Best low commission companies | Top full-service brands | Medium-service options | Limited-service companies | How to choose a low cost realtor
If you want to save money when you sell your home, there are many low commission real estate brokers that offer discounted listing fees.
Some low cost agents provide service that's incredibly on par with a traditional realtor. Other discount companies simply list your home on the market for a flat fee.
The best choice for most sellers is working with a full-service discount brand, like Clever Real Estate. These companies aim to provide the traditional realtor experience for a fraction of the price, netting you the best overall balance of savings and service.
Summary: Nationwide full-service, low-fee real estate companies
Listing service | Listing fee | Avg savings* |
|---|---|---|
$3,000 or 1% | $7,375 | |
1.5% (min. fees vary) | $5,550 | |
2% (min. $3,000) | $3,750 | |
Traditional agent | 2.5-3% | $0 |
*Average savings compared to a standard 3% listing fee at four different price points: $100k, $250k, $500k, $750k | ||
Clever, Redfin, and Ideal Agent are the only three full-service discount real estate brands with nationwide or near-nationwide coverage in the U.S.
Our in-depth analysis found that Clever Real Estate is the most affordable full-service discount brand. Clever's 1% listing fee saves you an average of $7,375 compared to listing with a traditional, full-price realtor who charges a 3% commission rate.
Simply put, Clever's savings are best-in-class. With Clever, you'll save $2,463 more, on average, than with other full-service discount brands.
» SAVE: Sell with a top local agent for just $3,000 or 1%
Some medium-service and limited-service brands advertise the cheapest realtor fees but skimp on vital services and support, making them a bad fit for most sellers.
Our team dug in and crunched the numbers to create the definitive list of the best low commission real estate companies across three categories.
More sections: Average commission rates | How to compare services | Methodology | FAQs
Top 8 full-service, low-fee real estate companies
Company | Avg fee* | Avg rate* |
$4,650 | 1.6% | |
$4,900 | 1.7% | |
$5,000 | 2.2% | |
$5,650 | 2.3% | |
$9,550 | 4.0% | |
$6,450 | 2.0% | |
$8,250 | 2.3% | |
$12,300 | 4.4% | |
Traditional agent | $12,000 | 2.5-3% |
*Average listing fee and effective commission rate across four different price points: $100k, $250k, $500k, $750k | ||
Full-service discount brands, like Clever and Redfin, offer low commission rates while still providing a similar experience to selling with a traditional realtor.
We recommend the full-service route for most sellers. These companies give you the best balance of service and savings — though it's worth noting that some brands in this category create better value (and less risk) than others.
Depending on your location and target sale price, some brands — particularly flat-fee real estate brokers — may offer lower effective commission rates.ⓘ But you’ll still need to assess how the value (i.e., what you pay vs. what you get) compares.
✍️ Full-service defined When you work with a full-service company from this list, you'll get a similar (or the same!) experience as working with a traditional agent, just at a cheaper price. These agents will provide advice on how to get your home ready to list, pricing strategy, professional photos, MLS listing and marketing services, help with offers, negotiating, contracts, and so on. And, while they may have the support of a back-office team, your dedicated agent personally oversees your entire sale. |
Keep reading to see pros and cons, customer reviews, savings breakdowns, and links to in-depth reviews for each full-service brand.
1. Clever Real Estate
Clever Real Estate
Learn More💲 Listing Fee
$3,000 or 1%
💰 Avg. Savings
$7,375
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.9/5 (1,004 reviews)
Clever is a quick, easy, and free way to find a top-rated local agent. And, unlike many similar companies, Clever pre-negotiates big discounts on your behalf, so you can save thousands without sacrificing on service.
- Free, nationwide agent-matching service that partners with full-service local agents from conventional brokerages like Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX
- Provides multiple agent matches so you can interview, compare marketing plans, and choose the best fit
- Pre-negotiates low rates on your behalf — you get full service for a flat $3,000 listing fee, or just 1% if the home sells for more than $350,000
- If you buy with Clever, you could get a check worth up to 0.5% of the home price
- You may not get matched with an agent from your preferred real estate brokerage.
