The Best Low Commission Realtors + Brokers

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By Ashley Simon Updated March 13, 2024

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Low commission realtors are a good option if you want to save money while getting an agent’s expertise. They reduce your commission by charging less than the average listing fee of 2.83%.

This guide breaks down the top low commission real estate agencies. You'll learn how much they cost, their pros and cons, and which markets they work in. (Not all of these brands will be available in your area.)

Looking for low commission real estate agents near you? Answer these five simple questions to get matched with local agents who work for a 1.5% listing fee. Compare realtors from top discount companies and major brands like Keller Williams and RE/MAX.

Where to find the best low commission realtors in 2024

Company Clever Rating Listing Fee Availability
Best overall
4.8
Our rating
1.5%
Nationwide
Find Agents
On listwithclever.com
4.5
Our rating
1.5%
26 states (select markets)
Learn More
4.5
Our rating
2%
Nationwide
Learn More
4
Our rating
1%
FL, MD, PA, NJ , VA
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4
Our rating
1.5%
CA, CO, CT, FL, MD, MA, NJ, NY, PA, TX, VA, WA
Learn More
4
Our rating
1%
FL, GA, TX
Learn More
Best overall

Clever Real Estate

Find Agents
On listwithclever.com
4.8
Our rating

Listing Fee

1.5%

Customer Rating

5/5 (3,180 reviews)

BBB

Accredited (A+ rating)

Editor's Take

Pros & cons

Overview

Clever Real Estate is the best option for most sellers looking for an agent. The company matches you with multiple experienced, full-service agents so you can find the right fit, and it offers a low 1.5% listing fee no matter which agent you choose.

Find top agents near you today!

Pros

  • Get matched with top-producing local agents in minutes.
  • Guaranteed 1.5% listing fee (half the usual rate).
  • Free agent matching service with no obligation to commit to any realtor.
  • Large agent network offers great selection compared to similar services.

Cons

  • No guarantee you’ll get matched with a specific agent or brokerage.
  • Add-ons like professional home staging and drone photography may cost extra.

What it is: Clever Real Estate offers a lower commission without sacrificing quality. Through its free service, you can find top-rated agents in your area and sell for just a 1.5% listing fee (much lower than the average realtor commission rate).

How it works: You take a short online quiz (five questions) to help Clever understand your situation and preferences. Then Clever matches you with vetted, top-performing agents in your market who are a good fit, including realtors from major brands like Compass, Century 21, and Coldwell Banker. If you don’t like the agents Clever recommends, you can request more matches until you find the right fit — or simply walk away.

Customer reviews: 5/5 (3,180 total reviews)

Availability: Clever is available nationwide.

Great savings, but some risks

Redfin

Learn More
On listwithclever.com
4.5
Our rating

Listing Fee

1.5%

Customer Rating

4.8/5 (156,106 reviews)

BBB

Not accredited (F rating)

Editor's Take

Pros & cons

At a Glance

Redfin is a reputable discount real estate brokerage that offers significant savings, particularly if you buy and sell with the brokerage. But watch out for high minimum fees, which vary by market and can be high in some areas. Redfin's agents also work with a lot of clients, and they don’t always have time to provide as much hands-on service as you may need.

Pros

  • Low 1.5% listing fee offers excellent savings.
  • Clients who buy and sell with Redfin can save even more.
  • Easily manage your listing online or via Redfin’s app.

Cons

  • Agents might not be experienced in your local market.
  • High minimum fees in certain markets may limit your actual savings.

What it is: Redfin is a discount brokerage with salaried agents who work under its brand name.

How it works: All Redfin agents charge a 1.5% listing fee. If you buy and sell with Redfin, you can get a 0.5% rebate, bringing your listing fee down to 1%.

Customer reviews: 4.8/5 (156,106 total reviews)

Locations: Redfin is available in Washington D.C. and most major cities in the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia.

