Clever Real Estate offers pre-negotiated commission savings with a network of more than 14,000 full-service agents from leading brokerages like Keller Williams, eXp, and RE/MAX. The company offers low 1.5% listing fees for home sellers (about half the national average), as well as up to $500 cash back for home buyers.
Clever also stands out for its rigorous agent vetting process, partnering exclusively with experienced agents who have outstanding customer reviews. This commitment to quality has earned the company an impressive 5.0/5 rating across 4,037 online reviews.
If you’re looking to save on realtor commissions without sacrificing service, you can contact Clever via a quick online form to start comparing local agents — or keep reading to see what sets Clever apart.
Clever Real Estate highlights
- Nationwide network offering pre-negotiated commission savings with top real agents from across the country
- Agents provide full-service representation for home buyers and sellers
- Home sellers pay a 1.5% listing fee, about half the usual rate, saving $7,000 on average
- Home buyers receive $250–$500 cash back in 41 states where permissible
- To join Clever's network, agents must have 5+ years of experience, a strong sales record, and excellent customer reviews
- Clever has an average 5.0/5 rating across 4,037 online reviews
- Customers say: ✅ Agent Selection | ✅ Communication and Professionalism | ✅ Savings Value | ✅ Results | ✅ Guidance and Support | ✅ Real Estate Expertise | ✅ Ease of Transaction
🔎 How we analyzed Clever customer reviews
To evaluate Clever's customer reviews, our process included gathering all verifiable customer reviews from 3rd party sites such as BBB, Google, Consumer Affairs, TrustPilot, and Yelp.
In addition to tallying total review counts and average customer ratings, we used AI to analyze customer sentiment across key themes related agent matching services:
- Agent Selection: Ease of getting matched with an agent and satisfaction with the agent provided
- Communication and Professionalism: The availability, informativeness, responsiveness, professionalism, and proactiveness of the agent and support team
- Customer Service: The company’s commitment to resolving issues and ensuring customer satisfaction
- Ease of Transaction: Professional, efficient handling of transactions, including contracts, escrow, and closing procedures
- Guidance and Support: Level of helpfulness, involvement, and service provided by the agent
- Integrity: Agent and company’s commitment to ethical conduct and serving the client’s best interests
- Marketing: Quality and effectiveness of agent's marketing strategy for attracting buyers
- Real Estate Expertise: Agent's market knowledge and skill in conducting real estate transactions, including pricing, crafting offers, and managing negotiations
- Results: Transaction outcomes for buyers and sellers
- Savings Value: Degree of customer satisfaction with both the savings and service provided for the cost
To ensure an accurate depiction of the customer experience, we ran each verified review through AI to check for mentions of each given theme and tallied the total number of positive vs. negative mentions. We assigned each theme a sentiment value based on the following criteria:
- ✅ Highly positive: At least 92% of mentions for that theme are positive
- 🟡 Somewhat positive: 75–92% of mentions for that theme are positive
- ❌ Somewhat negative: Less than 75% of mentions for that theme are positive
Any theme mentioned in at least 10% of reviews is displayed along with its sentiment rating.
Clever Real Estate reviews
Source | Average Rating | Review Count |
---|---|---|
BBB | 4.9/5 | 119 |
4.9/5 | 434 | |
TrustPilot | 5.0/5 | 3,484 |
Total | 5.0/5 | 4,037 |
Clever Real Estate has an excellent overall customer rating: 5.0/5 from 4,037 reviews across Trustpilot, Better Business Bureau, and Google. The company is accredited and has an A+ rating through the BBB.
Themes most commonly mentioned in Clever reviews
Theme | Portion of Reviews | Percent Positive |
---|---|---|
Agent Selection | 46% | ✅ 99% |
Communication and Professionalism | 39% | ✅ 97% |
Savings Value | 34% | ✅ 99% |
Results | 32% | ✅ 99% |
Guidance and Support | 30% | ✅ 99% |
Real Estate Expertise | 24% | ✅ 98% |
Ease of Transaction | 16% | ✅ 98% |
Clever Real Estate reviews express overwhelmingly positive sentiment from customers.
Reviewers report that assigned agents are responsive and professional, and make them feel at ease during the home buying or selling process. Customers also appreciate that Clever's team follows up to ensure everything with the assigned realtor goes well.
