Houwzer is a 1% commission real estate brokerage offering full-service support at a fraction of traditional realtor fees. Based in Philadelphia, it operates across the East Coast, Florida, and select western states like Arizona, Colorado, and Washington.
Thousands of customer reviews praise Houwzer’s affordability and professionalism — but some note drawbacks, such as limited markets and a less personal, team-based approach.
If you’re comparing low-commission brokerages, see how Houwzer stacks up in our full Houwzer vs. Redfin breakdown or unlock full-service support for just 1.5% through Clever Real Estate.
Houwzer at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Listing fee | 1% (seller’s side only) |
| Average customer rating | 4.9/5 (1,300+ reviews) |
| Service area | 13 states |
| Services offered | Full-service listings, buyer rebates, mortgage, and title |
| Agent model | Salaried, team-based approach |
| Founded | 2015 (privately owned; part of Newfound) |
| Best for | Sellers who want full service and savings on commissions |
| Not ideal for | Clients who prefer a single dedicated agent or live outside service areas |
Who Houwzer works best for
Houwzer is a good fit for sellers and buyers who want to save money without sacrificing full-service support. The company’s salaried, team-based model can be appealing for:
- Sellers looking to save money with the flat 1% listing fee.
- Buyers seeking rebates or money off of their agent's real estate commission.
- Those looking for full-service offerings that include a mortgage advisor and title insurance.
For those who prefer a team-based approach, Houwzer delivers impressive value and a full-service experience at a fraction of the cost of traditional real estate.
Who Houwzer may not work well for
However, the company may not be the right fit for everyone, such as:
- Those who reside outside of the company’s service area
- Sellers and buyers with special requirements, such as selling in a competitive market or dealing with a luxury property.
- Those in need of hands-on, personalized service with a dedicated agent.
Pro tip: If you want a more traditional agent experience with personalized support, explore other low commission realtor options. Many full-service brokerages now offer 1–2% listing fees — giving you hands-on service and significant savings compared to standard 3% rates.
Houwzer vs. competitors
| Company | Listing fee | Avg. customer rating |
|---|---|---|
| Clever Real Estate | 1.5% | 5/5 (3,000+ reviews) |
| Houwzer | 1% | 4.9/5 (1,300+ reviews) |
| Redfin | 1.5% | 3.01/5 (1,100+ reviews) |
| Ideal Agent | 2% | 4.9 (7,000+ reviews) |
Houwzer has the lowest listing fee among its main competitors. However, sellers who decide on the company for this reason should keep in mind that the savings may be less substantial than expected. The seller would typically still have to pay the buyer’s agent’s commission, which will not be discounted.
If you’re looking for a more traditional hands-on approach, Clever might be a better fit. Sellers and buyers who work with Clever are matched with top agents in their area who will guide them through the whole process, from start to finish. What’s more, Clever is available nationwide, so you can work with the company no matter where you are or where you’re looking to buy.
Redfin and Ideal Agent are two other well-known low-commission brokerages. Ideal Agent has excellent reviews from customers but charges a higher fee of 2%. Redfin could also be worth looking into, but some clients were unsatisfied with their agents’ quality, so you may want to choose your realtor carefully if you go with Redfin.
📊 Want a deeper comparison? We’ve analyzed both companies in detail in our Houwzer vs. Redfin guide. See how their fees, agent quality, and customer reviews stack up — and which offers the better overall value for sellers
Houwzer reviews
| Source | Customer rating |
|---|---|
| Google* | 4.8/5 (500+ reviews) |
| Zillow | 5/5 (793 reviews) |
| Yelp* | 4/5 (53 reviews) |
| Weighted average | 4.9/5 (1,300+ reviews) |
| * For Google and Yelp, we used aggregate numbers from multiple company profiles. | |
Houwzer has strongly positive reviews across multiple platforms. Satisfied customers praise the cost-saving model and report excellent service from the team members. However, a few reviews highlight frustrations with individual agents and the team’s perceived unresponsiveness.
Positive experiences
"They saved me a lot of money"
Many Houwzer reviews highlight significant savings, earning them five-star ratings. Sellers commend the company and its team for their ability to provide high-quality service despite lower commissions.
We sold out third house with Houwzer in 1 year. Howard Smith was realtor throughout and always provided solid and timely advice on all 3 sales. Having a knowledgable realtor does matter. The bonus is that we saved significant $$$ on realtor commissions and still came out ahead on sale price...
"Streamlined process"
Their process is streamlined and the home sale was smooth. My realtor Fred helped me stay calm in a period that was stressing me out, particularly in helping me navigate a relationship with a challenging contractor. With their 1% listing fee, I think they're a great value without losing any of the relationship.
