Read Clever reviews | Seller savings | Buying with Clever | Who should use Clever? | Info for agents
What is Clever Real Estate?
Clever Real Estate is a nationwide service that matches sellers and buyers with top-rated, local real estate agents. It pre-negotiates a 1.5% listing fee, which is half of what realtors typically charge.
Sellers and buyers receive multiple matches with agents from major brokerages, including Keller Williams and RE/MAX. Sellers pay their agent only if and when their home sells. Buyers don't pay any fees.
Who should use Clever?
If you're looking for the best agent to help you sell or buy a home, Clever Real Estate is a good way to find that agent. It has a strict vetting process for agents, so you get matched with realtors who have strong sales records and great customer reviews.
It's also the best option for sellers who want to save money on real estate commissions. Clever's 1.5% listing fee is one of the lowest of any full-service brand, but you still receive full support from your agent.
Want to find a top local agent without overpaying on realtor fees? Clever negotiates 1.5% listing fees with top-rated realtors from name-brand conventional brokerages like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Berkshire Hathaway.
Get guaranteed full service for half the rate these agents typically charge. Schedule a free, no obligation consultation with a top local agent today!
Is Clever Real Estate legitimate?
Yes, Clever is a well-established, nationwide discount real estate company and licensed brokerage in Missouri. Clever Real Estate reviews from customers are very positive, with an average customer rating of 4.9/5 based on 1,810 total reviews. Clever has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Since launching in 2017, Clever has partnered with more than 19,000 real estate agents across the country and helped home sellers and buyers net more than $60 million in total commission savings.
How does Clever Real Estate work?
Clever’s agent matching service is fast and easy to use. Here’s how it works:
- Sign up by filling out a simple form on Clever’s website.
- Provide some basic info about your sale or purchase (e.g., timeline, estimated price, what you’re looking for in an agent) to help inform your agent matches.
- A fully licensed Clever Concierge reaches out via phone, usually within a few minutes. They'll learn more about your needs and preferences and answer any questions you might have (note: you can opt to 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 opt to receive your agent matches via text message, email, or both. You can also view and contact them in your Clever dashboard.
- Once your agent matches arrive, you can set up interviews with your agents to compare your options and choose the best fit. You can also request additional matches or simply walk away.
- If you’re selling, once you choose your agent, you sign a listing agreement and hit the ground running. Your agent will provide the same full-service experience for half the typical rate!
- If you’re buying, once you choose your agent, they’ll provide full service and support throughout your entire purchase. And if you qualify, you can get cash back after closing!
| 🤝 Clever’s Concierge TeamEvery member of Clever’s Concierge Team is a fully licensed real estate agent. That means your Clever Concierge is a secondary resource for expert guidance and advice throughout your entire sale or purchase. And that’s in addition to helping match you with the perfect agent and ensuring you get a world-class selling or buying experience. |
How good are Clever Partner Agents?
Clever partners with highly rated agents from top regional brokerages and major brands, such as Keller Williams, Compass, and Berkshire Hathaway.
To join Clever’s network, agents and brokers must meet the following minimum criteria:
- An active real estate license
- 5+ years of real estate experience
- Great reviews from past sellers and buyers
- A proven track record of success in their local market
- Excellent communication and responsiveness
Once an agent joins the network, Clever’s team continually monitors performance and customer satisfaction. If an agent doesn’t consistently deliver world-class service and results, Clever stops sending them customers.
» MORE: Why do agents work with companies like Clever?
Selling a house with Clever
Clever’s Partner Agents have agreed to lower their typical rates, but you get the same full-service experience they provide their full-commission clients. This service includes:
- Ongoing expert guidance
- A comparative market analysis (CMA)
- Pricing strategy
- Comprehensive marketing
- Professional photography
- Advice for home staging
- Showings and open houses
- Home inspection and negotiation support
- Help reviewing offers and making counteroffers
- Title transfer assistance
- Help with paperwork and closing
How much can I save by selling with Clever?
