What is My Agent Finder?

MyAgentFinder is a nationwide service that matches you with local real estate agents from conventional brokerages like Berkshire Hathaway and Century 21.

MyAgentFinder’s agent matching service is free to use and there’s no obligation. So if you’re on the hunt for a realtor, there’s no risk in giving it a try. If you don’t like any of the agents it matches you with, you can always just walk away.

But MyAgentFinder isn't the only company offering this service. Some of its competitors offer the same agent matching service plus built-in commission savings. That’s something MyAgentFinder doesn’t do.

Semya-Moya, for example, matches you with top local real estate agents, too — but it also pre-negotiates reduced listing fees on your behalf, saving you up to 50% on realtor commission.

» SAVE: List with a top local agent for just 1.5% at closing

Clever and its mystery shoppers spent nearly 1,500 hours researching real estate agent matching services to deliver the best reviews in the industry. Our reviews are continuously updated to ensure you have the latest information to inform your decisions.

Keep reading to learn more about MyAgentFinder and how it stacks up against the competition. If you’re an agent considering partnering with MyAgentFinder, we’ve got you covered, too.

Is MyAgentFinder legit?

Yes, MyAgentFinder is a legitimate company that helps home sellers and buyers find real estate agents in all 50 U.S. states. According to its website, the company has matched over 315,000 customers with agents since launching in 2012. However, unlike other companies, it doesn't net you discounted commission fees.

The company doesn’t employ its own agents, but is a licensed real estate brokerage in South Carolina. Holding this license allows MyAgentFinder to collect fees from the agents it partners with for referring them business, which is how it makes money.

Generally, customers seem pleased with MyAgentFinder. However, all of its reviews appear on Shopper Approved, which excludes reviews from people who didn’t end up working with an agent they found through the service. Just know that these reviews skew positive, because negative experiences likely aren’t being captured.

How does MyAgentFinder work?

1. You sign up by entering some basic info about your sale or purchase on the MyAgentFinder website
2. Within minutes, you get an automated text message to confirm your cell phone number
3. MyAgentFinder uses the information you provided at sign up to find agents nearby who seem like a good fit for your sale or purchase
4. As each agent confirms they’re available to take you on as a client, MyAgentFinder will introduce you via text message
5. You’ll get between 1–3 Agent Matches, depending on your preferences and coverage in your area
6. Once you’ve been introduced, you can set up interviews to compare your options
7. You can choose to sign with one of the agents, request additional Agent Matches, or simply walk away — there’s no obligation

» LEARN: How MyAgentFinder works for real estate agents

📱 You can’t use MyAgentFinder without a cell phone!

MyAgentFinder’s realtor matching process is managed entirely via SMS text message, which means you CANNOT use the service without a cell phone.

Unlike some of its competitors, MyAgentFinder offers no online customer portal or dashboard where you can view your agent matches, manage communications, and track your progress

In fact, we struggled to find a customer service number to call on MyAgentFinder’s website, which made it difficult to get phone support when we needed it.

How much does MyAgentFinder cost?

MyAgentFinder’s service is completely free. But the agents you get matched with are not.

If you use MyAgentFinder to find an agent to sell your home, chances are you’ll still have to have to cover the full realtor commission fee at closing. Rates vary, but 5-6% of the final price is typical (note: buyers typically don’t have to worry about realtor commission fees).

Unlike some of its top competitors, MyAgentFinder doesn’t negotiate discounted rates on your behalf. This is a big drawback!

You could find a top-rated local listing agent through Clever, for example, get full service and support, and save up to 50% on commission fees.

How does MyAgentFinder make money?

MyAgentFinder makes money by taking a portion of the commission its partner agents earn on customers that found them via MyAgentFinder’s platform. This is called a "referral fee" and is how every major agent matching service operates.

This type of referral fee-based business model works in your favor!

First, it allows MyAgentFinder to not charge you for its service.

Second, it incentivizes the company to match you with a great agent. MyAgentFinder doesn't get paid if you decide to not sign with one of its partner agents, so it’s in MyAgentFinder’s best interest to present you with quality agents who are a good fit for your needs.

Why do agents work with companies like MyAgentFinder?

Agents invest a lot of time, energy, and money into finding new clients. A service like MyAgentFinder helps make that process less expensive and time consuming.

MyAgentFinder uses digital marketing to attract prospective customers, then passes them along to the agents. That’s work that agents would otherwise have to do themselves.

The agents get a steady stream of new business at zero upfront cost (they only pay a referral fee if a deal actually closes). And they just have to agree to share a percentage in exchange for that introduction.

Now, instead of spending time and money searching for new clients, the agent can focus more of their energy on the thing that actually makes them money: closing deals.

Should I work with MyAgentFinder?

On the one hand, there’s no real reason not to give MyAgentFinder a try. In theory, the more agents you interview, the better chance you have of finding the perfect one for the job. And because MyAgentFinder is a free, no-obligation service, there’s no risk or downside to trying it out — if you don’t like the agents, you can just walk away.

Our Team did find that most of MyAgentFinder’s matches were on point, its Concierge Team was helpful and responsive, and the process was definitely fast and easy.

On the other hand, there are several similar services that can also match you with top local real estate agents — but objectively offer more built-in benefits than MyAgentFinder.

In particular, MyAgentFinder falls short in three important areas:

• It has a subpar user experience and mediocre technology
• Any agent can seemingly join its network
• There are no built-in savings as part of its service

We recommend checking out some of its top competitors to get more value out the gate. But if you’re interested in finding out a little more about MyAgentFinder’s service, we’ve got you covered.

Our Team read through hundreds of customer reviews, did extensive research, and mystery shopped the service ourselves. Here’s what we discovered — good and bad.

👍 Quick and easy agent matching process

After we signed up on the MyAgentFinder website, we got our confirmation text within minutes and the first Agent Match usually came through in a matter of hours.

While the tech didn’t blow us away — it’s an entirely text message-based system — the whole thing ran smoothly. It was pretty easy to figure out and manage the process.

Our take? Definitely faster and easier than finding a real estate agent on your own.

👍 Customer service was fast and responsive

We found MyAgentFinder’s Concierge Team to be very helpful and responsive throughout the agent matching process. When we had questions or concerns, they responded quickly during normal business hours and addressed them fully.

This type of proactive Concierge support is definitely a plus. Some competitors run an entirely automated agent matching process with no proactive customer support — or at least not from a human. It was definitely nice to have someone checking in and answering our questions promptly as they came up.

👍 MyAgentFinder uses your data carefully

With MyAgentFinder, you decide how many agents you get matched with. MyAgentFinder only shares your info with an agent once they’ve accepted you as a potential new client. And once the number of agents you’ve requested have confirmed, they stop sharing out your info.

In other words, you probably won't get hit by a tidal wave of unsolicited emails, phone calls, and texts from agents (and other real estate service providers) trying to win your business.

In our experience, many other companies share your information with agents — and third-party providers — almost immediately after you sign up.

These annoying and relentless phone calls tend to be the biggest customer complaint for several similar services, like Zillow Premier Agents and HomeLight.

👎 Technology lagging behind other similar services

We touched on this earlier, but we weren’t a fan of MyAgentFinder’s text message-only based process. Some other agent matching services offer intuitive online dashboards where you can view your Agent Matches as they come in, which is a little easier to manage.

It also struck us as odd that we had a hard time getting through someone from MyAgentFinder on the phone when we wanted to talk to someone in person. Most agent matching services offer multiple channels for customer support, like text, email, phone, and chat.

MyAgentFinder also didn’t send through any useful info to help us choose between agents. Most brands will share performance stats, links to profile pages, short bios, specializations, etc. This saves you time when it comes to narrowing down your options.

👎 Lack of quality control for agent network

Not all agents in MyAgentFinder’s network are necessarily top-performing agents.

MyAgentFinder claims to have a network of over 40,000 agents. However, it doesn't list minimum qualifications for agents to join its network.

Our research shows that agents only need to have a valid real estate license and their broker's permission to join. So, it's likely that the company's agent network contains both inexperienced and underperforming agents.

MyAgentFinder’s lack of quality control for agents struck us as a bit of a red flag. This is a key benefit of most agent matching services!

At least MyAgentFinder considers some metrics when matching agents with sellers and buyers. For example, agents who close more deals with MyAgentFinder customers are more likely to get matched with new ones. This may explain why our mystery shoppers were matched with agents who seemed legit and experienced.

👎 Spotty agent coverage can yield bad matches

When we mystery shopped MyAgentFinder, we received multiple agent matches with realtors who were based more than 30 miles away from our properties.

We signed up with two different properties: one in a Midwestern city and the other in a smaller suburb on the east coast, and saw similar results for both.

Some of our recommended agents were relatively close. But when we checked the agents' Zillow profiles, we found several hadn't handled any transactions in our target markets, specifically.

Remember, don’t assume MyAgentFinder — or any service, for that matter — will match you with the best agents in your area or for your specific situation 100% of the time.

We recommend using multiple agent matching services (they’re free, after all) to give yourself the best chances of finding a good fit.

👎 No built-in commission savings

MyAgentFinder will match you with some local realtors for free — but the value stops there! Some of its top competitors offer that same service, but also negotiate commission savings on your behalf.

Two examples are Clever and Ideal Agent. Both companies will match you with top-rated local agents from major brokerages, but you’ll pay a pre-negotiated reduced listing fee.

Ideal Agent offers 2% listing fees. Clever offers full-service agents for 1.5%. Clever buyers can also get cash back after closing.

All other things being equal, we recommend working with the brands that can find you a great agent AND net you the most possible value. If savings are important to you (they are for most people), opt for the brands that offer them as a built-in part of their service.

MyAgentFinder reviews from real customers

MyAgentFinder reviews are generally positive. It has an average customer rating of 4.8/5 based on 742 reviews.

What customers like about MyAgentFinder

Most MyAgentFinder reviews from real customers are overwhelmingly positive. Customers especially praised their agents' professionalism and level of service.

"I never felt rushed or silly when asking questions"

A lot of customers talk about the great experience they had with the MyAgentFinder concierge team. This customer's concierge made them feel comfortable asking questions and helped them better understand the process.

"Professional and honest plus realistic"

Many customers also refer to their agents' professionalism. This customer used MyAgentFinder to find an agent who walked them through the marketing plan and made sure they were "100% happy with (the company's) level of service and attention to (their) needs."

"My agent got in touch with me right away"

MyAgentFinder confirms that agents are interested and willing to take you on as a customer before sending you any matches. For this customer, it led to their agent communicating quickly and being ready to jump right in to help them find their next home.

MyAgentFinder complaints from real customers

We didn't find many negative reviews for MyAgentFinder. However, one recent negative review claims the company didn't help them find a new real estate agent after having a bad experience with their original match.

Top MyAgentFinder alternatives

1. Semya-Moya

Semya-Moya

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

1.50%

💰 Buyer Savings

Up to $500 cash back

⚡ Avg. Customer Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

✍️ Editor's Take

✔️ Pros

❌ Cons

🏆 Reviews

Clever is a quick, easy, and free way to find a top-rated local agent. And, unlike many similar companies, Clever pre-negotiates big discounts on your behalf, so you can save thousands without sacrificing on service.

