Top discount real estate brokers in 2023 | How much can you save? | Risks of working with a discount realtor | How discount brokers work | How to choose a discount broker | FAQ
Discount real estate brokers are companies or agents who sell your home for less than the typical 2.5–3% rate most conventional realtors charge.
If you want to save on realtor commission and are considering hiring a discount real estate brokerage, there are a lot of options out there. But not all offer the same level of service, savings, and value.
This guide breaks down all the top discount real estate brokers: learn the costs, pros and cons, and which brands are available where (many discount real estate companies are only available in certain regions and cities).
⚡ Get the best agents at a better rate. Use our free agent matching tool to find a great agent and take advantage of our 1.5% listing fee. Compare top local realtors from major brands like Keller Williams and RE/MAX — with no added fees or strings attached.
Best discount real estate brokers nationwide
| Company | Listing fee | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Clever | 1.5% (min. $3,000) | Nationwide |
| 🥈 Redfin | 1.5% (min. fees vary) | Nationwide (select markets) |
| 🥉 Ideal Agent | 2% or $3,000 | Nationwide |
1. Clever
Clever Real Estate
Learn More💲 Listing Fee
💰 Avg. Savings
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
Clever is a quick, easy, and free way to find a top-rated local real estate agent for less. Unlike many similar companies, Clever lets you choose your own realtor from its network of more than 20,000 top-performing local agents, and it pre-negotiates big discounts on your behalf. That way, you can save without sacrificing service.
- Clever matches you 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 several, compare marketing plans, and choose the best fit.
- Clever pre-negotiates low rates on your behalf — you get full service for a 1.5% listing fee.
- Eligible buyers 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.
Clever has pre-negotiated low commission rates with top agents in all 50 states and Washington, DC.
Clever Real Estate is a free agent matching service. The company helps you save on real estate commissions by pre-negotiating discounted rates with top local real estate agents.
Key benefits of selling with Clever include:
- Top local agents: Clever's partner agents come from respected brokerages like Keller Williams and Berkshire Hathaway. Clever vets all its agents, and its network is one of the most selective among low commission companies.
- Multiple agents to choose from: Clever sends you multiple agent matches in your area. You can compare and interview as many agents as you'd like.
- Built-in savings: Clever's 1.5% listings fees save home sellers an average of $7,000.
- Support from Clever's team: If any issues arise, Clever's team steps in to help or find you another agent. Clever's full-service approach has earned the company a 4.9/5 rating across thousands of customer reviews.
Requesting an agent with Clever is fast and easy. You answer a few simple questions about what you're looking for, and Clever handpicks top agents in your market who might be a good fit.
If you don't like your initial matches, you can request more — or you can walk away. Clever is free to use with no obligation.
A Clever partner agent may not always be the best fit for your situation, in which case we'll connect you with someone who is. We'll help you weigh all your options and choose what's right for you.
Try Clever today! Compare top local agents, list your home for just 1.5%. Our service is free with no obligation. Get your matches in minutes.
2. Redfin
Redfin
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Redfin offers real savings and is a proven brand. But sellers could compromise on service — especially agent experience and availability.
- 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.
Redfin is available in 80+ U.S. markets (see all locations).
In addition to its popular home search website, Redfin is also a discount real estate brokerage that offers reduced listing fees of 1.5% to home sellers. The savings are legit compared to the typical 2.5–3% rate most agents charge. And Redfin is by far the largest and most established discount brokerage out there. But there are still some potential service-quality trade-offs to be aware of.
Redfin agents typically work with more customers at once than other full-service realtors, so you might not get quite as much hands-on support from your agent. This won't be a problem for most people, but it may not be the best fit if you're a first-time seller or have a more complex selling situation.
3. Ideal Agent
Ideal Agent
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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.
- 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.
Ideal Agent is available to home sellers nationwide.
Ideal Agent is a discount real estate brokerage that offers 2% listing fees. This company might be a good option if your priority is getting the highest-quality agent and you live in a big city.
The company has a selective network, with only agents who are the top 1% producers in their markets. Ideal Agent is also highly rated by customers.
However, Ideal Agent's network is small compared to other discount brokerages, and you get matched with only one agent. 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 offer. If you want the best deal, look into companies with 1% or 1.5% rates.
