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When you sell a house, the typical 6% realtor commission is expensive. On a $500,000 home sale, you’d pay $30,000!
But you don’t have to pay 6%. Low commission realtors can help you save a lot of money without sacrificing the support you need for a successful sale.
👉 Just looking for low commission real estate agents near you? Fill out this short form to get matched with top local agents offering a 1.5% listing fee!
The best nationwide low commission companies
🏆 Clever Real Estate is our #1 pick overall. Clever lets you work with top local realtors from major brands like Keller Williams and Compass. But when you go through Clever, you get special rates that save you up to 50% on listing fees. Clever has more agents (19,000+) in more markets than our other top picks, plus the best customer rating of any brand we evaluated.
🥈 Redfin offers the same low rates as Clever, but your selection is limited to Redfin’s in-house agents. That’s not a deal breaker — Redfin has some solid agents. Just know that Redfin’s agent headcount and quality ratings vary by market, so you’ll need to do your homework! Also, some customers say the Redfin experience is a bit more hands-off and tech-centric than selling with a conventional realtor.
🥉 UpNest, like Clever, matches you with conventional realtors near you. But it doesn’t pre-negotiate a lower listing fee on your behalf. Instead, agents set their own rates and bid for your business, which sometimes leads to discounts. The company has solid customer reviews, and we think it’s worth a look if you want more options to compare against Redfin and Clever agents (all of our top picks have no up-front cost or obligation).
Full list of low commission brokerages | Low commission realtor, defined | Alternatives | How to choose a low commission agent | FAQ | Methodology
Find low commission real estate agents near you
Looking for real estate agents with the lowest commission in your area? Select your state in the table below to find discount services near you.
Note: If you can’t find your state or city, please check back. We’re actively working on building out pages for all fifty states.
Discount Brokers Near Me | State |
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Discount real estate brokers in Alabama | Alabama |
Discount real estate brokers in Alaska | Alaska |
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Discount real estate brokers in Maine | Maine |
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Discount real estate brokers in Nevada | Nevada |
Discount real estate brokers in New Hampshire | New Hampshire |
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Discount real estate brokers in Rhode Island | Rhode Island |
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Discount real estate brokers in South Dakota | South Dakota |
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Discount real estate brokers in Vermont | Vermont |
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Discount real estate brokers in West Virginia | West Virginia |
Skip the reading: Get matched with low commission real estate agents in minutes!
Full list of low commission real estate brokerages
Company | Our Rating | Listing Fee | Availability | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best overall
Clever Real Estate |
Our rating
|
1.5%
Min. $3,000
|
Nationwide
|
Find Agents |
Redfin |
Our rating
|
1.5%
Min. fee varies
|
26 states and Washington, DC
|
Find Agents |
UpNest |
Our rating
|
Varies by agent
Avg. 2.2%
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More |
Ideal Agent |
2%
Min. $3,000
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More | |
Houwzer |
1% (min. $2,500)
|
DC, FL, MD, NJ, PA, VA
|
Learn More | |
Prevu |
1.5%
|
CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, MD, MA, NJ, NY, PA, TX, VA, WA
|
Learn More |
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
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 while working with a top local realtor from a well-known brokerage, like RE/MAX and Keller Williams.
Pros
- 1.5% listing fee is half the typical rate.
- Agents have strong sales records and great customer reviews.
- Free agent-finding platform with no obligation to sign with a realtor.
Cons
- Certain add-ons like drone photography and staging may cost extra.
- 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
Customer Rating
Our take
Overview
Locations
Redfin is a well-known discount brokerage that operates in most major cities. The savings are impressive, especially if you buy and sell with Redfin, but some of its agents are inexperienced. And while Redfin’s tech-focused approach comes with some neat features, it also means you may get less hands-on support than you need.
Pros
- You’ll get good savings with a 1.5% listing fee.
- Redfin’s extras, like 3D walk-throughs, can help sell your home.
- If you buy and sell with Redfin, you can get a 0.5% listing fee refund.
Cons
- Agent quality and customer service are not always great.
- Minimum fees are high in some markets.
- You’ll receive less one-on-one support from your agent.
Redfin offers good commission savings, and it’s available in most metro areas. But it comes up short in terms of customer service, plus its high minimum fees negate the savings in some markets.
