This guide breaks down and ranks the top low-commission real estate agents in 2025. I aim to help you understand your options to minimize your commission fees while still getting the expert support you need for a successful sale.
However, as someone who recently bought a home using a low-commission realtor (Clever), I’ve learned firsthand that it's possible to significantly reduce this expense. These agents often offer the same professional services for as low as 1.5% for sellers – substantially lower than the usual rates of 2.5-3% charged by most seller's agents.
These rankings are based on my personal journey and insights from working with various agents. With the right one, you can keep more money in your pocket while still getting the high-quality service you need.
💰 Looking for low-commission real estate agents near you? Simply take this short quiz, and get matched with top-rated agents offering a 1.5% listing fee. Compare agents from brands like Century 21 and RE/MAX — it's free, and there's no obligation to move forward.
Editor's picks: Which low-commission real estate companies I recommend
Clever Real Estate is the best overall value of any low-commission real estate company in 2025. With Clever, you’ll pay just a 1.5% listing fee and work with top agents from name-brand brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX. This way, you get the savings of a discount agent without compromising on agent quality.
Some regional brands, like Houwzer, offer competitive fees at 1%, though they may have a smaller network and a less hands-on approach.
Generally, I recommend starting with Clever. If it finds you a good match, you’ll get best-in-class savings and full service from a legit local real estate agent. It’s free, so there’s no real risk in just seeing who it matches you with. If it strikes out, you can walk away with no obligation. Sign up to see your free agent matches today.
Best low-commission real estate companies in 2025
| Company | Listing fee | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Clever Real Estate | 1.5% (min. $3,000) | Nationwide |
| 🥈 Redfin | 1.5% (min. fee varies) | 26 states (select markets) |
| 🥉 Ideal Agent | 2% (min. $3,000) | Nationwide |
| 4. UpNest | Varies | Nationwide |
| 5. Prevu | 1.5% | 13 states (select markets) |
| 6. Houwzer | 1% | FL, MD, PA, NJ, VA |
1. 🏆 Best: Clever Real Estate
| Listing fee | 1.5% (min. $3,000) |
| Avg. customer rating | 5.0/5.0 (3,000+ reviews) |
| Locations | Nationwide |
What it is: Clever Real Estate offers a free service that matches you with top local agents from name-brand brokerages like Century 21 and Coldwell Banker. While the average real estate commission typically ranges between 2.5–3%, Clever negotiates with top local agents from well-known brokerages like Century 21 and Coldwell Banker to secure dramatically lower fees.
With Clever, you can expect to pay a listing fee of just 1.5% — one of the lowest rates available in the market. This service not only offers significant savings but also ensures you receive full support from experienced and reputable agents.
Clever is available nationwide, with over 20,000 top agents in its network. It also has an excellent overall customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars based on 3,000+ reviews between Trustpilot, Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google. Additionally, the company is accredited and has an A+ rating through the BBB.
How it works: You sign up for Clever online and provide some basic information about your situation, goals, and preferences. Clever hand picks agent matches for you to interview and compare. You can choose the best fit, request more matches, or walk away anytime. You get full service and support through closing. And you only pay your agent’s discounted fee when your home actually sells. You never pay Clever any fee (the agents pay Clever for the referred business after closing).
Who should use: Clever is a good option for anyone looking to sell their home with a real estate agent. The company vets agents for you and helps you find a good fit quickly. Its quality control and customer service are enough on their own to make it worth using (especially since getting matched with an agent is free). The low 1.5% listing fee is really just extra icing on top of an already solid value.
✍️ Author's take: My experience using Clever
When my wife and I set out to buy our first home, we turned to Clever Real Estate for its promise of savings and full-service support. The process was seamless—from a quick online sign-up to getting matched with top agents through a knowledgeable Clever Concierge.
Clever’s service model is straightforward and highly efficient. After a quick online sign-up, we soon talked to a Clever Concierge, who was not only a licensed agent but also incredibly knowledgeable and eager to assist. Within minutes, we received our first agent matches, tailored to our specific needs and preferences.
