Best brokerages for low commission realtors | How much can I save? | Risks of using a low commission realtor | How to choose a low commission realtor
Low commission realtors are a good option if you want to save money while getting an agent’s expertise. These realtors reduce your commission by charging less than the traditional 2.5–3%.
This guide breaks down the top low commission real estate agencies. You'll learn how much they cost, their pros and cons, and which markets they work in. (Not all of these brands will be available in your area.)
Where to find the best low commission realtors in 2023
Company | Clever Rating | Listing Fee | Availability | |
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Best overall
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1.5% (min. $3,000)
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Nationwide
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Learn More | |
1.5% (min. fee varies)
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Nationwide (select markets)
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Learn More | ||
2% (min. $3,000)
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Nationwide
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Learn More | ||
1%
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DC, FL, MD, PA, NJ
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Learn More | ||
1.5% (min. fee varies)
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CO, DC, FL, MA, MD, NJ, NY, TX, VA, WA
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Learn More | ||
1% (min. $5,000)
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FL, GA, TX
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Learn More |
Listing Fee
Editor's Take
Overview
Locations
Semya-Moya is the best option for most sellers looking for an agent. The company matches you with multiple experienced, full-service agents so you can find the right fit, and it offers a low 1.5% listing fee no matter which agent you choose.
Find top agents near you today!
Pros
- You get matched with top-producing local agents in minutes.
- You get a 1.5% listing fee (about half the usual rate).
- Clever's network of 19,000 agents offers great selection compared to similar services like Ideal Agent and UpNest.
Cons
- There’s no guarantee you’ll get matched with a specific local agent or brokerage.
- Add-ons like professional home staging and drone photography may cost extra (agents will let you know exactly what’s included during listing presentations).
Semya-Moya offers a lower commission without sacrificing quality. Through its free service, you can find top-rated agents in your area and sell for just a 1.5% listing fee (much lower than the average realtor commission rate).
How it works: You take a short online quiz (five questions) to help Clever understand your situation and preferences. Then Clever matches you with vetted agents in your market who are a good fit. If you don’t like the agents Clever recommends, you can request more matches until you find the right fit — or simply walk away.
Why it’s great: You can use Clever to compare top-producing local realtors from major brands like Compass, Century 21, and Coldwell Banker. Each realtor in Clever’s network has agreed to offer lower commission rates, which lets you focus on choosing the best agent instead of worrying about the price. You get the same savings no matter what.
Clever is available nationwide.
Listing Fee
Editor's take
Overview
Locations
Redfin’s 1.5% listing fee is much lower than the traditional 2.5–3% rate, so the company can save you a lot of money when selling. If you also buy with Redfin, you could save even more. But its service model comes with risks.
Redfin agents handle a lot of clients, and they don’t always have time to provide as much hands-on service as you may need. At different stages of your sale, you’ll be handed off to another member of the Redfin team. This service model creates opportunities for errors and miscommunication.
Also watch out for minimum fees, which vary by market and can be high in some areas.
Pros
- Redfin's low listing fee of 1.5% offers excellent savings.
- Clients who buy and sell with Redfin can save even more.
- You can easily manage your listing online or via Redfin’s app.
Cons
- Agents provide limited one-on-one service.
- Customer reviews have recently become more negative.
Redfin is a discount real estate brokerage that offers a listing fee of 1.5% — about half of what realtors traditionally charge. If you buy and sell with Redfin, you can get a 0.5% rebate, bringing your listing fee down to 1%.
The company can offer these savings because of its team-based service model. Various members of the Redfin team handle different stages of the transaction, which allows agents to take on a high volume of clients. With this model, Redfin agents tend to provide less one-on-one service than traditional realtors.
Redfin is one of the largest brokers in the country, operating in 100 major cities across the US and Canada. But it has almost no coverage outside of large cities.
Redfin is available in major cities in most states, except ME, MT, ND, SD, VT, WV, and WY.
Listing Fee
Editor's take
Overview
Locations
Ideal Agent is a solid option if you’re looking for a top agent. The company vets its realtors thoroughly, so you’ll likely get a quality agent. But you won't save as much on realtor fees as you could with other companies.
Pros
- Agents are vetted and meet strict performance criteria.
- The 2% listing fee is lower than the traditional rate.
- Customer service gets excellent reviews.
Cons
- You likely won't get to choose which agent you work with.
- There are no savings for buyers and limited savings for sellers.
- There's limited ability to manage your listing online.
Ideal Agent is a real estate company that matches buyers and sellers with real estate agents.