Redfin uses a team-based model instead of having your agent oversee every part of your sale. This approach makes the process more efficient, which allows Redfin agents to handle a higher volume of customers. But you may face misunderstandings or mix-ups when working with multiple people.
And while some Redfin agents are good, others are new and inexperienced. With relatively few realtors in its network, you run a higher risk of getting stuck with a less-than-stellar realtor when you sell with Redfin.
Redfin is available in major markets in Washington D.C. and the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia.
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Our take
Overview
Locations
UpNest is a good way to see a range of options. Agents on UpNest’s platform compete for your business, giving you a variety of bids to choose from.
But be aware of some potential downsides. UpNest doesn’t negotiate a lower fee with their agents, so you may end up paying close to market rate. Also, customer complaints frequently mention that it was difficult to get the promised $150 Amazon gift card.
Pros
- Agents compete for your business, which may result in a lower realtor fee.
- There’s a wide selection of experienced and tech-savvy agents.
Cons
- The actual savings for sellers and buyers vary depending on the agent.
- Customers complain that it’s hard to get the promised Amazon gift card.
- Service quality can vary between agents.
UpNest is an online real estate platform where agents compete for your business. You’ll receive proposals from multiple agents in your area.
Agents on UpNest set their own rates. The company claims that the competition drives agents to lower their rates in order to win your business, but there are no guaranteed savings for sellers or buyers.
In their proposals, agents explain what services they offer. They typically offer full service and support, including a comparative market analysis, photography, virtual tours, staging, and open houses for sellers. Buyers also receive detailed proposals.
UpNest is available nationwide.
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
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.
Read the full Ideal Agent review.
Pros
- Matched with top-performing realtors.
- 2% listing fee is a slight discount.
Cons
- Fewer agents makes it harder to compare your options.
- Limited coverage outside of big cities.
- Mediocre savings 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
Customer Rating
Our take
Overview
Locations
Houwzer gets points for its low 1% listing fees, which could save you a lot of money. Its $10,000 cap on listing fees makes it especially enticing if you’re selling a million-dollar home. But Houwzer’s high-volume, team-based approach is a red flag if you need one-on-one support from your agent. Unless you’re in a market where homes are “selling themselves,” using Houwzer is probably more risky than it’s worth.
Pros
- The company offers a low 1% listing fee with a reasonable minimum.
- It has a $10,000 listing fee cap, making it a good deal for homes over $1 million.
Cons
- Agents handle a lot of clients, which may negatively impact service quality.
- You have fewer agents to choose from compared to other brands.
Houwzer is one of the cheapest discount realtors because of its 1% listing fee and reasonable minimum. It even has a cap of $10,000 on fees, which is an especially good deal if you’re selling a home for more than $1 million.
But Houwzer might not have the best service quality. Like Redfin and SimpleShowing, Houwzer’s agents handle a lot more clients than traditional realtors do. Your sale might not get the attention it needs from your realtor. And because you’ll work with a team instead of just your agent, the chances of miscommunication and mistakes also increase.
Houwzer is available in DC, FL, MD, NJ, PA, and VA.
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Our take
Overview
Locations
If Prevu is in your area, it may be worth looking into. The company is one of the few discount real estate brokers that offers significant savings for both sellers and buyers. Its 1.5% listing fee is competitive with other brands, and buyers can get up to 2% back after closing.
But Prevu is a small company, so you’ll want to ensure the agent it matches you with is actually suitable for your transaction. We suggest comparing Prevu’s agents to what other discount real estate brokers can offer so you get the best agent for your situation.
Pros
- Prevu’s 1.5% listing fee offers good savings for sellers.
- Buyers can save with up to 2% back after closing.
Cons
- High minimum fees can negate savings.
- The limited agent selection means you may not get the right agent for your transaction.
Prevu is a discount real estate company that offers big savings for home buyers and sellers in higher-value markets like New York City and Los Angeles. Prevu offers its savings by connecting home buyers and sellers with salaried agents who handle most of the tasks ordinarily handled by a full-service realtor.
Prevu is available in select markets in CA, CT, MA, NY, and PA.
What’s a low commission realtor?
Low commission realtors charge a reduced listing fee compared to traditional realtors — often 1–1.5% instead of 2.5–3%. On a $500,000 home sale, this could save you $5,000–10,000.
Here are the main types of low commission realtors.