- Agents may not provide premium services like drone photography and professional home staging.
As of April 2, 2021, Clever has a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, based on 974 reviews.
Clever has pre-negotiated low commission rates with top agents in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC.
Clever is the most affordable full-service discount brand overall, offering the best rates and support for most sellers. It's the only nationwide service offering true 1% listing fees. And because it switches to a flat $3,000 fee for homes below $350,000, some sellers may pay even less than 1%.
The best part? Clever's free, no obligation service matches you with top-rated local agents from leading brokerages like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Berkshire Hathaway. You get the traditional realtor experience, for a third of the price!
2. Redfin
Redfin
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
1.5% (min. fees vary)
💰 Avg. Savings
$5,550
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
3.2/5 (287 reviews)
Redfin offers real savings and a proven brand. But sellers could compromise on service — especially agent experience and availability.
- If you buy and sell with Redfin, you'll get a 0.5% listing fee discount
- Redfin gives its listings premium placement in its popular home search app
- If finding the right agent is a top priority, you'll have limited options — Redfin only has a few agents in each of its markets
- Redfin agents handle more customers at once than the average realtor, so they may not be able to provide as much personalized service
Redfin has a 3.2 out of 5 rating (287 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Yelp.
Redfin is available in 80+ U.S. markets (see all locations).
Redfin doesn't have the cheapest realtor fees in the full-service tier, but it offers solid savings with few built-in risks. It charges a base 1.5% listing fee, which drops to 1% if you're buying with Redfin too. But, these rates are subject to minimum fees as high as $6,500, which could limit your savings if you're selling a lower-priced home.
Redfin hires its own in-house agents, who handle about three times as many customers at once as the average traditional realtor. This approach is fine for most sellers, but it may not be the best fit if you've never sold a house before or you have a complex selling situation.
» MORE: Read the full Redfin review
3. Ideal Agent
Ideal Agent
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
2% (min. $3,000)
💰 Avg. Savings
$3,750
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.9/5 (2,010 reviews)
Ideal Agent can match with a great agent from a traditional brokerage. But its 2% listing fee makes Ideal Agent a lot more expensive than other full-service discount brands.
- You'll get a full-service agent from a traditional brokerage
- It's free to request an agent match, and you can walk away at any time
- Ideal Agent costs more than most other full-service, low commission companies
- You'll only get matched with a single realtor — most similar services recommend multiple agents so you can compare your options and pick the one you like best
Ideal Agent has a 4.9 out of 5 rating (2,010 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Trustpilot.
Ideal Agent is available to home sellers nationwide.
Ideal Agent is a great service for finding a top-rated real estate agent from a traditional brokerage. And it's one of the few low commission companies with nationwide coverage.
However, if savings are your top priority, Ideal Agent may not be your best option. It pre-negotiates 2% listing fees with realtors at traditional brokerages, so it's cheaper than a full-price agent. However, as we noted above, Clever offers a similar service half the cost.
» MORE: Read the full Ideal Agent review
4. Houwzer
Houwzer
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
$5,000
💰 Avg. Savings
$7,000
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.9/5 (1,237 reviews)
Houwzer offers true flat-fee savings — but homes near or below $500,000 can likely find better rates and less risk elsewhere.
- Huge commission savings on luxury homes
- Listing fee includes virtual home tours and other premium marketing services
- Houwzer has a small team, which limits your options if you don't hit it off with the first agent they send you
- If you're selling a lower-priced home, Houwzer may not be cheaper than selling with a traditional realtor
Houwzer has a 4.9 out of 5 rating (1,237 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Zillow.
Houwzer is available in the following locations: DC, FL, MD, NJ, PA, VA.
If you're selling a luxury home, Houwzer helps you maximize your savings with only minimal service tradeoffs. Like other flat-fee real estate brokerages, it charges the same listing fee no matter what your home sells for.
Houwzer's $5,000 listing fee offers spectacular value if you're selling a home worth $1 million or more. But the savings are less attractive at lower price points. Under $500,000, you'll likely find better rates with another low commission company.