Good agents, but limited choice

Ideal Agent

Learn More
On listwithclever.com
4.5
Our rating

Listing Fee

2%

Customer Rating

4.9/5 (7,007 reviews)

BBB

Accredited (A+ rating)

Editor's Take

Pros & cons

At a Glance

Ideal Agent is a solid option if you’re looking for a top agent. The company vets its realtors thoroughly, so you’ll likely get a quality agent. But you won't save as much on realtor fees as you could with other companies.

Pros

  • It's easy to get matched with a real estate agent.
  • The 2% listing fee is lower than the traditional rate.
  • Customer service gets excellent reviews.

Cons

  • You likely won't get to choose which agent you work with.
  • There are no savings for buyers and limited savings for sellers.
  • There's limited ability to manage your listing online.

What is it: Ideal Agent is a real estate brokerage that matches buyers and sellers with real estate agents.

How it works: Ideal Agent has strict performance criteria for the agents it lets into its network. This vetting process means you're more likely to be matched with a top agent, although it also means there are fewer agents overall to choose from.

Ideal Agent also has a cash buyer program where it solicits cash offers for your home from various investors.

Customer reviews: 4.9/5 (7,007 total reviews)

Locations: Ideal Agent is available nationwide.

Great savings, but less support

Houwzer

Learn More
On listwithclever.com
4
Our rating

Listing Fee

1%

Customer Rating

4.2/5 (51 reviews)

BBB

Not accredited

Editor's take

Pros & cons

Overview

If you're looking to save money on realtor fees, Houwzer is a great option. Its 1% listing fee could save you thousands compared to the 3% that traditional realtors charge. Agents are required to demonstrate expertise in their local market and undergo additional training to sign with the brand. That said, Houwzer's agent network is small (51-200 realtors total), so you may not find an agent close enough to sell your home.

Pros

  • The 1% listing fee provides significant savings.
  • The service includes 25 HD photos and a 360 virtual tour.
  • Buyers can save by bundling mortgage and title.

Cons

  • Small agent network means you might not find a realtor who's experienced in your market.
  • Add-ons like staging, cleaning, landscaping, and repairs are extra (though agents can provide recommendations)

What it is: Houwzer is a regional discount brokerage that charges a 1% listing fee compared to the traditional 3%.

How it works: When you work with a Houwzer agent, you'll receive pricing guidance, an MLS listing, photography, a 3D house tour, and guidance during closing, due diligence, and negotiations. Buyers can also use a Houwzer agent to find a home.

Customer reviews: 4.8/5 (481 reviews)

  • Aggregate Google Rating (6 locations): 4.9/5 (566 reviews)
  • Yelp: 4/5 (42 reviews)
  • Zillow: 5/5 (9 reviews)

Locations: Houwzer is available in Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Since purchasing Trelora, it is available under the Trelora brand name in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Washington.

Best for buyers in high-end markets

Prevu

Learn More
On listwithclever.com
4
Our rating

Listing Fee

1.5%

Customer Rating

5/5 (602 reviews)

BBB

Not accredited

Editor's Take

Pros & cons

At a Glance

Prevu is a solid option if you're buying an expensive property. You can receive up to 2% of the home's purchase price as a rebate; the full 2% is only available on properties over $1.25 million.

Sellers will pay a 1.5% listing fee (about half the traditional rate). But watch out for minimum fees that vary by market and can be high, limiting your actual savings.

Pros

  • Eligible buyers get a rebate of up to 2%.
  • Sellers can save with the 1.5% listing fee.
  • The company offers significant savings on high-value homes.

Cons

  • Only homes over $1.25 million qualify for the full 2% buyer rebate.
  • Minimum fees undercut seller savings.
  • Prevu has a small agent network, which means you could get stuck with a lackluster realtor.

What it is: Prevu is a discount brokerage that connects buyers and sellers with agents.

How it works: Prevu agents offer the same general range of services and support as traditional agents. The main difference is that the agents are salaried employees of the Prevu brand. As a seller, you will pay a 1.5% listing fee to your Prevu agent, which is about half of what traditional agents charge. The company also advertises a buyer rebate of up to 2% for buyers who find a home with a Prevu agent, although the rebate is subject to minimum fees and other requirements.

