Who should use Redfin? | Redfin fees | How it works | Redfin vs. other discount brokers | Buyer rebate | Find Redfin reviews from real customers
✍️ Editor’s take: Redfin's low listing fees make it a great option for sellers looking to save. But most people will find better overall value with another discount brand. |
Redfin is a popular home search tool and discount real estate brokerage with licensed real estate agents who can help you buy or sell a home.
Redfin’s primary offering is discounted services for home sellers. You'll pay a 1.5% listing fee instead of the traditional 2.5–3%.
The biggest potential tradeoff is service. Some Redfin reviews say agents don't provide enough hands-on support, which could lead to mistakes like underpricing your home.
Depending on your price point and situation, you may find better service, lower rates (or both) with another discount brokerage. Compare agents from a few local companies to find the best fit for your situation!
» MORE: Compare the best low commission real estate brokers of 2022
 Redfin, at a glance | |
|---|---|
$5,550* | |
3.9 (416 reviews) | |
100+ U.S. cities | |
*Compared with a 3% listing fee at four different price points. | |
Who should use Redfin?
If you’re looking to sell your house, you can list with a Redfin agent and potentially save some money on commission. Redfin agents charge about half of what you might pay a conventional realtor. If Redfin is in your area, it’s worth considering: it's a well-established brand and has some experienced agents. But also note that Redfin's rates and service aren't actually as good as some of its competitors and customer reviews are mixed. Learn more about selling with Redfin here.
You can also sell your house to Redfin directly for cash in select U.S. cities via its iBuying service, RedfinNow. You can sign up online and, if your home qualifies, you’ll get a preliminary cash offer back within a few days. While Redfin pays more for homes than the average house flipper, it charges higher service fees than other iBuyers like Opendoor and Offerpad.
Redfin also works with home buyers and offers money-back rebates on eligible home purchases. Unlike some other discount real estate brands, Redfin doesn't specify a set rebate amount, but claims the average refund is $1,750. Note that these rebates aren't available everywhere and subject to numerous terms and restrictions. Learn more about buying with Redfin here.
What is Redfin?
Redfin is best known for its popular home search tool, but it’s also a real estate brokerage with licensed agents who can help you sell or buy a home.
Unlike other big-name brokerages (think Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX), Redfin is a discount brokerage. In the simplest terms, that means:
- Redfin offers potential commission savings for home sellers and buyers.
- Those savings may come at the expense of service quality and support.
How much can you save with Redfin?
When you sell with a Redfin agent, you'll likely pay 4–4.5% in total commission fees — compared with traditional realtors who usually cost about 5–6%.
» MORE: How much does Redfin cost?
Home buyers can also save with Redfin. Redfin refunds eligible buyers a portion of the commission it collects from sellers — on average, $1,750 — though this offer is only available in select states, and numerous terms and restrictions apply.
» MORE: How does the Redfin Refund work?
More recently, Redfin launched RedfinNow, a direct cash buyer service (commonly known as iBuying) that makes instant offers with flexible closing timelines on qualifying homes — for an additional fee, of course.
Is Redfin legitimate?
Yes, Redfin is a fully licensed real estate brokerage in all of the states it operates in. Since launching in Seattle, WA, in 2004, it's become one of the largest discount brokers in the United States by far, with 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 a lot of digging to unearth fine-print 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
- Exclusionary criteria that may disqualify you from a specific service or offer
How does Redfin work?
Redfin's primary offering is savings for home sellers and buyers. But can it really offer discounted rates and rebates and still turn a profit?
The simple answer is yes, with a catch.
How Redfin creates savings
- 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
- Using technology and a team-based approach to handle a higher volume of customers per agent
- Upselling existing customers on additional Redfin services
Redfin listing fees: How much does Redfin cost?
