20 Best Low-Cost Realtors Near Me
📋 Key Takeaways: The Critical Answers About Low-Cost Realtors
| ❓ Question | ✅ Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| What’s the typical savings with discount realtors? | $6,650 on a $500K home (1.5% vs 2.82% traditional listing fee) |
| What changed in August 2024 that affects commissions? | NAR $418M settlement: buyers now negotiate their own agent fees separately |
| What’s the lowest listing commission available? | 1% (1 Percent Lists, Houzeo, some Clever agents) vs 2.82% national average |
| Do low-commission agents provide full service? | Yes—top platforms like Clever offer full-service support at 1.5% |
| Can I still use traditional brands like Keller Williams? | Yes—Clever connects you with KW/RE/MAX agents at 1.5% vs their usual 2.5-3% |
| What’s the difference between flat-fee and percentage discount brokers? | Flat-fee: pay $399-$4,000 upfront; Percentage: pay 1-2.5% at closing |
| Do discount realtors sell homes for less? | Potential risk—top 5% agents sell for 10% more on average (HomeLight data) |
| What’s the catch with 1% listing fees? | May not include buyer’s agent commission (still typically 2.5-2.75%) |
| Are buyer’s agents still paid by sellers? | Not required anymore—but sellers can still offer to attract buyers |
| Which platform has the best customer ratings? | Clever Real Estate: top-rated on Trustpilot with 3,500+ reviews |
🔥 The August 2024 Earthquake That Changed Everything (And Why Your Neighbor Probably Doesn’t Know About It)
Here’s what happened that nobody’s talking about at backyard barbecues: On August 17, 2024, the National Association of Realtors settlement went into effect, fundamentally changing how real estate commissions work in America.
For the first time in modern real estate history, sellers are NO LONGER required to pay buyer’s agent commissions. This isn’t a small tweak—it’s a $418 million settlement that dismantled decades of industry practice.
📊 What Actually Changed on August 17, 2024
| 📋 Old Rules (Pre-August 2024) | 🆕 New Rules (Post-August 2024) | 💡 What It Means For You |
|---|---|---|
| Seller pays both agents (5-6% total split) | Buyers negotiate directly with their agents | You can potentially save the entire buyer’s agent fee |
| Buyer’s agent commission shown on MLS | PROHIBITED to show on MLS | More room for negotiation |
| Standard “6% commission” industry expectation | All commissions fully negotiable | Increased competition = lower fees |
| Seller automatically covers buyer’s costs | Optional—seller can choose | Leverage to reduce your total costs |
| Limited transparency on fee breakdown | Written agreements required before showings | Better understanding of what you’re paying for |
💡 The Reality Check: According to Redfin data, buyer agent commissions briefly dropped from 2.61% to 2.55% in summer 2024—but then climbed back above 2.67% by early 2025. Why? Because sellers still choose to offer buyer’s agent compensation to attract more buyers.
⚠️ The Insider Secret: This settlement created a negotiation window that smart sellers are exploiting. You can now separately negotiate YOUR listing fee (potentially down to 1-1.5%) AND decide whether to offer buyer’s agent compensation—giving you dual leverage points traditional sellers never had.
💰 The Math That Real Estate Agents Don’t Want You to See
Let’s do the calculation nobody shows you upfront.
📊 Real Commission Savings Calculator (Based on $500,000 Home Sale)
| 💳 Agent Type | 📋 Listing Fee % | 💰 Your Cost | 💵 Buyer Agent Fee | 💰 Total Commission | 📈 Your Savings vs Traditional |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Agent | 2.82% (national average) | $14,100 | 2.75% ($13,750) | $27,850 | Baseline |
| Clever Real Estate | 1.5% | $7,500 | 2.75% ($13,750) | $21,250 | $6,600 saved |
| Houzeo (Platinum) | 1.25% + $349 | $6,599 | 2.75% ($13,750) | $20,349 | $7,501 saved |
| 1 Percent Lists | 1% | $5,000 | 2.75% ($13,750) | $18,750 | $9,100 saved |
| Redfin | 1.5-2% | $7,500-$10,000 | 2.75% ($13,750) | $21,250-$23,750 | $4,100-$6,600 saved |
| Flat Fee MLS Only | $399-$4,000 flat | $399-$4,000 | 2.75% ($13,750) | $14,149-$17,750 | $10,100-$13,701 saved |
| NO buyer agent offered | 1% | $5,000 | $0 | $5,000 | $22,850 saved (high risk) |
💡 The Critical Insight: That “1% listing fee” everyone advertises? It doesn’t include the buyer’s agent commission, which you’ll likely still need to pay to attract buyers. The REAL savings are typically $6,000-$9,000, not the $14,000 some discount brokers imply.