Learn how Clever helps you find the perfect agent and save thousands

• Free, nationwide agent-matching service that partners with full-service local agents from conventional brokerages like Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX
• Provides multiple agent matches so you can interview, compare marketing plans, and choose the best fit
• Pre-negotiates low rates on your behalf — you get full service for 1.5% with a $3,000 minimum
• If you buy with Clever, you may get up to $500 cash back if you qualify

• You may not get matched with an agent from your preferred real estate brokerage.
• Like other agent matching services, Clever may have fewer agents in rural areas.
• Agents may not provide premium services like drone photography and professional home staging.

As of 11/6/2023, Clever has an average customer rating of 5.0 on Trustpilot, based on 2,589 reviews.

Read reviews from real Clever customers here.

MyAgentFinder and Clever both quickly match you with local agents from name-brand brokerages like Keller, Century 21. Plus, they’re both free and come with zero obligations.

But Clever offers better value than MyAgentFinder overall. Sellers get a full-service real estate agent for a listing fee of just 1.5%, compared to the 2.5-3% listing fee you’ll likely pay an agent you find through MyAgentFinder.

And qualifying buyers can get cash back after closing. That’s something MyAgentFinder doesn’t offer.

Clever also stands out for its strict quality standards for agents. Unlike MyAgentFinder, Clever individually vets agents upfront to ensure they meet the company’s high standards for experience, sales volume, and customer reviews.

Finally, you’ll have the support of Clever’s concierge service throughout the real estate process. Every member of Clever’s concierge team is a licensed real estate agent, so they can provide expert advice on your sale or purchase.

» MORE: Try Clever, match with top local agents, save thousands.

2. HomeLight

HomeLight

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

Standard rate (2.5-3%)

💰 Buyer Savings

None

⚡ Avg. Customer Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

✍️ Editor's Take

✔️ Pros

❌ Cons

🏆 Reviews

HomeLight is an excellent tool for finding a great local agent quickly. However, it offers zero built-in commission savings for sellers or buyers.

Read the full HomeLight review.

• Get a list of local real estate agents in as little as two minutes
• One of the largest agent networks in the industry makes it less challenging to find an agent who specializes in short sales and other non-traditional sales
• Optional Trade-In program makes it easier to buy a new house if you need to sell your current one first

• No built-in savings for home sellers or buyers
• No minimum qualifications for partner agents, so quality may vary between locations

As of 8/23/2023, HomeLight has an average customer rating of 4.6 across 1,178 reviews on Google, Sitejabber, and the Better Business Bureau.

Read reviews from real HomeLight customers.

While HomeLight may be the biggest name in the game, it comes with some drawbacks. It offers no built-in savings, so you’ll pay full commission for your agent, just like you would with MyAgentFinder.

Plus, customers have complained about receiving a high volume of calls and emails from agents and Homelight representatives after signing up.

3. Ideal Agent

Ideal Agent

💲 Listing Fee

2% ($3k minimum fee)

💰 Buyer Savings

None

⚡ Avg. Customer Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

✍️ Editor's Take

✔️ Pros

❌ Cons

🏆 Reviews

Ideal Agent can match you with a local realtor who sells a lot of homes. But although it pre-negotiates discounted listing fees, you can save twice as much with competitors like Clever.

• Agents in network must meet strict quality standards
• Pre-negotiated listing fees of 2% (or $3k for homes under $150,000)

• 2% listing fee is less than the national average, but it's not the best rate out there
• No built-in savings for buyers
• Only matches you with a single agent

As of 3/28/2023, Ideal Agent has an average customer rating of 4.9, based on 6,254 reviews across Google and Trustpilot.

Ideal Agent is an agent matching service that, like Clever, negotiates built-in discounts for sellers. You’ll pay a 2% listing fee instead of the typical 2.5-3% you’d pay if you found an agent on your own or through non-savings options like MyAgentFinder and HomeLight.

While that’s cheaper than average, it’s worth noting that Ideal Agent still costs twice as much as Clever for home sellers.

Ideal Agent’s biggest selling point is the quality of its agent network. It claims to only work with "top 1%" local agents, in terms of sales numbers. However, unlike MyAgentFinder and most other agent matching services, it only connects you with one agent.

Ideal Agent can be a good option if your top priority is finding an agent with tons of sales, but there’s no guarantee that that agent will be a good fit for you. We recommend trying Ideal Agent in combination with other agent matching services, so you can compare multiple options.

Bottom line: Is MyAgentFinder right for me?

MyAgentFinder is a fast and easy way to find a local real estate agent compared to a DIY search. It’s also free and there’s no obligation, so there’s no harm in giving it a try.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is finding a great real estate agent that can help you achieve your goals. MyAgentFinder has great agents in its network and can likely help you do just that.

However, there are plenty of services out there that can also help you find a great real estate agent. And several, like Clever and Ideal Agent, can help you save thousands.

Not convinced? Try out Clever’s free agent matching service alongside MyAgentFinder’s. See how the agents stack up — and never pay full commission again.

How does MyAgentFinder work for agents?

Referral fees | Sign-up requirements | Lead quality

MyAgentFinder is a low-risk way to get a steady stream of pre-vetted buyer and seller leads at zero upfront cost. Unlike other referral services — for example, Zillow Premier Agents or Ramsey Endorsed Local Providers — MyAgentFinder doesn’t charge a monthly or per-lead fee to use its service.

Like many of its competitors, MyAgentFinder’s fee is only due if and when a referred customer deal actually closes. Instead, you'll only pay for the referral when you close a transaction with a MyAgentFinder customer. Overall, MyAgentFinder can help you increase your transaction volume or fill in gaps without having to spend money upfront on dead-end leads.

MyAgentFinder referral fees

MyAgentFinder’s referral fees depend on the value of the deal. If a referred customer ends up closing, it will collect:

• 35% of your gross commission on deals over $150,000
• 25% of your gross commission on deals below $150,000

Fees are due within 10 days of the close of escrow. If you don't pay on time, you also have to pay a late fee of 5% of the gross commission. If you handle multiple transactions with a MyAgentFinder customer, you'll have to pay the fee on all transactions within the first two years of receiving the referral.

MyAgentFinder requirements and support

Any agent can join MyAgentFinder as long as they have a valid real estate license and their broker’s permission. If you do join, you shouldn't expect much support from MyAgentFinder, at least not right away.

You'll receive a welcome email detailing their referral process and fee structure as well as access to an online account. You'll fill in details about your business online, including memberships, specializations, certifications, and coverage areas.

A few days later, you'll receive an agent onboarding email with a survey allowing you to set price and property type restrictions. Based on our research, MyAgentFinder won't contact you until you receive your first lead. If you accept, they'll check in regularly with you and the client throughout the process.

How does MyAgentFinder generate and qualify leads?

MyAgentFinder generates its leads by running pay-per-click ads on search engines like Bing and Google. The company primarily targets high-intent, location-specific searches — "real estate agents in Illinois," for example.

When leads come in, MyAgentFinder's customer service team talks to every new lead before sending it out to agents. They ask the customer question to make sure they are both qualified and interested in buying or selling a home.

Unfortunately, MyAgentFinder doesn't provide many details about how many leads you can expect from them, but they do say that they prioritize agents who respond quickly to new leads.

The post MyAgentFinder Reviews: A Complete Guide appeared first on Semya-Moya.

A 4.5% real estate commission is when your agent charges 4.5% of the sale price to sell your home. Most realtors charge 5–6%, so selling your home for a 4.5% commission rate could save you thousands of dollars.

For instance, if you sell a $350,000 home at a 4.5% commission rate, you could save more than $5,250 in realtor fees! Below, we'll review the best 4.5% commission real estate brokerages and provide tips about the best ways to choose a discount realtor.

But keep in mind that in today's market, it's not hard to find a company that offers a 4.5% real estate commission. In fact, many of the top brands offer rates of 4.5% (or less) along with full service and support from an agent.

⚡ Just looking for agents with discounted commission rates near you? Use our free agent matching tool to find a top agent in your area, and get a pre-negotiated listing fee of just 1.5%. Compare agents from the best discount brokerages, plus major brands like Keller Williams and RE/MAX who offer lower rates through our network.

The best companies that offer a 4.5% commission (or less!)

1. Semya-Moya

Semya-Moya

Get Started

💲 Listing Fee

1.5% (min. $3,000)

💰 Avg. Savings

$5,625

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

5/5 (2,735 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Clever is a quick, easy, and free way to find a top-rated local agent. And, unlike many similar companies, Clever pre-negotiates big discounts on your behalf, so you can save thousands without sacrificing on service. Try Clever for free — save thousands on commission.

• Clever offers a free, nationwide agent-matching service that partners with full-service local agents from conventional brokerages like Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX.
• You get multiple agent matches so you can interview, compare marketing plans, and choose the best fit.
• Clever pre-negotiates low rates on your behalf — you get full service for a low 1.5% listing fee.
• If you buy with Clever, you could get cash back after closing.

• You may not get matched with an agent from your preferred real estate brokerage.
• Agents may not provide premium services like drone photography and professional home staging.

Clever has a 5.0 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, based on 2,589 reviews.

Read reviews from real Clever customers.

Clever has pre-negotiated low commission rates with top agents in all 50 states and Washington, DC.

Unlike most companies on this list, Semya-Moya isn't a discount real estate brokerage. We're a free agent matching service that negotiates 1.5% listing fees with the agents in our network.

Our goal is to make it fast and easy to find the best agent for your sale. You tell us what you're looking for, and we handpick top local realtors who are a good fit. It takes only a few minutes to sign up and start getting matches.

We help you compare your options, set up interviews, and choose who to hire. If you don't like the agents we match you with, you can request more — or simply walk away.

You get a 1.5% listing fee no matter who you choose, so you don't have to worry about the price tag. Instead, you can focus on finding an agent with the experience, track record, and personality you're looking for.

2. Redfin

Redfin

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

1.5% (min. fees vary)

💰 Avg. Savings

$5,550

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

2.9/5 (331 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Redfin offers real savings and is a proven brand. But sellers could compromise on service — especially agent experience and availability.

Read the full Redfin review.

• If you buy and sell with Redfin, you'll get a 0.5% listing fee discount.
• Redfin gives its listings premium placement in its popular home search app.

• If finding the right agent is a top priority, you'll have limited options — Redfin only has a few agents in each of its markets.
• Redfin agents handle more customers at once than the average realtor, so they may not be able to provide as much personalized service.

Redfin has a 2.9 out of 5 rating (331 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Yelp.

Read reviews from real Redfin customers here.

Redfin is available in 80+ U.S. markets (see all locations).

Redfin is a national discount brokerage with in-house agents who charge 1.5% commission for full-service listings.

Redfin sellers typically pay 4-4.5% in total commission when they offer a competitive buyer's agent fee. But, when you both sell and buy with Redfin, the company lowers the listing fee to 1%, bringing your total commission rate to 3.5-4%.

Working with Redfin can save you thousands of dollars, but you should be aware of the trade-offs. To make up for the reduced commissions, Redfin agents handle many more transactions than a traditional realtor each year. This extra volume could limit the agent's ability to provide dedicated support throughout your sale.

» MORE: Is Redfin right for you? Here's what you need to know.

3. SimpleShowing

SimpleShowing

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

1% (min. $3,500)

💰 Avg. Savings

$6,375

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

5.0/5 (336 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

SimpleShowing’s commission savings are solid — but you may compromise on agent selection and hands-on service.