The agent we ended up working with was from a top local brokerage (Keller Williams). She was highly professional, bringing deep local market knowledge and a robust track record shown in her online profiles. Her approach made our complex negotiation process smoother than we anticipated, helping us navigate through stressful moments with ease. Take this short quiz to get matched with top agents today!
2. Redfin
| Listing fee | 1.5% (min. fee varies by market) |
| Avg. customer rating | 4.8/5.0 (156,000+ reviews) |
| Locations | 100+ major US markets |
What it is: Redfin is a discount real estate brokerage with in-house real estate agents who will help you sell your house for a 1.5% listing fee. Redfin is available in 100+ US markets — mostly major and medium-sized cities and suburbs.
Redfin is a legitimate brand with experienced agents. But Redfin's agents handle more real estate transactions than the typical realtor, which poses service quality risks. It also has far less agent selection and market coverage than agent matching services like Clever, Ideal Agent, and UpNest.
How it works: You can find Redfin agents to interview in your area on Redfin's website. Redfin agents provide “full service” but generally employ a more team-based and hands-off approach than traditional agents.
At closing, you'll pay the reduced 1.5% listing fee (plus buyer's agent commission). If you buy and sell with Redfin within a year, you can get a refund of a 0.5% listing fee. However, other brands like Clever offer similar savings with better service on the sell- and buy-side, so the value on offer here is limited.
Who should use: Redfin is worth considering if you live in a higher population area with a lot of buyer demand, your house is updated and in good condition, and there aren't any tricky circumstances surrounding your home's sale price already. If you find a Redfin agent you like and are comfortable with their approach to service and support, it's a totally viable option. But most people can find better value and savings with other low-commission companies.
| ✍️ My take: Redfin is probably the most familiar name on the list, but don’t assume that means it’s the best. Redfin’s 1.5% listing fee savings are good, but you might not get the same level of service and agent support as you would from a conventional realtor. I’d try agent matching services first — Clever, Ideal Agent, UpNest, probably in that order — because they get you better service quality and more agent selection. |
3. Ideal Agent
| Listing fee | 2% (min. $3,000) |
| Avg. customer rating | 4.9/5.0 (7,000+ reviews) |
| Locations | Nationwide |
What it is: Ideal Agent is an agent matching service that pre-negotiates 2% listing commission fees with traditional real estate agents nationwide. Like all agent matching services, Ideal Agent is free to use and there's no obligation. It has mostly positive customer reviews and is available nationwide (though its agent network is smaller than most competitors, so it may not offer coverage in smaller markets and rural areas).
How it works: You sign up on Ideal Agent's network, and they'll loop you in with a local realtor so you can set up an interview.
Ideal Agent has a relatively small agent network and matches you with only one agent (unlike Clever and UpNest, who provide multiple matches). This makes it harder to compare options, so I recommend using this matching service in conjunction with other options on this list. You'll get full service and support throughout your sale. The 2% fee for your listing agent and the buyer's agent fee (2.5–3%) come from your sale proceeds at closing.
Who should use: Ideal Agent is worth considering if you’re looking for the conventional full-service realtor experience and don’t want to worry about negotiating commission rates yourself. The savings aren’t huge compared to market rates (2.5–3%) — its 2% listing fees are higher than several other options on this list — but it offers solid agent quality and guaranteed rates.
| ✍️ My take: Ideal Agent is only worth considering if a service offering better savings and value, like Clever, isn’t able to find you an agent you like. Many agents work with multiple agent matching services. So there’s always a chance Ideal Agent will match you with an agent you could’ve found through Clever for a lower price. |
4. UpNest
| Listing fee | Varies |
| Avg. customer rating | 4.6/5.0 (6,900+ reviews) |
| Locations | Nationwide |
What it is: Like Clever and Ideal Agent, UpNest is an agent matching service that partners with traditional real estate agents nationwide. But unlike every other company on this list, UpNest doesn’t offer guaranteed low-commission rates. Instead, agents set their own prices and compete for your business in UpNest's online marketplace. In practice, the savings can be pretty marginal compared to what you could manage on your own.
