For years, real estate has lagged behind the rest of the internet economy. While industries such as travel, retail, and finance have embraced digital transformation, providing consumers with more control, greater transparency, and significantly lower costs, real estate has remained closely tied to tradition. But now, the tide is turning.
Homebuyers and sellers are no longer willing to accept outdated models and bloated commission fees. They expect smarter, faster, and more affordable service. In short, they expect real estate to catch up to the way the rest of the world already works online. And that’s exactly where the 1% commission model comes in.
The 6% Commission Model Is Cracking
The traditional 6% commission structure has gone virtually unquestioned for decades. On a $500,000 home sale, that’s $30,000—often split between buyer and seller agents, but still a massive chunk of equity disappearing from the seller’s pocket.
Compare that to what’s happened in other industries:
- Booking travel used to require an agent; now, consumers self-serve and pay less.
- Buying stocks once meant paying broker fees; now it’s commission-free with apps like Robinhood.
- Hailing a cab used to be inefficient; then Uber delivered more value for less.
So why is real estate the last holdout?
Part of it comes down to habit. The 6% model has been baked into every deal for generations, and for a long time, there weren’t any real alternatives. But technology is breaking that pattern. As information becomes more accessible, so does transparency. And when people understand what they’re paying for, they start asking more challenging questions.
Consumers Expect Better—And They’re Getting It
Today’s sellers are smarter. They research – They compare services – They want transparency. And they’re starting to realize that paying $25,000–$35,000 in commission just doesn’t make sense.
According to recent data, 61% of home sellers said they would be open to using an agent who charges less than the traditional commission, if they still received full-service support. That’s a clear shift in expectations.
And it’s not just about the money. Sellers want a better experience. They want responsiveness, convenience, and confidence that they’re working with someone who understands the modern market. The traditional system often falls short in delivering that.
The 1% Commission Model: Built for the Modern Market
At 1 Percent Lists, we saw this coming. The 1% commission model was designed from the ground up to align with today’s internet economy: efficient, transparent, and customer-first.
Sellers receive full-service support—featuring professional photos, MLS exposure, digital marketing, and expert negotiation—without the bloated price tag. It’s not about cutting corners. It’s about cutting unnecessary costs and passing the savings back to the homeowner.
With the average American home now worth over $400,000, sellers stand to save thousands. And those savings matter more than ever. Whether you’re putting that money toward your next down payment, paying off debt, or simply protecting your equity, the 1% model makes financial sense.
This model doesn’t just save money. It builds trust. It provides sellers with the same modern, tech-enabled experience they’ve come to expect everywhere else in life.
Tech Is Driving the Shift
We now have tools and platforms that make it easier to buy and sell homes than ever before:
- Virtual tours and 3D walkthroughs
- Smart listing platforms
- Automated document signing
- AI-driven property recommendations
- Centralized communication apps that streamline the process
Buyers and sellers are already utilizing these tools, but many brokerages are still charging as if it were 1995.
At 1 Percent Lists, we embrace technology. We utilize it to streamline the process, enhance efficiency, and minimize overhead. That’s how we deliver more for less.
The result? A smoother, more transparent experience that meets modern consumer standards without inflating the cost.
Breaking Down the Misconceptions
Some assume that lower commission must mean lower quality. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
The 1% model doesn’t cut service—it cuts waste. Our agents are experienced professionals who know how to position homes competitively, negotiate strong deals, and guide clients through the entire process. What we eliminate are outdated practices and overhead that no longer serve the client.
We don’t ask you to compromise. We offer a more innovative, more efficient structure that works for today’s sellers and buyers.
This Isn’t Just a Trend. It’s the Future.
The internet didn’t just change one industry—it changed every industry. Real estate is no exception.
We’re not a discount brokerage – We’re not a flat-fee MLS – We’re a full-service, tech-forward real estate company that respects the modern consumer’s time and money. And the 1% commission model is how we prove it.
The tide is already turning. In many parts of the country, homeowners are seeking out alt
ernatives to traditional real estate fees. They’re reading reviews, researching options, and discovering that there are real professionals who can deliver the same (or better) results, without the inflated costs.
Ready to Sell Smarter?
Real estate is finally catching up. And 1 Percent Lists is leading the way.
If you’re thinking about selling your home, talk to a 1 Percent Lists agent near you. You’ll receive full-service support, transparent pricing, and a modern selling experience tailored to your needs, not someone else’s commission check.
