HomeLight is an online real estate platform that helps buyers and sellers connect with local real estate agents. It also offers cash offers and a buy-before-you-sell program, giving homeowners several ways to approach a move.
For most users, though, the main draw is its free agent-matching service, which delivers agent recommendations within minutes after you fill out a short online form. The process is quick and easy, and there’s no obligation to move forward with any of the agents you’re matched with.
With more than 30,000 agents in its nationwide network, HomeLight can usually match you with realtors who understand your local market — an important factor when pricing, marketing, and negotiating a home sale.
One drawback is cost. If you choose to work with a HomeLight-recommended agent, you’ll typically pay standard commission rates of about 2.5–3% of the sale price. Other matching services offer similar convenience but also negotiate discounted fees.
If you’re considering using HomeLight, it’s smart to compare its agent matches with those from low-commission companies. Since these services are free to use, there’s little downside to seeing multiple options. If a low-commission platform connects you with an agent you like just as much, you could save thousands in listing fees — making the comparison well worth the time.
Summary: What is HomeLight?
- HomeLight is an online real estate platform that matches buyers and sellers with local, full-service agents.
- Its agent-matching service is free to use, and there's no obligation to hire an agent.
- The platform allows users to compare multiple agents in one place, saving time on independent research.
- HomeLight also offers cash offers through its Simple Sale program and bridge loans through its Buy Before You Sell service.
- The company has an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars based on more than 700 online reviews.
- Many customers praise the quality of agents, while complaints mention frequent follow-up calls.
- HomeLight does not negotiate commission rates, so most users who hire a matched agent pay standard fees.
Who HomeLight works best for
HomeLight is a good option for buyers and sellers who want a quick, convenient way to find and compare traditional realtors in their area. After signing up, you’re matched with local agents within minutes and can review their profiles in a clean, easy-to-use online dashboard.
The company may not be a good fit for sellers who prioritize maximizing profit. HomeLight agents typically charge standard commission rates of about 2.5–3%, with no pre-negotiated discounts. On a $500,000 home, a 3% listing fee would total $15,000. By comparison, some low-commission alternatives offer pre-negotiated rates as low as 1.5%, which could save $7,500 on the same sale.
HomeLight may also fall short if matching with only top-performing agents is a priority. The company doesn’t impose strict vetting requirements, so matches can include less-experienced agents. While customer reviews generally indicate solid agent quality, some competing services limit their networks to agents who meet specific experience, performance, and customer satisfaction benchmarks.
Low-commission alternatives to HomeLight
If you’re looking for the best deal when selling your home, a low-commission alternative to HomeLight is worth considering. All of these companies are free to try, with no obligation to hire an agent, so you can explore your options without taking on any risk.
Clever Real Estate stands out if you want to save on commission while still working with a traditional, full-service agent. It matches you with multiple local realtors who offer a low 1.5% listing fee, drawn from a network of 19,000+ top agents at brokerages like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, Compass, and Century 21. Agents have at least five years of experience and strong customer ratings. You can compare matches or request more until you find the right fit. If you move forward with an agent, you'll get the same hands-on support you’d expect from a full-price agent.
Redfin has its own in-house agents, and you're usually assigned an agent instead of getting to choose from multiple options. Listing fees are typically 1.5–2% in many major metro areas, and sellers who also buy with Redfin may qualify for extra savings. The process leans heavily on Redfin’s online tools, and you’ll often work with a small team rather than one agent. That setup can be efficient, especially in fast-moving markets, but you’ll have less flexibility to shop around for an agent, and you may get less dedicated service.
Ideal Agent keeps things simple by matching you with one local agent who agrees to a 2% listing fee. The company focuses on experienced, high-performing agents, but its network is smaller than some competitors and is strongest in larger markets. Since you’re only matched with one agent, there’s less opportunity to compare options, which may be a plus if you don’t want to shop around — but a drawback if you like having choices. It can be a solid option if agent quality matters more to you than finding the lowest possible fee.
Is HomeLight legit?
Yes, HomeLight is a legitimate company. It was founded in 2012 by Drew Uher, its current chief executive officer. Its current network includes over 30,000 active realtors and lenders, and it conducts over $1 billion worth of real estate transactions on its platform annually.[1]
HomeLight is a privately held company that operates nationwide and has offices in Scottsdale, San Francisco, New York, and Seattle. In 2024, the company reportedly raised $20 million from investors to fund its growth initiatives, including its Buy Before You Sell product.[2] It's also accredited by the Better Business Bureau, where it has an A+ rating.
Finally, HomeLight was named to HousingWire's Tech100 list for 2025, recognizing the most impactful and innovative real estate companies.[3]
HomeLight reviews
| Review source | Rating |
|---|---|
| Better Business Bureau | 4.2 / 5 (100 reviews) |
| 4.8 / 5 (294 reviews) | |
| Sitejabber | 3.3 / 5 (306 reviews) |
| Trustpilot | 2.8 / 5 (3 reviews) |
| Yelp | 3.0 / 5 (64 reviews) |
| Total rating | 3.9 / 5 (767 reviews) |
HomeLight customer reviews are generally positive, with an average rating of 3.9/5 from more than 700 reviews across sites like the Better Business Bureau, Google, and Yelp. The company also has a robust testimonial list with more than 5,000 positive in-house reviews.[4]
Positive customer feedback praises HomeLight for offering a convenient matching service that simplifies finding a realtor. Most customers are happy with the realtor HomeLight chose and feel like the service made their real estate transactions easier.
By contrast, negative customer reviews feel HomeLight’s sign-up process is misleading. Multiple reviewers complain about constant calls and texts from brokers they didn’t connect with through the platform.
