A 2% commission realtor - such as those with Ideal Agent or other top brokers - can save you thousands of dollars on your home sale by charging a 2% listing fee instead of the 2.74% charged nationwide, on average, by listing agents.[1]
Our guide highlights the best realtors and brokers who offer a 2% listing fee—or even lower—without compromising on quality, providing a significant reduction compared to traditional real estate agent commissions. We’ve ranked top brands based on cost, customer reviews, and availability, helping you make the right choice for your sale.
⚡Want to save on real estate agent commission? Answer a few questions to get matched with top agents who charge a low 1.5% listing fee. These agents come from respected brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX, with no obligation to hire.
🛡️ Why you should trust us
This guide draws on my background as a former real estate agent and investor, along with insights from top agents nationwide. I’ve personally managed transactions with reduced commission rates and understand the real impact on both savings and service quality. You can learn more about my experience on my Zillow or LinkedIn profiles.
Our recommendations are backed by data from trusted sources, including the National Association of Realtors, ensuring that you receive accurate, up-to-date information. Clever’s goal is to empower you to choose the right 2% commission realtor, helping you save without compromising on service.
Top 2% commission real estate brokerages of 2025
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Editor's Take
Overview
Locations
Clever Real Estate is the best option for most sellers looking for an agent. The company matches you with multiple full-service agents from local brokerages, including top brands like Keller Williams and RE/MAX. It offers a low 1.5% listing fee no matter which agent you choose.
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.
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Editor's Take
Overview
Locations
Ideal Agent is a solid option if you’re looking for a top agent. The company vets its realtors thoroughly, so you’ll likely get a quality agent.
However, you might not get to choose who you work with, since Ideal Agent usually has only one or two realtors in a given area. Even if you get a top-performing agent, there’s no guarantee that they’ll be the right fit for your sale.
Ideal Agent’s listing fee of 2% is a bit lower than the traditional rate. But if you want to save money, other brokerages offer even lower fees while still maintaining high-quality agents and service.
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.
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Editor's Take
Overview
Locations
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
- Redfin's low listing fee of 1.5% offers excellent savings.
- Clients who buy and sell with Redfin can save even more.
- You can easily manage your listing online or via Redfin’s app.
Cons
- Agents provide limited one-on-one service.
- Customer reviews have recently become more negative.
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Editor's Take
Overview
Locations
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.
Read the full Prevu review.
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Editor's take
Overview
Locations
UpNest lets you choose from multiple vetted agents, so there’s a good chance you’ll find a realtor that fits your needs. But it falls short on savings and customer service.
Pros
- Agents are vetted and are usually top performers.
- You get to choose from multiple agents.
- The online dashboard is easy to use.
Cons
- Realtor fees are only slightly lower than traditional rates.
- Customer service is difficult to reach.
- The quality of customer service is spotty.
🏅How we chose our top picks
Clever Real Estate is the top option due to its nationwide availability, low 1.5% listing fee, and excellent customer satisfaction. Clever's model provides full-service support by partnering with experienced agents from major brokerages and provides savings and quality service.
We found that other brokers, like Ideal Agent and Redfin, also offer competitive rates and solid service but come with certain limitations:
- Ideal Agent has a 2% listing fee and a strong vetting process, but it doesn't provide as much savings as Clever.
- Redfin offers a 1.5% fee with significant savings, yet our research has found that its high client load can affect personalized service.
- Prevu and UpNest provide additional options, with Prevu being a good choice for high-end markets and UpNest offering flexible pricing but less consistency in service quality.
⚡️ Ready to save? Get local agent matches sent straight to your inbox with Clever
How real estate agent commissions work
In most real estate transactions, agents earn a commission based on the home’s sale price, typically paid by the seller at closing. This commission is paid to the seller’s (listing) agent and the buyer’s agent.
Our study on average commission rates found that rates average 2.74% for listing agents and 2.58% for buyer’s agents, though these rates vary by region and property type.
Some agents offer a flat fee or reduced commission, like the 2% rate discussed here, which can lead to significant savings for sellers. However, sellers must understand which services are included, as full-service agents and discount brokers often provide a wider range of support than limited-service agents.
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.
How much can I save with a 2% commission real estate agent?
Choosing a 2% commission realtor can save you 0.5-1% of your home’s sale price compared to the typical listing fee, and you can save even more with a 1% commission realtor.
Typically, these real estate agents charge a 2% listing fee instead of the average 2.74%. For example, on a $400,000 home, this translates to savings of $3,320.
Remember that sellers may still need to pay the buyer's agent commission, which averages 2.58% nationwide, and lifts average total commission rates to 5.32%. (Note: Sellers aren’t required to pay a buyer’s agent commission, though many choose to.)
