RedfinNow is suitable for sellers prioritizing speed and convenience, accepting a potentially lower offer. Keller Williams is better for those seeking agent support, negotiation expertise, and a potentially higher sale price through traditional marketing.
| Attribute | RedfinNow | Keller Williams |
|---|---|---|
| Commission Structure | Variable service fee ranging from 5% to 13% of the sale price. | Standard split is 70/30 (agent/brokerage). 6% franchise fee capped at $3,000 annually. Agents receive 100% commissions after reaching their 'cap' (ranges from $18,000 to $25,000 depending on the market center). |
| Upfront Costs | No explicit upfront costs to receive an offer. Costs for repairs were deducted from the final offer. | No upfront fee to join. New agents pay for licensing, Realtor dues, and business expenses ($1,000-$1,500). Monthly fees range from $50 to $125. |
| Closing Timeline | Flexible closing dates, typically ranging from 10 to 90 days after receiving the final offer. | Average closing takes 30 days, but varies. Cash transactions close faster. Delays occur due to title, inspection, or appraisal issues. |
| Offer Negotiation Flexibility | Streamlined process with little room for negotiation. RedfinNow would consider an updated offer if the market had changed or if they had missed something during the inspection. | Agents trained to help clients navigate negotiations. Flexibility with moving dates or house condition makes offers attractive. |
| Property Valuation Accuracy | Based prices on market, utilizing automated valuations and forecasts alongside real estate knowledge. Redfin claimed a median error rate of 7.54% for off-market homes and 1.95% for on-market homes. | Online tools are a starting point. CMA or appraisal recommended for precise valuation. Renovations and market perception impact value. |
| Geographic Coverage | Operated in 31 metro regions across 16 states and the District of Columbia. | Over 1,100 offices and 200,000 associates globally. Operates in over 55 regions, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico. KW Land covers 80% of the United States with over 500 agents. |
| Marketing Support | Not applicable as RedfinNow bought homes directly. After purchasing, RedfinNow made repairs and updates before listing on the open market. | Provides marketing support to agents. Command platform includes tools for lead generation, marketing profiles, and campaign management. Designs Automation offers pre-populated marketing collateral. |
| Customer Service Responsiveness | Aimed to provide a transparent choice and help customers understand all their options. Some reviews mention a lack of promptness in receiving preliminary offers and payments unless personally contacted. | Recognized for customer service. Agents excel in responsiveness to calls and emails. |
| Agent Experience Level | Employed its own agents. In 2019, their lead agents were, on average, three times more productive and earned a median income twice as high as agents at competing brokerages. | Attracts new and experienced agents. Offers training programs like Ignite, KW Connect, and MAPS Coaching. |
| Technology Platform Usability | Known for its technology-driven platform and user-friendly interface. | Invested heavily in technology. Keller Cloud platform includes Command (CRM-plus) and Consumer (customer-facing). KW Command is a centralized platform. |
| Contract Flexibility | Sellers signed a contract (Letter of Intent, or LOI) to move forward. Redfin sometimes adjusted the offer if inspections revealed issues. | Contracts are standard but can be adapted based on specific client needs and local regulations. |
| Reputation and Reviews | Limited reviews due to its short lifespan. Reviews of Redfin's other services had an average of 2.5 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Sentiment on Reddit was generally positive. | Strong reputation. High ratings in customer satisfaction studies. Agents praised for professionalism, responsiveness, and knowledge. |