Read Clever reviews | What is Clever? | Is Clever legit? | How Clever works | Seller savings | Buyer savings | Clever alternatives | Info for agents
Clever Real Estate is a free, nationwide service that matches you with top-rated, local real estate agents and helps you save thousands on commission fees.
Clever matches you with multiple agents from major brokerages, such as Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX, so you can compare your options and choose the right fit for you.
When you sell with Clever, you get full service and support for a low 1% listing fee — instead of the typical 2.5-3% rate.
When you buy with Clever, you also get full service and support. Plus you can qualify to get 0.5% of the home’s purchase price in cash back after closing.
đź’° SAVE: List for just 1% or buy a home and get cash back!
Clever is a no-obligation service with no upfront costs or hidden fees. Sellers only pay their agent if and when their home sells. Buyers don’t pay any fees at all.
What is Clever Real Estate?
Clever Real Estate is a free agent matching service dedicated to helping people make smarter decisions and save money when buying or selling a home.
 Clever, at a glance | |
|---|---|
4.9 (1,810 reviews) | |
$3,000 or 1% | |
$9,600* | |
0.5% of purchase price** | |
Locations | Nationwide |
*Compared to a 3% listing fee **On eligible purchases in 41 of 50 U.S. states | |
Pre-negotiated low commission rates help sellers save thousands
If you’re selling a house, Clever will match you with several top-rated, local agents from well-known brands or local brokerages so you can compare options and find the best fit.
Clever Partner Agents provide 100% full service and support for a fraction of their typical listing rates:
- Flat $3,000 listing fee for homes under $350,000
- 1% listing fee for homes over $350,000
You should also expect to offer a buyer’s agent commission, like you would with any agent or brokerage. Rates vary, but 2.5-3% is typical nationwide.
» MORE: Learn how much you can save selling with Clever
Clever Cash Back™ puts money back in buyers’ pockets
If you’re buying a house, Clever will match you with top-rated, local agents who have extensive experience in the area and price range you’re targeting.
In addition to full service and support at no charge (sellers typically cover the buyer’s agent fee), when you buy with Clever in a qualifying state, you could get 0.5% of your purchase price back after closing.
On a $400,000 home, that’d put $2,000 back in your pocket — just for finding your agent through Clever!
» MORE: Learn how much you can save buying with Clever
Is Clever Real Estate legitimate?
Yes, Clever is a well-established, nationwide discount real estate company and licensed brokerage in Missouri. Clever reviews from customers are very positive, with an average customer rating of 4.9 based on 1,810 total reviews. Clever has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
🔎 Clever fast facts | |
|---|---|
BBB rating | A+ |
Year founded | 2017 |
Agent network size | 14,000 |
Since launching in 2017, Clever has partnered with more than 14,000 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 in a nutshell:
- You sign up by filling out a simple formon Clever’s website.
- You’ll be asked to provide some basic info about your sale or purchase (e.g., timeline, estimated price, what you’re looking for in an agent, etc.) to help inform your agent matches.
- A fully licensed Clever Concierge will reach out via phone, usually within a few minutes, to learn more about your needs and preferences, and answer any questions you might have (note: you can also opt to skip the phone call if you prefer).
- Clever’s team will use your information, along with data-backed insights from its matching algorithm, to hand-pick 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’ll also be able to 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’ve chosen your agent, you’ll sign a listing agreement and hit the ground running. Your agent will provide the same full-service experience for one-third of the typical rate!
- If you’re buying, once you’ve chosen your agent, they’ll provide full service and support throughout your entire purchase. And you can qualify to get thousands in cash back after closing!
🤝 Clever’s Concierge Team Every 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 major brands and top regional brokerages, such as Keller Williams, Compass, Berkshire Hathaway, and more.
To join Clever’s network, agents and brokers must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Active real estate license
- 5+ years of real estate experience
- Great reviews from past sellers and buyers
- 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’ll still get the same full-service experience they provide their full-commission clients.
What does full service include? | |
|---|---|
Comparative market analysis (CMA) | Help with offers and counteroffers |
Pricing strategy | Home inspection and negotiation support |
Home-staging advice | Help with paperwork and closing |
Professional photography | Title transfer assistance |
Comprehensive marketing | Ongoing expert guidance throughout |
Showings and open houses | And more! |
đź’° How much can I save by selling with Clever?
Clever sellers routinely save between 40-50% on total commission fees — or about $9,600 on average. Clever currently offers the lowest listing fees and biggest average commission savings of any full-service real estate brand in the U.S.[1] » SAVE: List with a top agent for just 1% |
All Clever Partner Agents have agreed to provide 100% full service and support for a low 1% listing fee. That’s (at least) 3x less than the typical 2.5-3% rate most agents charge for the same level of service.
You should expect to offer a buyer’s agent commission as well to incentivize agents to show your home. Typical buyer’s agent commission rates vary by your location and home type, and buyer’s agent commission is negotiable — but 2-3% is a common range nationwide.
