Published
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Written by
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Edited by Jessica Johansen
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Reviewed by Kristyn Grewell
Written by Ashley Simon
Edited by Jessica Johansen
Reviewed by Kristyn Grewell
Main takeaway: Redfin Real Estate is a reputable discount brokerage that offers impressive savings, especially if you buy and sell with the brand, which is why it’s one of our top low commission real estate companies.
Listing Fee
Active Since
Buyer Savings
Our take
Locations
Company details
Redfin is an established discount brokerage that offers impressive savings — especially if you buy and sell with the brokerage. But some of its agents are inexperienced. And while Redfin’s tech-focused approach comes with some neat features, it also means you may get less hands-on support than you need.
Pros
- Competitive 1.5% listing fee.
- Extras like 3D walk-throughs can help sell your home.
- Extra savings if you buy and sell with a Redfin agent.
Cons
- High minimum fees in some markets.
- Some customers report a lack of one-on-one support.
Redfin is available in major markets in Washington D.C. and the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia.
- Full-service discount brokerage
- Founded in 2006
- Sellers pay a 1.5% listing fee to their agent after the home has sold, or 1% if they also bought a home with Redfin
- Sellers are responsible for paying a competitive buyer’s agent commission, usually 2.5-3% depending on the market
- Redfin has a 4.8/5 rating across 156,120 reviews
- Not accredited through the Better Business Bureau
- Agents offer the following services free of charge: comparative market analysis (CMA), staging advice, professional photography, MLS listing and description, for-sale lawn sign, and open house hosting
- Agents will review offers and help you negotiate terms to get the best deal
- Each home will be listed with a 3D walkthrough tour
- Redfin also has a mortgage company called Bay Equity
Savings | Services | Customer reviews | Redfin vs. the competition | How Redfin works | Agent quality | News | Bottom line: Should you use Redfin?
Who should use Redfin?
If Redfin services your area, it’s probably worth checking out. We gave Redfin a high score for its listing fee savings and positive customer reviews. It also stacks up well against the competition in terms of service quality.
But if you’re mainly drawn to Redfin for the lower listing fees, know that Redfin isn’t your only option — and it’ll likely pay off to look at alternatives.
Redfin vs. top alternatives
| Company | Our Rating | Listing Fee | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Best overall
Clever Real Estate |
Our rating
|
1.5%
Min. $3,000
|
Nationwide
|
Find Agents |
Redfin |
Our rating
|
1.5%
Min. fee varies
|
26 states and Washington, DC
|
Learn more |
Ideal Agent |
2%
Min. $3,000
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More | |
UpNest |
Our rating
|
Varies by agent
Avg. 2.2%
|
Nationwide
|
Learn More |
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Active Since
Buyer Savings
✍️ Our take
Pros and cons
Company details
Locations
Clever Real Estate is the best option for sellers looking to save on realtor commissions. Its 1.5% listing fee is among the lowest of any full-service, nationwide brand. You save thousands on commission and work with top local realtors from well-known brokerages, like RE/MAX and Keller Williams.
Pros
- 1.5% listing fee is half the typical rate.
- Agents have strong sales records and great customer reviews.
- Free agent-finding platform with no obligation to sign with a realtor.
Cons
- Add-ons like drone photography and staging may cost extra.
- May not get matched with a specific realtor if they’re not in Clever’s network.
- Service that matches sellers and buyers with full-service real estate agents
- Sellers pay a pre-negotiated 1.5% listing fee (half the average rate) to their realtor after a successful home sale
- Sellers are responsible for paying a competitive buyer’s agent commission, usually 2.5-3% depending on the market
- To join Clever’s network, real estate agents must be top performers in their local market, have 5+ years of experience, and demonstrate a track record of positive customer reviews
- Clever has a 5/5 rating across 3,180 online reviews
- Accredited through the Better Business Bureau and holds an A+ rating
- Agents offer full service and support, including pricing advice, photography, MLS listing and description, negotiation support, etc.
- Eligible buyers receive $250 cash back
Clever is available nationwide.
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Active Since
Buyer Savings
Locations
✍️ Our take
Pros and cons
Company details
Ideal Agent is available nationwide.
Ideal Agent does a good job of vetting its agents, and it offers a small discount for sellers. But it has a limited service area and a small agent network, which limits your ability to choose the best agent for your situation. Alternative services, like Clever, offer the same service — but with better savings, more coverage, and more agents.
Pros
- Matched with full-service realtors.
- 2% listing fee is slightly less than average.
Cons
- Only get one agent match.