Service | Fee* |
|---|---|
Listing fee | |
Buyer's agent commission | 2.5–3% |
Total commission | 4–4.5% |
*Cost to sell with a Redfin agent. | |
For a 1.5% listing fee, sellers can work with a Redfin agent and have a similar experience to working with a traditional agent. This is a big discount compared with the 2.5–3% 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.
Home price | Listing fee* | Rate | Savings** |
|---|---|---|---|
$100,000 | $3,350 | 3.4% | -$350 |
$250,000 | $3,750 | 1.5% | $3,750 |
$500,000 | $7,500 | 1.5% | $7,500 |
$750,000 | $11,250 | 1.5% | $11,250 |
Average | $6,450 | 2.0% | $5,550 |
*Redfin's average minimum fee is $3,350. Actual minimum fees vary by market. **Compared with a 3% listing fee. | |||
Overall, Redfin offers solid value to sellers — though its 1.5% fee is not the lowest commission rate available.
» MORE: Find the best low commission real estate companies
Listing fees are more competitive when you buy with Redfin, too. If you sell and buy with a Redfin agent within a single calendar year, Redfin will issue a 0.5% refund at the time of your purchase. This effectively drops your listing fee to 1%.
💡 You'll still likely cover the buyer's agent commission As with most real estate transactions, Redfin sellers are still responsible for offering a commission to the buyer's agent. Rates are negotiable and vary by market, but 2.5–3% is typical nationwide. For Redfin sellers, this will bring your total commission to 4–4.5%. |
» MORE: How does a buyer's agent commission work?
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're getting 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 |
Are Redfin agents good?
All Redfin agents are fully licensed real estate agents and provide the same general range of services and support as traditional realtors.
The main differences between Redfin and traditional agents:
- Redfin agents typically work with more customers at once
- Redfin agents are salaried, while traditional agents work on commission
- Redfin's process is more tech-driven
Team-based approach
As a Redfin seller, you'll likely work with several Redfin team members instead of a single, dedicated agent. This team-based service model allows Redfin agents to work more efficiently and manage more customers at once.
Working with a team isn't necessarily a bad thing. But it can mean a greater risk of miscommunication, delays, and mistakes. If you have a question or an unexpected issue, you might find that your agent doesn't have the full context on what's happening with your sale.
Tech-driven process
While many discount brokers use technology to handle more customers, Redfin is probably the only one with the tech and resources to create a high-quality experience.
When you work with Redfin, you'll choose your agent by browsing through different agent profiles online. Then during the sales process, you'll primarily communicate with your agent over the phone and through a Seller Dashboard on Redfin's website.
That said, while Redfin beats most of its peers when it comes to its online platform, chances are it’ll still feel a bit more hands-off than working with a traditional realtor.
Your experience depends on the agent
As with any real estate brokerage, some Redfin agents will be great 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 say that their agents didn't take the time to price their house right.
Luckily, 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 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, TX.
⚠️ 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 whatsoever. |
How does Redfin compare to similar services?
Company | Listing fee | Avg. customer rating |
|---|---|---|
1.5% (minimum fees vary by market) | $5,550 | |
1% or $3,000 | $7,375 | |
1% | $7,125 | |
$5,000 | $7,000 | |
*Average of savings vs. a 3% commission at four price points: $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, $750,000. | ||
While Redfin offers significant savings over traditional realtors, its 1.5% listing fee is actually pretty middle-of-the-pack compared with other discount brokers and services. Depending on your home price, location, and individual preferences, you might find better value with a Redfin competitor.
Redfin vs. Clever Real Estate
Clever Real Estate
Learn More💲 Listing Fee
$3,000 or 1%
💰 Buyer Savings
Up to 0.5% cash back
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.9/5 (1,289 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 November 11, 2021, Clever has a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, based on 1,289 reviews.
Clever has pre-negotiated low commission rates with top agents in all 50 states and Washington, DC.
The best alternative to Redfin is Clever Real Estate because it offers bigger savings and best-in-class service.
Clever is a free, nationwide service that matches you with top agents from local brokerages and pre-negotiates huge discounts on your behalf.