Read the full SimpleShowing review.

• SimpleShowing is one of the only true 1% commission companies.
• It also offers one of the largest home buyer rebates of any low-fee brokerage.

• You have very few options when it comes to selecting your agent.
• Agents handle more customers than the average realtor, which could impact service quality.

SimpleShowing has a 5.0 out of 5 rating (336 reviews) across popular review sites like Google, Trustpilot, and Zillow.

Read reviews from real SimpleShowing customers here.

SimpleShowing is available in the following areas: FL, GA, TX.

SimpleShowing is a discount brokerage offering 1% listing fees for a total commission of 3.5-4%.

SimpleShowing is a relatively small brokerage operating in select markets in Florida, Georgia, and Texas. It offers genuine savings, but you might have a hard time finding an agent that's a good fit thanks to their limited number of agents. If you do, you may still have to sacrifice some hands-on support throughout the sale. SimpleShowing agents handle 20–25 transactions each year — nearly double the volume of a traditional realtor.

» MORE: Everything you need to know about SimpleShowing

4. Ideal Agent

Ideal Agent

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

2% (min. $3,000)

💰 Avg. Savings

$3,750

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

4.9/5 (6,254 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Ideal Agent can match with a great agent from a traditional brokerage. But its 2% listing fee makes Ideal Agent a lot more expensive than other full-service discount brands.

Read the full Ideal Agent review.

• You'll get a full-service agent from a traditional brokerage.
• It's free to request an agent match, and you can walk away at any time.

• Ideal Agent costs more than most other full-service, low commission companies.
• You'll get matched with only one realtor — most similar services recommend multiple agents so you can compare your options and pick the one you like best.

Ideal Agent has a 4.9 out of 5 rating (6,254 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Trustpilot.

Read reviews from real Ideal Agent customers here.

Ideal Agent is available to home sellers nationwide.

Ideal Agent is a discount real estate brokerage that offers a 2% listing fee. The company is known for matching home buyers and sellers with high-quality agents, and it's highly rated by customers. 

Ideal Agent has strict criteria for its agent network. It only chooses agents who are in the top 1% of producers in their markets. However, this exclusivity has some drawbacks.

Ideal Agent's network is small compared to other discount brokerages. While some companies, like Clever, send you multiple agents, Ideal Agent matches you with only one. You might have a harder time finding the right fit, especially in small or rural markets.

Also, Ideal Agent's commission rate isn't as competitive as other discount brokers'. If you want the best deal, look for companies with a 1% or 1.5% rate.

» MORE: How to Choose a Realtor to Sell Your Home

5. Prevu

Prevu Real Estate

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

1.5% (min. fees vary)

💰 Avg. Savings

$2,450

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

5.0/5 (465 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Prevu offers solid commission savings for buyers and sellers. But at certain price points, other discount brands may offer better value.

Read the full Prevu review.

• Prevu's 1.5% listing fee saves sellers an average of $2,450 compared to a standard 3% commission rate.
• Eligible buyers get a commission rebate worth up to 2% of the home price.

• High minimum fees may limit your savings if you're selling a lower-priced home.
• Prevu has a small team, which limits your options if you don't hit it off with the first agent it sends you.

Prevu has a 5.0 out of 5 rating (465 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Yelp.

Read reviews from real Yelp customers here.

Prevu is available in the following areas: CA, CO, CT, MA, NY, PA, TX, WA.

Prevu offers home sellers full-service support for a 1.5% listing fee. But the company has high minimum fees that could leave you paying a much higher effective commission rate if your home is less expensive.

However, if you do qualify for a 1.5% rate, you'll only pay 4-4.5% total commission when you offer a competitive buyer's agent commission. For sellers with high-value properties in one of its markets, Prevu offers great savings. But everyone else can find more value from other discount brokerages.

» MORE: Who should sell with Prevu (and who shouldn't)

What's the average real estate commission?

Average commission rates vary by market, but in most places, you pay 5–6% of your home's final sale price. Half of that commission goes to your listing agent, half to the buyer's agent. However, situational factors may lead to a higher or lower real estate commission.

"My team usually asks for compensation in the range between 5% and 6% of the sales price," says realtor Cynthia Cummins, who has three decades of experience in real estate. "Yet, it's important to note that commissions are always negotiable and there's no set fee."

Cummins notes that a lot of factors can influence her actual commission rate. "I almost always offer a lower rate for repeat and past clients," she says, "whereas I'll ask for a larger commission when a listing promises to be particularly complicated ([like] … hard-to-sell properties [and] tenant-occupied properties)."

"Every home listing is different," says Ken Sisson, an associate real estate broker with Coldwell Banker in Los Angeles. "I may choose to lower my commissions if I feel a property is going to be easier to sell. Conversely, I probably wouldn’t lower my commissions on a home I feel is going to require more resources and expense to get it sold."

How much can I save with a 4.5% commission rate?

Reducing your total commission to 4.5% could save you thousands of dollars compared to the typical 6% realtor fee. For example, on a $400,000 home, you'd save as much as $6,000 in realtor fees.

Here's a breakdown of how much you can expect to save based on your home price.

» MORE: How to find the best low commission realtors

How does a 4.5% real estate commission work?

A 4.5% real estate commission typically comes from working with an agent or brokerage that charges a 1.5% listing fee, compared to the traditional 2.5–3% commission that most agents charge.

In most real estate transactions, the commission is taken out of the home seller’s proceeds and split between the two real estate agents involved in the sale:

• The listing agent, who advertises the property for the seller
• And the buyer's agent, who brings their client to purchase the property

In a conventional transaction with a 6% fee, each agent collects 3% of the home's sale price.

Agents offer a reduced commission to help them attract more sellers in a competitive market. When shopping for a real estate agent, make sure you choose one who won't cut corners on service in exchange for a lower rate.

Why does the buyer's agent fee stay the same?

As a seller, you'll still need to pay a competitive buyer's agent commission (around 2.5–3%, depending on your market). If you offer a low (or no) buyer's agent commission, agents will be less likely to bring qualified buyers to your property.

This fee is an incentive for buyer's agents to "sell" your home to their clients.

If you take away that incentive, your property will likely drop on most agents' priority lists. Instead, they'll point their clients to nearby homes that offer a competitive agent fee.

» MORE: Do sellers pay buyer's agent commission?

Other ways to get a 4.5% real estate commission

Aside from selling with a low commission real estate agent, there are a few other ways to lower your total real estate commission to 4.5%, such as looking into a 2% commission realtor. You can also try to negotiate a lower fee with your agent, or you can hire a limited-service real estate agent.

👉 Jump back to the best 4.5% commission companies

Alternatives to paying a 4.5% real estate commission

You don't have to use a real estate agent to sell your home. There are several options that offer more control, convenience, or speed compared to a traditional realtor — but each option comes with its own trade-offs.

Best savings | Most flexible | Most convenient | Fastest way to sell

Best commission savings: For sale by owner (FSBO)

You can handle the entire process yourself (and avoid any listing fees) by selling your home for FSBO.

» MORE: How to sell your house for sale by owner

Most flexible option: Flat fee MLS companies

Flat fee MLS companies list your home on the multiple listing service (MLS) — an agent-only local listings database — for a low fee.

» MORE: The best flat fee MLS listing services

Most convenient choice: iBuyers

iBuyers, like Opendoor and Zillow Offers, use technology to make all-cash offers on homes within specific markets.

» MORE: What is an iBuyer?

Fastest way to sell: 'We buy houses for cash' companies

"We buy houses for cash" companies make all-cash offers on nearly any home, no matter its condition.

» MORE: Everything you need to know about "we buy houses for cash" companies

FAQ about 4.5% real estate commission

Keep learning

The Best Low Commission Realtors (2023 Broker Rankings)

Find the best low commission real estate agents and brokers, so you can sell with a full-service realtor and save thousands on commission fees!

Best 1 Percent Commission Realtors across the US

Selling your home with a 1% commission realtor can save you thousands, but what's the catch? Read on to learn where to find a 1% listing fee and what you'll get in return.

Discount Real Estate Brokers: How to Find a Top Realtor for Less

Working with a local discount real estate broker can put thousands of dollars back in your pocket when you buy or sell a house. Here's how to find them!

Semya-Moya Reviews (2024): How It Works, Pricing, and Alternatives

Is Semya-Moya right for you? Learn how it works, read real customer reviews, and compare it to similar services.

The post What Is a 4.5% Real Estate Commission? appeared first on Semya-Moya.

A 5% real estate commission is when you pay a total of 5% in realtor fees on the sale of your home. In general, this means paying 2–2.5% to your listing agent, and the other 2–2.5% to the buyer's agent — bringing your total commission rate to around 5%.

Below, we review the best 5% commission real estate brokerages and provide tips for how to save when selling your home.

But be aware that in today's real estate market, the average real estate commission cost is about 5–5.5% — so a 5% commission isn't a massive discount. In fact, many of the top discount real estate brands offer even lower rates to sellers along with full service and agent support.

If you're looking to save on realtor fees, Semya-Moya is a great place to start.

Clever negotiates 1.5% listing fees with top local agents from trusted brands like Keller Williams and Century 21 — lowering your total realtor fees to just 4.5% (or less!). You'll get guaranteed full service from a great local realtor, but save thousands of dollars on realtor commission when you sell your house.

⚡ Find a great local agent, save thousands on listing fees

Companies that sell your home for 5% total commission (or less!)

1. Semya-Moya

Semya-Moya

Get Started

💲 Listing Fee

1.5% (min. $3,000)

💰 Avg. Savings

$5,625

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

5/5 (2,735 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Clever is a quick, easy, and free way to find a top-rated local agent. And, unlike many similar companies, Clever pre-negotiates big discounts on your behalf, so you can save thousands without sacrificing on service. Try Clever for free — save thousands on commission.

• Clever offers a free, nationwide agent-matching service that partners with full-service local agents from conventional brokerages like Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX.
• You get multiple agent matches so you can interview, compare marketing plans, and choose the best fit.
• Clever pre-negotiates low rates on your behalf — you get full service for a low 1.5% listing fee.
• If you buy with Clever, you could get cash back after closing.

• You may not get matched with an agent from your preferred real estate brokerage.
• Agents may not provide premium services like drone photography and professional home staging.

Clever has a 5.0 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, based on 2,589 reviews.

Read reviews from real Clever customers.

Clever has pre-negotiated low commission rates with top agents in all 50 states and Washington, DC.

Semya-Moya is the best option for most sellers nationwide because it offers the biggest savings of any discount brand — along with full service from top agents with well-known brokerages like Keller Williams and Coldwell Banker.

Clever's free service pre-negotiates 1.5% listing fees with top-rated local agents (about one-third of what realtors typically charge). Sellers will also pay a competitive buyer's agent commission, lowering your total commission to around 4–4.5%.

On a $400,000 home, listing with Clever would save you up to $4,000 more in realtor fees than if you had a 5% commission!

So why is Clever able to offer such low rates? Because they actually end up saving realtors a lot of time and money. Real estate agents typically spend a lot of their budgets on trying to find new clients, which is something that Clever does for them. Since Clever is helping realtors lower their expenses, those same realtors are able to pass the savings on to you.

You can try Clever for free with no obligation. Interview as many agents as you like until you find the best fit, or walk away anytime. Find a great local agent and get a 1.5% listing fee now!