⚠️ The Dangerous Myth: Some sellers think, “I’ll just offer 0% to buyer’s agents and save everything!” Bad idea. Homes without buyer agent compensation get fewer showings and lower offers. You might save $13,750 in commission but lose $30,000 in negotiating power.
🏆 20 Best Low-Cost Real Estate Platforms & Services
Since I can’t give you specific local realtors without knowing your location, here are the 20 best platforms that connect you with low-cost agents in YOUR area—along with exact contact information.
🥇 TOP-TIER NATIONAL DISCOUNT PLATFORMS
📊 #1: Clever Real Estate – The Top-Rated Marketplace
| 📋 Feature | ✅ Details |
|---|---|
| Listing Fee | 1.5% (with $3,000 minimum) |
| Agent Network | 19,000+ agents from Keller Williams, RE/MAX, Compass |
| Service Level | Full-service (same as traditional agents) |
| Customer Rating | Top-rated on Trustpilot (3,500+ reviews) |
| Coverage | Nationwide—all 50 states |
| Website | listwithclever.com |
| Phone | Available through website agent matching |
| Best For | Sellers wanting proven agents at discount rates |
💡 Why Clever Wins: You get name-brand agents (Keller Williams, RE/MAX) at 1.5% instead of their usual 2.5-3%. It’s not a different tier of service—it’s the SAME agents at pre-negotiated lower rates.
📊 #2: Houzeo – The Tech-Powered Virtual Service
| 📋 Feature | ✅ Details |
|---|---|
| Listing Fee | 1.25% + $349 flat fee (Platinum plan) OR $399-$3,999 flat fee (other plans) |
| Service Type | Virtual full-service support with high-tech tools |
| Special Features | Showings management platform, mobile app, offer management |
| Customer Rating | 5-star |
| Coverage | Nationwide |
| Website | www.houzeo.com |
| Phone | Available on website |
| Best For | Tech-savvy sellers comfortable with virtual support |
💡 The Houzeo Advantage: Their offer management platform lets you track multiple offers in real-time through an app. Traditional agents use email and phone calls—Houzeo gives you a dashboard.
📊 #3: Redfin – The Established Tech Brokerage
| 📋 Feature | ✅ Details |
|---|---|
| Listing Fee | 1.5-2% (varies by market; $2,000-$9,000 minimum, $4,400 average) |
| Service Type | Salaried in-house agents (not commission-based) |
| Additional Benefit | 0.5% refund if you buy and sell with Redfin (1% effective listing fee) |
| Visitors | 46M unique monthly visitors to Redfin.com |
| Customer Rating | 4+ stars |
| Coverage | Major U.S. metro areas |
| Website | www.redfin.com |
| Phone | 1-844-4-REDFIN (1-844-473-3346) |
| Recent Change | Acquired by Rocket in July 2025 |
| Best For | Sellers in major metro areas wanting established brand |
⚠️ The Redfin Trade-Off: Average Redfin agent closed 23+ deals in 2024—more than triple the typical agent’s workload. This means potential for less hands-on service despite the brand recognition.
📊 #4: 1 Percent Lists – The Transparent 1% Franchise
| 📋 Feature | ✅ Details |
|---|---|
| Listing Fee | 1% flat |
| Service Type | Full-service realtors (same services as traditional agents) |
| No Hidden Fees | Explicitly advertised |
| Professional Services | Photography, MLS listing, contract negotiation |
| Franchise Locations | 65+ locations in 19 states (as of October 2025) |
| Coverage | AL, AR, CA, CO, FL, GA, IN, IA, KY, LA, MS, MO, NC, PA, SC, SD, TN, UT, WA |
| Website | www.1percentlists.com |
| Phone | Find local franchise phone on website |
| Best For | Sellers in covered states wanting straightforward 1% fee |
💡 The Franchise Model: Each location is independently owned, so service quality can vary. Check local reviews for your specific franchise before signing.
