A 2% commission realtor refers to any listing agent that charges a 2% listing fee (or close to it). Currently, only seven multi-state companies advertise a listing fee of 2% or lower, including Clever Real Estate, Ideal Agent, and Redfin.
Average listing fees range from 2.5% to 3% nationwide, so, on a $500,000 home sale, using an agent who charges just 2% can save you between $2,500 to $5,000. You still need to watch out for minimum fees, however, which can raise the advertised rate (Redfin's floor is $9,000 in San Francisco; Ideal Agent charges a flat fee of $4,000 on every home priced under $200,000, for example).
Below, we’ve ranked the top 2% commission realtors and lower-fee brokerages based on savings, customer reviews, service quality, and availability.
2% commission real estate brokerages of 2026
🥇 Best overall: Clever Real Estate
Clever Real Estate charges 1.5% with a $3,000 minimum, which beats 2% on any home above $200,000.[1] Below $200,000, the $3,000 floor puts you above 1.5%, the same mechanic that affects every company on this list.
Clever tops our list because of its nationwide availability, low 1.5% listing fee, and strong customer satisfaction scores. On average, Clever customers save $7,000 in real estate commissions. The model works by partnering with experienced agents from major brokerages (RE/MAX, Keller Williams, Century 21, Compass) and negotiating reduced rates in exchange for a steady stream of qualified clients.
- Pricing strategy
- Staging advice
- Photography
- MLS listing
- Marketing
- Open houses
- Showings
- Negotiation
- Paperwork
- Closing support
How Clever works
Clever is a discount real estate broker that has helped 38,000+ sellers save on commission, with 4,500+ 5-star Trustpilot reviews. Choose your own top-rated local agent, get 100% full service, and sell your home for a 1.5% listing fee.
- #1 Tell us about your home. Answer a few quick questions and Clever’s Concierge Team introduces you to top-rated agents in your area. Free, with no obligation.
- #2 Choose your own agent. You compare top-rated local agents and choose the one that’s the best fit. Clever’s agents are top performers from every major brand and top local brokerage, they all offer full service, and they have already agreed to list for 1.5%.
- #3 List for 1.5%, with full service. Get everything a traditional brokerage offers (pricing, marketing, showings, negotiation, and closing) for a 1.5% listing fee instead of the 2.88% national average, saving you thousands.
Learn more: How others like you used Clever
👍 Good agents, but fewer choices: Ideal Agent
Ideal Agent thoroughly vets its realtors, so you’ll likely get a quality agent. It operates as an agent-matching service, not a brokerage, so you get a local agent from a traditional firm who has agreed to list at 2% for referrals sent their way.
The fee structure is published and specific: 2% to list, replaced by a $4,000 flat fee on homes valued under $200,000.[2] That flat fee matters more than it looks: On a $200,000 sale, $4,000 is exactly 2%. On a $150,000 sale, it is 2.67%. If your home is worth less than $200,000, Ideal Agent is technically not a 2% company.
» Read our full Ideal Agent review
⚠️ Nationwide reach, but watch out for minimums: Redfin
Redfin is a reputable discount brokerage that uses its own salaried agents, and its 2% listing fee is the sell-only rate. The 1% you see in Redfin's marketing is conditional: it applies only if you also buy your next home with Redfin within 365 days of closing your listing, and only in markets where the offer is available.[3]
Two key things you need to know before working with Redfin:
- Redfin adds 1% of the sale price to your listing fee if the buyer is unrepresented. That is the opposite of how Ideal Agent and Clever Real Estate treat the same situation, and it is easy to miss.
- Redfin enforces a minimum commission that varies by market, from $2,000 up to $9,000, disclosed market by market.[4] Below a certain sale price, that floor means you are not paying 2% at all.
Here is where the 2% actually starts in the largest markets:
| Market | Minimum commission | 2% only applies above |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $9,000 | $450,000 |
| Orange County, San Diego | $8,500 | $425,000 |
| Los Angeles | $8,000 | $400,000 |
| Washington, DC, Seattle | $6,500 | $325,000 |
| Boston, New York | $6,000 | $300,000 |
| Atlanta, Dallas | $4,500 | $225,000 |
| Chicago | $4,000 | $200,000 |
| Lowest-cost markets | $2,000 | $100,000 |
» Read our full Redfin review
Good option if you are buying, too: Prevu
Prevu lists at 2% and operates in 12 states plus Washington, DC.[5] It is now affiliated with reAlpha Tech Corp, alongside reAlpha Mortgage and Hyperfast Title, though Prevu states that buyers aren't required to use any affiliated company.
