Real estate commissions can take a big bite out of your home sale profits, but they’re negotiable. Traditionally, listing agents charge 2.5–3% of your home’s sale price. However, low-commission realtors offer a more affordable option, with fees as low as 1–2%. On a $500,000 home, that can mean savings of $5,000 to $10,000!
In this guide, we’ll highlight the top low commission real estate companies of 2025, explain how they work, and help you weigh the pros and cons of using one. While some, like Clever Real Estate, offer full-service support from top-rated local agents at a discounted rate, others, such as Redfin, rely on team-based models that can result in less personalized service or limited agent availability.
Our top low commission realtor pick is Clever. It connects you with top-performing local agents who offer reduced rates (1.5%) without cutting corners. These agents come from trusted brokerages like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, or eXp Realty and offer full-service support for less. Answer a few quick questions to get hand-picked agent matches sent straight to your inbox!
Top-rated low commission real estate companies of 2025
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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
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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
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Prevu is one of the few discount real estate brokers that offers significant savings for buyers as well as sellers. Buyers can get up to 1% back after closing, while sellers can benefit from a competitive listing fee of 2%. Prevu's agents are lauded as expert negotiators with considerable market expertise. Just be prepared to do a little more of the legwork when it comes to finding and touring homes. While some customers appreciating the independence and others cautioning that it may not be best for first-time buyers.
Pros
- 1.5% listing fee offers good savings for sellers
- Buyers can receive up to 1% back after closing
Cons
- High minimum fees can limit savings
- Small agent network means you may not get an agent with local expertise
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Houwzer has a 1% listing fee, which is among the lowest of any low commission brand. It also offers enticing buyer rebate of up to half the buyer broker fee. However, Houwzer agents work as a team and handle 3x the transaction volume of traditional agents. Reviews indicate that the higher client load and remote handling of transactions can sometimes impact agents' responsiveness.
Pros
- 1% listing fee is low compared to competitors
- Broker fee capped at 1% for buyers
- Agents provide full service and support
Cons
- Agents handle a high volume of transactions
- Small percentage of reviews mention service quality issues
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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
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Redfin is an established discount brokerage that offers impressive savings — especially if you buy and sell with a Redfin agent. While the company's standard listing fee varies from 1.5–2%, it's reduced by an additional 0.5% if you also purchase a home within a year. However, Redfin may not be the best fit for those seeking personalized, high-touch service, as some customers have noted that Redfin agents are often less involved than traditional agents.
Pros
- 1.5–2% listing fee, and up to 0.25% cash back for buyers
- Convenient home search site with high marketing visibility for sellers
- Significant savings if you buy and sell with Redfin
Cons
- Agents handle more transaction volume and may be less hands-on
- Reviews on 3rd-party sites are lower than many competitors'
- High minimum fees in some markets
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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
- Fast, easy way to compare local agents
- Agents offer full service and support
- Many customers report a positive experience with their agent
Cons
- No guaranteed savings for buyers or sellers
- Lax vetting standards compared to some competitors
- A small percentage of complaints mention a lack of professionalism and communication
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.
What is a low commission realtor?
A low commission realtor is a licensed real estate agent who charges less than the traditional 2.5–3% listing fee, often between 1% and 2%. A $500,000 home sale can save you $5,000–10,000 compared to paying full commission.
Low commission agents typically offer full-service support — including pricing strategy, marketing, negotiations, and closing coordination — but at a reduced fee. Some may operate independently, while others work through discount brokerages or agent-matching services.
Pros
- Lower fees
- Full service may be provided
- Easily compare top agents
Cons
- Team-based models common
- Some brokers offer fewer in-person services
- Team-based models common
Ultimately, the best low commission realtor combines discounted rates with personalized, full-service support, helping you save money without adding stress to your home sale. In fact, 83% of sellers received comprehensive support (including pricing, marketing, and paperwork) from their agent, underscoring the importance of choosing a low commission realtor who doesn’t cut corners on service.[1]
Average real estate commission rates
Real estate agent commission varies widely by location and the typical housing prices in your state. In the United States, listing agents charge anywhere from 1.00% to 4.50% in realtor fees, with home sellers paying an average of 2.77%. On a home valued at $367,969 — the median home price in the United States — that equates to about $10,193.