Compared to similar companies, Ideal Agent has some of the strictest performance criteria for the agents it lets into its network. This vetting process means you're more likely to be matched with a top agent, although it also means there are fewer agents overall to choose from.
The company also offers a discounted listing fee of 2% (min. $3,000) compared to the 2.5–3% that realtors traditionally charge.
While Ideal Agent’s primary service is agent matching, the company also has a cash buyer program. With this program, Ideal Agent solicits multiple cash offers for your home from various investors. While you’re unlikely to make as much as you would selling on the open market, a cash buyer provides the convenience of a fast closing.
Ideal Agent is available nationwide.
Listing Fee
Editor's take
Overview
Locations
Houwzer is a great option for savings, but only if you’re comfortable receiving less hands-on support than you’d get from a traditional real estate agent.
The company's 1% listing fee could save you thousands compared to the 3% that traditional realtors charge.
But Houwzer — like the better-known Redfin — uses a team-based approach. You get paired with a real estate agent, but other Houwzer team members handle a lot of your transaction. That means less hands-on support from your agent and more opportunities for miscommunication.
Pros
- The 1% listing fee provides significant savings.
- The service includes 25 HD photos and virtual tours.
- Buyers can save by bundling mortgage and title.
Cons
- You get less one-on-one support from your realtor.
- The team-based service creates opportunities for miscommunication.
Houwzer is a regional discount brokerage that charges a 1% listing fee compared to the traditional 3%.
The company can offer these savings by using a team-based service model. Instead of one agent handling your entire transaction, tasks are handed off to different members of the Houwzer team. This model allows Houwzer’s agents to take on more clients than a traditional realtor. But it also means sellers get less hands-on attention from their realtor.
Buyers can also use a Houwzer agent to find a home. Houwzer offers eligible buyers a rebate of up to $2,500 at closing if they bundle mortgage and title with Houwzer’s subsidiary company, Newfound Mortgage. However, there’s no guarantee that Newfound Mortgage will offer a better rate than other home loan providers.
Houwzer is available in the following areas:
- Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa, FL
- MD
- Philadelphia, PA
- South Jersey, NJ
- Washington, DC
Listing Fee
Editor's take
Overview
Locations
Prevu offers savings for both buyers and sellers, but it offers the most value for buyers of high-value properties. Its buyer rebate of up to 2% is substantial, although the full 2% is only available on properties over $1.25 million.
Sellers can also save thanks to Prevu’s 1.5% listing fee — about half the traditional rate. But the company charges minimum fees that vary by market. If your home doesn’t sell above a certain threshold, minimum fees mean you’ll save less — and you could even end up paying more than you would with a traditional realtor.
Pros
- Eligible buyers get a rebate of up to 2%.
- Sellers can save with the 1.5% listing fee.
- The company offers significant savings on high-value homes.
Cons
- Only homes over $1.25 million qualify for the full 2% buyer rebate.
- Minimum fees undercut seller savings.
- Prevu has a small agent network, which means you could get stuck with a lackluster realtor.
Prevu is a discount brokerage that connects buyers and sellers with agents. The company advertises a buyer rebate of up to 2% and a 1.5% listing fee for sellers. However, minimum fees and other requirements mean many customers won’t qualify for these advertised rates.
Prevu is still a relatively small company with a limited pool of in-house agents. Because there are fewer agents, customers may not be able to change agents.
Like at some other discount brokerages, you may receive less one-on-one support from Prevu than you would with a traditional realtor. Prevu agents take on a lot of clients, which leaves them with less time to provide personalized attention to each buyer and seller.
Prevu is available in select markets in CO, DC, FL, MA, MD, NJ, NY, TX, VA, and WA.
Listing Fee
Editor's take
Overview
Locations
If you're selling a home over $500,000 and live in a city where SimpleShowing agents are available, you'll likely receive great savings and service.
SimpleShowing’s 1% listing fee is among the lowest of any discount brokerage, but the company has high minimum fees. You'll get the maximum savings if you sell a home over $500,000. Below that amount, you'll end up paying more than 1%.
Customer reviews of SimpleShowing are quite positive, and the company is responsive to any customers who have a poor experience. The main drawback of the brokerage is that it's only available in a handful of cities in Florida, Georgia, and Texas.
SimpleShowing also offers a generous home buyer rebate compared to other low commission realtors. Eligible buyers can receive up to 1% back in closing credits. But the actual amount you receive may be less depending on your home price, the number of showings you request, and the commission paid to the buyer's agent.