🥈 SECOND-TIER ESTABLISHED PLATFORMS
📊 #5: Ideal Agent – The Quality-Focused 2% Service
| 📋 Feature | ✅ Details |
|---|---|
| Listing Fee | 2% |
| Agent Quality | Network of highly-rated agents |
| Trade-Off | Higher fee than Clever/Redfin, but emphasis on agent experience |
| Best For | Sellers prioritizing top-tier agent over maximum savings |
| Website | Contact through agent matching services |
📊 #6: SimpleShowing – The Showing-Focused Discount Service
| 📋 Feature | ✅ Details |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Focuses on streamlining showing process |
| Approach | Technology-driven showing coordination |
| Best For | Sellers comfortable managing more of the process themselves |
📊 #7: ListingSpark – The Marketing-Heavy Discount Broker
| 📋 Feature | ✅ Details |
|---|---|
| Emphasis | Professional marketing at reduced rates |
| Service Level | Full marketing package with lower commission |
| Best For | Sellers in competitive markets needing strong marketing |
📊 #8: UpNest (Realtor.com) – The Agent Comparison Platform
| 📋 Feature | ✅ Details |
|---|---|
| Business Model | Agent-matching brokerage owned by Move, Inc. (Realtor.com) |
| How It Works | Compare multiple agent options with different rates |
| Website | Through Realtor.com |
| Caveat | Commission rates vary significantly by agent selected |
| Best For | Sellers wanting to compare multiple local options |
⚠️ The UpNest Catch: You get multiple agent proposals, but commission rates aren’t fixed—they vary by agent. You might end up paying close to traditional rates.
📍 REGIONAL & SPECIALIZED DISCOUNT SERVICES
📊 #9: Prevu – The Northeast Specialist
| 📋 Feature | ✅ Details |
|---|---|
| Listing Fee | 2% |
| Coverage | NY, NJ, PA, CT, MA, MD, VA, DC, FL, TX, WA, CO |
| Special Feature | “Smart Buyer Rebate” up to 1% for buyers |
| Customer Rating | 5 out of 5 on Google (500+ reviews) |
| Website | www.prevu.com |
| Best For | Northeast and select state sellers |
📊 #10: Get More Offers – The New York Focus
| 📋 Feature | ✅ Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Market | New York |
| Service Type | Discount brokerage with competitive rates |
| Best For | NY sellers wanting local expertise |
📊 #11: Homie – The Utah-Based Discount Pioneer
| 📋 Feature | ✅ Details |
|---|---|
| Service Type | In-house agents with discount model |
| Primary Markets | Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho |
| Approach | Technology-driven with local agents |
| Best For | Western U.S. sellers in covered markets |
🏠 FLAT-FEE MLS SERVICES (FSBO Support)
📊 #12-#15: Flat Fee MLS Companies
| Platform | Fee Range | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Flat Fee MLS Services | $399-$4,000 | MLS listing, basic exposure |
| FSBO.com | Varies | For Sale By Owner tools + MLS access |
| Fizber | Varies | FSBO platform with optional agent services |
| Discount MLS Listing Sites | $249-$999 | MLS access without full agent services |
💡 Flat Fee Reality: You pay upfront to get on the MLS, but YOU handle showings, negotiations, paperwork, and closing. This saves maximum money but requires significant time and knowledge.
⚠️ The FSBO Truth: According to NAR’s 2025 survey, only 6% of sellers go FSBO anymore. Why? Median FSBO sale price was $380,000 vs $435,000 for agent-assisted sales in 2023. You might save $14,000 in commission but lose $55,000 in selling price.
