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).
Redfin agents typically offer the same range of service and support you'd receive from a traditional real estate agent. However, each Redfin agent handles a high sales volume and is paid a salary by Redfin instead of making a percentage-based commission on each sale.[1]
Redfin’s reviews from customers are generally positive, though some customers said their Redfin agent was inattentive, hard to reach, or not experienced enough to properly navigate their sale. Others praised how professional their agents were and the easy-to-use Redfin tech platform. In general, Redfin is probably best for sellers in a fast-moving market who don’t need much one-on-one attention from their agent.
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!
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.
Join thousands of happy homeowners saving thousands with Clever.
Clever negotiates lower insider rates on your behalf with top performing agents from Berkshire Hathaway, Keller Williams, and hundreds of other brokerages. When you work with Clever, you can sell for just 1.5%—roughly half the traditional fee.
We recommend comparing Redfin to at least 2–3 additional low-commission real estate companies to decide if it's right for you. Read on to learn more from our Redfin review, including how it works and what real customers have to say in their Redfin reviews.
Is Redfin right for you?
Redfin is worth considering if you’re buying or selling a home in one of the 80+ markets it services. Redfin agents charge a 1.5% listing fee, or about half the traditional listing commission, so there’s real savings potential. It’s also a well-established national brand that employs many high-quality real estate agents.
Many customers say Redfin agents are experienced, responsive, and professional in their reviews. However, a handful of reviews call out poor communication and inexperienced agents.
When searching for a real estate agent, always look closely at customer reviews and past transactions. Ideally, your Redfin agent will have positive reviews and a solid sales history in your zip code and price range. Redfin makes this easy to do on its website.
If you're unsure about working with Redfin, we recommend comparing your prospective agent with those from a few competitors.
Redfin vs. other discount real estate brokers
Redfin can offer a lower-than-average 1.5% listing fee because it directly employs agents who work for a salary instead of a commission. Also, each sale is handled by a team instead of a single agent. That means they can manage a higher sales volume, but each customer may get less personalized attention than they’d get from a conventional agent.
Redfin also has a minimum commission in many markets. So, if you’re selling a modestly priced home, you may actually pay more than 1.5%. Once you understand that value proposition, comparing Redfin to alternatives is pretty simple.
Some brokerages offer a lower listing fee but with higher minimums or more trade-offs in service. For instance, SimpleShowing charges 1% listing commission but only to sellers in Florida, Georgia, and Texas, while Redfin is available to most of the country. It also charges a minimum $5,000 listing fee, which may be more expensive than Redfin in some markets. In addition, SimpleShowing agents handle a very high sales volume, so you may get even less personalized attention than with Redfin.
MORE: Read the full SimpleShowing review.
Similarly, Houwzer charges only a 1% listing commission, which is lower than Redfin’s 1.5% and comes with a $2,500 minimum. This beats Redfin in most markets. It also has a $10,000 maximum commission, which is great for sellers with high-priced homes. However, Houwzer is only available in a handful of East Coast markets, so not everyone can take advantage of this value.
MORE: Read the full Houwzer review.
A better direct comparison is Clever Real Estate. Clever is available in nearly every Redfin market and offers the same 1.5% listing commission. However, Clever connects sellers with pre-vetted local agents from name-brand brokerages like Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX who offer a one-on-one, full-service experience. You'll get the same time-tested traditional service for only 1.5% instead of 3%.
Clever lets sellers interview multiple agents, and its service costs nothing if you decide not to work with the agents you interview. For sellers who value personal attention from their agent from start to finish, Clever offers superior service at the same price point as Redfin. Fill out this form to get started.
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.
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, you can 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 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.
Redfin reviews and complaints from real buyers and sellers
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 are average or lower: 3.3 from Yelp, 1.4 from Consumer Affairs, and 1.14 from the Better Business Bureau, as of December 2024. The most common themes among Redfin reviews are:
Pros
- Professional agents
- Fast, easy sale
- Great tech platform
Cons
- Poor customer service
- Customers can fall through the cracks
- Some agents may be underqualified
Pros found in Redfin reviews
Seasoned, professional agents
Many satisfied customers singled out their Redfin agents for their professionalism and knowledge.
On Yelp, George U. from California wrote in July 2024 that his Redfin agents were “professional, knowledgeable, and skilled in all aspects of home buying and selling. This is not my first transaction with [Agent], and I cannot express all of my gratitude and appreciation for the stellar Redfin process and communication, coordination, and marketing skills in getting results both on the selling end and purchasing.”