How it works: You sign up on UpNest’s website and provide some basic info about your home and goals. Agents then submit proposals for you to compare. You review the proposals and decide who you want to interview. If you hire one of the agents, you'll pay the agreed-upon listing fee and buyer’s agent fee at closing.
Who should use: Like other agent matching services, UpNest is free with no obligation, so there’s no real risk in trying it out. You can use UpNest to find solid local agents efficiently. And you may even get a slight rate reduction. But if you’re looking for big savings, you can find better value elsewhere.
| ✍️ My take: UpNest is really only worth trying if Clever (or even Ideal Agent) can’t find you an agent you like. You’ll likely save far less with UpNest, so start with the better value, then work your way down the list. And like I mentioned in the Ideal Agent section, many agents work with both UpNest and Clever, so going through Clever could get you the exact same agent for a fraction of the price. |
5. Prevu
| Listing fee | 1.5% |
| Avg. customer rating | 5.0/5.0 (600+ reviews) |
| Locations | CA, CO, CT, FL, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA, TX, VA, WA |
What it is: Prevu is a discount real estate brokerage that primarily targets home buyers, but it also offers listing services for a set 1.5% listing fee. It's currently available in select higher-end markets across California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, DC.
How it works: Prevu creates savings by handling a higher volume of deals per agent, like other discount agents and brokerages, which can lead to some service quality risks. Prevu also primarily serves high-end markets and targets luxury buyers and sellers, giving its margins way more padding than other brands (a 1.5% fee on a $1.2M home is much more than a 3% fee on a $100,000 home).
But beware of high minimum fees that vary by market and aren't disclosed on its website — and potentially lengthy contract periods.
| ✍️ My take: Prevu’s rebates for home buyers are hard to beat, but the value is pretty middle-of-the-road for home sellers. I recommend going with a low-commission brand like Clever to get the same low rate without the service quality risks. |
6. Houwzer
| Listing fee | 1% (min. $2,500) |
| Avg. customer rating | 4.2/5 (50+ reviews) |
| Locations | DC, FL, MD, NJ, PA, VA |
What it is: Houwzer is a discount real estate brokerage with in-house real estate agents who will help you sell your home for a 1% listing fee (plus buyer’s agent commission). It’s currently available in select markets in Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, DC.
How it works: If you decide to hire a Houwzer agent, you’ll get full service and support when you sell, including other premium marketing services. But like other discount brokerages, Houwzer agents handle more customers to make up for the discounts, which can create service quality risks. You pay Houwzer’s listing fee — plus the agreed-upon buyer’s agent fee — from your sale proceeds at closing.
| ✍️ My take: If you’re in one of Houwzer’s markets, it's certainly worth a look. But compare it with other options to ensure you find the best agent for the job, not just the lowest fee (other brands offer big savings near those price points, too). You can get better overall value from brands like Clever and Redfin. |
What is a low-commission real estate agent?
A low-commission real estate agent or broker is any agent willing to list and sell your home for less than the typical commission rate of a traditional real estate agent in your area. Most traditional agents charge listing fees between 2.5–3%. The best low-commission real estate brokers offer the same service and support for as little as 1.5%. This is a huge value, because it's difficult to negotiate lower commission rates on your own.
Types of low-commission real estate agents
Low-commission real estate agents can be categorized into three main types: full-service agents, discount agents, and flat-fee agents.
- Full-service agents: Traditional realtors who offer comprehensive services, including marketing, negotiations, and closing support, but at a reduced commission (e.g., 1.5% instead of 2.5–3%).
- Discount agents: Provide many of the same services as full-service agents but may offer fewer extras, such as staging or premium marketing, in exchange for lower commission rates.
- Flat-fee agents: Charge a set fee instead of a percentage of the home’s sale price, typically offering minimal support beyond listing the property on the MLS.
Understanding these categories can help you choose the best option for your needs and budget.
What is the lowest commission a realtor will take?
Low commission realtors may charge rates as minimal as 1–1.5%, which represents the lower end of the market spectrum, compared to the typical 2-3% charged by seller's agents.