The gap worth knowing about: Prevu's own disclaimer confirms that savings estimates are "subject to a minimum commission fee," but the amount is not published anywhere on the site.
However, Prevu is still worth considering, especially if you are in the market to buy a home. The company offers a generous buyer rebate: A commission refund of up to 1% (and sometimes up to 1.5% in select markets like NYC).
Cheapest rate (if they cover your area): Houwzer and Trelora
Houwzer and Trelora both charge 1%, the lowest percentage rate on this page, and both belong to Newfound Group, which also owns the flat-fee MLS brand HomeRise.[6] They are sibling companies rather than competitors, which is worth knowing if you think you are getting two independent quotes.
Houwzer publishes no minimum fee at all, in 18 states plus DC.[7] That absence is verified, not an oversight on our part, and it makes Houwzer the cheapest option here for a lower-priced home inside its footprint. Trelora also lists at 1%, across 19 states (plus D.C.).[8]
Both use a team model rather than a dedicated agent. This can work really well for straightforward sales, but carries significant risks for more complicated transactions.
Best for sellers in the Southeast and Texas: SimpleShowing
SimpleShowing lists at 1%, but only across Georgia, Florida, and Texas, so it is a regional option rather than a national one.[9]
Its own pages disagree slightly on coverage: The about page names three states and eight metros, while the FAQ adds Jacksonville and Charlotte, North Carolina. Confirm availability for your address before you count on it.
SimpleShowing's fine print says the 1% "may be subject to commission minimum depending on market" without naming the amount, so treat it the way you would treat Prevu's.
How we chose our top picks
We reviewed dozens of low-commission real estate companies and selected the best 2% commission realtors and lower-fee brokerages. We included every multi-state company that publishes a listing fee at or below 2%, then verified the fee, the minimum, and the coverage area on each company's website. Categories we weighed include:
- Commission rate and overall savings
- Quality of service and agent support
- Customer reviews and satisfaction
- Coverage and availability
- Transparency and consistency in pricing
We excluded agent-bidding marketplaces such as UpNest, where agents propose their own commission and there is no published rate to verify. We also excluded flat-fee MLS services, which are a different product: you pay a few hundred dollars for a listing and do the agent's work yourself.
Our goal was to highlight companies that offer legitimate savings without cutting corners on service, which is the most common concern sellers raise when exploring discount brokers.
What is a 2% real estate commission?
A 2% real estate commission is a reduced rate that some agents or brokerages offer. It is lower than the traditional commission of 2.5-3% of the home’s sale price (for the listing agent only), which can save sellers money compared to standard commissions.
While a 2% commission may not always include every service a full-service agent offers, it often provides a more cost-effective option for many sellers.
2% commission benefits
Opting for a 2% real estate commission can offer several benefits for home sellers:
- Significant savings. For high-priced homes, a 2% commission can lead to substantial savings. On a $600,000 home, choosing a 2% commission over a traditional 3% could result in savings of up to $6,000.
- Increased negotiating power. Lower commission expenses can give sellers more room to negotiate on price, potentially attracting more buyers.
- Seller flexibility. With lower commission expenses, sellers may have more flexibility to offer buyer incentives, such as closing cost assistance or home warranty coverage. This could make the property more attractive to buyers.
When 2% commission isn't the best fit
A 2% listing fee works for most sellers, but it isn't the best choice in every situation. Consider other options if:
- You need intensive prep, staging, or project management. Some 2% brokers aren't set up for heavy hands-on work.
- You want a boutique, hyper-local agent who rarely discounts their rate. Some top producers don't offer reduced fees, such as 2%, and may charge as high as 3-3.5%.
- You prefer a highly specialized marketing strategy. Certain niche properties may need premium-level marketing or agent expertise that a 2% agent won't cover.
- You need extensive support selling an inherited or distressed property. A full-service agent or a cash home buyer, such as Clever Offers, may be a better fit.
