Mellohome is a loanDepot affiliate that connects home sellers and pre-approved buyers with real estate agents and home improvement professionals.
The company offers thousands in cash back when you use its Grand Slam program, and you may qualify for additional offers or bonuses if you use one of mellohome’s partners for other services. While this can streamline your transactions, you might not get the best deal on each service if you limit yourself to mellohome's partners.
We always recommend comparing options before choosing an agent, lender, or other real estate professional.
Our mellohome rating
| Overall score | 2.9 🔴 |
| Service quality | 3.0 🟡 |
| Customer experience | 2.5 🔴 |
| Agent screening | 3.0 🟡 |
| Coverage | 3.0 🟡 |
| Savings | 3.0 🟡 |
Mellohome offers limited information on how it matches customers with agents or how it screens agents in its network. And we found less than five online reviews in the last year, making it challenging to assess customer satisfaction and how easy it is to use mellohome’s services.
So while mellohome may strive to connect you with top agents near you, you may want to interview agents carefully to ensure they understand your market and can provide the services you need. This is especially important since it seems you're only matched with one agent. It’s unclear if you can request matching with additional agents if you decide not to select the agent you were matched with.
» See how our mellohome review breaks down.
Should you use mellohome?
Mellohome’s agent matching service is free and can streamline the process of finding an agent.
However, it’s unclear how mellohome selects an agent for you and whether you can request a different agent if you don't like your initial match. We made multiple attempts to contact the company for more details but were unable to reach a representative.
You may want to use an alternative agent matching company if you want more control over your agent options or want to interview multiple agents before signing with one.
Also, if you use a mellohome agent, you have to negotiate terms and fees directly with the agent, according to mellohome’s terms and conditions. Alternative agent matching services have high standards of service for every agent in their network, and they negotiate low commission rates with their agents so you don't have to worry about it.
» Compare vetted realtors in your zip code who work for half the traditional listing fee.
How does mellohome work?
Here's how mellohome connects you with an agent:
- Contact mellohome by phone or via online form. A concierge team member will respond within a few days to collect some information about your needs.
- Buyers must be pre-approved for a mortgage or can pre-qualify for a one through loanDepot. There are no requirements for sellers.
- Mellohome uses your information and its proprietary data to hand-pick a vetted local real estate agent for you.[1] It’s unclear if you can work with someone else if the agent doesn’t fit your needs. Note: Since you’re matched with only one agent, you have less control over who you’re working with.
- Customers work directly with the agent to find or sell a home, with the support of a concierge member and loan consultant. You’ll have to negotiate a separate contract directly with the agent.
- After closing, customers may be eligible for cash back though loanDepot’s Grand Slam program, depending on the transaction.
The service is free for buyers and sellers. Agents join the network for free but pay mellohome a referral fee from their real estate commissions.
Unfortunately, the mellohome website doesn’t share further specifics regarding its agent vetting or matching processes.
Grand Slam
Mellohome’s Grand Slam program gives customers cash back after closing if they purchase a home through a mellohome network real estate agent and finance through loanDepot.[2]
You can qualify for up to:
- $3,500 if you sell through a mellohome agent OR buy with mellohome and finance through loanDepot
- $7,000 if you sell AND buy with a mellohome agent and loanDepot financing
- An additional $1,000 if you’re a verified first-time home buyer
Buyers and sellers can also receive $1,000 through loanDepot if the transaction doesn’t close on time.
To participate in the Grand Slam program, home buyers must:
- Get loan preapproval with loanDepot.
- Connect with a mellohome agent.
- Purchase a home through your mellohome agent.
- Finance your home purchase with loanDepot.
- Get cash back within 30 days after closing.
You also have to close on the home no later than:
- 12 months after accepting a Buy-and-Sell Grand Slam certificate
- 24 months after accepting a Buy Grand Slam certificate
- 6 months after accepting a Sell Grand Slam certificate
The Grand Slam program is only available where mellohome has network real estate agents. Additionally, this offer is not available in Alabama, Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, or Tennessee.
If you qualify for the Grand Slam program, you’ll want to work closely with your concierge member, agent, and loan consultant to ensure you meet all the terms and conditions. You can find the terms and conditions at the bottom of the Grand Slam web page.
Mellohome app for agents
The mellohome app is for Preferred Referral Partner Network agents to access and manage mellohome referrals from their phone or tablet. This free app is available for Android and Apple devices.
Agents can use this app to:
- Get notifications on new clients
- Access client information
- Set their availability and sales territories
- Update and manage clients’ buying or selling status in real-time
- Contact mellohome concierge
The Apple version has a 5 out of 5 across nine ratings with no comments left. The Android version has a 3.4 out of 5 across five reviews. Two comments were left stating the app was a “nice tool to manage my home buyer referrals” and a “fantastic way to keep clarity and clear channel of communication.”[3] Neither app has been updated in recent years.
