A 2% commission realtor charges a reduced 2% listing fee and delivers full-service support for less than the national average of 2.82%.[1] Sellers choose these agents to cut costs without losing expert pricing guidance, marketing, showings, or negotiation help.
Platforms like Clever Real Estate make these lower rates possible by partnering with top agents and securing exclusive 2% and even 1.5% listing fees.
Below are the top 2% and lower commission brokerages, selected based on savings, customer reviews, and nationwide coverage.
⚡ Want to save even more? Get matched with top local agents who charge a 1.5% listing fee. No pressure to commit.
💸 2% commission savings snapshot
See how much a lower listing fee can help you keep more of your home’s equity:
- Average listing fee nationwide: 2.82%
- Average listing commission cost: $10,173
- Savings with a 2% listing fee ($400,000 home): about $3,200
- Savings with Clever’s 1.5% listing fee: about $5,200
These savings stack up fast, especially in higher-priced markets. Use this snapshot as you compare the top low commission brokerages below.
Top 2% commission real estate brokerages of 2026
Listing Fee
Buyer Savings
Editor's Take
Pros & cons
Reviews
Locations
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.
Listing Fee
Buyer Savings
Editor's Take
Pros & cons
Reviews
Locations
Ideal Agent is a solid option if you’re looking for a top agent. The company vets its realtors thoroughly, so you’ll likely get a quality agent. But you won't save as much on realtor fees as you could with other companies.
Read the full Ideal Agent review.
Listing Fee
Buyer Savings
Editor's Take
Locations
Pros & cons
Reviews
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.
Read the full Redfin review.
How we chose our top picks
We reviewed dozens of low commission real estate companies and selected the best based on five key criteria:
- Commission rate and overall savings
- Quality of service and agent support
- Customer reviews and satisfaction
- Coverage and availability
- Transparency and consistency in pricing
Our goal was to highlight companies that offer legitimate savings without cutting corners on service — a common concern for sellers exploring discount brokers.
🥇 Best overall: Clever Real Estate
Quick snapshot
- Listing fee: 1.5%
- Coverage: Nationwide
- Best for: Sellers who want full service and the highest savings
- Biggest downside: You may receive only a few agent matches in smaller markets
Clever Real Estate is the top option due to its nationwide availability, low 1.5% listing fee, and excellent customer satisfaction. On average, Clever customers save $7,000 in real estate commissions. Its business model provides full-service support by partnering with experienced agents from major brokerages and provides savings and quality service.
Read to save? Fill out this short quiz to get matched with Clever agents today!
👍 Good agents, less choice: Ideal Agent
Quick snapshot
- Listing fee: 2%
- Coverage: Nationwide
- Best for: Sellers who want one highly vetted agent
- Biggest downside: Only one agent match, so less ability to compare options
Ideal Agent also vets its agents carefully and connects you with a top local realtor. However, you’ll pay a slightly higher 2% listing fee, and you're only matched with one agent, limiting your ability to compare options. Still, it's a reputable pick for those prioritizing agent quality over savings.
⚠️ Decent savings, some risks: Redfin
Quick snapshot
- Listing fee: 1.5% to 2%
- Coverage: Nationwide
- Best for: Sellers who want lower fees through a tech-focused brokerage
- Biggest downside: High minimum fees and less hands-on service in busy markets
Redfin is a tech-powered brokerage offering 1.5–2% listing fees, with additional savings if you buy and sell with them. But be cautious of high minimum fees that vary by market and less personalized service. Redfin agents often juggle multiple clients, with its agents closing an average of more than 23 deals in 2024, more than triple the count from agents at other brokerages.[2] This higher volume of clients may result in slower responses and less one-on-one support.
Best for high-end buyers: Prevu
Quick snapshot
- Listing fee: 2%
- Coverage: 12 states
- Best for: Buyers and sellers in luxury markets
- Biggest downside: Minimum fees reduce savings on homes priced under $1.25 million
Prevu offers strong savings for buyers, especially in luxury markets. You can get up to 1% of the purchase price back as a buyer rebate — but only on homes over $1.25 million. Sellers pay a 2% listing fee, and while Prevu offers quality service, minimum fees may reduce your actual savings.
Flexible but inconsistent: UpNest
Quick snapshot
- Listing fee: Varies
- Coverage: Nationwide
- Best for: Sellers who want multiple agents to compete for their business
- Biggest downside: Pricing and service quality are inconsistent
UpNest works like a matchmaking platform where agents bid for your business, so pricing varies. It’s a good tool for comparing options, but service quality and pricing aren’t as consistent, and there’s no built-in buyer rebate or guaranteed commission savings.