Home sellers who work with Clever frequently mention multiple offers and sales well above asking price, often within days or weeks of listing. Customers also highlight how much money they saved on real estate commissions through Clever's pre-negotiated commission model.
Negative reviews for Clever are rare and are generally promptly resolved by Clever's customer service team. Clever also quickly removes any agent from their network who behaves unprofessionally or receives multiple negative reviews.
Here's how Clever Real Estate reviews break down.
Agent matching ratings
- ✅ Agent Selection (99% positive)
Customers consistently praise Clever's ability to quickly connect them with multiple qualified agents — including well-known agents in their area — allowing them to select the best fit for their needs. Customers also appreciate the reduced commission rates they get through Clever's network.
- "It was a relief to be matched with multiple reputable realtors"
- "One of their recommendations was a top agent in our area whom I had heard of previously."
- "Got a great, high-profile realtor at a ridiculously reduced selling commission"
- "I got the best realtor EVER through your service!!"
- "We interviewed their recommendations and were confident that we chose the right Real Estate Agent for us"
- "Great team who worked hard to make sure we had the perfect fit with our realtor"
Service ratings
- ✅ Communication and Professionalism (97% positive)
- ✅ Guidance and Support (99% positive)
- ✅ Real Estate Expertise (98% positive)
Reviewers also consistently praise the service they receive from Clever agents, who are frequently described as going "above and beyond" to ensure client satisfaction. In particular, customers mention agents who are available and responsive, offer emotional reassurance during stressful transactions, provide practical help with property preparation and repairs, and demonstrate genuine care while guiding clients through complex transactions — including those conducted out of state.
- "His 20 plus years of experience and guidance made navigating the home sale process seamless"
- "Kept in constant contact with me. I was out of state but I knew everything that was going on"
- "kept us updated on all showings, negotiations, inspections and closing arrangements"
- "She was always available for any questions or concerns"
- "Held my hand through the whole experience"
- "Because he knew how to handle complicated transaction/situation it relieves me much worry and anxiety"
- "As a first-time home buyer, I really appreciated having an expert by my side who could answer all my questions"
- "He went above and beyond his obligation to us through a difficult situation on settlement day"
- "He helped me take care of a few repair issues that I was not able to get to and did it all on his own time"
Customers also highlight their Clever agents' market knowledge, pricing strategy expertise, and negotiation skills. Many express how their agents' expertise led to faster sales and better-than-expected prices despite challenging market conditions.
- "Her advice and prediction of how long it would take to sell and for how much was spot on"
- "He provided current market analysis and developed a plan for us to maximize our home sale price."
- "He did a great market analysis at a time when the mortgage rates were rising"
- "She gave me specific ideas on what to do to get my house ready for market"
- "Very knowledgeable of our neighborhood and set the price exactly as it should be"
- "Patrick was right on point. He offered different pricing strategies based on how quickly we wanted to be under contract"
Savings ratings
- ✅ Savings Value (99% positive)
Savings is another area of high satisfaction among Clever customers. Many reviews mention that Clever's pre-negotiated commission rates put several thousand dollars back in sellers' pockets. Customers also emphasize the fact that they didn't have to sacrifice service quality to achieve those savings.
- "We got everything a full-priced agent would give us for about half the cost"
- "I was expecting sub-standard support for the discount commission but I couldn't have been more wrong"
- "Bottom line, Clever saved me $9,000 in commissions"
- "Saved thousands on the sale of our home without compromising service by using Clever"
- "We saved over 10k and the marketing and the buyers' experience was identical to paying full price for commissions"
- "We also ended up with an extra $5,000 in our pocket, a pleasant surprise that we attribute to Clever's efficient and cost-effective approach."
Results ratings
- ✅ Ease of Transaction (98% positive)
- ✅ Results (99% positive)
Clever customers also express a high degree of satisfaction with the results of their transactions. Home sellers often note that their homes sold quickly and above asking price. Reviewers also mention how "easy," "smooth," and "hassle-free" the process is from start to finish.
- "Super smooth process. Closing was flawless"
- "Seriously the easiest home selling experience we have ever had"
- "This is the 9th home I've sold over the years and by far the easiest transaction."