Customer reviews: 5/5 (602 total reviews)

  • Google: 5/5 (591 reviews)
  • Yelp: 4.5/5 (11 reviews)

Locations: Prevu is available in select markets in Washington D.C. and the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington.

Great seller savings, but high minimum fees

SimpleShowing

Learn More
On listwithclever.com
4
Our rating

Listing Fee

1%

Customer Rating

4.9/5 (270 reviews)

BBB

Not accredited

Editor's take

Pros & cons

Overview

SimpleShowing is a good choice if you're selling a home over $500,000. Its 1% listing fee is lower than most discount brokerages, but high minimum fees mean you'll pay more than 1% on homes under $500,000. The brokerage also offers a generous home buyer rebate (up to 1% of your home's purchase price). But you may receive less depending on the purchase price, number of showings you request, and commission paid to the buyer's agent.

Pros

  • You pay a 1% listing fee on eligible homes.
  • Eligible buyers get up to a 1% closing credit.
  • The company receives positive reviews from customers.

Cons

  • If you sell a home under $500,000, you pay more than 1% for the listing fee.
  • Buyer savings are subject to terms and conditions.

What it is: SimpleShowing is a regional discount brokerage that advertises a 1% listing fee for sellers and a refund of up to 1% for buyers.

How it works: If you choose to work with the SimpleShowing agent in your area, you'll receive a free home valuation, professional photography, and an MLS listing. The agent may visit your home in-person, or they may coordinate your sale remotely if you live far from the SimpleShowing office. Your agent will provide guidance throughout the sale, but they won't attend the closing in person.

Customer reviews: 4.9/5 (270 total reviews)

Locations: SimpleShowing is available in select areas in Florida, Georgia, and Texas.

Is a low commission realtor right for me?

A low commission realtor is best for sellers who want to save money on real estate fees while still getting full service and support with their home sale.

With a low commission realtor, you'll typically pay a 1-1.5% listing fee instead of the standard 2.5-3% that traditional realtors charge. But you'll still get all the essential services you need for a successful sale.

A low commission realtor might not be for you if you have real estate experience and want to handle more of the sale process on your own. Limited-service brokerages or flat fee MLS companies charge even lower fees and make sense for very straightforward sales, like if you're selling a turnkey home in a hot market.

For most sellers, a full-service low commission realtor strikes a good balance between savings and service. You'll save a lot of money without having to sacrifice on support and guidance.

What is a low commission realtor?

While the typical real estate agent charges a 2.5–3% listing fee, a low commission realtor will list and sell your house for a discounted rate. The best low-cost realtors offer the same service as a full-commission realtor for as little as 1.5%, saving you thousands on real estate fees. Often, realtors offer lower commissions as a way to gain new clients.

What's the average real estate agent commission?

The average real estate commission rate is 5.37%, although it varies from 5% to 6% in different parts of the U.S. Commissions are split between the listing agent and buyer's agent, each typically earning about 2.5–3%.

» Jump to: Average realtor commission by state and city

How much can I save with low commission realtors?

You can save 0.5–1.5% of the final sale price of your home with low commission realtors.

Low commission realtors typically charge a 1-2% listing fee instead of the average listing fee of 2.83%. On a $400,000 home sale, that translates to commission savings of $3,320–7,320.

Here's how much you can expect to save at different price points if you work with a low commission realtor charging a 1.5% listing fee:

Home priceAmount saved
$100,000$1,330
$250,000$3,325
$500,000$6,650
$750,000$9,975
Compared to the average listing fee of 2.83%.

If you want to save on realtor fees, we recommend using a free agent finding tool like Clever Real Estate. Clever matches you with full-service realtors who charge a 1.5% listing fee (half the usual rate). On average, Clever customers save $7,000 in real estate commission. Get local agent matches sent to your inbox today.

Are there any risks of using low commission realtors?

