents.

"I was fortunate to work with a real estate agent, Erica D., who was knowledgeable and experienced in the area. She were able to guide me through the entire process and provide valuable insights on pricing, marketing, and negotiations. She kept me updated on all the developments and always made sure to get my input before making any decisions. This made me feel like an active participant in the process rather than just a passive seller. Thanks Erica D."

— Thomas D., Feb. 2024, Yelp

"I highly recommend Trudy S. for all of your realtor needs. She took the hassle out of selling a property from a death in the family. She anticipated resources, communicated effectively and utilized digital technology to speed up the process. Thank you."

— Rachel G., Aug. 2024, Google

✅ Excellent communication and guidance

Many sellers and buyers praised the overall quality of the service, emphasizing responsiveness and strong communication from HomeSmart’s team members.

"Thanks to Natalia Martin we were able to get a wonderful house that we can call home. Natalia has been very honest and professional since day one, we saw her hard work and dedication all throughout the process. Natalia was always attentive and respectful towards us. We are definitely going back to her in the future. Highly recommend Natalia Martin, she is amazing."

— Esmeralda M., Feb. 2024, Google

"Zara was a pleasure to work with. Throughout our process she made sure to always stay in contact which is really important to me. She also was very flexible when it came to my schedule which was a plus. Overall she made this procress as smooth as possible and was great at answering all of my questions in great detail."

— Chelsie., Feb. 2024, Google

❌ Unprofessional agents

A common complaint across different locations related to unprofessional conduct and dismissive treatment. This suggests that HomeSmart might have potential issues with screening agents that represent its name.

"This is by far one of the rudest companies i've ever dealt with. Amanda davis isn't just rude she's also condescending. Not sure how this company's still in business."

— S A., Feb 2024., Google

"Absolutely atrocious! The agent that got assigned to us was pompous ... and insulted my intelligence multiple times by gaslighting us. We refuted all of the false claims and he kept changing the subject and ignoring our follow-ups. I couldn't agree more with the other two reviews here. I'm thankful we did not buy a house from them, as they were putting lipstick on a pig and trying to tell us it was gold.

"If you're clueless about real estate and don't mind being taken advantage of, then this is the place for you. If you value your hard earned money, time, and sanity, look elsewhere!"

— Brian S., Oct. 2023, Yelp

How does HomeSmart work?

For sellers

HomeSmart is a traditional real estate brokerage, which means it provides sellers with comprehensive services through its listing agents.

Sellers who decide to work with a HomeSmart agent should be prepared to sign a listing agreement and pay HomeSmart realty agent fees (a standard commission of 2.5–3% of the sale price).

In return, agents provide these services to help sell a house:

• Developing a pricing strategy
• Preparing the property for sale
• Completing a comparative marketing analysis
• Managing property showings and open houses
• Reviewing and negotiating offers
• Guiding through closing

For buyers

Home buyers who want to work with a HomeSmart agent have to sign a buyer representation agreement. You'll negotiate the buyer's agent commission (typically 2.5–3%) directly with your agent, but the seller may offer to cover it as a concession.

Your buyer’s agent will support you through the entire buying process with these services:

• Accessing MLS listings
• Helping to find the right property
• Negotiating with sellers
• Assisting with closing paperwork

For agents

HomeSmart realty positions itself to agents as a “100% commission brokerage,”[1] which allows realtors to keep their entire commission instead of splitting it with the brokerage.

However, HomeSmart charges agents other fees. Agents pay a joining fee, a monthly fee ($25–75), and a transaction fee after each sale ($350–750 depending on the location and the sale amount).[2]

Realtors who work with HomeSmart receive access to its proprietary software, RealSmart Agent. This platform allows brokers to oversee all transactions, manage paperwork, handle any marketing, and more. Additionally, the company provides tools that assist its agents with promoting clients' homes, such as the SmartTour solution, which enables the creation of custom websites to showcase a property.

HomeSmart offers multiple training resources, such as webinars, podcasts, and guides, to further educate its real estate agents. New brokers can also enroll in a complimentary mentorship program to improve their business skills.

Is HomeSmart legit?

Yes, HomeSmart realty is a legitimate traditional brokerage that offers its services in 47 states. Founded in 2000 by Matt Widdows, it grew under his leadership to become one of the largest real estate brokerages in the US.

In 2024, HomeSmart ranked 12th by transaction volume ($18.5B) and 13th by transaction sides (37,237) on the RealTrends 500 list.[3]

HomeSmart’s revenue comes from agent fees and franchise royalties.

HomeSmart locations

HomeSmart provides services in 47 states. It does not operate in Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. You can find your local HomeSmart office here.

HomeSmart history and news

On January 14, 2025, HomeSmart celebrated its 25th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, the company will gather agents from around the country and hold its annual event, “Growth Summit,” in Scottsdale, Arizona, where the founder and CEO, Matt Widdows, established the company.[4]

In July 2024, HomeSmart reached a settlement in widely regarded commission lawsuits, joining companies such as Compass, RE/MAX, and HomeServices of America. The company implemented some practice changes for its agents as a requirement of the settlement.[5]

On April 1, 2024, a HomeSmart franchise opened a new office in Nashville, Tennessee. HomeSmart Living Realty became the first HomeSmart office serving the metropolitan area of Tennessee’s capital city.[6]

In August 2023, HomeSmart again found itself on Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing private companies nationwide. This was the 11th consecutive year the business was included on the list.[7]

In January 2023, HomeSmart acquired Solid Source Real Estate Companies — an Atlanta-based brokerage with almost 2,000 agents and 8 offices. This acquisition strengthened the company’s presence in Georgia and became a significant addition to its existing offices and franchises in the state.[8]

Bottom line: Should I use HomeSmart?

The final decision on whether to use HomeSmart depends on your goals and needs. If you’re looking for a traditional brokerage with all the standard services, it could be an option well worth looking into.

If you have a HomeSmart office in your area, you could start with online research to see if previous clients were satisfied with its services. Remember to compare a few agents, including some from discount brokerages, to find the best value and fit for your transaction.

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