- 2% listing fee is higher than most discount brands.
- Platform that matches sellers and buyers with full-service real estate agents
- Company negotiates a 2% listing fee with its realtors, which is slightly less than market value (2.5-3%)
- Sellers are responsible for paying a competitive buyer’s agent commission, usually 2.5-3% depending on the market
- Ideal Agent has a 4.9/5.0 rating across 7,007 reviews
- Accredited through the Better Business Bureau with a A+ rating
- Agents are expected to offer full-service and support, including pricing advice, photography, negotiation support, etc.
- No guaranteed buyer savings
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Active Since
Buyer Savings
✍️ Our take
Pros and cons
Company details
Locations
UpNest is a legitimate agent matching service, and it can be a good way to compare real estate agents in your area. But there’s no guarantee you’ll save on real estate commissions because UpNest doesn’t negotiate a lower fee with their agents.
Pros
- Fast, easy way to compare local agents.
- Agents offer full service and support.
- Many customers report a positive experience with their agent.
Cons
- No guaranteed savings for buyers or sellers.
- No guarantee your agent is a top performer or experienced in your market.
- Customer complaints mention a lack of professionalism and communication.
- Platform that matches sellers and buyers with full-service real estate agents
- Sellers fill out an online questionnaire and receive agent matches in an online dashboard
- Agents can offer to work for a reduced listing fee, but most charge close to market value (2.5-3%)
- Sellers are responsible for paying a competitive buyer’s agent commission, usually 2.5-3% depending on the market
- UpNest has a 4.6/5.0 rating across 6,934 reviews
- Not accredited through the Better Business Bureau
- Services may vary by agent, but most offer the same general services as traditional real estate agents (pricing advice, photography, negotiation support, etc.)
- No guaranteed buyer savings
UpNest is available nationwide.
How much can I save with Redfin?
| Redfin’s listing fee | 1-1.5% of home sale price |
| Nationwide average listing fee | 2.83% of home sale price |
| Amount saved with Redfin | 1.3-1.8% of home sale price |
Like many low commission real estate brokerages, Redfin charges a 1.5% listing fee — about half the traditional rate. If you also buy a home with Redfin, you’ll pay just a 1% listing fee.
Unlike its competitors, Redfin has high minimum fees in certain markets that may limit your actual savings.1 This is more likely to affect you if your home’s sale price is on the low end of your market (think $500,000 in general, but up to $850,000 in expensive markets like Los Angeles)
A minimum commission fee is the smallest dollar amount you must pay your agent. Let’s say you’re selling a $300,000 home in Austin, Texas. 1.5% of your home’s sale price would be $4,500. But Redfin’s minimum fee in Austin is $5,500, so you’ll end up paying your agent closer to a 1.8% listing fee.
As a seller, you should also offer a buyer’s agent commission around the average realtor fee in your area — typically 2.5–3% of the home’s sale price. This brings your total commission to 4–4.5%, compared to 5–6% with a traditional agent.
Technically, you can choose whether or not to offer a buyer’s agent commission — but choosing not to greatly limits your pool of potential buyers. A buyer’s agent commission provides an incentive for realtors to show your home to their clients. It maximizes your chances of selling your home quickly and for top dollar.
💰 Want to pay less in realtor fees? Use our free agent finding tool to connect with local realtors who charge a 1.5% listing fee (half the usual rate). Fill out a short form, and compare agent matches from your inbox.
Service breakdown
Redfin agents offer full service and support to sellers and buyers. As a seller, you can expect to receive the following services from your agent:
- Comparative market analysis (CMA)
- Pricing guidance
- Staging advice
- Professional photography
- Listing description and MLS listing
- For-sale yard sign
- Open house hosting
- Guidance during due diligence (inspections, appraisals, financing)
- Help evaluating offers and negotiating terms as needed
- Support throughout closing
All Redfin homes are also listed with an interactive 3D walkthrough tour so potential buyers can get a better feel for your space. This is an add-on exclusive to Redfin that you may not get from a different discount or traditional realtor.
Before signing with a Redfin agent, make sure to clarify that they offer all the services listed above. While Redfin agents are expected to offer full service, each franchise office sets its own standards.
Redfin also has a suite of additional services for special circumstances.