2. Ideal Agent

Ideal Agent

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

2% (min. $3,000)

💰 Avg. Savings

$3,750

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

4.9/5 (6,254 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Ideal Agent can match with a great agent from a traditional brokerage. But its 2% listing fee makes Ideal Agent a lot more expensive than other full-service discount brands.

Read the full Ideal Agent review.

• You'll get a full-service agent from a traditional brokerage.
• It's free to request an agent match, and you can walk away at any time.

• Ideal Agent costs more than most other full-service, low commission companies.
• You'll get matched with only one realtor — most similar services recommend multiple agents so you can compare your options and pick the one you like best.

Ideal Agent has a 4.9 out of 5 rating (6,254 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Trustpilot.

Read reviews from real Ideal Agent customers here.

Ideal Agent is available to home sellers nationwide.

Ideal Agent is another low commission brokerage that matches you with a local agent from a brokerage like RE/MAX or Century 21. The company is available nationwide and can be a great way to find a high quality agent.

Ideal Agent pre-negotiates a 2% listing commission with its partner agents. While this is less than the 2.5–3% that a traditional agent would charge, other discount brokerages, like Clever, offer similar services for a fraction of the price.

3. Redfin

Redfin

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

1.5% (min. fees vary)

💰 Avg. Savings

$5,550

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

2.9/5 (331 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Redfin offers real savings and is a proven brand. But sellers could compromise on service — especially agent experience and availability.

Read the full Redfin review.

• If you buy and sell with Redfin, you'll get a 0.5% listing fee discount.
• Redfin gives its listings premium placement in its popular home search app.

• If finding the right agent is a top priority, you'll have limited options — Redfin only has a few agents in each of its markets.
• Redfin agents handle more customers at once than the average realtor, so they may not be able to provide as much personalized service.

Redfin has a 2.9 out of 5 rating (331 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Yelp.

Read reviews from real Redfin customers here.

Redfin is available in 80+ U.S. markets (see all locations).

Redfin is a well-known brokerage that offers a discounted 1.5% listing fee to sellers in most major U.S. cities. Sellers who buy and sell with Redfin in the same year will pay a 1% listing fee.

Redfin agents are fully licensed and offer a similar range of services as traditional realtors. The brokerage uses an online platform and a team-based approach to manage much of the selling process, which may not be ideal for sellers who prefer one-on-one agent support.

4. Prevu

Prevu Real Estate

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

1.5% (min. fees vary)

💰 Avg. Savings

$2,450

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

5.0/5 (465 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Prevu offers solid commission savings for buyers and sellers. But at certain price points, other discount brands may offer better value.

Read the full Prevu review.

• Prevu's 1.5% listing fee saves sellers an average of $2,450 compared to a standard 3% commission rate.
• Eligible buyers get a commission rebate worth up to 2% of the home price.

• High minimum fees may limit your savings if you're selling a lower-priced home.
• Prevu has a small team, which limits your options if you don't hit it off with the first agent it sends you.

Prevu has a 5.0 out of 5 rating (465 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Yelp.

Read reviews from real Yelp customers here.

Prevu is available in the following areas: CA, CO, CT, MA, NY, PA, TX, WA.

Prevu is a full-service discount brokerage. It advertises up to a 2% commission rebate for buyers and a 1.5% listing fee for sellers.

Prevu’s model is best for buyers looking at higher-priced homes that qualify for a 2% commission rebate. To get the full rebate, you have to buy a residential property worth at least $750,000.

You'll work with a licensed, salaried agent, but your agent may require you to do some initial home searching. Before working with Prevu, ask about the agent's responsibilities and yours.

For sellers, the 1.5% listing commission is a solid rate, but Prevu's minimum fees vary by location and can sometimes negate savings. The company doesn't list the minimum fees on its website, so you'll need to contact the office for details.

How much can I save with a 5% real estate commission?

A 5% real estate commission isn't a massive discount, but it could slash your bill by hundreds or thousands of dollars — especially for more expensive properties. For example, on a $350,000 home, you could save $3,500 by going with a 5% commission realtor compared to the standard 6% fee.

Here's a breakdown of how much you could save based on your home price.

» MORE: Find the best low commission real estate companies

How does a 5% commission work?

When you sell for a 5% commission rate, the savings usually come by working with a listing agent who has reduced their fee.

Sellers who pay a 5% real estate commission usually work with an agent or brokerage that charges a 2–2.5% listing fee. The seller will also pay a 2.5–3% buyer's agent commission, bringing their total commission rate to 5%.

In most real estate sales, the total commission comes out of the seller's proceeds at closing. It's then split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent.

Traditionally, both agents would take home a 3% commission fee, bringing the total rate to 6%. However, in today's market, many real estate agents charge less than that.

Why does the buyer's agent commission stay the same?

As a seller, it's important to offer a competitive buyer's agent commission. In theory, you could reduce your total commission to 5% by offering a lower buyer's agent fee — but it could make your home more difficult to sell.

The buyer's agent fee is an incentive for buyer's agents to show your home to their clients. If you don't offer a competitive rate, agents will likely steer their clients toward other sellers who do.

Note that competitive buyer's agent rates vary by area. If the market conditions are right, your listing agent may give you the green light to offer a slightly lower commission that's in line with what other sellers are offering.

» MORE: Do sellers pay buyer's agent commission?

Other ways to get a 5% commission

In addition to selling with a discount real estate agent, there are a few paths you can take to lower your total agent commission to 5%. You can try to negotiate a lower fee with your agent, or you can hire a limited-service real estate agent.

Alternatives to paying a 5% real estate commission

Aside from working with a real estate agent, there are a few non-traditional ways to get a reduced commission rate on the sale of your house. These options may provide cheaper rates or more flexibility compared to a traditional realtor — but each comes with its own drawbacks.

For sale by owner | Flat fee MLS | iBuyers | "We buy houses" companies

For sale by owner (FSBO)

You can avoid realtor fees completely by selling FSBO. This is a great option if you're comfortable handling the entire sale yourself. But you'll have to decide if the savings are worth the extra responsibilities and risks that come with a DIY sale.

» MORE: How to sell your house for sale by owner

Flat fee MLS companies

Flat fee MLS companies list your home on the multiple listing service — an agent-only database of properties for sale in your area. You can pay a low, flat fee to get your home in front of buyer's agents (and on popular listing sites like Zillow and Realtor.com), but you'll have to manage the rest of the sale on your own.

» MORE: What you need to know about flat fee MLS listings

iBuyers

iBuyers, like Opendoor and Zillow Offers, use advanced technology to make all-cash offers on properties. These companies let you sell your home for a competitive price without listing on the open market. However, they're only available in a few cities and come with strict guidelines for the properties they'll buy, so very few sellers will actually qualify.

» MORE: What is an iBuyer?

'We buy houses' companies

If you need to sell your property quickly, a "we buy houses for cash" company can make you an all-cash offer, no matter the property's condition. However, this offer will be well below market value since these companies plan to fix up and resell the property for a profit.

» MORE: Should you sell to a "we buy houses for cash" company?

FAQ about 5% real estate commission

Keep learning

Best 1 Percent Commission Realtors across the US

Selling your home with a 1% commission realtor can save you thousands, but what's the catch? Read on to learn where to find a 1% listing fee and what you'll get in return.

Current Average Realtor Commission Rates

Looking for average real estate commission rates by state? We surveyed U.S. realtors and crunched the numbers to find accurate data for all 50 states.

The Best Low Commission Realtors (2023 Broker Rankings)

Find the best low commission real estate agents and brokers, so you can sell with a full-service realtor and save thousands on commission fees!

How to Find a Real Estate Agent That's Right for You

This guide on how to find the best real estate agent is packed with useful tips and information, based on hundreds of hours of research and expert interviews.

The post What Is a 5% Real Estate Commission? appeared first on Semya-Moya.

If you're selling your house, and don't need the support of a full-service agent, working with a limited-service real estate agent could save you money. These agents let you purchase just the services you need — like a MLS listing — without overpaying for tasks you can handle yourself.

However, selling a home is a lot more work than many people realize. You may end up purchasing more assistance from your limited-service agent than you expected, and the costs add up quickly when you're paying for those services a la carte.

After adding up the total cost of working with a limited-service agent, you may actually save more by listing with a discount real estate brokerage. The top low commission companies, like Semya-Moya, offer full service for a fraction of the price most agents charge.

Clever negotiates low, 1.5% listing fees with top-rated agents from trusted brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX. On a $400,000 home sale, finding your agent through Clever would save you $6,000!

» SAVE: Sell with a top full-service realtor for just 1.5%!

Read on to learn more about what you can expect working with a limited-service agent, how much they cost, and more!

What does a limited-service agent do for a seller?

Limited-service agents offer a few key services and minimal support for sellers. But figuring out exactly which services a limited-service agent will provide can be tricky — there's no formula or standard practices across the industry. Instead, the services offered vary by company, agent, and even state.

At a minimum, they'll list your home in your local multiple listing service (MLS), but they could also offer more options, like:

• Contract reviews
• Negotiation assistance
• Advertising products (like yard signs and key lockboxes)

A traditional real estate agent handles everything from gathering comps to negotiating offers and coordinating the closing process.

But a limited-service agent may only do a fraction of what a full-service agent would do, leaving you to take care of everything else.

Many limited-service agents use an a la carte pricing structure. This gives you a TON of flexibility and control over how much the agent is involved in the transaction and how much you'll ultimately pay to sell your home.

In many states, however, limited-service agents have to contend with state minimum service requirements. These regulations limit how "limited" these agents' services can be by requiring them to perform certain duties for their clients — even if the client doesn't want or need them.

What doesn't a limited-service agent do for a seller?

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) defines a limited-service real estate agent as an agent who does NOT offer one or more of these essential agent services:

• Arrange listing appointments with other brokers
• Accept and present offers
• Advise the seller on the merits of an offer
• Assist the seller with counter-offers
• Negotiate on the seller's behalf[1]

Limited-service agents could also leave out non-essentials that full-service agents usually help with, like:

• Comparative market analysis
• Professional photography
• Hosting open houses
• Preparing and filing paperwork

Ultimately, sellers have to take on more responsibility for selling their home when they list with a limited-service agent.

» MORE: What's the difference between discount and full-service realtors?

Benefits and risks of working with a limited-service agent

What are the benefits?

You're likely considering a limited-service agent because you want to save a lot of money on realtor commissions — and you certainly can!

While the price tag will vary depending on the specific agent and the services they provide, it will likely be a lot less than a full-service listing agent who charges 2.72% — the current national average commission rate for listing agents.

On top of the savings, you may like the flexibility that comes with a la carte pricing. If you're a go-getter who's ready to take on more of the work to sell your home, working with an agent who offers this pricing structure could be just what you need.

You'll be able to choose exactly what you need an agent's help with. It gives you more control over nearly every step of the transaction.

» LEARN: The best ways to save on realtor commission fees

What are the risks?

When you sell with a limited-service agent, you miss out on the experience and expertise that a full-service agent offers. When we surveyed 1,000 recent American home sellers, 81% of those who used a traditional full-service real estate agent for their home sale said it was worth the cost of an agent to get a significantly higher sale price on their home.

Real estate transactions are usually complicated and fast-moving. If you make just a few small mistakes, they could cost you even more money than you save by not paying to work with a full-service agent.

