Baird and Warner is one of the best-known traditional real estate brokerages in the Chicagoland area, with nearly 3,000 agents, loan officers, and staff across more than 30 offices. With a history dating back to 1855, it’s a well-established family brokerage that has a reputation for experienced agents with local expertise.
As with many traditional brokerages, you’ll likely have to pay the standard commission rate of 2.5–3%. This is up to twice as much as what some other high-quality agents charge.
On a $500,000 home sale, a 3% commission would set you back $15,000. But if you use a low-commission realtor who charges 1.5%, you’d pay just $7,500.
If you want to save money when you sell, Clever Real Estate can help. Clever's top local agents come from established brokerages and provide the same full-service support you’d expect from traditional realtors. The difference is that with a listing fee of just 1.5%, sellers save an average of $7,000. Find top-rated agents who can sell your home for half the traditional commission rate.
Baird and Warner overview
-
🧭 How it works: Agents provide traditional full service to home buyers and sellers
-
💵 Commission rate: Standard 2.5–3% of the home sale price per agent
-
⭐ Customer rating: 4.9/5 across 2,166 reviews
-
📍 Locations: Chicago, Northeastern Illinois, Southeastern Wisconsin, and Florida
-
✅ Benefits: Well-established company, highly experienced agents with local market knowledge
-
⚠️ Downsides: No discounted commission rates
Services
| Listing agent services | Full service |
| Buyer's agent services | Full service |
Baird & Warner’s agents are traditional realtors who provide full-service support.
If you’re selling a home, you can expect a comprehensive range of services, usually including:
- A comparative market analysis (CMA) to help price your home
- Property listing on the multiple listing service (MLS) and major real estate websites
- Professional photography
- Home staging assistance
- Home showings and open houses
- Negotiating with potential buyers
- Assistance with closing paperwork
If you’re buying a home, Baird and Warner’s buying agents will typically provide the following services:
- Identifying properties that fit your needs and budget
- Scheduling and attending property showings
- Notifying you when new properties matching your criteria become available
- Assisting you with making a competitive offer
- Negotiating purchase agreements and contingencies
- Assisting with home inspections
- Coordinating with lenders, attorneys, and other real estate professionals
- Assisting with closing, including with title and paperwork
Baird and Warner provides additional features beyond their traditional brokerage service. For example, buyers can text “BW” to 59559 to receive updates about nearby homes for sale.
Baird & Warner also offers mortgage services through Key Mortgage Services, Inc., and title insurance through Baird & Warner Title Services. You’re not obligated to use these additional services, and you should shop around to make sure you’re getting the best deal. However, keeping all of your real estate needs under one roof can be convenient.
Commission rate
| Listing agent fee | 2.5–3% |
| Buyer's agent fee | 2.5–3% |
Realtors from traditional brokerages like Baird and Warner typically charge average commission rates of 2.5–3%. Nationwide, the average listing fee is 2.88%, and the average buyer’s agent fee is 2.82%.
Recently, there have been significant industry-wide real estate commission changes. Prior to August 2024, sellers set the buyer’s agent commission rate and advertised it in MLS listings. Now, buyers need to negotiate realtor commission directly with their agent, and sellers can no longer advertise buyer fees in the MLS. However, most sellers are still covering the buyer’s agent commission — now via a concession at closing instead of upfront.
When using a traditional brokerage like Baird and Warner, you’re technically always free to negotiate realtor commission. However, in practice, getting a significant discount is challenging. Agents from traditional brokerages often have little incentive to lower their rates.
If you want to pay less while still getting full service, consider an alternative like Clever Real Estate. With Clever, you’ll still work with a top-rated local agent, but with a pre-negotiated listing fee of 1.5% instead of 3%. You’ll get the same comprehensive support, and keep thousands more in your pocket.
Agent quality
| Quality indicators |
|
| # of agents | 3,000 (including loan officers and staff) |
| Locations | Chicago and surrounding areas, plus Southwest Florida |
Baird and Warner has a robust agent training and support program, which includes one-on-one guidance from managing brokers, specialized training for agents at every experience level, and innovative technology tools. This helps ensure its agents are knowledgeable, skilled, and well-prepared to guide you through transactions.
The brokerage is one of the largest and oldest in the Chicagoland area, with over 30 offices and around 3,000 agents, loan officers, and support staff.[1]
The combination of Baird and Warner’s comprehensive agent training and deep Chicago roots may translate to higher-quality services. Agents who are well-trained and local market experts can price homes accurately, negotiate skillfully, and spot opportunities or red flags that others might miss.
You can find a real estate agent by visiting Baird and Warner’s website, where you can filter agents by office, city, zip code, or languages spoken.
When looking for a realtor, the quality of the individual agent matters more than the brand they work for. Interview at least 2–3 agents to find the right fit. Look for local market expertise, a track record with properties similar to yours, clear strategies for your transaction, and high ratings from clients.
Baird and Warner reviews from customers
Baird and Warner reviews are largely positive, with a rating of 4.9 out of 5 from over 2,000 reviews on Yelp and Zillow. Customers regularly praise agents for their knowledge of the Chicago market and their responsive and attentive service.
