Published
-
Written by
-
Edited by Jessica Johansen
-
Reviewed by Kristyn Grewell
Written by Ryan Shaw
Edited by Jessica Johansen
Reviewed by Kristyn Grewell
Redfin customer reviews | Redfin fees | How Redfin works | Redfin vs. realtor | Redfin vs. competitors
Is Redfin worth it?
Redfin’s listing fee is about half of what traditional realtors charge, which can save you a lot of money. But these savings come at the expense of quality. While many customers are happy with Redfin, some don’t like Redfin’s team-based service model.
Redfin agents tend to handle way more clients than the typical agent, and they may shuffle you between team members who aren’t as familiar with your situation. This approach may lead to less hands-on support and attention throughout your buying or selling process.
While Redfin is a legitimate company that offers good savings, other brokerages may offer better service at similar savings. We recommend shopping around for a realtor who fits your budget and expectations.
Our advice about using Redfin
If Redfin services your area, it’s probably worth checking out. It’s a well-known brand, has some highly experienced agents, and charges about half the typical listing commission.
But if you’re mainly drawn to Redfin for the lower listing fees, know that Redfin isn’t your only option — and it’ll likely pay off to look at alternatives.
One of the easiest ways to find and compare low-cost realtors is by using a free service like Clever.
Like Redfin, Clever offers listing fees of just 1.5%. But with Clever, you get to choose your own agent from well-known brokerages like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Berkshire Hathaway. Every agent in Clever’s network is screened for customer ratings, real estate knowledge, and local sales history.
Plus, when Clever sends you potential agent matches, you can interview as many agents as you’d like, with no obligation to move forward. You’ll get a top, full-service agent — at about half the price.
💰 Find top local agents, get a 1.5% listing fee with Clever
What is Redfin?
Redfin is one of the largest discount real estate brokerages in the U.S. Founded in 2004, the company is headquartered in Seattle and serves over 100 markets across North America. In 2022 alone, Redfin real estate agents served more than 66,000 customers and managed over $39 billion worth of real estate transactions, according to data from REAL Trends.
Redfin aims to offer the same basic services as traditional realtors — but charge a lot less. Redfin advertises a 1.5% listing fee, which is roughly half the 2.5–3% rate most conventional agents charge sellers.
✍️ Key Takeaways
- Redfin’s discount real estate brokerage service currently operates in more than 100 markets across the U.S. and Canada.
- Sellers pay a 1.5% listing fee — and get a 0.5% refund if they buy with Redfin too.
- Redfin agents use a tech-centric customer service model, which could mean less hands-on support.
- Redfin has an average customer rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars on review sites like Google, Yelp, and Zillow.
How does Redfin work?
Redfin’s business model relies on offering steep discounts to attract a higher volume of customers, and then offsetting those low prices by:
- Handling more customers per agent
- Reducing operating costs with a salaried team and tech integration
- Charging minimum fees for lower-priced properties
- Using its popular home search app to attract new customers
- Upselling current customers on add-on services and premium support
This strategy allows Redfin to slash its base listing fee to 1.5%, saving sellers thousands of dollars compared to selling with a conventional brokerage.
| Home price | Listing fee | Effective rate | Savings* |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $3,350** | 3.4% | -$350 |
| $250,000 | $3,750 | 1.5% | $3,750 |
| $500,000 | $7,500 | 1.5% | $7,500 |
| $750,000 | $11,250 | 1.5% | $11,250 |
| Average | $6,450 | 2.0% | $5,550 |
Selling with Redfin
For the most part, selling with Redfin is comparable to selling with a traditional brokerage. You can choose between the company’s standard package (Redfin Full Service) and two premium packages. If you sell and buy a home with Redfin within 12 months, you get a 0.5% rebate on your listing fee.
With the standard package, your agent — or another Redfin team member — guides you through each stage of the selling process. They provide services like:
- Pricing
- Professional photography
- 3D walk-through for virtual tours
- Open houses
- Offer review
- Negotiation assistance
- Closing coordination
The biggest difference is that you may get less hands-on support with a Redfin real estate agent than a traditional agent. In some cases, the potential savings may be worth this trade-off. But you may want to work with another low-commission real estate company that prioritizes personalized support.
If you’re interested in Redfin’s premium services, contact the company to see if they’re available in your market. As Redfin expands its premium services in lucrative markets, it may become less focused on its standard package.