How real estate agent commissions work
In a typical home sale with two agents, the seller pays the total commission for both their agent and the buyer's agent, deducted from the sale proceeds at closing.
Historically, this has resulted in sellers paying a total of 5-6% of the sale price in commissions. Our research on average commission rates found that rates average 2.82% for listing agents and 2.75% for buyer’s agents, although they vary by region and property type.
🏛️ NAR settlement changes buyer commission
Due to the recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement, sellers are no longer required to offer commission to buyer's agents. Instead, buyers are expected to negotiate directly with their own agents.
Key changes under the NAR settlement include:
- New MLS rule. Broker compensation offers must no longer be listed on the multiple listing service (MLS), promoting off-MLS negotiations. This aligns with the transparent fee structures of 2% commission realtors.
- Written agreements required. NAR now requires MLS participants working with buyers to enter written agreements that outline services and fees, thereby increasing transparency.
- Financial relief for sellers. Eligible sellers may qualify for settlement payments, providing additional financial benefits.
These changes give both buyers and sellers a clearer understanding of what they're paying for and how their agent is compensated.
Why haven't rates fallen?
Many expected commission rates to fall after the settlement, but that hasn't happened.
Clever's CEO Luke Babich explains that while buyer agent fees fell slightly right after the settlement, the drop was short-lived.
"Commissions dipped from about 2.6% to 2.5%, then climbed back up and are now higher than they were previously," he says. "Buyers still want professional representation, and they are willing to pay for it when the cost is rolled into the overall purchase.”
Real estate coach Lee Davenport says the industry is simply seeing the true value of full-service work.
“When agents show their work, clients see the hundreds of tasks involved and understand why the commission is justified," she says.
Buyers commit to fees upfront
Some agents are also holding firm on pricing because buyers now commit to fees upfront. New Orleans agent Liz Wood explains how this works in practice:
“The negotiation of commission happens before we ever step into a house. Buyers know upfront what they agreed to pay, regardless of what the seller offers," she says.
Sellers still expect full service
Sellers continue to expect strong marketing, negotiation, and pricing support, especially as the market softens in many areas. Wood notes that expectations haven't decreased.
“Sellers expect more than ever. Price, location, and really good pictures are still the biggest factors in getting a home sold.”
Both Davenport and Wood say the settlement has shifted the conversation toward value rather than discounts. Agents who can clearly explain their services are more confident holding their rates, and some buyers are even financing portions of their agent’s fee when sellers don't cover it.
What this means for 2% listing fees
For sellers choosing a 2 % listing fee, these changes make transparency even more important. Lower listing rates can still deliver big savings as long as the agent provides full-service support, clear expectations, and a strong marketing strategy.
What is a 2% real estate commission?
A 2% real estate commission is a reduced rate that some agents or brokerages offer. It is lower than the traditional commission of 2.5-3% of the home’s sale price (for the listing agent only), which can save sellers money compared to standard commissions.
While a 2% commission may not always include every service a full-service agent offers, it often provides a more cost-effective option for many sellers.
2% commission benefits
Opting for a 2% real estate commission can offer several benefits for home sellers:
- Significant savings. For high-priced homes, a 2% commission can lead to substantial savings. On a $600,000 home, choosing a 2% commission over a traditional 3% could save up to $6,000.
- Increased negotiating power. Lower commission expenses can give sellers more room to negotiate on price, potentially attracting more buyers.
- Seller flexibility. With lower commission expenses, sellers may have more flexibility to offer buyer incentives, such as closing cost assistance or home warranty coverage. This could make the property more attractive to buyers.
When 2% commission isn't the best fit
A 2% listing fee works for most sellers, but it isn't the best choice in every situation. Consider other options if:
- You need intensive prep, staging, or project management. Some 2% brokers aren't set up for heavy hands-on work.
- You want a boutique, hyper-local agent who rarely discounts their rate. Some top producers don't offer reduced fees, such as 2%, and may charge as high as 3-3.5%.
- You prefer a highly specialized marketing strategy. Certain niche properties may need premium-level marketing or agent expertise that a 2% agent won't cover.
- You need extensive support selling an inherited or distressed property. A full-service agent or a cash home buyer, such as Clever Offers, may be a better fit.
If you fall into one of these situations, compare several options before committing. A slightly higher commission can sometimes result in a faster sale or a stronger price, but many sellers still save with a transparent 1.5-2% listing fee when the service level matches their needs.
Why would an agent work for only 2%?
As a former real estate agent, I know that working for a 2% commission can make financial sense — especially when the agent gets something valuable in return.