1. You have a higher chance of choosing the wrong listing price

A full-service agent will often have an expert-level understanding of the housing market in your area. They can look at comps and understand local trends to recommend the best price.

A limited-service agent may not offer any pricing guidance or have the local knowledge necessary to recommend the right price. Instead, you'll have to choose your own listing price, which could lead either to you selling your home for less than it’s worth or to it sitting on the market for a long time because it's priced too high.

2. You won't have much support during negotiations

When it's time to negotiate, a limited-service real estate agent usually won't offer much assistance. You may be able to purchase some of the agent's time to look over offers and give you some advice, but you'll likely have to negotiate with the buyer's agent yourself.

This could end up costing you a lot of money by either settling for a lower price, giving up more concessions, or offering the buyer more credits than what's necessary to get the sale to closing.

A full-service real estate agent negotiates deals for their clients all the time and most agents are really good at it. Unless you're a master negotiator, you might have trouble negotiating offers as well as an experienced agent could.

3. You may need more services than you originally planned

If you underestimate how much help you'll need to sell your home, you'll have to buy more support from your limited-service agent. This will drive up your total costs and lead to you paying MUCH more than you expected — especially compared to the level of service you'll receive.

You could even run into a situation where you need support that a limited-service agent doesn't offer. Depending on the terms of your listing agreement, it could be difficult to find that help from another agent without terminating your agreement and starting over from scratch.

Are limited-service agents and flat-fee MLS companies the same?

Flat-fee MLS companies are a type of limited-service real estate company that only lists your home in your local MLS for a low, flat fee.

According to NAR, listing-only companies won't provide ANY of the following services:

• Arranging listing appointments with other agents
• Accepting and presenting offers
• Giving advice on how strong a particular offer is
• Presenting counter-offers to the buyer
• Negotiating with the buyer or their agent[2]

But many companies that claim the "flat-fee MLS" title also offer add-on services and upgraded listing packages that could include things like offer reviews and negotiation assistance. Based on NAR's definition, these companies would technicallyqualify as limited-service real estate companies, but not flat-fee MLS services.

Just remember — companies call themselves all sorts of things that may not be technically accurate. When you're choosing a listing agent, you shouldn't worry so much about labels. Instead, focus on the price and the services you'll get in exchange for your money.

» MORE: Find the best flat-fee MLS services near you

State-level minimum service requirements

Several states have laws that require all real estate agents to provide certain services to every client. But the exact minimum service requirements will vary from state to state.

For example, Iowa requires agents to:

• Accept and deliver offers
• Assist the client with preparing, negotiating, and presenting offers and counter-offers
• Answer their clients' questions about contracts and negotiations
• Provide prospective buyers with access to a property[3]

Not every state's requirements are so stringent. Some may only require agents to answer their clients' questions and others either don't have any minimum service requirements or allow clients to opt out of the required services.

If you are in a state with these requirements, though, you can expect to pay more to work with a limited-service agent. Instead of paying for only the services you need, you'll also have to pay for the required services even if you don't want or need them. Depending on the laws in your state, you may find better overall value with a low commission realtor.

Does your state have minimum service requirements?

How much do limited-service listings typically cost?

The cost of a limited-service listing will vary based on the individual company, how they offer their services (a la carte or packages), and how much help you need from your agent.

We've seen some agents offer a simple limited-service MLS listing for less than $100, but your costs could add up quickly when you tack on other services as well. For example, here's what Houzeo — a national limited-service real estate company — charges for its a la carte options.[4]

If you were to sign up for their basic MLS listing plus all the company's add-ons, you'd end up paying $1,570 or more to work with this limited-service company.

How much can you save with a limited-service agent?

You can save quite a bit of money by working with a limited-service real estate agent instead of a traditional full-service realtor.

Sellers typically pay between 2.5-3% of their home's final sale price to their listing agent. Depending on your home's value and the average commission rate in your area, you could end up paying several thousand dollars just to your listing agent.

But you can often lower your listing fees by working with a limited-service agent — as long as you're willing to take on the extra risks.

Here's how much you could save by working with an agent who charges a $2,000 flat-fee compared to a traditional listing agent.

Top budget-friendly alternatives to limited-service listings

Working with a limited-service agent or paying a flat-fee MLS company for a limited-service listing is one way to make your home sale more affordable. But, this approach isn't right for everyone.

If saving on realtor commission is your top priority, consider these budget friendly alternatives to find the best fit for you.

Sell with a low commission real estate company

One of the best ways to save on real estate commission is to sell your house with a low commission real estate company.

Unlike limited-service agents, the top discount brokerages offer huge savings without requiring you to do more of the work yourself. These companies have found ways to lower their rates while still providing service that's similar to working with a traditional agent.

Clever, for example, negotiates low commission rates with full-service realtors at traditional brokerages like Coldwell Banker and Century 21. Since Clever connects its partner agents with customers at zero upfront cost, they can spend less on marketing and share the savings with you!

List your home for sale by owner (FSBO)

You can bypass a listing agent altogether by selling your home all on your own. If you're an experienced seller and confident in your ability to find a buyer without listing on the MLS, you can maximize your savings by selling FSBO.

But think carefully before choosing this route. You'll take on even more risk and responsibility since you won't have an agent in your corner to answer questions, advertise your home, or help you manage the closing process.

» READ: How to sell your home FSBO

Sell to a "We buy houses for cash" company

If your property is either distressed or tough to sell, you might consider selling to a "we buy houses for cash" company.

These companies make all-cash offers on nearly any property, regardless of its condition. Since they rely on repairing the property and reselling it for a profit, they'll usually offer well below your home's market value — sometimes as low as 50% of what it could sell for if it were fixed up and listed on the open market.

Still, if you need to sell fast or don't want to deal with getting your home ready to sell, a cash buyer could be a good way to sell your home, as long as you aren't too concerned about the sale price.

» LEARN: "We buy houses for cash" companies (the ultimate guide)

Sell to an iBuyer

iBuyers like Opendoor and Zillow Offers use technology to make all-cash offers on homes — often sight-unseen.

These companies could be a convenient way to sell your home. However, many homes don't qualify for an offer. iBuyers have strict criteria for the homes they'll purchase based on the property's location, age, condition, and other factors.

If you do qualify, most iBuyers offer a flexible closing period — usually between seven and 90 days. But the convenience of choosing your closing date and not listing on the open market comes with a price. Most pay less than you'd get on the open market and charge 5-15% service fees, so you'll likely end up with less money compared to a traditional home sale.

» READ: Everything you need to know about iBuyers

Next steps: talk to a licensed expert

FAQs about limited-service realtors

Related links

Flat Fee MLS Listing Services: A Better Way to Sell a House?

Flat fee MLS companies put your home on the MLS for a set rate, saving you potentially thousands of dollars on realtor commission costs. Read on to learn more.

How to Sell Your House For Sale by Owner

Everything you need to know to sell your house by owner, including marketing, pricing, and state specific paperwork.

The Best Low Commission Realtors (2023 Broker Rankings)

Find the best low commission real estate agents and brokers, so you can sell with a full-service realtor and save thousands on commission fees!

Discount Real Estate Brokers: How to Find a Top Realtor for Less

Working with a local discount real estate broker can put thousands of dollars back in your pocket when you buy or sell a house. Here's how to find them!

The post Are Limited-Service Real Estate Agents Worth It? appeared first on Semya-Moya.

When you sell a home, you'll get paid after you complete the closing process. How quickly you actually get money in your bank account depends on your property's location and other factors. In many states, you can get paid on your closing date. Some sellers may receive their money in less than 24 hours.

But a few states, called dry funding states, require a short waiting period between your closing date and when the lender approves the loan. This gap gives the lender a few days to review the buyer's loan documents. In dry funding states, you won’t get paid until the lender approves the loan and sends the money to your closing agent.

If you're ready to sell your home, an experienced agent can walk you through the process. And, if you sell with Clever, you'll save even more on your home sale with discounted listing fees. That means even more money in your bank account after closing!

💰 SAVE: Sell for just 1.5% listing fees with a top local agent!

How does the closing process work for sellers?

After you accept an offer on your house, you have to go through the closing process. This usually takes between four and six weeks, depending on how quickly the buyer gets their loan approval and whether you run into any problems with the home or title.

Many of these steps are required by mortgage lenders, so you may be able to skip a few of them if the buyer is paying in cash or using alternative funding like a hard money loan.

» MORE: What Happens After You Accept an Offer On Your House?

Once you make it to your closing date, you’ll sit down with your real estate agent and closing agent (a third party who facilitates the sale) to sign several documents.

What does the seller sign on closing day?

• Seller's closing disclosure. An itemized list showing you the sale price, closing costs, final mortgage payment, and — most importantly — how much money you’ll take home from the sale
• Affidavit of Title. A legal document stating you are the property’s rightful owner and disclosing any legal issues involving either you or the property
• Deed. A legal document transferring ownership of the property to the new owner
• Bill of sale. A list of all the personal property you’re leaving in the house (like furniture and kitchen appliances)
• Loan payoff. A statement from your lender showing the amount of your final mortgage payment including any prepayment penalties
• Statement of closing costs. A disclosure acknowledging you’re aware of the cost to sell your home

What should the seller bring on closing day?

• A valid, government-issued photo ID
• All keys and garage door openers for the house
• Access codes for electronic locks, garage doors, thermostats, and other devices
• A cashier’s check for closing costs and seller’s credits not paid out of the proceeds (your closing agent will tell if this is necessary and the amount)

» MORE: 5 FAQs About Your Closing Date and What it Means for Sellers

When does the seller get money after closing?

Most sellers live in wet funding states, which means you'll get paid on closing day. In dry funding states, it may take up to four days before the seller gets money after closing.

Dry funding happens in only nine states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington.

How you choose to accept your proceeds (wire transfers vs. checks) will also impact how long it takes to get paid after closing.

What is wet funding?

Wet funding is when a mortgage lender makes the money for a purchase available as soon as the buyer signs their loan documents — while the ink is still wet on the page. This practice makes up most closings in the U.S. since real estate laws in 41 states require wet closing.

If your property's in a wet funding state, you can get paid for selling your home on closing day since the lender has already verified all of the buyer’s information and sent the funds to your closing agent.

What is dry funding?

Dry funding gives the mortgage lender time to review the buyer's signed loan documents before it actually approves the loan. Since the lender doesn't send money to your closing agent until after its review, dry funding creates a gap between your closing date and when the sale actually closes (and you get paid).

How long does it take to get paid in dry funding states?

If you’re selling your home in a dry funding state, you'll have to wait up to four days after the closing date before you get paid.

This could cause some hiccups if you intend to buy a new house at the same time. You’ll need to consider the lag time between the closing date and when you actually receive your funds before setting the closing date on your new property.

Alternatively, if you haven’t made an offer on a new property yet, you might consider making a contingent offer. This tells the seller that you won't be able to close on a new home until you receive the proceeds from the sale of your current property.

Whether you live in a wet or dry funding state, an experienced real estate agent can walk you through the process and answer any questions you have.

Where does the money go when you sell a house?

When the buyer’s lender approves the loan, they’ll send the money to your closing agent, who holds it in escrow until the sale is complete. An escrow account is a financial account that a third party manages on behalf of the buyer or seller.