» MORE: Read the full Houwzer review
5. Prevu
Prevu Real Estate
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
1.5% (min. fees vary)
💰 Avg. Savings
$2,450
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.9/5 (115 reviews)
Prevu offers solid commission savings for buyers and sellers. But at certain price points, other discount brands may offer better value.
- Prevu's 1.5% listing fee saves sellers an average of $2,450 compared to a standard 3% commission rate.
- Eligible buyers get a commission rebate worth up to 2% of the home price
- High minimum fees may limit your savings if you're selling a lower-priced home
- Prevu has a small team, which limits your options if you don't hit it off with the first agent they send you
Prevu has a 4.9 out of 5 rating (115 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Yelp.
Prevu is available in the following areas: CA, CT, MA, NY, PA.
Prevu's 1.5% listing fee is fairly competitive among full-service real estate brokerages, but other companies offer similar services for less.
Unfortunately, Prevu is only available in a few expensive metro areas. And since Prevue charges high minimum fees in some locations, your potential savings may be limited on lower-priced homes.
» MORE: Read the full Prevu review
6. SimpleShowing
SimpleShowing
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
1% (min. $3,500)
💰 Avg. Savings
$7,125
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.9/5 (284 reviews)
SimpleShowing’s commission savings are solid — but you may compromise on agent selection and hands-on service.
- SimpleShowing is one of the only true 1% commission companies
- It also offers one of the largest home buyer rebates of any low-fee brokerage
- Very few options when it comes to selecting your agent
- Agents handle more customers than the average realtor, which could impact service quality
SimpleShowing has a 4.9 out of 5 rating (284 reviews) across popular review sites like Google, Trustpilot, and Zillow.
SimpleShowing is available in the following areas: FL, GA, TX.
SimpleShowing is one of the most affordable low commission real estate brokers. With a 1% listing fee and a low $3,500 minimum commission, sellers can save an average of $7,125. That being said, it's only available in select states.
Further, like the majority of the companies on this list, SimpleShowing hires its own in-house agents, which creates potential service tradeoffs compared to selling with a traditional realtor.
» MORE: Read the full SimpleShowing review
7. Reali
Reali
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
1% (min. $5,000)
💰 Avg. Savings
$6,375
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.6/5 (415 reviews)
Reali offers genuine savings and a solid "Cash Offer" program. But hands-off support and limited agent selection may compromise service quality.
- 1% listing fee could save you thousands on commission
- Standard listing package includes a few premium services, including paid digital ads
- Extremely limited agent selection in most markets
- Reali's $5,000 minimum fee means many customers will pay more than its advertised 1% commission rate
Reali has a 4.6 out of 5 rating (415 reviews) across popular review sites like Trustpilot and Zillow.
Reali is currently only available in select California markets.
If you're looking for a 1% commission realtor in California, check out Reali. In addition to cheap listing fees, it offers several premium marketing services, including paid digital ads and a free virtual home tour.
Reali's biggest downside is that it has very few agents, so you won't have many options if you don't like your realtor.
» MORE: Read the full Reali review
8. REX Real Estate
REX Real Estate
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
2.5% ($9,000 min.)
💰 Avg. Savings
-$325
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.7/5 (886 reviews)
REX’s promise of huge savings is misleading. Its advertising misrepresents the significant risks of its pricing model and marketing approach. And its high minimum fees mean that many sellers won't save anything.
- REX's approach is incredibly risky — but if the gamble pays off, you could save about 50% on realtor fees
- Like other full-service brokerages, REX agents provide in-person services and support
- REX's 2.5% listing fee doesn't save you much — many full-price agents charge similar rates
- REX doesn't list your home on the MLS, so up to 90% of buyers may not even know it's for sale
- This risky marketing strategy seems likely to fail, so you may not save anything on commission
REX has a 4.7 out of 5 rating (886 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Zillow.
REX is available in the following areas: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, MD, MA, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OR, PA, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, and DC.