🔍 AGENT MATCHING & COMPARISON SERVICES
📊 #16: HomeLight – The Agent Matching Platform
| 📋 Feature | ✅ Details |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Connects sellers with top-performing agents |
| Business Model | Agents pay referral fee to HomeLight |
| Customer Rating | 4.2 out of 5 stars on Sitejabber |
| Founded | 2012 by Drew Uher |
| Caveat | Commission rates vary; no guaranteed discount |
| Website | www.homelight.com |
| Best For | Sellers prioritizing agent performance data |
⚠️ The HomeLight Model: Agents pay HomeLight a referral fee, so you lose negotiation leverage on commission. The agents need to recoup that cost.
📊 #17: Clever Partner Agent Network
| 📋 Feature | ✅ Details |
|---|---|
| What It Is | The individual agents in Clever’s network |
| Qualification | Proven sales records, high ratings |
| Major Brands | Keller Williams, RE/MAX, Compass, regional brokerages |
| Rate | Pre-negotiated 1.5% when matched through Clever |
📊 #18: Local Discount Brokerages
| 📋 Service Type | 💡 How to Find |
|---|---|
| Independent Local Discount Brokers | Google “[Your City] discount real estate brokers” |
| Regional Low-Commission Firms | Check local real estate forums and Facebook groups |
| Individual Negotiated Rates | Ask traditional agents if they’ll match discount rates |
📱 TECHNOLOGY-FIRST SERVICES
📊 #19: Real Brokerage
| 📋 Feature | ✅ Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Cloud-based brokerage with agent independence |
| Approach | Technology platform that attracts agents offering competitive rates |
| Survey Data | Business “largely continued as usual” post-NAR settlement |
| Best For | Tech-savvy sellers wanting modern platform |
📊 #20: Zillow Premier Agent Network
| 📋 Feature | ✅ Details |
|---|---|
| What It Is | Zillow’s network of paying agents |
| Caveat | NOT a discount service—agents pay for leads |
| Use It For | Finding agents, then negotiate rates separately |
| Website | www.zillow.com |
🚨 The Biggest Mistakes That Cost Sellers Thousands (That Discount Brokers Won’t Tell You)
📊 Critical Errors & Hidden Costs
| ❌ Mistake | 💰 Potential Cost | ✅ Smart Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Choosing based on lowest % alone | $50,000+ in lost selling price | Top 5% agents sell homes for 10% more—do the math |
| Not asking about minimum fees | Unexpected $3,000-$9,000 minimum | Redfin minimum varies $2K-$9K by market—ask upfront |
| Assuming “1%” means total costs | $13,750 buyer agent fee surprise | Always ask: “Does this include buyer’s agent commission?” |
| Hiring discount agent in luxury market | Lost staging/marketing = lower offers | Luxury properties need premium marketing—discount doesn’t work |
| Not comparing actual agent experience | Inexperienced negotiation = lower price | Check: How many homes closed? Average days on market? |
| Forgetting to read the service agreement | Locked into 6-month contract with no outs | Some contracts penalize early termination |
| Not negotiating with traditional agents | Paying 2.82% when they’d accept 2% | Post-NAR settlement, ALL commissions negotiable |
💡 The Data That Changes Everything: HomeLight’s internal data shows the top 5% of agents sell homes for 10% more than average agents. On a $500,000 home, that’s $50,000 more. Even if you pay 2.82% ($14,100) instead of 1% ($5,000), you NET $40,900 more. The discount cost you money.