Redfin Concierge Service
Redfin’s Concierge Service is a premium listing package that includes support for getting your home market-ready. For a base listing fee of 2.5%, Redfin provides professional staging and house cleaning, alongside the services included in its standard listing package.
This package seems a bit expensive for what it includes. On a $500,000 home, it costs $5,000 more than the standard package. Most sellers will likely find it much cheaper to opt for the 1.5% listing fee and pay à la carte for extra services like house cleaning and staging.
Redfin Premier
In select markets, luxury homes are eligible for Redfin Premier. This package includes everything from Redfin’s Concierge Service, but sellers pay just 1.5% — the same listing fee as Redfin’s standard plan.
Redfin Premier is designed to attract sophisticated buyers through:
- Listing syndication in global news and luxury lifestyle publications
- Targeted social media advertising
- Email campaigns
- Premium mailers and brochures
RedfinNow
In a company memo dated November 9, 2022, Redfin announced it’s closing its RedfinNow subsidiary. RedfinNow was an iBuyer service that paid cash for homes in select markets.
Buying with Redfin
Redfin’s platform makes it quick and easy to book house tours with agents, often enabling you to view homes the same day. The company’s feed refreshes every five minutes, so you always have up-to-date information on available inventory. This advantage is essential in fast-moving markets.
Another advantage is agent experience. According to Redfin, its agents have transaction numbers comparable to the top 1% of agents at brokerages nationwide.
However, you don’t necessarily get to interview and choose your own agent. This isn’t always a bad thing, but some buyers may want to select an agent based on specific experience and personality.
Also be aware that several online complaints mention Redfin’s team-based system.
Because agents work in teams, your touring agent may be different than your buyer’s agent. And you may be shuffled to different team members depending on who’s available to answer your questions. Even if every team member is highly competent, this system can create communication problems, and some of your questions may fall through the cracks.
Redfin Premier
If you want to buy a luxury property, you can use Redfin Premier. This premium service pairs buyers with agents who specialize in buying and selling luxury properties.
Redfin Refund
Redfin previously offered a home buyer rebate called Redfin Refund, but reports show the company may be phasing out its rebate program. We recommend calling the Redfin office near you to ask whether this option is still available.
» MORE: Home buyer rebates: Can you really save thousands?
Redfin fees
Redfin heavily advertises a 1 percent commission — but its standard listing fee is actually 1.5%. To qualify for the 1% rate, you also need to buy a home through Redfin within 12 months of your home sale.
If you sell first, Redfin charges you a 1.5% listing fee, then refunds 0.5% once you purchase your new home.
Redfin’s discounts are also subject to minimum fees that vary by location. In more affordable markets like Fayetteville, Arkansas, and South Texas, you can expect to pay a minimum listing fee of $2,000–2,500. In more expensive markets like San Francisco, the minimum fee jumps to $9,000. The average minimum fee across all markets is $4,300.
If you’re selling a less expensive home in a pricier market, you could end up paying much more than the advertised commission rate.
👋 Looking to save on realtor fees? Compare discount brokerages in your area to find the best value for your situation.
Redfin vs. realtor
Using Redfin versus a traditional realtor means your experience buying or selling a home will be cheaper and possibly less personal.
Redfin’s 1.5% listing fee is much lower than a traditional realtor’s. This is possible because Redfin agents earn a salary instead of a commission. As a result, they aren’t necessarily as driven to provide high-quality customer service or secure the best deal for you.
Redfin’s team-based business model means you may work with several employees throughout the buying or selling process. Agents handle much of the sales process remotely through an online dashboard.
Redfin charges lower listing fees
Redfin’s 1.5% listing fee is about half a traditional real estate agent’s. But as a seller, you should also plan to offer a buyer’s agent commission around the average rates in your area — typically 2.5–3% of the home’s sale price. This brings your total commission to 4–4.5%, compared to 5–6% with a traditional agent.
Technically, you can choose whether or not to offer a buyer’s agent commission — but choosing not to greatly limits your pool of potential buyers. A buyer’s agent commission provides an incentive for realtors to show your home to their clients. It maximizes your chances of selling your home quickly and for top dollar.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Redfin listing fee | 1.5% (min. fees vary) |
| Buyer's agent commission* | 2.5–3% |
| Total commission | 4–4.5% |
Redfin handles more of the sales process remotely
Although you have access to a local agent, Redfin manages quite a bit of the sale process remotely via its online seller dashboard.
