Ideal Agent is a low-commission realtor that connects home sellers with top-performing agents who agree to work for a reduced 2% listing fee, lower than the typical 2.5–3% most agents charge. But based on our analysis of Ideal Agent reviews online, you likely have better alternatives.
Here's what to know:
- Smaller agent network: Ideal Agent works with about 2,000 agents nationwide. Fewer agents can mean limited options, especially in smaller markets.
- One match at a time: You’re only matched with a single agent, so you can’t compare multiple options before deciding, unlike services like Clever Real Estate.
- No buyer perks: Ideal Agent is seller-focused. It doesn’t offer cash back or other financial incentives for buyers, which some competitors do.
- Simple signup: The service is free and easy to use. You just fill out a short online form and get connected with a local agent. You’re not obligated to move forward.
Bottom line: If you want to compare agents and maximize your savings, alternatives like Clever Real Estate may offer better value and flexibility.
» Ready to take control of your home sale? Connect with top local agents through Clever and enjoy a low 1.5% listing fee. There are no upfront costs or obligations. Complete this quick quiz to match with trusted agents from premier brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX, and begin saving now!
Ideal Agent reviews summary
- Ideal Agent has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, based on 6,300+ customer reviews.[1]
- Reviewers praise the service for connecting them with high-quality real estate agents and helping them save on listing fees.
- Some customers in smaller markets noted limited agent options and difficulty finding a good fit through the service.
- Ideal Agent does work with buyers, but the process is less streamlined and doesn't offer incentives like cash back at closing.
Ideal Agent reviews and complaints
Ideal Agent generally receives high praise, with many customers awarding it 5-star ratings on reputable platforms like Trustpilot, Google, and the Better Business Bureau. Customers often commend the quality of agents and the competitive commission rates, noting that agents are helpful throughout the selling process and maintain strong communication.
| Rating source | Overview |
|---|---|
| TrustPilot | 4.9 / 5 (6,300+ reviews) |
| 4.8 / 5 (500+ reviews) | |
| Better Business Bureau | 5 / 5 (95 reviews) |
*Ratings and review counts are accurate as of publication in June 2025.
Ideal Agent positive reviews
Customers appreciate the vetting process at Ideal Agent, ensuring they work with agents who rank in the top 1% locally or nationally.[2] Many reviews highlight agents' professionalism, support, and thoroughness, as well as the efficient concierge service that simplifies the selling process.
“I had an amazing experience with the company. From the first showing to closing day, the entire team was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and attentive. They listened to what I was looking for and found the perfect home for me. I always felt supported and informed through every step of the process.”
— Chansovatey D., TrustPilot review published April 2025, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customers also reported satisfaction with Ideal Agent’s concierge service, which many felt was efficient and easy to use. Ideal Agent uses fully licensed real estate agents, which helps them provide quality service and advice.
“I had an exceptional experience with Sal... highly professional, responsive, and kept me informed at every stage... attentive to my needs, patient with my questions, and always went the extra mile to ensure I felt confident and supported.”
— Yurui S., TrustPilot, February 2025, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
But experiences vary. One reviewer in North Dakota said their agent refused to work with them due to low commission, highlighting potential issues in less competitive markets. The assigned selling agent immediately expressed disinterest upon realizing the property was listed through Ideal Agent, stating the commission wasn't sufficient, and ultimately refused to handle the sale.
"We were hooked up with Bryce out of Coldwell Banker in Portland and he was quite helpful. It's hard to find a home in Maine right now, and he was persistent and stuck with us for 6 months. However, the selling end was less than a positive experience... before the agent even walked through the house he said, 'oh I see this is through Ideal Agent' and then refused to be the agent to sell. He decided it wasn't enough money for him."
- Aaron, TrustPilot, January 2025, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ideal Agent's negative reviews and complaints
Despite the generally positive reviews, some customers report issues such as hidden fees and underwhelming service.
Complaints often relate to agents not meeting expectations, especially in less populated areas where the smaller network may limit options.
"As a buyer, I'm frustrated by the lack of clear communication and inconsistent support. Each interaction with customer service introduces new representatives without detailed knowledge. Doubts linger, making me hesitant to finalize my purchase."
- Michael A., TrustPilot, March 2024, ⭐⭐
In some cases, poor communication and a lack of follow-through during the transaction have led to costly outcomes for sellers.
"My real estate agent completely mishandled the sale of my home in Cleveland, Ohio. The home was sold for cash on May 16, with closing scheduled for July 8. The buyer postponed closing due to minor POS violations, then breached the contract in September and refused to return the earnest money. I was forced to re-sell the property for $40,000 less...Meanwhile, my agent provided no support—I had already relocated to South Carolina on July 7 and was left to manage everything remotely."
- Virginia R., TrustPilot, January 2023, ⭐
Some Ideal Agent reviews also express dissatisfaction with the commission rate, with customers saying they didn't get the expected savings.
So while most Ideal Agent reviews are highly positive, there are occasional instances where customers may not fully connect with the agent they're assigned.
Alternatives like Clever Real Estate have larger agent networks and match you with multiple agents simultaneously, so you can compare agents and find the right fit. Clever is a strong alternative if you want to compare multiple agents and potentially save more. Fill out this quick quiz to get matched with a top-rated local agent today.