Here’s a closer look at why agents might agree to reduced commission rates — and how Clever makes that more sustainable:
🔥 Hot markets
In markets with high demand and low inventory, properties tend to sell quickly.
Despite lower home prices averaging around $200,000 in Hartford, CT, the rapid turnover in this market translates to quick earnings for local agents, even when accepting reduced commissions on lower sales prices.[3] The efficiency of these transactions can justify the lower commission rate.
💎 Luxury properties
Selling luxury properties, such as high-value homes, can still be highly profitable with a 2% commission, despite potentially taking longer to sell and higher marketing expenses associated with these properties.
For example, a 2% commission on a $5 million home generates a $100,000 payout. Even after splitting half of that with their brokerage and covering expenses, the agent may still earn $50,000. The total commission from the sale price can compensate for the lower percentage.
» LEARN: How much commission a realtor makes on a $1 million sale
🤝 Referrals
This is a significant source of business for realtors. Consider the following industry statistics:
- 42% of an agent's business may come from referrals and repeat clients.
- 88% of buyers and 82% of sellers would use or recommend their agent again.
- 92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family more than other forms of advertising.[4]
Satisfied clients are more likely to refer their agents, potentially leading to more transactions or even higher rates in the future. Working at a lower commission can build a strong client base and generate valuable word-of-mouth marketing.
🌟 Reputation boost
Establishing a reputation for exceptional service at a competitive commission rate can be pivotal for real estate agents.
Here's why: Positive client experiences and glowing reviews lead to more short-term business and can bolster long-term success. By consistently delivering value and exceeding expectations, agents can create a reputation that attracts a steady stream of clients and secures future listings.
This approach builds trust and positions agents as preferred professionals in their local market, which may be worth the reduced paychecks.
Find average real estate commission rates near me
Interested to know the average real estate commission rate in your area? Find your region in the table below to learn what realtors charge in your state or city:
| Region | States | Key cities |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | Connecticut | Delaware | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New York | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Vermont | Washington, DC | New York City |
| Midwest | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Michigan | Minnesota | Missouri | Nebraska | North Dakota | Ohio | South Dakota | Wisconsin | Minneapolis, MN |
| South | Alabama | Arkansas | Florida | Georgia | Kentucky | Louisiana | Mississippi | North Carolina | Oklahoma | South Carolina | Tennessee | Texas | Virginia | West Virginia | Atlanta, GA | Dallas, TX | Houston, TX | Virginia Beach, VA |
| West | Alaska | Arizona | California | Colorado | Hawaii | Idaho | Montana | Nevada | New Mexico | Oregon | Utah | Washington | Wyoming | Phoenix, AZ | Riverside, CA | Los Angeles, CA | Denver, CO |
Alternatives to 2% commission realtors
Besides discount brokerages, there are a few other ways you can reduce your real estate commission rate:
1. Try negotiating realtor fees directly
Consider negotiating directly with your realtor to potentially lower their listing agent's commission to 2%, the typical minimum listing rate for a traditional agent.
Be aware, though, that this approach can be time-consuming, requiring careful preparation of strong negotiation points. Research also indicates that negotiating lower rates is challenging; only about 22% of recent home sellers who discussed commission rates with their agent successfully negotiated a reduced fee.[5]
In fact, a recent New York Times investigation titled "Home Sellers and Buyers Accuse Realtors of Blocking Lower Fees" interviewed buyers and sellers across the country — from Colorado to Ohio to Arizona — who said they were actively discouraged or blocked from pursuing lower-commission options by their agents or brokerages.[6]
That’s why many sellers choose companies like Clever — they lock in low rates for you upfront, so you don’t have to negotiate or deal with awkward fee conversations.
2. Work with a limited-service agent
Some agents provide limited service for a commission as low as 1%. This option can work well for experienced sellers in hot markets, but you'll need to handle more selling responsibilities yourself.
"They might list the property on the MLS, but most of the work — marketing, showings, negotiations, even paperwork — falls on the client," says Shane Parker of S&P Realty.
Parker explains that while that might work for a seasoned investor or someone selling in a hot market with lots of margin, it can "leave money on the table and expose the average homeowner to unnecessary risk."
3. Use a flat fee MLS listing service
Pay an up-front flat fee of $100–400 for your home to be listed on the MLS, which gives your property visibility on Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com and other related sites. You'll handle showings, paperwork, negotiations, and the rest of the process.
This is the cheapest option, but it's also the most time-intensive, akin to selling a house for sale by owner. If you're not confident handling the sale yourself, it can be a risky choice — especially if you're unfamiliar with local laws or pricing strategies.