The actual rate you might secure, however, depends on several factors:
- Type of agent. Full-service agents, providing comprehensive support throughout the selling process, will generally charge more than those offering limited services. Depending on your needs, the additional support from a full-service agent might justify a higher fee.
- Property characteristics. The likelihood of an agent accepting a lower rate can increase if you are selling a higher-priced home or a property in a sought-after location that is expected to sell quickly. It's advisable to negotiate rates based on these factors and compare offers from multiple agents to secure the best deal.
- Local market conditions. The willingness of agents to reduce their commission may be influenced by the time of year and market activity. For instance, during peak selling seasons like spring and early summer, when buyer interest is heightened, agents might be less inclined to negotiate lower rates.
These considerations should guide you in your discussions with potential agents, helping you to navigate and possibly reduce the costs associated with selling your home.
» MORE: Steps to negotiating realtor fees
What's the average real estate commission rate nationwide?
The average real estate commission rate in the U.S. is approximately 5.32%, according to Clever Real Estate's annual survey of agents. This rate typically covers the entire commission fee, usually covered by the seller.
This rate would translate to a commission of about $24,000 for a home sold at the U.S. median price of $450,000.
However, it’s important to note that real estate agent fees are not fixed, and remain fully negotiable. Fees can also vary depending on location, property type, and market conditions.
Utilizing a low-commission realtor like Clever could offer substantial savings. For example, selling a $450,000 home with a 1.5% listing fee instead of the typical 2.5-3% fee could reduce your commission expenses by around $6,000, highlighting the financial benefits of choosing a low-commission real estate company.
Also, following the NAR settlement, there has been a notable shift in commission rates. Redfin reports that the average commission for buyer's agents has decreased to 2.55%, down from 2.62% in early 2024, reflecting a trend towards lower fees.[1]
NAR lawsuit settlement changes are here!
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has agreed to settle its lawsuit related to broker commissions. Key changes from the lawsuit include:
- New MLS rules: Listing agents can no longer include buyer's agent commissions in MLS listings. This change stops the practice of predetermined fees.
- Mandatory agreements: Buyer's agents must enter into written agreements with buyers that clearly disclose compensation terms and aren't open-ended. These agreements also ensure that fees are fully negotiable and cap compensation at the agreed amount.
- Impact on negotiations: The settlement could lead to more negotiation steps, with buyers possibly asking sellers to cover part of the buyer’s agent fees, influencing deal outcomes.
- Potential for lower fees: The shift could reduce overall commission rates as buyers and sellers negotiate more directly over fees, potentially lowering average commission costs below the current 5-6%.
- Settlement details: Includes a $418 million compensation fund over four years for eligible sellers.[2]
Agent Teal Clise from Baltimore describes a smart strategy for handling new commission rules.
"We advise our clients to be ready to negotiate the buyer’s agent commission and not disclose the amount upfront," she says. "We encourage buyer’s agents to include their compensation requests in their offers, which puts our sellers in a stronger position. This strategy means that buyer’s agents must bring their best offers to earn their commission, rather than expecting high fees for lackluster performance."
The new rules are changing how the market works, benefiting realtors who charge lower commissions as everything becomes more open and competitive.
Real estate agent Brandi Brooks from Memphis shares her experience: "Sellers are curious about the effects of not offering a commission. But after I explain it to them, they usually decide to keep offering commissions to the buyer's agents, especially when their homes are taking longer to sell."
⚖️ Key changes from the NAR settlement
1. More negotiations. Ultimately, this lawsuit settlement could introduce another step in negotiations between sellers, buyers, and their agents.
For example, a buyer might make an offer on a home and request that the seller pay half of their buyer's agent's fee as part of the concessions. This request would influence the seller's decision to accept, counter, or reject the offer.
2. Overall commission rates may fall. The settlement could shift part or all of the buyer's agent commission cost from sellers to buyers, potentially reducing the average real estate commission rate as more buyers negotiate lower fees.
Buyers will likely emphasize shopping for agents, prioritizing those offering competitive rates, superior service, and expertise. They might also be quicker to try to negotiate a lower rate. As a result, total commission costs might drop from the current 5-6% range to below 5%.
