A 1% commission realtor typically works for a 1% real estate commission (or close to it), which is far less than the traditional 2.5–3% listing fee. On a $500,000 sale, that lower rate can save you $7,500 to $10,000 while you still receive full-service support from pricing through closing.
However, true 1% agents are rare and often come with tradeoffs. One of the most common mistakes we see is sellers focusing only on the advertised commission rate, without factoring in minimum fees, service limits, or the risk of pricing mistakes that can cost far more than the commission savings. Many sellers get better value at 1.5% or 2% commission.
The key is knowing which agents in your area offer genuine savings without compromising quality. Not all discount brokerages are the same: Some limit service to keep costs low, while others (like Clever Real Estate) pre-negotiate reduced fees with experienced, full-service agents from trusted brokerages.
| When 1% commission makes sense | When it (usually) doesn’t |
|---|---|
| Hot sellers market | Unique or hard-to-price homes |
| Move-in-ready homes | Markets with rising inventory |
| High price points | Sellers needing pricing or negotiation help |
| Repeat or referral clients | First-time sellers |
A 1% model is most effective if your home is move-in ready and demand is strong. If your property requires more intensive marketing or a personalized approach, you may prefer a full-service discount option at 1.5% or 2% that still provides premium support.
Below, we break down when a 1% commission makes sense, where it falls short, and how to compare your best low-commission options.
What is a 1% commission realtor?
A 1% commission realtor refers to a commission structure in which the listing agent receives 1% (or close to it) of the house's sale price as payment. Examples of popular 1% commission realtor services include Clever Real Estate, Redfin, and UpNest.
Most real estate agents work on a commission-only basis. When a home sells, the agents get a percentage of the sale price as a service fee. The seller pays this fee at closing and varies, but typically averages 5–6%, with each agent getting 2.5–3% commission.
With a 1% commission, the seller’s agent sets their commission at roughly 1%, substantially lower than the typical 2.5–3%. This also means you don't have to personally negotiate commissions lower with that agent, since the 1% rate is already predetermined.
However, it’s worth noting that the buyer’s agent usually still gets a traditional amount, so the total commission might still be around 3.5-4% (1% for the seller’s agent and 2.5-3% for the buyer’s agent).
Some 1% agents charge slightly more than 1%, a common fee being 1.5%. However, they're typically still considered low commission realtors, or "1% agents."
Differences between 1% realtors and traditional agents
| Factor | 1% realtors | Traditional agents |
|---|---|---|
| Commission rate | 1–1.5% | 2.5–3% |
| Service level | May be limited or à la carte | Full-service, end-to-end support |
| Marketing | Basic (MLS listing, standard photos) | Advanced (pro photos, drone footage, 3D tours, open houses) |
| Paperwork support | Often minimal — may require DIY or attorney help | Typically included |
| Agent experience | May include newer or lower-volume agents | Varies — often more experienced |
The biggest difference between these two options is the commission rate, with 1% realtors charging a 1-1.5% rate, compared to the usual 2.5-3%.
But commission isn’t the only thing that sets them apart — the level of service and agent experience can also vary widely.
What you get with a 1% realtor
Agents who offer discounted rates may streamline or scale back their services. You might get:
- A basic MLS listing
- Limited photos or marketing support
- Little to no help with paperwork or negotiations
Some 1% agents are relatively new to the industry and may take on clients to gain experience. They might also be more focused on closing quickly, which could mean less emphasis on getting you top dollar.
However, the agent's experience level and quality depend heavily on the company and the agent. Some companies pre-negotiate low listing fees of (1-2%) with full-service agents from well-known brokerages. That means you can still get expert support, strategic pricing, and hands-on help, just without the full 3% price tag.
What traditional agents typically provide
Full-price agents usually deliver a more comprehensive service package, including:
- Professional photography and video (drone, 3D tours, etc.)
- Open houses and staging support
- Full paperwork, pricing, and negotiation assistance
You’ll likely pay more in commission, but the added service may be worth it if your home needs extra marketing or hands-on support to sell.
Traditional realtors typically charge a 2.5-3% commission rate and offer a wide range of services. These services often include advanced marketing techniques such as drone photography and 3D video tours, hosting open houses, and comprehensive assistance with paperwork and negotiations with buyers.
💡Key tip: Service quality can vary widely among both 1% and traditional real estate agents, and not all may offer the full range of services described. It's important to thoroughly research and carefully select realtors to ensure you find one that meets your needs.
That’s why we recommend starting with Clever Real Estate. Clever connects you with top-rated, full-service agents in your area — but at a fraction of the usual 2.5–3% listing fee. You'll get expert guidance and support without overpaying.
Best 1% commission realtors
How we evaluated 1% commission realtors
Our editorial team reviewed more than 40 low-commission brokerages, including true 1% agents, 1–1.5% full-service models, and regional discount firms. We evaluated pricing transparency, minimum fees, service levels, geographic availability, and verified customer reviews.
1. Clever Real Estate
What Clever offers: Lower commission without cutting service. Take a short quiz, get matched with vetted local agents, and choose the best fit to sell your home.