Regional discount real estate brokers worth considering
| Company | Listing fee | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Percent Lists | 1% (min. fees vary) | FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, RI, SC, TN |
| Houwzer | 1% (min. $2,500) | FL, MD, NJ, PA, VA, DC |
| Prevu | 1.5% | CA, CO, CT, MA, NY, PA, TX, WA |
| SimpleShowing | 1% (min. fees vary) | FL, GA, TX |
Depending on where you're located, you may also have access to agents from regional discount brokerages, including 1 Percent Lists, SimpleShowing, Houwzer, and Prevu. All offer good overall value to their customers.
No matter where you're selling, we always recommend interviewing a few local agents before making a decision. Selling a home is one of the biggest financial transactions you'll ever make. Talking to a few agents from different brokerages lets you compare your options and find the real estate agent who best fits your needs.
1 Percent Lists
1 Percent Lists
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1 Percent Lists is one of the better discount real estate brokers available in the Southeast. But other companies provide more one-on-one support for a similar price.
- 1 Percent Lists offers one of the lowest listing fees on the market at 1%.
- Sellers receive full service.
- Limited agent selection may mean you have to work with an agent who isn't a good fit.
- Agents handle more customers than traditional realtors, so you may not get as much one-on-one support.
1 Percent Lists has a 5.0 out of 5 rating (389 reviews) across popular review sites like Google, Trustpilot, and Zillow.
1 Percent Lists is available in the following areas: FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, RI, SC, TN.
If you're a home seller in the Southeast, 1 Percent Lists is one of the better discount real estate brokers to look into. When you work with this company, you pay a 1% listing fee and receive most of the same services that traditional realtors offer.
1 Percent Lists can offer a low rate because its agents work with more customers at once than traditional agents. The brokerage also cuts costs by eliminating old-fashioned marketing methods, such as open houses or print advertising. For most sellers, this won't affect the overall experience.
Houwzer
Houwzer
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Houwzer has very low listing fees, but you may be frustrated working with a team instead of just your realtor.
- You’ll pay a 1% listing fee, which is one of the lowest rates in the industry.
- Houwzer’s maximum listing fee of $10,000 makes it a great deal for homes over $1 million.
- Houwzer has a small team, which limits your options if you don't hit it off with the first agent it sends you.
- The company uses a team-based approach, which increases the chances of miscommunication and mistakes.
Houwzer has a 4.9 out of 5 rating (1,463 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Zillow.
Houwzer is available in the following locations: FL, MD, NJ, PA, VA, DC.
Houwzer is a legitimate discount real estate brokerage that offers a similar level of service to a traditional agent. It’s available in select markets in Florida and the mid-Atlantic.
The company recently changed its pricing model from a flat fee to a 1% fee with a $2,500 minimum. For that price, you get to work with a fully licensed, top-rated agent.
However, its team-based approach may lead to less personalized service. And agents work on salary instead of commission, leading some customers to complain that agents aren’t incentivized to work hard.
Prevu
Prevu Real Estate
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
💰 Avg. Savings
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Prevu offers solid commission savings for buyers and sellers. But at certain price points, other discount brands may offer better value.
- 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.
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 the full 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 agents’ 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 minimum fees aren’t listed on the company's website, so you'll need to contact the office for details.
SimpleShowing
SimpleShowing
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
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SimpleShowing’s commission savings are solid — but you may compromise on agent selection and hands-on service.
- 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.
SimpleShowing is available in the following areas: FL, GA, TX.
SimpleShowing is a legitimate discount brokerage that offers built-in savings for buyers and sellers. Its limited agent network is available only in Florida, Georgia, and Texas.
Sellers get a low 1% listing fee, and eligible buyers can get a refund of up to 1% of the home’s final purchase price.
If you're a buyer, inquire if there's a restriction on the number of homes you can tour and still qualify for the full rebate. Also, be aware that you may have to do some initial work yourself before your agent steps in.
SimpleShowing uses full-service agents and a team-based approach. Agents might juggle many clients at once, which could impact customer service.
How do discount real estate brokers work?
Most discount real estate brokers' primary focus is offering low rates for home sellers. Many offer built-in commission savings in the range of 20–30% compared to listing with a traditional realtor or brokerage.
To understand how these savings work, you first need a quick crash course in realtor commissions.
📚 What is the standard real estate commission?
The standard rate for real estate commission has long been 5–6%. This total commission consists of two separate fees:
- The listing fee (usually 2.5–3%) goes to the listing agent for helping the seller market and sell the home.