In other words, when you sell with Clever, you can expect a total commission fee between 3-4% — about 40-50% less than the 5.45% nationwide average total rate.
In real terms, on a $400,000 home sale, finding your agent through Clever could save you approximately $8,000!
Traditional agent | Clever | |
|---|---|---|
Listing fee | $12,000* | $4,000 |
Buyer’s agent fee** | $12,000 | $12,000 |
Total commission | $24,000 | $16,000 |
Total savings | $0 | $8,000 |
*Assumes a 3% listing fee **Assumes a 3% buyer’s agent fee | ||
📢 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 — e.g., showings, help with offers, negotiations, paperwork, closing, etc. — 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 — see a property in as little as one hour.
- Clever Cash Back™: If you’re buying in a qualifying state, you can get a check for 0.5% of the purchase price back after closing.
đź’° How much can I save by buying with Clever?
Eligible Clever buyers will receive a Clever Cash Back check for 0.5% of their new home’s purchase price within approximately 30 days after closing.
As an example, here’s how much 0.5% cash back would be at four different price points.
Purchase price | Clever Cash Back |
|---|---|
$250,000 | $1,250 |
$500,000 | $2,500 |
$750,000 | $3,750 |
$1,000,000 | $5,000 |
Where is Clever Cash Back available?
Clever Cash Back is available in 41 out of 50 U.S. states. Buyers in the following states will not be eligible for Clever Cash Back:
- Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Tennessee
Clever Cash Back purchase price criteria
Price range | Cash back amount |
|---|---|
$50,000 - $150,000 | Flat $250 |
$150,000+ | 0.5% of purchase price |
🔎 Advantages of cash back over commission rebates
Some discount real estate brands, like Redfin and UpNest, advertise “commission rebates” — also known as “home buyer rebates” — which come directly out of the agent’s commission fee. Unfortunately, they’re subject to numerous terms and restrictions.
Cash back rewards, like Clever Cash Back, usually come out of the agent matching service’s referral fee, which means less red tape and complications for you.
✅ Cash back | ⛔️ Buyer rebates |
|---|---|
Only legal in certain states | Only legal in certain states |
Usually does not require lender approval | Usually requires lender approval |
Issued as a check and can be spent however you want | Issued as credits and can only be used in certain ways (to cover closing costs, etc.) |
Guaranteed in full on eligible purchases | Never guaranteed in full |
» 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 is 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 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. Clever provides a steady stream of introductions to serious and motivated potential clients, which helps agents spend more time closing deals, as opposed to selling themselves.
In effect, the higher volume of transactions — and zero upfront costs (agents only pay Clever a referral fee 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 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 gets ejected 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 reviews online are overwhelmingly positive. Clever Real Estate has an average customer rating of 4.9 on independent review site Trustpilot.
Below are a few excerpts from recent Clever reviews from real customers. You can view all of Clever's reviews on Trustpilot.
Saved $10,000
“I will never pay 6% again”
“I recommend Clever to everyone”
“Using Clever made everything simple”
“They do precisely what they claim”
Try Clever’s free agent-matching service today.
Compare Clever to alternatives
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.
Read on to see how Clever compares to the competition.
Company | Built-in savings? | Avg. rating |
|---|---|---|
Clever | âś… | 4.9 |
âś… | 3.8 | |
âś… | 4.9 | |
❌ | 4.6 | |
❌ | 4.7 |
Due to its nationwide coverage, top-rated agents, and best-in-class rates, Clever is a great choice for most home sellers and buyers looking to save money without sacrificing service.
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 (minimum fees apply) for sellers, and commission rebates for buyers in select markets.
Clever beats Redfin on price with its 1% listing fee — though Redfin does drop its rate from 1.5% to 1% (via a 0.5% rebate) if you sell and buy with a Redfin Agent within the same year.
Redfin Agents are salaried, in-house employees who handle roughly 3x 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:
When you find your agent through Ideal Agent, you’ll pay 2x more than you will with Clever! Ideal Agent pre-negotiates 2% listing fees with its partner agents — while sellers who work with Clever pay just 1% in listing fees.
Ideal Agent offers no cost benefits for buyers. Clever offers cash back for eligible buyers.
Additionally, Ideal Agent only matches you with one agent. Period. With Clever, you’ll get multiple agent matches to interview so you can compare options and choose the best fit.
» MORE: Read the full Ideal Agent review
UpNest vs. Clever
UpNest is an online real estate platform on which local agents submit proposals and compete for your business. The idea is that the artificial competition drives savings — 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 and they found the price quotes in most proposals were generally comparable to going market rates. The lowest listing fee was 2% vs. the typical 2.5-3% rate. In other words, UpNest’s best case didn’t come close to Clever’s 1% listing fee.
» MORE: Read the full UpNest review
HomeLight vs. Clever
HomeLight is the most well-known agent matching service in the U.S. and, like Clever, it will match 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 a third of the price (or less)!
» 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 and 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.
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
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