Great tech platform
Redfin is almost universally acknowledged to have one of the best tech platforms of any real estate brokerage, and this sentiment is reflected in many of its positive reviews.
For example, James from St. Petersburg, FL, wrote in August 2024 that “the Redfin website was by far the best site to search for houses (it takes a while to figure out all the features and how they work, but you quickly get the hang of it).” James added that the Redfin team was responsive, and scheduling viewings online was easy.
Transactions are smooth and fast
Many positive reviewers said their sale was frictionless and didn’t take long.
On Trustpilot, Rick W. wrote in May 2024 that “the Redfin realtor and staff were always available for a phone call. All the paperwork was organized, and both were available for asking questions, and it sold in less than 6 weeks. Then, I found another property, and the same Redfin agent helped me purchase my new property, and to top it off, both selling and buying of these 2 properties were handled in the same day. Once again, Redfin is very professional, has exceptional customer service, has excellent online PDF signing of documents, has the best realtor rate in the marketplace, and is very honest.”
Cons found in Redfin reviews
Customers may get lost in the shuffle
Many negative reviewers mentioned getting passed from agent to agent or being unable to reach their designated Redfin agent. This could result from Redfin’s high-volume “team-based” approach to sales.
Bill K. in Charlotte wrote on Yelp in September 2024, “The process has been an absolute nightmare. My first agent quit on me and didn't tell me. I get a call from another agent introducing himself as my new agent. I had to submit the same documentation to them 4 times.”
“S and J” wrote on the Better Business Bureau website in April 2024, “They also tell you about an 'always available team'—this is code for your agent is grossly overbooked & will rarely, if ever, be available when you actually need them.”
Agent didn’t seem qualified or experienced enough
Several unhappy Redfin users said their agent didn’t offer them basic protections or pushed them to close their sale fast—with disastrous results.
Paige L. in Denver wrote on Google in August 2024 that her Redfin agent rushed and mishandled her home purchase, failing to ensure all agreed-upon repairs were done before closing.
“[Agent] blew past safety checkpoints that should've protected me. Based on her actions … they are grossly under-qualified to handle high-stakes transactions.”
Agent offered poor customer service
Many negative reviews mentioned an inattentive or uncommunicative agent, which could result from Redfin’s business model. Because Redfin agents don’t work for a percentage-based commission, they get paid the same regardless of the outcome of your transaction. Some agents may use this as justification to do the minimum (or less).
In September 2024, Joshua W. from California wrote on Yelp that his agent wasn’t attentive and provided inaccurate information throughout the purchase process.
“In our preferred area, Redfin linked us with [Agent]. At [the] first [meeting], I knew he was not focused or dedicated to the moment [as he was] always on his phone. However, I gave it a shot, thinking agents must be on the phone, it's a business. Well, I was wrong! After we viewed our 3 homes, [Agent]'s misinformation never stopped.”
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
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Listing commission | 1-1.5% |
| Buyer’s agent concession (negotiable) | 2.5-3% (suggested) |
| Total commission paid | 3.5-4.5% |
Redfin agents charge a 1.5% listing fee to sellers. This translates to thousands of dollars in potential savings compared with the industry-standard listing commission rate of 2.5–3%.
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 |
**Compared with a 3% listing fee.
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
| Market | Listing Fee | Minimum Commission |
|---|---|---|
| All Other | 1.5% | $2,000 |
| Anchorage | 1.5% | $3,000 |
| Atlanta | 1.5% | $4,500 |
| Austin | 1.5% | $5,500 |
| Birmingham | 1.5% | $3,000 |
| Boise | 1.5% | $5,000 |
| Boston | 1.5% | $6,000 |
| Buffalo | 1.5% | $3,000 |
| Central California | 1.5% | $5,500 |
| Charlotte | 1.5% | $5,000 |
| Chattanooga | 1.5% | $3,000 |
| Chicago | 1.5% | $4,000 |
| Cincinnati | 1.5% | $3,000 |
| Cleveland | 1.5% | $2,500 |
| Coastal North California | 1.5% | $2,000 |
| Colorado Rockies | 1.5% | $2,000 |
| Columbus | 1.5% | $3,000 |
| Connecticut | 1.5% | $4,000 |
| Dallas | 1.5% | $4,500 |
