The Ramsey Trusted agents program (formerly Dave Ramsey ELP) matches you with real estate agents who claim to follow his financial philosophy. The service is free, and you can walk away if you don’t like your matches.
But while it’s quick and easy to get connected with Ramsey Trusted agents, the program has drawbacks. You won’t get built-in commission savings, and reviews suggest agent quality can be inconsistent.
If you want to work with a top local agent and save on realtor fees, you may want to consider a trusted low-commission company.
Dave Ramsey realtor overview
💼 How it works: The service matches home buyers and sellers with Ramsey Trusted agents
💵 Fees: Standard 2.5–3% of the home sale price per agent
⭐️ Customer rating: 4.4/5 across 481 reviews
📍 Locations: Nationwide, but limited presence in some markets
✅ Benefits: Free service, quick matches, agents familiar with Ramsey’s teachings
⚠️ Downsides: No commission savings, inconsistent agent quality, limited transparency
Services
Agent matching process | Fill out an online form and get instant matches with 2–3 Ramsey Trusted agents |
Listing agent services | Full service |
Buyer’s agent services | Full service |
Customer service | Ramsey Concierge hours: Mon & Wed 10–5, Tue, Thu & Fri 8–5 CST Can be hard to reach, some support via online dashboard |
Ramsey Trusted uses an automated system to match you with realtors.
Here's how it works:
- You sign up on the Dave Ramsey website by entering some basic information about your home purchase or sale.
- You immediately get matched with 2–3 real estate agents via email and your customer dashboard.
- A customer service representative sends an introductory email and may call you.
- You can review your agent matches in your dashboard. The dashboard provides some basic background info, including each agent's familiarity with the "Ramsey Plan."
- The agents will likely email and call you. You can also contact them yourself.
- After interviewing the real estate agents, you can choose to sign a listing agreement or buyer's agency agreement — or walk away.
- If you move forward with an agent, they'll provide full service throughout the buying or selling process.
Unlike competitors that vet agents and provide detailed performance data, Ramsey Trusted offers limited transparency. You’ll see if an agent follows Ramsey’s “Baby Steps,” but you won’t get much info on their sales history or reviews.
Fees
Agent matching service | Free |
Listing agent fee | 2.5–3%* |
Buyer’s agent fee | 2.5–3%* |
You don’t pay anything to use Ramsey Trusted — the service is free, as with all agent matching companies.
If you end up working with a Ramsey Trusted agent, you’ll still owe standard real estate commission. Rates vary by market, but expect to pay around 2.5–3% of the home’s price to your listing agent, plus another 2.5–3% to the buyer’s agent.
In the past, sellers typically covered both sides of the commission. But after the 2024 NAR settlement, MLS listings can no longer advertise a set buyer’s agent fee. Instead, buyers must sign an agreement with their agent and can later negotiate for the seller to cover some or all of that cost as a concession. While sellers aren’t required to pay it, many still do to attract buyers.
Unlike a few competitors, Ramsey Trusted doesn’t offer pre-negotiated savings. You can try negotiating the commission rate directly with your agent, but most won’t cut it by more than 0.5–1%.
Want a guaranteed lower commission rate? A company like Clever Real Estate may be a better fit. Clever has pre-negotiated 1.5% listing fees with top agents from brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX, so you get full service for thousands less. Get matched with the top low-commission agents near you.
Ramsey Trusted agents
Vetting | Must meet experience minimums and be familiar with Ramsey’s financial philosophies |
# of agents | 2,500+[1] |
Locations | Nationwide, but limited coverage in some markets |
Ramsey Trusted agents are expected to follow Dave Ramsey’s financial principles and meet certain minimum sales requirements: 2 years of experience, 10 closings within the last year, and 50 total closings. Agents can bypass these requirements if they're in the top 10% of their local market.[2]
These standards aren't as stringent as some competitors. For example, some companies require agents to have at least 5 years of experience, stellar customer reviews, and extensive local knowledge or to be in the top 1% of agents in their market.