What customers say: Reviews are overwhelmingly positive with praise for service quality and experienced agents. A small minority report poor service or rude agents.
Best for: Sellers who want a lower listing fee without giving up full service.
✅ Editor’s take: Clever is the best pick for most sellers. Pay a simple 1.5% listing fee and still get full service from conventional realtors at name-brand brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX.
2. Redfin
Commission rate: 1.5%. Sellers who also buy a home through Redfin can get a further 0.5% reduction to bring the listing fee down to 1%. Minimum fees apply and vary widely by market, ranging from about $2,000 to $9,000 in higher-cost areas like San Francisco.
Availability: Nationwide.
What Redfin offers: Redfin is a discount brokerage with a base fee of 1.5%, with minimum fees that vary by market (more expensive markets generally have higher minimum fees). In July 2025, Rocket Companies acquired Redfin and rebranded the platform as Redfin powered by Rocket, integrating Redfin’s agents with Rocket’s mortgage and lending services.
The company also offers Rocket Preferred Pricing, which gives buyers working with Redfin or Rocket partner agents either a temporary 1% mortgage rate buydown or up to $6,000 in lender credits. For higher-end homes, Redfin Premier adds enhanced marketing, including professional video, drone photography, and targeted ads.
What actual customers say online: Reviews are mixed. Many sellers praise the savings and smooth transactions, while others report communication issues and reliance on third-party services.
Who Redfin is best for: Sellers who plan to both sell and buy through Redfin and can offset the commission savings against the minimum fee in their market.
» MORE: Clever vs. Redfin breakdown
3. Prevu
Commission rate: 2%, with varying minimum fees. Unfortunately, the minimum fees aren't shared publicly.
Availability: Prevu is licensed to operate in 13 states.
What Prevu offers: Prevu offers both home-selling and home-buying services. Sellers pay a discounted commission rate of 2% (though minimum fees do apply). Buyers can take advantage of Prevu’s Smart Buyer rebate program. These rebates are issued as a check after closing. The company claims that buyers receive an average of $25,000.
What actual customers say online: Prevu has outstanding overall reviews. Customers praise the quality of agents and the Smart Buyer rebate program, and describe the process of using Prevu as "quick and smooth."
That said, some customers note that the service is better for those who don’t mind (or even prefer) having less one-on-one agent interaction.
Who Prevu is best for: Home buyers who prefer a more hands-on or independent approach. However, you’ll have to be in one of its relatively small number of markets to take advantage of it.
Other top picks
Houwzer
Commission rate: Houwzer charges a 1% listing fee, with a minimum fee of $2,500.
Availability: Houwzer is available in 7 markets.
What Houwzer offers: Houwzer does both home sales and purchases and claims to provide "full-service realty for thousands less."[1] The company also offers a rebate of up to half the buyer’s commission when you purchase a home.
What actual customers say online: Houwzer has largely positive reviews online, with many customers saying they had a great experience with the company. Most negative complaints center on the company’s business model and its impact on service—in other words, some customers felt that Houwzer agents were incentivized to sell homes quickly, regardless of price.
Who Houwzer is best for: Thanks to its low minimum fee, Houwzer could be a good choice for sellers of lower-valued homes.
» MORE: Houwzer vs. Redfin
SimpleShowing
Commission rate: 1%, with a minimum fee of $5,000.
Availability: SimpleShowing is only licensed in Florida, Georgia, and Texas.
What SimpleShowing offers: SimpleShowing offers both selling and buying services. Sellers can use a 1% commission rate (with a $5,000 minimum), while buyers receive $5,000 or more toward closing costs.
What actual customers say online: SimpleShowing is a smaller broker with relatively few online reviews. The few reviews are very positive, emphasizing the professionalism of the realtors and the quality of service received (despite the discounted listing fee).
Who SimpleShowing is best for: SimpleShowing is best for sellers with homes worth over $500,000—these sellers can take full advantage of the 1% listing fee.
How much can you save? $500,000 house sale example
| Fees | Traditional commission | 1% commission |
|---|---|---|
| Listing fee | 3% | 1% |
| Buyer's agent fee | 3% | 3% |
| Total fees | 6% | 4% |
| Total commission | $30,000 | $20,000 |
Choosing a 1% commission realtor could save you thousands in fees — especially compared to the traditional 6% model. In the example above, selling a $500,000 home with a 1% listing agent would cost $20,000 in total commission, compared to $30,000 with a traditional agent.
That’s a $10,000 difference — a meaningful boost to your bottom line.
While this is a simplified example, it shows how even a small change in commission rate can have a big financial impact.
Why would an agent work for just 1% commission?
Accepting a 1% commission as a real estate agent may seem like a bad deal, but it can benefit the agent in certain situations.
In a hot seller's market. In areas of the country with high demand for homes and a limited supply, properties tend to sell quickly – which means a fast paycheck for the agent. Some agents are willing to accept a smaller paycheck if they know the money will be received more quickly.