Additional services
Although mellohome doesn’t provide other services, you may receive free bonuses, gifts, or VIP service if you work with one of its partner home improvement or moving services.
Partnerships with mellohome include:
- Free credit score with SavvyMoney
- Home search with ComeHome
- Personal loans with Upgrade
- Home purchase, refinancing, and home equity loans with loanDepot
- Moving services with HomeKeepr
- Home renovation and maintenance with Bosscat
- Home security with Authorized Dealer
- Solar paneling with Lumio
Remember, you’d be working with a third party for the service — not mellohome.
Top alternatives for finding real estate agents
If you're looking for a local real estate agent, we recommend these companies as top alternatives to mellohome. All three can connect you with reputable full-service agents. Clever Real Estate and Ideal Agent can even offer you commission savings compared to the typical 2.5–3% listing fee.
Listing Fee
Availability
Editor's take
Overview
Clever Real Estate is the best option for most sellers looking for an agent. The company matches you with multiple experienced, full-service agents so you can find the right fit, and it offers a low 1.5% listing fee no matter which agent you choose. Read our full Clever Real Estate review.
Pros
- 1.5% listing fee (half the usual rate)
- Guaranteed matches with top local agents
- Large agent network; great selection compared to competitors
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
Availability
Editor's take
Overview
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. But you won't save as much on realtor fees as you could with other companies. Read our full Ideal Agent review.
Pros
- Easy way to connect with top agents
- Discounted 2% listing fee
- Customer service has excellent reviews
Cons
- You likely won't choose which agent you work with
- Limited savings for sellers, none for buyers
- Limited ability to manage listing online
Listing Fee
Availability
Editor's take
Overview
HomeLight may be worth trying if you're in a rural or small market and can't find a local realtor through other platforms. But most people will find better value with a company that vets agents for you and offers savings on realtor commission. Read our full HomeLight review.
Pros
- You get a list of agents in minutes
- Large agent network means you'll likely find a local agent
Cons
- No commission savings
- No guaranteed matches with top realtors
» MORE: Want to compare more options? Check out our guide to the best low commission realtors and companies.
Our in-depth mellohome review
Service quality
📊 Our rating: 3/5
|
Agent matching process
According to its website, mellohome uses the information you provide and its own data on real estate professionals in your area to match you with the best expert.[4] But there’s no information on how this process goes.
There is some human oversight from the concierge team member involved in the matching. But it’s unclear how well agents actually fit customers, what customers can do if they want a different agent, or what’s considered “local” to a customer, especially in less populated areas.
Customer service
Mellohome’s website states that it strives to provide “real-time response time and clarity for the client.”[5] But while customers can call or email customer service, there’s no information available from online reviews about how efficient or responsive the customer service is.
Agents can also access mellohome’s customer service by phone, email, or the mellohome app.
Customer experience
📊 Our rating: 2.5/5
|
Customer reviews
A search for online customer reviews of mellohome only revealed five Google reviews: four written within the last year, and only two with comments. Sites like Trustpilot had no reviews, and mellohome does not have a BBB rating and is not BBB accredited.
Given the limited number of available online reviews, it's difficult to draw conclusions on customers’ experiences using mellohome. However, mellohome does appear to respond to all reviews, including providing a way for dissatisfied customers to contact the customer care team to help resolve the issue.
One customer, Jolene L., wrote, “[The agent] was absolutely amazing to work with and went above and beyond for us. She made our out of state move so easy. I highly recommend the mellohome program through loanDepot. I have referred several friends to this program.”
Yet, a dissatisfied customer, Travis G., wrote, “The only thing you can count on with mellohome is that they will put company interests ahead of yours. I utilized this program and they are now actively refusing to follow through with their referral agreement.”
Ease of use
The limited online reviews of the company and the app indicate that mellohome strives to connect agents to customers quickly — likely within days. However, no additional specifics or customer review information is available at this time.
Agent screening
📊 Our rating: 3/5
|
According to mellohome, its team assesses and verifies all real estate agents‘ services and responsiveness before accepting them into their network.[5] However, specifics of the verification process are unavailable.
The company does provide support to agents and encourages them to reach out directly to mellohome with process questions or for help tracking a buyer’s progress.
While mellohome states it screens agents to ensure their work is consistent with the company’s standards, it does not share what those standards are. So while some of the agents in their network may have years of experience, you could find yourself working with someone who may be less experienced, have an oversized workload, or charge a high commission rate.
» MORE: How to choose a good seller's agent | How to choose a good buyer's agent
Coverage
📊 Our rating: 3/5
|
The company reports a network of over 4,000 real estate professionals across major markets in the United States.[6] This is a small network compared to alternatives like Clever and HomeLight, which have around 20,000+ realtors in their networks.
If you’re in a less populated area, your mellohome agent may not be directly in your area, so they may be inexperienced with your local market.
