Can you really list your house for sale at a below-market rate and still get above-average service? You absolutely can: Plenty of licensed agents will take your listing for 1% to 2% (well below the national average rate of 2.88%, and they'll handle the same things a full-price agent handles: pricing, photos, the MLS, showings, negotiation, and closing.
Sadly, most sellers never find this out. In a 2026 Clever survey of 500 U.S. home sellers, 41% of people who'd just sold a home didn't know low commission or "discount" brokerages existed, and only 9% used one.
Below you'll find what each low commission company charges, what its minimum does to your real number, where it operates, and what you give up by paying less.
Top low commission realtors of 2026
Clever Real Estate is at the top of our list for multiple reasons. The discount brokerage matches you up with top-rated local agents who have agreed to the discounted rate. It charges 1.5% with a $3,000 minimum, and it's the only company here available in all 50 states. That combination is why it leads: Houwzer and SimpleShowing both advertise lower rates, but neither can list your house unless you live in an area where they operate. The $3,000 floor matters if your home is worth less than $200,000, where 1.5% would otherwise come in under $3,000.
Ideal Agent matches you with a local agent at a 2% listing fee. It publishes no minimum anywhere, and its FAQ page is currently offline, so treat any minimum you hear about from a sales rep as unverified until you see it in writing.
Houwzer has the lowest advertised rate of any full-service option at a flat 1%, with no published minimum.[1] On a $400,000 sale, that's $4,000, or $7,520 less than the national average (2.88%). The limitation is coverage: 18 states plus Washington, D.C. Houwzer also uses a salaried team model rather than a single commission-paid agent, which some sellers prefer and others find impersonal.
UpNest works differently from everything else here. It's an agent-bidding marketplace owned by Realtor.com, not a brokerage with a set rate.[2] That's part of the appeal: you see what several agents will charge before committing to one. The trade-off? You won't know your rate going in, and rates average 2% to 2.5%, a lower discount than the other companies on this list.
SimpleShowing advertises 1% but carries a $5,000 minimum, and that minimum does more work than the headline rate suggests.[3] Your real rate is 1% only above a $500,000 sale price. At $400,000, you pay 1.25%. At $200,000, you pay 2.5%, which is no discount at all. It operates in Florida, Georgia, and Texas only.
Redfin is the most recognized name in this category by a wide margin. In Clever's 2026 seller survey, 68% of recent sellers recognized Redfin, more than any other discount brand. Its listing fee is 2%, not the 1.5% many sellers still expect.[4] The 1% rate exists but requires you to also buy your next home with Redfin within 365 days, and it is only offered in some markets. There is one more clause worth knowing: if your buyer comes to the table unrepresented, Redfin adds 1% of the sale price to your bill.
What is a low commission realtor?
A low-commission realtor is a licensed real estate agent who charges less than the market rate. This often means they charge as little as 1% to 1.5% on the listing side, which is discounted relative to the current 2.88% national average.
Companies considered "low commission" negotiate with agents to charge less because they supply the leads. Traditional realtors spend a lot of money on marketing and lead generation to find clients, but a discount real estate broker hands them the client directly. Since acquisition costs are zero, the agent can afford to charge less and pass the savings on to the buyer or seller.
The use of low-commission agents remains surprisingly low. Of the sellers surveyed by Clever who sold in the past two years, just 23% considered using a discount or low commission brokerage, and 9% actually used one. The gap between those two numbers comes down to the concerns covered further down this page.
What matters more than commission rates
If you want a successful home sale, don’t fixate on the commission rate alone. What matters most is how well the agent actually does the job.
When you’re comparing low commission agents, pay attention to things like:
- Experience in your local market, especially with homes similar to yours. Ask how many homes they've closed in your ZIP code in the past 6-12 months.
- Pricing strategy, including how they plan to attract multiple buyers and create competition.
- Negotiation skills, particularly when it comes to inspections, concessions, and closing terms.
- Level of service, such as who you’ll work with day to day and how easy they are to reach.
- Clear, upfront fees, so you’re not surprised by extra costs at closing.
A 1.5% agent who prices your home correctly and negotiates confidently can leave you with more money than a 1% agent who cuts corners. The best low commission agents deliver real savings without sacrificing execution, and that's why we've ranked companies like Clever, Houwzer, and Ideal Agent on our list.