We think that low-commission realtors are well-positioned to benefit from these changes as buyers increasingly seek competitive rates and more transparency in the negotiation process.
Who should use a low-commission real estate agent?
Most home sellers can benefit from working with a low-commission agent matching service, like Clever, that connects you with top-rated agents at pre-negotiated rates.
By working with a traditional agent, you can avoid the pitfalls of a FSBO (for sale by owner) transaction, which has become increasingly rare as most sellers — 90% of whom use a real estate agent — recognize the value of professional guidance for a smooth and successful sale.[3]
Discount real estate brokerages like Redfin and Homie are a slightly different story. They have in-house agents. Only consider hiring a discount brokerage with in-house agents if:
- An agent matching service like Clever can’t find you an agent you like
- You’re confident the discount agent’s experience and personality are a good fit
- Your home is in great condition and there’s lots of buyer demand in your area
- Your home isn’t unique for your area in terms of price, size, or features
- You expect your sale will be relatively straightforward with minimal negotiating
- You’re a relatively experienced home seller and aren’t afraid of some DIY
- You’re willing to sacrifice some personalized support for your savings (remember: you can avoid this by going the agent matching service route)
Regardless, you should always shop around and compare options. The most important thing is finding the right agent for the job. You won't actually save money with a 1.5% listing fee if the agent underprices your home by $20,000.
Pros and cons of low commission realtors
Choosing a low-commission realtor can offer significant financial benefits, but it’s important to weigh both the advantages and potential drawbacks carefully. Here’s a detailed look at the pros and cons:
✅ Pros: Cost savings, full-service
The primary advantage of working with a low-commission realtor is the potential to save thousands of dollars on real estate commissions. Traditional realtors typically charge a commission rate of 2.5–3%, but with a low-commission realtor, you might only pay 1–1.5%.
The savings can be substantial, particularly with higher-priced homes. For example, a 1% saving on a $1 million home equals $10,000, whereas the same percentage on a $350,000 home results in a $3,500 saving.
Despite these lower fees, many low-commission realtors still provide a full range of services. They'll list your property on the MLS, coordinate showings and open houses, negotiate offers, handle all the necessary contracts and paperwork, and guide you through the closing process. Clever Real Estate exemplifies this, with numerous customers reporting significant savings without compromising on service quality.
Choosing a reputable low-commission brand ensures you receive the same comprehensive support you would expect from a higher-priced agent, covering all aspects of the sale from start to finish.
❌ Cons: Some offer less-personalized service
Some low-commission brokerages operate on a team-based model, where different team members handle various aspects of your sale. This approach can sometimes result in less personalized service and potential miscommunication, as you may not have a single dedicated agent overseeing all elements of your transaction.
"Low-commission models are growing, forcing traditional brokerages to adapt. While this creates savings for clients, buyers must be more cautious, especially first-timers unfamiliar with real estate transactions," says Robert Washington, broker at Savvy Buyers Realty.
There's also the potential for high minimum fees. In certain markets, some low-commission realtors work for brokerages that impose these fees, which can reach up to $8,500.
Fees like this could negate the savings from lower commission rates, especially if your property is at the lower end of the market price range.
How much can you save with a low-commission realtor?
Selling with a low-cost realtor can save you thousands of dollars. Realtor commissions are usually the largest expense associated with selling a house. Knocking even a few percentage points off your total commission can greatly impact your net sale proceeds and profit margins.
| Home price | 6% total commission | 4% total commission | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $15,000 | $10,000 | $5,000 |
| $500,000 | $30,000 | $20,000 | $10,000 |
| $750,000 | $45,000 | $30,000 | $15,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $60,000 | $40,000 | $40,000 |
Use our real estate commission calculator to estimate your total commission fee and potential savings.
How to choose a low-commission real estate agent
Choosing the right low-commission real estate agent is more about finding the right agent than automatically defaulting to the lowest price point.
I recommend you give the most weight to factors like customer ratings, service quality (and approach), agent experience, and personality.
Step 1. Research agents
Start by researching potential agents who offer the services you need. Their online presence—website, social media—and reviews on platforms like Google and Zillow can provide insight into their service quality and specialties.