- "The house was under contract within 13 days of listing, with 5 bids and we closed 1 month later for $20k over asking"
- "Had tremendous traffic the very first day and a signed contract within 24 hours for nearly 10% over asking price"
- "We sold our house in ONE DAY!"
- "Listed our house & got a firm contract within 48 hours."
- "We had numerous showings and numerous offers on the property"
Clever vs. alternatives
Clever competitors include discount brokers like Redfin and alternative agent matching services like Ideal Agent and UpNest.
Redfin offers a similar 1.5% listing fee, but only operates in select markets and assigns you an in-house agent. While Redfin agents are known for handling a high volume of transactions, some sellers report less personalized service as a result. Redfin also offers a modest rebate for buyers (0.25–0.5%) but only if they meet specific terms and conditions.
Ideal Agent limits your choice to a smaller network of agents and charges a higher 2% listing fee. While its agents are typically experienced, you may have fewer options—and you won’t get any buyer incentives or cashback.
UpNest allows agents to compete for your business by offering custom proposals, which can be helpful—but also overwhelming. Fees and services vary widely, and buyers don’t get any cashback. Clever, on the other hand, offers a consistent, low 1.5% listing fee and a vetted network of top agents with no pressure or confusion.
Clever Real Estate stands out by offering a more competitive listing fee compared to most agent matching services and a larger agent selection than most discount brokers, which require you to use their in-house agents.
How Clever Real Estate works
Getting matched with an agent
- To request an agent, you submit a short online form (five questions) with basic info about your home sale or purchase (e.g., timeline, estimated price range, what you’re looking for in an agent, etc.)
- Clever's Concierge team will call to confirm your information and address any questions or special requests you have for your agent (e.g., experience with probate sales, investment properties, etc.). Note: You can skip the phone call if you prefer.
- Clever’s team uses your information, along with data-backed insights from its matching algorithm, to handpick the best local agents to suit your situation and needs.
- You can receive your agent proposals via text, email, or both. You can also view and contact agents in your Clever dashboard. Agent profiles will include each agent's past customer ratings, services, and experience. It will also include a proposal indicating how they can help you in your home sale or search.
- Once your agent matches arrive, you can set up interviews to compare your options and choose the best fit.
- If you don’t like the agents Clever recommends, you can request more matches until you find the right agent — or simply walk away.
- If you move forward with a Clever agent, Clever's concierge team will check in periodically to ensure you're happy with your agent and the service they're providing. Agents must maintain consistently good customer feedback to remain in Clever's network.
Selling with Clever
Listing agents who partner with Clever offer all the same services and support as traditional realtors, but at a reduced commission rate. For sellers, that means your agent will provide:
- Pricing guidance, including a comparative market analysis (CMA)
- Professional photography
- Comprehensive marketing
- Professional photography
- Advice for home staging
- Showings and open houses
- Home inspection and negotiation support
- Help to review offers and make counteroffers
- Title transfer assistance
- Help with paperwork and closing
Home sellers are guaranteed a 1.5% listing fee (half the usual rate), and Clever's service does not charge additional platform fees.
Buying with Clever
When you work with a buyer's agent found through Clever's network, you can generally expect your agent to:
- Walk you through the home buying process
- Help you find homes that match your search criteria
- Accompany you on home tours and request information on properties of interest
- Help you submit a strong offer and negotiate the contract terms on your behalf
- Recommend lenders, inspectors, title companies, and other third parties
- Accompany you on the home inspection and renegotiate based on findings
- Keep the deal on track through closing
- Attending final walk-through to ensure contract stipulations have been met and home is move-in ready
Clever also rewards home buyers with $250 cash back at closing (or $500 if you buy and sell with a Clever partner agent).
How much does Clever charge?
Clever Real Estate pre-negotiates a 1.5% listing fee with all the agents in its network. That's about half the national average listing fee of 2.74%. For homes sold for less than $200,000 Clever charges a flat fee of $3,000.
Clever Real Estate also offers a home buyer rebate of $250 to eligible buyers, or $500 if the customer uses a Clever agent to buy and sell. Clever Cash Back is available in 42 out of 50 US states.