That last scenario matters more than most sellers realize. Christina Rordam, a 21-year REALTOR with Florida Realty Investments in Orlando (whose family operated a flat-fee brokerage in the late 1980s), warns that distressed sellers shouldn’t skimp on representation:
“Going FSBO when underwater could be very tough. If somebody’s in a distressed situation, that’s especially important to get a professional, because they can at least attempt to get the lender to waive the debt, so they’re not still responsible for that upside-down portion.”
If you fall into one of these situations, compare several options before committing. A slightly higher commission can sometimes result in a faster sale or a stronger price. But many sellers still save with a transparent 1.5–2% listing fee when the service level matches their needs.
Are sellers actually paying 2% real estate commission?
The national average listing fee is 2.88%, so most sellers are paying well above 2%.[10]
Remember, rates vary widely by state and region (view your states average rates here). Also, when we say "2% commission" we are talking only about the listing agent and not the buyer's agent (which the seller usually pays for, too). Among the 500 sellers Clever recently surveyed, 42% paid a total commission of 5% or more, including 14% who paid exactly 6% and 2% who paid more than that. About 12% paid no commission at all, typically because they sold without an agent.[11]
Ask the same sellers what would have been fair, and the answers land far lower. Just 8% said 6% or more would have been reasonable for the service they received. A third (33%) put the fair rate at 4% to 5%, and 30% named exactly 3%.[11]
What a 2% commission agent gets you
- 72% of home sellers would, or probably would, trust a 1.5% listing agent to do as good a job as a 3% listing agent.
- 15% say you get what you pay for when it comes to listing commission.
You should get the same service a traditional agent provides: a comparative market analysis, professional photography, MLS entry and syndication, showing coordination, offer negotiation, and contract-to-close management.
But whether you actually get full service depends on the model. A matching service hands you a conventional local agent who has agreed to a lower rate on volume, so the service looks like any other listing. A team-based brokerage splits your sale across specialists, which can be efficient until something needs one person to own it. A salaried-agent brokerage gives you an agent with no commission incentive to push for a higher price.
Seller experience doesn't support the assumption that a lower rate means worse service. Among sellers who used a discount or low-commission agent, 82% said the service was as good as or better than a traditional agent, including 22% who said it was much better. Among the same group, 69% said their home did not sell for less than it would have with a traditional agent.[11]
Why would an agent work for only 2%?
As a former real estate agent, I know that working for a 2% commission can make financial sense — especially when the agent gets something valuable in return.
Here’s a closer look at why agents might agree to reduced commission rates, and how Clever makes that more sustainable:
🔥 Hot markets
In markets with high demand and low inventory, properties tend to sell quickly.
Despite home prices averaging around $200,000 in Hartford, CT, the rapid turnover in this market translates into quick earnings for local agents, even when accepting reduced commissions on lower-priced sales.[12] The efficiency of these transactions can justify the lower commission rate.
💎 Luxury properties
Selling luxury properties, such as high-value homes, can still be highly profitable with a 2% commission, despite potentially taking longer to sell and higher marketing expenses.
For example, a 2% commission on a $5 million home generates a $100,000 payout. Even after splitting half of that with their brokerage and covering expenses, the agent may still earn $50,000. The total commission from the sale price can compensate for the lower percentage.
» LEARN: How much commission a realtor makes on a $1 million sale
🤝 Referrals
This is a significant source of business for realtors. Consider the following industry statistics:
- 42% of an agent's business may come from referrals and repeat clients.
- 88% of buyers and 82% of sellers would use or recommend their agent again.
- 92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family more than other forms of advertising.[13]
Satisfied clients are more likely to refer their agents, potentially leading to more transactions or even higher rates in the future. Working at a lower commission can build a strong client base and generate valuable word-of-mouth marketing.
🌟 Reputation boost
Establishing a reputation for exceptional service at a competitive commission rate can be pivotal for real estate agents.
Here's why: Positive client experiences and glowing reviews lead to more short-term business and can bolster long-term success. By consistently delivering value and exceeding expectations, agents can create a reputation that attracts a steady stream of clients and secures future listings.
This approach builds trust and positions agents as preferred professionals in their local market, which may be worth the reduced paychecks.