REX advertises huge discounts on realtor commission, but the way it creates savings is extremely risky compared to other low fee real estate brokers.
Despite REX's claims, many sellers don't save anything. And depending on your home price, REX could cost MORE than selling with a traditional brokerage and paying standard commission rates.
» MORE: Read the full REX Real Estate review
Medium-service low commission real estate companies
If you’re willing to sacrifice a dedicated agent or in-person support, and aren’t afraid of a little DIY, it might be worth looking into a medium-service discount brand.
These low commission real estate brokerages are best-suited to sellers with highly desirable homes in hot markets. They're better for sellers with relatively straightforward selling situations — e.g., flexible timeline, home is in great condition, you're not underwater on the loan or in pre-foreclosure, etc.
✍️ Medium-service defined Medium-service companies generally offer most of the same services as a full-service realtor. But your actual experience will NOT be on par with what you'd expect from a dedicated agent. To maximize your savings, most companies in this tier streamline what real estate services they offer and provide less personalized support. For example, rather than having the dedicated support of one agent, most medium-service brokers employ a fully team-based approach. Others only offer virtual support — your agent will never actually see your home in-person. |
These new service models do create some risks: namely, less dedicated attention and support could jeopardize your ability to get the best outcome on your sale.
It’s also possible that remote service or dealing with multiple team members simply won’t jive with your personal customer service preferences.
With medium-service companies, always compare fees based on your target sale price. Because most brands in this category employ a true flat-fee pricing model, if you’re selling a less expensive home, you could actually end up paying more than you would with some full-service discount brands!
1. Redefy
Redefy
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
$3,500 (1% above $1M)
💰 Avg. Savings
$8,500
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.6/5 (345 reviews)
Redefy’s flat fee could offer big savings. But hands-off service and non-refundable upfront fees make it a hard sell over other, less risky options.
- Flat $3,500 listing fee is an excellent value for higher-priced homes
- Agents provide more in-person services than some similarly-priced low commission brands
- Redefy charges an upfront, non-refundable $500 fee (most companies don't make you pay anything until your house sells)
- Your agent will not host an open house for you
Redefy has a 4.6 out of 5 rating (345 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Zillow.
Redefy is available in the following areas: CO, FL, GA, IL, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA.
Redefy charges a flat $3,500 commission on homes below $1 million, or 1% on more expensive properties. It offers savings of $8,500, on average, but agents provide reduced in-person support (and no open houses).
Redefy also charges a nonrefundable $500 deposit when you sign your listing agreement. This is a bit unusual — most realtors don't charge you anything until your home sells.
» MORE: Read the full Redefy review
2. Trelora
Trelora
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
Up to $4,000
💰 Avg. Savings
$8,500
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.7/5 (943 reviews)
Trelora's flat fee offers big savings at higher price points — but the company may provide less personalized service and local support than a traditional agent.
- Trelora's flat listing fee offers huge savings on expensive homes
- Unlike some flat-fee brokers, Trelora provides complete in-person support (including open houses)
- Trelora agents juggle up to 20x as many customers as the average realtor
- Since agents handle so many customers at once, you'll be competing with a LOT of other people for your agent's time and attention
- This high-volume approach greatly increases the risk of mistakes, oversights, and delays that could impact your experience
Trelora has a 4.7 out of 5 rating (943 reviews) across popular review sites like Google, Yelp, and Zillow.
Trelora is available in the following areas: AZ, CO, GA, MO, NC, SC, WA.
Trelora is a true flat-fee broker that charges either $3,000 or $4,000, depending on where you're selling. Sellers save an average of $8,500, but if you're selling a luxury home, you could save even more.
However, the savings could come at the expense of personalized customer service. Trelora agents handle up to 20x as many customers as the average realtor, which severely limits the time and attention they can devote to individual customers.
» MORE: Read the full Trelora review
3. Homie
Homie
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
Up to $3,000
💰 Avg. Savings
$9,500
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.2/5 (1,069 reviews)
Homie offers legit flat-fee savings — but may provide less personalized service than a traditional agent.