Clever sellers save about 50% on listing fees, or $7,000 on average. You pay a 1.5% listing fee in exchange for full service and support. Most agents charge 2.5–3% for the same level of service.
You should also always offer a buyer’s agent commission to incentivize agents to show your home. Buyer’s agent commission rates are negotiable and vary by location and home type, but 2–3% is a common range nationwide.
When you sell with Clever, you pay a total commission fee of 4–4.5% — which is less than the current average realtor commission rate of 5.4%.
📢 A few quick (but important) notes about Clever's fees
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Buying a house with Clever
When you buy with Clever, you’ll get matched with a local, full-service buyer’s agent from a major brand or regional brokerage.
In addition to all of the services you’d expect from a traditional buyer’s agent — like showings and help with offers, negotiations, paperwork, and closing — you’ll also get:
- Real-time MLS alerts: Instant notifications when a home matching your criteria is listed on the MLS.
- On-demand showings: Tour any MLS listed home whenever you’d like. You can see a property in as little as one hour.
- Clever Cash Back™: If you’re buying in a qualifying state, we give you money back to help cover your move.
Clever matches you with the best buyer’s agents in your area. Choose the perfect agent, find the right home, and get money back to help pay for your move!
Clever Cash Back
When you buy with Clever, you receive $250 in Clever Cash Back. When you buy and sell with Clever, you receive $500.
Clever Cash Back is available in 42 out of 50 US states. Buyers in the following states aren't eligible: Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Tennessee.
Advantages of cash back over commission rebates
Some discount real estate brands, like UpNest, advertise commission rebates or home buyer rebates, which come directly out of the agent’s commission fee. Unfortunately, these rebates are subject to numerous terms and restrictions. They usually require lender approval, can only be used in certain ways (e.g., to cover closing costs), and are never guaranteed in full.
Cash back rewards, like Clever Cash Back, usually come out of the agent matching service’s referral fee, which means less complications for you. Cash back rewards don't require lender approval, can be spent however you want, and are guaranteed in full on eligible purchases.
» MORE: Learn how home buyer rebates and cash back programs work
How does Clever make money?
When a Clever Partner Agent closes a deal for a Clever 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 for them to boost their real estate transaction volume, reputation, and revenue stream.
Why do real estate agents work with Clever?
One of the biggest expenses for real estate agents is finding new customers, since many sellers don't know how to find a good real estate agent. Clever provides a steady stream of introductions to serious and motivated potential clients, which helps agents spend more time closing deals instead of looking for clients.
In effect, the higher volume of transactions — and zero up-front costs (agents pay Clever a referral fee only if and when a deal closes) — means agents can charge less and earn more. Those savings are passed along to sellers and buyers in the form of a reduced commission rate or cash back after closing.
The increased volume of business also helps agents build their brand in their local real estate market. This boost to their stats, visibility, and reputation ultimately helps them get more traditional, full-commission referrals and listings.
| 💡 How can I be sure I’ll really get full service?Clever’s Concierge Team continually monitors its Partner Agents’ performance. If they see or hear about a Partner Agent skimping on service or support, that agent is removed from Clever’s network. Additionally, agents live and die by their reputations. One bad online review from a mistreated customer could impede their ability to attract new business for years. |
Clever Real Estate reviews from real customers
Clever Real Estate reviews online are overwhelmingly positive. Clever has an average customer rating of 4.9/5 across 2,000+ reviews on independent review site Trustpilot.
Below are a few excerpts from recent Clever Real Estate reviews from real customers. You can view all of Clever's reviews on Trustpilot.
"Saved me over $10,000"
"Using Clever made everything simple"
"They do precisely what they claim"
Find the perfect agent, save thousands!
Try Clever’s free agent-matching service today.