Additionally, verify their success with homes similar to yours and look for any potential red flags in their track record, such as poor communication or limited support.
🛒 Pro tip: Shop around!
If you can, it's always a good idea to try out a few different services to see how they stack up. Comparing several options will increase your chances of finding the best fit for your budget and specific needs and getting a better sale outcome.
Step 2. Interview and evaluate options
Meet with at least 2-3 agents to compare. Discuss their approach to pricing, marketing, and negotiations. Assess their communication style to ensure they listen and respond to your needs effectively.
Remember that post-sale support can be just as important as the selling process. Confirm if the agent will help coordinate inspections, appraisals, and the closing timeline. Also, ask if they provide referrals for other needed services, which can facilitate a smoother transition after the sale.
Finally, discuss their commission structure and any additional fees that might apply.
Step 3. Compare and choose an agent
After conducting thorough research, interviews, and evaluations, compare your findings to determine which agent best suits your needs. Consider all aspects from service quality to fee structure and from market expertise to post-sale support.
This holistic approach will help you select a low-commission realtor who will save you money and provide a stress-free and positive experience.
Alternatives to low commission realtors
While low-commission realtors can offer significant savings, they may not be the best fit for every seller. Here are some alternatives to consider:
Traditional real estate agents
Traditional real estate agents charge a higher commission rate, typically between 2.5% to 3% of the sale price (not including the buyer's agent fee).
While this may seem like a significant expense, traditional agents often provide a high level of personalized service and may have more experience and local knowledge. They can offer in-depth market analysis, extensive marketing efforts, and dedicated support throughout the selling process.
Traditional agents argue for their model’s value over low-commission agents. Alexei Morgado from Lexawise explains: "Traditional commission structures motivate agents to secure the best sale terms, attracting experienced agents who invest heavily in marketing and client service," he says. "This comprehensive approach can expedite sales and achieve better prices."
If you value a hands-on approach and expert guidance, a traditional real estate agent might be worth the higher commission fee. Just remember that some low commission realtors, like Clever Real Estate, can provide you with these same benefits at a lower rate.
Selling without a realtor
For sellers comfortable managing their own sale, going the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route might be a viable option. This method can significantly reduce or even eliminate commission costs.
However, it's crucial to understand the challenges and risks associated with this route:
- Market trends: FSBO sales fell to a historical low of 6% in 2024, indicating that many homeowners feel more confident selling with professional assistance.[3]
- Financial considerations: According to a Clever Real Estate study, homes sold by agents typically fetch nearly $50,000 more on average compared to FSBO sales. Agents can often secure the full asking price or higher, whereas FSBO sellers may need to reduce their initial asking price to attract buyers.
- Negotiation challenges: Without a realtor's negotiating expertise, FSBO sellers might struggle to achieve optimal sale terms, potentially leaving money on the table. You may also find it hard to deal with all of the paperwork you need to sell without a realtor.
One effective tool for FSBO sellers is using flat fee MLS companies, which allow you to list your property on the multiple listing service for a fixed fee, usually between $200 to $1,000.
This approach helps you reach a broad audience of potential buyers, posting your home on Zillow and other top real estate websites – though it's worth noting that flat fee MLS companies typically do not offer additional services like marketing or negotiations.
If you're confident in handling showings, negotiations, and the closing process, and aware of the various risks, then selling FSBO with flat fee MLS listing support could be a cost-effective way to sell your home.
Cash home buyers
Cash home buyers are companies or investors who purchase properties directly with cash, often offering below-market value. All-cash buyers pay, on average, 10% less than mortgage buyers financing the purchase with a mortgage.[4]
Although convenient, cash sales are relatively uncommon. According to the National Association of Realtors, 30% of existing home transactions were all-cash sales in September 2024.[5]
While sellers often receive less than they would in a traditional sale, cash buyers offer speed and convenience that can be ideal for urgent situations. Cash sales generally close within 2–3 weeks, and buyers usually require no repairs, appraisals, or inspections.