- Flat-fee pricing model offers big commission savings on higher-priced homes
- Self-service listing process lets you get your home on the market quickly
- Homie agents provide no in-person services or support
- Agents juggle up to 10x as many customers at once, which increases the risk you'll have a bad experience
Homie has a 4.2 out of 5 rating (1,069 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Yelp.
Homie is available in the following areas: AZ, CO, ID, NV, UT.
With seller's agent commissions as low as $2,000, Homie has the cheapest realtor fees of any medium-service company we reviewed. But, the experience will feel a lot more DIY than selling with a full-service agent.
Unlike most realtors, Homie agents are 100% remote. They'll provide virtual support, but they won't visit your home in person or host open houses. This makes Homie a risky option for many sellers. An agent who doesn't visit your home may miss standout features that would help them price it correctly.
» MORE: Read the full Homie review
4. Door
Door Real Estate
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
1.5% (min. $5,000)
💰 Avg. Savings
$4,825
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.8/5 (434 reviews)
Door Real Estate's fees are too high to justify the hands-off support. Other discount options offer better service for the same price or less.
- Door's 1.5% listing fee is cheaper than selling with a traditional agent
- Sellers save an average of $4,825 compared to a standard 3% commission rate
- Door agents provide no in-person support
- Sellers can find better service (and bigger savings) with other low commission companies
Door has a 4.8 out of 5 rating (434 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Zillow.
Door is currently only available in Texas.
Door charges a 1.5% listing fee with a $5,000 minimum, making it more expensive than most full-service discount brands. At certain price points Door costs even more than listing with a traditional, full-commission realtor.
Although Door's listing fee is similar to other low commission companies, like Redfin and Prevu, it offers MUCH less service. Door's team manages the entire sales process online, and you won't have any in-person support from an agent.
» MORE: Read the full Door review
Limited-service low commission real estate companies
Company | Locations |
|---|---|
Nationwide (Limited coverage in some states) | |
Nationwide (Limited coverage in some states) | |
CA, FL, GA, NC, TN, VA | |
California only |
If you're seriously considering listing your house "for sale by owner" (FSBO), a limited-service company may offer the support you need at a low price. But they're a poor option for most home sellers.
Unless you’re a local real estate expert who excels at negotiating and has a ton of free time to put towards managing your sale, we don’t recommend going the limited-service route. The value simply isn’t there for most sellers.
✍️ Limited-service defined Limited-service companies offer the bare minimum level of services and support for selling your home. Most advertise multiple packages, which may include listing your home on the local MLS, contract assistance, and access to a licensed agent if you have questions. With most brands, you'll have no in-person support and no dedicated agent. And, while many limited-service companies aim to convince you that they make selling a home as simple as selling your vintage t-shirt on eBay, trust us: it’s not. » MORE: What is a limited-service real estate agent? |
Your potential savings usually won't justify the numerous risks of working with these companies, such as:
- Hefty fees, minimal value: Many brands charge similar prices as full-service companies yet offer a fraction of the services and benefits.
- No in-person support: Entire sale process is usually managed remotely.
- No dedicated support: You’ll likely work with a customer service team, not a dedicated agent (so no one has a complete picture of your sale or situation).
- Lack of local expertise: Team operates from a central office that may be nowhere near your location.
- Lots of DIY: You may have to write your own listing description, handle showings and open houses yourself, and even negotiate directly with the buyer's agent.
- Upfront fees: Many charge all or part of their fee up front. They won't refund you for any reason, even if your home fails to sell.
1. Houzeo
Houzeo
Learn More💲 Listing Fee
$199-999+
💰 Avg. Savings
Varies
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.9/5 (548 reviews)
Selling with any flat-fee MLS listing service is risky, but if you're determined to sell your house without a realtor, Houzeo is an inexpensive option. That said, the costs add up quickly if you purchase premium upgrades.
Read our comprehensive guide to flat-fee MLS listing services.
- You can fill out, sign, and submit all your seller's paperwork on the Houzeo app.