Full-service low commission realtors
A full-service low commission realtor provides the same services and support as a traditional real estate agent.
When you use a full-service brokerage, you work with a local agent who meets with you in person. They guide you through every step of the buying or selling process. This includes services like:
- In-person consultations and home visits
- Guidance on local market pricing
- Professional photography
- Home staging advice
- A listing on the multiple listing service (MLS)
- Coordination for home showings and open houses
- Help with evaluating offers, negotiating, and completing paperwork
- Guidance through inspections, appraisals, and closing
Some full-service brokerages also offer drone footage, 3D home tours, staging services, and coordination for services like cleaning and landscaping.
Who they’re best for
Full-service low commission realtors are the best choice for most people. We recommend this type of service to people who want to save on commissions while still getting maximum service and support, especially first-time sellers or buyers.
Who should avoid them
The only people who may want to avoid full-service discount realtors are those who have extensive real estate experience and want to handle the sale solo to maximize savings.
Flat fee or limited-service low commission realtors
A flat fee or limited-service low commission realtor offers basic services for a low up-front fee ($250+) and possibly a percentage at closing. The services typically include:
- A comparative market analysis (CMA)
- A lockbox
- A yard sign
- An MLS listing
- An app to coordinate showings
However, you probably won’t get an in-person agent, paperwork support, or help with negotiations.
Some low commission companies call themselves full service when they really only offer limited service. Check the company website, and ask a representative if an agent will be directly involved.
Who they’re best for
Flat fee and limited-service brokers are best if you’re an experienced real estate investor. You need to be comfortable handling showings, negotiations, paperwork, and more on your own. These options can also work well for straightforward sales with move-in ready homes in hot markets.
Who should avoid them
You should avoid flat fee and limited-service brokers if you’re new to real estate transactions and want guidance throughout the process. Without a hands-on agent, you might feel overwhelmed. These options are also risky if you’re selling a fixer-upper or dealing with a slow market.
» MORE: Learn about flat fee real estate brokerages
Flat fee MLS companies
Flat fee MLS companies are not true low commission brokerages. However, they’re often grouped into the same category.
With a flat fee MLS company, you pay an up-front fee — usually $50–500 — in exchange for a listing on your local MLS. That’s it. You won’t get any other services an agent would provide, like help with open houses, negotiations, and paperwork.
Essentially, going the flat fee MLS route means you’re selling your home for sale by owner (FSBO). The MLS listing exposes your home to buyers working with real estate agents in your area. But you’ll serve as your own agent.
» MORE: Learn about flat fee MLS listing companies
Alternatives to low commission realtors
If you’re in one of the following situations, you might be better off with a different real estate company or process.
- You need to sell your home quickly (in 1-2 weeks), and it needs repairs. If you’re on a strict timeline and don’t mind accepting an offer that’s below market value, you may be better off selling to a cash home buyer. Cash buyers are also a good option if your home is in poor condition and you don’t have the time or money to spend on repairs.
- You need to sell your home quickly (in 1-2 weeks), and it’s move-in ready. iBuyer companies also make fast offers, and they’ll typically pay more than cash home buyers. These companies have stricter criteria for the homes they purchase.
- You want to sell on your own without a realtor. Selling for sale by owner (FSBO) is a significant time commitment, but you can keep a lot more money in your pocket by cutting out realtor fees altogether. If you decide to sell FSBO, we recommend using a flat fee MLS listing company to ensure your listing is seen by most buyers.
Who should consider a low commission realtor?
Most home sellers and buyers can benefit from working with a full-service low commission realtor. You get significant savings on commissions without sacrificing personalized guidance. The brokerages listed in this article provide discounted rates but also offer full service and agent support.
» See our full list of full-service low commission realtors
However, if your goal is to maximize savings on realtor fees, and you don’t mind being more hands-on, you may want to explore other discount brokers.
You could try a limited-service company or a flat fee MLS company. These ultra-low cost alternatives make the most sense for people who have some real estate experience, have a straightforward home sale, or are comfortable taking on more tasks themselves.
Why use a low commission realtor?
A low commission realtor can save you thousands in agent fees during a home sale. But there are some risks to look out for, too.
The potential benefits of using a low commission realtor include:
- Savings on realtor fees. On a $500,000 home sale, you could save $7,500 by paying a 1.5% listing fee versus the typical 3% fee.
