Published
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Written by
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Edited by Jessica Johansen
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Reviewed by Kristyn Grewell
Written by Ashley Simon
Edited by Jessica Johansen
Reviewed by Kristyn Grewell
Selling a home can be expensive, with traditional realtor commissions reaching up to 6%. Low commission realtors offer a more affordable alternative, charging 1.5–2% instead of the national average of 2.83%. For example, selling a $400,000 home at 1.5% saves you $5,320 in listing fees!
Many low commission agents provide full-service support, and with options like Clever Real Estate, you can compare top agents and keep more money in your pocket.
👉 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
| Company | Our Rating | Listing Fee | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Our top pick
Clever Real Estate |
Our rating
|
1.5% ($3,000 min.)
|
Nationwide
|
Find Agents |
Redfin |
Our rating
|
1.5%
Min. fee varies
|
26 states
|
Learn more |
Ideal Agent |
Our rating
|
2%
Min. $3,000
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More |
We’ve ranked the top nationwide low commission realtor brands to help you save on listing fees without sacrificing quality service.
🏆 Clever Real Estate is our top choice overall. Clever connects you 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. Get matched with top local agents today!
🥈 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. Remember that Redfin’s agent headcount and quality ratings vary by market, so you must do your homework! Additionally, some customers say the Redfin experience is more hands-off and tech-focused than selling with a traditional realtor.
🥉 Ideal Agent offers a solid service by carefully vetting its agents and providing a small discount for sellers with a 2% listing fee. However, its limited service area and smaller agent network restrict your options compared to competitors like Clever. With Ideal Agent, you only get one agent match, and the 2% listing fee is higher than what most other discount brands charge.
JUMP TO: Full list | Low commission realtor definition | Alternatives | How to choose | 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: Please check back if you can’t find your state or city. We’re actively working on building out pages for all fifty states.
Full list of low commission real estate brokerages
| Company | Our Rating | Listing Fee | Best for | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Best overall
Clever Real Estate |
Our rating
|
1.5%
Min. $3,000
|
Comparing multiple top-producing agents, realtor fee savings
|
Nationwide
|
Find Agents |
|
Redfin |
Our rating
|
1.5%
Min. fee varies
|
Buy & sell savings, digital marketing
|
26 states
|
Learn more |
|
Ideal Agent |
Our rating
|
2%
Min. $3,000
|
Connecting with a single agent
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More |
Prevu |
Our rating
|
1.5%
Min. fee varies
|
Buyer rebate on expensive homes
|
13 states
|
Learn More |
Houwzer |
Our rating
|
1%
Min. $2,500
|
Listing fee savings
|
DC, FL, MD, NJ, PA, VA
|
Learn More |
UpNest |
Our rating
|
Varies by agent
Avg. 2.2%
|
Comparing multiple agents
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More |
Listing Fee
Active Since
Buyer Savings
Our take
Company details
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 save thousands on commission while working with a top local realtor from a well-known brokerage, like RE/MAX and Keller Williams.
Read the full Clever Real Estate review.
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
- Add-ons like drone photography and staging may cost extra.
- May not get matched with a specific realtor if they’re not in Clever’s network.
- Service that matches sellers and buyers with full-service real estate agents
- Sellers pay a pre-negotiated 1.5% listing fee (half the average rate) to their realtor after a successful home sale
- To join Clever’s network, real estate agents must be top performers in their local market, have 5+ years of experience, and demonstrate a track record of positive customer reviews
- Clever has a 5/5 rating across 3,100+ online reviews
- Accredited through the Better Business Bureau and holds an A+ rating
- Agents offer full service and support, including pricing advice, photography, MLS listing and description, negotiation support, etc.
- Eligible buyers receive $250 cash back
Listing Fee
Active Since
Buyer Savings
Our take
Company details
Redfin is an established discount brokerage that offers impressive savings — especially if you buy and sell with the brokerage. 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
- 1.5% listing fee provides good savings.
- Extras (like 3D walk-throughs) can help sell your home.
- Significant savings if you buy and sell with Redfin.
Cons
- Agent quality and customer service are not always great.
- High minimum fees in some markets.
- Agents may not have expertise in your local market.
- Full-service discount brokerage with licensed, salaried agents
- Sellers pay a 1.5% listing fee to their agent after a successful home sale
- Sellers who also buy a home with Redfin will receive 0.5% cash back, bringing their total commission to 1%
- Minimum fees vary by market but are $4,000 on average, meaning that sellers of homes priced $250,000 or below may pay more than the 1.5% listing fee
- Sellers are responsible for paying a competitive buyer’s agent commission, usually 2.5-3% depending on the market
- Redfin has a 3.6 / 5 rating on Yelp (900+ reviews) and a 1.6 / 5 rating on Consumer Affairs (140+ reviews) — but you can also find reviews of individual agents on Redfin.com
- Not accredited through the Better Business Bureau
- Redfin agents provide free photography, a 3D walkthrough to market your home to potential buyers, and traditional services like pricing advice, negotiation support, yard signs, and open houses.