While negative reviews are rare, there were some customers who were unhappy with the service they received. Agent quality varies somewhat across offices, which is common for most large brokerages and reinforces our advice to interview multiple agents.
Here’s what buyers and sellers had to say about working with Baird and Warner.
✅ Knowledgeable local realtors
Many clients praised Baird and Warner agents for their deep knowledge of the Northeastern Illinois real estate market, which often helped give those clients an advantage in competitive areas. As a family-run brokerage that has served Chicago since 1855, this local expertise is one of the defining features of the company.
They really understand the Chicago market and know what strategies work best in every situation, whether selling, buying, or renting. We were guided through the selling process with great advice on updates and connections to get them done quickly.
Given how competitive the market is in my area, it was Scott’s quick actions and helpful tips that tremendously helped me be competitive against other offers and have mine be accepted.
✅ Excellent communication
The responsiveness of agents was highlighted in multiple Baird and Warner reviews. Customers frequently said that Baird and Warner listings and buyer’s agents were quick to respond to messages and calls and were available when needed.
[Our agent] consistently maintained good communication and was very resourceful with ideas about locations and the potential within every viewing.
Alice was always responsive and clear in her communication, which made the entire process stress-free for us.
✅ Comprehensive support throughout
As a full-service brokerage, Baird and Warner provides comprehensive support at every stage of the real estate transaction, as several reviews mentioned. The brokerage also offers in-house mortgage and title services, which many clients appreciated.
Kit and Ashley were absolutely amazing in helping us to purchase an apartment for our son. We are from Texas and were not able to attend much in person. From start to finish they helped us through the process. They did virtual tours with us, walked us through every step of the process (which differs from state to state), helped with recommendations for each step, were available for inspections and basically anything we needed.
Coleen was absolutely hands down the best realtor I've ever worked with! She was with us every step of the way and went above and beyond. She made us feel like we were her only clients (even though she had many many others) and treated us like old friends. She made selling and buying the new house stress free, and was truly invested in our family's happiness.
⚠️ Inconsistent agent quality
Baird and Warner is a large brokerage with around 3,000 realtors, loan officers, and support staff. Not all agents are of the same caliber, and some reviews complained about pushy or rude agents.
My condo was priced well but from Week 1 my realtor … was pushy about price reductions. We got a lowball offer at 16 days that she really wanted me to take. I copied the managing broker in to make sure they were working in my best interest. He blew it off. I wound up selling it for $25K with a different realtor from a different company.
I had a very bad experience with my Realtor, and would be very hesitant to use this Company in the future.
Credibility: Is Baird and Warner Real Estate legit?
| Founding | 1855 by Lyman Baird |
| Track record |
|
| News |
|
Baird & Warner is a legitimate company and one of the most recognized brands in the Chicagoland real estate market. All of its realtors are licensed, and it has won multiple awards from the Chicago Tribune for being one of Chicago’s Top Workplaces.
After acquiring brokerage Dream Town in 2025, it solidified its position as the largest independent real estate brokerage in the Chicago area. It remains family-owned and is currently headed by Steve Baird.
Baird & Warner vs. Chicago alternatives
Chicago's residential brokerage market is concentrated in four major players: Baird & Warner, @properties Christie's, Coldwell Banker, and Compass. Here's how they compare on the structural variables:
| Baird & Warner | @properties Christie's | Coldwell Banker | Compass | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agent count (Chicago metro) | ~3,000 | ~3,000 | ~1,500 | ~1,500 |
| Ownership | Family-owned, independent | Independent, Christie's affiliate | Anywhere Real Estate (public) | Public (NYSE: COMP) |
| Listing commission | 2.5–3% | 2.5–3% | 2.5–3% | 2.5–3% |
| In-house mortgage/title | Yes (Key/B&W Title) | Yes (Proper/@title) | Yes (Guaranteed Rate) | Yes (Compass Concierge) |
| Best suited for | Established North Shore family homes, North Shore experience | Downtown luxury condos, brand consistency | First-time buyers, national-brand familiarity | Tech-forward listings, downtown luxury |
The right pick depends on your specific transaction profile:
- Established North Shore family home: Baird & Warner has the deepest North Shore footprint and longest-tenured agents in towns like Winnetka, Lake Forest, and Wilmette.
- Downtown luxury condo: @properties Christie's and Compass both have stronger downtown-luxury positioning. Compass's tech tools are well-suited to high-end listings.
- First-time buyer in a Chicago neighborhood: Brokerage-level brand matters very little here. Pick the agent, not the brokerage. Coldwell Banker has strong neighborhood-agent presence across many Chicago submarkets.
There’s no single right answer here. The four firms are close enough on commission, agent quality, and footprint that the decision should turn on your transaction profile and the individual agent rather than the name on the sign.
How to evaluate a Baird & Warner agent (or any large-brokerage agent)
Inside a 3,000-agent brokerage, the quality range is wide. The differentiators that actually predict outcomes — for any Chicago brokerage, not just Baird & Warner:
- Years actively practicing in your specific submarket. "15 years at Baird & Warner" matters less than "15 years closing deals on the North Shore."