For instance, a review by Travis G. stated, “All I received was a single email assigning me a realtor who lived over an hour away and was unfamiliar with the market I was searching in.”
Before signing with any agent, we recommend talking with the agent about their local market knowledge — as well as their experience and communication style — to ensure they're a good fit for you.
Savings
📊 Our rating: 3/5
|
Customers who qualify for mellohome’s Grand Slam program may be eligible for several thousands of dollars in cash back after closing. However, you may be paying more in realtor commission fees, negating the cash back you receive through the Grand Slam program.
After connecting with a realtor through mellohome, customers must sign a separate contract with the agent, who will also need to pay mellohome a referral fee. You’ll likely need to negotiate your own terms and fees. As a result, the agent may be less willing to negotiate realtor fees.
Other agent matching services negotiate lower commission rates with their realtors. For example, Clever Real Estate negotiates a low 1.5% commission rate with all the agents in its network, so you can get full service for less. Clever also matches you with multiple top agents in your area, so you can find the agent that's the right fit for your situation.
We recommend you interview multiple agents so you can find someone who understands your local market, your specific needs, and fits your communication style and budget.
Try Clever today! Compare top local agents, list your home for just 1.5%. Our service is free with no obligation. Get your matches in minutes.
What is mellohome?
mellohome is a loanDepot affiliate and partner that connects homeowners and pre-approved buyers with local realtors and other real estate professionals. Its objective is to be a one-stop shop for prospective homeowners to find, finance, renovate, and sell.
Prospective buyers can pre-qualify for a mortgage through loanDepot. As an affiliated brokerage, mellohome will then connect the buyers to one of its partner realtors.
Is mellohome legit?
Yes, mellohome is a legitimate company headquartered in Texas. Anthony Hsieh founded mellohome in 2018 as a subsidiary of loanDepot.
Locations
Mellohome says it's available in major markets throughout the United States. But it doesn't specify which markets, and it doesn't offer all services in all locations.
Speak to a mellohome concierge to find out if the services and programs you’re interested in are available in your area.
FAQ for people considering mellohome
Do you need a buyer's agent?
Unless you’re a real estate veteran, having the support of a buyer’s agent is a necessity when buying a home. A realtor will help you find suitable homes within your budget, schedule viewings, handle negotiations with the seller, and oversee the paperwork.
Plus, you likely won't have to pay for your buyer's agent, since sellers typically pay the buyer’s agent’s commission.
What is a buyer's agent commission?
A buyer’s agent commission is the payment a realtor receives in exchange for helping you find and buy a home. This commission is typically 2.5–3% of a home’s final sales price and paid for by the seller.
What is the mellohome referral fee?
Mellohome charges its partner real estate agents a referral fee in exchange for leads.
The company's exact referral rate may vary based on an agent’s agreement with the company, but most referral fees are 25–40% of the agent’s commission.
What is loanDepot?
loanDepot claims it's the second-largest non-bank consumer lender and the fifth-largest retail mortgage retailer in the US. The company uses software to match prospective borrowers with the best loan option for their circumstances. loanDepot provides personal loans, specializing particularly in home mortgage refinancing, purchasing loans, and home equity loans.
Working with a non-bank lender, like loanDepot, offers some advantages for first-time home buyers. While banks typically require a 20% down payment on a mortgage loan and better-than-average credit scores, non-bank lenders require as little as 3–3.5% down and average credit. These lenders may also offer more flexibility for those who are self-employed or looking for a faster approval process.
Methodology
We create a weighted score for each real estate brokerage based on five core criteria:
- Service quality (30% of final score)
- Customer experience (30% of final score)
- Agent screening (20% of final score)
- Coverage (10% of final score)
- Cost (10% of final score)
Service quality
Agent matching process: We evaluate how the company matches customers with agents, whether it uses an algorithm, human oversight, or both. We also request agent matches and evaluate whether the recommended agents are top agents and have recent transactions in our area.
Customer service: We consider whether the company's representatives are knowledgeable and helpful and how often they communicate with customers throughout the transaction.
Customer experience
Customer review analysis: We perform an in-depth analysis of all available customer reviews to determine trends. We also filter out spam reviews.
Ease of use: We consider how easy it is to find an agent in your area, and we look at customer reviews to determine whether customers have issues with the platform or tools the brokerage uses. We also test any dashboards or other tools ourselves.
Agent screening
Vetting requirements: We compare the company's vetting requirements to those of its competitors. We discover whether agents must have a certain amount of experience, number of recent transactions, or high customer ratings.
Coverage
Network size: We consider the size of the agent network to determine whether customers will have multiple options to choose from and whether customers in rural or small markets will be able to find local agents.
Cost
Pricing model: We consider whether the company offers any savings for sellers, like listing fee discounts, or savings for buyers, like cash back.