Redfin reviews: What customers are saying
Redfin reviews from customers vary by location. The majority of customer reviews are on Redfin’s website, and those ratings tend to be higher than ratings on third-party sites.
| Review site | Rating |
|---|---|
| Better Business Bureau | 1.1/5 (56 reviews) |
| Consumer Affairs | 1.5/5 (131 reviews) |
| Redfin.com | 4.8/5 (155,900 reviews) |
| Yelp | 2.3/5 (19 reviews) |
| Average rating | 4.8/5 (156,106 reviews) |
Customers praise the low fees, user-friendly home search platform, and ease of working with Redfin realtors. Negative Redfin reviews tend to criticize its business model for being less personal than working with a traditional agent. Reviews also note that premium services, like Redfin Concierge, may not be worth the money.
Here are the common themes we found in Redfin’s reviews:
✅ Solid savings for home sellers
Most sellers choose Redfin for its low fees. And a consistent theme among many selling-with-Redfin reviews is that those savings are genuine.
This Yelp reviewer said they saved $17,000 compared to listing with a traditional brokerage and offering a 3% commission rate to both agents.
I interviewed four real estate agents to sell my home. I chose Redfin and was told by the full service realtors that I would be disappointed with my decision. I wasn’t! The house sold in three weeks at the price I wanted. We had 20 people come through looking at the property. I SAVED $17,000 in commissions since Redfin only charged a 1% commission and 2-1/2% buyers commission. Redfin did a full virtual filming of my house and took numerous photos. The whole team that worked with me were superior! I have already referred 3 other sellers to them based on my experience. Redfin in my opinion, is the Amazon of the Real Estate industry.
– Peter, Cape Coral, FL, Yelp
✅ User-friendly technology
Lots of discount brokers claim to have user-friendly technology, but Redfin’s popular platform is still the gold standard.
Redfin’s home search app has been downloaded millions of times. And for the most part, it draws rave reviews from users. This isn’t just beneficial for buyers. The app’s popularity gives Redfin sellers a leg up, since the company gives its listings priority placement when buyers search for homes.
The fact this app actually updates so quickly on the status of homes is a God send. If I find them on here, I know it’s still available. Homes are going under contract within hours of being listed in my area, so this will save my poor realtor from the constant texts asking about homes that are long gone.
– Elisa, Google
✅ Great communication from an agent
This Google reviewer was impressed with the communication and marketing strategy of their Redfin realtor. Despite selling a specialty property, they enjoyed a quick and easy sale.
I recently sold my house through Redfin and it was a fantastic experience. My agent was very responsive and professional, and he really advocated for us throughout the offer process. This was especially important as we were already out of state so good communication was really key. We had a specialty property (small acreage horse property) and were prepared for it to take a while to sell based on other similar properties in our area, but by the end of the day after listing it we had dozens of viewings and multiple offers. We’ll be buying another house soon and definitely plan on using Redfin again.
– Amanda, Seattle, WA, Google
❌ Poor experience with an agent
This first-time home buyer thought the savings weren’t worth the trade-offs. While they earned a small rebate, they felt their agent was more focused on closing the deal than advocating for their best interests.
I used Redfin for my first home purchase. While they do offer you some discounts, my agent was very hands off. She did not offer any advice on negotiations once the inspection came back and also recommended I move up closing at the request of the seller without receiving any concession from the buyer. Ultimately, in hindsight I can see their greatest priority was closing the sale rather than being my advocate.
– Joseph, Denver, CO, Google
❌ Agents may not work well with other realtors
This Virginia-based realtor encountered several problems working with multiple Redfin agents.
Working with Redfin agents has been less than pleasant. One Redfin agent caused us a delayed closing after weeks of trying to get a termite report. Another Redfin agent required an offer deadline and has been unreachable since. Very unprofessional and makes our profession look bad.
– Dilara, Falls Church, VA, ConsumerAffairs
❌ Extra services may not be the best value
Redfin’s business model relies in part on persuading existing customers to use other in-house services such as their mortgage broker or title and settlement company.
Buying or selling a home is a hectic process, so it’s convenient to use these in-house services. However, just because Redfin has cheap listing fees doesn’t mean its title or mortgage service is a great value.
We recommend shopping around and comparing Redfin reviews and services against local providers to find the best combination of rates and service quality.
The WORST real estate services I’ve ever had, especially their title company. They steer you to use them. Beware, you do not have to. Getting a credit from them is not worth it. Title Forward’s service is the most unorganized, unresponsive and unprofessional in this area and I’ve closed at quite a few over the years. Never again.
– Bella, Lanham, MD, Yelp
How Redfin works
What to expect as a seller
For the most part, selling with Redfin is comparable to selling with a traditional brokerage. You can choose between the company’s standard package (Redfin Full Service) and two premium packages. If you sell and buy a home with Redfin within 12 months, you get a 0.5% rebate on your listing fee.
