Ideal Agent Reviews: Is the Discount Realtor Referral Service Worth it?

Editor’s note: Information in this article is current at its publication date. Processes, rates, and services from real estate companies can change based on market conditions, housing trends, changes in technology, and customer needs.

An agent’s commission is often the most expensive cost for home sellers, so it’s common for sellers to try to save money on commission. If you’ve been looking for “discount agents” or “low commission real estate agents,” Ideal Agent has probably popped up in a search. The company says that their agents will accept a lower commission and still do a great job.

In 2024, a seller can expect to pay between 5%-6% in agent commissions, which is typically split between the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent. Using NAR’s median existing-home price of $393,500, that amounts to $19,685-$23,610 in commission costs. But just as there are many agent-matching services, there are also many parts of the home-selling equation to consider when selecting an agent.

Ideal Agent promises to match home sellers with top agents who will accept a lower commission but still give you full service. What is Ideal Agent? And can they really save you money?

What is Ideal Agent?

Ideal Agent is a website that researches national real estate sales data to find what they describe as the top 1% of agents in your local area. Normally, these agents aren’t discount agents and take a full commission on their transactions. But Ideal Agent negotiates a lower percentage with agents in their network so that you can save money.

Ideal Agent says that the typical agent in their network meets these standards:

5+ years experience as a licensed agent
For small markets: closed at least 50 transactions in the last 12 months
For large markets: closed at least 100 transactions in the last 12 months
Must have an agent or broker’s license in good standing
Usually ranked in the Top 1% in sales in their local market
Full-time agents, not hobbyists
Minimum of 25 reviews with at least a 4.9-star rating on Zillow or Realtor.com

Note that while Ideal Agent says this is their “typical agent,” they make no guarantees or promises that any agent you’re matched with meets these criteria.

How does Ideal Agent work for home sellers?

To get started with Ideal Agent, you tell them about your home selling goals. While everyone wants to make money when they sell, you might have other goals — selling quickly due to a relocation, or getting a rent-back period. After you’ve answered questions about your needs, you’re matched with what Ideal Agent deems as a qualified agent.