The Shift to Flat-Fee Brokerages Traditional real estate commissions in the U.S. average 5.44%, split between listing agents (2.77%) and buyer’s agents (2.67%), according to Clever Real Estate’s 2025 survey. For a median-priced home of $369,100, this translates to over $20,000 in fees. New NAR rules requiring transparent, negotiable fees and written buyer agreements have fueled lawsuits and opened the door to cost-saving alternatives like flat-fee brokerages.
Flat-fee brokers charge a fixed rate rather than a percentage of the sale price, offering significant savings. These models appeal to cost-conscious buyers and sellers, decoupling agent compensation from home prices and aligning with the industry’s evolving landscape.
Comparing Flat-Fee Brokers Here’s how major flat-fee brokers compare, based on publicly available data:
Brokerage
Typical Fee (up to $1M)
Notes
ShopProp
$0–$7,995 Max
Offers a $0 “Freemium” plan with free MLS listings and licensed support. Tiered full-service plans range from $1,995 to $7,995, covering property tours, offer preparation, and transaction management. Fees are paid at closing, with substantial buyer commission rebates.
TurboHome
$6,000–$30,000 (avg. ~$10,500 up to $3M)
Tiered fees based on home price: $6,000 for homes up to $500k, $9,000 for $500k–$1M, up to $30,000 for $5M+. Offers rebates scaling with price, e.g., $21,000 for $500k–$1M homes.
Flat Fee Buyers
$9,999
Fixed $9,999 fee; credits remaining buyer-broker commission back to the buyer.
Arrivva
$9,750
Fixed $9,750 fee; refunds excess buyer-broker commission after subtracting its fee.
Homecoin
$95–$394
DIY-focused MLS listings with minimal support. Plans include Basic ($95), Review ($194), and Full Service ($394) for 12-month listings. Additional services like lockbox rentals cost extra.
Houzeo
$249–$349 + 0.5–1.25% closing fee
Packages include Silver ($249 + 0.5%), Gold ($299 + 1%), and Platinum ($349 + 1.25%). Higher tiers offer broker assistance, but percentage-based closing fees increase costs.
Why ShopProp Stands Out
Lowest Fees and Highest Rebates ShopProp’s flexible pricing includes a $0 “Freemium” plan for basic MLS listings and licensed support, alongside full-service tiers from $1,995 to $7,995. Unlike competitors, ShopProp refunds most of the buyer-broker commission at closing. For example, in a $10.2 million Atherton, CA, transaction, ShopProp charged $7,995 and refunded $247,000, compared to a traditional $255,000 commission.
Multi-State Reach Operating in nine states, ShopProp targets high-cost markets where savings are most impactful. Its 5.0-star rating from 190 Zillow reviews reflects strong client satisfaction across regions.
Rapid Growth ShopProp’s sales volume grows at 26% annually, outpacing many traditional brokerages, as reported by NPR/OPB and The Enterprise World. This reflects rising consumer demand for affordable real estate services.
Client-Centric Mission CEO Rob Luecke emphasizes eliminating or reducing commissions to empower clients. ShopProp’s model ensures buyers and sellers retain more of their funds, challenging the traditional high-fee structure.
Comprehensive Services with Technology ShopProp offers full-service support, including negotiations, paperwork, and guidance, paired with mobile tools for property searches and real-time updates. Clients choose their service level, paying only for what they need, with no upfront costs.
How ShopProp Compares TurboHome: Higher fees ($6,000–$30,000) and less flexibility than ShopProp’s $0–$7,995 range. Arrivva and Flat Fee Buyers: Fixed fees of $9,750 and $9,999 exceed ShopProp’s maximum, with no freemium option. Homecoin: Low-cost ($95–$394) but minimal support, suitable only for DIY sellers. Houzeo: Combines upfront and percentage-based fees, costing $2,249–$5,349 on a $400,000 home—often more than ShopProp’s flat rates.
ShopProp’s rebates, like the $247,000 returned in the Atherton deal, far surpass competitors, and its pay-at-closing model reduces client risk.
The Future of Real Estate With commissions averaging 5.44% and costing median sellers $20,000, flat-fee brokerages are gaining traction. ShopProp leads the pack with its low fees, substantial rebates, multi-state presence, and full-service options. By aligning with new State Laws and rules and prioritizing client savings, ShopProp redefines value in real estate.
