A recent legal decision regarding real estate commissions has sparked significant change in how homebuyers and sellers navigate the market. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reached a settlement in March 2024, addressing claims that its practices inflated commissions. This ruling allows home sellers to have more flexibility in deciding how to compensate their agents, potentially saving them substantial amounts compared to traditional commission structures.
Historically, home sellers typically paid around 5% to 6% of a property’s sale price to their agent, who would then share a portion of that with the buyer’s broker. With the new regulations, sellers can explore various payment structures, which may lead to a shift in how real estate transactions are conducted. Despite these changes, data from NAR indicates that only 6% of sellers opted for the “for sale by owner” method, while 86% of buyers still preferred to work with agents.
This evolving landscape has created opportunities for startups aiming to challenge the traditional real estate model. Below are eight innovative companies that are reshaping the market by offering alternatives to the conventional agent-driven process.
Innovative Startups Revolutionizing Real Estate
Beycome, founded by Nico Jodin in 2020, offers a comprehensive platform for sellers and buyers who prefer to bypass traditional agents. Jodin’s vision for Beycome stemmed from his own challenging home-buying experience in Miami. The platform has facilitated transactions for over 18,000 homes, saving users approximately $212 million in commissions and fees. Beycome acts as a broker during transactions, collecting a commission from the seller while providing buyers with a 1% credit that can be applied towards closing costs or mortgage interest points.
Another key player is Galleon, founded by Amanda Orson, which serves as an off-market, for-sale-by-owner marketplace. Galleon allows homeowners to list their properties without the involvement of brokers, potentially saving sellers up to $30,000 in commissions. Sellers can create free listings or upgrade for additional services, including professional photography and legal support.
The startup Homa, co-founded by Arman Javaherian, focuses on rewarding homebuyers for their efforts. Launched in May 2025, Homa operates primarily in Florida, with plans to expand to California and Texas. Homa offers a $1,995 flat fee for buyers when a selling agent is involved, and no charge when there are no agents. Its AI-driven platform assists buyers in crafting offers and analyzing property disclosures.
Listwise, founded by Nic Johnson, aims to connect home sellers with suitable agents through an incentive-based commission model. Sellers indicate their desired commission and preferences for agents, who then bid for the listing. This competitive approach enhances transparency and encourages agents to offer better terms.
Off-Markt, founded by Alison Bernstein, allows homeowners to showcase their properties through an Instagram-like interface without formally listing them. The platform encourages users to create profiles for their homes, enabling them to attract buyers organically. Agents can also create profiles to offer their services, promoting a community-focused approach to real estate.
The platform Redy, co-founded by Josh Altman, facilitates competition among agents by allowing them to offer incentives to sellers, such as cash bonuses. This approach empowers sellers by ensuring they receive compensation for selecting an agent, thus aligning the interests of both parties.
Another emerging player is Ridley, developed by Mike Chambers. The app, set to launch in late May 2025, will provide homeowners with AI agents to assist in the selling process. Chambers, who previously listed his home without an agent, recognized the demand for a technology-driven, cost-effective solution.
Lastly, Turbohome, co-founded by Ben Bear, operates under a unique model that pays agents a salary rather than relying on commissions. Buyers can choose to pay a flat fee between $5,000 and $10,000 for agent services, with the commission credited back to them. This innovative structure aims to reduce pressure on agents and offer buyers a transparent pricing model.
As these startups gain traction, the traditional real estate landscape may continue to evolve, providing home sellers with more options and potentially lowering transaction costs. The impact of the NAR settlement and the rise of these innovative platforms represent a significant shift in how real estate transactions are approached, empowering consumers to take control of their selling experience.