Here's a breakdown of potential savings at different price points with a 2% listing fee:
| Home price | Savings |
|---|---|
| $200,000 | $1,660 |
| $400,000 | $3,320 |
| $600,000 | $4,980 |
| $800,000 | $6,640 |
As shown in the table, the savings from using a 2% commission realtor compared to the average 2.74% listing fee increases as your home sale price rises.
To maximize these savings, consider using a free agent-finding tool like Clever Real Estate, which matches you with full-service realtors charging a 1.5% listing fee. On average, Clever customers save $7,000 in real estate commissions.
🏛️ Buyer's agent commission update: NAR settlement
Realtor commissions are changing as the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has settled litigation over broker commission practices, agreeing to pay $418 million over four years.[2] This settlement addresses concerns that high commissions have financially burdened sellers.
Key changes under the 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 outlining services and fees, which increases transparency.
- Financial relief for sellers. Eligible sellers may qualify for settlement payments, providing additional financial benefits.
NAR denied any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to avoid prolonged litigation. The agreement aims to maintain consumer choice, support the real estate industry, and protect property ownership rights.
For more information on the settlement and to see if you qualify, visit the Real Estate Commission Litigation website.
Why would an agent work for only 2%?
As a former real estate agent, I understand that accepting a 2% commission can be smart in certain situations, though it may not always be the ideal choice for every agent.
First, it's important to understand how agents get paid in real estate:
- Most agents only earn a commission when a sale closes, creating an incentive to close deals quickly.
- 35% of such agents work with a fixed commission split, meaning the agent and their brokerage agree to divide every commission at a set percentage;
- 20% use a graduated commission structure tied to productivity, increasing the agent's commission share as they close more deals;
- 20% have a capped commission structure, where agents keep all their commission once they reach a certain earnings threshold.[3] This commission setup benefits high-performing agents.
Also remember that agents don't retain the full commission as they incur various expenses, and share earnings with their brokerage.
Example: On a $500,000 sale at a 2% commission, the listing agent appears to earn $10,000. However, However, after deducting annual expenses—which averaged $8,450 in 2023—take-home pay can be significantly less. This financial reality contributes to the median gross income for agents being $55,800 in 2023, slightly down from $56,400 in 2022.[3]
Yet, some scenarios still make sense for a listing agent to agree to a lower commission.
Hot markets
In markets with high demand and low inventory, properties sell quickly. For example, homes in Hartford, CT have been selling at a median of 8 days from listing in 2024.[4]
Despite lower home prices averaging under $200,000 in Hartford, this rapid turnover translates to quick earnings for local agents, even when accepting reduced commissions on lower sales prices.[5] The efficiency of these transactions can justify the lower commission rate.
This trend is also evident in my hometown market of Charleston, SC, where homes typically go pending in about 11 days on average, as of October 2024. With prices rising by 9% annually, agents stand to earn increased profits, which could make them more willing to reduce rates.[6]
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.[7]
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.[8]
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.
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. 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.
4. Sell to a company that buys houses for cash. If you're hurrying to sell, this option is a good choice. These companies purchase properties as-is, typically offering 70-75% of the home's value after repairs.
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 also a good option if you're trying to sell fast. They typically offer higher than cash buyers but generally look for good-quality homes.
Next steps
If you want to connect with vetted 2% commission agents in your area, Clever Real Estate makes it fast and easy.
Clever's free platform instantly connects you with full-service, top-rated realtors from major national and local brokerages like Century 21, RE/MAX, and Coldwell Banker. You can compare as many options as you'd like, or you can walk away at any time — there's no obligation to move forward with an agent.
Our dedicated Concierges are fully licensed real estate agents who can advise you on how to get the best outcome for your sale or purchase. Fill out the short form below to start reviewing recommendations!
If you're weighing your options for buying or selling a house, Clever can help!
Our fully licensed concierge team is standing by to answer questions and provide free, objective advice on getting the best outcome with your sale or purchase.
Ready to get started?
Give us a call at 1-833-2-CLEVER or enter your info below. Our concierge team will be in touch shortly to help.
Remember, this service is 100% free, and there’s never any obligation.
FAQ
Is 2% a good commission to pay?
A 2% real estate commission is below the national average of 2.74%, but it may be a fair rate for most situations. It depends on the price of your home, market conditions, and what services you expect from your agent. Traditional realtors charge a 2–3% listing fee, and not all real estate agents are willing to lower their commission. If you want a 2% commission realtor, look for a company that advertises 2% commission rates (or less!). Research our top picks here.
What percent do realtors usually charge on a home sale?
Our research on average commission rates has found that listing agents charge an average of 2.74% nationwide, and the buyer's agent charges 2.58%. However, these percentages vary widely by market and are influenced by property type, location, and agent experience.
What are the best 2% commission realtors?
Our top picks among 2% commission (or less) 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 more limited agent selection.