1% Commission, Full Service: 2026 Guide to How 1 Percent Lists Actually Works (With Real Seller Savings)

1 Percent Lists offers full-service real estate representation for a 1% listing commission, allowing sellers to save thousands compared to traditional 3% fees, without compromising on expert guidance or comprehensive marketing. This innovative model empowers homeowners to maximize their equity by significantly reducing the cost of selling their home.

Selling a home is one of the biggest financial transactions most people undertake. Naturally, questions arise about every aspect, especially the costs involved. For years, the standard real estate commission has been a significant chunk of a home’s sale price, often leaving sellers wondering if there’s a more efficient way. Enter the 1% commission realtor, a modern approach challenging traditional norms and putting more money back into sellers’ pockets.

1 Percent Lists stands at the forefront of this movement, providing a full-service experience for a fraction of what traditional brokerages charge. This guide will demystify the 1% commission model, explain exactly how 1 Percent Lists operates, quantify the real savings for sellers, and address common misconceptions, ensuring you have all the information needed to make an informed decision in 2026.

Key Takeaways

• Significant Savings: 1 Percent Lists charges only 1% for the listing commission, saving sellers thousands compared to traditional 2.5-3% fees.
• Full-Service Representation: Despite the lower fee, clients receive comprehensive support from local, experienced agents, including professional photography, MLS syndication, expert negotiation, and full transaction management.
• Data-Backed Performance: Independent data shows 1 Percent Lists sells homes faster and closer to list price than traditional brokerages, refuting the myth that higher commission equals a better outcome.
• Modern & Sustainable Model: The 1% model is sustainable through technology, operational efficiency, and a focus on volume, delivering exceptional value without cutting corners on service.
• Nationwide Reach, Local Expertise: With over 65 franchises, 1 Percent Lists combines the power of a national brand with hyper-local market understanding, ensuring personalized service.

What Is a 1% Commission Realtor?

At its core, a 1% commission realtor represents a paradigm shift in the real estate industry. For decades, the standard commission structure has dictated that sellers pay a total commission of 5-6% of their home’s sale price. This amount is typically split between two parties: the listing broker (who represents the seller) and the buyer’s broker (who represents the buyer). Traditionally, the listing side alone would charge anywhere from 2.5% to 3% of the sale price.

The 1% listing commission concept radically alters this equation. With a 1% commission model, the seller pays approximately 1% of the final sale price directly to their listing broker. This dramatically reduces the seller’s direct costs for their agent’s services. It’s crucial to clarify that this “1%” refers specifically to the commission paid to the listing side. Sellers often still choose to offer a separate commission to the buyer’s agent—typically 2.5% to 3%—to ensure their property remains competitive and attractive to the widest pool of potential buyers and their agents in the market. This common practice helps facilitate a smoother and often quicker sale.

A 1% commission realtor charges about one-third of a traditional listing fee while still handling pricing, marketing, showings, and negotiations. This model focuses on efficiency and modern practices to deliver full-service representation without the hefty price tag, allowing sellers to maximize their net proceeds.

How 1 Percent Lists’ 1% Listing Commission Actually Works

1 Percent Lists has refined the 1% commission model into a transparent, full-service offering designed to empower sellers. Our approach isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about leveraging technology, efficiency, and a deep understanding of modern real estate to provide exceptional value.

The Pricing Model in Plain English

When you choose 1 Percent Lists, the listing fee is straightforward: it’s 1% of the final sales price of your home. This single fee covers comprehensive, full-service representation from your initial consultation, through strategic marketing, expert negotiation, and all the way to the closing table. There are no hidden fees on the listing side, ensuring complete transparency for sellers.

As mentioned, while 1 Percent Lists charges only 1% for the listing side, many sellers still choose to offer a commission to the buyer’s agent. This is a strategic decision. Offering a competitive commission (e.g., 2.5-3%) to the buyer’s agent helps attract more agents and their buyers to your property. This practice ensures your home receives maximum exposure and remains competitive in the market, whether you’re selling a charming bungalow in Metairie or a spacious family home in a Northshore subdivision like Beau Chene in Mandeville. It ultimately contributes to a smoother, faster selling process and often a better sale price.