Buyer's agent commission rates also typically range from 1.00% to
4.00%, or 2.67% on average. That's about $3,680 to $14,719 on a $367,969 home.
By working with a low commission realtor like Clever Real Estate, you can reduce the listing fee to 1–2%, potentially saving thousands of dollars without giving up full-service support.
NAR lawsuit settlement and commission rates
The 2024 National Association of Realtors (NAR) lawsuit settlement has significantly changed how buyers and sellers handle real estate commissions.
In the past, sellers usually paid commissions for both the listing agent and the buyer's agent, typically totaling 5–6% of the home’s sale price. Now, buyers have to negotiate fees directly with their own agents first, making the process more transparent.[2]
Although sellers aren’t required to pay buyer’s agent commissions, many buyers may still ask for seller concessions to help cover these costs. Sellers often include these concessions in the sale price, and the money is taken out of the seller’s proceeds at closing.
"Consumers are confused, and agents are concerned about these changes, but those agents who can effectively educate buyers and sellers about the new rules will come out on top," says Sonya Fowler Revell, a real estate agent based in the Florida Panhandle.
Shane Parker, a real estate broker at S&P Realty in Michigan, says the new structure forces all parties to rethink how commissions are justified.
“Buyers are becoming more aware of what they’re paying for, and agents have to be able to clearly explain the value they bring to the table,” he explains. “It’s not just about listing a home anymore — it’s about strategy, pricing, and execution.”
Will realtor commission rates rise or fall?
Most experts we spoke with predict commission rates will continue to decline slightly.
"Total commission rates are shrinking — the days of a 6% standard commission are fading," says Yoann Dorat of One Sotheby's International Realty. "The rise of alternative models, such as flat-fee services, hybrid agents, and agent-matching platforms, is making commission structures more flexible."
Key insights on the NAR lawsuit
A recent survey by Clever Real Estate highlights key insights about the impact of the NAR settlement:
- Nearly two-thirds of real estate agents (64%) oppose the changes to commission structures, though this is down slightly from 70% earlier in 2024.
- Meanwhile, 63% of homeowners planning to sell next year say they’re more likely to list their property now that they’re not required to cover the buyer’s agent commission.
- Despite these shifts, only 26% of homeowners and potential buyers fully understand the lawsuit and its implications, while 40% admit they either don’t understand the changes or haven’t heard of them at all.
Partnering with a trusted local real estate expert is the best way to navigate the NAR commission changes. Connect with a local agent today for personalized advice and support.
What factors impact commission rates?
How much a realtor charges can vary based on a few key factors. Parker, the broker at S&P Realty in Michigan, explains that commission rates often vary based on a home’s price.
“With higher-end properties — say in areas like Birmingham or Grosse Pointe — where the price points are significantly higher, commission rates are sometimes slightly lower as a percentage because the total dollar amount is still substantial,” he says.
In contrast, Parker explains that lower-priced homes, especially in markets like Detroit, may have higher commission rates to account for the time and effort required to sell despite a smaller payout.
Local market conditions matter, too. “In a fast-moving seller’s market... I’m more open to adjusting commission,” Parker says. “But in a slower or more competitive market, the commission has to reflect the actual work involved.
Finally, consider the level of service being provided by the agent. Full-service agents who invest in professional marketing, open houses, and negotiation typically charge more than limited-service or flat-fee brokers. Parker emphasizes it’s not just about the rate.
“We don’t just list homes — we actively manage the entire process and use real strategy to drive results,” he says. Instead of focusing solely on commission percentage, consider the value you get for the fee.
What is the lowest real estate commission?
Low commission realtors charge as little as 1–1.5% instead of the usual 2.5–3%.
However, not all low-commission agents provide the same value for the money. Some provide full service, while others offer limited support through a flat-fee or à la carte model. Options for low-commission realtors include full-service and limited-service realtors.
Full service vs. limited service
“A full-service agent isn't just someone who puts a sign in the yard and lists a property on the MLS — they’re a strategic partner who manages every step of the transaction to protect your equity and maximize your outcome,” says Parker, the broker at S&P Realty in Michigan.
Limited-service agents typically provide fewer services, such as MLS-only listings, which means the seller is responsible for marketing, showings, negotiation, and paperwork. That approach might suit experienced investors or sellers in a hot market — but it could result in costly mistakes for the average homeowner.