- The buyer’s agent fee (also 2.5–3%) goes to the buyer’s agent for bringing their client to purchase the home.
In a conventional real estate transaction, the seller covers the commission fees for both agents. These fees are taken out of the seller’s sale proceeds at closing.
Most discount real estate brokers offer savings on the listing fee side of this equation. For example, a discount broker might offer a 1.5% listing fee instead of the typical 2.5% or 3% commission, lowering the total commission to roughly 4–4.5%.
Discount real estate agent commission vs. typical realtor fees
| Discount real estate commission | Typical realtor fees | |
|---|---|---|
| Listing fee | 1.5% | 2.5–3% |
| Buyer’s agent fee | 2.5–3% | 2.5–3% |
| Total commission | 4–4.5% | 5–6% |
| Savings ($500,000 listing) | $12,500–15,000 | $0 |
Note: Expect to pay the full 2.5–3% buyer’s agent fee
Most discount real estate agents (and traditional agents) will recommend you always offer the full buyer’s agent fee. Rates vary by market, but 2.5–3% is typical nationwide. Negotiating realtor commission fees with the seller's agent is possible, but don't expect to negotiate with the buyer's agent.
Why is offering a full buyer’s agent commission so important?
Because it incentivizes other agents to show your home to their clients. And considering roughly 90% of buyers work with agents, this is your best opportunity for finding a qualified buyer quickly and getting the best price for your home.
How can discount real estate brokers charge lower fees?
Some discount brokerages have come up with service models and pricing structures that create real value for their customers.
Clever, for example, creates savings by solving a big problem for traditional agents — generating a steady volume of business.
Even the best realtors spend a TON of money on marketing. But, with Clever, they can meet new customers with zero up-front cost. Your agent can pass the savings on to you by charging a fraction of their typical commission fee.
Why pay more in commission fees for less service? Clever offers you bigger savings without sacrificing the service you expect from a traditional realtor.
With Clever:
✅ You'll only pay 1.5% to list your home
✅ You'll work with a full-service realtor from a top broker
✅ It's free, with zero obligation — you can walk away at any time
Saving on realtor fees doesn't have to mean sacrificing service. Find a top local agent today!
Other discount services try to reinvent the traditional brokerage experience. Instead of matching you with realtors at conventional brokerages, companies like Redfin and Houwzer hire their own agents.
In order to offer reduced rates and remain profitable, these discount brokers must find ways to operate more efficiently than a traditional brokerage. Every company does this a little differently, but most involve some combination of the following:
- Finding less expensive ways to attract new customers
- Handling a higher volume of customers with a smaller team
- Upselling existing customers on other in-house services (loan, title, insurance) to make more money per customer
Unsurprisingly, some approaches are more successful than others. When considering a discount brokerage, it’s important that you understand how the company is creating the savings — and what kind of risks that might create for you as a seller.
⚠️ Watch out for hidden fees with some discount brokers!
Unfortunately, some discount real estate brokerages mislead consumers via smoke-and-mirrors tactics like hidden fees, underplaying the trade-offs or risks, and so on.
1. Fees by another name
Some companies will lure you in with cheap or free services, but it’s a bait and switch — the fee still comes, but in some other form.
| 🚨 Example → Some Help-U-Sell and Assist-2-Sell offices advertise extremely cheap fees — but you'll need to upgrade to a more expensive package to receive full service from a licensed agent. |
2. Up-front fees
Sellers typically only pay an agent if and when their home actually sells — but a few discount brokers charge nonrefundable fees up front.
| 🚨 Example → Former discount broker Redefy charged a $500 nonrefundable fee when you signed your listing agreement. If they failed to sell your home, they still took your money. |
3. Minimum fees
Many discount brokers advertise low listing fee percentages — but most set (and often hide) minimums to ensure they don’t take a loss when listing less expensive homes.
| 🚨 Example → Redfin advertises a 1.5% listing fee — but each market has a minimum fee, which can be as high as $7,000. If your home sells for less than a certain amount, you’ll end up paying more than the advertised rate. |
How much can you save with a discount real estate broker?
On average, home sellers save about $7,000 in listing fees by working with a discount realtor compared with what they would pay a traditional agent or broker. Your actual savings will vary depending on your home price, the fee structure of the company you work with, and the average commission rate in your area.
