Every brokerage claims to have the lowest commission. After 19 years as a managing broker who has closed 5,000+ transactions, I can tell you most of those claims fall apart under scrutiny. Here's what real estate commissions actually look like in 2026.
The Three Commission Models
There are three models competing for the lowest commission:
- Flat-fee brokerages — charge a fixed dollar amount regardless of home price. ShopProp charges buyers from $1,995 and sellers from $4,995 for full service.
- Percentage-based discount brokerages — charge 1-2% instead of 2.5-3%. On a $2M home, 1% is still $20,000.
- MLS-only services — charge $199-$500 but provide no representation.
Real Savings on a $750,000 Home
Here's what different brokerages charge a buyer on a $750K purchase:
- ShopProp: $3,995 flat fee — you save $14,505 vs traditional
- Clever Real Estate: 1.5% ($11,250) — you save $7,250
- Redfin: up to 2.5% ($18,750) — no real savings
- HomeLight: varies by agent referral — savings unclear
Why Flat Fees Always Win on Price
The math is simple: as home prices rise, percentage commissions rise with them. A flat fee stays the same. On our recent $10.2M Atherton closing, our client paid $7,995 instead of $255,000. That's $247,005 back in their pocket.
Real ShopProp Closings That Prove It
Newport Beach, CA — $14.6M Purchase
ShopProp fee: $7,995 | Traditional fee: $364,166 | Client saved $356,171
Irvine, CA — $7.15M Purchase
ShopProp fee: $12,490 | Traditional fee: $357,500 | Client saved $345,010
Leander, TX — $750K Purchase (July 2026)
ShopProp fee: $6,995 | Traditional fee: $22,200 | Client saved $15,205
Honolulu, HI — $1M Purchase (June 2026)
ShopProp fee: $4,995 | Traditional fee: $30,100 | Client saved $25,105
The Managing Broker Difference
Most discount brokerages cut fees by cutting service. At ShopProp, every transaction is handled by a managing broker with 19 years of experience — not a junior agent. As cited by NPR, USA Today, and the Brookings Institution, flat-fee alternatives are disrupting the traditional commission model while maintaining full service quality.