The platform walks you through the various stages of your listing and sale process, helping both you and your agent stay organized. It also generates automated updates, such as:
- How Redfin is marketing your home
- The number of times buyers have viewed your listing
- How your home compares to similar listings
When your sale or purchase goes smoothly, these digital tools make the process more convenient. However, they also reduce your personal contact with your agent. If you’re not completely comfortable with Redfin’s tech-first approach, it could make the process more frustrating and confusing.
Learn more about the differences between Redfin agents vs. traditional realtors.
Redfin agents work as a team
When you sell with a Redfin real estate agent, you’ll work with a team of Redfin employees in addition to your dedicated listing agent.
In theory, this team-based approach increases efficiency, allowing Redfin realtors to manage more transactions at once with only a minimal impact on service quality.
However, involving more people in your sale could lead to more miscommunication, mistakes, and delays that make an already stressful process even more frustrating. If you encounter unwelcome surprises that complicate your sale, you may find your agent is unfamiliar with the ins and outs of your situation.
Real estate transactions are complex, highly regulated affairs. Even something as seemingly minor as missing a deadline to complete paperwork or respond to an offer could be enough to thwart a potential sale.
Want to work with a top agent in your area without sacrificing service? We recommend trying an agent matching service like Clever Real Estate. Clever negotiates 1.5% listing fees with experienced agents from top brands like Century 21 and Coldwell Banker, so you can net the same savings without any compromises.
Redfin agents work on salary
While most traditional agents work on commission, Redfin agents earn a salary. In reviews, some customers complain that Redfin agents are less incentivized than a traditional agent to get the best deal for your home.
As with any real estate brokerage, some Redfin agents are better than others. Working with one Redfin agent could be a great experience, while working with another may be a disaster.
Redfin’s agent finder tool makes it easy to screen agents for customer ratings as well as recent and local sales history. Never choose a realtor based on the brand name alone. Make sure the agent is actually the best fit for your situation, personality, and needs.
Interview several realtors — preferably from different brokerages! — to find the right match.
Learn more about how to find a real estate agent.
Redfin reviews and complaints
Redfin reviews from customers range from poor to good and vary by location. On Consumer Affairs, Yelp, and Google, Redfin’s customer rating averages 3.7 out of 5 stars based on 301 reviews.
Many customers praise the low fees, user-friendly home search platform, and ease of working with Redfin realtors. However, some customers criticize Redfin’s business model for being less personal than working with a traditional agent. They also note that premium services, like Redfin Concierge, may not be worth the money.
Redfin has many advantages compared to traditional, full-price real estate brokerages. But it’s important to weigh Redfin pros and cons carefully. Then you can decide if a Redfin agent is your best option or if another discount service provides better value.
What customer like about Redfin
The company offers solid savings for home sellers
Most sellers choose Redfin for its low fees. And a consistent theme among many selling with Redfin reviews is that those savings are genuine.
This Yelp reviewer said they saved $17,000 compared to listing with a traditional brokerage and offering a 3% commission rate to both agents.
The technology is user-friendly
Lots of discount brokers claim to have user-friendly technology, but Redfin’s popular platform is still the gold standard.
Redfin’s home search app has been downloaded millions of times. And for the most part, it draws rave reviews from users. This isn’t just beneficial for buyers. The app’s popularity gives Redfin sellers a leg up, since the company gives its listings priority placement when buyers search for homes.
There are fewer risks than other discount brands
You’ll face service quality compromises with many discount brokers, but the risks seem less pronounced with Redfin.
This Google reviewer was impressed with the communication and marketing strategy of their Redfin realtor. Despite selling a specialty property, they enjoyed a quick and easy sale.
What customers dislike about Redfin
Home buyer savings may not be worth the service trade-offs
Redfin claims its average commission refund is $1,750. This seems a bit lackluster compared to the home buyer rebates some other discount services offer.
This first-time home buyer found the savings weren’t worth the tradeoffs. While they earned a small rebate, they felt their agent was more focused on closing the deal than advocating for their best interests.
You get less hands-on attention than traditional realtors offer
Redfin may have fewer service quality risks than other discount brokers, but customers should still expect less hands-on support compared to traditional realtors.
Redfin agents use a team-based approach to handle more customers than the average realtor — so you’re more likely to encounter Redfin agent reviews about frustrating mistakes and delays. For example, this realtor encountered several problems working with multiple Redfin agents.