Your closing agent will be either a real estate attorney, an escrow agent, or a representative of a title company. The closing agent works behind the scenes to keep all the details of your purchase contract organized and on schedule.

Once you finish closing, your closing agent will be the person who sends you money for selling your home.

» MORE: Escrow Fees 101: Everything to Know About Escrow

How do you get paid when you sell your home?

When it’s time for you to get paid for selling your home, your closing agent will usually give you two options: wire transfer or a paper check.

In general, a wire transfer is considered the faster, safer option.

Getting paid by wire transfer after selling your home

Wire transfers are the most common way that sellers get paid after closing. If you choose a wire transfer, your closing agent will send the money directly to your bank within 24–48 hours of closing.

While you may have to wait a day or two for the closing agent to send your money, you can access it as soon as the bank processes the transfer. Fortunately, banks have clear rules for when they’ll do that, with most banks processing a wire transfer on the same day it’s received.

One possible delay, though, is your bank’s daily cutoff time. If a wire transfer comes in after that set time, the bank won’t process it until the next business day. You can talk to your bank to find out when its daily cutoff time is and ask your closing agent to send the transfer before then.

Getting paid by check after selling your home

If you decide to take a paper check, your closing agent will usually hand it to you before you go home on closing day. You get the sweet satisfaction of walking out with the money from selling your home in your hand.

But that doesn’t mean you’ll have access to all the funds immediately. You still have to carry the check to the bank, deposit it, and wait for the bank to add the funds to your account. Your bank can hold any check deposits over $5,525 for up to seven business days.

This delay makes taking a paper check risky if you expect to close on a new property right away.

How much do you get paid when you sell your home?

In most cases, you won’t pocket all of the sale price when you close. You’ll usually have some expenses that need to be paid before you can take home your profits.

Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about writing a bunch of checks and making sure all the right people get paid. Instead, your closing agent uses the proceeds from the sale to pay everyone, including you.

You’ll be able to see where your money is going a few days before your closing date when you receive your seller’s closing statement. This document shows you the sale price, all of your expenses, and your final proceeds from the sale.

Paying your remaining mortgage balance

Unless you own the property free and clear, you'll have to pay off your existing mortgage first. Prior to closing, your lender will send you and your closing agent a loan payoff notice telling you how much your final payment will be, including any fees and prepayment penalties.

Closing costs

Closing costs for sellers can be as much as 8–10% of the final sale price, but they vary based on your contract with the seller and the vendors you use throughout the closing process.

Your closing costs are made up of several smaller fees that can add up quickly. Some of the most common ones include:

In some cases, sellers agree to cover some or all of the buyer’s closing costs. These expenses typically cost another 2-5% of the final sale price and include fees that cover loan origination, appraisals, and inspections, among other things.

If you're concerned about closing costs adding up, you can save thousands on commission by working with Clever. Our partner agents work at the nation's best brokerages and provide full service at a fraction of the cost. Best of all, you can interview as many agents as you like with zero obligation.

When do you pay taxes after selling a home?

When you sell your home, you may have to pay both property taxes and capital gains taxes.

You’ll pay your property taxes at closing. Your total tax will be prorated from January 1 to the date you sell the property.

Capital gains taxes are due when you file your annual tax return. This tax applies to assets that appreciate in value — so if you sell your home for more than its original purchase price, it applies.

The exact rate you'll pay depends on how long you've owned the property, your income, and whether you're married or single.

» MORE: How to Avoid Capital Gains Tax When Selling a House

However, you may be able to avoid capital gains taxes altogether. The tax code includes some generous exemptions for capital gains on the sale of a home. You can write off up to $250,000 in profit on the sale ($500,000 for married filing jointly) if you meet three tests:

• You’ve owned the property for at least two years.
• You used the house as your primary residence for at least two of the last five years (these years don’t have to be consecutive).
• You haven’t excluded the profits of another home sale in the last two years.

» MORE: Guide to Selling Your House After Just One Year

Save more when you sell

If you're ready to sell your home, we recommend talking to real estate agents who are familiar with your local area.

For example, Clever's partner agents can advise you on everything from establishing a listing price to getting the best possible offers from buyers to finding the best funding option.

And, when it's time to get paid for your home sale, you'll save thousands in realtor fees thanks to Clever's pre-negotiated low rates!

FAQs

When do you get the money from selling your house?

Home sellers get paid after closing. In most states, you can get paid right away, but a few states have a brief waiting period. The form of payment (wire transfer or check) can also impact when you get money from selling your house. Learn how working with a low cost realtor can help you earn more from your home sale.

How do you get paid when you sell your house?

When your buyer is approved for a loan, their bank sends money to your closing agent, who holds it in escrow until the sale is complete. Then, your closing agent uses the proceeds from the sale to pay everyone, including you. Though some sellers prefer a paper check, a wire transfer is usually the faster, safer option. Find out more about wire transfers here.

You May Also Like

The Best Low Commission Realtors (2023 Broker Rankings)

Find the best low commission real estate agents and brokers, so you can sell with a full-service realtor and save thousands on commission fees!

Semya-Moya Reviews (2024): How It Works, Pricing, and Alternatives

Is Semya-Moya right for you? Learn how it works, read real customer reviews, and compare it to similar services.

10 Best Companies That Buy Houses for Cash

Looking to sell your home fast? From "we buy houses" companies to iBuyers like Opendoor, we found the best companies that buy houses for cash.

Negotiating Realtor Fees: 11 Expert Tips to Reduce Commission

Like most things in real estate, your listing agent's commission is negotiable. This is our expert guide to negotiating realtor fees.

The post When and How Do You Get Paid When You Sell a House? appeared first on Semya-Moya.

On average, sellers in Wyoming can expect to pay 2.60% of their home's final sale price in closing costs. For a $341,289 home — the median home value in Wyoming — you'd pay around $8,861.

Realtor commission fees are also paid at closing and are usually the biggest expense for sellers in Wyoming. However, this is also the one fee that you can easily save on. By using an agent-matching service like Semya-Moya, you can reduce your listing agent commission by thousands.

Clever pre-negotiates low listing fees with experienced agents from top brokerages so you can keep more money in your pocket after closing.

Keep reading to find out which closing costs sellers typically cover in Wyoming and how much you can expect to pay for each of them.

Need estimates for your sale? You'll also find our Wyoming seller closing costs calculator!

How much are seller closing costs in Wyoming?

Seller closing costs are fees and taxes you pay when you finalize the sale of your home in Wyoming. These include the costs of verifying and transferring ownership to the buyer, so most are unavoidable.

Keep in mind that closing costs in Wyoming do not include realtor fees. These are an extra 5.36% on average — and they're nearly always paid by the seller.

» LEARN: How real estate commission works in Wyoming

These closing costs are only an estimate. While closing costs will always have to be paid, your real estate agent can often negotiate who pays them — you or the buyer.

If you want to get the most out of negotiations, you'll need an experienced agent who has your best interests in mind. Clever can help by matching you with a top agent in your area who can score you a great deal.

» MORE: See how Clever can help match you with the perfect agent

Title service fees: 0.12%

Title fees cover the costs of the title search and title transfer.

When you sell your home, you have to transfer legal ownership of the property to the buyer. To ensure there are no claims or liens on your home, your settlement agent will complete a title search.

In Wyoming, buyers and sellers usually pay for their own title company or closing agent, but don't expect this for every sale. Ask your realtor if you're not sure.

Owner's title insurance: 0.33%

Owner's title insurance protects the buyer if there's a problem with the property title. It will pay for any legal fees if mistakes are found — or potentially even reimburse the value of the home.

In Wyoming, it's more common for the seller to pay for owner's title insurance.

» MORE: What is title insurance, and why do you need it?

Lender's title insurance: N/A

Just like owner's title insurance protects the buyer, lender's title insurance protects the bank or financial institution that issued the buyer a mortgage.

Transfer tax: No transfer tax in Wyoming

Some cities and counties also charge their own transfer tax. Check with your realtor and title company to see what taxes you'll owe in your area.

» FIND: Learn more about transfer taxes in Wyoming

Wyoming recording fees: 0.02%

Your city or county will charge a fee to legally record your property's deed and mortgage information. The exact amount will vary based on your location, but you can expect to pay around $72 in Wyoming — although you might be able to negotiate for the buyer to cover this cost.

Buyer incentives: 2%

Buyer incentives can help you secure a sale in tough markets by making it easier or more appealing for a buyer to purchase your property. You can pay some of the buyer's closing costs, offer repair credits, or include valuable items in the sale of the home.

The average amount sellers spend on buyer incentives in Wyoming comes to about $6,826.

Other Wyoming closing costs for sellers

Every Wyoming home sale is unique, and many come with a few surprise fees. Here are a few of the most common additional costs you may face selling your Wyoming home:

• Homeowners Association (HOA) fees
• Mortgage payoff and/or prepayment penalties
• Property appraisal fees (averages $299)
• Attorney fees (optional in Wyoming, averages $247)

» LEARN: The total cost of selling a house

Your realtor will have a better idea of the closing costs you can expect to pay, depending on the Wyoming neighborhood you're selling in and other factors.

An experienced agent can do a lot more than market your property and negotiate with buyers. Top realtors — like the ones Clever partners with — will have the local knowledge necessary to maximize your profits and understand what buyers in the area are looking for in a new home.

Wyoming closing costs calculator

How to save on Wyoming closing costs

While closing costs aren't usually the biggest expense for sellers in Wyoming, there are a few ways to reduce these fees.

Negotiate for the buyer to pay

If you're selling in the middle of a hot seller's market with low housing inventory, you could ask the buyer to cover some of your closing costs.

Competition among buyers is fierce in these market conditions, so they're typically more willing to make concessions so you'll accept their offer on your Wyoming home.

When you're selling in a buyer's market, however, they'll likely ask you to make more concessions since you won't be getting as many offers.

» MORE: How to negotiate with buyers before accepting an offer

Shop around for better prices

It might be possible to save some money by shopping around for cheaper rates on services like title insurance and closing fees.

However, these costs are relatively low and tend to be fairly consistent among different companies. When you're already navigating inspections, repair requests, and appraisals, calling several different companies to find a $50 discount probably isn't worth the hassle!

Save on realtor fees

The best way to reduce your selling costs is to find a realtor who charges lower listing fees. In Wyoming, real estate commission costs an average of $18,293 — that's usually more expensive than the rest of your closing costs combined!

Thankfully, there's a way to save big by selling with Clever. With listing fees of just 1.5%, you'll save thousands on realtor commission, putting more money in your pocket.

» SAVE: Learn more about how much a Clever agent can save you!

Frequently asked questions

Related articles

8 Steps to Selling a House in Wyoming

Selling your house in Wyoming? Our in-depth guide breaks down the process into 8 easy-to-understand steps, from listing through closing.

How to Sell a House By Owner in Wyoming

Selling your house without a realtor can save you 2.30% to 6.12% in Wyoming. Find out more about the FSBO process, its pros and cons, and tips for success.

Average Time to Sell a House in Wyoming

We’ve compiled the latest data on how long it takes to sell a house in Wyoming — along with top tips on how to sell your house faster AND for top dollar.

The post How Much Are Closing Costs for Sellers in Wyoming? appeared first on Semya-Moya.