- When you enter your address, Houzeo auto-fills publicly available data about your property.
- Houzeo lets you buy additional services like contract reviews, agent showings, and professional showings a la carte.
- You have to pay extra for pricing assistance — several local competitors offer this for free.
- You're limited to 10 free changes for price, status, and description in their two most popular packages. Most competitors offer unlimited free changes.
Houzeo has a 4.9 of 5 rating (548 reviews) on Trustpilot.*
*Data current as of May 21, 2021
Houzeo is available nationwide, but may have no or limited coverage in the following states: IA, KS, ND, NE, SD, WV.*
*Locations current as of May 21, 2021
Houzeo offers several listing packages that include varying degrees of services and support for FSBO sellers.
The company's Bronze, Silver, and Gold packages are true flat-fee MLS listing services. For as little as $199, Houzeo will list your home on your local MLS and leave the rest of the sale up to you. The Platinum package, which starts at $999, does include limited virtual support from a licensed agent.
Like most limited-service companies, Houzeo charges its fees up front, so you should only purchase them if you're certain you'll be able to navigate a DIY sale.
» MORE: How to sell your house for sale by owner (updated for 2021)
2. Flat Fee Group
Flat Fee Group
Learn More💲 Listing Fee
Varies by state
💰 Avg. Savings
Varies
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
N/A
With Flat Fee Group, you can purchase a flat-fee MLS listing from a local brokerage. But, if you're considering any of the premium listing packages that include support from an agent, you'll likely find better overall value with a full-service company that offers discounted rates.
Read our comprehensive guide to flat-fee MLS listing services.
- You can set up a free FSBO web page along with your MLS listing
- In most states it's easy to switch to a full-service agent if you decide FSBO isn't for you
- Your package options and quality of service will vary based on the listing broker in your state
- As of January 6, 2021, Flat Fee Group does not have brokers in Montana, West Virginia, and Wyoming
Flat Fee Group is a network of independent brokerages, so overall review information is unavailable. Your best bet is to look up reviews for your local office.
Flat Fee Group is available nationwide, although it may have no or limited coverage in the following states: MT, WV, WY.*
*Locations current as of January 6, 2021
Flat Fee Group is a network of local real estate brokerages who offer flat-fee MLS listings and other related services. Pricing and specific services vary by state.
In general, it costs a few hundred dollars to get your home on the MLS when listing with Flat Fee Group. Premium packages that include remote support from an agent may cost $1,000 or more.
» MORE: Flat-Fee Real Estate: The Good, the Bad, and the UGLY
3. Homecoin
Homecoin
Learn More💲 Listing Fee
$95-2,999+
💰 Avg. Savings
Varies
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
5/5 (84 reviews)
Homecoin is one of the cheapest ways to get your home listed on the MLS. But purchasing the company's extra services could cost more than selling with a full-service, low commission brand.
- Homecoin's 12-month listing term is longer than what many competitors offer for similarly-priced packages
- Listings include unlimited MLS photos, even at the cheapest tier
- Homecoin's premium a la carte services are not a great value
- You're limited to 10 free listing changes
Homecoin has a 5 out of 5 rating (84 reviews) on Yelp.*
*Data current as of May 21, 2021
Homecoin is available in the following areas: CA, FL, GA, NC, TN, VA.*
*Locations current as of May 21, 2021
Homecoin will list your house on your local MLS for less than $100, which is a decent price if you're comfortable going the FSBO route. But, if you want any other services, you'll have to purchase them a la carte. These costs can add up quickly, and they're not always a great value.
For example, Homecoin offers a $2,999 package that includes support from a licensed agent for negotiations and closing coordination. At that price, you're better off hiring a company from the full-service or medium-service tiers.
» MORE: FSBO vs. realtor — what the facts say
4. Home Bay
Home Bay
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
Varies by home price
💰 Avg. Savings
$8,450
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.4/5 (497 reviews)
Home Bay's fees are too high to justify the limited service. Other discount options offer better value for the same price.
