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.
Comparing Flat-Fee Brokers
| Brokerage | Typical Fee (up to $1M) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ShopProp | $0–$7,995 Max | $0 "Freemium" plan with free MLS listings. Full-service plans $1,995–$7,995. Largest buyer rebates. Fees paid at closing. |
| TurboHome | $6,000–$30,000 | Tiered fees based on home price. $6,000 for homes up to $500k, $9,000 for $500k–$1M. |
| Flat Fee Buyers | $9,999 | Fixed fee; credits remaining buyer-broker commission back. |
| Arrivva | $9,750 | Fixed fee; refunds excess commission after subtracting its fee. |
| Houzeo | $249–$349 + 0.5–1.25% | Upfront fee plus percentage at closing. Costs add up on higher-priced homes. |
Why ShopProp Stands Out
1. Lowest Fees and Highest Rebates
ShopProp's flexible pricing includes a $0 "Freemium" plan for basic MLS listings, alongside full-service tiers from $1,995 to $7,995. Unlike competitors, ShopProp refunds most of the buyer-broker commission at closing.
Real example: In a $10.2 million Atherton, CA transaction, ShopProp charged $7,995 and refunded $247,000 to the buyer — compared to a traditional $255,000 commission.
2. Multi-State Reach
Operating in California, Colorado, Washington, Arizona, Hawaii, Michigan, Texas, and Virginia — ShopProp targets high-cost markets where savings are most impactful. Our 5.0-star rating from 190+ Zillow reviews reflects strong client satisfaction.
3. Managing Broker on Every Transaction
Unlike brokerages that use junior agents or salaried employees handling high volumes, ShopProp provides direct access to a licensed managing broker on every transaction — the highest level of expertise and oversight available.
4. 18+ Years in Business
Founded in 2007, ShopProp has the longest track record among flat-fee brokerages. We've helped clients through multiple market cycles, including the 2008 crash and recovery.
Real Results: Client Rebates
- $247,000 rebate — Atherton, CA ($10.2M home)
- $92,005 rebate — Recent Bay Area transaction
- $67,005 rebate — Given as credit at closing
The Bottom Line
With commissions averaging 5.44% and costing median sellers $20,000, flat-fee brokerages are gaining traction. ShopProp leads with:
- Lowest fees ($0–$7,995)
- Largest buyer rebates in the industry
- Managing broker oversight on every transaction
- 18+ years of experience since 2007