If you’re exploring this option, Houzeo is one of the leading flat fee MLS services. It lets you list your home on your local MLS in minutes, compare affordable plans, and decide how much help you want from a licensed agent.
4. Sell to a company that buys houses for cash
If you're hurrying to sell, this option is a good choice. These companies buy homes as-is, often within 7–14 days, and don’t require repairs, showings, or open houses.
The downside: Investors typically aim to offer between 65% to 70% of a home's after-repair value (ARV) — it's potential worth after fixing it up — with a median offer of 67.5%, according to a Clever survey. So, you'll likely walk away with less money than if you sold on the open market.
Still, cash buyers can be a good solution in certain situations, like facing foreclosure, handling a sudden move, or selling an inherited property. And while you may not receive top dollar, comparing multiple offers—whether independently, through an agent, or via a free service like Clever Offers—can help maximize your sale price.
5. Sell to an iBuyer, like Opendoor or Offerpad
iBuyers are companies that make fast, algorithm-based offers on homes. They’re an option if you need to sell quickly and your home is in good shape.
While iBuyers usually offer more than traditional cash buyers, they charge service fees around 4.5–6% so you won’t save much on commission. They’re also still a small part of the market — fewer than 1% of sellers go this route — and are only available in select areas.[7]
How much can I save? 2% commission calculator
The calculator above compares the nationwide average commission rates (2.82% for listing agents and 2.75% for buyer’s agents) to a reduced 2% listing fee.
On a median-priced home sale of $360,727, sellers pay around $20,100 in total commission using traditional full-price agents.
But if you work with a 2% realtor, you'll save close to $3,000 in commission costs. Work with a 1.5% commission realtor - like those in the Clever Real Estate network - and your savings would jump even higher.
💡 Keep in mind: Most sellers still offer a competitive buyer’s agent fee (2.5–3%), so your total commission won’t always be exactly 2%. But lowering your listing fee is still the most effective way to cut costs while selling your home.
We built this guide to help you find real 2 percent commission realtors who provide full-service support at a fair price. Every recommendation is grounded in real estate experience, expert insights, and independent editorial review.
🛡️ Why you should trust us
Choosing the right agent affects your time, stress, and net profit, so this guide is built on real experience, expert review, and transparent data rather than marketing claims.
We created this guide to help you find real 2% commission realtors who provide full-service support at a fair price. Every recommendation is grounded in industry expertise and independent editorial oversight.
Written by Steve Nicastro. Steve is a former real estate agent and current investor who has closed more than $8 million in residential transactions. He has worked with both full-price and discount agents and understands the tradeoffs of each commission model.
Edited by Katy Byrom. Katy is a senior real estate editor who has shaped dozens of high-performing guides for Real Estate Witch, Home Bay, and Clever. She ensures each article is accurate, skimmable, and useful for real sellers.
Reviewed by Ben Mizes. Ben is a licensed real estate broker, investor, and co-founder of Clever Real Estate. He brings deep expertise in commission negotiations and seller savings strategies.
We also use data from trusted sources, including the National Association of Realtors and proprietary Clever research on commission averages, agent pay trends, and seller behavior.
Our goal is to give you clear, unbiased guidance that helps you compare options and choose the right agent for your situation.
FAQ
Are 2% commission realtors worth it?
Yes, 2% commission realtors are worth it for sellers looking to save money. We recommend working with a discount brokerage that offers full service and support, along with lower rates. This way, you'll have the best chance of selling your home quickly for the best price.
Is 2% a good commission?
Yes. For most sellers, a 2% listing fee is competitive because it's lower than the national average of 2.82% for listing agents. It's a good deal when you still get full service, including pricing strategy, professional marketing, showings, negotiation, and contract-to-close support. However, watch for minimum fees and add-ons, since on lower-priced homes a flat minimum can erase some savings. Your total commission may still include a buyer’s agent fee if you offer one after the NAR settlement. If you want to save more while keeping full service, Clever can match you with top agents who charge a 1.5% listing fee.
What are the best 2% commission real estate companies?
Our top picks among 2% commission real estate companies are Clever Real Estate, Ideal Agent, and Redfin. These companies offer the best combination of rates, service, agent selection, and overall value to sellers — and they also have offices nationwide. Other companies, like SimpleShowing or Prevu, might be a good option for sellers in certain regions, but they may have a smaller agent network.
Why do some agents charge 2%?
Many agents charge 2% instead of the traditional 2.5–3% to make their services more competitive for sellers. Some discounted agents work with more clients to offset the lower fee, but that’s not always the case. Agent matching platforms like Clever Real Estate negotiate lower rates with top agents in exchange for a steady stream of clients — allowing those agents to pass the savings on to you.
