Prevu Reviews: Are the Savings Worth It?

Key takeaway: Prevu is a low commission real estate brokerage offering significant savings on realtor fees.

Of particular note is Prevu's Smart Buyer Rebate, which gives home buyers as much as 1% of their home purchase price back at closing.

If you're a buyer looking for a good combination of service and savings, Prevu is worth considering. The brokerage has excellent customer ratings and doesn't cut corners on service — despite being a little less hands on during the home search process. 

Sellers can also find savings with Prevu, but may get a better deal elsewhere. Prevu's 2% listing fee isn't as competitive as some top-rated alternatives.

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Prevu at a glance

» JUMP TO: Prevu vs. competitors  | Reviews | Fees and savings | How it works | Bottom line

Who Prevu works best for

Prevu is an especially good choice for home buyers who don't mind doing a little legwork upfront to benefit from the considerable cost savings offered by Prevu.

Whereas certain buyer's agents will accompany you on every home tour, buyers with Prevu often find properties on their own and bring their Prevu agent in when they're ready to make an offer — either after attending an open house or requesting an independent showing through Prevu's online portal.

While some reviews mention that Prevu's hands off approach may not be ideal for first-time home buyers or those relocating to a new area, most customers don't see it as an issue — especially given the savings and how easy it is to search for home via real estate sites like Zillow.

If you are a first-time buyer, you want to be able to discuss your needs and wants with the same agent and get consistent feedback. As second time buyers, we knew that we did not need much from our agent in terms of advice. We needed their support for comps, setting up showings, helping with paperwork etc. If that's what you need in your home buying experience, nothing can be better than Prevu as they take only a small portion of the fee.

— Amit C., February 2024, Yelp

While Prevu also facilitates home sales, reviews from sellers are relatively rare in comparison to buyers and their 2% listing fee isn't quite as good as you can find with competitors.

Prevu vs. competitors

Prevu's competitors include other discount brokerages like Redfin, as well as agent referral networks like Clever Real Estate and Ideal Agent, which offer pre-negotiated commission rates with top agents from around the country.

While each company's business model is unique, you may find that these alternatives offer:

• More significant savings (especially for sellers) 
• A wider selection of agents to choose from
• More hands on support during your home search
• A stronger focus on working with sellers

Prevu customer reviews and complaints

Customers who work with Prevu are generally very pleased with the outcome.

Most reviews focus on the savings buyers receive through their rebate and the support and expertise offered by Prevu agents — with a few cautions for first-time buyers.

Reviews from home sellers are relatively few, and don't tend to mention the savings. However, the reviews we did find from sellers were highly positive.

🟢 Primary themes from Prevu reviews

Hands-on support (61% of reviews). Customers overwhelmingly praise the support they receive throughout the entire home-buying process, with particular emphasis on guiding first-time buyers through complex procedures like co-op applications and board approvals. Agents are consistently described as patient, attentive, and willing to go "above and beyond" normal expectations, whether through after-hours availability or handling unexpected complications.

• "Seth patiently explained the process to me, helped me understand the differences between condos and co-ops, and provided recommendations for inspectors, lenders, and attorneys he trusted."
• "John even went above and beyond to print and deliver our lengthy co-op application to support us during our out-of-state home buying journey."
• "The co-op process is not easy and she held our hand throughout."
• "She would walk the homes with us and point out type of flooring, any potential issues (grading, hillside, etc.)."
• "Calmed our first time home buyers worries, gave extremely good advice and flagged things we didn't even know to look for"

Significant savings (55% of reviews). Customer reviews confirm that the savings offered through Prevu are legit. While Prevu doesn't publicly share how its buyer rebate is calculated beyond indicating that it's worth up to 1% of the purchase price, Prevu's rebate check garners positive mentions from an impressive majority of customers.