- Transactions per year. Full-time agents typically close 12–25+ deals annually. Part-time agents close 1–5. The numbers correlate strongly with how well your agent will handle contract complications.
- List-to-sale ratio for homes in your price range. Disclosable. Agents who consistently get list price or above are strong negotiators.
- Days on market relative to neighborhood median. Disclosable. Faster-than-median means good pricing or marketing.
- Communication cadence. Ask what response time you should expect during active negotiation. "Same day" is the baseline.
- Specific recent transactions. Ask for three closed deals in the past 12 months in your submarket. Cross-check the addresses on the MLS.
Kristina Allan, a Realtor and licensed real estate appraiser, frames agent quality around recent, local production rather than marketing polish: "The seller needs to see whether that agent is the right fit for their specific house. The agent recommended should have recent experience with similar homes in that area. The seller should also check how many houses this person has sold within the last year, how quickly those homes sold, and the difference between the asking and final sale prices. It can be a red flag if an agent markets themselves well but has few recent sales in the area.”
Key Mortgage Services and B&W Title Services: are the in-house options worth it?
Baird & Warner offers Key Mortgage Services (mortgage lending) and B&W Title Services (title insurance and closing) as in-house options to its clients. The advantage is convenience — a single vendor handles your closing.
So should you use them?
- Use Key Mortgage Services if their rate is competitive with at least two other lenders you've gotten quotes from. Convenience doesn't override 0.25%+ in rate differential over a 30-year mortgage.
- Use B&W Title Services if their fees are competitive with the Chicago-area title-services market. Title fees are negotiable and shoppable; the convenience of one-vendor closing shouldn't add hundreds in unnecessary cost.
- Disclosure obligations: Your Baird & Warner agent should disclose any compensation B&W receives for referring you to Key or B&W Title. RESPA federal law requires this disclosure. Ask if it isn't volunteered.
For most buyers and sellers, the deciding factor is simple math, not loyalty. Run Key Mortgage Services against at least two outside lender quotes, and B&W Title against the going Chicago-area title rate. If they win on price, the one-vendor convenience is a real bonus; if they don’t, you’ve lost nothing by asking.
» READ: How to find a top real estate agent (full guide)
Bottom line: Is Baird and Warner right for you?
Baird and Warner is a good option if you’re looking to buy or sell a property in the Chicago area. As the largest independent brokerage in Chicagoland, it has considerable expertise in the Northeastern Illinois housing market. It also provides excellent training for its agents, who routinely offer exceptional service to clients.
The brokerage has a good reputation, but it’s large, so agent quality can vary. It's wise to compare agents to find the one that best meets your needs.
When comparing realtors, consider low-commission agents that deliver comprehensive services for less.
For example, Clever Real Estate can connect you with top local realtors who provide the same services you’d expect from traditional agents. The only difference is that you'll get a low 1.5% listing fee — half the standard 3%. As a result, sellers save $7,000 on average without sacrificing quality. Find a top Chicago agent at a 1.5% listing fee
- Answer 5 simple questions about your sale
- Get matched with 2–3 top local agents in minutes
- Compare options, choose the best fit, save up to 50% on fees
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Baird & Warner is family-owned. The current CEO and president is Steve Baird, the fifth-generation owner of the company.
Baird and Warner offers the same full-service support as other traditional real estate brokerages. It stands out for its focus on the Chicago market and for the training and support it provides to its realtors.
No. Baird & Warner is an independent, family-owned brokerage. It’s not affiliated with a national franchise like RE/MAX, Coldwell Banker, or Keller Williams.
Listing-side commission typically runs 2.5–3%, in line with other major Chicago brokerages. The rate is negotiable, particularly on higher-priced listings.
Yes, Baird & Warner — like all major Illinois brokerages — practices dual agency in certain situations. Illinois law permits dual agency with written consent. Confirm in writing whether your specific transaction involves dual agency and what protections apply.
Yes. Key Mortgage Services is Baird & Warner’s in-house mortgage subsidiary. Federal RESPA law requires Baird & Warner agents to disclose any compensation received for referring clients to Key. Ask for the disclosure if it isn’t volunteered, and compare Key’s rate against at least two other lenders.
Both brokerages have comparable agent rosters, comparable commission structures, and comparable downtown-Chicago and North Shore footprints. @properties Christie’s has stronger downtown-luxury positioning through its Christie’s affiliation; Baird & Warner has stronger established North Shore family-home depth. The right pick depends more on the individual agent than the brokerage.
Methodology
This review of Baird & Warner is based on Clever Real Estate's analysis of the company's public marketing, Crain's Chicago Business brokerage-ranking data, primary reporting from Chicago-area real estate professionals and recent Baird & Warner clients, and review of in-house mortgage and title disclosure practices. Fee, commission, and service descriptions were verified against Baird & Warner's current listing agreements and consumer-facing materials as of Q2 2026.
Related reading