With the standard package, your agent — or another Redfin team member — guides you through each stage of the selling process. They provide services like:
- Pricing
- Professional photography
- 3D walk-through for virtual tours
- Open houses
- Offer review
- Negotiation assistance
- Closing coordination
The biggest difference is that you may get less hands-on support with a Redfin real estate agent than with a traditional agent. In some cases, the potential savings may be worth this trade-off. But you may want to work with another low-commission real estate company that prioritizes personalized support.
What to expect as a buyer
To buy a home with Redfin, you can sign up on its website. Depending on where you’re located, Redfin may match you with a Redfin Partner Agent instead of a Redfin staff member. Redfin Partner Agents aren’t employed by Redfin. Instead, they pay Redfin a referral fee for the business.
Redfin’s platform makes it quick and easy to book house tours with agents, often enabling you to view homes the same day. You’ll be matched with a touring agent based on availability. If you decide to make an offer, Redfin will assign you a buyer’s agent to negotiate on your behalf and help coordinate the closing.
Redfin agent quality and selection
Agent quality: All Redfin sellers and buyers work with a “lead agent,” who is fully licensed to oversee and advise on key aspects of your sale or purchase. Many lead agents are experienced and high-producers, but not all. Redfin requires only an active real estate license and 10 past-year or 20 lifetime transactions as minimum qualifications. You’ll want to thoroughly vet your agent to ensure they have the experience and track record you need to get a good outcome.
Agent selection: Redfin has about 1,744 lead agents nationwide (down from 2,293 a year ago) across 100 markets in the US and Canada. Redfin generally offers more agent selection in its markets than other local and regional brokerages, but it offers less selection than companies like Clever Real Estate and UpNest. Its agent headcount also varies from market to market. Some large metros may offer 15–20 Redfin agents, while smaller cities and towns may have only 1–2.
Redfin’s Agent Finder tool may display Partner Agents in your area
Redfin Partner Agents are affiliated local agents that Redfin sends clients to when its own agents aren’t available.
What to watch for: These agents don’t always offer a 1.5% listing fee like in-house Redfin agents. Also, you may need to leave Redfin’s Agent Finder tool and look up agent profiles on Zillow or Realtor.com to see their full customer reviews and sales records.
Are Redfin agents Realtors?
All Redfin agents are licensed real estate agents, but only some are “Realtors” — a designation for dues-paying members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
How do Redfin agents make money?
Most Redfin agents earn a base salary and benefits, plus performance-based bonuses. This compensation model is common among discount real estate brokerages, but it’s different from the commission-based models most conventional brokerages and agents use.
Redfin company news and updates
Bottom line: Should I use Redfin?
If Redfin has a franchise location close to you, it’s probably worth checking out. It’s a well-known brand, has some highly experienced agents, and charges about half the typical listing commission.
However, it’s important to work with a real estate agent who understands your local market. We recommend looking at 2-3 local agents: compare their customer reviews and recent sales history to choose the right fit for you.
FAQ about Redfin
How does Redfin work for sellers?
On paper, selling with Redfin is similar to using a traditional realtor. Redfin will market your home on the MLS, help you negotiate with buyers, and help coordinate the closing process. However, the customer experience may feel a bit more impersonal. Redfin agents work as teams, and they may pass you off to a different team member at different stages of the buying or selling process. Find other ways to save on realtor fees.
How does Redfin work for buyers?
Buying with Redfin is a lot like using a traditional realtor, although you'll handle more of the process virtually. You'll browse homes, schedule tours, and complete paperwork through the Redfin app and website. Your main point of contact will be your "lead agent," who will help you write offers and negotiate with sellers. However, your lead agent may send other team members to accompany you on home tours.
Why is Redfin bad for some customers?
Redfin's hands-off service model and mixed agent quality make it a less-than-perfect option for some customers. Additionally, while Redfin has nationwide brand recognition, its savings are relatively middle-of-the pack compared to its top competitors. Find other low cost realtors in your area.
Should I use Redfin to sell my house?
If saving on real estate commission is your top priority, Redfin is worth considering. Its 1.5% listing fee isn't the best commission rate available, but nationwide brand recognition and a proven business model make it less risky than some of its newer competitors. Want to save even more? Find 1% commission real estate companies.
Can I trust Redfin?
Redfin is a legitimate company with licensed real estate agents across most of the U.S. It offers savings for most sellers compared to the cost of traditional real estate agents. However, the company relies heavily on technology, so you may receive less hands-on support than you would with a conventional realtor. Learn more about how Redfin works.
Does Redfin really save me money?
