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Edited by Josiah Wilmoth
Written by Thomas O'Shaughnessy
Edited by Josiah Wilmoth
The best low commission realtors | Average commission rates | 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 commission real estate agents 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
- Best overall: Clever Real Estate
- Runner-up: Redfin
- Great for $1M+ homes: Houwzer
- Excellent value: SimpleShowing
- Available nationwide: Ideal Agent
- Big buyer savings: Prevu
#1. Clever Real Estate
🏆 Best Overall
- Listing fee: 1.5% (min. $3,000)
- Available nationwide
- Full service, zero trade-offs
Clever Real Estate is our top pick because it delivers the best combination of savings and service of any low commission company we’ve reviewed. Sellers get a 1.5% listing fee with a top agent from full-service brokerages like Keller Williams and Century 21, saving you thousands when you sell your home.
Try Clever’s free, no-obligation agent matching service today!
Sellers save an average of $5,625 when they list with Clever, compared to a traditional 3% listing fee.*
*Average savings based on listing fees at four common price points: $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $750,000.
Clever has a 4.9 out of 5 rating (1,995 total reviews) on popular review sites like Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.
Clever is available to sellers nationwide.
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 real estate agents from top regional and name-brand brokerages, like Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, and Century 21. And you get the 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 excellent 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, 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 choose 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 rewards.
Try Clever’s free service below. Request as many matches as you like, or walk away anytime. Learn how Clever can help you save thousands on your sale!
#2. Redfin
🥈 Runner-Up
- Listing fee: 1.5% (min. fees vary)
- Available in 100+ U.S. markets
- Listings featured on Redfin app
Selling with Redfin is another great way to save on real estate commission, but it offers a bit less savings — and a few more tradeoffs — than our top pick, Clever Real Estate.
Learn more about Redfin — and read reviews from real customers.
Sellers save an average of $5,541 when they list with Redfin, compared to a traditional 3% listing fee.*
*Average savings based on listing fees at four common price points: $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $750,000.
*Accounts for Redfin’s average minimum fee across all U.S. markets.
Redfin has a 3.7 out of 5 rating (301 total reviews) on popular review sites like Google, Yelp, and Consumer Affairs.
Redfin is available in 100+ U.S. markets, making it a viable option in most major metro areas across the country.
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, we think Clever is still the better value for few reasons.
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, reaching 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 that traditional agents offer.
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.
Our Take
Redfin’s 1.5% listing fee isn’t the lowest rate available, but it comes with fewer built-in trade-offs than many competitors. However, it isn’t right for everyone. If you have a complicated situation, work with a traditional agent who has the bandwidth to give your sale the attention it needs.
#3. Houwzer
🥉 Great for $1M+ Homes
- Listing fee: $5,000
- Limited service area
- Premium marketing
Houwzer’s flat $5,000 listing fee makes it a great option for luxury home sellers. You’ll pay the same fee no matter what your house is worth, so the higher your sale price, the more you’ll save!
Like Redfin, Houwzer has a few potential service risks, but if you’re selling an expensive house, the savings may be worth the tradeoffs.
Sellers save an average of $7,000 when they list with Houwzer, compared to a traditional 3% listing fee.*
*Average savings based on listing fees at four common price points: $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $750,000.
Houwzer has a 4.8 out of 5 rating (1,400 total reviews) on popular review sites like Google, Yelp, and Zillow.
Houwzer is available in the following areas: FL, MD, NJ, PA, VA, DC.
Houwzer has a 1% listing fee, which is among the lowest of any low commission brand. The company has a max fee of $10,000, which makes it an especially good deal on homes over $1 million.
Houwzer also offers great marketing tools, like 25 professional HD photos, a 360 virtual home tour, and mailers that target potential buyers in your neighborhood.
✅ Pros
- Houwzer’s 1% listing fee is among the lowest in the market.
- 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 few agents, so you’ll have limited options if you don’t like your realtor.
- Houwzer is available only in a handful of markets.
The company is a full-service brokerage. If you sell with Houwzer, your agent — or someone on their team — will guide you through the entire process.
Our Take
If you live in an area Houwzer serves, you could land significant savings. But be prepared to deal with multiple people at the company instead of getting an agent’s dedicated, personalized service.