When you sell with Clever, you'll pay a listing fee of just $3,000 or 1%. Those rates are more affordable than Redfin for many sellers. On a $500,000 home sale, finding your agent through Clever could save you $2,500 more than using Redfin.
All of Clever's partner agents come from full-service brokerages like Keller Williams and Coldwell Banker, so you can sell with a traditional agent for a third of the typical price!
💰 MORE: Learn how Clever works and how much you can save
Redfin vs. Simple Showing
SimpleShowing
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
1% (min. $3,500)
💰 Avg. Savings
$7,125
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.9/5 (238 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 (238 reviews) across popular review sites like Google, Trustpilot, and Zillow.
SimpleShowing is available in the following areas: FL, GA, TX.
SimpleShowing offers a similar experience to Redfin for a lower rate. While Redfin charges a base 1.5% listing fee, SimpleShowing advertises a 1% commission to home sellers in Florida, Georgia, and Texas.
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
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
$5,000
💰 Avg. Savings
$7,000
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.8/5 (1,300 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 4.8 out of 5 rating (1,300 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Zillow.
Houwzer is available in the following locations: FL, MD, NJ, PA, VA, DC.
If you're selling a more expensive home, Houwzer may offer better overall value than Redfin. Houwzer charges a flat $5,000 listing fee to every seller — so you'll pay the same commission no matter what your home's sale price is.
Houwzer offers a similar customer experience to Redfin, so deciding which one is the best fit for you comes down to your home price, as well as the quality of the agents in your area.
In general, Redfin's 1.5% listing commission offers bigger savings for homes up to $500,000. Above that price point, Houwzer's flat $5,000 listing fee is a better deal.
Redfin offers better savings for homes up to $500,000. Above that, Houwzer's flat listing fee is a better deal.
» MORE: Read the full Houwzer review
Hire the agent, not the brand
Choosing an agent is a very personal decision, and it's important to choose someone you're comfortable with. Whether you're a seller or buyer, remember that there's NEVER any obligation to work with a particular agent from any company.
Interviewing a few different agents is the best way to find the right fit for your situation. Try shopping around to find the right combination of service and fees!
» MORE: Compare the top low commission brokers near you (2022 rankings)
Selling with Redfin
👍 Biggest benefits of selling with Redfin
|
👎 Biggest risks of selling with Redfin
|
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 valuation, professional photos, MLS listing, digital marketing, showings, help with offers, contracts, negotiations, closing, and more.
✍️ 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 should be aware of a few key differences, though.
Redfin handles most of the sales process remotely
With Redfin, you'll choose your agent by browsing through different agent profiles online. Then during the sales process, you'll communicate with your agent over the phone and through a Seller Dashboard on Redfin's website.
Many discount brokers use technology to streamline communication between sellers and agents. But Redfin may have a slight edge because its technology is more sophisticated and user-friendly.
If you're comfortable with a more hands-off approach, working with a Redfin agent could be a good choice. But if you prefer in-person support, it might not be the best option.
Redfin has a more team-based approach
Redfin claims that its agents handle approximately 3x more sales than the average realtor. To manage the higher volume of deals, your Redfin agent will likely hand off aspects of your sale to other team members.
Some traditional realtors have similar collaborative relationships — but you typically have one agent who acts as your point of contact. With Redfin, you may find it a bit more difficult to get in touch with the right person when you need immediate assistance.
Additionally, having more people involved in the process could mean a greater risk of disorganization, mistakes, and delays that could jeopardize your sale.
Buying with Redfin
You can also buy a home with Redfin agents. They provide the same general range of services as traditional realtors. But, as with selling, expect less hands-on attention and support.
Buying with a Redfin agent won't cost you anything — in real estate, the fee for the buyer's agent comes out of the seller's proceeds from the sale. However, be aware of a few savings opportunities:
- If you sell and buy with Redfin, you'll get back 0.5% of your listing fee, dropping you to an effective 1% rate.
