Top 8 Low Commission Real Estate Agents + Companies

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  Written by Thomas O'Shaughnessy

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  Edited by Josiah Wilmoth

The best low commission companies | Selling with low commission real estate agents | Average commission rates | How much can I save? | Find low commission agents near me

Working with a low commission real estate agent is one of the best ways to save money when you sell your home.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours reviewing the best low cost realtors and brokers to find the ones that provide the best savings, service, and overall value. Read on for an in-depth look at our top picks.

P.S. Just looking for low commission real estate agents near you? Find them here!

The best low commission real estate companies in 2023

#1. Clever Real Estate

We think Clever Real Estate is the best overall value for most home sellers. Clever’s free service matches you with top local agents nationwide. And when you go through Clever, you pay a 1.5% listing fee at closing instead of the typical 2.5–3%. That could save you thousands!

The big difference between Clever and other discount brokerages, like Redfin, is that Clever’s partners aren’t “discount agents.” Clever matches you with realtors from top regional and name-brand brokerages, like Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, and Century 21. And you get the exact same full-service experience for a fraction of the cost.

Because every agent in Clever’s network has agreed to the 1.5% fee, you can focus on picking the best agent for the job, knowing you’ll save thousands regardless — no negotiating required.

✅ Pros

• You get full service and support from top local realtors for a 1.5% listing fee.
• Clever has an exceptional customer rating based on thousands of verified reviews.
• The matching service is 100% free with no obligation.
• You get multiple matches to compare options and choose the best fit.

❌ Cons

• If you have a specific agent or brokerage in mind, they might not be in Clever’s partner network.
• Agents who work with Clever guarantee full service, but you may have to pay a little extra for premium services like drone photography and 3D walk-throughs.

OUR TAKE: Because Clever is free to use with no obligation, we think it’s definitely worth a shot — even if you already have an agent in mind. Clever makes it easy to compare vetted local realtors to ensure you’re choosing the best fit. And if Clever finds you an agent you like, you’ll save thousands versus what you would pay if you found the same agent yourself. In other words, there’s zero risk and a lot of potential reward.

Try Clever’s free service below. Request as many matches as you like, or walk away at any time. Learn how Clever can help you save thousands on your sale!

#2. Redfin

You’ve probably seen Redfin’s popular home search tool, but you may not know the company is a low-fee broker too! It’ll list your house for a 1.5% commission (subject to minimum fees). And you can get 0.5% of that listing fee back if you also buy with Redfin within 12 months of your sale. While the price points are similar, there are a few reasons we think Clever is still the better value.

Unlike Clever, which negotiates low rates with conventional realtors, Redfin relies on in-house, salaried agents who handle roughly three times more clients than the typical real estate agent to create its savings. Redfin’s approach creates some concerns about service quality. Overextended Redfin agents may not be able to offer the same level of responsiveness or personalized support.

Additionally, Redfin’s minimum listing fees vary by market and can reach up to $8,500. Clever has the same $3,000 minimum fee nationwide.

✅ Pros

• The 1.5% listing fee can net home sellers legit savings.
• Redfin listings get premium placement on Redfin’s popular home search app.
• People who value a tech-centric customer experience will appreciate Redfin’s mobile app and seller dashboard.

❌ Cons

• Redfin offers limited agent selection compared to traditional brokerages.
• Agents handle three times more customers than the average realtor, limiting their ability to give you personalized support.
• Redfin’s team-based approach increases the risk of mistakes, poor communication, and delays.

When you sell with Redfin, you’ll get the same basic services offered by realtors at traditional brokerages.

But to help its agents manage the higher workload, Redfin divides responsibilities between different team members. This means your agent won’t oversee your sale from start to finish. For example, they’ll handle crucial tasks like negotiations, but other Redfin employees could manage your marketing, open houses, and closing.

Redfin’s team-based model is efficient, but it’s not risk-free. A consistent theme among negative Redfin reviews is frustrating communication issues and other avoidable mistakes.

#3. Houwzer

Houwzer is a real estate brokerage that offers a flat fee of $5,000 for home sellers in select East Coast markets. Instead of paying commission to your listing agent, you’ll pay $5,000, whether your home sells for $250,000 or $2.5 million.

The savings can be substantial. For example, on a $1 million home, you’d save $25,000 on listing fees compared to paying a standard 3% commission rate.

Like Redfin, Houwzer uses a team-based model to sell more homes with fewer licensed realtors. Houwzer agents manage up to three times as many customers as agents at traditional brokerages.

✅ Pros

• You get huge commission savings if you’re selling an expensive house.
• Virtual home tours and other premium marketing services don’t cost extra.

