Which Real Estate Company Has the Lowest Commission?
- Published on
- 9 min read
-
Richard Haddad Executive EditorClose
Richard Haddad Executive EditorRichard Haddad is the executive editor of HomeLight.com. He works with an experienced content team that oversees the company’s blog featuring in-depth articles about the home buying and selling process, homeownership news, home care and design tips, and related real estate trends. Previously, he served as an editor and content producer for World Company, Gannett, and Western News & Info, where he also served as news director and director of internet operations.
It can be hard to justify paying a commission on something you’re selling, especially an asset you’ve invested in for years, like a home. When it’s time to sell, you might be considering a low-commission service. But which real estate company has the lowest commission?
Does paying less in commission mean you’ll sacrifice service or profit?
In this post, we’ll show you a list of the most popular low-commission real estate companies in the U.S. and provide insights to help you make a confident decision.
Find an Agent Worth Their Commission
We’ll connect you with three top local agents proven to deliver amazing results for their clients. You won’t regret a dime spent!
What is a low-commission real estate company?
A low-commission real estate company provides home sellers with discounted listing services, typically charging 1%–2% commission fees, rather than the standard 3% a full-service agent might expect. These businesses may provide limited service, a hybrid model, or full service at a reduced cost.
While saving on commission sounds appealing, the level of agent support and marketing exposure can vary widely between companies and their agents. What truly influences your sale is the agent’s experience, judgment, and ability to navigate challenges, qualities that often matter more than the company they represent.
Which real estate company has the lowest commission?
Here’s a look at some of the most well-known low-commission real estate companies in the country so you can compare fees and customer ratings, and check out their websites. They are presented starting with the lowest 1% commission rates.
SimpleShowing
SimpleShowing offers a low 1% listing commission for home sellers, with a minimum commission of $5,000. Unlike some discount brokerages, it provides full-service representation with experienced local agents. The company markets homes through a traditional yard sign, multiple listing service (MLS), national real estate sites, social media ads, and custom landing pages.
- Listing fee: 1% (minimum $5,000)
- Locations: Texas, Florida, and Georgia
- Website: simpleshowing.com
- Phone number: 833-500-7469
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, not accredited
- Google reviews: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Trelora
Trelora is a full-service discount real estate agency that charges a 1% listing fee. It uses a team-based model, providing sellers with multiple licensed agents and proprietary technology to streamline the home-selling process. Services include MLS listings, professional photos, social media marketing, and negotiation support.
- Listing fee: 1% (minimum commissions may apply)
- Locations: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington
- Website: trelora.com
- Phone: 720-500-2144
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, not accredited
- Google reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Houwzer
Houwzer is a full-service discount real estate brokerage that charges a 1% listing fee while providing a team of experienced, full-time agents. Unlike commission-based models, Houwzer’s agents earn a salary. The company also integrates in-house title services to streamline transactions. Houwzer and Trelora are owned by parent company Newfound, which operates both brands under a shared model.
- Listing fee: 1% (minimum commissions may apply)
- Locations: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Washington DC
- Website: houwzer.com
- Phone: 267-765-2080
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, accredited since 2016
- Google reviews: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Clever Real Estate
Clever connects home sellers with top-rated agents from major brokerages like RE/MAX and eXp at a reduced 1.5% listing fee (minimum $3,000). Clever’s agents are full-service professionals who agree to lower their commission in exchange for more business. Sellers can compare agents for free, with no obligation, and receive concierge support throughout the process.
- Listing fee: 1.5% (minimum $3,000)
- Locations: Nationwide
- Website: listwithclever.com
- Phone: 833-2-CLEVER
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, accredited since 2022
- Google reviews: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Redfin
Redfin is a tech-driven real estate brokerage that offers a 1% listing fee when sellers also buy a home with Redfin within 365 days. The company’s agents are salaried professionals who use the company’s technology and marketing platform to maximize exposure, including premium placement on Redfin’s website, which attracts millions of buyers.
- Listing fee: 1% when buying and selling with Redfin
- Locations: Select markets nationwide
- Website: redfin.com
- Phone: 844-759-7732
- Better Business Bureau: F rating, not accredited
- Google reviews: 4.1 out of 5 stars
Ideal Agent
Ideal Agent connects sellers with real estate agents who have agreed to list properties for a discounted commission rate, typically around 2% of the sale price. The company negotiates discounts with agents in its network. Partner agents must meet performance criteria, such as being full-time licensed agents with 5+ years of experience, high customer reviews, and a set number of transactions each year.
- Listing fee: 2% (minimum $3,000)
- Locations: Nationwide
- Website: idealagent.com
- Phone: 800-750-4014
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, not accredited
- Trustpilot: 5 out of 5 stars (Google review no longer active)
Prevu
Prevu is a modern, full-service real estate brokerage that charges a 2% listing fee. The company employs salaried agents who provide expert home valuations, professional photography, MLS exposure, and tech-driven marketing. Services include open houses, showings, negotiation management, 3D virtual tours, and social media advertising.
- Listing fee: 2% (minimum fee varies by market)
- Locations: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Washington DC
- Website: prevu.com
- Phone: 646-603-6868
- Google reviews: 5 out of 5 stars
How Much Is Your Home Worth Now?
Home values have rapidly increased in recent years. How much is your current home worth now? Get a ballpark estimate from HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator.
Lowest-commission companies vary by market
The lowest-commission options can look very different depending on where you’re selling. Many discount companies rely on local agents opting in, which means availability and fees can vary widely from one area to another. Even well-known national brands don’t offer one reduced rate across all markets, despite their broad reach.
