Should I hire an agent willing to work for 1% commission?

Not necessarily. A lower commission doesn't automatically mean you'll receive less service, but it's important to understand exactly what's included. Some discount agents offer full-service representation, while others may charge less because they provide fewer marketing services, handle a higher volume of clients, or expect you to take on more responsibilities. Instead of choosing an agent based solely on commission, ask what you'll receive for the fee. Questions to consider include: -Will they provide professional photography and marketing? -How will they price and promote your home? -How available will they be for communication? -What is their negotiation strategy? -Will they manage the transaction from contract to closing? The goal is to find the best overall value, not simply the lowest commission. An experienced agent with a strong marketing plan and negotiation skills may help you achieve a higher sale price or avoid costly issues, which can more than offset the difference in commission.

Not necessarily. A lower commission doesn't automatically mean you'll receive lower-quality service, just as a higher commission doesn't guarantee a better experience. The key is understanding exactly what services are included. Some agents who charge a lower commission offer full-service representation, while others may reduce or eliminate services such as professional photography, staging advice, marketing, open houses, or frequent communication. That's why it's important to ask what is included before making your decision. Rather than choosing an agent based on commission alone, compare their experience, marketing plan, negotiation skills, local market knowledge, availability, and client reviews. An agent with a strong strategy may help you sell faster or negotiate a higher price, which can more than offset any difference in commission. Ask each agent to explain how they'll market your home, how they'll communicate with you throughout the process, and what makes their approach different. The best choice is the agent who provides the most value for your specific situation—not simply the one with the lowest fee. Juan Picos, Realtor

A 1% agent may be a good fit, but confirm exactly what is included. Some discount agents provide full service, while others limit marketing, showings, communication, or negotiation support. Compare experience, results, availability, marketing plan, and all additional fees—not just the commission.

Fair question, and the honest answer is: it depends entirely on what is included, so ask that before you look at the rate. First, commissions are always negotiable and not set by law, so a 1 percent listing fee is legitimate. The real question is what you get for it, because "discount" covers a wide range: - Some are true full-service agents who simply charge less. Great value if so. - Others are limited-service or flat-fee models where you get an MLS listing and not much else. You may handle showings, photos, negotiations, and paperwork yourself. What tends to differ at the low end: - Marketing depth (professional photography, staging advice, real online and social promotion). - Negotiation and availability (who fields the offers, handles inspections, and keeps the deal together). - Pricing strategy and hands-on guidance. Here is the reframe that matters: focus on your net proceeds, not the commission rate. A skilled full-service agent who nets you a higher sale price and a smoother close can leave more in your pocket than a cheaper one who lists and steps back. Sometimes the discount agent wins that math, sometimes they do not. So, before hiring anyone at any rate, ask: "Exactly what services are included, who does the work, and can I see recent sales and your list-to-sale price ratio?" Then compare on total value, not the headline number. I am Zoltan Peresztegi, a Realtor, SRES, and Palos Verdes and South Bay specialist in Los Angeles, and I am happy to explain exactly what full service should include so you can compare fairly. If you are local I can help directly, and if not I can connect you with a strong agent in your area. Zoltan

Short answer, not always. Some 1% agents are great. Most are cutting something to make that work. At that fee, they may spend less on marketing, handle more clients at once, or be less hands-on with showings and negotiation. The risk isn’t the 1%. It’s what you’re giving up without realizing it. Ask them directly what’s included. Photos, marketing, negotiation, availability. Compare that to a full-service agent. Simple way to think about it. Saving on commission can cost you more if the execution isn’t strong.

Short answer, not always. Some 1% agents are great. Most are cutting something to make that work. At that fee, they may spend less on marketing, handle more clients at once, or be less hands-on with showings and negotiation. The risk isn’t the 1%. It’s what you’re giving up without realizing it. Ask them directly what’s included. Photos, marketing, negotiation, availability. Compare that to a full-service agent. Simple way to think about it. Saving on commission can cost you more if the execution isn’t strong.

You can, but do keep in mind you generally get what you pay for. Discount agents can only operate at volume to be sustainable, which means that they will not have the resources to be super active in responses and customer service. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

You get what you pay for, but not always in the way people assume. Some discount brokerages provide a legitimate full-service experience at a lower rate because they operate with lower overhead, handle higher volume, or use technology to streamline their process. Others cut the rate by cutting corners, fewer photos, no staging, limited marketing, slower response times, and less hands-on negotiation support. The question isn't whether they charge less. It's whether the lower fee results in a lower net outcome for you. If a discount agent lists your home with mediocre photos, no marketing strategy, and limited availability, and it sells for $15K less than it would have with a full-service agent who charges 2 percent more, you didn't save anything. You lost money. Before hiring any agent at any commission rate, ask what their marketing plan includes, how they handle negotiations, what their average days on market is compared to the area average, and what their list-to-sale price ratio looks like. Those metrics tell you whether the agent is actually performing, regardless of what they charge. Some of the best agents in any market charge full commission and earn every penny. Some discount agents provide excellent service at a lower rate. And some agents at every price point are terrible. The commission rate alone doesn't tell you which one you're getting. The track record does.

