Redfin is a well-known discount real estate brokerage that offers a 1.5% listing fee to sellers (or a 1% listing fee if you buy and sell). Redfin agents typically offer the same range of service and support that you'd receive from a traditional realtor.
Listing Fee
Buyer Savings
Active Since
Editor's Take
Overview
Locations
Redfin is a reputable discount real estate brokerage that offers significant savings, particularly if you buy and sell with the brokerage. But watch out for high minimum fees, which vary by market and can be high in some areas. Redfin's agents also work with a lot of clients, and they don’t always have time to provide as much hands-on service as you may need.
Pros
- Redfin's low listing fee of 1.5% offers excellent savings.
- Clients who buy and sell with Redfin can save even more.
- You can easily manage your listing online or via Redfin’s app.
Cons
- Agents provide limited one-on-one service.
- Customer reviews have recently become more negative.
We recommend comparing Redfin to 2-3 additional low commission real estate companies to decide if it's right for you. Read on to learn more about how Redfin works and what real customers have to say about the brokerage.
Is Redfin right for you?
If you’re buying or selling a home, Redfin is worth considering if it's in your area. Its agents charge about half the traditional listing commission, it's a well-established brand, and it has some experienced real estate agents.
Many customers report that their Redfin agents are experienced, responsive, and professional. But a handful of complaints call out poor communication and inexperienced agents.
When you're looking for a real estate agent, look closely at customer reviews. Use Zillow to look at past transactions; a good Redfin agent will have a solid sales history in your zip code and price range.
If you're on the fence about working with Redfin, we recommend comparing your local agent with realtors from a few other brokerages.
⚡Compare all the vetted realtors in your zip code who work for just a 1.5% listing fee.
Redfin vs. other discount real estate brokers
Redfin vs. Clever Real Estate
Clever Real Estate offers the same 1.5% listing fee as Redfin, but it has a larger agent network and stricter criteria for agent performance.
Here's how Clever works: You answer a few simple questions about your situation and goals, then the Clever team handpicks top-producing local realtors that are a good fit for your needs. The realtors in Clever's network are from from name-brand brokerages like Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX.
You compare agents and choose the best fit. If you don't like the agent matches Clever provides, you can request more — or walk away at anytime. It's free to request agent matches through Clever, and there's no obligation to sign with an agent.
No matter who you choose, you get a pre-negotiated 1.5% listing fee. That lets you focus on finding the right agent without having to worry about price.
It's worth mentioning that Clever allows you to compare agents from traditional and discount brokerages. Top-producing Redfin agents who meet Clever's quality criteria can join the network. Therefore, when you request agent matches through Clever, you're comparing the best agents from all the brokerages on this list (and more).
Clever has helped thousands of customers save big on commission fees — we can help you keep more money in your pocket too!
With Clever:
✅ Sellers pay only 1.5% in listing fees
✅ Buyers earn cash back on eligible purchases
✅ You'll work with a local realtor from top brokers, like RE/MAX and Keller Williams
Clever's service is 100% free, with zero obligation. You can interview as many agents as you like, or you can walk away anytime. Enter your zip code to find a top local agent today!
Redfin vs. Simple Showing
SimpleShowing offers a similar experience to Redfin for a lower rate. While Redfin charges a 1.5% listing fee, SimpleShowing advertises a 1% real estate commission to home sellers in Florida, Georgia, and Texas. Be aware that SimpleShowing also has a $5,000 minimum fee. So depending on your home's price point, you could end up paying more than the advertised 1%.
Redfin has more brand recognition than SimpleShowing, but they both use technology to make the sale process more efficient — and help their agents handle more customers at once. The biggest difference is that SimpleShowing's agent selection is even more limited than Redfin's, so you likely won't have many options to pick from.
» MORE: Read the full SimpleShowing review
Redfin vs. Houwzer
Houwzer is similar to Redfin because it uses a team-based approach to create savings for you. If you prefer to work with a single real estate agent, neither Houwzer nor Redfin are likely your best options.
Houwzer's rate of just 1% is lower than Redfin's 1.5%. Houwzer also has a minimum commission of $2,500, which is better than Redfin's minimum in most markets.