Alternatives to 2% commission realtors
Besides discount brokerages, there are a few other ways you can reduce your real estate commission rate:
1. Try negotiating realtor fees directly
Negotiating works more often than sellers expect. The problem is that most sellers never ask.
Among the 366 sellers in Clever's July 2026 survey who hired an agent, 204 never raised the subject of commission at all. Of those who did bring it up, about 7 in 10 got their agent to come down on the rate.[14]
If you're thinking of asking for a reduced rate, it's helpful to bring three things to the conversation:
- Your local average. Sellers who won a reduction in our survey said that citing the going rate in their market was one tactic that actually worked.
- A competing quote. A 1.5% offer from a discount brokerage gives your number teeth.
- A reason your listing is easy money. A clean, well-priced home in a fast market costs the agent less time and marketing spend — that's what you're really negotiating over.
Rordam says sellers who push hard on rate but won't price the home correctly tend to lose either way.
"If folks are wanting to negotiate on the commission, they should be prepared to be priced competitively. We often see where somebody wants a very cheap commission but they also want to overprice the house. Those are two things that are never going to be good," she says.
2. Work with a limited-service agent
Some agents provide limited service for a commission as low as 1%. This option can work well for experienced sellers in hot markets, but you'll need to handle more selling responsibilities yourself.
Shane Parker, broker-owner of S&P Realty in Grosse Pointe Park, MI (covering Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan), describes the trade-off:
“They might list the property on the MLS, but most of the work, marketing, showings, negotiations, even paperwork, falls on the client.”
Parker explains that while this approach can work for a seasoned investor or someone selling in a hot market with margin to spare, it can “leave money on the table and expose the average homeowner to unnecessary risk.”
David Baca of Life Realty District puts it more bluntly:
“Anyone can stick a sign in the yard and be like, ‘Here’s my value. I’m only worth $500.’ And unfortunately, you will get the treatment of a $500 broker. I promise you that.”
3. Use a flat fee MLS listing service
Pay a one-time, upfront flat fee of $100–$400 to have your home listed on the MLS, which provides visibility on Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and other related sites. You'll handle showings, paperwork, negotiations, and the rest of the process.
This is the cheapest option, but it's also the most time-intensive, akin to selling a house for sale by owner. If you're not confident handling the sale yourself, it can be a risky choice — especially if you're unfamiliar with local laws or pricing strategies.
The most common pitfall isn’t the listing itself. It’s pricing. Rordam says flat-fee listings are almost universally overpriced.
“Most commonly, the mistake is price. Almost always, when I see a flat-fee broker listing, very commonly it’s overpriced. They probably interviewed with some other agents who told them the truth about the market, and they didn’t like it.”
The second pitfall is at the showing itself.
“They do not get out of their own way. They disclose things that don’t need to be disclosed: personal family history of the home. Maybe their dog died in the house. The number one thing is they like to be there at the showing, and they just talk too much,” Rordam says.
4. Sell to a company that buys houses for cash
If you're in a hurry to sell, this option is a good choice. These companies buy homes as-is, often within 7–14 days, and don’t require repairs, showings, or open houses.
All-cash purchases accounted for 26% of all home sales in July 2026, according to NAR. However, most sellers still opt for agent-assisted listings when maximizing price matters most.[15]
The downside: Investors typically aim to offer between 65% to 70% of a home's after-repair value (ARV) — it's potential worth after fixing it up — with a median offer of 67.5%, according to a Clever survey. So, you'll likely walk away with less money than if you sold on the open market.
Still, cash buyers can be a good solution in certain situations, such as facing foreclosure, moving suddenly, or selling an inherited property. And while you may not receive top dollar, comparing multiple offers—whether independently, through an agent, or via a free service like Clever Offers—can help maximize your sale price.
5. Sell to an iBuyer, like Opendoor or Offerpad
iBuyers are companies that make fast, algorithm-based offers on homes. They’re an option if you need to sell quickly and your home is in good shape.
While iBuyers usually offer more than traditional cash buyers, they charge service fees of 5% (plus closing costs), so you won’t save much on the commission. They’re also still a small part of the market — fewer than 1% of sellers go this route — and are only available in select areas.[16]
🛡️ Why you should trust us
Choosing the right agent can significantly impact your time, stress, and net profit. This guide is based on real experience, expert review, and transparent data, rather than marketing claims.