In larger cities and major metro areas, sellers typically have more low-fee options because of higher transaction volume and competition. These markets also attract more agents willing to work at reduced rates. In rural areas or smaller metros, discount options may be limited or nonexistent. As a result, sellers in these markets may need to weigh cost savings against the level of service and availability they can get.
Discount commission examples by home price
The table below provides examples of how low-commission real estate company fees might play out depending on the rate you pay and your home’s selling price:
| Home price | 3% listing fee | 2% listing fee | 1.5% listing fee | 1% listing fee |
| $200,000 | $6,000 | $4,000 | $3,000 | $2,000 |
| $300,000 | $9,000 | $6,000 | $4,500 | $3,000 |
| $400,000 | $12,000 | $8,000 | $6,000 | $4,000 |
| $500,000 | $15,000 | $10,000 | $7,500 | $5,000 |
| $600,000 | $18,000 | $12,000 | $9,000 | $6,000 |
| $700,000 | $21,000 | $14,000 | $10,500 | $7,000 |
| $800,000 | $24,000 | $16,000 | $12,000 | $8,000 |
| $900,000 | $27,000 | $18,000 | $13,500 | $9,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $30,000 | $20,000 | $15,000 | $10,000 |
| $1,500,000 | $45,000 | $30,000 | $22,500 | $15,000 |
| $2,000,000 | $60,000 | $40,000 | $30,000 | $20,000 |
Risks of using a low-commission real estate company
While low-commission real estate companies can help you save on listing fees, they may come with trade-offs that could impact your home sale. Here are some potential risks to consider:
- Limited service or support: Some discount firms provide less hands-on guidance, meaning you may handle more of the selling process yourself.
- Less aggressive pricing and negotiation: Lower fees might mean fewer incentives for agents to negotiate the highest possible price for your home.
- Market exposure concerns: While most discount companies list homes on the MLS, some may not invest as much in targeted marketing, professional staging, or premium listings on top home-buying websites.
- Salaried or team-based agent models: Some low-commission companies use salaried agents or large teams, which can mean you’re passed between multiple people and get less personalized attention than you would with one dedicated, full-service agent.
Flat-fee compensation vs. discount commissions
Flat-fee compensation and discount commissions are often grouped together, but they work quite differently, and the trade-offs aren’t always obvious.
Flat-fee compensation means you pay the agent a set dollar amount for specific services, regardless of your home’s sale price. This can work well if you only need limited help, such as MLS listing access or paperwork support. However, many flat-fee models charge extra for essentials like pricing guidance, negotiations, showings, or offer management, which can leave sellers handling critical parts of the transaction on their own.
Discount commissions, on the other hand, reduce the traditional percentage commission while still offering full or near-full service. In many cases, sellers receive marketing support, pricing guidance, negotiation expertise, and transaction coordination, though the depth of service can vary by agent and company.
Ultimately, flat-fee models cut costs upfront but often come with less hands-on support, while discount commissions try to keep expert guidance in place at a reduced rate. Knowing where those differences matter can help you decide which option makes the most sense.
Should I use a low-commission real estate company?
Choosing a low-commission real estate company depends on your priorities. If your main goal is to save on agent fees and you’re comfortable with potential trade-offs, a discount brokerage could be a good fit.
However, if you want maximum marketing exposure, expert negotiation, and personalized service, working with a top-performing agent may help you sell for more money, even after paying a higher commission.
Before deciding, compare multiple options. HomeLight’s Agent Match can connect you with a highly rated agent in your area who offers competitive rates while delivering strong results.
If you’re buying and selling a home at the same time, check out HomeLight’s innovative Buy Before You Sell program. This modern solution unlocks your equity to streamline the process. Make a non-contingent offer on your new home and only move once. See this short video to learn more.
FAQs about low-commission real estate companies
Some discount brokerages offer listing fees as low as 1%, though minimum commission requirements may apply. In some cases, sellers may negotiate lower fees with individual agents, but most traditional agents charge around 2.5%–3% for their services.
Traditionally, a typical combined seller-buyer real estate commission in the U.S. has been between 5% and 6%, split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. However, commission rules have changed following a landmark court settlement by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Buyers are now expected to negotiate and pay their own agent fees.
The NAR settlement decoupled seller and buyer agent compensations. Under the new commission rules, sellers are no longer automatically expected to pay the buyer’s agent fees.
Sellers may still choose to pay the buyer’s Realtor, but buyers are now responsible for directly negotiating commission amounts with their agents. Theoretically, sellers may now pay lower total commissions since they are no longer required to cover buyer agent fees.
Selling your home without an agent can save on commission fees, but it often results in a lower sale price. According to industry data, agent-listed homes sold for a median of $425,000 over the past year, while FSBO properties brought in $360,000, an 18% difference favoring sellers who used an agent.
FSBO homes typically sell for less than agent-listed properties due to limited marketing exposure, pricing mistakes, and weaker negotiation strategies. In many cases, a top agent can negotiate a higher sale price that offsets their commission, resulting in more net proceeds for the seller.
Yes, selling directly to a house-buying company can eliminate agent commissions. However, these businesses usually pay less than market value.
This trade-off means you might sell your home faster but walk away with significantly less money than you would in a traditional sale. However, if speed and convenience are priorities due to a family emergency or financial hardship, an all-cash offer with a fast closing could be a practical solution.
Editor’s note: The profiles above include advertised seller listing fees. Some real estate companies also offer commission discounts to buyers if the seller is not offering to pay the buyer’s agent fee.
Header Image Source: (Point3D Commercial Imaging Ltd./Unsplash)
At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict editorial integrity in each of our posts.