And unlike Redfin, Houwzer has a maximum real estate commission of $10,000. That makes Houwzer a much better deal if you're selling a high-value home, especially for over $1 million.
But Houwzer is a much smaller company and is available in only a handful of metro areas on the east coast. While it generally provides better value than Redfin, there's a high chance it's not available where you live.
» MORE: Read the full Houwzer review
How does Redfin work?
When you sell with Redfin, you'll get the same general range of services you'd expect from a traditional realtor. Redfin agents offer an expert home price valuation and CMA, professional photos, MLS listing, digital marketing, showings, and help with offers, contracts, negotiations, closing, and more.
As a Redfin seller, your home will be listed with a 3D walkthrough tour for potential buyers.
✍️ Editor's note: You don’t need to sell with Redfin to list your home on Redfin.com. Redfin automatically pulls in listings from the MLS and several for sale by owner websites. So it's possible to market your home on Redfin's app and website no matter how you sell. |
You can also buy a home with a Redfin agent. They provide the same general range of services as traditional realtors. If you buy a home with a Redfin agent within 12 months after selling your home with Redfin, you'll receive 0.5% of the final sale price of your home as a home buyer rebate, bringing your actual listing fee to 1%.
Redfin fees and savings
Redfin agents charge a 1.5% listing fee to sellers. This is a big discount compared with the 2.5–3% listing commission rate that's long been an industry standard.
Selling with Redfin saves you an average of $5,550 in listing fees across four price points, with higher dollar savings for higher home prices.
Redfin's listing fees are more competitive when you also buy with Redfin. If you sell and buy with a Redfin agent within a single calendar year, Redfin issues a 0.5% refund at the time of your purchase. This effectively drops your listing fee to 1%.
As with most real estate transactions, Redfin sellers are still responsible for offering a competitive buyer's agent commission. Rates are negotiable and vary by market, but 2.5–3% is typical nationwide. For Redfin sellers, this will bring your total real estate commission to 4–4.5% — compared with traditional realtors who usually cost about 5–6%.
Overall, Redfin's savings stack up well against other top low commission real estate companies.
Redfin's minimum fees
Redfin's discounted commission rates are subject to minimum fees, which vary between markets. On average, Redfin's minimum fee is $3,300, but it's as high as $7,000 in some areas.
Depending on your home price and location, Redfin could end up costing more than the advertised 1.5% rate. For example, if you sell a $200,000 home in Boston, you'll pay a minimum fee of $4,900 — bringing your actual listing commission rate to 2.5%.
If you're selling a lower-priced home in your market, it's a good idea to compare a few discount brokerages to make sure you get the best rates available.
Find Redfin minimum fees in your area
Market | Minimum commission |
---|---|
Albany, NY | $2,000 |
Anchorage, AK | $3,000 |
Atlanta, GA | $3,200 |
Austin, TX | $3,700 |
Birmingham, AL | $2,800 |
Boise, ID | $3,300 |
Boston, MA | $4,900 |
Buffalo, NY | $2,300 |
Charlotte, NC | $3,200 |
Chattanooga, TN | $2,800 |
Chicago, IL | $3,000 |
Cincinnati, OH | $2,600 |
Cleveland, OH | $2,500 |
Columbus, OH | $2,400 |
Connecticut | $3,600 |
Dallas, TX | $3,100 |
District of Columbia | $5,300 |
Denver, CO | $4,200 |
Des Moines, IA | $2,400 |
Detroit, MI | $2,900 |
El Paso, TX | $2,000 |
Fayetteville, AR | $2,000 |
Flagstaff, AZ | $3,000 |
Florida Panhandle | $2,000 |
Fort Myers, FL | $2,700 |
Grand Rapids, MI | $2,500 |
Hampton Roads | $2,800 |
Hawaii | $5,700 |
Houston, TX | $2,800 |
Indianapolis, IN | $2,700 |
Inland Empire | $4,400 |
Jackson, MS | $2,000 |