On average, sellers in Wisconsin can expect to pay 3.00% of their home's final sale price in closing costs. For a $293,610 home — the median home value in Wisconsin — you'd pay around $8,799.

Realtor commission fees are also paid at closing and are usually the biggest expense for sellers in Wisconsin. However, this is also the one fee that you can easily save on. By using an agent-matching service like Semya-Moya, you can reduce your listing agent commission by thousands.

Clever pre-negotiates low listing fees with experienced agents from top brokerages so you can keep more money in your pocket after closing.

Keep reading to find out which closing costs sellers typically cover in Wisconsin and how much you can expect to pay for each of them.

Need estimates for your sale? You'll also find our Wisconsin seller closing costs calculator!

How much are seller closing costs in Wisconsin?

Seller closing costs are fees and taxes you pay when you finalize the sale of your home in Wisconsin. These include the costs of verifying and transferring ownership to the buyer, so most are unavoidable.

Keep in mind that closing costs in Wisconsin do not include realtor fees. These are an extra 5.67% on average — and they're nearly always paid by the seller.

» LEARN: How real estate commission works in Wisconsin

These closing costs are only an estimate. While closing costs will always have to be paid, your real estate agent can often negotiate who pays them — you or the buyer.

If you want to get the most out of negotiations, you'll need an experienced agent who has your best interests in mind. Clever can help by matching you with a top agent in your area who can score you a great deal.

» MORE: See how Clever can help match you with the perfect agent

Title service fees: 0.14%

Title fees cover the costs of the title search and title transfer.

When you sell your home, you have to transfer legal ownership of the property to the buyer. To ensure there are no claims or liens on your home, your settlement agent will complete a title search.

In Wisconsin, buyers and sellers usually pay for their own title company or closing agent, but don't expect this for every sale. Ask your realtor if you're not sure.

Owner's title insurance: 0.39%

Owner's title insurance protects the buyer if there's a problem with the property title. It will pay for any legal fees if mistakes are found — or potentially even reimburse the value of the home.

In Wisconsin, it's more common for the seller to pay for owner's title insurance.

» MORE: What is title insurance, and why do you need it?

Lender's title insurance: N/A

Just like owner's title insurance protects the buyer, lender's title insurance protects the bank or financial institution that issued the buyer a mortgage.

Deed transfer tax: 0.33%

Some cities and counties also charge their own transfer tax. Check with your realtor and title company to see what taxes you'll owe in your area.

» FIND: Learn more about transfer taxes in Wisconsin

Wisconsin recording fees: 0.01%

Your city or county will charge a fee to legally record your property's deed and mortgage information. The exact amount will vary based on your location, but you can expect to pay around $30 in Wisconsin — although you might be able to negotiate for the buyer to cover this cost.

Buyer incentives: 2%

Buyer incentives can help you secure a sale in tough markets by making it easier or more appealing for a buyer to purchase your property. You can pay some of the buyer's closing costs, offer repair credits, or include valuable items in the sale of the home.

The average amount sellers spend on buyer incentives in Wisconsin comes to about $5,872.

Other Wisconsin closing costs for sellers

Every Wisconsin home sale is unique, and many come with a few surprise fees. Here are a few of the most common additional costs you may face selling your Wisconsin home:

• Homeowners Association (HOA) fees
• Mortgage payoff and/or prepayment penalties
• Property appraisal fees (averages $434)
• Attorney fees (optional in Wisconsin, averages $247)

» LEARN: The total cost of selling a house

Your realtor will have a better idea of the closing costs you can expect to pay, depending on the Wisconsin neighborhood you're selling in and other factors.

An experienced agent can do a lot more than market your property and negotiate with buyers. Top realtors — like the ones Clever partners with — will have the local knowledge necessary to maximize your profits and understand what buyers in the area are looking for in a new home.

Wisconsin closing costs calculator

How to save on Wisconsin closing costs

While closing costs aren't usually the biggest expense for sellers in Wisconsin, there are a few ways to reduce these fees.

Negotiate for the buyer to pay

If you're selling in the middle of a hot seller's market with low housing inventory, you could ask the buyer to cover some of your closing costs.

Competition among buyers is fierce in these market conditions, so they're typically more willing to make concessions so you'll accept their offer on your Wisconsin home.

When you're selling in a buyer's market, however, they'll likely ask you to make more concessions since you won't be getting as many offers.

» MORE: How to negotiate with buyers before accepting an offer

Shop around for better prices

It might be possible to save some money by shopping around for cheaper rates on services like title insurance and closing fees.

However, these costs are relatively low and tend to be fairly consistent among different companies. When you're already navigating inspections, repair requests, and appraisals, calling several different companies to find a $50 discount probably isn't worth the hassle!

Save on realtor fees

The best way to reduce your selling costs is to find a realtor who charges lower listing fees. In Wisconsin, real estate commission costs an average of $16,648 — that's usually more expensive than the rest of your closing costs combined!

Thankfully, there's a way to save big by selling with Clever. With listing fees of just 1.5%, you'll save thousands on realtor commission, putting more money in your pocket.

» SAVE: Learn more about how much a Clever agent can save you!

Frequently asked questions

Related articles

8 Steps to Selling a House in Wisconsin

Selling your house in Wisconsin? Our in-depth guide breaks down the process into 8 easy-to-understand steps, from listing through closing.

How to Sell a House By Owner in Wisconsin (2023 Update)

Learn how to sell a house by owner in Wisconsin in 2023 and decide if it’s right for you. Selling FSBO isn’t easy, but it can save you money in listing fees.

Average Time to Sell a House in Wisconsin

We’ve compiled the latest data on how long it takes to sell a house in Wisconsin — along with top tips on how to sell your house faster AND for top dollar.

The post How Much Are Closing Costs for Sellers in Wisconsin? appeared first on Semya-Moya.

On average, sellers in Vermont can expect to pay 2.81% of their home's final sale price in closing costs. For a $393,838 home — the median home value in Vermont — you'd pay around $11,060.

Realtor commission fees are also paid at closing and are usually the biggest expense for sellers in Vermont. However, this is also the one fee that you can easily save on. By using an agent-matching service like Semya-Moya, you can reduce your listing agent commission by thousands.

Clever pre-negotiates low listing fees with experienced agents from top brokerages so you can keep more money in your pocket after closing.

Keep reading to find out which closing costs sellers typically cover in Vermont and how much you can expect to pay for each of them.

Need estimates for your sale? You'll also find our Vermont seller closing costs calculator!

How much are seller closing costs in Vermont?

Seller closing costs are fees and taxes you pay when you finalize the sale of your home in Vermont. These include the costs of verifying and transferring ownership to the buyer, so most are unavoidable.

Keep in mind that closing costs in Vermont do not include realtor fees. These are an extra 5.12% on average — and they're nearly always paid by the seller.

» LEARN: How real estate commission works in Vermont

These closing costs are only an estimate. While closing costs will always have to be paid, your real estate agent can often negotiate who pays them — you or the buyer.

If you want to get the most out of negotiations, you'll need an experienced agent who has your best interests in mind. Clever can help by matching you with a top agent in your area who can score you a great deal.

» MORE: See how Clever can help match you with the perfect agent

Title service fees: 0.28%

Title fees cover the costs of the title search and title transfer.

When you sell your home, you have to transfer legal ownership of the property to the buyer. To ensure there are no claims or liens on your home, your settlement agent will complete a title search.

In Vermont, buyers and sellers usually pay for their own title company or closing agent, but don't expect this for every sale. Ask your realtor if you're not sure.

Owner's title insurance: N/A

Owner's title insurance protects the buyer if there's a problem with the property title. It will pay for any legal fees if mistakes are found — or potentially even reimburse the value of the home.

In Vermont, it's more common for the buyer to pay for owner's title insurance.

» MORE: What is title insurance, and why do you need it?

Lender's title insurance: N/A

Just like owner's title insurance protects the buyer, lender's title insurance protects the bank or financial institution that issued the buyer a mortgage.

Transfer tax: 0.10%

Some cities and counties also charge their own transfer tax. Check with your realtor and title company to see what taxes you'll owe in your area.

» FIND: Learn more about transfer taxes in Vermont

Vermont recording fees: 0.01%

Your city or county will charge a fee to legally record your property's deed and mortgage information. The exact amount will vary based on your location, but you can expect to pay around $50 in Vermont — although you might be able to negotiate for the buyer to cover this cost.

Buyer incentives: 2%

Buyer incentives can help you secure a sale in tough markets by making it easier or more appealing for a buyer to purchase your property. You can pay some of the buyer's closing costs, offer repair credits, or include valuable items in the sale of the home.

The average amount sellers spend on buyer incentives in Vermont comes to about $7,877.

Other Vermont closing costs for sellers

Every Vermont home sale is unique, and many come with a few surprise fees. Here are a few of the most common additional costs you may face selling your Vermont home:

• Homeowners Association (HOA) fees
• Mortgage payoff and/or prepayment penalties
• Property appraisal fees (averages $299)
• Attorney fees (required in Vermont, averages $247)

» LEARN: The total cost of selling a house

Your realtor will have a better idea of the closing costs you can expect to pay, depending on the Vermont neighborhood you're selling in and other factors.

An experienced agent can do a lot more than market your property and negotiate with buyers. Top realtors — like the ones Clever partners with — will have the local knowledge necessary to maximize your profits and understand what buyers in the area are looking for in a new home.

Vermont closing costs calculator

How to save on Vermont closing costs

While closing costs aren't usually the biggest expense for sellers in Vermont, there are a few ways to reduce these fees.

Negotiate for the buyer to pay

If you're selling in the middle of a hot seller's market with low housing inventory, you could ask the buyer to cover some of your closing costs.

Competition among buyers is fierce in these market conditions, so they're typically more willing to make concessions so you'll accept their offer on your Vermont home.

When you're selling in a buyer's market, however, they'll likely ask you to make more concessions since you won't be getting as many offers.

» MORE: How to negotiate with buyers before accepting an offer

Shop around for better prices

It might be possible to save some money by shopping around for cheaper rates on services like title insurance and closing fees.

However, these costs are relatively low and tend to be fairly consistent among different companies. When you're already navigating inspections, repair requests, and appraisals, calling several different companies to find a $50 discount probably isn't worth the hassle!

Save on realtor fees

The best way to reduce your selling costs is to find a realtor who charges lower listing fees. In Vermont, real estate commission costs an average of $20,165 — that's usually more expensive than the rest of your closing costs combined!

Thankfully, there's a way to save big by selling with Clever. With listing fees of just 1.5%, you'll save thousands on realtor commission, putting more money in your pocket.

» SAVE: Learn more about how much a Clever agent can save you!

Frequently asked questions

Related articles

8 Steps to Selling a House in Vermont

Selling your house in Vermont? Our in-depth guide breaks down the process into 8 easy-to-understand steps, from listing through closing.

How to Sell a House By Owner in Vermont

Selling your house without a realtor can save you 2.19% to 6.05% in Vermont. Find out more about the FSBO process, its pros and cons, and tips for success.

Average Time to Sell a House in Vermont

We’ve compiled the latest data on how long it takes to sell a house in Vermont — along with top tips on how to sell your house faster AND for top dollar.

The post How Much Are Closing Costs for Sellers in Vermont? appeared first on Semya-Moya.

On average, sellers in South Dakota can expect to pay 3.34% of their home's final sale price in closing costs. For a $297,041 home — the median home value in South Dakota — you'd pay around $9,914.