No, "discount" agents do not offer the same breadth of services as "full price" agents. A better way to look at the differing roles is to think of one as being "limited service" and the other as being "full service". Always focus on the level of service offered to you by an agent - not just the commission amount. Whether you hire a "limited service" agent or not depends on what your goals are. Are you seeking to maximize your sale proceeds with full service professional representation that does your heavy lifting? Then hire a full service agent. Or are you trying to tweak costs on the front end by seeking a lower commission rate? Then go with a limited service agent - but, be prepared to see the reality of a service level that matches that commission rate. What's more important to you? Saving 1-2% on agent commission or potentially leaving thousands of dollars on the table when your property has sold?

Ive mentioned this in another answer. You get what you pay for! If you are going to list your home significantly below market value then you don't need to hire an agent for more than a small commission. If you are looking to net the most money on your purchase or sale then be wary of the 1% agent. It's surprisingly expensive to be a good agent!

Great question, Sally, and the short answer is: usually not. Here's the reality of what often gets cut when an agent drops to 1%: Marketing: Professional photography, videography, 3D tours, targeted digital advertising, print materials — these cost real money. At 1%, something has to give, and marketing is usually the first to go. Your listing deserves to look its best, especially in a competitive market. Time and attention: Discount brokerages often run high volumes to make the math work. That can mean less responsiveness, less negotiation muscle, and less hand-holding through what is likely one of the biggest financial transactions of your life. Buyer agent cooperation: If the total commission is only 1%, there may be little to nothing offered to the buyer's agent. That can quietly discourage agents from showing your home, which shrinks your buyer pool. Experience and expertise: Top-producing agents don't work for 1%. The agents willing to do so are often newer, less experienced, or operating inside a high-volume discount model where your listing is one of dozens. The bottom line, Sally: A skilled agent typically nets you more money even after a full commission, because of stronger pricing strategy, better marketing, and sharper negotiation. The cheapest option rarely delivers the best outcome. I'm not licensed in your area, but If you're thinking about buying or selling on the Big Island, I'd love to show you what full-service representation actually looks like: https://pennhenderson.com/buying https://pennhenderson.com/selling Mahalo, Penn

You get what you pay for. A 1% agent saves you money upfront, but often means minimal marketing and less negotiation power, which can lead to a lower final sale price. 💡 The Advice: Interview both a full-service agent and a 1% agent. Compare their marketing plans and track records before you decide.

Hi Sally, You may find a very ambitious 1% listing agent that offers a lot, but typically agents who only charge 1% aren't going to offer a comprehensive marketing strategy that other agents who are charging more would. Effectively marketing a home, and giving the listing the attention it deserves, requires time and money. At 1%, I cant image there being much room for a marketing budget or time commitment. In short - from my experiences, the answer is no.

You can hire a 1 percent agent, but you get what you pay for. Discount agents usually offer limited service and may not provide full marketing or hands-on support.

What makes you ask about 1% is my question. Are you worried about the amount the agent is making or you are netting from the sale? If yo are looking for a discount broker, do you expect them to negotiate and work as hard as an agent that knows their value and works for their commission? If an agent can get you the net you want, and still make full commission then what the agent makes does not matter! If an agent is willing to give away their worth before they have even negotiated on your behalf, how quickly are they going to negotiate your equity away on your behalf? You get what you pay for! It is about what you net and if they agent charges you 10% but over-delivers and gets you what you want out of the sale does that matter?

The answer is NO! Discount agents also discount the amount of services they are going to provide to you. Do you feel comfortable using a "discount" doctor, dentist, CPA, or attorney? Probably not. They may be a "discount" type of job. Go with a great Broker or Agent that offers all the services you need. Best of luck!

You get what you pay for.

These are discount agents they just salp the house on the MLS without a good picture or an open house, you need an agent that can bring you the most money, the commission is an investment, not a fee .

These are discount agents they just salp the house on the MLS without a good picture or an open house, you need an agent that can bring you the most money, the commission is an investment, not a fee .

In general, agents who are willing to work for 1% are those agents who are inexperienced. You want an experienced agent.

In most instances, if they are discounting their commissions that much, they are likely discounting they services too

1% is a tuff number to work with, because we have to treat the buyers agent fair in order to help the sellers get what they are asking for.

I have never seen that. Discount commissions come with discount services. The old saying, you get what you paid for is very true.,

An agent taking 1% is not making a lot on the transaction. There is no room to properly advertise your home. Advertisement, professional photographers, virtual tours, etc all costs money. I would read the listing agreement carefully and find out exactly what the realtor will be offering before you sign the agreement.

1%? Umm... How is that agent going to pay the buyers agent their commissions? or any advertising? This agent would be taking a loss. I see a red flag here.

In most cases, discount agents do not offer as much as full price agents. Great marketing, photography, signs, print materials, etc are not cheap and on top of that, we are motivated by our income- that is how we take care of our family after all- so knowing that my clients are paying me well motivates me to go above and beyond for them in all aspects. However, I do know some discount agents that work very hard. I think you would just need to interview them and make a decision based on how you feel after, and make sure to read the fine print. Sometimes discount agents have hidden fees that make up for the gap in commission. Good luck with your sale!

That is certainly up to you. The commission paid to the listing agent is split up in many ways. The agent usually has to share this with his/her broker first of all. Then the agent uses the remaining amount to market, list, follow up and a million other things behind the scene. (And pay Taxes)