- Depending on your location and situation, you could qualify for a Redfin Refund, which means you’ll get back a portion of Redfin's commission to put toward your closing costs.
What is the Redfin Refund?
The Redfin Refund is a commission rebate — also known as a home buyer rebate — to buyers in select markets. If you're eligible, you'll get a percentage of Redfin's commission back that you can put toward your closing costs.
Average refund for ELIGIBLE buyers is $1,750
Redfin doesn't specify an exact amount or percentage but says the average refund for qualifying buyers is $1,750.
⚠️ Buyer rebates are subject to lender approval: Commission rebates typically require lender approval, can only be used in certain ways (e.g., to buy points on your mortgage, cover closing costs), and are never guaranteed. In fact, some states don't allow them at all. |
Like all home buyer rebate programs, the Redfin Refund is subject to quite a few terms and conditions:
- The Redfin Refund may be cancelled or adjusted if the commission received by Redfin is less than 1% of the home’s list price or $6,500 (whichever is greater).
- The Redfin Refund may not be paid if the home is purchased as a short sale.
Where the Redfin Refund is NOT available
The Redfin Refund is not available in certain Redfin markets, including:
Alaska | Missouri |
Birmingham, AL | Nebraska |
Cleveland, OH | Oklahoma |
El Paso, TX | Oregon |
Iowa | San Antonio, TX |
Kansas | South Texas |
Little Rock, AR | Tennessee |
Louisiana | Tucson, AZ |
Louisville, KY | Wisconsin |
Mississippi |
Redfin reviews from real buyers and sellers
Rating | # of reviews | |
|---|---|---|
Weighted average | 3.9 | 416 |
4.3 | 59 | |
Yelp* | 3.5 | 126 |
4 | 206 | |
3.7 | 25 | |
*These reviews are for Redfin’s Seattle, WA, office. Reviews will vary by location. Note: The following review information is up to date as of 11/9/2021. We will update this section as new information becomes available. | ||
Overall, Redfin’s reviews across third-party sites are mixed, with an average customer rating of 3.9 across 416 total reviews.
But it’s important to remember:
- Redfin’s reviews will vary by location. For example, Redfin’s Seattle, WA, office has a 4.3 average rating on Google, whereas its Austin, TX, office has a 3.0.
- The vast majority of reviews are on Redfin’s website, not third-party sites.
So what are people saying about working with Redfin?
What customers like about Redfin
The most common themes among positive Redfin reviews are:
✅ Great savings and value
✅ Easy-to-use technology
✅ Good experience with specific agents
What customers DON'T like about Redfin
The most common themes among negative Redfin reviews are:
❌ Costly pricing mistakes
❌ Poor communication and lack of support
❌ Inexperienced or unprofessional agents
The key takeaway here is that, assuming you're on board with Redfin's tech-centric and team-driven approach, the experience and outcome really comes down to the individual agent you work with.
ALWAYS read local reviews and interview multiple agents — from Redfin and other brokerages in your area — to compare rates and find the best option for you.
» MORE: Who's the best discount real estate broker of 2022?
Additional Redfin services
Like many discount brokers, Redfin offers some additional in-house services to customers — including mortgage loans, a home sale prep service, and cash buyer service.
RedfinNow
RedfinNow is a service that will buy your home for cash. If your home qualifies, you can get a cash offer and close in as few as 10 days for a 6–12% fee.
This service might be worth it if you want to sell your home quickly and without any repairs. But you'll likely sacrifice a big chunk of your profits to expensive service fees.
» MORE: RedfinNow review: Are Redfin's cash offers worth it?
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 State. |
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 going with 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.
Conclusion: Is Redfin a good option for you?
Redfin is a totally 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.
Redfin locations, minimum fees, contact info
Contact info
Phone | (877) 973-3346 |
Customer service | |
Hours | 8 am–5 pm PST, Sun–Sat |