Clever Real Estate vs. Redfin

Clever Real Estate and Redfin both advertise discounted listing fees of 1.5% — about half the traditional 3% most agents charge. On a $500,000 home sale, that lower rate translates to roughly $7,500 in commission savings.

But beyond the headline fee, the two companies operate very differently.

• Clever partners with over 14,000 top agents from major brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX. Each agent undergoes a strict vetting process, and Clever maintains a perfect 5.0/5 rating across 4,037 reviews. You can compare multiple agents and choose the one that best fits your needs.
• Redfin, by contrast, automatically assigns you to the lead agent in your area rather than letting you choose. Reviews are more mixed — averaging 2.7/5 across 456 online ratings — with some sellers citing issues around communication, agent availability, and service quality.

One recent development: on July 1, 2025, Redfin was acquired by Rocket Companies, the parent of Rocket Mortgage.[1] That means its service model could change. One potential perk is for buyers: Those who work with a Redfin agent and finance through Rocket Mortgage can now choose between an interest rate reduction for the first year or closing cost credits.

Bottom line: If you’re drawn to Redfin’s 1.5% listing fee but want a more personalized, hands-on experience, Clever Real Estate is the stronger choice. Fill out this short quiz to get matched with top-rated agents today!

Clever Real Estate vs. Redfin

Clever vs. Redfin: What real customers think

Themes found 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 are overwhelmingly positive. Customers highlight responsive, professional agents who provide peace of mind throughout the buying or selling process, with Clever’s team checking in to ensure things go smoothly.

Sellers often report multiple offers and sales above asking price — sometimes within days — while saving thousands through Clever’s pre-negotiated commission model. Negative reviews are rare and typically resolved quickly by Clever’s customer service team.

Themes found in Redfin reviews

Theme	Portion of Reviews	Percent Positive
Communication and Professionalism	61%	❌ 48%
Guidance and Support	43%	❌ 59%
Integrity	41%	❌ 26%
Real Estate Expertise	36%	❌ 51%
Ease of Transaction	28%	❌ 65%
Savings Value	21%	❌ 65%
Results	21%	❌ 48%
Customer Service	11%	❌ 23%
Marketing	10%	❌ 37%

Many Redfin customers praise their agents’ professionalism, market knowledge, and ability to deliver quick, smooth sales.

But negative reviews are common, with sellers reporting agents who were hard to reach, disengaged, or stretched too thin under Redfin’s team-based model. Others said they received little to no guidance — sometimes leading to costly mistakes.

Service models

Clever and Redfin offer full service at discounted commission rates, but each company delivers those services differently.

Clever Real Estate

Clever partners with independent, top-performing agents from trusted brokerages like Berkshire Hathaway, Keller Williams, and RE/MAX. Every agent is vetted against strict performance standards, and you can compare and choose who you want to work with.

Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive: Most reviewers cite strong communication, support, and expertise. Sellers often describe Clever agents as responsive, hands-on, and “above and beyond,” with many noting that their agent’s pricing strategy and negotiation skills helped them sell faster and at stronger prices.

Buyers highlight emotional support during stressful transactions, constant updates even when selling from out of state, and detailed guidance on preparing a home for the market.

Redfin

Redfin follows a different model. You’re paired with a Redfin agent or team. While some customers praise their responsiveness, negotiation skills, and the convenience of Redfin’s tech platform (like easy online scheduling and electronic paperwork), reviews are sharply divided.

Service ratings for Redfin are far lower overall, with less than 60% of reviewers reporting positive experiences for communication, guidance, and expertise. Negative feedback frequently mentions agents who seemed overworked or unavailable, provided little local market knowledge, or took a hands-off approach that left clients to figure things out on their own. Sellers also report inconsistent support with staging, marketing, and pricing advice.

Performance data shows Redfin homes sell a few days faster than average — 53 days vs. 58 days for the broader market — and typically close at about 99% of list price, nearly identical to other brokerages. Redfin’s discount fee structure doesn’t come at the cost of worse outcomes, but you could also argue that it doesn’t deliver a clear pricing advantage.

How Clever works

Clever matches customers with realtors and other real estate services depending on their needs. Its main products include an agent matching service for sellers and buyers and Clever Offers, which helps sellers get cash offers.

How Redfin works

Redfin is a real estate brokerage that pairs buyers and sellers with agents. It also offers mortgages and services for renters and landlords.

Fees and savings

Clever and Redfin have similar savings. Each discount real estate brokerage charges a 1.5% listing fee for sellers. However, Redfin's minimum fee varies by location, so sellers won’t always pay the same price with Redfin as they would with Clever.