• "With Prevu you get a rebate for a part of the broker fee that Prevu receives at closing… We had our 16K check within a week of closing."
• "We ended up saving over 20k than if we had gone with a 'traditional' brokerage"
• "Post closing, getting the rebate check in the mail was icing on the cake and will be used to help with Reno costs."
• "The rebate is real and its awesome - buying a condo is a painfully costly experience in NYC, but this rebate really helps for the first few mortgage payments, furniture, moving costs"
• "I can't believe that we got this kind of $$ back on our house!"

Prompt communication (40% of reviews). While you may not get a lot of face time, customers indicate that Prevu agents are quick to respond to texts and calls — even at odd hours. Reviews also emphasize agents' commitment to keeping clients informed throughout every stage of the purchase process while being proactive in following up with all parties.

• "From day one our Agent Macie Barnes responded instantly to all our questions, promptly scheduled all requested viewings."
• "He would regularly get back to us within 15 minutes of any communication and I appreciated his attentiveness."
• "She was always on top of things and was responsive and willing to make herself available to our questions and requests, even sometimes late at night."
• "His timely communication and proactive approach in scheduling viewings, submitting offers, and negotiating on our behalf truly made a difference."
• "Nudging along the lawyer, bankers, and sellers agent to keep us on schedule"

Market expertise (35% of reviews). Despite the discounted rate, Prevu’s agents are highly qualified. Reviews consistently highlight Prevu agents' deep understanding of local real estate markets and useful advice in navigating complex processes like co-op purchases and competitive bidding situations.

• "Sara's deep knowledge of the city's geography and comparables contributed greatly… produced the most in-depth comparative market report"
• "Navigating the complexities of these particular Co-ops is no small feat… helped steer us away from units that might be problematic"
• "He had an incredibly good sense of the market, helped us make competitive offers… understanding the intentions of sellers and their strategies"
• "She advised us on every step of the process, including bidding strategy and negotiation, inspection, and the co-op board application process"
• "They do a lot of volume so have a good understanding of market conditions and are able to guide you accordingly"

Professional service (32% of reviews). Clients also praise Prevu agents' professionalism, combining a high level of competence with emotional intelligence. Customers specifically mention that agents were able to guide them calmly through complex transactions while fighting hard for their best interests.

• "We couldn't have been happier with his professionalism, expertise and market savvy."
• "They were not just professional; they were personable, attentive, and genuinely invested in our journey."
• "Rich was extremely professional, helped us navigate some hiccups, and made sure that we were well represented."
• "Sara was helpful, diligent, gave great advice, and was a pleasure to work with."
• "I never felt like I was getting inferior service compared to a traditional brokerage"
• "Seth is unlike any other realtor we have worked with - kind, professional, compassionate, and a stellar negotiator."†

Prevu fees and savings

While most discount brokerages tailor their savings to home sellers, Prevu stands out for its generous home buyer rebate worth up to 1% of the purchase price — equal to about $5,000 on a $500,000 home.

For perspective, leading competitors like Redfin offer buyers a rebate of just 0.25%.

Prevu also offers sellers a discounted listing fee of 2%, which is lower than the average seller’s commission of 2.5–3% but not as low as some competitors.

If you buy and sell a home with Prevu, you stand to save as much as 1% on both sides of the transaction, which is comparable to the buy/sell savings you'd get with Redfin.

How Prevu works

Prevu is a full-service brokerage that offers discounted listing fees for sellers and rebates for eligible buyers. For the most part, working with Prevu is similar to working with a traditional real estate brokerage:

1. Fill out an online questionnaire at Prevu.com with some basic information about your property or budget.
2. Prevu connects you with a partner agent to get more information and set a game plan.
3. Kick off your home sale or purchase:
   • If you’re a seller and choose to sign a listing agreement with the agent, you’ll receive pricing guidance, an MLS listing, and professional photography.
   • If you’re a buyer, you can start browsing for homes online and schedule viewings on your own or with the help of an agent. When you’re ready, contact Prevu to submit an offer.
4. Your agent will also assist with reviewing or sending offers, negotiating, and closing. Sellers will pay a 2% commission to the Prevu agent, and eligible buyers will receive a rebate check after closing.