Some low commission realtors are riskier to work with because their brokerage:

  • Uses a team-based service model
  • Charges high minimum fees
  • Doesn't offer full service

With a team-based model, different people at the brokerage handle different aspects of your sale. This approach can lead to less personalized service from your real estate agent and increase the chance of miscommunication and mistakes.

Some low commission realtors work with brokers that charge high minimum fees, sometimes up to $8,500 in certain areas. If you’re selling a home at a lower price point, these minimum fees could negate any potential savings.

Other low commission real estate agents work for a lower fee by offering fewer services, which could leave you without the support you need.

Alternatives to low commission realtors

Not sure whether a low commission realtor is the right choice for you? Here are some other options.

  • Sell to a flat fee MLS listing service if you want to sell without a realtor and are looking for the cheapest way to get your home listed on the MLS. Plans start at $95 and can cost as much (or more) than a traditional realtor depending on the level of support you choose.
  • Sell to a cash buyer or iBuyer if you're in a rush to sell and don't mind accepting a lower offer. These companies pay around 70% of a property's after-repair market value and can get you to the closing table in 1-2 weeks.
  • Try negotiating realtor fees with an agent directly. This approach can work if you're selling a move-in ready home in a hot local market.

How to choose the best low commission real estate agent

To determine if a particular low commission real estate agent is right for you, start by reviewing the specific services they offer. Look for key things like whether the agent will do in-person consultations, provide pricing guidance (such as a CMA), help with staging and showings, and assist with negotiations and paperwork.

Once you've narrowed down your search to a few agents, we recommend looking them up on Google or Zillow to get a sense of other sellers' experiences. Has this agent sold several houses recently in your price range and market? Do reviews mention any red flags, like lack of agent responsiveness or sellers feeling like they had to do a lot of legwork themselves?

We recommend interviewing 2-3 prospective agents before making a decision. Finding a good personality fit is important. A good agent will make you feel comfortable, take the time to understand your individual needs, and provide a clear plan for how they'll help you achieve your goals.

👋 Next Steps: Talk to an expert

If you're weighing your options for buying or selling a house, Clever can help!

Our fully licensed concierge team can answer your questions and provide objective advice on getting the best outcome with your sale or purchase.

When you enter your info below, we'll ask you a few questions about your situation via a short form. Then our concierge team will be in touch shortly to help.

This service is free, and there’s never any obligation to move forward with us.

Find average real estate commission rates near me

Want to know what the average real estate commission rate is in your area? Find your region in the table below to learn what realtors charge near you:

FAQs about real estate commission

Questions about low cost realtors

Want to learn more about low commission real estate agents? We've compiled answers to common seller questions below.
Show more

How does selling with a low cost realtor work?

Selling with a low cost real estate agent is typically similar to working with a traditional agent, assuming you hire a discount brand that offers genuine full service.

The top full-service discount companies provide the same services and support as conventional brokerages, including in-person pricing consultations, access to the multiple listing service (MLS), full representation during negotiations, and dedicated support throughout the home selling process.

Discount brokers can provide the same services as traditional agents but charge lower rates because they've found ways to reduce overhead and operate more efficiently, with little (or no) impact on the average customer's experience.

» MORE: Discount vs. Full-Service Realtor

What company has the lowest real estate commission fees?

Companies like Clever Real Estate, SimpleShowing, and Redfin offer the lowest commission fees for most home sellers. That said, the cheapest option for your situation depends on your home price, location, and desired level of service.

What are the best low commission real estate brokers?

For most home sellers, the best low commission real estate brokers include Clever, Redfin, and Ideal Agent. These nationwide brands offer full service throughout the selling process, which means your experience should feel similar to selling with a traditional agent. Clever is one of the most affordable nationwide real estate companies, but it's a good idea to compare your options to find the right agent for your unique priorities and budget.

Other questions about real estate commission

We answer questions on how real estate commission works, how much it costs, and how you can save when you sell your home.
Show more

How can I avoid paying realtor fees?

