What is UpNest?
UpNest is an online real estate company that matches home buyers and sellers with agents at top local brokerages.
Like all agent matching services, UpNest is free and comes with no obligation to use one of its agents. What makes UpNest different is how it offers potential savings on realtor fees. Instead of pre-negotiating a discounted commission, the company aims to drive down fees by having agents compete for your business.
Some UpNest customers save more money than others — and some don't get a discounted rate.
If your main priority is connecting with a shortlist of quality local agents, UpNest is a good choice. But if your top priority is saving money, you might be better off with Redfin or another low commission real estate brokerage. UpNest doesn't guarantee a discount.
» READ: Our full UpNest review
What is Redfin?
Redfin is one of the biggest discount real estate brokerages in the country. It operates in more than 100 US markets.
Redfin employs its own agents, who charge a 1.5% listing fee — about half of the average real estate commission rate that traditional agents charge. But this reduced fee come at a cost. Redfin agents handle a high volume of customers compared to most agents.
If your biggest priority is saving money, this tech-centric brokerage is a solid choice. But make sure you research individual agents' ratings and reviews, because sometimes Redfin agents are stretched too thin to offer hands-on support.
» READ: Our full Redfin review
Editor's take: Real Estate Witch is the better choice
If you want a quality agent who can also save you money, check out Real Estate Witch.
Like UpNest, Real Estate Witch is an agent matching service that lets you choose from a pool of top-producing agents from major brokerages. But instead of asking agents to compete for your business, we have already negotiated a low 1.5% listing fee — the same rate as Redfin.
There’s no harm in shopping around. You can try UpNest, interview a Redfin agent, and check out agents through Real Estate Witch. But we recommend our platform for the best of both worlds: discounted rates (like Redfin) and multiple quality agents to choose from (like UpNest).
UpNest vs. Redfin: Detailed breakdown
Redfin offers cost savings, UpNest doesn't
UpNest doesn't guarantee savings. The idea is for agents to compete for your business by offering discounted rates, but results vary. On average, sellers pay a 2.2% agent commission with UpNest — just under the standard 2.5–3%.
Buying with UpNest gets you a $150 Amazon gift card. Some buyers also save on agent fees, but that's up to the agent to offer.
Redfin does guarantee cost savings. Redfin agents charge a 1.5% fee to sellers or a 1% listing fee to customers who buy and sell with Redfin.
Ultimately, you'll likely save more money with Redfin than UpNest.
MORE: Here's how to get a home buyer rebate
UpNest has a larger agent network
UpNest has more agent selection than Redfin. That's because UpNest doesn't employ real estate agents. Instead, it taps into a nationwide network of agents from traditional real estate brokerages. Like Clever and other agent matching services, it offers multiple matches so you can choose the best fit.
Redfin also operates across the country, but it employs salaried agents. Currently, Redfin has about 2,400 agents across several large metropolitan markets. The number of agents available depends on your location. If you're in Los Angeles, you may get to choose between multiple agents. But in some real estate markets, Redfin doesn't have any agents.
We always recommend interviewing several agents to find the best one for your needs.
UpNest has higher customer satisfaction
| UpNest | Redfin |
|---|---|
| 4.6/5 (6,342 reviews) | 3.1/5 (580 reviews) |
Based on aggregate ratings from Google, Facebook, ShopperApp, Consumer Affairs, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau
Customer reviews can give valuable insight into the real estate companies you're considering. In a direct comparison, UpNest's 4.6/5 rating beats Redfin's 3.1/5. But that’s not the whole story.
Most UpNest customers reported a great experience with their agents. Positive reviews praise agents’ professionalism, good communication, and solid industry knowledge.
Several complaints on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) say that UpNest failed to deliver the promised $150 Amazon gift card to buyers. Some customers also reported that their agents flaked out, which might be a problem because those agents don’t work for UpNest.
Redfin has fewer third-party reviews because it collects reviews directly on its site. Unsurprisingly, the ratings on Redfin’s website are higher than the ratings on Google and Yelp.
Redfin seems to have more happy than unhappy customers, but reviews are more split with Redfin than UpNest. Redfin has many 5-star and 1-star reviews.
Positive reviews praise insightful, communicative agents. Negative Google reviews mention that agents don’t provide much support after listing the house. Negative Yelp reviews also describe unresponsive, unmotivated agents.
Best alternatives to using UpNest or Redfin
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
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
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
Ideal Agent can connect you with a full-service realtor at a discounted listing fee of 2%. The company has high standards for the agents it recommends, claiming to work with only the top 1% based on sales volume in each agent's market. While the savings aren't as significant as some low commission alternatives, customers are generally happy with the outcome from their home sale. Not that buyers won't qualify for any saving with Ideal Agent, and the company's small network size means your agent selection will be limited.
Read our full Ideal Agent review.
Pros
- Matched with a vetted, full-service realtor
- 2% listing fee is slightly below industry average
Cons
- Don't get to choose who you're matched with
- Other brands offer better savings
Listing Fee
Our take
Overview
Locations
SimpleShowing offers a 1% listing fee, subject to a $5,000 minimum — meaning you need to sell a home worth $500,000 or above to qualify for the full savings. Buyers can also save with SimpleShowing, though the buyer rebate comes with numerous restrictions. Apart from the savings, customers are pleased with their agents' availability and guidance through various aspects of their real estate transactions.
Pros
- 1% listing fee is among the lowest in the industry
- Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
- Buyers get up to 1% cash back on their home purchase
Cons
- $5,000 minimum fee means you must sell for $500,000+ to get full savings
- Home buyer rebate decreases after 10th home tour