❌ Cons

• Negative Houwzer reviews say the team-based approach increases the risk of mistakes — especially if you have a complex situation.
• Houwzer has very few agents, so you’ll have limited options if you don’t like your realtor.
• If you’re selling a lower-priced home, you may not see any savings.

While some flat fee companies only list your home on the multiple listing service (MLS) and leave the rest of the work to you, Houwzer is a full-service brokerage. If you sell with Houwzer, your agent — or someone on their team — will guide you through the entire process.

#4. SimpleShowing

SimpleShowing is currently the only discount brokerage offering 1% listing fees in the handful of cities it operates in — BUT there are some potential risks and caveats that kept it from being our top pick (or even in the top three).

SimpleShowing has a $5,000 minimum listing fee, which means you’re not getting that true 1% rate unless your home sells for $500,000 or more.

There are also far fewer real estate agents than a typical brokerage, and its agents handle five times more customers than the average realtor. This is a common theme among low commission real estate companies — often called “discount brokerages” — and it has pros and cons for consumers.

✅ Pros

• SimpleShowing is one of the only full-service discount real estate brokerage offering 1% listing fees.
• The company has stellar customer ratings.

❌ Cons

• The $5,000 minimum fee means homes below $500,000 pay more than the advertised 1% rate.
• You have limited options when it comes to choosing your agent.
• Agents handle more customers, which could lead to mistakes, especially for complicated sales.

SimpleShowing’s potential savings are real, but so are the risks. 

When your real estate agent is handling five times as many customers as the average realtor, you have a lot more competition for your agent’s time and attention. 

When companies create savings this way, the most common customer complaint is that service starts to suffer. That could mean missed deadlines, paperwork mistakes, or other avoidable issues that create headaches — and potentially cost you money.

#5. Ideal Agent

Ideal Agent helps you find a great full-service realtor in your area AND pre-negotiates a 2% listing fee for you.

Unlike some agent matching services, Ideal Agent is incredibly selective about the real estate agents it works with. You can be sure you’ll get matched with an agent who’s one of the top sellers in your area.

✅ Pros

• You get full-service support from a top-rated agent.
• Ideal Agent only works with realtors who meet strict quality standards.
• Signing up is free — and there’s no obligation to hire your agent match.

❌ Cons

• Depending on your area, Ideal Agent’s 2% listing fee might not be a huge discount.
• You only get a single agent match — most competitors give you multiple options so you can choose the best fit.

Although Ideal Agent’s listing fee is cheaper than the standard 3% rate many realtors charge, it’s more expensive than similar agent matching services.

For example, Clever provides the same service as Ideal Agent, but better savings. If your home sells for $500,000, selling with Clever would put an extra $2,500 in your wallet. Learn why Clever is the #1 alternative to Ideal Agent.

#6. Homie

Homie is a flat fee brokerage with a flat $3,500 listing fee.

Homie claims to provide everything you’d get with a traditional agent. But, while the company’s self-service process is great for experienced sellers who need to get their home on the market quickly, it’s not right for everyone. 

As we noted in our full Homie review, Homie agents offer fewer services, which allows them to handle 10 times as many customers at once. This bare-bones service approach increases the risk that you’ll have a bad experience.

✅ Pros

• Flat fee pricing offers big commission savings on pricier homes.
• The self-service listing process gets your home on the market in as little as three days.

❌ Cons

• Agents provide ZERO in-person services or support.
• Poor (or nonexistent) customer service is a consistent theme in negative Homie reviews.

If you sell with Homie, the biggest challenge you’ll face is that your agent will be 100% remote. This could make the process feel less personal than working with a traditional real estate agent — especially since your agent is handling so many customers at once.

It also means your agent will provide fewer services. For example, they won’t come to your home to advise you on how to get it ready to sell. And if you want an open house, you’ll have to host it yourself.

#7. Trelora

Trelora is a discount real estate brokerage with a $3,000 flat fee for limited service (not available in Colorado) or a 1.5% listing fee for full service. It was recently acquired by Houwzer, which could result in some changes to its pricing and service model in the future.

As with most similar companies, Trelora doesn’t give you a single, dedicated agent to guide you through the process. You’ll work with a team of agents instead, with multiple people managing different aspects of your sale. However, Trelora agents juggle up to 20 times as many customers as the average realtor.

✅ Pros

• Trelora offers commission savings that are substantial at higher price points.
• You get full in-person support, including open houses.

❌ Cons

• The team-based approach limits Trelora’s ability to provide personalized support.
• Trelora juggles more customers per agent than any other company on this list.