To avoid real estate agent fees altogether, you'll need to list your home for sale by owner and find a buyer who isn't using a buyer's agent (or convince them to pay the buyer's agent commission out of pocket). But that's incredibly hard to do — and it means sacrificing the support of an expert real estate agent during your sale. If you simply want to save on realtor fees, hiring a low commission agent will likely have a better outcome.

Are realtor fees included in closing costs of homes?

Yes, realtor fees are generally included in closing costs and taken out of the seller's proceeds at closing. Real estate agent commission is one of the most expensive closing costs sellers face, so it pays to shop around and find a listing agent who will sell your house for less. Learn how to get a lower listing fee.

What is the lowest commission a realtor will take?

The lowest commission a realtor will take varies between brokerages and even individual agents. Several top discount real estate brokers offer listing fees as low as 1.5%, which reduces your total commission rate to 4–4.5% (including the typical buyer's agent commission).

Agents at traditional brokerages typically won't accept less than a 2% listing commission, if they're willing to negotiate their standard 2.5–3% rates at all.

How can I get a lower real estate commission rate?

The best way to get a lower commission rate is to hire a full-service real estate agent who offers a discounted listing fee. On a $500,000 home sale, hiring a 1.5% commission realtor could save you $7,500!

Other options include negotiating a lower rate with your agent, selling to an iBuyer like Opendoor, listing your house without a realtor, or using a flat fee MLS company. Learn more about how to save on realtor fees.

Can real estate agents lower their commission?

Yes, real estate commission is negotiable. Although some agents may not be able to lower their fees without permission from their broker. You'll have the most success negotiating a lower commission rate if you're selling a desirable home in a hot market. But you'll likely save more cash by hiring a low commission agent rather than trying to talk your listing agent down from their standard fee.

How can I find low commission real estate agents near me?

Several companies, like Clever Real Estate, pre-negotiate rates with local realtors. These companies also help you find an agent in your local area.

Methodology

The Clever Team filtered and ranked the top low commission real estate brokerages based on the following criteria: 

  1. Service level: We only ranked full-service discount real estate brokerages, since they're the best option for most home sellers. These brokerages deliver the same essential services a traditional realtor provides, including in-person representation, showing assistance, and closing support.
  2. Pricing: We reviewed the fee structures of each company, cross-referencing current commission rates and home values to determine what companies offer the best overall value. We also identified hidden fees, high minimums, and up-front fees that could detract from overall seller savings.
  3. Customer reviews: Verifiable customer reviews were integral to our evaluation. We considered various factors, including the total volume of reviews, average customer ratings, key positive and negative themes, and the relevance of these reviews to prospective customers making decisions today.
  4. Sales activity: We examined available data regarding past transactions to gauge sales performance and activity levels in the market. We looked at the number of transactions and their recency to confirm each brokerage was still active. 
✍️ Editor’s note: We don’t disqualify a company based on limited or missing data, but we do lower the company’s overall ranking. We base our rankings on objective measurements and continuously strive to source missing data in order to update our rankings.

🔬 Our research process

Clever has helped thousands of home sellers find great low commission real estate agents and save on realtor fees. Our Editorial Team also spends hundreds of hours each year researching other discount brands and crafting in-depth reviews to help home sellers compare their options and find the right fit for their needs and price range, whether that's Clever or another service.

Our rigorous research process involves reading thousands of customer reviews, mystery shopping local offices to fact-check marketing claims and uncover details not listed on the company's website, and updating our rankings regularly to ensure we give consumers the best — and most accurate — information about low cost real estate agents available on the web.

Our primary goal is to empower you to make smarter real estate decisions, achieve your goals, and, ideally, save some money while you're at it. To that end, we strive to deliver highly objective, helpful guides that offer practical advice to sellers with different experience levels and with homes in different locations and price ranges.

Selling a house is one of the biggest financial transactions you'll ever make. We want to provide you with the information you need to have the best possible outcome, even if that means you ultimately choose to work with one of Clever's competitors.

Learn more about Clever's editorial policy.

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Our experts continually research, evaluate, and monitor real estate companies and industry trends. We update our articles when new information becomes available.

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