Listing Fee
Active Since
Buyer Savings
Our take
Company details
Ideal Agent does a good job of vetting its agents, and it offers a small discount 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 full-service realtors.
- 2% listing fee is slightly less than average.
Cons
- Only get one agent match.
- 2% listing fee is higher than most discount brands.
- Platform that matches sellers and buyers with full-service real estate agents
- Company negotiates a 2% listing fee with its realtors, which is slightly less than market value (2.5-3%)
- Sellers are responsible for paying a competitive buyer’s agent commission, usually 2.5-3% depending on the market
- Ideal Agent has a 4.9/5.0 rating across 7,000+ reviews
- Accredited through the Better Business Bureau with a A+ rating
- Agents are expected to offer full-service and support, including pricing advice, photography, negotiation support, etc.
- No guaranteed buyer savings
Listing Fee
Active Since
Buyer Savings
Our take
Company details
Prevu is one of the few discount real estate brokers that offers significant savings for buyers as well as sellers. 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.
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.
- Licensed real estate brokerage with full-service, salaried real estate agents
- Prevu agents charge a 1.5% listing fee, which is less than market value (2.5-3%)
- Sellers are responsible for paying a competitive buyer’s agent commission, usually 2.5-3% depending on the market
- Prevu has a 5/5 rating across 602 reviews
- Not accredited through the Better Business Bureau
- Agents are expected to offer full-service and support, including pricing advice, photography, negotiation support, etc.
- Buyers can receive up to 1% of the final sale price of their home as a rebate after closing (subject to a minimum commission of $10,000)
Listing Fee
Active Since
Buyer Savings
Our take
Company details
Houwzer has a 1% listing fee, which is among the lowest of any low commission brand. Its commission is capped at $10,000, which makes it especially appealing for higher-valued homes. Like Redfin, Houwzer has a few potential service risks, but if you’re selling an expensive house, the savings may be worth the tradeoffs.
Pros
- 1% listing fee is low compared to competitors.
- Agents provide full service and support.
Cons
- Fewer agents to choose from than other brands.
- Limited agent options.
- Discount real estate brokerage with a network of 51-200 salaried real estate agents
- Houwzer agents charge a 1% listing fee, which is significantly less than market value (2.5-3%)
- Sellers are responsible for paying a competitive buyer’s agent commission, usually 2.5-3% depending on the market
- Houwzer has a 4.8/5 rating across 600+ reviews
- Not accredited through the Better Business Bureau
- Agents are expected to offer full-service and support, including pricing advice, photography, negotiation support, etc.
- No guaranteed buyer savings
Listing Fee
Active Since
Buyer Savings
Our take
Company details
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.
- No guarantee your agent is a top performer or experienced in your market.
- Customer complaints mention a lack of professionalism and communication.
- Platform that matches sellers and buyers with full-service real estate agents
- Sellers fill out an online questionnaire and receive agent matches in an online dashboard
- Agents can offer to work for a reduced listing fee, but most charge close to market value (2.5-3%)
- Sellers are responsible for paying a competitive buyer’s agent commission, usually 2.5-3% depending on the market
- UpNest has a 4.7/5.0 rating across 7,000+ reviews
- Not accredited through the Better Business Bureau
- Services may vary by agent, but most offer the same general services as traditional real estate agents (pricing advice, photography, negotiation support, etc.)
- No guaranteed buyer savings
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%. Using these agents on a $500,000 home sale could save you $5,000–10,000, for example.
However, not all agents provide full-service support. Your options include both full-service realtors and flat fee or limited service realtors. Here’s how they compare:
Full-service low commission realtors
🌟 Who they’re best for
Full-service low commission realtors are the best choice for most sellers. We recommend this type of service to people who want to save money on realtor fees while still getting maximum service and support, especially first-time sellers or buyers.
❌ Who should avoid them
Those with extensive real estate experience who prefer to handle the sale themselves to maximize savings might want to avoid full-service discount realtors and opt for a more hands-on approach.
💡 Key takeaway
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 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.
Flat fee or limited-service low commission realtors
🌟 Who they’re best for
Flat-fee and limited-service brokers are best for those with prior real estate experience. You must be comfortable handling showings, negotiations, paperwork, and more independently. These options also suit straightforward sales, especially for move-in-ready homes in hot markets.
❌ Who should avoid them
Flat fee and limited-service realtors may not be suitable for those new to real estate transactions or those who prefer guidance throughout the process. The lack of hands-on support could be overwhelming and risky if you’re selling a fixer-upper or navigating a slow market.
💡 Key takeaway
A flat fee real estate broker offers basic services for a low up-front fee ($250+) and may charge a small percentage at closing. The services typically include:
- A comparative market analysis (CMA)
- A lockbox
- A yard sign
- An MLS listing
- An app, such as ShowingTime, to coordinate showings
However, you probably won’t get an in-person agent, paperwork support, or help with negotiations.
It’s also important to note that some low commission companies may label themselves as full service but only offer limited services. Always check the company’s website and ask a representative if an agent will be directly involved in your transaction.
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 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.
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, typically paying 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 much 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 with 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. 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. 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 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. 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!
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’s the best fit for 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.
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.
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