"Quick to respond, professional"
Another common theme that’s noticeable in the reviews is the professionalism, knowledge, and excellent communication skills of the individual professionals, sellers, and buyers worked with.
Great company. We used Houwzer when we sold our home and purchased a new home. They were always quick to respond, professional and made us a priority. If we ever move again, they're our first call.
John did an excellent job helping me sell my home! John was very professional and knowledgeable about the market. He kept in communication with me and the other seller and went above and beyond on more than one occasion. I highly recommend John and will gladly refer him to all friends and family looking to buy or sell a home.
Negative experiences
Houwzer doesn't have many recent negative reviews. However, two themes emerge from looking at the comments from unsatisfied clients. Some users mention inefficiency and a lack of guidance.
"I was left in the dark"
After we made an offer on a property, which he accepted, he completely ignored me for two days—no calls, no emails, nothing. I was left in the dark, trying to reach him repeatedly without any response. To make matters worse, after finally getting back in touch, I was informed that he had accepted another offer, without even the courtesy of informing us during those two days of silence...
To ensure you’re happy with your realtor, make sure to research a few of them beforehand. We recommend reading clients’ reviews about particular agents you’re interested in, interviewing a few candidates, and verifying whether they have expertise in selling similar properties in your market.
Houwzer pros and cons
Pros
- Low 1% listing fee
- Full-service support
- Buyer commission rebates may be available
Cons
- Team-based model can feel less personal
- Limited availability
- Occasional slow response times reported
Why sellers like Houwzer
Houwzer’s biggest draw is its 1% realtor fee — significantly lower than the traditional 2.5–3% commission charged by most agents. Despite the discount, the company still offers full-service support, including professional photography, MLS listings, and help from mortgage and title specialists.
Where Houwzer falls short
Because agents work on a salary and handle a high volume of clients, the experience can feel less personal than working with a traditional agent. Service quality also varies by market, and response times may lag when teams are stretched thin.
How Houwzer works
Houwzer provides full services to buyers and sellers while offering significant cost savings compared to traditional brokers. The company’s website mentions that instead of working with one agent, you will be connected with several real estate professionals responsible for their respective parts of the process.
Selling a home
One of Houwzer's main selling points is the 1% realtor’s commission (compared to a standard 2.5-3% fee). This includes full support and additional services, such as professional photography and social media marketing.
Houzer’s professionals assist sellers with the following:
- Pricing strategy development
- Property staging and photography
- Listing a house on the MLS and across real estate websites, such as Zillow and Realtor.com
- Showings and open house coordination
- Offer negotiation
Buying a home
Working with a Houwzer agent to buy a home is similar to working with an agent at a traditional brokerage firm. You can initiate the process by filling out the form on the website to get matched with an agent.
Buyers who use Houwzer can expect these services:
- Help searching for the right property
- Preparing an offer
- Offer negotiation support
- Paperwork preparation
- Guidance through closing
The home buyer rebate
The main perk that Houwzer offers buyers is its rebate program. In the rare instance that a seller won’t cover commission for the buyer’s agent, buyers pay 1% of the home’s sales price to cover the agent’s fees.
However, if the seller agrees to pay the buyer’s agent’s fees, and if the buyer’s agent’s commission is more than the 1% minimum, Houwzer offers a 50% commission rebate to the buyer.[1]
Additional offerings
In addition to the primary package, Houwzer offers several supplementary services for buyers and sellers. Most of them are available through Houwzer’s parent company, Newfound.
- Newfound Mortgage — mortgage advisory services for buyers who can compare loan options and apply for a mortgage through the service.
- Houwzer Title — offering title insurance and closing services.
- HomeRise MLS listing — starting at $95 to list and an additional $495 at closing, the platform focuses on home sellers who want to list their property without an agent’s assistance (FSBO).
Additionally, the company advertises that buyers who bundle mortgage and title services can receive $2,500 back at closing.
Houwzer reviews: The bottom line
Houwzer offers its clients substantial savings with the 1% commission model and buyer’s rebate program. It differs from many other brokerages in that it has a team of professionals working with each client, rather than assigning a single realtor.
However, the company’s focus on maintaining a high volume of transactions along with its team-based approach may lead to reduced personal attention and slower response times.
If you want to compare Houwzer’s value with other discount brokerages, start with our in-depth Houwzer vs. Redfin comparison — or explore low commission realtor companies that offer the same hands-on service for 1–2% listing fees nationwide.