Both companies also offer buyer savings. Clever’s buyer savings are for all eligible buyers, but Redfin’s are only for those who also sell with Redfin.

Clever fees and savings

Clever’s listing fee is 1.5% for sellers, which is competitive with low real estate commission rates.

On a $500,000 home sale, you’d pay a $7,500 listing fee with Clever compared to the $15,000 you’d pay with a traditional 3% realtor. That means you'd save $7,500!

The listing fee is a minimum of $3,000, which kicks in if your house sells for less than $200,000. Note: You may also need to pay the buyer’s agent commission, typically 2–3%. The buyer sets this fee, but it's negotiable between parties, and the seller usually covers the fee.

Clever also offers savings for eligible buyers. With Clever Cash Back, you get $500 after closing if you buy and sell with Clever or $250 if you only buy. Unlike the home buyer rebates some real estate companies offer, cash back isn’t subject to lender approval, is guaranteed in full, and can be spent however you like.

Redfin fees and savings

Like Clever, Redfin charges sellers a discounted listing fee of 1.5%.

However, Redfin's minimum fee varies greatly depending on where you’re selling. For example, the minimum fee in Nashville is $3,200, but it’s $7,000 in San Francisco. You’d need to sell in San Francisco for about $470,000 or more to avoid the minimum fee.

And unlike Clever, Redfin increases your listing fee by 1% if the buyer doesn’t have an agent. While most buyers have agents, this potential cost is something to be aware of. It would wipe out the discount you’d otherwise get by working with Redfin. If the buyer has an agent, you may have to pay a 2–3% buyer’s agent commission.

You get the most savings with Redfin if you buy and sell with the company within one year. In that case, you get a check worth 0.5% of your home’s sale price after you close on your new home. That lowers your effective listing fee to 1%.

Redfin also offers eligible buyers 0.25% off the standard mortgage rate through its in-house home loan provider, Bay Equity. However, not everyone is eligible, and the discount is subject to borrower approval. Even if you're eligible for the discount, we recommend shopping around to see if other lenders offer better rates.

Agent quality

Clever and Redfin agents operate very differently, including how they deliver services and how much work they take on. Here are some of the biggest differences and their effect on agent quality.

Clever agents are incentivized to sell for more

Redfin employs Redfin agents, and they make a salary regardless of whether they finalize your transaction. While Redfin’s agents do get performance bonuses, being salaried may make them less incentivized to get you the best deal or close quickly.

The agents you find through Clever are independent of Clever. They’re traditional agents, often working at trusted brokerages like Keller Williams and Berkshire Hathaway. They only get paid when the deal closes. By working entirely on commission, Clever’s Partner Agents have more incentive to sell faster and for more.

Clever and Redfin have different vetting standards

Redfin does relatively little to vet its agents. And because Redfin’s agents are salaried, the company tends to attract newer agents who want more experience with guaranteed pay.

In contrast, Clever agents must have five or more years of real estate experience, great customer reviews, and a proven track record of success when they join the network. They must also maintain strict performance standards when working with Clever customers. Clever removes agents from its network who don't meet its standards.

You get more hands-on service with Clever

Clever agents tend to offer much more hands-on support than Redfin agents. Clever Partner Agents often work at name-brand brokerages, so you get the same support as you would with a traditional realtor you found on your own.

Redfin agents take on many more clients, which means you get less personalized service. The agents rely more heavily on technology and support staff. You’ll likely communicate with several members of the Redfin team at different stages of your transaction instead of just your agent. This can lead to miscommunication and make the process feel impersonal.

Redfin’s pricing data also shows they adjust list prices more frequently than the average agent (46% of seller listings see a price drop vs. 43% market-wide) This suggests a more aggressive, data-driven approach, which may appeal to some sellers but feel less steady or personal to others.

Clever lets you compare agents, while Redfin assigns you one

When you choose a real estate agent, it’s important to find one with a successful track record and a good personal fit. You should compare and interview multiple agents to find the best match.

With Clever, you can compare multiple agents and request even more if you'd like. You have no obligation to work with any of the agents Clever recommends.

Redfin doesn’t let you choose which agent you work with. You could get a great agent, but you also risk getting an agent who isn’t right for your situation.

Customer reviews

Clever reviews

Clever has excellent online reviews, with a 5.0/5 rating across 4,037 reviews. This rating indicates that most Clever customers are happy with their experience. Customers are especially pleased with the agent's quality and savings.

Agent quality is consistently top-notch

The majority of positive Clever reviews are about how good the agents were. Customers routinely praised Clever’s partner agents for their professionalism and work ethic.