🤔 What about the buyer's agent commission?
As a seller, remember that you might need to pay the buyer's agent a commission.
Previously, sellers set this commission rate, but after the NAR lawsuit and settlement, buyers now negotiate it directly with their agents. They must sign a buyer's agency agreement before touring homes, which outlines the commission rate.
However, sellers may still be responsible for covering this commission depending on negotiations. The average buyer's agent commission nationwide is 2.58% of the home's sale price, though it varies by location. According to data from Redfin, buyer agent rates have fallen slightly to 2.37% since the NAR settlement.[1]
Clever history and news
Founded in 2017, Clever Real Estate has rapidly expanded its services. It launched Clever Pro for mortgage lenders, Clever Title as a full-service title and escrow company, and Clever Offers, a platform for receiving cash offers.[2][3] In 2024, Clever also acquired Gravy Technologies to enhance its loyalty rewards program for first-time homebuyers.
Other key milestones include:
- Clever Offers surpasses $500 million in transactions: Clever’s cash offer platform has now helped more than 20,000 home sellers explore their options, resulting in over $500 million in completed home sales. The platform provides an easy way for homeowners to compare traditional cash offers with other options.[4]
- HousingWire Insiders Award: Drake Shadwell, the manager behind Clever Offers, was recognized as one of HousingWire’s 2025 Rising Stars for his work building the high-growth cash offer platform.[5] In 2023, Clever's CEO and head of account management were recognized for outstanding industry contributions at the HousingWire conference.[6]
- No. 1 Real Estate Agency on Trustpilot.com: Clever was ranked the #1 real estate agent company by Trustpilot after achieving a perfect 5-star rating in June 2023. As of April 2025, the company still maintains this perfect rating.[7]
- Inc.’s List of Fastest-Growing Companies in the Midwest: In May 2023, Clever was ranked 65th on Inc.'s list, boasting 260% growth over two years.[8]
- HousingWire's 2024 Tech100 Real Estate award: Clever Real Estate earned a spot in HousingWire's esteemed Tech100 Real Estate list. This prestigious award honors the 100 most innovative and impactful real estate technology companies of the year.[9]
Bottom line: Is Clever right for you?
Pros
- Guaranteed 1.5% listing fee (half the usual rate), plus cash back savings for buyers
- Agent matching service is free, with no obligation to commit
- Large agent network offers great selection compared to similar services
- High customer satisfaction, with a near perfect 5.0/5 rating on 3rd-party review sites
Cons
- No guarantee you’ll get matched with a specific agent or brokerage
Clever Real Estate is best for sellers and buyers who want to save on real estate commissions while working with a top agent.
Clever's 1.5% listing fee is nearly half what you'd pay with a traditional agent, but you still receive full support from your agent. It also has a strict vetting process for agents, so you get matched with realtors with strong sales records and great customer reviews.
Clever's service is free, so there's no harm in seeing which agents are available in your area. If you find an agent you like, you could save thousands of dollars on realtor fees. If not, you can always try a different discount brokerage or agent-matching service.
⚡ Ready to save thousands on fees and work with a top-rated agent? Answer a few simple questions to be instantly matched with a qualified agent who charges just 1.5%—no obligation, no hassle.
Frequently asked questions
How does Clever make money?
When a Clever Partner Agent closes a deal for a customer, Clever takes a portion of that agent’s commission on the sale. This is called a referral fee, and it's how all agent matching services make money.
As a consumer, you benefit from this arrangement because it allows Clever to offer its agent matching service for free.
Agents benefit because it’s a low-risk, low-cost way to boost their real estate transaction volume, reputation, and revenue stream.
Why do real estate agents work with Clever?
Finding new customers is one of the biggest expenses for real estate agents, and Clever helps agents by sending them a steady stream of motivated potential clients. Agents can then spend more of their time working with clients instead of searching for business.
Is Clever better than Redfin?
Clever Real Estate generally offers better value than Redfin, especially regarding customer satisfaction and service. Both companies offer a 1.5% listing fee, but Clever stands out by pairing you with top-rated agents from respected brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX, ensuring you get full-service support throughout the process. Our analysis of Redfin found that its in-house agents handle a larger volume of clients, which can result in less personalized attention.