Best Real Estate Services in 2026
Brokerages, platforms, and service models evaluated for value, quality, and transparency.
Whether you're buying your first home, selling a property, or investing in real estate, choosing the right real estate service significantly impacts your experience, costs, and outcome. The industry has evolved dramatically, with traditional full-service brokerages now competing against discount models, flat-fee services, and technology-driven platforms.
We reviewed national real estate brokerages, platforms, and service models to help you understand your options and find the right approach for your situation.
Understanding Real Estate Commissions
Before evaluating services, it's important to understand how real estate compensation works.
Traditional Commission Structure
Historically, home sellers paid a total commission of 5-6% of the sale price, split between the listing agent (representing the seller) and the buyer's agent (representing the buyer). On a $400,000 home, this meant $20,000-24,000 in commissions.
Recent Changes to Commission Practices
In 2024, following legal settlements with the National Association of Realtors (NAR), significant changes took effect:
Recent NAR Settlement Changes (2024)
- Seller concessions are no longer automatically offered: Listing agents can no longer publish buyer agent compensation offers in the MLS
- Written buyer agreements required: Buyers must sign agreements with their agents before touring homes
- Commission negotiation is standard: Both seller and buyer commissions are negotiable
These changes have introduced more variability and negotiation into commission structures. Understanding your options has become more important than ever.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — Buying a Home↗
Our Top Picks
Based on our evaluation, these are the top real estate services we recommend.
Compass
Leads all brokerages in sales volume with cutting-edge tech tools and concierge services.
eXp Realty
Industry-leading transaction volume with an attractive commission split and fully virtual platform.
Redfin
Consumer-friendly model with lower listing fees, strong technology, and a trusted brand reputation.
Types of Real Estate Services
Traditional Full-Service Brokerages
Conventional real estate brokerages with employed or affiliated agents who handle the entire transaction process.
Typical Cost: For sellers, 2.5-3% commission to the listing agent. Buyer's agents typically receive 2-3%, paid by the buyer directly or negotiated as part of the transaction.
Best For: Sellers who want hands-off, full-service support and are willing to pay for comprehensive representation.
What You Get:
- Pricing guidance and comparative market analysis (CMA)
- Professional photography and marketing
- MLS listing exposure
- Showing coordination
- Negotiation representation
- Transaction management through closing
Discount Brokerages
Brokerages offering reduced commission rates, typically 1-2% for sellers.
Typical Cost: 1-2% listing commission for sellers, often with minimum fees for lower-priced homes.
Best For: Sellers comfortable with less hand-holding who want to save on commission while still getting professional representation.
What You Get:
- Core services (MLS listing, contract management, closing support)
- Potentially reduced marketing or support compared to full-service
- Service levels vary significantly by company
Flat-Fee MLS Services
Services that list your home on the MLS for a flat fee, with you handling everything else (for-sale-by-owner approach with MLS exposure).
Typical Cost: $100-500 flat fee for the listing, with additional a la carte services available.
Best For: Experienced sellers comfortable managing their own sale who want MLS exposure without paying percentage-based commissions.
What You Get:
- MLS listing
- Syndication to major real estate websites (Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.)
- Basic listing support
What You Handle:
- Photography
- Pricing decisions
- Showing scheduling and hosting
- Negotiation
- Paperwork (though transaction coordination may be available for additional fees)
iBuyers
Companies that make instant cash offers to buy your home directly, then resell it themselves.
Typical Cost: Below-market offers (typically 5-15% below open market value) plus service fees (often 5-8%).
Best For: Sellers who prioritize speed and convenience over maximizing sale price.
What You Get:
- Fast, certain sale
- No showings to strangers
- Flexible closing timeline
- Convenience
Trade-offs:
- Below-market offers (typically 5-15% below open market value)
- Service fees (often 5-8%)
- May not operate in all markets
Buyer Rebate Programs
Programs where buyer's agents rebate a portion of their commission to the buyer at closing.
Typical Cost: Standard buyer agent commission, with 1-2% of purchase price returned as cash back at closing.
Best For: Buyers who don't need extensive hand-holding and want to reduce their costs.
What You Get:
- Standard buyer representation
- Cash back at closing (often 1-2% of purchase price)
What We Evaluated
Service Model and Value
We assessed each service type based on:
- What's included at each price point
- Quality of marketing and exposure
- Level of agent support and expertise
- Transaction management capabilities
Commission Structure and Transparency
We evaluated:
- Published commission rates
- Hidden fees or minimum charges
- Negotiability
- Clarity in explaining costs
Agent Quality
For services using agents, we examined:
- Agent vetting and selection processes
- Training and support provided
- Experience requirements
- Performance tracking
Market Coverage
We assessed:
- Geographic availability
- Service consistency across markets
- Local market knowledge
Technology and Tools
We evaluated:
- Listing platforms and syndication
- Communication and tracking tools
- Mobile accessibility
- Digital closing capabilities
Customer Experience
We analyzed customer feedback for:
- Agent responsiveness
- Transaction smoothness
- Problem resolution
- Overall satisfaction
What to Consider Before Choosing
Understand Your Priorities
Different services excel in different areas. Clarify what matters most:
If you prioritize maximum sale price
Full-service representation with an experienced agent may justify higher commissions through better pricing strategy, marketing, and negotiation.
If you prioritize saving money
Discount brokerages or flat-fee services reduce costs, but require more involvement from you or may provide less support.
If you prioritize convenience and certainty
iBuyers offer speed and simplicity at the cost of sale price.
If you prioritize control
Flat-fee MLS and FSBO approaches give you control but require time, knowledge, and effort.
Assess Your Market
Market conditions affect which approach makes sense:
Market Conditions Matter
Seller's Market (Low Inventory): Homes sell quickly with multiple offers. You may need less marketing and support, making discount options more viable.
Buyer's Market (High Inventory): Homes take longer to sell. Strong marketing, pricing strategy, and experienced agent negotiation become more valuable, potentially justifying full-service commissions.