Redfin Reviews: Are the Savings Worth It?

Redfin is a well-known discount real estate brokerage that charges sellers a 1.5% listing fee (or a 1% listing fee if they buy and sell with Redfin). But we don't think the savings are worth it for several reasons.

Redfin agents typically offer the same range of service and support you'd receive from a traditional real estate agent. However, each Redfin lead agent handles a high sales volume and many aspects of the real estate transaction are delegated to assistant agents.[1]

While customer reviews on Redfin.com are mostly positive, Redfin’s reviews on 3rd-party sites like Google are mixed. Some customers praise their agents, while others say their Redfin agent was inattentive, hard to reach, or not experienced enough to properly navigate their sale.

Sellers who are drawn to Redfin’s 1.5% listing fee but want more of a personalized, one-on-one experience should look at companies like Clever Real Estate. Clever offers the same 1.5% listing fee but connects sellers with pre-vetted, high-performing local agents who will personally guide them through their sale from start to finish. Fill out this form to connect with top-rated agents in your area!

Redfin reviews and complaints

Source	Average Rating	Review Count
BBB	1.1/5	51
Consumer Affairs	1.6/5	162
Google	4.3/5	93
Yelp	3.3/5	150
Total	2.7/5	456

Redfin’s app boasts a solid overall rating for its services: 4.8 out of 5 based on 1.4 million reviews. However, ratings for Redfin on other sites trend much lower: 2.7/5 from 456 reviews across  Yelp,  Consumer Affairs, and the Better Business Bureau, as of March 2025.

Themes most commonly mentioned 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 satisfied customers singled out their Redfin agents for their professionalism and knowledge. Many positive reviewers also said their sale was frictionless and didn’t take long.

Negative reviews from customers often mention being unable to reach their designated Redfin agent, or feeling that their agent was disinterested or stretched too thin. This could result from Redfin’s high-volume “team-based” approach to sales. Several unhappy Redfin users also said their agent didn’t offer them sound guidance — or any guidance at all — sometimes with disastrous results.

Here's how Redfin reviews break down.

Customer sentiment around the quality of service provided by Redfin agents is sharply divided. 

Positive reviews highlight agents who are available and responsive, and go "above and beyond" in offering guidance and support — particularly to first-time home buyers. 

• "She consistently responded to our emails/calls/texts promptly"
• "Communication is key with me and Jeff was always quick to reply to my questions"
• "She was professional, efficient, knowledgeable, personable, reliable and, most of all, responsive"
• "I don't think any email or phone call ever went more than 30 minutes without being responded to""
• "For first-time buyers, they are extremely supportive and great advocates at every point during the process"
• "Everybody at Redfin was always available, responsive and reachable at any time"
• "He met with us and our contractor to serve as our mediator/negotiator"
• "The best negotiator in town to guide you to minimizing the final price you pay"

Several home sellers mention great photos, as well as spot-on pricing advice. 

• "The comparative analysis is remarkably thorough. Better than anything I have seen from other realtors"
• "Redfin does amazing pictures. I believe pictures sell a house and I couldn't have been more pleased with how ours were taken."
• "She provided a comprehensive market analysis and advised us on the strategic moves to get our property sold"

Buyers especially appreciate the availability of Redfin's team to show properties and walk them through the home buying process. 

• "They work as a team so there is always someone available to show you a property or answer questions"
• "As a first time buyer, he walked me through every step of the way and answered all my questions patiently"

Redfin's technological platform also receives consistent praise, with customers appreciating the user-friendly website and convenient tour scheduling. 

• "For me, the best part was the ability to book showings online, selecting the time slots that worked for us."
• "Tours are easy to schedule"
• "Almost everything was done via phone, emails and electronic signatures"
• "The online coordination of the process from accepted offer to closing was phenomenal."
• "I really liked that everything was done online using docusign"

Negative Redfin reviews frequently mention agents who are unresponsive and appear overworked or disinterested. Customers also complain about agents who provide poor or minimal guidance, have a poor grasp of the local market, or take a hands-off approach that leaves clients feeling abandoned.