Jacksonville, FL | $3,000 |
Kansas City, MO | $2,800 |
Knoxville, TN | $2,800 |
Lake Tahoe | $4,200 |
Las Vegas, NV | $3,200 |
Little Rock, AR | $2,000 |
Los Angeles,CA | $6,300 |
Louisiana | $2,400 |
Louisville, KY | $2,400 |
Maryland | $3,700 |
Memphis, TN | $2,700 |
Miami, FL | $3,500 |
Minneapolis, MN | $3,300 |
Nashville,TN | $3,200 |
Nebraska | $2,500 |
New Jersey (north) | $3,700 |
New Jersey (south) | $3,300 |
New Mexico | $2,700 |
New York City and Long Island, NY | $5,200 |
Northern New England | $3,300 |
Oklahoma | $2,100 |
Orange County, CA | $6,900 |
Orlando, FL | $2,800 |
Palm Beach, FL | $3,400 |
Palm Springs, CA | $4,000 |
Philadelphia, PA | $3,200 |
Phoenix, AZ | $3,300 |
Pittsburgh, PA | $2,600 |
Portland, OR | $4,100 |
Raleigh, NC | $3,100 |
Rhode Island | $3,300 |
Richmond, VA | $3,100 |
Sacramento, CA | $4,200 |
Salt Lake City, UT | $3,500 |
San Antonio, TX | $2,600 |
San Diego, CA | $6,000 |
San Francisco, CA | $7,000 |
Savannah, GA | $2,600 |
Seattle, WA | $5,000 |
South Carolina | $2,800 |
South Texas | $3,000 |
Spokane, WA | $3,200 |
St. Louis, MO | $2,900 |
Tampa, FL | $2,900 |
Tucson, AZ | $2,700 |
Virginia | $4,700 |
Wisconsin | $3,100 |
Redfin reviews and complaints from real buyers and sellers
Redfin has a solid overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 based on 156,106 total reviews between the Better Business Bureau, Consumer Affairs, Yelp, and Redfin.com.
The most common themes among positive Redfin reviews are:
Great savings and overall value | Easy-to-use technology | Good experience with specific agents |
✅ Great savings and value
'My agent was responsive and professional'
Amanda I. sold her property using a Redfin agent in Seattle, and she was pleasantly surprised by how many viewings and offers she had on the property just one day after listing it.
She specifically calls out the fact that her agent advocated for her throughout the sales process.
'Our agent was extremely knowledgeable'
Leah N. used Redfin as a buyer and a seller, and she was very happy with the value and service she received.
She says that her agent was communicative, offered great advice, and helped her find the perfect home to fit her needs.
'Redfin made it easy to buy and sell'
This satisfied Redfin customer worked with Redfin as a buyer and a seller and coordinated a cross-country move.
They were pleased with the support from their agents and felt that the process was seamless.
✅ Easy-to-use technology
'I will use Redfin again'
Pam T. worked with Redfin as a buyer and a seller. She enjoyed using Redfin's online platform, saying that it made it easy to line up homes to tour.
'Redfin's website has really cool tools'
This home buyer worked with Redfin Seattle, and he was very happy with the level of service he received from Redfin.
'Almost everything can be done online'
Emily P., a buyer in Washington, DC, was happy with the way Redfin's streamlined technology allowed her to move quickly when she found the right house.
✅ Good experience with specific agents
'Our needs were a priority'
This buyer had a great experience with their Redfin agent in Houston. They were pleased with the communication and reliability of their agent and felt that Redfin was easy to work with.
'He sold my property in four days'
This Redfin seller had a positive experience with their agent — who managed to sell their property in just four days.
Their agent helped them navigate through a critical HOA issue for a successful sale.
'He advocated for me as a buyer'
This first-time home buyer appreciated the time their agent took to walk them through the home buying process. They felt like their agent was helpful, transparent, and an expert in the local real estate market.
The most common complaints among negative Redfin reviews are:
Costly pricing mistakes | Poor communication and lack of support | Inexperienced or unprofessional agents |
❌ Costly pricing mistakes
'Listing with Redfin would have cost me $24,000!'