"A strong full-service agent will negotiate better offers, handle issues before they become deal-breakers, and keep the deal moving forward through appraisal, inspection, and closing. That experience often pays for itself several times over," Parker says.
How to choose a low commission real estate agent
Finding the best low commission or discount realtor isn’t just about finding the lowest commission rates. There’s a lot to consider when choosing a discount real estate broker, from the services offered, to the agents' experience, and the actual savings they deliver at closing.
What services are included?
A full-service low commission realtor provides the same services and support as a traditional real estate agent, but at a reduced cost.
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 representation
- Pricing guidance
- Professional photography
- Home staging advice
- A listing on the multiple listing service (MLS)
- Syndication to sites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com
- Yard sign and lock box
- Coordination of home showings and open houses
- Help with evaluating offers, negotiating, and completing paperwork
- Guidance through inspections, appraisals, and closing
Some full-service brokerages also include premium services, or offer them for an additional cost. These might include:
- Drone footage
- Floor plans
- Social media marketing
- Virtual tours
- Staging services
- Coordination for services like cleaning, landscaping, and pre-listing home improvements
When considering your options, make sure your realtor offers all your needed services. Some discount realtors offer lower rates but ignore core services like photography or closing support. Other companies charge higher listing fees but include premium services such as virtual tours or floor plans.
Keep in mind: An industry survey found that 83% of sellers received a broad range of services and full transaction management from their agents, and 88% listed their homes on the MLS, showing how vital these elements are to a successful home sale.[2] Additionally, 22% of sellers said that marketing the home was the most important service their agent provided.
Who will actually represent me?
When shopping for low commission realtors, remember that you're hiring the individual agent, not the brand. Prioritize companies that let you choose your own agent, rather than assigning one to you immediately. And interview agents from 2–3 different brokerages before making a decision.
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 an agent:
- Ask about years of experience, sales volume, customer reviews, and services offered. Look for agents with strong credentials who provide full-service support.
- Make sure your agent is local, will 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 ensure the agent has satisfied clients. (Top companies have at least a 4.5 out of 5-star rating. 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!
Am I getting a good deal?
The average listing commission in the United States is around 2.77% of the home's sale price. So ideally, you’d want to find a discount realtor willing to list your home for a 2% real estate commission or less to achieve significant savings. A few discount realtors even charge as low as a 1% listing fee while still offering full service.
However, the commission value varies by business model and agent. When shopping for lower commission rates, you'll typically encounter several different types of companies, including full-service brokerages, limited services or flat fee companies, and flat fee MLS companies.
Types of low commission realtors
Low commission realtors fall into a few different categories. When comparing options, it's important to choose the best realtor for your situation — which may not always be the one with the lowest commission rate.
Full-service low commission realtors
Full-service, low commission realtors are the best choice for sellers who want to save money on realtor fees while still getting the same level of service and support they'd expect from a traditional realtor.
A full-service realtor may be especially important for a first-time home buyers and sellers who may not be familiar with the process. We recommend avoiding agents who don't offer in-person support during home tours (if you're a buyer) or before listing (if you're a seller). While technology continues to play a role in home buying, only 6% of buyers purchased homes based on virtual tours or showings without seeing the property in person, down from 10% a year ago.[2]
This highlights the ongoing value of having a trusted agent for in-person support. Be sure that they'll take care of you from initial expectation-setting through to negotiations and closing.
» Find the best low commission realtors near you
Flat fee or limited-service low commission realtors
Flat fee realtors may charge anywhere from $2,500 to $ 10,000 or more to sell your home. The level of services varies greatly from one company to the next, as do the fees. Some companies, like Homie, offer a standard listing fee no matter how much your home is worth. Others charge on a sliding scale based on home value, service package, or square footage.
Using a flat fee realtor can be a good way to save money compared to traditional percentage-based commissions, particularly if you're selling a higher-priced home. But, if you're selling a less expensive property, you may get more savings by choosing a percentage-based discount realtor. It all depends on the amount of the flat fee and how that compares to your home's potential sale price.
Also, some flat fee realtors may run on a limited-service model or charge extra for items like professional photography or virtual tours. Others may not offer any in-person support at all, meaning you'll handle showings and communicate mostly via email. Before hiring a flat fee broker, consider the level of service you're comfortable with and whether the flat fee option provides all the assistance you need.