You'll save more at higher price points
Your home's price will be the biggest determining factor in your savings. In general, the higher your home's value, the bigger your potential savings will be.
This is because most real estate agents charge a percentage of your home price as a commission. Since you'd pay a higher commission on more expensive homes, you stand to save more money by working with a discount brand.
How much can buyers save with a discount real estate broker?
Buyers can save on their home purchase by going with a discount real estate broker that offers a home buyer rebate.
Also called a commission rebate, these funds typically come in the form of a closing credit or cash back after the purchase. Rebate rates and cash back amounts vary by company, location, and home value.
Commission rebates can net you significant savings. However, qualifying for a buyer rebate can be difficult, and many companies that advertise huge rebates have costly service trade-offs or high minimum fees that limit your actual savings.
If you're considering going with a brokerage that offers a home buyer rebate, make sure to choose a broker that provides hands-on service and support — not just the highest dollar amount.
Risks of working with a discount real estate broker
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Some discount brokers offer less hands-on service and support
To make up for their discounted rates, some discount real estate brokers — including the largest, Redfin — handle more customers per agent than a conventional brokerage.
The problem is that when a single real estate agent is handling three to four times more customers than the average realtor, it’s likely going to limit their ability to provide that same level of attention and support.
Some discount real estate brokerages — like Homie — don’t offer any in-person or dedicated support. Your entire sale is handled by a remote team, online or over the phone. Your agent offers advice on pricing, staging, disclosures, and negotiations without ever seeing your property.
You have fewer agents to choose from — and agent experience is mixed
Most discount real estate brokerages only have a handful of agents to choose from in each market they operate in. Additionally, you don’t always have control over who you work with and could easily get handed off to a recently licensed newbie.
| 📢 Always prioritize the best agent over the lowest price |
While you might want to find that lowest-possible rate, finding the right agent with the right type of experience is far more important. In addition to finding a good personality fit, you want an agent who has lots of experience selling homes in your specific price range and neighborhood.
When a broker only has one or two agents in your area, your chances of checking all of those boxes are slim. Getting paired with an agent with little experience — or the wrong type of experience — could end up costing you far more than you save.
» MORE: Find all discount real estate brokers available near you
Salaried real estate agents may have less direct incentive to go above and beyond
Most agents at discount brokerages are full- or part-time, in-house employees who earn a salary, not a commission.
Full-service agents typically work solely on commission. They get paid ONLY if and when the sale goes through. This makes them highly motivated to help you sell quickly and for the highest price possible. Salaried discount agents are getting paid whether your home sells or not.
Some companies do offer bonuses and competitive pay — and some agents working for discount brokerages do go above and beyond for their clients. But compared to a traditional real estate agent, there’s simply less direct incentive to hustle hard and get you the best deal possible.
Discount real estate brokers with bad reputations are a major liability to your sale
Discount real estate brokerages are disrupting long-standing pricing norms, which is having a direct impact on traditional agents’ income.
Unsurprisingly, many traditional agents don’t have a lot of warm and fuzzy feelings about discount brokerages. However, this negative sentiment could be a serious impediment to selling your house quickly and for a great price.
Real estate agents in some markets have gone on record saying they would actively steer their clients away from discount brokerage listings.
While these brands’ ultimate goal may be to lower costs for consumers, which is great, they’re also ruffling a lot of feathers in the process. Remember that your goal is to sell your home as quickly and profitably as possible.
More ways to save money on realtor fees
Work with a company that negotiates discounted rates for you
As the name suggests, agent-matching services are companies that connect you with highly rated agents in your area. Because the agents pay these companies a few for sending them a new customer, these services are typically 100% free.
Some of these services, like Clever, also negotiate lower rates on your behalf. The best agent-matching services offer similar (if not better) savings as discount brokers with fewer inherent risks.
» SAVE: Work with the best local agents for thousands less
Use a flat fee MLS listing service
If you're comfortable handling most of the selling process yourself, consider using a flat fee MLS listing service. These limited-service companies list your house on the multiple listing service (MLS) to ensure buyers and their agents see your listing. But they leave the showings, negotiations, paperwork, and other aspects of the home sale to you.
Most flat fee companies offer a basic MLS listing for as little as $100–400. Some companies also offer upgraded packages with add-ons like lockboxes, showing scheduling, agent advice on pricing and offers, and help with contracts and closing paperwork. These packages usually cost several hundred dollars more, but they still don't offer any in-person support.