This review comes from a seller who asked a Redfin realtor for a market value of their home. The agent didn't seem familiar with the neighborhood, and the seller thought the recommended listing price was too low.
After shopping around, they listed their house with an agent who had more local expertise.
The property sold right away — for $24,000 more than the Redfin agent's home valuation!
'Tried to sell my house under market value'
This seller says he felt Redfin tried to underprice his home in order to sell it quicker.
'Not even a bite in three months'
This seller complains about a lack of support, market knowledge, and responsiveness from their Redfin agent. They say that their house was listed for three months without a single inquiry, while other homes in their area were selling.
❌ Poor communication and lack of support
'Poor experience with a Redfin seller's agent'
Steve O. was a buyer in Austin who put an offer on a Redfin seller's house. He said that the Redfin agent made the closing process stressful by being rude, threatening, and difficult to work with.
'Redfin realtor did not show us the properties we were interested in'
This home buyer was frustrated when the Redfin realtor did not put much effort into helping them see the homes they wanted to tour.
They ended up using an agent from another brokerage and were happier with their experience.
'Lack of professionalism'
Ryan B. didn't have a lot of experience with the real estate process, and he felt that the Redfin agents took advantage of him instead of helping him.
He specifically points out feeling gaslit, rushed into making decisions, and like his questions weren't answered.
❌ Inexperienced or unprofessional agents
'The advice of my agent could have cost me >$20k'
This buyer worked with two Redfin real estate agents in the Seattle area and was disappointed with both of them.
He specifically calls out poor advice that could have cost him upwards of $20,000. He also felt like the Redfin agent didn't act in his best interest when recommending loan officers and other service providers.
'My agent did not show for the appointment'
This seller was disappointed with a lack of professionalism and responsiveness from the Redfin team. They said their Redfin agent missed their appointment, and then no one in the office followed up or even responded to their calls!
'My Redfin agent provided zero guidance'
This negative Redfin review on ConsumerAffairs is from a seller who was very unhappy with the lack of effort, communication, and customer service he experienced with his Redfin agent.
Key takeaway: Your experience with Redfin comes down to the individual agent you work with. We recommend reading local reviews and interviewing agents from a few discount real estate brokerages to find the best option for you.
Are Redfin agents good?
Your experience will depend on the agent
As with any real estate brokerage, some Redfin agents will be helpful and professional while others will be less experienced and harder to work with.
Some Redfin reviews call out a lack of effort and communication from their agents, while others report that their agents didn't take the time to price their house right.
Redfin is fairly transparent when it comes to customer satisfaction. When you search for Redfin agents near you, you'll be able to view their average customer rating, read detailed Redfin agent reviews (good and bad), see past and active deals on a map (which tells you what neighborhoods they typically work in), and so on.
Screenshots from a profile page for a Redfin agent in Houston.
⚠️ Redfin partner agents may cost more If you use Redfin's agent finder tool, you may see results for Redfin partner agents. These are agents from other brokerages who pay Redfin a fee for sending customers their way. These agents DO NOT have to honor Redfin's pricing model or offer any discounts. |
Additional Redfin services
Like many discount brokers, Redfin offers some additional in-house services to customers — including a home sale prep service and mortgage loans.
Redfin Concierge
For a 2.5% listing fee, Redfin offers a premium home sale prep service. A Redfin concierge will look at your home and recommend pre-listing improvements like landscaping, painting, or staging.
Redfin's fee does NOT include the actual work — just the planning and oversight. You'll pay for the home improvements after your home sells.
📍 Note on locations: Redfin Concierge is only available in select markets in Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, Texas, and Washington. |
If you have an older home that needs a lot of repairs — and you either don't want to coordinate the work yourself or can't afford to pay for it up front — Redfin's concierge service could be a good deal. It may also be a good option if you're on a tight timeline. Homes that have recent updates, nice photos, and staging tend to sell faster.
But if you're not on a strict timeline, can pay for renovations up front, or don't need a lot of repairs, you might not get a lot of value out of Redfin Concierge. You don't get to pick the contractors who work on your home, so there's no guarantee you'll get the best price.