Extra services may not be the best value
Redfin’s business model relies in part on persuading existing customers to use other in-house services. These include:
- Title Forward: Redfin’s title and settlement company
- Redfin Mortgage: An in-house mortgage broker
- Redfin Open Book: An affiliate network for service providers like contractors, electricians, and landscapers
- Redfin Concierge: Professional home staging with no up-front cost
- Redfin Premier: Staging and marketing for luxury homes
Buying or selling a home is a hectic process, so it’s convenient to use these in-house services. However, just because Redfin has cheap listing fees doesn’t mean their title or mortgage service is a great value.
We recommend shopping around and comparing Redfin reviews and services against local providers to find the best combination of rates and service quality.
Redfin locations
Redfin is available in most major U.S. markets, but it may not have agents available in rural areas.
Redfin not available in your area? Or just want to compare your options? Check out our rankings of the best low commission real estate brands — and find a low cost realtor near you!
Redfin vs. competitors
| Company | Our Rating | Listing Fee | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Best for tech-savvy sellers
|
1.5% (min. fee varies)
|
26 states and Washington, DC
|
Learn More | |
|
1.5% (min. $3,000)
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More | |
|
2% (min. $3,000)
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More | |
|
1% (min. $5,000)
|
FL, GA, TX
|
Learn More |
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
Clever Real Estate is the best option for most sellers looking to save on realtor commissions. Its 1.5% listing fee is among the lowest of any full-service, nationwide brand. You’ll save thousands on commission and still get matched with top local realtors from well-known brokerages, like RE/MAX and Keller Williams. Plus, it’s free to try, and there’s no obligation to sign with an agent.
Pros
- You get a 1.5% listing fee (half the typical rate) without sacrificing service.
- You get matched with several local agents with strong sales records and great customer reviews.
- Clever’s service is free, and you have no obligation to sign with any realtor.
Cons
- Some add-ons, like drone photography and staging, may cost extra depending on the agent.
- You may not get matched with the specific realtor you want if they’re not in Clever’s agent network.
Clever Real Estate offers a 1.5% listing fee, half of what realtors traditionally charge. But you’ll still get a top local real estate agent, so you’ll save thousands without sacrificing quality.
How it works: After filling out an online questionnaire, Clever matches you with realtors in your area. You can choose to work with one of the agents, request more agent matches, or walk away with zero obligations.
Why we like it: Clever is the perfect balance of savings and quality: You get all the services and support of a traditional agent, but you pay a fraction of the typical price. By comparing agents, you ensure you’re getting the realtor who’s right for you.
Clever is available nationwide.
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
Ideal Agent does a good job of vetting its agents, and it offers decent savings for sellers. But it has a limited service area and a small agent network, which limits your ability to choose the best agent for your situation. Alternative services, like Clever, offer the same service — but with better savings, more coverage, and more agents.
Pros
- You’ll get matched with a top-performing realtor.
- The 2% listing fee gives you a slight discount.
Cons
- Fewer agents makes it harder to compare your options.
- Coverage is limited outside of big cities.
- Savings are mediocre compared to other brands.
Ideal Agent matches sellers and buyers with traditional agents. The company negotiates 2% listing fees with its realtors and screens them for quality and experience.
A 2% listing fee is decent, but you could save more with the 1.5% that Clever and Redfin offer.
Ideal Agent’s partner realtors are good, but there aren’t very many of them, and they’re mostly located in big cities. There’s no guarantee Ideal Agent will have a realtor in your area, and if they do, you’ll get matched with only one.
Ideal Agent is available nationwide.
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
SimpleShowing’s 1% listing fee looks like a great deal at first glance. But there’s a good chance you’ll pay more than that thanks to its high minimum fee of $5,000. On top of that, agents are stretched thin, so you risk dealing with lower customer service quality and less hands-on support.
Pros
- The low 1% listing fee can be a good deal for homes over $500,000.
- Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
Cons
- Its $5,000 minimum fee means you pay more than 1% on homes below $500,000.
- It’s only available in a handful of cities in Florida, Georgia, and Texas.
- Its realtors handle a lot of clients, which can negatively affect service quality.
SimpleShowing offers a 1% listing fee with a high minimum of $5,000. If you’re selling a home for more than $500,000, you’ll pay more than 1% in listing fees.
Its agents juggle five times as many customers as a typical real estate agent. That isn’t necessarily a deal breaker if you’re selling a desirable home in a hot market. But if you expect your agent to provide more hands-on support, you could be disappointed and end up doing a lot of the work yourself.
SimpleShowing is available in FL, GA, and TX.
FAQ about Redfin
How does Redfin work for sellers?
