Redfin is one of the most popular discount real estate brokerages, helping people buy and sell homes across more than 100 markets in the U.S. and Canada. In 2024, its agents closed an average of 23 deals each — more than triple the typical agent's volume — and handled an impressive $13 million in average sales.[1]
But while Redfin’s 1.5% listing fee and tech-driven model appeal to many home sellers, the higher sales volume per agent can sometimes lead to less personalized service.
If you want the same low 1.5% listing fee but with more hands-on support, Clever Real Estate is a better choice for most sellers and buyers. Clever connects you with top-rated local agents who offer full-service support for a discounted commission, and eligible buyers can also receive cash back at closing. Get matched with a top local agent through Clever today!
Below, we’ll show you how Clever compares to Redfin — and other top companies like Redfin — to help you find the best fit for your needs.
Top Companies Like Redfin
What is Redfin?
Redfin is a tech-focused discount real estate brokerage that helps people buy and sell homes at lower commission rates than traditional agents. Since its launch in 2006, Redfin claims its customers have saved nearly $2 billion in fees. It also operates the most-visited brokerage website in the world, attracting an average of 48 million monthly visitors in 2024.[1]
One of Redfin’s main selling points is its low listing agent commission. Sellers typically pay a 1.5% listing fee instead of the traditional 2.5–3% rate. This fee drops even further to 1% if you also buy a home with Redfin within 12 months.
For buyers, Redfin recently launched its "Sign and Save" program — offering a refund of 0.25% of the purchase price at closing if you officially sign up to work with a Redfin agent before your second home tour.
Despite its size, Redfin still holds only about 0.76% of the total U.S. real estate market. And because Redfin agents manage a higher number of clients than agents at most traditional brokerages, customers may experience less personalized service compared to working with a full-service, local agent.
Redfin to be acquired by Rocket Companies
Following its acquisition by Rocket Companies, Redfin's Mortgage product is anticipated to undergo significant changes. The transaction is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2025.[2] The deal could bring major changes to Redfin’s business model, especially in how it offers mortgage and real estate services together. It’s still unclear how the acquisition will impact Redfin’s commission rates, service quality, or agent structure in the long term.
Clever Real Estate vs. Redfin
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Service
Our take
Reviews
Service details
Locations
Clever Real Estate delivers the best combination of savings and service of any competitor that we’ve reviewed. Its agents are held to high standards and provide full service and support for just a 1.5% listing fee, saving you thousands when you sell your home. In states where it's permitted, buyers can also get cash back at closing. Clever has more agents (19,000+) in more markets than most other low-commission options, plus the highest customer rating among brands we evaluated. Unlike some of its competitors, Clever also allows you to choose your own agent. It matches you up with multiple agents, and you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
Read the full Clever Real Estate review.
Pros
- Low 1.5% listing fee for sellers — about half the typical rate
- Up to $500 cash back for buyers
- Agents have strong sales records and great customer reviews
- Compare agent service packages and credentials before making a decision
Cons
- Fewer agent options in certain rural areas
- Add-ons like professional home staging may cost extra
Both Clever and Redfin offer sellers a low 1.5% listing fee, but Clever stands out by providing more personalized service. Clever connects you with top-rated local agents who offer full-service support, while Redfin agents often juggle higher client volumes, which can impact service quality.
Clever also allows buyers to earn cash back at closing in eligible states, a perk that not all Redfin customers qualify for under its "Sign and Save" program.
Ultimately, Clever is a better option for sellers and buyers who want to save on commission fees without sacrificing the hands-on guidance that a traditional real estate agent provides.
Ideal Agent vs. Redfin
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Service
Our take
Reviews
Locations
Like Clever, Ideal Agent is an agent matching service. It connects you with a full-service realtor at a discounted listing fee of 2%. Ideal Agent claims it only works with the top 1% of realtors by performance, based on sales volume in each agent's market. However, customers looking for multiple choices may be disappointed. It's a "take-it or leave-it" situation when it comes to the agent you're matched with, as the company denied our shoppers' request for another agent match.
Pros
- Full-service support from a top-rated agent
- Realtors must meet strict quality standards
- Nationwide coverage
Cons
- 2% listing fee higher than competitors
- You get only one agent match
Ideal Agent and Redfin both aim to offer a more affordable home selling experience, but they do it in different ways. Ideal Agent connects you with a single top-performing local agent who charges a 2% listing fee — higher than Redfin's 1.5%, but often with a more personalized, traditional real estate experience. Redfin’s model relies on salaried agents who handle more transactions, which may lead to less one-on-one attention.
Ideal Agent may be a better choice if you prioritize getting matched with a top agent who provides more traditional service. But if saving the most on fees is your main goal, Redfin’s 1.5% commission wins.
UpNest vs. Redfin
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Service
✍️ Our take
Reviews
📍 Locations
UpNest is a legitimate agent matching service, and it can be a good way to compare real estate agents in your area. But there’s no guarantee you’ll save on real estate commissions because UpNest doesn’t negotiate a lower fee with their agents.
Pros
- Nationwide coverage
- Good choice of agents
Cons
- Little savings
- Poor customer service
UpNest and Redfin help you find agents who offer potential savings on commissions, but they differ in how much you can expect to save. Redfin advertises a guaranteed 1.5% listing fee, while UpNest agents set their own fees, so your savings can vary depending on who you choose. UpNest provides more options to compare agents side-by-side, whereas Redfin assigns you an in-house agent team.
