UpNest vs. Clever Real Estate: Which Service Will Save You More?

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  Written by Ashley Simon

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  Edited by Galina Velgach

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  Reviewed by Steve Nicastro

UpNest and Clever Real Estate are free services that connect you with top local realtors. If you sell your home with one of their partner agents, you could pay a discounted listing fee.

Both UpNest and Clever are available nationwide and have favorable online reviews. The main difference is that Clever offers a lower listing fee for sellers and cash back for most buyers, but UpNest doesn’t guarantee savings.

• Clever partner agents charge a pre-negotiated rate of 1.5% on all sales over $200,000 (minimum of $3,000).
• UpNest agents set their own commissions, which may be close to the industry standard of 3%.
• UpNest could bring you more choices of agents than Clever but won’t give you additional support.
• Clever covers a wider service, and you’ll receive dedicated concierge service throughout the entire process from a licensed real estate professional.

Should I use Clever or UpNest?

You can try both platforms to see what you think, but we recommend starting with Clever. Ultimately, it offers more value.

Clever guarantees all sellers a 1.5% listing fee — about half the standard rate. And in most states, Clever also offers buyers cash back after closing.

UpNest doesn’t guarantee that you’ll save on realtor fees. On average, sellers get a 2.2% commission rate. The company encourages discounts by having agents compete for your business, but this method doesn’t always lead to savings.

Both companies can match you with top agents in your area, since both have large networks of vetted realtors.

Clever and UpNest also both get positive reviews from customers, but Clever has a higher customer satisfaction rating.

Clever vs. UpNest: Detailed breakdown

UpNest and Clever have a similar business model. Both companies can help you save money on realtor commission. And both have selective, nationwide networks of agents from notable real estate firms, like Century 21 and RE/MAX.

No matter which company you choose, you’ll receive dedicated support as you navigate the home buying or selling process. Your agent can conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA), facilitate tours and open houses, negotiate deals, and complete associated paperwork.

Clever offers cost savings, UpNest doesn’t

One of the biggest differences between Clever and UpNest is how much you save on real estate commission fees. Clever’s discount is guaranteed, while UpNest’s rates vary.

Clever’s partner agents have all agreed to a 1.5% listing fee. You can compare agents based on the best fit rather than the lowest price.

UpNest takes a different approach. It drives down commission rates by having agents make competing offers. But the average listing fee through UpNest is 2.2%. That’s close to the standard realtor commission — and significantly higher than Clever’s rate.

UpNext vs. Clever listing fee breakdown

Selling with Clever Real Estate		Selling with UpNest
$100,000 condo	$250,000 house	$100,000 condo	$250,000 house
$3,000	$3,750	$2,500	$6,250
Based on a 1.5% commission or $3,000 minimum with Clever vs. estimated 2.5% commission with UpNest

Both companies have qualified agents in their network

Both companies can match you with a top-rated real estate agent. They both:

• Have over 14,000 partner agents from brokerages across the country
• Partner only with vetted agents who have a track record in the industry
• Offer 2–5 agent matches
• Provide additional matches if you don’t think the initial agents are a good fit

Clever has higher customer satisfaction

Both companies get positive feedback from customers. But Clever has a higher customer satisfaction rating of 5/5 versus UpNest’s 4.6/5.

UpNest has more reviews — 5,562 compared to Clever’s 2,439 — but that’s likely because UpNest has been around longer.

Clever customers mention the company’s top-notch, professional agents, noting that the realtors are solid communicators. Several reviews also highlight the savings from Clever’s low listing fees.

Positive UpNest reviews focus on how professional and available its agents are. Unhappy customers complain that their agents didn’t communicate enough. Some also wish their agents took a more proactive approach to selling.

What is UpNest?

UpNest connects home buyers and sellers with qualified, local real estate agents. Its partner agents compete for your business by offering reduced listing fees. Those fees will vary by realtor, though you can expect to pay 2–2.5% of the selling price.

UpNest was founded in 2013 and now operates in real estate markets nationwide. The company is A+ rated through the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has received 4.6/5 stars across more than 50 reviews on the platform.

As a home buyer, you may be eligible for a $150 Amazon gift card, as well as a buyer’s rebate. Note: Home buyer rebates are illegal in AK, KS, IA, LA, MS, MO, OK, OR, and TN. But you’d still get the $150 as cash back.

How UpNest finds you an agent

You can sign up quickly and easily on the company’s website to get matched with local realtors. Within 24 hours, you can expect to receive three to five quotes from real estate professionals that want your business. Then, you can interview the agents that offer the best deals.

If you do hire an agent through UpNest, you can expect to receive similar service as you would through a traditional brokerage. The company matches you with successful realtors who have:

• Local expertise at top brokerages
• 3+ years of experience
• A strong online presence

What is Clever Real Estate?

Clever Real Estate also links home buyers and sellers with local realtors. Sellers get a reduced listing price without sacrificing the level or quality of service. And buyers could receive $250 cash back as a Visa gift card. (If you also sell your home through the company, you could receive $500.)

Clever has pre-negotiated the low listing fee of 1.5% with its real estate agent partners. Typically, a seller’s listing fee runs around 3%. So if you sell your home for $500,000, you could save $7,500 in realtor commission costs with Clever.

The company also has a stellar online reputation: Clever is A+ rated through the BBB and has earned 4.9/5 stars on Trustpilot across over 2,000 reviews.

How Clever finds you an agent

A fully licensed concierge will listen to your preferences for both a home and an agent, and they’ll send you two or three agents to compare and interview. Once you choose a realtor, the concierge will stay in touch throughout your selling or buying journey to make sure you’re getting the service you need.

Clever has more than 14,000 licensed, vetted partner agents in its network who:

• Have 5+ years of experience
• Are accomplished sales professionals
• Can provide top-notch and complete real estate services