Are low commission realtors legit?

Yes, low commission realtors are legit. Many are top-performing, full-service agents, some of which choose to charge less in exchange for a higher volume of clients. For example, Clever Real Estate connects sellers with agents from major brokerages like RE/MAX and Keller Williams who work for just a 1.5% listing fee, without cutting corners on service quality. Legitimacy isn’t about how much a realtor charges. Instead, it’s about experience, local market knowledge, and client support. And many low commission agents deliver on all three, while helping you save thousands.

What is the best discount real estate broker company?

Our top pick is Clever Real Estate. It offers full-service support from agents at name-brand brokerages, but for a 1.5% listing fee, one of the lowest in the industry. Unlike Redfin or Ideal Agent, Clever lets you compare multiple agent matches and doesn't lock you into a single option. Other notable companies include Redfin (1.5% fee) and Houwzer (1%).

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, there aren’t many people selling in your area, or there’s a ton of buyer demand. 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).

As a seller, do I need to pay the buyer’s agent fee?

Sellers are no longer required to offer a buyer’s agent commission upfront, due to changes from NAR's 2024 lawsuit settlement which resulted in major realtor commission changes. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll never pay it. Buyer agents can still request compensation as part of their offer (and usually do), and many buyers will ask the seller to cover it during negotiations. So while the rules have changed, most sellers still end up covering the buyer’s agent fee, either directly or indirectly. That’s why finding a low commission listing agent is more important than ever if you want to keep more of your home equity.

What percentage do most realtors charge?

Most real estate agents charge a commission of 2.5–3% to list and sell a home. Buyer’s agents generally expect a similar amount for bringing a qualified buyer, although buyer’s agent commissions have dipped slightly since the NAR lawsuit settlement. In total, most home sellers still end up paying about 5–6% in real estate commissions. The nationwide average is currently 5.44%, according to a study by Clever Real Estate. Fortunately, you don’t have to settle for paying 5–6%. Choosing a low-commission realtor can save you thousands — especially on the listing agent side. For example, both Clever Real Estate and Redfin offer listing fees as low as 1.5%, helping you save 1–1.5% compared to traditional agents.

Do real estate agents get all the commission?

No, realtors usually don’t keep the full commission. When a home sells, the seller typically pays the commission, which is split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. Each agent then shares their portion with their brokerage. The brokerage’s cut can range from 10% to 50% or more, depending on the agent’s experience and agreement with them. For example, if an agent earns a $20,000 commission and has a 50/50 split, they would keep $10,000, and the brokerage would take the other $10,000. Newer agents often start with lower splits and move to higher ones as they gain experience.

Are low-commission realtors worth it?

Yes, low-commission realtors are usually worth it — as long as they provide full service and support. You can save thousands by paying a lower listing fee compared to a traditional agent, but those savings only matter if you still achieve a strong sale price and avoid major issues during the process. The key is balancing cost and quality. The cheapest real estate companies often cut corners on services that can help you sell for top dollar, which can lead to headaches with paperwork, marketing, or negotiations. Take time to research multiple low-commission realtors and companies, and look for a licensed, experienced agent who knows your local market.

Jamie Ayers

Managing Editor

Jamie Ayers is a managing editor for Anytime Estimate, which is part of the Clever Real Estate brand family. He's been writing about real estate and proptech for the better part of a decade.

Prior to working on Anytime Estimate, Jamie did research and content development for numerous companies across a wide variety of financial and technical industries. His work has been featured on industry-leading platforms like Inman, Bigger Pockets, Inc.com, Forbes, and more.

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