🔍 How to ACTUALLY Find Low-Cost Realtors in Your Specific Area (The Step-by-Step Process)
Since I can’t give you specific names without knowing your location, here’s exactly how to find them yourself:
📊 The 7-Step Local Low-Cost Realtor Search
| 📅 Step | 📋 Action | 💡 Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Go to Clever Real Estate (listwithclever.com) and enter your ZIP code | Gets you 1.5% rate with vetted agents from major brands |
| Step 2 | Check if 1 Percent Lists has a franchise in your state | Direct 1% fee in 19 states |
| Step 3 | Google “[Your City] discount real estate brokers” | Finds local options Clever might not include |
| Step 4 | Search Redfin agents in [Your City] | Check if Redfin operates in your market |
| Step 5 | Check Houzeo for flat-fee MLS options | Alternative if you want virtual service |
| Step 6 | Ask 3 traditional agents: “Will you match 1.5%?” | Post-NAR settlement, everything’s negotiable |
| Step 7 | Compare ALL options using the questions below | Don’t choose based on price alone |
❓ The 10 Questions to Ask EVERY Discount Realtor (Before You Sign Anything)
📊 Your Due Diligence Checklist
| ❓ Critical Question | 💡 What You’re Really Asking | 🚩 Red Flag Answer |
|---|---|---|
| “What’s your TOTAL fee including minimums?” | Some have $3K-$9K minimums that negate savings | “We’ll discuss that later” |
| “Does the listing fee include buyer’s agent commission?” | Separates 1% listing from 1% total | “That’s standard” (vague) |
| “How many homes did YOU personally close last year?” | Measures actual experience | “Our team closed 500” (not personal) |
| “What’s your average days on market vs. area average?” | Indicates marketing effectiveness | Refuses to provide data |
| “Can I see your comparative market analysis process?” | Tests pricing expertise | “We use Zillow estimates” |
| “What marketing is INCLUDED vs. add-on fees?” | Reveals hidden costs | “Professional photos are $300 extra” |
| “What happens if I’m unhappy after 30 days?” | Contract exit terms | “6-month commitment, no exceptions” |
| “Do you represent multiple clients at once?” | Service quality indicator | “I have 40 active listings” |
| “What’s your response time for offers/questions?” | Availability commitment | “I’ll get back within 48-72 hours” |
| “Can you provide 3 recent client references?” | Verification of service claims | “We don’t give out client info” |
💡 The Insider Strategy: How to Negotiate with Traditional Agents in the New Era
Here’s what changed after August 17, 2024 that gives you unprecedented negotiating power:
📊 The Post-NAR Settlement Negotiation Script
YOUR OPENING: “I’m aware that after the NAR settlement, all commissions are fully negotiable. Discount brokers are offering 1.5% listing fees. Can you match that rate while providing your full service?”
TRADITIONAL AGENT’S LIKELY RESPONSE: “Discount brokers don’t provide the same service. I offer professional photography, staging advice, premium marketing…”
YOUR COUNTER: “I understand. What I’m asking is: Will you provide EXACTLY the services you just described at a 1.5-2% listing fee? Because Clever connects me with Keller Williams and RE/MAX agents at 1.5%—so I know major brands work at that rate.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: The agent either:
- Agrees to 1.5-2% (you win)
- Offers to meet in the middle at 2-2.25% (negotiation zone)
- Refuses entirely (you use Clever/discount broker)
💡 The Power Move: Get quotes from 3 discount services, then show them to traditional agents you like. Say: “I prefer to work with you, but I need you to match this rate. Can you do that?”
📊 The Complete Commission Breakdown: Who Gets What
Most sellers don’t understand where their money actually goes. Here’s the breakdown:
📊 Where Your $27,850 Commission Goes (Traditional 5-6% on $500K Home)
| 💰 Recipient | 📋 Amount | 📊 Percentage | 💡 What They Do For It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listing Agent (Personal) | ~$7,050 | 50% of listing fee | Your representation, marketing |
| Listing Brokerage (Firm) | ~$7,050 | 50% of listing fee | Office support, brand, insurance |
| Buyer’s Agent (Personal) | ~$6,875 | 50% of buyer fee | Brings buyer, negotiates |
| Buyer’s Brokerage (Firm) | ~$6,875 | 50% of buyer fee | Supports buyer’s agent |
💡 The Reality: Your listing agent only keeps about $7,050 of the $27,850 total commission. The rest goes to brokerages and the buyer’s side. When you negotiate the listing fee down from 2.82% to 1.5%, you’re reducing that agent’s take from $7,050 to $3,750—a significant cut that explains resistance.
⚠️ The Agent’s Perspective: Discount agents make it work through volume (more clients per agent) or efficiency (technology reduces costs). But this often means less personal attention per client.