Ideal Agent fees
Average real estate agent commissions total around 5–6% of a home’s sale price, split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. Sellers can expect to pay a total commission of about 4.5–5% using Ideal Agent.
While the average commission rates are 2.5-3% for listing agents and 2.5-3% for buyer’s agents, Ideal Agent offers a competitive 2% listing fee. This rate provides a significant saving for sellers, especially on higher-value homes.
For instance, on a $400,000 home, this could translate to savings of $2,000 to $4,000 compared to the typical 2.5–3% listing fees.
Ideal Agent has a 2% fee structure. However, it also implements a minimum $3,000 listing fee. This means if your home sells for under $150,000, the effective rate you pay may exceed 2%.
It's important to note that while Ideal Agent helps sellers save on listing fees, it doesn't offer built-in savings for buyers. They'll need to negotiate the buyer's agent fee directly with their realtor, but these fees are also negotiable, potentially leading to further savings.
Regardless of the service chosen—Ideal Agent, another low commission realtor, or a traditional agent—you'll generally need to account for the buyer's agent fee, which usually ranges from 2% to 3% on top of your listing fee.
How does Ideal Agent work?
Ideal Agent makes it simple for home sellers to connect with a real estate agent.
On the Ideal Agent website, you'll complete a short online form, providing your email address, your phone number, and information about your home.
Ideal Agent then matches you with a qualified listing agent in your area. That agent will contact you by email, phone, or text. You have no obligation to work with the agent, and there's no fee for the matching service.
If you proceed with the agent, you’ll receive the full range of services you need from the realtor. Once your home sells, you’ll pay your listing agent's commission and likely the buyer’s agent commission as well, like you would if you worked with a traditional agent.
Ideal Agent: Pros and cons
Pros
- Fast, easy access to top-performing agents
- Competitive 2% listing fee
- Agents ranked in the top 1% of their markets
Cons
- Smaller agent network may limit options in rural areas
- Only one agent match at a time
- Some services offer even lower listing fees
Ideal Agent streamlines the process of finding a top-tier real estate agent. It boasts a network of agents in the top 1% of their markets and offers a competitive 2% commission rate.
However, the service has its limitations, including a smaller network of about 2,000 agents, which may affect those in less populated areas. Additionally, the platform only allows matching with one agent at a time, restricting comparison opportunities, and the 2% rate may not always be the lowest available compared to other agent matching services.
How Ideal Agent works for buyers
Ideal Agent primarily focuses on home sellers but also provides services for home buyers. The platform doesn’t have a direct form for buyers to connect with agents; instead, buyers need to start the process through a chat feature on the website.
After initiating contact, an Ideal Agent representative will call to gather more information and help connect the buyer with a qualified agent. This process is designed to help buyers quickly find a top agent.
However, there are some downsides for buyers using Ideal Agent. The website setup isn't very user-friendly, making it harder for buyers to get started. Also, Ideal Agent doesn’t offer financial incentives to buyers, such as cash back, which many other services do to make their offers more attractive.
Ideal Agent vs. alternatives
Ideal Agent's 2% listing fee will net you some savings compared to a conventional realtor charging 2.5–3% — but there are better options that can save you more.
Clever Real Estate offers similar agent quality, more agent options, and lower fees, making it a strong alternative to Ideal Agent. Clever offers the same agent quality at a lower cost than Ideal Agent. It also has more agent selection (14,000 top agents nationwide vs. Ideal Agent's 2,000). And eligible buyers get cash back savings at closing.
Redfin also might be worth a look. Its 1.5% listing fees are lower than Ideal Agent's. But Redfin has some service quality risks you won't get with Clever and Ideal Agent, who match you with conventional realtors (and simply negotiate lower rates for you).
💡 Our advice: Try Clever first to get the best selection of agents. If you like an agent you're matched with, you'll also get the best savings. If you don't like any of the agents Clever recommends, you can simply walk away (Clever is free with no obligation) and try other services offering a more limited agent pool, like Ideal Agent and Redfin. Fill out this short quiz to get matched with top local realtors today!
FAQ
Is Ideal Agent legit?
Yes, Ideal Agent is a legitimate service that connects home sellers with top-rated local real estate agents. It boasts thousands of positive reviews across platforms like Trustpilot, Google, and the Better Business Bureau, highlighting its reputable service and effective agent matching.
How does Ideal Agent make money?
Like other agent matching companies, Ideal Agent makes money by charging the real estate agents in its network a referral fee. Additionally, Ideal Agent makes money from other service offerings like title, mortgage, and property insurance.
Is Ideal Agent available near me?
Ideal Agent has agents located in all 50 states. However, some areas may have fewer options than other areas, making it harder to find a local agent. You can enter your location on the Ideal Agent website to see if it has agents available in your area.
What realtor charges the lowest commission?
While Ideal Agent offers a competitive 2% listing fee, other services like Clever Real Estate and Redfin might offer lower fees. Clever Real Estate, for instance, provides a 1.5% listing fee, which is lower than Ideal Agent's, and includes additional benefits like cash back for buyers.
How does Ideal Agent vet its agents for quality?
Ideal Agent employs a thorough vetting process to select its agents, requiring that they rank in the top 1% based on local or national sales volume. This criterion aims to ensure that agents affiliated with Ideal Agent meet a high standard of professionalism and effectiveness, which is intended to enhance overall customer satisfaction and service quality.