- On paper, Home Bay offers many of the same the services traditional agents provide
- It's a lot cheaper than selling with a traditional agent (although it's more expensive than similar options)
- Home Bay costs as much as many full-service brands, but it offers MUCH less value
- You'll have to pay a non-refundable 10% listing fee deposit when your house goes on the market
- On average, you'll get less than 90 minutes of contact with a licensed Home Bay agent throughout your entire sale
Home Bay has a 4.4 out of 5 rating (497 reviews) across popular review sites like Google, Trustpilot, and Zillow.
Home Bay is currently only available in California.
Home Bay is a bit different than most limited-services companies because it advertises itself as a low-fee alternative to traditional brokerages — not a discount option for FSBO sellers.
Home Bay's listing fees vary based on your home price. Based on our research, customers pay an average commission rate of 1.1%, which is subject to an upfront, nonrefundable 10% deposit.
Although Home Bay charges similar prices to many full-service brands, it offers a fraction of the services and benefits. Agents provide zero in-person support, and, by the company's own estimates, you'll get less than two hours of contact with your agent throughout your entire sale.
» MORE: Read the full Home Bay review
Home Bay's average rates are comparable (slightly higher, actually) than Clever’s pre-negotiated 1% rates — and with Clever, you’re selling with a traditional, full-service agent from a top brokerage like Keller Williams or Compass. Plus, Clever's partner agents won't charge you a dime until your house sells.
How to choose the best low commission real estate company
This is how to find the best low commission real estate brokers for your needs:
|
What service level is right for me?
Full-service is the right fit for most home sellers. This service tier offers the optimal combination of savings and support, so you get the best overall value. That said, not all full-service brands are created equal. Some companies offer better service — and less risk — than others.
Medium-service companies can be a good option if you're selling a higher-end home in a hot market and aren't afraid of a little DIY. Most brands in this tier charge flat listing fees, which can be a great value on expensive homes. On lower-priced houses... not so much.
A limited-service approach is only appropriate for highly-experienced sellers who are determined to list "for sale by owner" with the barest minimum support. If you're considering paying for a premium package from a limited-service company, you'll find better bang for your buck with a full-service or medium-service brand.
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Methodology
All pricing data and ranking information is based on companies' advertised rates when this article was last updated.
Average listing fee and commission rate are based on what a company charges at four common price points: $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $750,000. Savings are based on a standard 3% listing fee with a traditional brokerage.
FAQs about real estate commission
What is the average real estate commission rate?
The average real estate commission rate is 5-6% in most parts of the U.S. Commissions are split between the listing agent and buyer's agent, each of whom earns about 2.5-3%.
Want to avoid paying full commission? Companies like Clever offer commissions starting at 1%. Learn more about the best low commission companies now!
How can I avoid paying realtor fees?
To avoid realtor fees altogether, you'll need to list your home "for sale by owner" and find a buyer who isn't using an agent (or convince the buyer to pay their agent out-of-pocket). But, that's incredibly hard to do — and it means sacrificing the support of an expert agent during your sale. If you simply want to save on realtor fees, you'll likely have a better outcome by hiring a low commission agent.
Are realtor fees included in closing costs?
Yes, realtor fees are generally included in closing costs and taken out of the seller's proceeds at closing. Real estate commission is one of most expensive closing costs sellers face, so it pays to shop around and find an agent who will sell your house for less. Learn how to get a 1% listing fee.
How can I get a lower real estate commission rate?
The best way to get a lower commission rate is to hire a full-service real estate agent who offers a discounted listing fee. On a $500,000 home sale, hiring a 1% commission realtor could save you $10,000!
Other options include negotiating a lower rate with your agent, selling to an iBuyer like Opendoor, or listing your house without a realtor. Learn more about how to save on realtor fees.
Can real estate agents lower their commission?
Yes — real estate commission is 100% negotiable, although some agents may not be able to lower their fees without permission from their broker. You'll have the most success negotiating a lower commission rate if you're selling a desirable home in a hot market. But, you'll likely save more cash by hiring a low commission agent rather than trying to talk your agent down from their standard fee.