A team-based approach often creates challenges for home sellers, but the risks are particularly noticeable with Trelora.

As noted, each of its agents juggles up to 20 times as many customers as the average realtor. That’s the largest ratio of any company on this list (by far!), and — based on common Trelora complaints — that ratio makes mistakes and oversights more likely.

#8. Prevu

Prevu Real Estate is a low commission company that operates in California and select cities in the Northeastern U.S., Colorado, Texas, and Washington. Prevu advertises a 1.5% listing fee for sellers, as well as a sizable 2% rebate for eligible home buyers.

Overall, Prevu offers better value to buyers than sellers. On qualifying purchases, Prevu’s 2% commission rebate nets bigger savings than you’ll find at any other regional or nationwide discount broker. Buyers may encounter a few minor service trade-offs along the way, but for most people, the potential savings are worth it.

✅ Pros

• For buyers who qualify, Prevu’s 2% rebate offers great value.
• Prevu provides discounted commission rates for sellers with more expensive homes.

❌ Cons

• With Prevu’s high minimum fees, some sellers might save more with other discount companies (or even a traditional agent).
• Limited agent selection may make it harder to find a realtor with experience in your neighborhood and price range.

Prevu’s seller savings package is much less competitive. Its 1.5% listing fee is middle-of-the-pack compared to other low commission brands, so most sellers will find better dollar-for-dollar value elsewhere.

Selling with a low commission real estate agent

Average realtor commission rates | How much can I save? | How the savings work | Find low cost realtors near me 

What’s the average real estate commission?

The average real estate commission rate for 2022 in the U.S. was 5.37%.^ℹData on commission rates comes from a survey of over 900 agents conducted by our partner site, Clever Real Estate.

Real estate commission is generally split evenly between the listing agent and buyer’s agent, with each realtor earning about 2.69%.

However, commission fees aren’t set in stone — it really depends on where you’re selling. In many parts of the U.S., the standard commission rate is 6%, with each agent charging 3%.

👉 MORE: Find the average commission rate in your area

How much can I save with a low cost realtor?

Realtor commission fees add up quickly, but selling with a low cost realtor can save you thousands of dollars.

On a $500,000 home sale, paying standard rates for real estate commission could cost you $30,000. Hiring a low commission real estate agent would save you as much as $10,000!

When working with a low cost broker, any savings typically come from your listing agent, who accepts a below-average fee. 

In almost all cases, you’ll still want to offer a competitive buyer’s agent fee. This motivates local real estate agents to show your home to their clients, and advertising below-market rates could put you at a disadvantage.

If you offer a lower fee than another seller with a similar home, which listing do you think realtors will recommend to buyers?

How discount companies create savings

Discount real estate companies help you sell your home for less than the average commission rate in your area. 

Some services, like Clever and Ideal Agent, pre-negotiate low rates with full service realtors from traditional brokerages. These realtors find new customers without any up-front cost or effort, so they can offer you lower rates while providing the same level of service.

Other companies, like Redfin, are full-fledged real estate brokerages with their own in-house agents. They create savings by streamlining the sale process, whether by hiring on a salaried team of agents or offering a fully digital experience. 

How to find top low commission real estate agents near me

Looking for real estate agents with the lowest commission in your area? Select your state in the table below to find nearby discount services. Then click on a company name to learn more.

Methodology

Average savings are based on what each low commission broker charges across four common price points — $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $750,000 — compared to a standard 3% listing agent commission.

Data on commission rates comes from a survey of over 900 agents conducted by our partner site, Clever Real Estate.

Note: Pricing data, locations, and other data points are current as of when this article was last updated.

Realtor commission FAQs

Other ways to save on real estate commission

We think hiring a low commission real estate agent is the best way to save money on your home sale — but it’s not your only option! Read on to learn about other ways to reduce or eliminate realtor fees when selling your house.

The Best Discount Real Estate Brokers for Every Budget: Using a discount real estate broker is a great way to save money when you sell. But you have to make sure you’re not sacrificing quality and service. Read this guide to learn which companies offer great rates AND stellar service.

How to Negotiate Real Estate Commission: No matter what you’ve heard, real estate commission is 100% negotiable. Learn tips and tricks for persuading your realtor to sell your house for less.

How to Sell a House Without a Realtor — The Complete Guide: If you know what you’re doing, you can cut out seller agent fees by listing your house for sale by owner (FSBO). Learn more now.

Top 2% Real Estate Commission Companies: Save thousands of dollars by getting a 2% real estate commission. Read about top 2% commission realtors here.

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.