Reviews suggest Ramsey's vetting process isn’t always rigorous. Some customers reported agents who didn't communicate enough or lacked local expertise, while others got strong, supportive agents.
If you want more assurance that your agent is a top local performer, you may want to compare multiple agent matching services.
Dave Ramsey realtor reviews from customers
Better Business Bureau | 2.3/5 (15 reviews) |
4.5/5 (466 reviews) | |
Weighted average | 4.4/5 (481 reviews) |
Ramsey Solutions has generally strong reviews, averaging 4.4 out of 5 across BBB and Google.
That said, many of these reviews come from people using other Ramsey Trusted services, like insurance or taxes, or from fans of Ramsey’s financial advice. As a result, not all of the ratings reflect first-hand experiences with Ramsey Trusted agents.
Here's what the agent reviews say:
✅ Agents are professional and proactive
This reviewer said their Ramsey Trusted agent was effective at marketing their home, selling it faster and for more money than expected.
I used a Ramsey ELP to sell my house and it was a great decision. [...] He sold my house for 20% more than the other 2 agents said I could get for it and it sold in 6 days! He was high energy and came with a great plan to market and sell the house.
✅ Smooth and organized process
This customer praised their agent for guiding them through paperwork and showings with ease. They felt their agent was efficient and supportive throughout the transaction.
Jenna M****** From the Ramsey Real Estate Team has superb efficiency in real estate education and expertise. She expedited all paperwork and coordinated viewings effectively, leading to a super quick sale. Her active approach was evident when she organized numerous open house events that attracted multiple offers.
⚠️ Limited coverage in some areas
This customer reported receiving only one agent recommendation — who wasn't in their immediate area. Because Ramsey's network is relatively small, options may be limited compared to larger networks.
When we requested an ELP, we received only one suggestion from someone about 2 hours away! Way too far! I know there are more in our area, near Pahrump NV. It would be nice to receive all local ELPs and let us shop for the best one!
⚠️ Mixed agent quality
While many Ramsey Trusted agents provide excellent service, others have been described as unresponsive or lacking initiative. This customer noted communication issues as a recurring problem.
As soon as I signed the contract, she basically stopped communicating with me. For at least three months, the only way I heard from her was if I called or texted her. Usually it took 2–3 texts from me to her over 2–3 days before she finally responded.
Overall, Ramsey Trusted agents can deliver strong results, but the experience varies depending on the agent you’re matched with. Since the program works with fewer agents than other services, you may have less flexibility to compare and choose.
Credibility: Is Dave Ramsey realtor legit?
Founding | Ramsey Solutions was founded in 1992 |
Track record | 160,000+ families served[1] |
News | Ramsey Solutions has been covered widely, though sometimes controversially |
Yes, the Dave Ramsey realtor program is legitimate. It’s operated by Ramsey Solutions, a well-known financial coaching company based in Tennessee.
Dave Ramsey has built a strong reputation over decades as a trusted voice in personal finance. Millions of Americans follow his debt-free principles, and his nationally syndicated radio show, bestselling books, and live events have given him widespread recognition.
However, Ramsey Solutions has drawn criticism for limited transparency and uneven customer experiences.
There have also been several Dave Ramsey controversies and lawsuits, including for:
- Requiring employees to continue to come into the office — without masks — during the pandemic[3]
- Suing people for social media posts that are critical of Dave Ramsey[4]
- Pulling a loaded gun out at a company meeting to teach employees “a lesson about gossip”[5]
- Firing at least nine employees for having premarital sex[6]
- Endorsing an allegedly fraudulent company[7]
Dave Ramsey realtor alternatives
These companies are top alternatives to Dave Ramsey’s agent network. Like Ramsey Trusted, they connect you with experienced, full-service realtors — but most offer broader agent coverage and low-commission agents.
Clever Real Estate has strict agent vetting, matches you with multiple top local realtors, and provides full concierge support. It also pre-negotiates a low 1.5% listing fee, which can save sellers thousands compared to the standard 2.5–3% you’d typically pay with a Ramsey Trusted agent. Eligible buyers may also receive cash back at closing.