How much can I save?
Real Estate Witch calculator
Low commission realtor savings calculator
Savings compare each low commission listing fee to a traditional 3% listing fee (listing side only).
Most low-fee companies set a floor of $3,000 to $5,000. It quietly raises what you really pay on lower-priced homes.
Estimates are listing-side only and compare each low commission fee to a traditional listing fee. Your buyer's agent fee is negotiated separately after the 2024 NAR settlement. Actual costs vary by company and market.
This calculator compares the amount you’d pay in realtor commissions with a traditional agent to a low-commission realtor who charges a 1% listing fee.
It uses:
- Your home’s sale price
- Average listing and buyer’s agent fees (based on recent U.S. commission data)
You’ll see:
- The total fees with a traditional agent vs. a 1% listing agent
- Your potential savings from using a low-commission realtor
Minimum fees hit lower-priced homes hardest, while higher-priced homes benefit most from a straight percentage discount. Always run the total dollar cost, not just the advertised rate, before you sign.
Types of low commission agents
When someone mentions a "low commission" agent, they may be talking about one of three types of products.
| Type | Cost | What you get | What you give up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service discount | 1-2% of sale price | Everything a traditional agent does | A dedicated agent (sometimes) |
| Flat-fee full service | $3,000-7,000 | Full representation for a set price | Savings disappear on lower-priced homes |
| Flat fee MLS | $100-500 | An MLS listing (and little else) | All of the work an agent does |
Full-service discount brokerages are what most of this article covers, because we think it's the best overall product for most home sellers. You get the same level of service you would receive from a traditional agent, just at a lower price. It's the right option for sellers who want to save money on commissions, without taking on the job of selling a house.
Flat-fee full service brokerages charge a set dollar amount ($3,000 to $7,000), regardless of the sale price. You get full representation: Pricing help, listing photos, etc. However, the service makes the most sense on homes priced above $700,000. For example, on a $700,000 sale, a $7,000 flat fee replaces a 2.5% commission rate ($17,500). The catch is that the savings shrink fast as the price drops: On a $250,000 home, that same flat fee costs about what you'd pay a full-service discount broker charging 1% to 1.5%, so you're not really saving anything.
Flat-fee MLS companies aren't discount agents at all. You pay $100 to $500 to get your house listed on the MLS, and then run most of the sale on your own. Sellers who've been through it before tend to do much better than first-timers. The biggest risk is mispricing. Listing $15,000 too low, and you've given away far more than the $400 you saved by skipping a realtor, listing too high, and you sit on the market until you're negotiating from a weak position.
Low commission agents: Pros and cons
Pros
- Meaningful savings on the listing fee.
- Full service, in most cases.
- Easy comparison without the haggling.
- Local agents, not out-of-market ones.
- Most sellers don't equate cheaper with worse.
Cons
- Team-based models less effective.
- Some brokers offer fewer in-person services.
- Minimum fees shrink the discount on lower-priced homes.
- The discount doesn't touch the buyer's agent fee.
Discount agents are worth it for most sellers with a straightforward, reasonably priced home in a market with real inventory. They're a worse bet for a hard-to-value property, a tight timeline, or a market where the listing agent's relationships do real work.
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.
Risks of using low commission realtors
A lower fee is only a deal if the service holds up. These are the four risks that most often turn a discount into losses, and what to watch for in each.
Team-based, high-volume models can stretch service thin
The most common way low fees get funded is volume: agents take on far more clients, often three to twenty times a traditional caseload, or split a single sale across a team. That can work, but it changes the math on attention.
Jeff Lichtenstein, CEO and broker of Echo Fine Properties in South Florida, whose team closes about 900 transactions a year, points to the quieter failures, like a listing entered by an administrator who does not know the local subdivisions well enough to make it show up in the right buyer searches.
A stretched-thin agent shows up in the response time
If you suspect your agent is overloaded, the tell is usually how fast they get back to you.
"Response time is probably the number one red flag," says Corey Wayne, lead agent of the Highline to Hamptons team across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Hamptons. "If you're not hearing back within the day, they're probably not able to manage the listing properly."
Before you sign, ask how many active listings the agent is carrying, whether there is an admin or teammate who can cover, and who will specifically answer your calls. A model built on volume is not inherently bad, but you should know what you are buying, just as you would with any other service.