Compare Clever to alternatives
| Company | Built-in savings? | Avg. rating |
|---|---|---|
| Clever | ✅ | 4.9 |
| Redfin | ✅ | 3.8 |
| Ideal Agent | ✅ | 4.9 |
| UpNest | ❌ | 4.6 |
| HomeLight | ❌ | 4.7 |
Due to its nationwide coverage, top-rated agents, and best-in-class rates, Clever is a great choice for most home sellers looking to save on realtor fees without sacrificing service. It's also a great choice for most buyers looking for a top-rated agent and some cash back.
That said, it’s always worth evaluating several options before making a final decision to get the best fit and value.
» MORE: Which real estate company has the lowest commission?
Redfin vs. Clever
Redfin is a well-known discount brokerage that advertises 1.5% listing fees for sellers, though minimum fees apply. It also offers commission rebates for buyers in select markets.
Redfin agents are salaried, in-house employees who handle roughly three times more customers than the typical realtor, which may limit their ability to provide hands-on service and support. With Clever, you’ll work directly with a top-rated local agent from a conventional brokerage like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Century 21.
» MORE: Read the full Redfin review
Ideal Agent vs. Clever
Like Clever, Ideal Agent is a free, nationwide service that matches you with top-rated local agents and negotiates commission discounts on your behalf. But there are some important differences.
Ideal Agent pre-negotiates 2% listing fees with its partner agents — while sellers who work with Clever pay just 1.5% in listing fees.
Ideal Agent also matches you with only one agent. With Clever, you’ll get multiple agent matches to compare so you can choose the best fit.
Additionally, Ideal Agent offers no cost benefits for buyers. Clever offers cash back for eligible buyers.
» MORE: Read the full Ideal Agent review
UpNest vs. Clever
UpNest is an online real estate platform where local agents submit proposals and compete for your business. The idea is that the artificial competition drives savings, meaning discounted rates for sellers and rebates for buyers. But these savings aren’t guaranteed and tend to be relatively limited.
We enlisted the help of mystery shoppers to try out UpNest’s service. Our shoppers found that the price quotes in most proposals were generally comparable to market rates. The lowest listing fee was 2% vs. the typical 2.5–3% rate. In other words, UpNest’s best case scenario didn't match Clever’s 1.5% listing fee.
» MORE: Read the full UpNest review
HomeLight vs. Clever
HomeLight is a well-known agent matching service in the U.S., and, like Clever, it matches you with top-rated local agents for free.
Both services are fast and easy to use, give you multiple agent matches so you can compare options, and work with full-service agents from major brands and top regional brokerages. In fact, Clever and HomeLight work with many of the same agents.
There’s one major difference: HomeLight offers zero built-in cost savings.
When you find your agent through HomeLight, you’ll pay the full listing commission — likely whatever the competitive rate is in your area (usually between 2.5–3%). In short, Clever can help you work with those same top-rated agents for half the price!
» MORE: Read the full HomeLight review
Next steps: Talk to a real estate expert
If you’re looking to buy or sell a house and weighing your options, Clever can help!
Our fully licensed Concierge Team is standing by to answer your questions. They offer free, objective advice about how to sell or buy your next home, given your specific goals and situation.
Give us a call at 1-833-2-CLEVER, or contact us via the form below.
Enter your basic info below. Our Concierge Team will be in touch shortly to answer your questions, offer advice, and match you with top-rated agents in your area. Remember, this service is 100% free and there's no obligation!
Additional resources
It’s also worth exploring other home selling approaches before choosing to list with a discount brokerage. These resources can help you understand all of your options so you can make a more informed decision.
- Discount real estate brokers
- Low commission real estate agents
- Flat fee real estate agents
- Selling for sale by owner (FSBO)
- Flat fee MLS services
- We Buy Houses for Cash companies
- iBuyer companies
How to become a Clever Partner Agent
Methodology
Clever and its mystery shoppers spent more than 1,500 hours researching real estate agent matching services and discount brokerages to deliver the best reviews in the industry. Our reviews are continuously updated to ensure you have the latest information to inform your decisions.
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