Redfin’s fee for listing a house is 1.5%, which is about half of what a traditional agent would charge. You get even more of a discount when you buy and sell with a Redfin agent. However, Redfin charges minimum fees. If you're selling at a lower price point, those minimum fees may make Redfin cost more for you than using a traditional real estate agent. Learn more about how much Redfin costs.
Why do people use Redfin?
Saving on real estate agent fees is a top reason people use Redfin. A Redfin agent charges a listing fee of 1.5%, which is around half of what a traditional real estate agent charges. However, some Redfin reviews claim that Redfin agents offer less hands-on support than conventional realtors. See how real customers rate Redfin's service.
Related reading
If you’re looking for the pros and cons of selling with Redfin, it’s important to compare ALL of your options for saving money. We recommend reading the following resources to learn about other ways to save.
Discount Real Estate Brokers and Agents: Everything You Need to Know: Selling with a discount real estate broker like Redfin is often a very different experience from using a traditional realtor. Learn more about how discount brokers work and how to decide which company is the best fit for your situation.
What Companies Offer the Lowest Real Estate Commission Fees? Redfin offers solid savings for home sellers, but some of its competitors charge even less. Find out which company charges the lowest commission fees.
The Best for Sale by Owner (FSBO) Websites: Want to maximize your savings? Consider rolling up your sleeves by listing your house for sale by owner (FSBO). We’ve compiled a list of the BEST websites for FSBO sellers.
Realtor Fees: Who Pays the Commission and How Much Is It? Wondering how much realtor fees cost? This guide explains what you’ll pay (and how to get discounts) when working with a realtor.
How to Sell Your House without a Realtor: Want to sell your house without a realtor? This guide outlines steps to selling without a realtor, pros and cons, and costs.
Methodology
The Real Estate Witch team evaluated Redfin on a variety of factors, including savings, customer service, online reviews, agent quality, and how it compares to the competition. Our mission is to empower you to make an informed decision about whether Redfin is right for your next real estate transaction.
Our low commission real estate brokerage rankings are based on three key criteria:
- Cost and savings. We compared Redfin’s pricing model to top competitors and average prices across the U.S., including the average listing fee, minimum fees, and any buyer incentives offered.
- Customer service. We performed an in-depth analysis on Redfin’s customer reviews across review sites. We broke down the sentiment of reviews, looking at themes around agent responsiveness, expertise, and meeting customer expectations.
- Ease of use. We evaluated how efficient it is for customers to find, compare, and select an agent through Redfin, evaluating their agent network size, technical platforms, communication methods, and post-transaction support.
Editorial policy
Credible primary sources power our pages. When you hire a service through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. But this doesn’t influence our advice or ranking methodology. Learn more about Real Estate Witch.
Sources
- Redfin Real Estate, ‘Commission Savings Disclaimers’, Accessed March 11, 2024, https://www.redfin.com/disclaimer ↩︎
- Real Trends, ‘Redfin looks to eliminate agent commission refund’, Accessed April 18, 2024, https://www.realtrends.com/articles/redfin-looks-to-eliminate-agent-commission-refund/ ↩︎
- RedfinNew, ‘All-Hands Email on November Layoff’, Accessed April 18, 2024, https://www.redfin.com/news/november-layoff/ ↩︎
Linda Acaster says
As a potential Sales Agent for Redfin I was shocked to find Redfin demanding I allow a company that does background checks by requiring me allow this company to access my credit report rather than the company having access to their own database from court reporting. I am not applying for a loan that this company needs to see all my financials. The background check is about hiring employees that are not criminals nor dishonest. This company would have all my information that would expose me to identity theft. I am very disappointed by Redfin . They may be saving a buck hiring this unreputable company who wants to save themselves money, but are opening up themselves to lawsuits.
The Real Estate Witch Team says
Thanks for sharing your perspective on Redfin, Linda. We’re sorry you had such a disappointing experience.
srin ned says
It seems a bit misleading to say that redfin charges 1.5% whereas a standard broker charges 6%. With redfin you still have to pay the buyer’s agent commission (except in some very rare situations), making the total 4.5%, which compares less favorably to the standard 6%
The Real Estate Witch Team says
Great point! We updated this post in February 2021 to make it clear that although Redfin charges a 1.5% listing fee, sellers should still expect to pay a buyer’s agent commission rate of around 2.5-3%.
Altogether, real estate commission fees will cost Redfin sellers about 4-4.5%, which is 20-30% less than selling with a traditional brokerage. You can learn about this fee breakdown in our 4.5% commission guide!