What You Get for 1% (Full Service, Not “Lite”)

Dispelling the myth that lower fees mean limited service is crucial. With 1 Percent Lists, you receive a robust suite of services designed to sell your home effectively and efficiently. This isn’t “lite” service; it’s full-service real estate, redefined for the modern market.

• Local, full-service real estate agent: You’ll work with a dedicated, experienced agent who possesses in-depth knowledge of your local market, whether it’s the bustling streets of New Orleans or the serene communities of Covington. Our agents are committed to guiding you every step of the way.
• Professional pricing and market analysis: We conduct a thorough comparative market analysis (CMA) to strategically price your home for optimal sale, ensuring it’s competitive and attractive to buyers. This includes understanding the nuances of local market trends, like those seen in the Mandeville housing market.
• MLS + syndication to major portals: Your listing will gain maximum exposure by being prominently featured on the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and syndicated to top real estate websites such as Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and many more. This ensures your home reaches a vast audience of potential buyers.
• Professional photography: High-quality, professional photos are essential for making a strong first impression. We arrange for expert photography to showcase your home in its best light, capturing its unique appeal and attracting more interest.
• Guidance on staging and preparation: Our agents provide expert advice on how to prepare your home for showings, from decluttering to minor enhancements, maximizing its appeal and perceived value to potential buyers.
• Offer negotiation and contract management: We skillfully negotiate on your behalf to secure the best possible terms and price for your home. Our meticulous management of all contractual paperwork ensures a seamless and stress-free process.
• Coordination through appraisal, inspection, and closing: From the moment an offer is accepted, we provide seamless support and communication with all parties involved—from coordinating appraisals and inspections to navigating the complexities of closing, ensuring a smooth path to sale.

Real Savings: How Much Does 1% Commission Actually Save Sellers?

The financial benefit of a 1% listing commission is often the most compelling factor for sellers. The difference in commission percentage translates directly into thousands of dollars saved, which can significantly impact your net proceeds from the sale.

Quick Numbers on a $500K Home

Let’s look at a concrete example to illustrate the potential savings. Consider a home with a sale price of $500,000.

On a $500,000 home sale, choosing 1 Percent Lists means a direct savings of $10,000 on the listing commission alone. This represents a 2% delta that stays right in the seller’s pocket. Imagine what you could do with an extra ten thousand dollars!

To get a personalized estimate for your property, we encourage you to visit our easy-to-use Savings Calculator today. It’s a quick way to visualize your potential savings.

Why Those Savings Matter in the Real World

The thousands of dollars saved on commission are not just abstract numbers; they represent tangible financial power for sellers. These savings can be strategically deployed in various ways, giving you a distinct advantage in the market or simply boosting your personal bottom line.

• More competitive pricing: You could use a portion of your savings to price your home slightly more attractively, potentially leading to a quicker sale and drawing in more buyers, especially in a competitive market like parts of the Northshore.
• Covering closing costs: Selling a home involves various closing costs for the seller. Your commission savings can help offset these expenses, reducing the out-of-pocket impact.
• Repair credits: To sweeten the deal for buyers, you might offer credits for minor repairs identified during inspection. This can make your home more appealing and prevent deals from falling through.
• Rate-buy-downs: In certain market conditions, contributing to a buyer’s interest rate buy-down can be a powerful incentive, making your home more affordable for them and accelerating the sale.
• Reinvest in your next home: For many, the savings directly translate into a larger down payment or funds for renovations on their next property.

These savings act as a strategic tool, allowing sellers to price better, negotiate more aggressively, and ultimately keep more equity from their home sale. This is a core message we emphasize in our Listing Presentation, showcasing how our model empowers you financially.

Is a 1% Commission Realtor a Red Flag? Common Myths vs Reality

It’s natural to be skeptical when something sounds “too good to be true,” especially in an industry traditionally known for high commissions. Many home sellers who have heard about discount real estate brokers often wonder if a 1% commission realtor is a red flag. Let’s address these common myths head-on with the reality of how 1 Percent Lists operates.