Pros
- You get a 1% listing fee on eligible homes.
- Eligible buyers get a 1% closing credit.
- The company receives positive reviews from customers.
Cons
- If you sell a home under $500,000, you pay more than 1% for the listing fee.
- Buyer savings are subject to many terms and conditions.
- Agents are only available in a few select cities.
SimpleShowing is a regional discount brokerage that advertises a 1% listing fee for sellers and a refund of up to 1% for buyers.
Both savings are subject to numerous terms and conditions, so many customers won’t qualify for the full savings. Sellers need to sell for at least $500,000 to qualify for the 1% listing fee.
Like some other discount brokerages, SimpleShowing has its agents handle a high volume of clients to keep costs low. The company also has different SimpleShowing employees handle different stages of your transaction. This is unlike a traditional brokerage, which assigns one realtor to handle most of the transaction.
SimpleShowing is available in the following metro areas:
- Florida: Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Tampa
- Georgia: Atlanta
- Texas: Dallas
What's the average real estate agent commission?
The average real estate commission rate is 5.37%, although it varies from 5% to 6% in different parts of the U.S. Commissions are split between the listing agent and buyer's agent, each typically earning about 2.5–3%.
Find average real estate commission rates near me
Want to know what the average real estate commission rate is in your area? Find your region in the table below to learn what realtors charge near you:
Region | States | Key cities |
---|---|---|
Northeast | Connecticut | Delaware | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New York | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Vermont | Washington, DC | New York City |
Midwest | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Michigan | Minnesota | Missouri | Nebraska | North Dakota | Ohio | South Dakota | Wisconsin | Minneapolis, MN |
South | Alabama | Arkansas | Florida | Georgia | Kentucky | Louisiana | Mississippi | North Carolina | Oklahoma | South Carolina | Tennessee | Texas | Virginia | West Virginia | Atlanta, GA | Dallas, TX | Houston, TX | Virginia Beach, VA |
West | Alaska | Arizona | California | Colorado | Hawaii | Idaho | Montana | Nevada | New Mexico | Oregon | Utah | Washington | Wyoming | Phoenix, AZ | Riverside, CA | Los Angeles, CA | Denver, CO |
What is a low commission realtor?
While the typical real estate agent charges a 2.5–3% listing fee, a low commission realtor will list and sell your house for a discounted rate. The best low-cost realtors offer the same service as a full-commission realtor for as little as 1.5%, saving you thousands on real estate fees. Often, realtors offer lower commissions as a way to gain new clients.
How much can I save with low commission realtors?
You can save 0.5–1.5% of the final sale price of your home with low commission realtors. These realtors charge a 1.5–2.5% listing fee versus the traditional 2.5–3% rate. On a $400,000 home sale, that translates to commission savings of $2,000–6,000.
Semya-Moya can match you with full-service real estate agents who charge just 1.5%. On average, Clever customers save $7,000 in real estate commission. Get matched with a local agent today!
Are there any risks of using low commission realtors?
Some low commission realtors are riskier to work with because their brokerage:
- Uses a team-based service model
- Charges high minimum fees
- Doesn't offer full service
With a team-based model, different people at the brokerage handle different aspects of your sale. This approach can lead to less personalized service from your real estate agent and increase the chance of miscommunication and mistakes.
Some low commission realtors work with brokers that charge high minimum fees, sometimes up to $8,500 in certain areas. If you’re selling a home at a lower price point, these minimum fees could negate any potential savings.
Other low commission real estate agents work for a lower fee by offering fewer services, which could leave you without the support you need.
With Clever, you don't have to worry about these risks. Clever matches you with a dedicated, full-service real estate agent. You'll get all the personalized support you need throughout your sale, but you'll pay a low commission rate — just 1.5% or $3,000.
How to choose the best low commission real estate agent
Here's how to find the best low commission real estate agents for you:
- Create a list of companies that offer the level of service and types of support you need.
- Narrow that list to the top three companies offering the best rates based on your target sale price and budget.
- Interview real estate agents from each service (remember, you’re hiring the agent — not the brand).
- Choose the agent that seems like the best fit.
If you're weighing your options for buying or selling a house, Clever can help!
Our fully licensed concierge team is standing by to answer questions and provide free, objective advice on getting the best outcome with your sale or purchase.
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Give us a call at 1-833-2-CLEVER or enter your info below. Our concierge team will be in touch shortly to help.
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FAQs about real estate commission
Questions about low cost realtorsWant to learn more about low commission real estate agents? We've compiled answers to common seller questions below. |
How does selling with a low cost realtor work?