| DC | 1.5% | $6,500 |
| Denver | 1.5% | $5,500 |
| Des Moines | 1.5% | $2,500 |
| Detroit | 1.5% | $3,500 |
| El Paso | 1.5% | $2,500 |
| Fayetteville | 1.5% | $2,000 |
| Flagstaff | 1.5% | $6,000 |
| Florida Panhandle | 1.5% | $4,500 |
| Fort Myers | 1.5% | $4,500 |
| Grand Rapids | 1.5% | $3,000 |
| Greater British Columbia | 1.5% | $4,000 |
| Greater Ontario | 1.5% | $4,000 |
| Hampton Roads | 1.5% | $3,500 |
| Hawaii | 1.5% | $6,500 |
| Houston | 1.5% | $3,500 |
| Indianapolis | 1.5% | $3,000 |
| Inland Empire | 1.5% | $6,000 |
| Jackson | 1.5% | $3,000 |
| Jacksonville | 1.5% | $4,000 |
| Kansas City | 1.5% | $3,500 |
| Knoxville | 1.5% | $4,500 |
| Lake Tahoe | 1.5% | $5,500 |
| Las Vegas | 1.5% | $4,500 |
| Little Rock | 1.5% | $3,000 |
| Los Angeles | 1.5% | $8,000 |
| Louisiana | 1.5% | $3,000 |
| Louisville | 1.5% | $3,000 |
| Maryland | 1.5% | $4,000 |
| Memphis | 1.5% | $3,000 |
| Miami | 1.5% | $5,500 |
| Minneapolis | 1.5% | $4,000 |
| Nashville | 1.5% | $4,500 |
| Nebraska | 1.5% | $3,000 |
| New Jersey - North | 1.5% | $5,000 |
| New Jersey - South | 1.5% | $4,500 |
| New Mexico | 1.5% | $3,500 |
| New York | 1.5% | $6,000 |
| Northern New England | 1.5% | $4,000 |
| Oklahoma | 1.5% | $2,500 |
| Orange County | 1.5% | $8,500 |
| Orlando | 1.5% | $3,500 |
| Ottawa | 1% | $6,500 |
| Palm Beach | 1.5% | $5,000 |
| Palm Springs | 1.5% | $5,000 |
| Philadelphia | 1.5% | $3,500 |
| Phoenix | 1.5% | $4,500 |
| Pittsburgh | 1.5% | $2,500 |
| Portland | 1.5% | $5,500 |
| Raleigh | 1.5% | $4,000 |
| Rhode Island | 1.5% | $4,000 |
| Richmond | 1.5% | $3,500 |
| Sacramento | 1.5% | $5,500 |
| Salt Lake City | 1.5% | $5,000 |
| San Antonio | 1.5% | $3,500 |
| San Diego | 1.5% | $8,500 |
| San Francisco | 1.5% | $9,000 |
| Savannah | 1.5% | $3,000 |
| Seattle | 1.5% | $6,500 |
| South Carolina | 1.5% | $3,500 |
| South Texas | 1.5% | $2,500 |
| Spokane | 1.5% | $4,500 |
| St. Louis | 1.5% | $3,500 |
| Tampa | 1.5% | $4,500 |
| Toronto | 1% | $7,500 |
| Tucson | 1.5% | $3,500 |
| Vancouver | 1% | $4,500 |
| Virginia | 1.5% | $5,500 |
| Wisconsin | 1.5% | $3,500 |
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
For a 2.5% listing fee, Redfin offers a premium home sale prep service. A Redfin concierge will inspect your home and recommend pre-listing improvements like landscaping, painting, or staging. Redfin vendors will perform the work, and payment will be deducted from your sale proceeds after closing.
Note: Redfin Concierge is only available in select markets in Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, Texas, and Washington. In August 2024, Redfin announced layoffs that largely impacted its Concierge service.[2]
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 and can afford to pay for it on the back end. Homes that are updated and move-in ready tend to sell faster and for more money.
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 much 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. Also, the service is only available in a handful of markets.
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. Moreover, they can often recommend trustworthy local contractors to perform your updates and repairs.
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.
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 and receive a rebate after closing.
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.[3]
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)
Final take: Should I use Redfin?
Redfin is a legitimate company that has helped thousands of people buy and sell homes. Ultimately, whether it's a good choice depends on your service needs, preferences, financial situation, and the quality of the Redfin agents in your area. We highly recommend comparing Redfin's benefits with those of other competitors in your area and doing your due diligence regarding its discounts and fees.
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'll likely want to offer a buyer’s agent concession—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 want to save on agent fees, prefer working with an established brand, and don’t need much personalized attention. But you should always 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, though mostly positive. Reviews vary quite a bit by location and agent, so check out a Redfin agent’s reviews and sales history before committing. See how Redfin reviews compare to the top low-commission companies in your area.
How does Redfin create 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 a team-based approach to handle more customers per agent and upsells existing customers on additional Redfin services.