Selling with Prevu

As a full-service discount brokerage, Prevu agents provide the following services to home sellers:

• Comparative market analysis (CMA)
• Professional photography
• Pricing advice
• Staging guidance
• MLS listing and description
• For-sale lawn sign and lock box
• Guidance during due diligence (inspections, appraisals, financing)
• Evaluating and negotiating offers
• Support throughout closing

Prevu also offers sellers modest commission savings through its 2% listing fee.

Buying with Prevu

When buying with Prevu, you can expect the same services you'd get with a traditional agent, including:

• Scheduling showings and requesting information for homes you're interested in
• Writing and negotiating offers, including recommending a reasonable offer price
• Providing you with a list of recommended lenders, insurance brokers, and inspectors
• Coordinating inspections and appraisals, and negotiating any additional price reductions or credits following the results
• Ensuring that contract stipulations have been met ahead of closing
• Attending the closing and final walkthrough

Where Prevu may be more hands off is during the home search process. As a buyer, it'll be up to you to find the homes you want to see and you'll often tour them on your own. However, your agent can coordinate showings on your behalf and send an associate to tour the homes with you if you want a second set of eyes and they can't be available themselves.

For buyers, Prevu also offers the home buyer rebate, which is issued after closing. The rebate amount is displayed for eligible properties on Prevu's home search portal, and the amount varies by market and property.

Rebates are also subject to a commission minimum — meaning Prevu takes their cut of any commission offered by the seller before the rebate is applied. However, savings can be as much as 1% of the home purchase price.

Prevu locations

Prevu's service area includes major markets in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.

Prevu news and updates

Prevu was founded in 2017 by entrepreneurs Chase Marsh and Thomas Kutzman. It is headquartered in New York City. Initially serving the Northeast, it expanded to California in 2021.[1]

In October 2022, Prevu acquired the mortgage technology assets of Reali, a former real estate tech startup. In December 2024, Prevu raised $6 million in Series A financing, with investors including Citi, Winklevoss Capital, and RiverPark Ventures.[2]

Bottom line: Should I use Prevu?

Despite the lack of hand holding during the house hunt, reviews suggest that Prevu's agents are highly qualified and proactive in setting up tours, responding to questions and information requests, and offering guidance on specific properties and the market in general.

Additionally, most buyers feel that Prevu's lean model is well worth the savings. Prevu's Smart Buyer Rebate is worth up to 1% of the home's purchase price — a rare perk even among discount brokers.

Sellers also report good outcomes with Prevu, although reviews from sellers are relatively rare and the savings lag behind other low commission real estate options.

Buying or selling a home is a hugely complex and often emotional transaction. While most home buyers hire the first agent they talk to, we recommend talking to a few different realtors before choosing an agent.

When interviewing agents, clarify exactly what you can expect before signing an agreement, including:

• Who will accompany you on showings
• What kind of guidance you can expect on pricing, offers, and negotiations
• How you will communicate throughout the transaction

Go with an agent you feel will genuinely look out for your interests and get you the best possible deal on a house.

⚡ Find the best agents in your zip code. Compare agents from the best discount brokerages and well-known brands like Keller Williams and Century 21. Get a pre-negotiated listing fee of just 1.5% and cash back savings when you buy.

Methodology

The Real Estate Witch team evaluated Prevu on various factors, including savings, customer service, online reviews, agent quality, and how it compares to the competition. Our mission is to empower you to decide whether Prevu is right for your next real estate transaction.

Our low commission real estate brokerage rankings are based on three key criteria:

• Cost and savings. We compared Prevu’s pricing model to top competitors and average prices across the U.S., including the average listing fee, minimum fees, and any buyer incentives offered.
• Customer service. We performed an in-depth analysis on Prevu’s customer reviews across review sites. We broke down the sentiment of reviews, looking at themes around agent responsiveness, expertise, and meeting customer expectations.
• Ease of use. We evaluated how efficient it is for customers to find, compare, and select an agent through Prevu, evaluating their agent network size, technical platforms, communication methods, and post-transaction support.

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