Selling with a low cost real estate agent is typically similar to working with a traditional agent, assuming you hire a discount brand that offers genuine full service.
The top full-service discount companies provide the same services and support as conventional brokerages, including in-person pricing consultations, access to the multiple listing service (MLS), full representation during negotiations, and dedicated support throughout the home selling process.
Discount brokers can provide the same services as traditional agents but charge lower rates because they've found ways to reduce overhead and operate more efficiently, with little (or no) impact on the average customer's experience.
What company has the lowest real estate commission fees?
Companies like Semya-Moya, SimpleShowing, and Redfin offer the lowest commission fees for most home sellers. That said, the cheapest option for your situation depends on your home price, location, and desired level of service.
What are the best low commission real estate brokers?
For most home sellers, the best low commission real estate brokers include Clever, Redfin, and Ideal Agent. These nationwide brands offer full service throughout the selling process, which means your experience should feel similar to selling with a traditional agent. Clever is one of the most affordable nationwide real estate companies, but it's a good idea to compare your options to find the right agent for your unique priorities and budget.
Other questions about real estate commissionWe answer questions on how real estate commission works, how much it costs, and how you can save when you sell your home. |
How can I avoid paying realtor fees?
To avoid real estate agent fees altogether, you'll need to list your home for sale by owner and find a buyer who isn't using a buyer's agent (or convince them to pay the buyer's agent commission out of pocket). But that's incredibly hard to do — and it means sacrificing the support of an expert real estate agent during your sale. If you simply want to save on realtor fees, hiring a low commission agent will likely have a better outcome.
Are realtor fees included in closing costs of homes?
Yes, realtor fees are generally included in closing costs and taken out of the seller's proceeds at closing. Real estate agent commission is one of the most expensive closing costs sellers face, so it pays to shop around and find a listing agent who will sell your house for less. Learn how to get a lower listing fee.
What is the lowest commission a realtor will take?
The lowest commission a realtor will take varies between brokerages and even individual agents. Several top discount real estate brokers offer listing fees as low as 1.5%, which reduces your total commission rate to 4–4.5% (including the typical buyer's agent commission).
Agents at traditional brokerages typically won't accept less than a 2% listing commission, if they're willing to negotiate their standard 2.5–3% rates at all.
How can I get a lower real estate commission rate?
The best way to get a lower commission rate is to hire a full-service real estate agent who offers a discounted listing fee. On a $500,000 home sale, hiring a 1.5% commission realtor could save you $7,500!
Other options include negotiating a lower rate with your agent, selling to an iBuyer like Opendoor, listing your house without a realtor, or using a flat fee MLS company. Learn more about how to save on realtor fees.
Can real estate agents lower their commission?
Yes, real estate commission is negotiable. Although some agents may not be able to lower their fees without permission from their broker. You'll have the most success negotiating a lower commission rate if you're selling a desirable home in a hot market. But you'll likely save more cash by hiring a low commission agent rather than trying to talk your listing agent down from their standard fee.
How can I find low commission real estate agents near me?
Several companies, like Semya-Moya, pre-negotiate rates with local realtors. These companies also help you find an agent in your local area.
About our low commission real estate broker recommendations
Learn more about the rigorous research process we use to arrive at our discount broker recommendations.
🔬 Our research process
Clever has helped thousands of home sellers find great low commission real estate agents and save on realtor fees. Our Editorial Team also spends hundreds of hours each year researching other discount brands and crafting in-depth reviews to help home sellers compare their options and find the right fit for their needs and price range, whether that's Clever or another service.
Our rigorous research process involves reading thousands of customer reviews, mystery shopping local offices to fact-check marketing claims and uncover details not listed on the company's website, and updating our rankings regularly to ensure we give consumers the best — and most accurate — information about low cost real estate agents available on the web.
Our primary goal is to empower you to make smarter real estate decisions, achieve your goals, and, ideally, save some money while you're at it. To that end, we strive to deliver highly objective, helpful guides that offer practical advice to sellers with different experience levels and with homes in different locations and price ranges.
Selling a house is one of the biggest financial transactions you'll ever make. We want to provide you with the information you need to have the best possible outcome, even if that means you ultimately choose to work with one of Clever's competitors.
📊 Ranking methodology
The average listing fee and commission rate are based on what a company charges at four common price points: $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $750,000. Savings are based on a standard 3% listing fee with a traditional brokerage.
All pricing data and ranking information are based on companies' advertised rates when this article was last updated.