Homie vs. Redfin: Which Is Better?

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  Written by Shannon Whyte

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  Edited by Jessica Johansen

Homie vs. Redfin | Service model | Fees and savings | Customer reviews | Agent selection | Availability | Alternatives

Homie and Redfin are legitimate discount real estate brokerages that help buyers and sellers. Both companies provide access to licensed real estate agents and help sellers save money on the listing agent commission.  

Homie charges a $5,000 flat listing fee instead of the standard 3% commission, while Redfin charges a 1.5% listing fee.

Homie is great for sellers who prefer a flat listing fee or have an expensive home to list. But agent support is virtual, and you’ll need to do some of the work. Redfin offers a low listing commission, but some areas have high minimum fees that cut into savings.

With either of these companies, you may not have much control over which local agent you work with. And in some cases, you may work more with a team instead of a single agent.

If you want to save on realtor commissions, there may be better alternatives through competitors. Our advice is to shop a few discount real estate brokerages and talk to multiple agents before hiring a realtor. In the end, you hire the agent, not the brand.   

» SAVE: Compare top local agents, save thousands on commissions

Homie vs. Redfin

Service model

Homie and Redfin are discount brokers with salaried agents instead of commission-based realtors. Each company uses technology, like apps, to streamline services.

However, the companies have different fee structures. Homie charges a $5,000 flat fee instead of the average listing agent commission of 2.5–3%. Redfin charges a 1.5% listing fee.

Homie also offers in-house services, including loans, insurance, and titles, that may further streamline the home selling process. Redfin partners with mortgage, loan, and title services, although some of these services may not be available in all areas.

How Homie works

Homie is a legitimate discount real estate brokerage that was founded in 2015. It helps sellers and buyers navigate real estate transactions through a combination of technology and in-house realtors and specialists. 

The company combines a flat fee MLS service with local agent support, but you work with the realtors and specialists virtually by phone, text, or email instead of in person. Additionally, the in-house agents typically serve more customers than a traditional realtor. 

Homie’s services can work well for people who want a flat fee service with virtual, limited support. However, first-time sellers or those with limited real estate experience may want to consider options with more support.

How Redfin works

Founded in 2004, Redfin is one of the largest discount real estate brokerages in the US. The company offers low listing fees compared to traditional realtors, and it assists sellers and buyers through its online tools, apps, and local Redfin agents.

While Redfin provides full service, it uses a team-based approach instead of dedicated agents. So you may receive help from different people throughout your selling or buying process. Additionally, Redfin agents typically have a fuller caseload compared to independent realtors, which may lead to less personalized support.

If you prefer working with one agent instead of a team, consider other low commission realtors and brokerages who offer dedicated service at similar rates. 

Fees and savings

Homie and Redfin both offer savings compared to the traditional 3% seller’s agent fee. When deciding between the two companies, consider additional fees and the level of agent support.

For instance, sellers interested in Redfin need to know the minimum commission for their market, since that can cause the fee to go above 1.5% in some circumstances. 

Homie’s flat fee can result in more savings on certain homes compared to Redfin, especially if you’re selling a high-end property. But Homie’s agent support is virtual and limited. Redfin may provide better value for sellers who want a full-service agent experience. Additionally, Redfin may be less expensive for lower-end homes.

Homie fees and savings

Homie’s $5,000 flat fee rate can save sellers money, especially for high-end properties. For instance, on a $500,000 home sale, a traditional 3% listing commission would be $15,000, but you’d only pay $5,000 to a Homie agent — saving you $10,000.

As is standard in the industry, Homie sellers are also responsible for the buyer’s agent fee, which is typically 2.5–3%.

Homie also offers buyers the opportunity to earn up to 25% of the buyer’s agent commission. The rebate is typically applied to your closing costs. To qualify, you must be pre-qualified for a mortgage with Homie Loans, and you may need to use Homie Title and get a quote from Homie Insurance.

Homie’s website states there may be additional requirements, restrictions, and fees for the buyer rebate. If you’re interested in the rebate, talk with a Homie buyer’s agent for more information.

You may also save if the seller and buyer both use Homie as part of the Homie-2-Homie deal. This arrangement changes the buyer’s agent commission from a percentage to a flat rate. Talk to a Homie representative for more information.

Redfin fees and savings

Redfin’s standard listing fee is 1.5% instead of the traditional 3%. On a $500,000 home, Redfin’s 1.5% rate could save you $7,500.

To receive the advertised 1% real estate commission rate, you must sell and buy with Redfin within one year of closing. If you sell first, you’ll receive a 0.5% refund on the listing fee.

Redfin has a minimum commission that varies by market. The minimum fee can be $2,000–9,000. If you’re in a pricey market but selling a less expensive home, you could end up paying more than a 1.5% listing fee.

As is standard in the industry, sellers are also responsible for the buyer’s agent fee, usually around 2.5–3%.

In 2022, Redfin discontinued its buyer refund program.

Agent selection

Both companies use salaried, local agents to provide support throughout the selling and buying process (as opposed to traditional realtors who earn commission). As a result, agents at both companies typically handle more transactions than traditional agents.

However, there are some key differences between Redfin and Homie agents to consider.

» MORE: How to find a real estate agent

Homie provides virtual agent support 

When you work with Homie, you can contact a local agent by phone, email, or text. All support is virtual. While this may be convenient for some, others may prefer face-to-face contact with their agent, like being accompanied when touring a home.

Homie provides a more limited-service experience

The website says Homie agents offer full service, but sellers have to do some of the work themselves. For instance, sellers have to put together their MLS listing before an in-house agent contacts them. And sellers have to conduct open houses themselves.