Minimum fees can turn an advertised 1% into 2% or more
This is the trap that catches the most sellers. A company advertises 1%, but a minimum fee, often $3,000 to $5,000, sets a floor. On a $250,000 home, SimpleShowing's $5,000 minimum is an effective rate of 2%, not 1%, and the true 1% rate only kicks in above $500,000.[5]
Before signing any listing agreement, ask three questions: Is there a minimum fee? At my price point, what is the effective percentage? And does the rate change if my home sells for less than expected?
Dual agency and “double-dip” discounts come with a catch
One way to reach a very low total commission is dual agency, where a single agent represents both you and the buyer and may discount for handling both sides. The savings are real, but so is the cost to your representation.
"Dual agents are more or less transaction coordinators, because their fiduciary duty is not to either party," says Wayne. "The buyer and seller end up negotiating against each other on their own - I would not recommend it."
Choosing 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. As Jeff Lichtenstein notes, the cheapest packages often stop at a basic photo set and an MLS entry, and the gaps, like a listing that does not surface in the right searches, are the part you cannot see until it costs you. 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.[6] 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!
Corey Wayne suggests three questions that quickly separate a strong low-fee agent from a risky one: who is on your team, how many deals have you closed in the last 12 months, and how fast will my home sell. The last one is a test. “If an agent tells you an answer to that, they're lying,” he says. “All we can do is strategize and put a marketing plan in place; the market dictates how quickly it sells.”
Am I getting a good deal?
The average listing commission in the United States is around 2.88% 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.
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 25% of U.S. home purchases in May 2025 being all-cash sales, reflecting strong ongoing demand for cash transactions.[7] 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.
📊 Cash buyers are reshaping the market
Over the past three years, more than a quarter of all home purchases have been all-cash, and in the last year alone, 26% of sales were paid for entirely in cash.
Cash is especially common among non-primary buyers: 57% of vacation home buyers and 56% of investors purchased with all cash, compared with 18% of primary residence buyers.[7]
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 service 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 it will obviously save you the most on realtor fees and allow you much more control over marketing, showings, and negotiations. If you decide to sell FSBO, we recommend using a flat fee MLS listing company to ensure more buyers see your listing.
Negotiate realtor fees yourself: Instead of accepting standard commission rates, you can try to negotiate lower fees with full-service realtors. This approach may help you 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.
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.
How we evaluate and rank companies
We scored each company on five weighted criteria:
- Listing fee and cost transparency (30%). The advertised fee, any minimum, and add-on charges. We calculate the effective rate at $300,000, $500,000, and $900,000 to show how minimums change real savings, and we penalize pricing that is unclear or requires a phone call to learn.
- Agent quality and vetting (25%). Stated vetting criteria, experience thresholds, and sales-volume requirements. Companies that let you compare multiple agents before committing score higher than those that assign one.
- Customer reviews (25%). Aggregated from Google, Zillow, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau, with a 200-review minimum to qualify. We weight the past 12 months more heavily and flag unusual review patterns.
- Service completeness (15%). Which services are included in the base fee, such as pricing, photography, MLS listing, open houses, and negotiation support, versus what costs extra? Charging for core services costs points.
- Geographic availability (5%). Each company's service footprint. Availability in fewer than 20 states lowers this score.
Our data comes from company websites, published rate cards and minimum fees (current as of July 2026), the third-party review platforms above, NAR commission data, and Real Estate Witch's proprietary seller surveys, along with direct outreach to agents and brokers where possible. Where fees vary by market, we note the range. Ratings reflect our overall assessment across all criteria, not any single factor.
What we did not do: we did not run full end-to-end test transactions through each platform. Our service-quality assessments reflect published data, verified customer reviews, and professional judgment rather than a completed sale on every service. Fee and availability figures, which we can verify directly, carry more weight in our scoring than service-quality impressions.
Disclosure: Real Estate Witch is owned by the same parent company as Clever Real Estate, which ranks first on this list. We applied the same criteria to Clever as to every other company, and our referral fee is the same regardless of which service you choose. Factor that ownership relationship into how you read these rankings.
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. Options include Clever Real Estate, UpNest, and Ideal Agent. 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, UpNest, 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, Ideal Agent 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.
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