We created this guide to help you find real 2% commission realtors who provide full-service support at a fair price. Every recommendation is grounded in industry expertise and independent editorial oversight.
Written by Steve Nicastro. Steve is a former real estate agent and current investor who has closed more than $8 million in residential transactions. He has worked with both full-price and discount agents and understands the tradeoffs of each commission model.
Edited by Katy Baker. Katy is a senior real estate editor who has shaped dozens of high-performing guides for Real Estate Witch, Home Bay, and Clever. She ensures each article is accurate, skimmable, and useful for real sellers.
Reviewed by Ben Mizes. Ben is a licensed real estate broker, investor, and co-founder of Clever Real Estate. He brings deep expertise in commission negotiations and seller savings strategies.
Seller behavior data throughout comes from Clever's survey of 500 Americans who sold a home they lived in within the past two years, fielded July 10 to 14, 2026.[11] Subgroup sizes matter when you read percentages this specific, so here they are: 366 respondents used an agent, 204 used an agent and did not negotiate, 113 had an agent agree to a lower rate, 45 used a discount or low-commission agent, and 455 did not.
We also use data from trusted sources, including the National Association of Realtors and proprietary Clever research on commission averages, agent pay trends, and seller behavior.
Expert practitioners we interviewed or consulted for this guide:
- Dr. Lee Davenport (profile). Atlanta-based real estate coach and educator; 16+ years in residential real estate; former managing broker at RE/MAX Around Atlanta; author of 250+ industry articles.
- Liz Wood (Liz Wood Realty). Broker-owner of a boutique brokerage serving the greater New Orleans / Metairie metro; licensed since 2011.
- Shane Parker (S&P Realty). Broker-owner serving Grosse Pointe Park and the wider Metro Detroit / Southeast Michigan market.
- Christina Rordam (Florida Realty Investments). 21-year REALTOR in Orlando and Central Florida; CSP, CNE, and CDPE certified; family operated a flat-fee brokerage in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
- David Baca (Life Realty District). REALTOR serving the Las Vegas metro; second-generation agent from a family with 30+ years in the business.
Primary data sources include the National Association of Realtors’ 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the 2025 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report, proprietary Clever research on commission averages, and reporting from The New York Times.
Our goal is to provide clear, unbiased guidance that helps you compare options and choose the right agent for your specific situation.
FAQ
How much does a 2% commission realtor save you?
On a $400,000 home, a 2% listing fee costs about $8,000, compared with roughly $11,520 at the 2.88% national average, a savings of about $3,520. List with a 1.5% agent through a matching service like Clever and you’d pay around $6,000, saving about $5,520. Your total depends on your sale price and whether you choose to offer a buyer’s agent commission, which is now optional after the 2024 NAR settlement.
Are 2% commission realtors worth it?
Yes, 2% commission realtors are worth it for sellers looking to save money. We recommend working with a discount brokerage that offers full service and support, along with lower rates. This way, you'll have the best chance of selling your home quickly for the best price.
Is 2% a good commission?
Yes. For most sellers, a 2% listing fee is competitive because it's lower than the national average of 2.88% for listing agents. It's a good deal when you still get full service, including pricing strategy, professional marketing, showings, negotiation, and contract-to-close support. However, watch for minimum fees and add-ons, since on lower-priced homes a flat minimum can erase some savings. Your total commission may still include a buyer’s agent fee if you offer one after the NAR settlement. If you want to save more while keeping full service, Clever can match you with top agents who charge a 1.5% listing fee.
What are the best 2% commission real estate companies?
Our top picks among 2% commission real estate companies are Clever Real Estate, Ideal Agent, and Redfin. These companies offer the best combination of rates, service, agent selection, and overall value to sellers — and they also have offices nationwide. Other companies, like SimpleShowing or Prevu, might be a good option for sellers in certain regions, but they may have a smaller agent network.
Why do some agents charge 2%?
Many agents charge 2% instead of the traditional 2.5–3% to make their services more competitive for sellers. Some discounted agents work with more clients to offset the lower fee, but that’s not always the case. Agent matching platforms like Clever Real Estate negotiate lower rates with top agents in exchange for a steady stream of clients — allowing those agents to pass the savings on to you.
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