• "our Redfin agent advised us to forgo inspection contingency as it was a seller's market and now we have endless issues in the house"
• "For some unimaginable reason she was always lowering the price of my property"
• "My agent was very arrogant and often very busy. I was told I lacked common sense"
• "They promised us unlimited open houses on the home we were selling - that didn't happen"
• "They don't know the market well enough to give you proper advice on how much to offer"
• "Aside from listing my home on their website, they did absolutely NOTHING to help my house sell"
• "Bad advice (when it was there at all--we had to do most of our own research on pricing, when to lower, etc.), lack of knowledge of the market"
• "Our agent was somewhat out of touch with current market conditions."
• "No staging support, photography was a solo effort, no listing detail help, nor any help with the contract or negotiations"
• "Our agent thought that putting our home in the MLS was all that was necessary"
• "At best Redfin walks you through the buying or selling process but they can't offer you reliable advice"
• "Complete hands-off transaction the entire time"

Sentiment around Redfin's fees and savings are also mixed. Those who had a good experience with their agent consider the below-average listing fee and home buyer rebates to be "icing on the cake." 

• "It's great that they offer full service, but charge a lot less in commission."
• "Redfin listing fees are much lower than local standards agents."
• "The rebate was icing on the cake and a lot of it."
• "The 1% sellers realtor commission and 2.5% buyers agent commission is so much better than the 3% and 3% 'norm'"
• "And the kicker? We got a SIZEABLE check from Redfin at closing"

However, customers who have a lackluster experience don't feel that the savings are worth the sacrifice in service.

• "You might pay less on redfin but you should expect exactly what you pay for"
• "Her inexperience cost me thousands of dollars. First of all, she didn't inform me about a special no money down program for FHA buyers in Maryland. It cost me over 10k in down payment that I could have saved."
• "I feel robbed to pay them a substantial commission"
• "had to sell our house at a discount to market"
• "IT IS NOT WORTH SAVING A LITTLE. GO WITH THE REGULAR REALTORS"
• "It seems like the commission for my home was basically free money"

Notably, many positive reviews around savings mention Redfin's former home buyer rebate. However, Redfin recently reduced the rebate from 50% the buyer's agent commission (usually .5% of the purchase price) to just one-sixth (or 0.25% of the purchase price). And, you must sign with a Redfin agent before your second home tour, plus close on a home within 6 months, to qualify.

Similarly, many positive reviews from sellers note Redfin's former 1% commission model, which has now risen to 1.5–2% in most markets — something sellers have noted in more recent reviews.

• "This company continues to drive commission rates up on buyers and sellers"
• "They've discounted their service but raised their prices since our friends used them!"

Redfin customer experiences also vary widely when it comes to the overall outcome of their real estate transactions.

Positive reviews from sellers highlight successful sales above asking price and quick closings. Buyers express gratitude for their agent's role in securing their dream home.

• "The process couldn't have been smoother"
• "Redfin listed my home and it sold on the first day (and for more than we expected!)"
• "We got multiple offers after the first open house and they were all at or over our asking price"
• "We just closed escrow on our home purchase, and had a very positive experience with Redfin."
• "We sold our house for much more than asking and I love the place I ended up purchasing"
• "Our house gained tons of attention once it was listed and sold quickly and for well over list"
• "Almost everything was done via phone, emails and electronic signatures"

Negative experiences frequently mention failed transactions (e.g., homes not selling), delayed closings, contract errors, and financial losses. 

• "They cost me $90,000 in the end"
• "As it turned out we lost potential $50,000.00 as the final offer was that much less"
• "Three months and I just kept lowering the price over and over"
• "During signing the contract, we had to send it back multiple times, updated copies of the agreement were not provided until the last minute"
• "We were listed with Redfin for 3 months with not even a bite while comps sold around us"
• "We had 17 showings with all good reviews - no offers were ever placed"
• "The deal fell apart"

Redfin vs. alternatives

If you are hesitant about working with Redfin, comparing your potential agent with agents from other brokerages may be a good idea.