“Do 1% Commission Brokers Cut Corners?”

Answer directly: No, 1 Percent Lists is fundamentally structured as a modern, technology-driven brokerage that prioritizes efficiency and value. We cut overhead and outdated, expensive marketing expenses—not service quality. Our focus is on leveraging the best available tools and streamlined processes to deliver full-service representation at a lower cost.

We achieve this through:

• Advanced Technology Stack: From lead generation to transaction management, our proprietary technology and robust CRM systems optimize every step of the selling process. You can learn more about our innovative approach on our Technology page.
• Online Marketing Expertise: We focus on digital strategies that offer maximum reach and impact, replacing costly traditional advertising with targeted, effective online campaigns.
• Team-Based Support: Our collaborative team model ensures that you always have expert support, from your dedicated agent to our backend administrative staff, providing seamless service.

“Will I Get Less Marketing with a Discount Broker?”

This is another common misconception. With 1 Percent Lists, your home will receive comprehensive online exposure, often exceeding what traditional brokerages provide.

• Local MLS and Major Portals: Every listing is prominently placed on the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is the primary database real estate agents use. From there, your listing is automatically syndicated to all major real estate portals like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and hundreds of others, ensuring it reaches a vast audience of potential buyers.
• Professional Photography and Modern Digital Marketing: We invest in high-quality professional photography to make your listing stand out. Our digital marketing strategies are designed to capture buyer attention, utilizing social media, targeted ads, and other online channels to ensure your home gets the attention it deserves, whether it’s a cozy home in Covington or a waterfront property in Eden Isles, Slidell.

“Does Paying More Commission Mean a Higher Sale Price?”

This is perhaps the most persistent myth in real estate, and independent data directly refutes it. The belief that a higher commission motivates agents to secure a higher sale price for the seller is not supported by evidence.

Independent data from MarketView Broker, a respected industry analytics firm, shows that “top producers” and average brokerages exhibit nearly identical performance metrics in terms of sale price achieved and time on market. In fact, our own data at 1 Percent Lists demonstrates that we sell homes faster and closer to list price, despite our lower fees. This data-backed performance directly refutes the myth that higher commission equates to a better outcome for the seller. We believe that a well-priced home with excellent marketing, regardless of commission, is what truly drives results.

Why 1 Percent Lists Is Different from Other 1% Brands

While the concept of a 1% commission is gaining traction, 1 Percent Lists stands out due to its proven track record, unique operational model, and unwavering commitment to client success. We’re not just another discount broker; we’re a full-service real estate solution built for the modern seller.

Track Record: $65M+ Saved, 10K+ Homes Sold

Our performance speaks for itself. These key statistics highlight our impact and reliability:

• $65M+ saved in commission for clients nationwide. This staggering figure represents real money that homeowners have kept in their pockets, directly impacting their financial futures.
• 10,000+ homes sold across various markets. Our extensive experience means we’ve successfully navigated countless transactions, from bustling urban centers to quiet suburban neighborhoods.
• 1,000+ 5-star reviews from satisfied sellers. Our clients consistently praise our professionalism, responsiveness, and the exceptional value we provide.
• 4.9 average rating across all platforms, reflecting consistent client satisfaction and our dedication to excellence.

Nationwide but Hyper-Local

1 Percent Lists offers the best of both worlds: the strength and resources of a national brand combined with the personalized expertise of local agents.

• We boast 65+ franchises nationwide and are on a path of continued growth, projected to expand even further in 2026. This expansive reach provides a robust support system and broad market intelligence.
• Crucially, each office is independently owned and operated but functions under a unified system. This structure ensures that while you benefit from a powerful national brand, your agent is a local expert deeply familiar with your specific market, whether it’s the unique charm of the Garden District or the community dynamics of Mandeville, Louisiana.
• Our roots trace back to the Northshore/Covington area, and we’ve successfully expanded across multiple states, demonstrating the effectiveness and scalability of our proven model. This growth is a testament to our ability to adapt and thrive in diverse real estate landscapes.