#4. SimpleShowing
Excellent Value
- Listing fee: 1% (min. $5,000)
- Limited service area
- Full service, few trade-offs
Sellers save an average of $6,375 when they list with SimpleShowing, compared to a traditional 3% listing fee.*
*Average savings based on listing fees at four common price points: $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $750,000.
SimpleShowing has a 4.9 out of 5 rating (335 total reviews) on popular review sites like Google, Yelp, and Zillow.
SimpleShowing is available in the following areas: FL, GA, TX.
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 brokerages 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 handles 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.
Our Take
SimpleShowing’s 1% listing fee is an excellent rate. Unfortunately, SimpleShowing is available only in a handful of states. But if you’re selling a house in one of those states, it’s worth a look.
#5. Ideal Agent
National
- Listing fee: 2% (min. $3,000)
- One agent match
- Great agents, mediocre savings
Sellers save an average of $3,750 when they list with Ideal Agent, compared to a traditional 3% listing fee.*
*Average savings based on listing fees at four common price points: $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $750,000.
Ideal Agent has a 4.9 out of 5 rating (5,842 total reviews) on popular review sites like Google and Trustpilot.
Ideal Agent is available to sellers nationwide.
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 hiring your agent match isn’t obligated.
❌ Cons
- Depending on your area, Ideal Agent’s 2% listing fee might not be a huge discount.
- You get only one 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.
Our Take
Ideal Agent is a reliable resource for finding a high-quality agent. And it’s less risky than other discount companies. However, Ideal Agent isn’t the only free service that can match you with a great local agent — and top competitors like Clever offer even better rates.
#6. Prevu
Big Buyer Savings
- Listing fee: 1.5% (min. fees vary)
- Regional coverage
- Big buyer rebate for high-value homes
Sellers save an average of $2,450 when they list with Prevu, compared to a traditional 3% listing fee.*
*Average savings based on listing fees at four common price points: $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $750,000.
Prevu has a 5.0 out of 5 rating (449 total reviews) on popular review sites like Google, Facebook, and Zillow.
Prevu is available in the following areas: CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA, TX, and VA.
Prevu Real Estate advertises a 1.5% listing fee for sellers, and it offers a sizable rebate of up to 2% for eligible buyers.
Overall, Prevu offers better value to buyers than sellers. A buyer’s agent commission is usually 2.5–3%, so Prevu’s 2% commission rebate can net eligible buyers serious savings. But the rebate operates on a sliding scale. Generally, the full 2% is available only on properties sold for $1,250,000 and up.
✅ Pros
- For high-value properties, Prevu’s 2% buyer rebate offers great value.
- Prevu’s 1.5% listing fee is comparable to other low commission realtors.
❌ Cons
- With Prevu’s minimum fees, some sellers might save more with other discount companies (or even with traditional agents).
- Limited agent selection may make it harder to find a realtor with experience in your neighborhood and price range.
- The full 2% rebate isn’t available for most buyers.
Our Take
Prevu’s 1.5% listing fee is competitive, but its 2% buyer rebate is available only on high-value properties. Since Prevu has limited agents to choose from, we recommend comparing it against other low commission real estate agents to find the best fit.
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%.
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 commission real estate agent 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!
| Sell with a ... | Total commission* | Savings** |
|---|---|---|
| 1% commission realtor | $20,000 | $10,000 |
| 2% commission realtor | $25,000 | $5,000 |
| 3% commission realtor | $30,000 | $0 |
When working with low commission real estate agents, 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. Unlike flat fee MLS companies, they generally offer a full range of realtor services and still get your home listed on the multiple listing service (MLS).
Some services, like Clever and Ideal Agent, pre-negotiate low rates with full-service real estate agents from traditional brokerages. These low commission real estate agents 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 a salaried team of agents or offering a fully digital experience.
✍️ Editor’s Note
Before hiring any low commission real estate agent, compare your options. Always weigh the potential savings against the trade-offs to make sure you get the best overall value for your needs.
» MORE: Find the best discount broker for your needs and budget
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.
| Company | Listing fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Clever Real Estate | 1.5% (min. $3,000) | Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, D.C., Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
| Redfin | 1.5% (min. fees vary) | Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, D.C., Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
| Houwzer | 1% (min. $2,500) | Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C. |
| SimpleShowing | 1% (min. fees vary) | Florida, Georgia, Texas |
| Ideal Agent | 2% (min. $3,000) | Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, D.C., Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
| Prevu | 1.5% | California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington |
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
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.
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! 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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