These benefits make cash home buyers a good option for those facing time-sensitive circumstances, such as inherited properties, divorce, or financial distress, where a fast, hassle-free transaction is a top priority.
⚡️ Get the best cash offer for your home. We recommend starting with Clever Offers. It connects you with multiple cash buyers, allowing you to compare offers and choose the best one for a quick, stress-free sale. Enjoy the convenience and control of selecting the best cash offer — with no obligation to accept. Fill out this form to get cash offers today!
Next steps for finding a low-commission realtor
The best way to get started is to contact a few low-commission companies and interview some real estate agents! No matter the brand, talking to agents is always free and without obligation, so there’s no risk in putting the feelers out there.
I recommend starting with Clever Real Estate because it offers the best rates and service quality, is available nationwide, and allows you to compare agents before choosing the right fit for you.
Key benefits of Clever:
- Matches you with multiple top-performing local agents from name-brand brokerages like Keller Williams and Century 21
- Lets you interview multiple agents and choose the best fit, request more matches, or walk away
- Gets you full service for just 1.5%, no matter where you’re selling
💰 Top local agents, incredible savings.
Try Clever’s free matching service, list with the best agents in your area for just 1.5%.
View AgentsFAQ about low-commission realtors
Can you negotiate prices with realtors?
You can — real estate commission is always negotiable — but it’s generally not easy to do independently. Agents have a lot of expenses to cover and generally won’t be willing to drop their rates too much, especially for one-off customers. You may have more luck if:
- You have a super high-value home: $1M+ will still be a big payday for the agent, even at the reduced commission rate.
- There aren’t many people selling in your area: agents may be willing to lower rates to be competitive with other agents and secure new business.
- There’s a ton of buyer demand in your area: your home will likely sell fast and high, so that means less effort and time for the agent.
The easier way is to go through a company, like Clever Real Estate, that negotiates lower commission rates with realtors for you. These brands have more leverage, because they send a steady volume of new business to the agents they work with at no up-front cost. That means you get lower rates without sacrificing service (or negotiating with a professional negotiator). You can learn more about negotiating real estate commissions here.
What is the lowest commission a realtor will take?
Currently, 1.5% commission companies like Clever Real Estate offer the lowest commission rates without significant service cuts and risks. Chances are you won’t be able to negotiate a 1.5% listing fee on your own, even if you have a super high-value home.
The absolute cheapest real estate fees and commissions come from limited-service realtors and flat fee MLS companies. These realtors and brokerages charge a low flat fee upfront to simply list your home on the MLS. You don't get any other service or support. They could be worth considering if you're selling by owner and want an extra marketing bump. But even then, the price point versus what you actually get often doesn't make sense.
What percentage do most realtors charge?
Most real estate agents charge a commission of 2.5–3% at closing to list and sell a home. Buyer’s agents generally expect the same amount for bringing a qualified buyer who purchases the home. That means most home sellers are on the hook for about 5–6% in total commission. The nationwide average real estate commission rate is 5.37%. You can find the average commission rate in your state here.
Are low-commission realtors worth it?
Yes, a low-commission agent is worth it. You can save money during your home sale by paying a lower listing fee than a traditional agent charges.
But make sure to find the best balance of cost and quality — the cheapest real estate companies aren't always the best choice. Research several companies and low-cost realtors, keeping an eye out for a licensed, dedicated agent with experience in your area. Compare top-rated local agents.
Do real estate agents get all the commission?
No, the total commission is split between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent, who both split their commission with their broker. The broker's cut is usually 50%, but it varies depending on the agent’s contract with the broker.
Why trust me
I’m Jamie Ayers, a writer and researcher who has written about real estate for over a decade. In the past few years, I’ve spent (literally) hundreds of collective hours conducting expert interviews and researching real estate technology companies and low-commission real estate brands. I’ve also published dozens of guides breaking down and comparing these services to help consumers make more informed choices about service providers and save money when buying or selling homes.
I also have some first-hand experience using a low-commission real estate company: I recently bought my first home and found my realtor through Clever Real Estate (and saved $2,000 as a result). You can read the full review of my experience with Clever here.