Redfin can offer a lower-than-average listing fee because its agents handle significantly more volume than a traditional agent. For example, the average Redfin agent closed more than 23 deals in 2024, more than triple the count from agents at other brokerages.[1]

Also, each sale is handled by a team instead of a single agent. That means that someone is usually available to handle a home tour, but each customer may get less personalized attention than they’d get from a conventional agent.

Clever Real Estate is a top alternative to Redfin. Clever is available nationwide and also charges a 1.5% listing fee like Redfin. Unlike the varying rates you might find with Redfin, Clever provides certainty in costs with a flat 1.5% listing fee. It connects sellers with pre-vetted local agents from well-known brokerages like Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX, ensuring a personalized, full-service experience. 

Plus, interviewing agents through Clever costs you nothing unless you choose to work with one. For sellers prioritizing rapport and direct agent support, Clever offers a compelling alternative. Fill out this form to get started!

If you're still exploring options beyond Clever, it's worthwhile to consider other competitors:

• SimpleShowing offers a lower 1% listing commission but is limited to sellers in Florida, Georgia, and Texas. It also imposes a minimum $5,000 listing fee, which could be costlier than Redfin's offer in some cases. Like Redfin, high sales volume might mean reduced personal attention.
• Houwzer charges a 1% listing commission with a $2,500 minimum, offering a competitive rate compared to Redfin's 1.5–2%. It also caps commissions at $10,000, which benefits sellers with higher-priced homes. However, availability is limited to a few East Coast markets.

Each of these alternatives has unique features and market presence, so it's essential to weigh the pros and cons based on your specific needs and location.

How does Redfin work?

When you sell with Redfin, you'll get the same general range of services you'd expect from a traditional real estate agent. Redfin agents provide an expert home price valuation and CMA, professional photos, MLS listing, digital marketing, and showings. They also help with offers, contracts, negotiations, closing, etc. As a Redfin seller, your home will also be listed with a 3D walkthrough tour for potential buyers.

You can also buy a home with a Redfin agent. They provide the same general range of services as traditional buyer’s agents but with additional opportunities to save on the commission fee. For instance, Redfin’s Sign & Save program cuts the buyer agent fee by 0.25%. Buying and selling a home in the same year with a Redfin agent earns you 0.5% of the final sale price of your home as a home buyer rebate.

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. Earlier in 2024, it also unveiled a home buyer rebate program, Redfin Sign & Save.

Redfin Concierge

Previously, Redfin Concierge was a premium service where a dedicated concierge would inspect your home and recommend pre-listing enhancements such as landscaping, painting, or staging. Redfin's vendors carried out the associated work, and the costs were deducted from the sale proceeds at closing.

Today, Redfin Concierge has evolved into a line of credit that allows you to undertake necessary repairs, upgrades, and staging without any upfront costs. You can access its line of credit up to $50,000, with interest rates ranging from 8.99% to 16.99%.[2] Qualification is subject to a credit check and income verification, and the service is currently available in every state except Nevada and Mississippi.

Redfin Mortgage

Redfin's in-house mortgage broker service (formerly Bay Equity Home Loans) charges 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 buy with Redfin, its mortgage loan program could be convenient. Your loan officer will coordinate with your Redfin agent throughout the process. Still, you should compare rates from a few different lenders to make sure you're securing the best deal. Even half a percentage point can add up to a lot of money over the life of a loan.

Note: Following its acquisition by Rocket Companies, Redfin's Mortgage product is anticipated to undergo significant changes. The transaction is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2025.[3]

Redfin Sign & Save

Redfin Sign & Save is a home buyer rebate program that offers 0.25% cash back to any buyer who signs a buyer agency agreement with a Redfin agent before their second home tour. Once you’ve committed to a Redfin agent, you have 180 days to buy a home with that agent, and receive a rebate after closing.

Are Redfin agents good?

Your experience will depend on the agent

As with any real estate brokerage, some Redfin agents will be highly qualified and professional, while others will be less experienced or harder to work with. You’ll want to do your due diligence before committing to a Redfin agent.