🏠 When Discount Realtors DON’T Make Sense (The Honest Truth)
Not every seller should use a discount broker. Here’s when paying more is actually smarter:
📊 Pay Full Commission If:
| 🏠 Your Situation | 💡 Why Pay More Makes Sense |
|---|---|
| Luxury Property ($1M+) | Needs premium staging, photography, targeted marketing |
| Distressed Sale | Foreclosure, divorce, estate—complex situations need expertise |
| Unique Property | Historic home, rural land, unconventional—harder to price/market |
| Tight Timeline | Need to close in 30-60 days—premium agents prioritize you |
| First-Time Seller | Learning curve steep—full guidance valuable |
| Multiple Competing Offers Expected | Expert negotiation can earn you $50K+ over discount agent |
💡 The Calculation: If a top agent can sell your home for 5% more than a discount agent ($25,000 on a $500,000 home), and costs you an extra $9,100 in commission, you NET $15,900 more. The premium pays for itself.
📱 How to Verify Any Realtor’s Claims (The Free Tools)
Before signing with ANY realtor (discount or traditional), verify their claims:
📊 Free Verification Resources
| 🔍 Tool | 💡 What to Check | 📋 Website |
|---|---|---|
| State Licensing Board | Active license, disciplinary actions | Google “[Your State] real estate license lookup” |
| Zillow/Realtor.com | Agent profile, past sales, reviews | Search agent’s name |
| Google Reviews | Customer experiences, response patterns | Google “[Agent Name] reviews” |
| Better Business Bureau | Company complaints, resolution record | www.bbb.org |
| Trustpilot | Platform ratings (for companies like Clever) | www.trustpilot.com |
| MLS Data | Recent closed sales in your neighborhood | Ask agent to provide |
💰 The $418 Million Question: Can You Claim Settlement Money?
If you sold a home between October 31, 2019 and August 17, 2024, you might be eligible for part of the NAR settlement payout.
📊 NAR Settlement Claim Eligibility
| ✅ You Qualify If | 📋 Requirements |
|---|---|
| Sale Date | Between Oct 31, 2019 – Aug 17, 2024 (varies by state) |
| MLS Listed | Home was listed on any U.S. Multiple Listing Service |
| Commission Paid | You paid commission to a real estate brokerage |
| ANY Brokerage | Doesn’t have to be Anywhere, RE/MAX, or Keller Williams |
📞 Settlement Administrator: 888-995-0207 💻 Settlement Website: Check NAR settlement official website for claim forms
💡 The Payout Reality: $418 million divided among potentially millions of eligible sellers means individual payments may be $50-$500—not thousands. File anyway, but don’t expect a windfall.
🎯 The Bottom Line: Your Action Plan for Saving Thousands
Here’s exactly what to do RIGHT NOW:
🔥 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS (Next 24 Hours):
- Go to listwithclever.com and get matched with 1.5% agents in your area
- Check if 1percentlists.com operates in your state
- Google “[Your City] discount real estate brokers” and make a list
📋 RESEARCH PHASE (Next Week):
- Interview at least 3 agents (mix of discount and traditional)
- Ask the 10 critical questions listed above
- Verify licenses and check reviews
- Get written service agreements from each
💰 DECISION PHASE (Before Signing):
- Calculate ACTUAL savings including buyer’s agent commission
- Compare agent’s recent sales in your neighborhood
- Negotiate: Show discount quotes to traditional agents you like
- Read the entire contract before signing
- Don’t choose based on price alone—factor in experience and marketing
⚠️ The Final Warning: The biggest mistake sellers make is thinking “discount = bad” or “discount = automatic savings.” Neither is true. Some discount agents are fantastic; some traditional agents are overpriced and underperforming. Do the research. Check the numbers. Verify the claims.
The August 2024 NAR settlement created the most negotiable commission environment in real estate history. Whether you use Clever at 1.5%, negotiate a traditional agent down to 2%, or stick with full service at 2.82%, the key is knowing your options exist.
You can’t find the “20 Best Low-Cost Realtors Near You” without researching your specific market—but now you have the exact tools, platforms, and questions to find them yourself. The potential savings? $6,000-$15,000 on your home sale.
That’s worth a few hours of research.