Before hiring a flat fee MLS listing service, make sure you know how much work it takes to sell your house without a realtor. Also read company reviews from past customers, since service quality varies widely between businesses.
» MORE: The best flat fee MLS listing services
Try to negotiate a discounted commission yourself
Negotiating a discounted commission rate with a traditional realtor on your own is absolutely possible — but it won’t necessarily be easy. You don’t have much leverage as an individual seller. And many agents will be unwilling or unable to drop their rates for you.
There are some circumstances, however, that could improve your chances of talking your agent down. Check out our guide to learn how much you can expect to save and get some tips on how to negotiate like a pro.
» MORE: How to negotiate realtor commission
Sell your house for sale by owner (FSBO)
The most obvious way to save on real estate agent commissions is to avoid them entirely by listing FSBO — that is, on your own without a real estate agent. Of course, this usually is easier said than done. Most FSBO sellers end up selling for less than homes listed with an agent.
The lower sale price often negates any commission savings gained via the FSBO listing — and that’s assuming you even manage to get the home sold (many FSBO sellers ultimately fail and end up listing with an agent). That said, selling FSBO is obviously possible — and if you pull it off, you could save a ton.
» MORE: How to sell your house for sale by owner
Top FAQ about discount real estate brokerages
What is a discount real estate broker?
A discount real estate broker is a company or agent that offers built-in, reduced commission fees for home sellers. There are two primary types of discount brokers. Full-service discount brokers offer a similar range of services as traditional realtors, while limited-service brokers offer cheap rates along with reduced services or a fee-for-service pricing option. Most sellers should go with a full-service discount broker, because they'll receive solid savings without any of the service trade-offs.
How can discount brokers charge lower rates than traditional agents?
Discount real estate brokers usually create savings by limiting overhead or working with more customers at once than traditional agents. The best discount brokers charge low rates while still providing a similar (or the same!) level of service and support as a traditional agent. However, some limited-service brokers charge cheap rates that force them to cut out important services like in-person support.
What's the difference between a full-service agent and a discount broker?
Most real estate agents from traditional brokerages, such as Century 21 or RE/MAX, are full-service brokers. Discount real estate brokers generally perform the same services as full-service brokers, but they charge reduced rates. While some discount brokers provide a similar level of service and support as full-service brokers, other discount brands come with risky service trade-offs such as a lack of in-person support. Learn more about the best discount brokers near you.
What are the best discount real estate companies?
The best discount real estate companies include Clever Real Estate, Redfin, and Ideal Agent. Each of these services delivers legit commission savings while also providing service and support that's generally on par with a full-service real estate agent. Click here to see what discount brokers have agents in your area.
Are discount real estate brokers actually worth it?
Discount real estate brokerages may or may not be worth it, depending on your estimated home price, their listing fees, and the level of service the company provides. The top discount agents offer huge savings with minimal (or no!) trade-offs — others overpromise and underdeliver. Always evaluate low commission brokers on a case-by-case basis to compare rates, service quality, and pound-for-pound value. A great place to start is to check out our rankings of the best low commission real estate brokers.
What are the biggest disadvantages of discount real estate brokers?
Every discount real estate brokerage has unique pros and cons, but common disadvantages include lackluster agent support, hidden fees, and reduced service. That said, the top full-service brokers generally do an excellent job of matching the traditional agent experience despite charging much lower rates.
How do I find a discount real estate broker near me?
If you're looking for a real estate brokerage that offers discounted rates, Clever Real Estate, Redfin, and Ideal Agent are available nationwide. Depending on where you live, there may be a regional or local discount real estate broker in your area. Make sure to go with a company that offers full service and in-person support throughout your home sale, including setting a listing price, marketing your home, and helping with negotiations and paperwork. Find a discount real estate broker near you in this complete guide!
Methodology
Average listing fee and commission rates are based on what a company charges at four common price points: $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $750,000. Savings are based on a standard 3% listing fee with a traditional brokerage.
Our ranking and editorial position drew on hundreds of hours of research by Clever's discount broker review team. We took numerous factors into account, but weighted most heavily each company's:
- Service model
- Fees and pricing
This article is reviewed and updated periodically to ensure you have the most up-to-date information to choose the best real estate brokerage. All pricing data and ranking information is based on companies' advertised rates when this article was last updated.