Technology + Volume = Sustainable 1%

The sustainability of the 1% model at 1 Percent Lists is not a mystery; it’s a result of intelligent design and strategic execution.

• Operational Efficiency: We’ve streamlined our internal processes, eliminating unnecessary overhead and focusing resources where they matter most: on selling your home.
• Lean Overhead: Unlike traditional brokerages with expensive brick-and-mortar offices and large administrative staffs, we leverage technology to minimize fixed costs.
• Tech-First Marketing Approach: Our reliance on modern digital marketing tools allows us to reach a broader, more targeted audience more cost-effectively than traditional advertising methods.
• Focus on Volume: By offering an exceptional value proposition, we attract a higher volume of listings. This increased volume allows us to maintain profitability even with lower commission rates.

We position ourselves as a “modern brokerage model” that challenges the outdated practices of “traditional 3% listing agents.” We believe the future of real estate is about efficiency, technology, and putting the client first, without compromising on service.

When a 1% Listing Commission Makes the Most Sense (And When It Might Not)

While the 1% commission model offers compelling advantages, it’s important to understand when it’s most beneficial and in what rare scenarios a different approach might be considered. This honest assessment helps build trust and ensures you make the best decision for your unique situation.

Scenarios Where 1% Is Ideal:

• Sellers with decent equity: If you have significant equity in your home, maximizing your net proceeds becomes a top priority. A 1% listing commission directly contributes to this goal, allowing you to keep more of your hard-earned investment.
• Normal to hot markets: In markets where homes tend to move quickly and buyer demand is strong, the efficiency and cost savings of a 1% commission are particularly impactful. Your home will likely sell swiftly, and the reduced commission ensures you capitalize fully on the favorable market conditions. This is often the case in desirable areas like the Northshore, where properties in subdivisions like Oak Harbor or River Club can be highly sought after.
• Price points where a 2% savings equals meaningful cash: For homes priced at $200,000 or more, a 2% savings (the difference between a 3% and 1% listing commission) translates into thousands of dollars. This substantial amount can be reinvested, used for closing costs, or simply kept as profit.
• Sellers who value full service but are financially savvy: If you understand the value of expert guidance, comprehensive marketing, and seamless transaction management, but also recognize the importance of avoiding overpaying for commissions, then 1 Percent Lists is the perfect fit.

Edge Cases to Address Honestly (Build Trust / E-E-A-T):

While the 1% model is highly effective for most sellers, there are a few niche situations where a seller might consider adjusting their strategy:

• Extremely rural or ultra-niche properties: For homes in very remote areas or properties with highly specialized features that appeal to a very small buyer pool, attracting a buyer might require stronger buyer’s agent incentives than typical. In such cases, a seller might choose to offer a slightly higher buyer’s agent commission to broaden the appeal, though the 1% listing fee with 1 Percent Lists remains constant.
• In rare ultra-soft markets, where buyer demand is exceptionally low and homes sit for extended periods, a seller might choose to adjust the total commission (including the buyer’s agent portion) to stay highly competitive. Even in these scenarios, the 1% listing fee for 1 Percent Lists remains a consistent and significant saving on the seller’s side.

How to See Your Savings and Talk to a 1 Percent Lists Agent

Ready to explore how much you could save and experience the full-service difference with 1 Percent Lists? We make it easy to get started and understand your potential benefits.

Don’t just take our word for it. We invite you to dive deeper into our data-backed performance and see the difference for yourself. Download our comprehensive Listing Presentation, featuring compelling data visuals and performance charts that illustrate our success.

Ready to see how much you could save on your home sale? Visit our easy-to-use Savings Calculator today! It provides a quick, personalized estimate of your potential savings compared to traditional commission rates.

The best way to understand your real savings potential and get started on your home selling journey is to speak with a local expert. Contact a local 1 Percent Lists agent today to request a custom net sheet for your specific address. Our agents, deeply familiar with communities from Covington to Mandeville and beyond, are ready to provide tailored advice and show you exactly how much more equity you can keep. Get started on your home selling journey now by visiting our Sell My Home page or filling out our contact form. We look forward to helping you achieve your real estate goals.