'Some of the best realtors in the area'
HomeLight associates with some of the best realtors in the area. We chose Stacy to help us sell our house. She went above and beyond in her preparations. She took the time to explain the steps involved and prepared flyers so professional that prospective buyers had to be interested in viewing the home.
‘They made the process easy’
HomeLight users praise the platform for eliminating the hassle of searching for an agent by instantly connecting users with multiple local realtors.
I am glad I contacted HomeLight. They connected me with a number of great agents. I would not of known where to start picking out an agency. They made the process easy. I would definitely recommend them!
‘They’ll be my first choice for future needs’
HomeLight’s matching service connects many customers with reliable agents, earning the company repeat business in the future.
I'm very satisfied with HomeLight services. They were flexible and enthusiastic about my needs. The realtor that I was connected to through this agency went above and beyond in facilitating the sale. Once listed, there were two viewings both made an offer on the property. It was sold within two weeks once under contract. I would highly recommend HomeLight to others and they'll be my first choice for future needs.
‘They keep sending me spam emails’
Prospective customers complain about constant unsolicited phone calls and texts from realtors, even when they specify not to be contacted.
I've never done business with this company. They keep sending me spam emails asking me to review a real estate agent. The emails have an unsubscribe link which doesn't work and a phone number which seems to answer and repeat, "No route found."
‘Didn’t read the fine print’
Although HomeLight states that using the platform is consent to receive calls from agents in its terms of service [5], some customers feel the process isn’t transparent because the matching service only states that information in the fine print.
I clicked a HomeLight link to see get a "free report" on home value - didn't read the fine print. I entered and submitted my info and within minutes received a phone call from HomeLight. *** told me that they were providing my info to three of ‘Top 1%’ realtors in my area and they would be calling me and giving me the info I requested. I explained that I did not want to be contacted by ******** and their answer was pretty much "too late."
HomeLight pros and cons
Pros
- Large agent network
- Intuitive dashboard
- Variety of services
Cons
- No commission savings
- Lenient agent-vetting process
- Unwanted sales calls
HomeLight offers a nationwide network of more than 30,000 realtors that extends to areas beyond major metros. Once you sign up for its matching service, you can access an intuitive dashboard to compare your realtor options. It offers more than agent-matching services, with financing, cash-buying, and buy-before-you-sell options available. Working within this ecosystem aims to streamline your buying and selling process.
HomeLight’s expansive agent network is also a drawback to consider. Because any licensed agent can sign up to be in the HomeLight system, you may run into inexperienced agents who don’t have a deep understanding of your market. You also receive no discount on realtor fees when you match with HomeLight agents, and while negotiation is possible, you’ll most likely pay full commission.
HomeLight’s services outside of the matching platform come with significant costs as well. For example, the Buy Before You Sell program charges 2.4% — Knock, a Buy Before You Sell competitor, only charges 1.25%.
For these reasons, we recommend you consider your alternatives, including low commission realtors, before choosing an agent with HomeLight.
HomeLight: How it works
HomeLight provides multiple services for homebuyers and sellers to help them streamline the process. Here’s how it works for each type of customer:
For sellers
Step 1: Select the “I’m selling” option on the home page, enter your address, and answer some general questions about your property.
Step 2: Connect with up to three agents in your area via the HomeLight matching platform.
Step 3: Interview agents and choose the one who best suits your needs.
Step 4: Stage and sell your home with your selected agent.
For cash offers (Simple Sale)
Step 1: Visit the Simple Sale page, fill out the online form to answer specific questions about your property, and speak to a Home Consultant.
Step 2: Connect with a member of HomeLight’s cash-buying network.
Step 3: Receive a cash offer for your home. It’s important to note that there’s no realtor fee for selling to a cash buyer, but real estate investors will offer less than you could make on the open market.
Step 4: Close in as few as ten days, with a flexible moving date.
For buyers
Step 1: Choose the “I’m buying” option on the home page and fill out the online form to answer questions about your city, type of home, and price range.
Step 2: Connect with up to three agents in your area and interview the agent who best meets your needs.
Step 3 (Optional): Submit a preapproval application through HomeLight’s mortgage service to keep the process in-house.
Step 4: Work with your agent to find and purchase your new home.
HomeLight Buy Before You SellHomeLight’s flagship Buy Before You Sell service makes buying a new home more manageable by offering a bridge loan that lets homeowners access their old home’s equity before it sells. After receiving your funds, you can shop for a new home and make a non-contingent offer when you find the right one. HomeLight will then sell your old house after you move and give you any extra profit when it sells. Sellers pay 2.4% (plus $1,500 if you don’t use the HomeLight closing service) to use Buy Before You Sell. Best for: Sellers who are willing to pay a little extra to have complete control over the timing of the closing and move-out process. You also have a guaranteed offer on your home, regardless of the timeline. |
HomeLight reviews: The bottom line
HomeLight is a reasonable starting point if you want a quick way to explore your selling options and get connected with local agents without much upfront effort. The platform makes it easy to see what paths are available to you — whether that’s working with a traditional agent, considering a cash offer, or exploring bridge loans — which can be helpful if you’re still figuring out your next move.
However, traditional HomeLight agents usually charge standard commission rates. The company doesn’t negotiate fees or offer built-in discounts, so using its matching service is unlikely to save you money.
If you decide to request agent matches through HomeLight, it’s smart to compare them with matches from a low-commission company like Clever or Ideal Agent. All of these services are free to use, so there’s no downside to seeing your options. If you find a comparable agent through a low-commission platform, you could save thousands in listing fees — making it well worth the extra step before choosing who to hire.