If you want to shop around and negotiate between agents, UpNest could be a good choice. However, if you want a fixed low listing fee without the hassle, Redfin is more straightforward.
Houwzer vs. Redfin
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Service
Our take
Reviews
Locations
Houwzer has a 1% listing fee, which is among the lowest of any low commission brand. Its commission is capped at $10,000, which makes it especially appealing for higher-valued homes. Like Redfin, Houwzer has a few potential service risks, but if you’re selling an expensive house, the savings may be worth the tradeoffs.
Pros
- 1% listing fee
- Savings increase on higher-priced homes
Cons
- Houwzer agents handle a high transaction volume
- Limited agent options
Houwzer and Redfin both advertise discounted services for sellers, but Houwzer offers an even lower 1% listing fee (capped at $10,000) compared to Redfin’s 1.5%. However, Houwzer agents, like Redfin agents, manage a high volume of clients, which may affect service quality. Houwzer is best suited for sellers with high-value homes who want maximum savings.
If you're looking for the lowest possible commission, Houwzer might beat Redfin on price. But Redfin has broader brand recognition and a more established technology platform, which may appeal to some buyers and sellers.
Prevu vs. Redfin
Listing Fee
Our take
Company details
Locations
Prevu is a low commission brokerage that offers legitimate savings for sellers and buyers. If your primary goal is to save money on real estate commission, Prevu is worth considering. However, its hands-off approach means it may not be the best choice for first-time homebuyers or anyone looking for more one-on-one support from their agent.
Pros
- Significant savings for buyers and sellers.
- Agents are knowledgeable and helpful.
- DIY customers may prefer Prevu’s hands-off approach.
Cons
- Full savings are subject to eligibility criteria and minimum fees.
- Agents provide limited one-on-one support.
- Few agents available in some markets.
Both Prevu and Redfin appeal to budget-conscious buyers and sellers, but they differ in service style. Prevu offers low flat-fee pricing and significant savings, but it takes a more hands-off, DIY approach, requiring customers to do more of the legwork themselves. Redfin, by comparison, offers more structured agent support, though some customers still report less personalized service than with traditional agents.
If you’re comfortable managing much of the home buying or selling process yourself, Prevu could offer better savings. If you want more agent involvement, Redfin is the safer bet.
SimpleShowing vs. Redfin
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Service
Our take
Reviews
Locations
SimpleShowing offers a ton of value if you’re selling or buying a home valued at $500,000 or more; below that price point, there are better options out there. Most SimpleShowing customers will receive some remote agent services, and some customers will receive a fully remote agent experience, so people who prioritize a face-to-face agent experience might not be well served by SimpleShowing.
Pros
- 1% listing fee can offer big savings to some sellers
- Quality local agents
- Buyer rebate can be significant
Cons
- Many services are remote— for clients in some areas, all services are remote
- 1% listing fee comes with a minimum that limits usefulness to sellers with modestly-priced homes
- Buyer’s agent commission rebate only kicks in if you purchase a home for $500,000 or more
SimpleShowing and Redfin both offer ways to save, but SimpleShowing is best suited for homes priced at $500,000 or more, where its 1% listing fee really delivers maximum value. Unlike Redfin, however, SimpleShowing often provides more remote and tech-driven support, depending on your market.
If your home is higher-priced and you don't mind a more virtual experience, SimpleShowing could offer bigger savings than Redfin. But if you prefer an agent who’s available for in-person support, Redfin may provide a more consistent level of service.
Trelora vs. Redfin
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Service
Our take
Reviews
Locations
Trelora Real Estate offers a competitive commission rate of just 1% for buyers and sellers. The team provides full-service listings and hands-on support from listing through closing. With an impressive 4.7-star rating across 3rd-party review sites, Trelora is a trusted choice for buyers and sellers. However, some customers complain about the lack of personalized service offered through Trelora’s team-based model.
Pros
- Low listing fee
- Generous buyer rebate
- Fast sale process
Cons
- Lack of personalized service
- Spotty communication
- Attention to detail can be questionable
Trelora and Redfin both advertise 1% commission options for sellers and buyers, but their service models are different. Trelora uses a team-based approach where multiple agents assist you throughout the process, which can sometimes create communication gaps. Redfin agents also manage many clients at once, but generally follow a more streamlined, tech-supported process.
If you aim to get the lowest commission possible, and you're okay with less personalized service, Trelora could be a fit. But if you prefer a larger company with a more established platform and brand, Redfin may feel like a more reliable choice.
Related reading
Redfin vs. Zillow: Which Estimator Is More Accurate? Redfin and Zillow both provide property value estimates, but how accurate are they? We compare Redfin vs. Zillow and help you find an accurate estimate.
Compass vs. Redfin: Which is Better? Home sellers have more options than ever today outside of traditional realtors. We compare each company to determine the best option for you.
Clever Real Estate vs. Redfin: Which Should You Choose? Clever Real Estate and Redfin are two discount real estate brokerages offering low commission rates. Compare their services, fees, and reviews.
Houwzer vs. Redfin: Which Discount Broker is Better? Houwzer and Redfin both sell your home for discount rates. Learn about their differences and which one may work better for you.