For a 2.5% listing fee, you're probably better off finding a traditional real estate agent. Many traditional agents will recommend updates and provide photos and staging for free.
Redfin Mortgage
Redfin's in-house mortgage broker service has no lender fees and offers a rebate of $1,000 toward closing costs if your loan doesn’t close on time. Your loan must be above $200,000 to qualify for the rebate.
If you're buying with Redfin, it might be convenient to use its mortgage loan program. But it's always a good idea to compare rates from a few different lenders to make sure you're securing the best deal.
Is Redfin legitimate?
Yes, Redfin is a fully licensed real estate brokerage in all of the states it operates in. Since launching in Seattle in 2004, it's become one of the largest discount brokers in the U.S. by far. Redfin has more than 4,000 employees and offices in 100+ markets across the U.S. and Canada.
Redfin became a publicly traded company in 2017. This means it's subject to extra government oversight and the mandate for transparent business practices.
That said, you still have to do some digging to unearth certain details about Redfin’s services and pricing. In particular, you’ll need to look out for:
- Minimum fees for home sellers that vary by location
- Criteria that may disqualify you from a specific service or offer
Next steps: Should I use Redfin?
Redfin is a legitimate company and service that has helped thousands of people buy and sell homes. Ultimately, whether it's a good choice for you really depends on your preferences, situation, and the quality of the Redfin agents in your area.
Remember, there's never any obligation when you interview an agent or service. Always conduct multiple interviews so you can compare rates, strengths and weaknesses, and personalities to find the right fit and get the best outcome on your sale.
If you're weighing your options for buying or selling a house, Clever can help!
Our fully licensed concierge team can answer your questions and provide objective advice on getting the best outcome with your sale or purchase.
When you enter your info below, we'll ask you a few questions about your situation via a short form. Then our concierge team will be in touch shortly to help.
This service is free, and there’s never any obligation to move forward with us.
Frequently asked questions about Redfin
How much are Redfin fees?
Redfin charges a 1.5% listing fee to sellers. As the seller, you're also responsible for paying the buyer's agent commission — usually around 2.5–3% of the final sale price. Make sure to compare Redfin's rates against other discount services to find the best low commission brokers near you!
Is Redfin worth it?
Redfin may be worth considering if you're looking to save on realtor fees and prefer working with an established brand. But it's a good idea to compare your options. Most home sellers can find another company that offers better value at similar rates. Compare Redfin against other low commission companies.
Are Redfin reviews good or bad?
Redfin reviews are mixed, with an average rating of 2.9 out of 331 reviews. Reviews vary quite a bit by location and agent. See how Redfin reviews compare to the top low commission companies in your area.
How Redfin creates savings
Redfin creates savings by promoting its real estate agent service to the millions of people already using its app and website, which helps Redfin save on marketing to find new customers. It also uses technology and a team-based approach to handle a higher volume of customers per agent and upsells existing customers on additional Redfin services.
Related reading
Methodology
We evaluate each low commission real estate brokerage based on four core criteria and create a weighted score:
- Service quality (30% of final score)
- Savings (25% of final score)
- Customer experience (20% of final score)
- Agent expertise (25% of final score)
Service quality
Essential services and support. We evaluate whether the brokerage requires its agents to offer basic services like a CMA, pricing and staging advice, professional photography, an MLS listing, a for-sale sign,and a lock box. We also consider whether agents provide hands-on support throughout the sale process (in-person home visits, guidance through due diligence, negotiation support).
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 used by the brokerage.
Savings
Pricing model. We compare the company's pricing model (including listing fee, any minimum fees, and buyer's incentives) to its competitors to determine the overall value to customers.
Customer experience
Review analysis. We perform an in-depth analysis of all the available customer reviews to determine trends. We break down the reviews by customer type, sentiment, and filter out spam reviews to determine our rating.
Company responsiveness. Negative reviews are part of doing business; however, we take note of whether a company is actively involved in resolving customer complaints.
Agent expertise
Vetting requirements. We compare the company's vetting requirements to its competitors. We also take into consideration the size of the agent network to determine whether customers will have multiple options to choose from.