Flat fee MLS companies
Flat fee MLS companies aren't true low commission brokerages. However, they're often grouped into the same category.
With a flat fee MLS company, you pay an agent a low, flat rate — typically a few hundred dollars — to list your house on your local MLS. However, apart from the MLS listing, you act as your own agent.
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 manage the marketing, showings, negotiations, and closing.
While this can save you money on commissions, it requires more time and effort, and you may not get your desired asking price. Multiple sources show that FSBO homes sell for less.[2][3] And a majority (54%) of those who sold FSBO said wish that they had used an agent.[4]
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.
- Sell to a cash home buyer. 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 buyer. Cash buyers are reshaping the market, with 32% of home purchases in March 2025 being all-cash sales, the highest percentage recorded.[2] They're generally a good option if your home is in poor condition and you don't have the time or money to spend on repairs.
- Sell to an iBuyer. iBuyers also make fast offers, typically paying more than cash home buyers. However, these companies have stricter criteria for the homes they purchase and operate in fewer markets. They also charge services fees and deduct estimated repair costs from your final offer.
- Sell without a realtor. Selling for sale by owner (FSBO) is a significant time commitment, but will obviously save you the most on realtor fees and allow you much more control over marketing, showings, negotiations. If you decide to sell FSBO, we recommend using a flat fee MLS listing company to ensure your listing is seen by more buyers.
- Negotiate realtor fees yourself: Instead of accepting standard commission rates, you can try to negotiate lower fees with full-service realtors. This approach allows you to potentially reduce costs while still benefiting from professional services. Your success may depend largely on market conditions, the complexity of your sale, and your negotiation skills. Be prepared to discuss what services you need and what you're willing to pay for them.
Should you 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. For example, 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, meaning 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. Some low commission real estate companies charge minimum fees as high as $5,000 — equal to 2% of a home valued at $250,000. These fees can limit savings on lower-priced homes.
- Limited services. Some low commission brokers cut costs by limiting the service they provide, or charging extras for "add-ons" like open houses or professional photography.
The key is finding a company that offers the right balance of discounted rates and robust service.
Methodology
To help you get the best value when selling your home, the Real Estate Witch Team carefully evaluated and ranked the top low commission real estate brokerages based on the following criteria:
- Availability: We only included national and regional brokerages accessible to most readers across the U.S., ensuring widespread options regardless of location.
- Agent quality: We assessed each company's agent standards, including average years of experience, sales performance, and customer reviews. We prioritized companies with the highest agent standards to ensure you receive top-notch service.
- Agent selection: Companies that offer multiple agent options to compare were given higher rankings, as this increases the likelihood of finding an agent that best fits your specific needs and goals.
- Service level: We focused on full-service discount realtors and brokerages that provide comprehensive support, from in-person consultations to end-to-end transaction management. These services mirror what you would expect from a traditional realtor, ensuring no compromise on quality.
- Pricing: We scrutinized each company’s fee structure to determine which offers the best overall value in terms of price versus service. We also looked for companies with minimal unfavorable pricing terms, such as high minimum fees or nonrefundable upfront costs.
- Customer reviews: We analyzed all verifiable customer reviews for each service, considering not only the total number and average ratings but also the relevance and recency of the reviews. This helps verify that past customers' experiences reflect current service standards.
- Sales activity: We examined available data on past transactions to gauge sales performance and activity level and to verify that agents are actively selling homes and engaged in the market.
Our comprehensive evaluation process guarantees that our recommendations are grounded in the most reliable and current information.
Editorial policy
Credible, primary sources power our pages. When you hire a service through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. But this doesn't influence our advice or ranking methodology. Learn more about Real Estate Witch here.
The Real Estate Witch content team created parts of this page with the assistance of an AI tool. Our team of humans researched the companies, collected and analyzed the data, ranked the companies, and then used AI to assist in identifying positive and negative themes from company reviews. Our team fact-checked and edited the text, as we do for all of our content.
FAQ
How can I find the best low commission real estate agents near me?
The best way to find low commission real estate agents near you is by using a service that sends agent matches in your zip code. Clever Real Estate is a low commission real estate brokerage that pre-negotiates a 1.5% listing with agents in its network. When you sign up on its website, you'll receive multiple agent matches in your inbox.
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. Learn more about whether low commission realtors are worth it.
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.
Related reading
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.