- Full service and support. Many low commission brokers don’t cut corners, and you’ll receive the same full service and support from your agent that you’d expect from traditional agents.
- Multiple vetted agents to choose from. You can interview several agents and find the best fit for your situation and personality.
Some risks include:
- Team-based service models. Some companies have different people handle different parts of your transaction, which can lead to less personalized service.
- High minimum fees. These fees can negate savings on lower-priced homes.
- Limited services. Some low commission brokers cut costs by not offering full service, which might leave you without enough support.
The key is finding a company that offers the right balance of discounted rates and robust service.
How to shop for and choose a low commission real estate agent
Shopping around is essential to finding the best low commission agent for your needs.
Try to interview agents from 2–3 different brokerages before deciding. Remember, you’re hiring the individual agent, not the brand. Reputable low commission companies don’t charge fees upfront, so you can interview as many agents as you want at no cost or commitment.
Here are a few tips on what to look for in a low commission agent or brokerage:
- Ask about years of experience, sales volume, customer reviews, and services offered. Look for agents with strong credentials who offer full service support.
- Make sure your agent will be local, meet with you in person, provide a comparative market analysis, coordinate showings, help negotiate offers, and guide you through closing.
- Look up customer reviews from the past six months to make sure the agent has satisfied clients. You can also find recent transaction data on Zillow to ensure the agent is active in your area.
- Trust your gut. Make sure you feel comfortable with and confident in your agent. A good personality fit is important!
Realtor commission FAQ
How can I find the best low commission real estate agents near me?
A few low commission real estate companies, like Clever, have agents available nationwide. However, most discount brokerages are only available in a handful of states. Click here to search for low commission companies in your area!
Are low commission realtors worth it?
Yes, low commission realtors are worth it. The best companies, like Clever and Ideal Agent, provide the same experience as selling with a traditional agent, but charge a fraction of the price. But other brands offer savings at the expense of service and overall value. See the full list of the top low commission brokerages to find the best fit for you!
What company offers the cheapest real estate commission fees?
For most home sellers, a 1–1.5% commission real estate company like Clever Real Estate or SimpleShowing offers the lowest real estate commission fees. But the cheapest option for you depends on your location and home price. If you have a more expensive home, you might find a better rate with a flat-fee company like Houwzer. Find the best discount brokerage for your needs and budget!
What is a fair real estate commission?
A fair real estate commission depends on several factors, including your home's price, condition, and desirability, as well as what services you need from your agent. Across the U.S., the typical rate is 2.5–3% each to the buyer's and listing agent. Find the brokerages with the cheapest realtor fees.
What commission do most realtors charge?
Traditional real estate agents typically charge 2.5–3% as a listing fee. Usually, home sellers also have to pay real estate agent commission to the buyer's agent, which is another 2.5–3%. So the total commission you can expect to pay with a traditional real estate agent is 5–6%.
Are there any disadvantages to using a discount real estate broker?
Some discount real estate brokers cut corners in order to offer low commission real estate fees. However, you should focus on the quality of the individual real estate agent rather than the brand they work for. Some low commission real estate agents offer excellent full service at low rates.
Methodology
The Real Estate Witch Team filtered and ranked the top low commission real estate brokerages based on the following criteria:
- Availability: We only included national and regional brokerages that would be an option for most readers across the US.
- Agent quality: We looked at each company’s agent standards, including average years of experience, sales performance, and customer reviews, and ranked companies according to which had the highest standards for their agents.
- Agent selection: We recommended companies that offered multiple options to compare to increase the odds of a good fit and outcome.
- Service level: We only included full-service discount realtors and brokerages, which we think are the best option for most home sellers. These companies offer the same key services you’d expect from a traditional realtor, including in-person representation and end-to-end support.
- Pricing: We assessed each company’s fee structure and cross-referenced it with the service model to determine who offered (a) the best overall value — price vs. service — and (b) the fewest unfavorable pricing terms, like high minimums, nonrefundable up-front fees, or hidden costs.
- Customer reviews: We evaluated all verifiable customer reviews for each service. We considered not only the total review counts, average customer ratings, and key positive and negative themes, but also assessed factors like how recent and relevant the reviews are to customers making hiring decisions right now.
- Sales activity: We looked at available data about past transactions to gauge sales performance and activity level.
Related reading
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! Learn 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: 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 the 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.
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