For example, this customer said:

"[My agent was] very experienced professional. Offered advice that produced results. Her knowledge and suggestions enabled me to reap every possible dollar when selling my home. She was very knowledgeable and honest and produced fast results."

A high-quality agent can give you a better chance of selling or buying at a price that works for you. And the entire process is less stressful when you know you have an experienced professional representing you.

Savings don’t come at the expense of quality

Many Clever customers were happy they saved money on real estate commission. Reviewers especially appreciated that the savings didn't come at the expense of quality.

For example, this customer said:

“Excellent service was provided even though the listing was 1/2 price. [Our realtor] listened to our needs and provided outstanding service. She was very responsive to any inquiry we had. Would not have any issue if I had paid a full listing price.”

Unlike Redfin, Clever partners with established realtors, many from name-brand brokerages. This process ensures you get a traditional real estate agent who provides full service — just at a much lower rate.

Customer service is quick and helpful

After matching them with an agent, several customers appreciated that Clever stayed in touch. The Clever team often went above and beyond to make sure clients were happy with their agent throughout the transaction.

For example, one customer had a disagreement with his realtor and contacted Clever. The company promptly contacted the agent to rectify the situation.

As this customer said:

“We are extremely grateful and appreciative of the time and energy that Clever and their team took to make this situation right! They advocated on our behalf and got it cleared up.”

Redfin reviews

Redfin reviews online are mixed, with an overall rating of 2.7/5 rating across 456 reviews.

The company has few recent reviews on third-party websites, and the handful we found are overwhelmingly negative. We had trouble finding more than a few good reviews that weren’t over two years old.

Most of Redfin’s recent positive reviews are on its website. As this customer said, “I have tried to post the review on Redfin's website since last fall but they won't let me because they know it is very negative.” We suggest relying on third-party reviews when possible.

Agents aren’t always motivated

Redfin agents get paid a salary instead of commission, meaning some might not work as hard to sell your home. A realtor who depends on commission has a much bigger incentive to help you quickly complete your transaction and sell for the best price.

As this customer said:

“Redfin agents are not incentivized to really work to sell your home or maximize your potential proceeds. ... You have to work much harder to bring a buyer because the Redfin team does near to zero.”

Some customers complain about agent mistakes

Redfin agents handle a lot more clients than traditional agents. They also work with a team, so you may interact with different Redfin members at various stages of your transaction. Both of these factors increase the chances of errors and miscommunication.

For example, this reviewer said:

“[The] Redfin real estate agent ... whom we hired to sell our house sabotaged us by giving us bad advice, by not responding to interested buyers' agents, doing zero marketing, taking absolutely no initiative and being extremely unresponsive to us.”

Other reviews complained about agents forgetting to relay messages from buyers or making mistakes with paperwork.

Some Redfin agents get good reviews

Some Redfin agents are genuinely helpful and work hard to get the best outcomes for their clients.

This customer had a great experience:

"I bought with Redfin and had a great experience working with my broker ... and her team of agents — they were always willing to help and answered all my questions immediately.”

However, we had trouble finding many recent reviews like this one. Redfin doesn't let you choose your agent and doesn't do much to vet them. Whether you’ll get a good agent is mostly a matter of luck.

Availability

Clever locations

Clever is available in all 50 states and Washington, DC. It operates in both major metropolitan areas and rural markets.

Clever Offers may be limited in areas with few or no local cash buyers. Also, due to state laws, Clever Cash Back is unavailable in Alabama, Alaska, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Tennessee.

Redfin locations

Redfin operates in over 100 markets across the US and Canada. It serves most states, except for Maine, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming. While Redfin may have Partner Agents in these states, these agents are independent from Redfin and don’t offer discounted rates.

Redfin agents work only in major metropolitan areas. And not all services, like Redfin Concierge and Redfin Premier Agents, are available in every market Redfin operates in.

Bottom line: Should you use Clever Real Estate or Redfin?

Both Clever and Redfin offer a 1.5% listing fee — half of what traditional realtors charge. You could save thousands when selling with either company, and both offer buyers benefits.

However, because Redfin agents handle a much larger volume of work, you may get less hands-on attention from them than you would with a Clever agent.

If you’re unsure which discount brokerage to choose, remember that you’re hiring an agent, not a brand. Your realtor’s local experience, knowledge of buyer and seller trends, and level of personalized service are far more important than the brand they work with.

We recommend interviewing several agents to find the best fit.

Clever lets you compare multiple agents, so it's easier to see who has the experience and expertise best suited to your transaction. You can then compare those agents with Redfin’s suggested agent.

No matter who you choose, you’ll save money on your real estate transaction and have the agent you feel most comfortable working with.