UpNest Reviews: Is UpNest a Good Way to Connect With Quality Agents?

UpNest is a realtor-matching service from Realtor.com that connects buyers and sellers with real estate agents in their area. While the service can help you find a quality agent, it may not score you a discount on commission fees.

Real estate agents using the UpNest platform compete for your business, incentivizing lower commission rates.^[1] However, the matching service charges the real estate agent a 30% referral fee on each successful deal, which may lead to higher commissions on average.^[2]

Most UpNest customers are happy with the service and have had a positive experience with their matched local real estate agent. On the other hand, some users ran into inattentive agents who did the bare minimum to sell homes.^[3]

To pay less commission and get outstanding service, consider looking into low-commission real estate companies.

Who it's best for | UpNest reviews | Best alternatives | How UpNest works

Who UpNest works best for

If you want a better way to quickly compare and interview several agents rather than calling them independently, UpNest could be a good fit for you.

Comparing agents in one place simplifies the decision-making process. The platform connects you with multiple realtors in under 24 hours, making it easier to analyze their services and negotiate commissions.

It’s important to note that UpNest customers may trade customer service for convenience through the platform. Previous UpNest users stated they needed to be more proactive than expected and handled most of the legwork.^[4]

Who UpNest doesn't work best for

If you want to save on realtor commissions without negotiating on your own, a low-commission matching service, like Clever, which negotiates a 1.5% listing fee (instead of the industry standard 2.5%) for you is a better fit.

Clever also gives you a cash-back bonus when you use the platform. If you sell using its services, you receive $250 cash back. And those who buy and sell through Clever receive $500 cash back.

First-time buyers and sellers or those prioritizing a full-service experience should steer clear of the matching service. Agents outside the platform often offer better communication and more perks, like better marketing and staging services, than those who use UpNest.

Looking for lower commission and more agent options? Clever Real Estate might be a better fit. Get connected with top-rated local agents and save thousands on commission fees. Try Clever Real Estate today.

UpNest reviews

UpNest reviews are generally positive, with an average customer rating of 4.6 across the Better Business Bureau, Google, and Shopper Approved.

Most customers praise UpNest for the platform’s simplicity and how quickly it matched them with a reliable agent.

However, negative reviews point toward less-than-attentive agents who don’t provide personalized service and state that UpNest’s service is something customers can do on their own.

‘UpNest found me an amazing realtor’

Thousands of UpNest users highlight the platform’s ability to connect them with exceptional realtors who facilitate quick home sales.

‘A wealth of information’

Customers are pleased with UpNest’s matches and how the platform helps them make knowledgeable decisions about their agent choice.

‘Our realtor did the absolute bare minimum’

While most reviewers find UpNest realtors incredibly helpful, some sellers connected with agents who did little to facilitate the sale of their homes.

‘Skip UpNest and go directly to [a realtor]’

Some UpNest customers comment that it makes more sense to contact the realtor directly without a middleman.

UpNest pros and cons

Pros

The most significant benefit of working with UpNest is convenience. You can easily connect with several local real estate agents to compare agent rates and services.

You also have agents competing for your business, which opens the potential for lower overall realtor fees.^[5]

Cons

While it’s not a given, some people see less service and attention from their UpNest connections. You may communicate less with your agent than you would if you contacted a real estate broker directly.

Even though agents compete for your listing, you may save little to no money. UpNest doesn’t disclose how much its customers save on average, and it’s up to each realtor's discretion to offer a commission deal.

Low-commission alternatives to UpNest

UpNest is a highly reviewed agent-matching service with thousands of satisfied customers, but the platform doesn’t offer the same savings as its competitors.

For example, Redfin, a leading online low commission broker with a team of agents, offers a guaranteed 1.5% savings. However, the downside is that you must work with a Redfin agent who handles a heavy workload, limiting agent interactions.

Ideal Agent also offers a discounted matching service, but you only match with one agent in your area, and the 2% commission is higher than that of Clever or Redfin.

Our best alternative to UpNest is Clever Real Estate. Clever offers a matching service to reputable brokerages, like UpNest, but it goes above and beyond to negotiate for 1.5% realtor fees and cash-back deals on your behalf.

UpNest: How it works

Match with an agent. The UpNest process begins by giving the platform some basic information about your needs. It will ask whether you’re buying or selling, how soon you want to move, your price range, and so on.

Choose the right agent for you. UpNest will give you 3-5 commission quotes from agents in your area. You can interview any or all of your agents, hire the one that best meets your needs, or simply walk away if you aren’t happy with the selection.

Buy or sell with your UpNest agent. List with your UpNest agent the same way you would with any other real estate agent. Sellers will pay agents the agreed quote from their match, while buyers will receive a 20% commission refund upon closing.

UpNest reviews: The bottom line

UpNest is a great resource for buyers who need help searching for a real estate agent.

The platform connects you with top local agents, drives competition between agents to get you a better deal, and opens the door for negotiation on realtor fees.

But if you want an excellent agent matching service and better fees, with zero negotiation, Clever is the way to go. Clever matches you with agents from reputable brokers (like Re/Max and Keller Williams) — all while negotiating a 1.5% listing fee.