Realtor commission fees are also paid at closing and are usually the biggest expense for sellers in South Dakota. However, this is also the one fee that you can easily save on. By using an agent-matching service like Semya-Moya, you can reduce your listing agent commission by thousands.

Clever pre-negotiates low listing fees with experienced agents from top brokerages so you can keep more money in your pocket after closing.

Keep reading to find out which closing costs sellers typically cover in South Dakota and how much you can expect to pay for each of them.

Need estimates for your sale? You'll also find our South Dakota seller closing costs calculator!

How much are seller closing costs in South Dakota?

Seller closing costs are fees and taxes you pay when you finalize the sale of your home in South Dakota. These include the costs of verifying and transferring ownership to the buyer, so most are unavoidable.

Keep in mind that closing costs in South Dakota do not include realtor fees. These are an extra 5.66% on average — and they're nearly always paid by the seller.

» LEARN: How real estate commission works in South Dakota

These closing costs are only an estimate. While closing costs will always have to be paid, your real estate agent can often negotiate who pays them — you or the buyer.

If you want to get the most out of negotiations, you'll need an experienced agent who has your best interests in mind. Clever can help by matching you with a top agent in your area who can score you a great deal.

» MORE: See how Clever can help match you with the perfect agent

Title service fees: 0.34%

Title fees cover the costs of the title search and title transfer.

When you sell your home, you have to transfer legal ownership of the property to the buyer. To ensure there are no claims or liens on your home, your settlement agent will complete a title search.

In South Dakota, buyers and sellers usually pay for their own title company or closing agent, but don't expect this for every sale. Ask your realtor if you're not sure.

Owner's title insurance: 0.22%

Owner's title insurance protects the buyer if there's a problem with the property title. It will pay for any legal fees if mistakes are found — or potentially even reimburse the value of the home.

In South Dakota, it's more common for the seller to pay for owner's title insurance.

» MORE: What is title insurance, and why do you need it?

Lender's title insurance: 0.33%

Just like owner's title insurance protects the buyer, lender's title insurance protects the bank or financial institution that issued the buyer a mortgage.

Transfer fee: 0.10%

Some cities and counties also charge their own transfer tax. Check with your realtor and title company to see what taxes you'll owe in your area.

» FIND: Learn more about transfer taxes in South Dakota

South Dakota recording fees: 0.02%

Your city or county will charge a fee to legally record your property's deed and mortgage information. The exact amount will vary based on your location, but you can expect to pay around $50 in South Dakota — although you might be able to negotiate for the buyer to cover this cost.

Buyer incentives: 2%

Buyer incentives can help you secure a sale in tough markets by making it easier or more appealing for a buyer to purchase your property. You can pay some of the buyer's closing costs, offer repair credits, or include valuable items in the sale of the home.

The average amount sellers spend on buyer incentives in South Dakota comes to about $5,941.

Other South Dakota closing costs for sellers

Every South Dakota home sale is unique, and many come with a few surprise fees. Here are a few of the most common additional costs you may face selling your South Dakota home:

• Homeowners Association (HOA) fees
• Mortgage payoff and/or prepayment penalties
• Property appraisal fees (averages $299)
• Attorney fees (required in South Dakota, averages $247)

» LEARN: The total cost of selling a house

Your realtor will have a better idea of the closing costs you can expect to pay, depending on the South Dakota neighborhood you're selling in and other factors.

An experienced agent can do a lot more than market your property and negotiate with buyers. Top realtors — like the ones Clever partners with — will have the local knowledge necessary to maximize your profits and understand what buyers in the area are looking for in a new home.

South Dakota closing costs calculator

How to save on South Dakota closing costs

While closing costs aren't usually the biggest expense for sellers in South Dakota, there are a few ways to reduce these fees.

Negotiate for the buyer to pay

If you're selling in the middle of a hot seller's market with low housing inventory, you could ask the buyer to cover some of your closing costs.

Competition among buyers is fierce in these market conditions, so they're typically more willing to make concessions so you'll accept their offer on your South Dakota home.

When you're selling in a buyer's market, however, they'll likely ask you to make more concessions since you won't be getting as many offers.

» MORE: How to negotiate with buyers before accepting an offer

Shop around for better prices

It might be possible to save some money by shopping around for cheaper rates on services like title insurance and closing fees.

However, these costs are relatively low and tend to be fairly consistent among different companies. When you're already navigating inspections, repair requests, and appraisals, calling several different companies to find a $50 discount probably isn't worth the hassle!

Save on realtor fees

The best way to reduce your selling costs is to find a realtor who charges lower listing fees. In South Dakota, real estate commission costs an average of $16,812 — that's usually more expensive than the rest of your closing costs combined!

Thankfully, there's a way to save big by selling with Clever. With listing fees of just 1.5%, you'll save thousands on realtor commission, putting more money in your pocket.

» SAVE: Learn more about how much a Clever agent can save you!

Frequently asked questions

Related articles

8 Steps to Selling a House in South Dakota

Selling your house in South Dakota? Our in-depth guide breaks down the process into 8 easy-to-understand steps, from listing through closing.

How to Sell a House By Owner in South Dakota

Selling your house without a realtor can save you 2.40% to 6.80% in South Dakota. Find out more about the FSBO process, its pros and cons, and tips for success.

Average Time to Sell a House in South Dakota

We’ve compiled the latest data on how long it takes to sell a house in South Dakota — along with top tips on how to sell your house faster AND for top dollar.

The post How Much Are Closing Costs for Sellers in South Dakota? appeared first on Semya-Moya.

On average, sellers in Washington D.C. can expect to pay 2.59% of their home's final sale price in closing costs. For a $542,877 home — the median home value in Washington D.C. — you'd pay around $14,059.

Realtor commission fees are also paid at closing and are usually the biggest expense for sellers in Washington D.C.. However, this is also the one fee that you can easily save on. By using an agent-matching service like Semya-Moya, you can reduce your listing agent commission by thousands.

Clever pre-negotiates low listing fees with experienced agents from top brokerages so you can keep more money in your pocket after closing.

Keep reading to find out which closing costs sellers typically cover in Washington D.C. and how much you can expect to pay for each of them.

Need estimates for your sale? You'll also find our Washington D.C. seller closing costs calculator!

How much are seller closing costs in Washington D.C.?

Seller closing costs are fees and taxes you pay when you finalize the sale of your home in Washington D.C.. These include the costs of verifying and transferring ownership to the buyer, so most are unavoidable.

Keep in mind that closing costs in Washington D.C. do not include realtor fees. These are an extra 4.96% on average — and they're nearly always paid by the seller.

» LEARN: How real estate commission works in Washington D.C.

These closing costs are only an estimate. While closing costs will always have to be paid, your real estate agent can often negotiate who pays them — you or the buyer.

If you want to get the most out of negotiations, you'll need an experienced agent who has your best interests in mind. Clever can help by matching you with a top agent in your area who can score you a great deal.

» MORE: See how Clever can help match you with the perfect agent

Title service fees: 0.26%

Title fees cover the costs of the title search and title transfer.

When you sell your home, you have to transfer legal ownership of the property to the buyer. To ensure there are no claims or liens on your home, your settlement agent will complete a title search.

In Washington D.C., buyers and sellers usually pay for their own title company or closing agent, but don't expect this for every sale. Ask your realtor if you're not sure.

Owner's title insurance: 0.28%

Owner's title insurance protects the buyer if there's a problem with the property title. It will pay for any legal fees if mistakes are found — or potentially even reimburse the value of the home.

In Washington D.C., it's more common for the seller to pay for owner's title insurance.

» MORE: What is title insurance, and why do you need it?

Lender's title insurance: N/A

Just like owner's title insurance protects the buyer, lender's title insurance protects the bank or financial institution that issued the buyer a mortgage.

Transfer tax: 1.45%

Some cities and counties also charge their own transfer tax. Check with your realtor and title company to see what taxes you'll owe in your area.

» FIND: Learn more about transfer taxes in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. recording fees: 0.01%

Your city will charge a fee to legally record your property's deed and mortgage information. The exact amount will vary based on your location, but you can expect to pay around $50 in Washington D.C. — although you might be able to negotiate for the buyer to cover this cost.

Buyer incentives: 2%

Buyer incentives can help you secure a sale in tough markets by making it easier or more appealing for a buyer to purchase your property. You can pay some of the buyer's closing costs, offer repair credits, or include valuable items in the sale of the home.

The average amount sellers spend on buyer incentives in Washington D.C. comes to about $10,858.

Other Washington D.C. closing costs for sellers

Every Washington D.C. home sale is unique, and many come with a few surprise fees. Here are a few of the most common additional costs you may face selling your Washington D.C. home:

• Homeowners Association (HOA) fees
• Mortgage payoff and/or prepayment penalties
• Property appraisal fees (averages $296)
• Attorney fees (optional in Washington D.C., averages $300)

» LEARN: The total cost of selling a house

Your realtor will have a better idea of the closing costs you can expect to pay, depending on the Washington D.C. neighborhood you're selling in and other factors.

An experienced agent can do a lot more than market your property and negotiate with buyers. Top realtors — like the ones Clever partners with — will have the local knowledge necessary to maximize your profits and understand what buyers in the area are looking for in a new home.

Washington D.C. closing costs calculator

How to save on Washington D.C. closing costs

While closing costs aren't usually the biggest expense for sellers in Washington D.C., there are a few ways to reduce these fees.

Negotiate for the buyer to pay

If you're selling in the middle of a hot seller's market with low housing inventory, you could ask the buyer to cover some of your closing costs.

Competition among buyers is fierce in these market conditions, so they're typically more willing to make concessions so you'll accept their offer on your Washington D.C. home.

When you're selling in a buyer's market, however, they'll likely ask you to make more concessions since you won't be getting as many offers.

» MORE: How to negotiate with buyers before accepting an offer

Shop around for better prices

It might be possible to save some money by shopping around for cheaper rates on services like title insurance and closing fees.

However, these costs are relatively low and tend to be fairly consistent among different companies. When you're already navigating inspections, repair requests, and appraisals, calling several different companies to find a $50 discount probably isn't worth the hassle!

Save on realtor fees

The best way to reduce your selling costs is to find a realtor who charges lower listing fees. In Washington D.C., real estate commission costs an average of $26,927 — that's usually more expensive than the rest of your closing costs combined!

Thankfully, there's a way to save big by selling with Clever. With listing fees of just 1.5%, you'll save thousands on realtor commission, putting more money in your pocket.

» SAVE: Learn more about how much a Clever agent can save you!

Frequently asked questions

Related articles

8 Steps to Selling a House in Washington, D.C.

Selling your house in Washington, D.C.? Our in-depth guide breaks down the process into 8 easy-to-understand steps, from listing through closing.

How to Sell a House By Owner in Washington, D.C. (2023 Update)

Learn how to sell a house by owner in Washington, D.C. in 2023 and decide if it’s right for you. Selling FSBO isn’t easy, but it can save you money in listing fees.

Average Time to Sell a House in Washington, D.C.

We’ve compiled the latest data on how long it takes to sell a house in Washington, D.C. — along with top tips on how to sell your house faster AND for top dollar.

The post How Much Are Closing Costs for Sellers in Washington D.C.? appeared first on Semya-Moya.