Redfin is fairly transparent when it comes to customer satisfaction and agent profiles. When you search for Redfin agents near you, you can view their average customer rating, read detailed Redfin agent reviews (good and bad), and see past and active deals on a map (which tells you what neighborhoods they typically work in).

Redfin Partner Agents may cost more

If you use Redfin's agent finder tool, you may see results for Redfin Partner Agents. This name is slightly misleading; these are agents from other brokerages who pay Redfin a fee to send customers their way. They work in markets not covered by Redfin or step in when all Redfin agents are busy.

These Partner Agents don’t have to honor Redfin's pricing model or offer any discounts, nor are buyers eligible for a Redfin Sign & Save buyer rebate if they use a Redfin Partner Agent.

Redfin fees and savings

Redfin charges sellers a 1.5–2% listing fee, depending on the market. This translates to thousands of dollars in potential savings compared with the industry-standard listing commission rate of 2.5–3%.

Redfin's 1.5% listing fee saves you an average of $5,550 in commission 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%.

After a recent settlement in a federal class-action lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors (NAR), sellers are no longer required to pay buyer’s agent commissions. However, most sellers will still offer a “buyer agent concession,” similar to paying the buyer’s agent commission. If not for this concession, buyers would have to pay for their agent out of pocket on top of the down payment, closing costs, and other fees. The amount of the buyer agent concession will vary between markets, so consult your Redfin agent to find out what’s competitive where you’re selling.

Even if you offer a 2.5% buyer agent concession, you’ll still pay a total real estate commission of only 4%—a big savings compared with traditional agents who usually cost up to 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 start at $2,000 and vary between markets. On average, Redfin's minimum fee is $3,300, but it's as high as $8,500 in some areas.

Depending on your home price and location, Redfin could cost 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 $6,000, bringing your actual listing commission rate to 3%.

If you're selling a lower-priced home in your market, it's a good idea to compare a few discount brokerages to ensure you get the best rates.

Find Redfin minimum fees in your area

Is Redfin legitimate?

Yes, Redfin is a fully licensed and legitimate national real estate brokerage. Since launching in Seattle in 2004, it's become one of the largest discount brokerages in the U.S. Redfin has more than 4,000 employees and offices in 100+ markets across the U.S. and Canada.[4]

Redfin also became a publicly traded company in 2017, which means it's subject to extra government oversight and a mandate for transparent business practices.

That said, Redfin uses a unique business model that may not motivate agents to get you the best possible deal. It’s also not very open about pricing, minimum fees, and fine print that may disqualify buyers from its many offers and programs. So, you’ll have to dig to unearth details about Redfin’s services.

In particular, you should look out for:

• Minimum fees for home sellers that vary by location
• Criteria that may disqualify you from a specific service or offer (for example, the 180-day time limit for the buyer rebate, or inadvertently being referred to a Redfin Partner Agent)

Redfin has consistently demonstrated strong performance in the real estate market. For three consecutive years, it has ranked among the top residential real estate brokerages nationwide.

In 2024, Redfin agents completed 46,421 transactions, which resulted in over $29 billion in sales, positioning Redfin at No. 7 for the most transactions and No. 8 for the highest sales volume among brokers. The average Redfin agent closed more than 23 deals in 2024, tripling the transaction count compared to agents from other top 10 brokerages.[1]

Bottom line: Is Redfin right for you?

Redfin is a legitimate company that has helped thousands of people buy and sell homes. The brokerage offers significant savings over the standard 3% commission rate, particularly if you buy and sell with the brokerage. However, fees vary by market and many sellers pay more than the advertised 1.5%. Redfin's formerly competitive buyer rebate has also dwindled to 0.25% of the sale price.

While Redfin's tech platform has earned high praise for customers — particularly buyers who find it easy to book tours — 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.

Ultimately, whether Redfin is a good choice depends on your service needs and the quality of the Redfin agents in your area.

We recommend comparing Redfin to at least 2–3 additional low-commission real estate companies to decide if it's right for you.

⚡ Ready to save thousands on fees and work with a top-rated agent? Answer a few simple questions to be instantly matched with a qualified agent who charges just 1.5%—no obligation, no hassle.

Frequently asked questions about Redfin

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