Redfin provides a team-based, full-service experience

When working with Redfin, you work with a real estate agent and their team. You receive a full-service experience throughout the selling and buying process, similar to working with a traditional realtor. 

The team-based approach can help increase efficiency, but it can also lead to miscommunication. Everyone on the team may not be up-to-date on your situation. 

The team approach also means you deal with more personalities and communication styles, which may be a complicating factor for some people. And Redfin agents tend to have larger caseloads than independent realtors since they work as a team and not on commission.

You can meet with potential Redfin agents to check for fit before signing on with the company. We recommend talking with agents in advance about who’s on their team and how that process works.

Redfin may use a partner agent in some markets

In markets where Redfin doesn’t have available in-house agents, the company may pair sellers and buyers with a Redfin Partner Agent. These agents aren’t Redfin employees, so they may not offer discounts. Discuss commission rates in advance if you plan on using a partner agent. 

Customer reviews

Homie reviews

Homie reviews are largely positive across review sites, with many reviewers reporting a streamlined, easy-to-use online process and good customer service.

The flat fee service model led to savings and a streamlined process

Many satisfied customers saved money and liked the simple flat fee structure. Additionally, many positive reviews note how simple the technology was to use. However, some negative reviewers had to do more work than they expected and wished they got more agent support.

Homie has helped me sell two homes and purchase one, and it’s been a great experience! Not only did I save a ton of money by avoiding high agent commission, I experienced the same high quality service from my Homie agent … as I did when I used a conventional real estate agency.” — Nico W., Google

Customers gave mixed reviews on the quality of customer service

Many reviewers reported professional, knowledgeable, and responsive customer service. But some reviewers noted slow responses and poor overall service. The quality of your experience may vary depending on the agent.

Trying to reach a person is difficult. Reaching our unresponsive Realtor has been awful.” — Patrick C., Yelp

Homie made our home buying experience truly simple and easy. D*** E**** was the secret sauce that made the transaction happen. Her skills and expertise in real estate kept us calm the entire time.” — Matthew D., Google

Some customers were confused and dissatisfied with add-on services and Homie Cash

Homie offers additional services to help sellers and buyers, like Homie Cash, Insurance, Title, and Loans. However, some reviewers noted not having the same positive experience with these programs. They were confused about how the programs worked and their restrictions, plus they experienced poor customer service.

You may want to discuss these programs thoroughly with a Homie representative before using them.

I would give 5 stars but the insurance agent that we ended up working with was terrible. No communication and when there was an issue with our policy said our only option was to pay more than double what we were paying. … Homie real-estate is amazing. Just use your own insurance agent.” — BandA F., Google

They redid Homie Cash after we had qualified and put in offers, but didn’t tell us or our agent so we lost some bids. Then they kept stringing us along saying we’d be able to use it and convert the offer afterwards. So we got an offer accepted. Then they refused to do the cash offer so we had to back out of the contract, losing the house. There was no communication, no updates and lots of lies.” — Becca D., Yelp

Redfin reviews

Redfin reviews are mixed across online review sites. Recent reviews report problems with customer service and the level of support. 

The extent of assistance may vary based on the agent

Redfin says it provides full service for a low commission. And some reviewers did report a quality experience and good customer service.

But some reviewers stated they didn’t receive the full-service support they expected, such as help with open houses and marketing. Others found errors on their MLS listing that may have turned off potential buyers.

I strongly recommend you avoid listing your house for sale with this company. They didn’t do any real work to sell your house. … They had failed to put all of the photos on my MLS listing. Buyers were most likely skipping over my listing because they couldn’t see inside [of the house] on MLS! I lost 2 full weeks of critical sales activity thanks to Redfin.” — Trevor S., Google

Quality of customer care may vary

Some reviewers had bad experiences with Redfin employees who lacked knowledge, had poor response times, and underpriced properties. However, other reviewers felt their agents and the team were knowledgeable and helpful.

Interview Redfin agents before hiring one to ensure they have the skills and communication style that works for you.

I bought with Redfin and had a great experience working with my broker … and her team of agents – they were always willing to help and answered all my questions immediately.” — Saurabh N., Google

Like any real estate transaction or business, the knowledge and experience of each agent is critical. Unfortunately, I paid a huge cost for working with an agent that missed critical details on the purchase. First and last experience with a ‘budget’ operation and staff.” — Mike S., Google

Availability

Homie locations

Homie provides services in limited locations across Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah. The company specifically serves most of Utah, Boise, Denver, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. 

While the website mentions plans to expand, no recent reports indicate that this is happening in 2023.

Redfin locations

Redfin provides services in over 100 locations nationwide. However, services like Redfin Concierge and Premier are only available in certain locations.

Best alternatives to using Homie or Redfin

Homie and Redfin aren’t the only low commission real estate brokerages to choose from. 

Clever Real Estate provides the same 1.5% listing fee that Redfin offers and connects you with full-service agents. But unlike Redfin, Clever lets you compare top realtors from discount brokerages like Redfin and Homie as well as traditional brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX — all of whom offer a lower commission rate through Clever’s network. 

Ideal Agent has nationwide availability, quality agents, and highly positive customer reviews like Clever. But the company has a higher listing fee at 2%. However, it’s worth looking into, especially if you’re in a larger city.

Simple Showing offers a 1% listing fee, which is lower than many companies’. However, it has a minimum fee of $5,000 and is available in only three states.

Prevu offers a 1.5% listing fee and is worth looking into if it’s available in your area. However, the limited agent selection may make it challenging to match with a suitable agent.