"When a seller agrees to price aggressively, and we expect a quick turnaround, I’m happy to be flexible," says Leticia Sotomayor, an agent based in San Bernardino County, California.
High-priced, or luxury home listings. Selling expensive properties can still be profitable with a 1% commission. For example, selling a $2 million home at a 1% commission brings in $20,000. Even after accounting for brokerage splits and listing expenses, such as photography, the agent should still earn a substantial profit.
For the referral potential. Referrals are important for realtors, plain and simple. Happy clients who find their agent through a friend or family member will likely pass on the good word, potentially bringing more business. Some agents may be willing to earn a smaller paycheck in anticipation of new business.
“If it’s a referral, a repeat client, or someone in a tough financial spot, I’m more likely to be flexible," says Sotomayor.
For positive reviews. Strong customer reviews and successful sales help build an agent's reputation, which is good for their long-term career.
For multiple transactions. Sometimes an agent might handle both the sale of the current home and the purchase of a new one for the same client. This can double their commission earnings. So, they may be willing to accept a significantly lower listing commission, as they'll also earn a buyer's agent commission.
“If I know I’ll also be helping the client buy their next home, I’m usually willing to lower my fee on the sale," says Ryan Radecki, a Central Indiana-based real estate agent.
However, a 1% commission might not be beneficial for hard-to-sell properties, such as homes requiring major repairs, overpriced properties, or those in less desirable locations.
What we found when reviewing minimum fees
When analyzing minimum listing fees across dozens of low-commission brokerages, we found that many “1%” agents only charge that rate on higher-priced homes. In lower-priced markets, minimum fees often push the effective commission closer to 1.5–2%.
How to choose a 1% realtor
1. Compare the costs
The costs of using a 1% realtor are actually less straightforward than you might think. There are several things to keep in mind:
While the listing agent’s fees might be 1%, they’re often a bit higher—closer to 1.5%. It’s just easier (and, frankly, sounds better) to refer to them as “1% realtors.”
Many 1% realtors have a minimum fee that, depending on the price of your home, may come out well above 1%.
Remember that the “1%” in “1% realtor” refers to the listing fee. However, sellers often pay the buyer’s agent fees, which could also increase the total agent fees to 3–4%.
Some (though not all) 1% realtors charge additional fees for services like home staging. These can add up if you're not careful.
Ultimately, this means that you should compare costs between different brokers before committing and confirm all costs to avoid any surprises.
2. Compare service levels
Discount realtors can be divided into two basic types: full-service and limited-service. Full-service real estate agents are the traditional agents most people think of—they’ll handle everything necessary to get your house sold, and often some extras on top of that, including:
Negotiating with buyers and their agents.
Providing advice on offers and counteroffers.
Performing a comparative market analysis (CMA).
Coordinating professional photos of your home.
Hosting open houses.
Assisting with staging.
Limited-service agents are often less expensive but don’t offer one or more of these services (or charge an extra fee for them). However, these services can be vital not just for a good experience but also for getting the best price for your home. As such, sellers should generally avoid companies providing fewer services or little in-person support—the potential pitfalls are rarely worth the up-front savings.
3. Consider agent reviews
When choosing an agent, it's important to seek out reviews from actual customers. Agents will always paint themselves in the best light, but reality can sometimes look very different—past customers are the best source of truth about how an agent will conduct themselves.
Emily Dawson, a realtor with Coldwell Banker in Savannah, Georgia, says, “Look for agents that demonstrate honesty, integrity, and strong communication. The right agent will have the best interests of their clients in mind.”
She also cautions against realtors representing the buyer and seller: “One of my business values is to only represent one person in the same transaction—either the buyer or the seller. Both deserve full representation and the ability to walk away from the transaction knowing they were represented well.” It's hard to get that when there’s only one agent involved.
Finally, you should prioritize the reputation of individual agents over that of agencies or brands. A stellar agent at a mediocre agency will certainly be better than a mediocre agent at a stellar agency, because most real estate agents operate as independent contractors, even when affiliated with a brand.
4. Assess the agent's market knowledge
Knowledge of the local real estate market is one of the most important and valuable assets a realtor can bring to the table. It ensures that the seller can get the best possible price for your property.
Dawson says, “Understanding the markets that the agent serves is key on so many levels. If you're listing your home, you want an agent who is up-to-date with market trends. Agents from other markets won’t be familiar with local trends, rules, codes, history, and neighborhoods. In other words, they won’t have the knowledge needed to provide top-tier service in markets they’re not familiar with.”
Experience also plays a role here. It’s not necessarily bad to go with a new agent (they have to start somewhere!), but one with years of experience may be more likely to get you the desired results. When choosing an agent, look for a track record of successful sales.
5. Evaluate communication and availability
Lastly, look for an agent who communicates well. Someone proactive and clear in communication can make selling your home much less stressful—few things are as frustrating as trying to chase down your realtor for information.
Availability is also important. An agent doesn’t necessarily have to be on call 24/7, but they should be available at the times you need them to be. Remember, the agent is working for you, and their main job, aside from selling the home, is to make your life easier during the process.
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