Ideal Agent matches customers with agents in the top 1% of their local markets. It offers a reduced listing fee of 2%, which can lead to decent savings but isn't as low as Clever's rate. One drawback is that you’ll only get matched with one agent, limiting your ability to compare and find the best fit.
UpNest works differently by having agents submit proposals and compete for your business. This process can drive down commission costs, though savings aren’t guaranteed. The platform makes it easy to compare multiple options side by side — something that's not as easy to do with Ramsey Trusted, which doesn't provide much info on the track record of its agents.
Bottom line: Is Dave Ramsey realtor right for you?
The Dave Ramsey realtor program may be worth considering if you’re a Ramsey follower and want to work with an agent who shares his financial values. It’s free, quick, and offers full-service agents.
But if you’re looking for commission savings, stronger agent vetting, or more consistent customer service, you’ll likely find better value with an alternative like Clever Real Estate.
- Answer 5 simple questions about your sale
- Get matched with 2–3 top local agents in minutes
- Compare options, choose the best fit, save up to 50% on fees
Becoming a Ramsey Trusted agent
Ramsey Trusted agents fees
Ramsey Trusted isn’t free for agents. Realtors may pay:
- A high upfront fee to join the network: $3,000
- Ongoing monthly fees to maintain membership: $500
- Referral fees on each closed deal: 30%[8]
This makes Ramsey Trusted one of the most expensive agent matching platforms to join.
Ramsey Trusted agents requirements
Agents must meet these minimum standards:
- 2 years of experience
- 10 closings within the last year
- 50 total career closings[2]
You can also qualify if you're in the top 10% of agents in your market.
Additionally, you must complete video training on Dave Ramsey's financial teachings and follow his 7 Baby Steps.
Lead quality
Realtors report mixed experiences with Ramsey Trusted leads. Some say they convert well because many prospects are loyal to Ramsey’s philosophy and trust his recommendations. Others report inconsistent quality and fewer leads than expected.[8]
Leads aren’t vetted — customers just fill out a quick online form and are automatically matched with 2–3 agents. Without human screening, you may receive leads who aren’t ready to move forward, which can lower your conversion rate compared to services that pre-qualify prospects.
Bottom line for agents
Ramsey Trusted can deliver motivated clients, particularly among Ramsey fans. But the high costs, combined with inconsistent lead quality, mean it’s not the best fit for every realtor.
Agents should weigh these expenses against alternatives like Clever Real Estate that have no upfront costs or monthly fees and only charge a referral fee for closed deals. Clever also vets leads before handing them off. Learn more about how to become a Clever Partner Agent.
FAQ
Who is Dave Ramsey?
Dave Ramsey is a financial guru and real estate investor with a popular radio show. He offers financial advice on how to get out of debt. His main claim to fame is the debt snowball technique, which helps people gain momentum as they pay off their debts. Ramsey’s evangelical Christian beliefs are also a big part of his brand and services.
How does Dave Ramsey realtor make money?
Dave Ramsey realtor takes a share of each agent’s commission whenever the agent closes a deal with a client. This is called a referral fee, and it's standard practice among agent matching services.
The company also charges realtors additional fees on top of the referral fee, which isn't common among competitors.
Additionally, Dave Ramsey realtor makes money by upselling customers on other services, like a home loan through Churchill Mortgage, financial professionals, and home insurance providers.
Related reading
Methodology
We evaluate each real estate brokerage based on five core criteria:
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.
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.
Fees
Pricing model: We consider whether the company offers any savings for sellers, like listing fee discounts, or savings for buyers, like cash back.
Agent quality
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.
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.
Customer reviews
Customer review analysis: We perform an in-depth analysis of all available customer reviews to determine trends. We also filter out spam reviews.
Credibility
Trust signals: We look at how long the company has been in business, the number of verified customer reviews it has, how willing the company was to answer questions about their business model when we contacted them, and how easy it is to find detailed information on its website — including the names and contact details of specific team members. We also look at customer reviews indicating whether the company acts with honesty and integrity in their business dealings.