On paper, selling with Redfin is similar to using a traditional realtor. Redfin will market your home on the MLS, help you negotiate with buyers, and help coordinate the closing process. However, the customer experience may feel a bit more impersonal. Redfin agents work as teams, and they may pass you off to a different team member at different stages of the buying or selling process. Find other ways to save on realtor fees.
How does Redfin work for buyers?
Buying with Redfin is a lot like using a traditional realtor, although you'll handle more of the process virtually. You'll browse homes, schedule tours, and complete paperwork through the Redfin app and website. Your main point of contact will be your "lead agent," who will help you write offers and negotiate with sellers. However, your lead agent may send other team members to accompany you on home tours.
Why is Redfin bad for some customers?
Redfin's hands-off service model and mixed agent quality make it a less-than-perfect option for some customers. Additionally, while Redfin has nationwide brand recognition, its savings are relatively middle-of-the pack compared to its top competitors. Find other low cost realtors in your area.
Should I use Redfin to sell my house?
If saving on real estate commission is your top priority, Redfin is worth considering. Its 1.5% listing fee isn't the best commission rate available, but nationwide brand recognition and a proven business model make it less risky than some of its newer competitors. Want to save even more? Find 1% commission real estate companies.
Can I trust Redfin?
Redfin is a legitimate company with licensed real estate agents across most of the U.S. It offers savings for most sellers compared to the cost of traditional real estate agents. However, the company relies heavily on technology, so you may receive less hands-on support than you would with a conventional realtor. Learn more about how Redfin works.
Does Redfin really save me money?
Redfin’s fee for listing a house is 1.5%, which is about half of what a traditional agent would charge. You get even more of a discount when you buy and sell with a Redfin agent. However, Redfin charges minimum fees. If you're selling at a lower price point, those minimum fees may make Redfin cost more for you than using a traditional real estate agent. Learn more about how much Redfin costs.
Why do people use Redfin?
Saving on real estate agent fees is a top reason people use Redfin. A Redfin agent charges a listing fee of 1.5%, which is around half of what a traditional real estate agent charges. However, some Redfin reviews claim that Redfin agents offer less hands-on support than conventional realtors. See how real customers rate Redfin's service.
Related links
If you’re looking for the pros and cons of selling with Redfin, it’s important to compare ALL of your options for saving money. We recommend reading the following resources to learn about other ways to save.
Discount Real Estate Brokers and Agents: Everything You Need to Know: Selling with a discount real estate broker like Redfin is often a very different experience from using a traditional realtor. Learn more about how discount brokers work and how to decide which company is the best fit for your situation.
What Companies Offer the Lowest Real Estate Commission Fees? Redfin offers solid savings for home sellers, but some of its competitors charge even less. Find out which company charges the lowest commission fees.
The Best for Sale by Owner (FSBO) Websites: Want to maximize your savings? Consider rolling up your sleeves by listing your house for sale by owner (FSBO). We’ve compiled a list of the BEST websites for FSBO sellers.
Realtor Fees: Who Pays the Commission and How Much Is It? Wondering how much realtor fees cost? This guide explains what you’ll pay (and how to get discounts) when working with a realtor.
How to Sell Your House without a Realtor: Want to sell your house without a realtor? This guide outlines steps to selling without a realtor, pros and cons, and costs.
Linda Acaster says
As a potential Sales Agent for Redfin I was shocked to find Redfin demanding I allow a company that does background checks by requiring me allow this company to access my credit report rather than the company having access to their own database from court reporting. I am not applying for a loan that this company needs to see all my financials. The background check is about hiring employees that are not criminals nor dishonest. This company would have all my information that would expose me to identity theft. I am very disappointed by Redfin . They may be saving a buck hiring this unreputable company who wants to save themselves money, but are opening up themselves to lawsuits.
The Real Estate Witch Team says
Thanks for sharing your perspective on Redfin, Linda. We’re sorry you had such a disappointing experience.
srin ned says
It seems a bit misleading to say that redfin charges 1.5% whereas a standard broker charges 6%. With redfin you still have to pay the buyer’s agent commission (except in some very rare situations), making the total 4.5%, which compares less favorably to the standard 6%
The Real Estate Witch Team says
Great point! We updated this post in February 2021 to make it clear that although Redfin charges a 1.5% listing fee, sellers should still expect to pay a buyer’s agent commission rate of around 2.5-3%.
Altogether, real estate commission fees will cost Redfin sellers about 4-4.5%, which is 20-30% less than selling with a traditional brokerage. You can learn about this fee breakdown in our 4.5% commission guide!