Selling or buying a home is a major financial decision, and today more than ever, homeowners and buyers want to maximize value while minimizing cost. One way sellers are starting to save big is by turning to a low commission real estate broker. These professionals offer core brokerage services at a reduced rate—often significantly lower than the traditional 5% to 6% commission. For savvy sellers, a lower commission can mean thousands of dollars in savings. For buyers, the efficiency and accessibility of these brokers can open the door to homes they thought were just out of reach.
Understanding what low commission agents offer, how they structure their rates, and whether or not their services match your needs is essential. In this article, we’ll explore how the low commission model works, when it makes sense, and what you risk—if anything—by choosing this alternative route. With the right broker, you don’t have to sacrifice service to save money.
What Is a Low Commission Real Estate Broker?
A low commission real estate broker is a licensed professional who assists with buying or selling a home but charges a lower-than-standard commission fee. Traditional full-service agents typically take 5% to 6% of the home’s sale price, split between the listing and buying agent. In contrast, low commission brokers often work for 1% or a flat fee, helping sellers retain more profit from the sale.
These brokers provide many of the same services as traditional agents: pricing guidance, listing on the MLS, marketing support, negotiation, and contract management. However, they often use modern tools, automation, and virtual support to cut overhead costs. This allows them to pass savings on to their clients without reducing service quality.
For example, a 1% listing agent on a $400,000 home could save a seller up to $8,000 compared to a traditional model. That difference can be reinvested into moving costs, home upgrades, or simply saved. In markets where price margins are tight, low commission models make financial sense for many sellers.
Some brokers offer tiered service packages—ranging from flat-fee MLS listings to full-service campaigns—so homeowners can tailor the level of involvement based on their comfort level and budget. This flexibility can be a game-changer for sellers who feel empowered to handle part of the process themselves.
Advantages of Using a Low Commission Brokerage
The most immediate and obvious benefit of using a low commission real estate broker is the financial savings. When you don’t have to give up 6% of your home’s value in commission, those funds become available for other costs associated with buying or moving. Over time, this adds up. Considering that home prices have surged in many markets, commission fees now represent tens of thousands of dollars for average homeowners.
In addition to savings, low commission brokers tend to be more transparent with their pricing structures. Many promote flat-fee or a la carte services, allowing clients to choose exactly what they pay for. This transparency often builds trust and gives clients more control. According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), buyers and sellers increasingly value flexibility and tech-powered solutions over traditional models.
Another advantage is faster service. Because many low commission brokerages leverage technology—virtual showings, automated CMAs, and online scheduling—they operate efficiently and give clients 24/7 visibility into their transaction. This combination of speed and structure often leads to faster closings, which benefits both buyers and sellers eager to move forward.
In competitive markets, even small commission savings can provide an edge. Sellers may be able to price more competitively or offer buyer incentives, while buyers working with low-commission agents may find themselves with better-negotiated deals. Put simply, financial flexibility leads to strategic advantages.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
While low commission brokers are a smart choice for many, they’re not always a perfect fit. Some sellers may expect—or need—extremely personalized services, in which case a traditional, full-service agent may offer more direct hands-on support. Especially with unique or high-value properties, marketing, staging, or in-person showings may demand additional resources.
Additionally, because some low commission brokerages handle a high volume of clients, communication may lean more transactional. That’s not to say you won’t get quality service—many clients report surprisingly high satisfaction—but the experience may differ in tone. It’s essential to ask in advance how your agent handles communication and whether you’ll work with them directly or through a team.
The buyer’s agent commission is another factor to consider. Even if you list with a low commission broker, a traditional buyer’s agent may still expect 2.5% to 3% commission. If this isn’t offered, some buyer agents may be less motivated to show your home. However, this is becoming increasingly less of an issue as buyers grow more self-directed and MLS visibility increases. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has noted growing trends in DIY home discovery and the use of digital search tools by buyers.
Finally, in complex legal or emotional situations—such as probate sales or divorce—more traditional representation may still offer value. That said, even in these cases, many consumers choose a low commission route and supplement it with legal support or specialized add-ons.
How to Evaluate and Choose the Right Broker
Selecting a low commission real estate broker is about more than choosing the cheapest option. It’s about aligning features, service level, and experience with your specific needs. Start by reviewing the broker’s track record. How many homes have they sold? What are their average days on market? Do they have deep familiarity with your property type or local neighborhood?
Next, talk directly to the agent or brokerage. Ask how they structure their fees, what full-service means to them, and what you’ll be responsible for yourself. Some services may be included automatically (like MLS listing), while others (such as open house hosting) might have additional costs. Clear expectations help prevent surprises during the process.
You’ll also want to look into accessibility. Will your agent be available by phone? Is there a client-facing portal? How are documents signed or stored? More streamlined technological platforms can reduce manual work drastically. According to the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), buyers and sellers increasingly expect digital tools as part of the standard transaction process.
Lastly, check reviews and ratings. While individual experiences vary, patterns in feedback can reveal a lot about professionalism, responsiveness, and reliability. And don’t be afraid to ask for references—good agents welcome the chance to share their past success stories.
Why More Sellers and Buyers Are Choosing Beycome
Working with a low commission real estate broker used to be the exception. Today, it’s quickly becoming the norm, thanks to platforms like Beycome. With 18,000+ homes closed, Beycome has helped homeowners save over $213 million in commissions—proving that the low commission model works and works well. On average, sellers cut costs by $13,185, all while receiving the support and visibility they need to sell fast. In fact, a Beycome home sells every 30 minutes.
What sets Beycome apart is its full embrace of tech-powered tools and flexible service tiers. Whether you want to try a Flat Fee MLS package, calculate your home’s value with a free home value estimator, or list your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO) while retaining professional support, there’s a pathway that fits.
And if you’re buying? You can browse thousands of listings, connect directly with owners or agents, and use Beycome’s intuitive tools to guide your decision-making—all with confidence that you’re making smart, cost-effective moves in today’s real estate market. From transparency to trusted performance, Beycome gives both buyers and sellers powerful control over their experience, on their terms.