UpNest at a Glance
What it is: UpNest is a competitive agent proposal marketplace owned by Realtor.com (Move, Inc.) where agents submit proposals to win business from buyers and sellers comparing options side-by-side.
Price: Starting at $0/month (as of February 2026)
Best for: Solo Agents, New Agents, Budget Conscious
Top alternative: HomeLight
Our rating:
UpNest Review for Real Estate Agents (2026)
Visit UpNest →Quick Stats
| Starting Price | $0/month |
|---|---|
| Free Plan | Yes |
| Free Trial | No |
| Best For | Agents who can compete effectively on value propositions and are comfortable with competitive proposal processes, especially buyer's agents who benefit from the lower 15% referral fee |
| Key Features | Competitive Proposal Marketplace, Split Referral Fee Structure, Realtor.com Integration |
| Integrations | Realtor.com, Email notifications, UpNest for Agents mobile app |
| Mobile Apps | Web, iOS, Android |
| Founded | 2013 (Burlingame, California) |
| Pricing Verified | February 13, 2026 |
Overview
UpNest operates differently from traditional referral networks by creating a competitive marketplace where agents submit proposals to win consumer business. When a buyer or seller submits their information, multiple local agents receive the opportunity to submit customized proposals including their commission rates, experience, and marketing plans. Consumers then compare proposals side-by-side and choose which agent to work with.
Acquired by Move, Inc. (operator of Realtor.com, owned by News Corp) in June 2022, UpNest now operates as 'UpNest by Realtor.com,' leveraging the Realtor.com ecosystem and consumer traffic. However, with only approximately 30 employees and $3.8M in annual revenue, UpNest is significantly smaller than competitors like HomeLight ($415M revenue) or ReferralExchange ($32.3M revenue). The company is headquartered in Burlingame, California, with coverage across all 50 states.
A key distinction in UpNest's fee structure: **listing agents pay a 30% referral fee, but buyer's agents pay only 15%** -- a difference not widely advertised. UpNest verifies that consumers are looking to take action within 90 days, and agents have 24 hours to respond with proposals. The platform has mobile apps for both iOS and Android. Major brokerage partners include Keller Williams and Compass.
Key Features
Competitive Proposal Marketplace
Agents submit customized proposals competing for each consumer's business, differentiating on experience, marketing plans, and commission rates.
Split Referral Fee Structure
Listing agents pay 30% referral fee while buyer's agents pay only 15% -- a significant difference favoring buyer's agents.
Realtor.com Integration
Part of the Realtor.com ecosystem (Move, Inc./News Corp), providing access to substantial consumer traffic and brand recognition.
Agent Mobile App
UpNest for Agents app available on both iOS and Android for managing proposals and responding to leads on the go.
Proposal Templates
Tools to create compelling proposals highlighting your value proposition, experience, and marketing capabilities.
Consumer Comparison Tools
Side-by-side comparison interface helps consumers evaluate agent proposals objectively.
Review System
Past client reviews displayed on your UpNest profile to build credibility with potential clients.
90-Day Action Verification
UpNest verifies that consumers are looking to buy or sell within 90 days, filtering out long-term tire-kickers.
Pricing Details
UpNest uses usage based pricing. Here are the tiers (prices as of February 13, 2026):
- No upfront or monthly fees
- Pay only when deals close
- 30% referral fee for listing agents / 15% for buyer's agents
- Submit proposals to compete for business
- Set your own commission rates in proposals
- Realtor.com ecosystem integration and consumer traffic
Integrations
Direct Integrations
- Realtor.com
- Email notifications
- UpNest for Agents mobile app
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Control over commission rates and value proposition in your proposals
- Buyer's agents pay only 15% referral fee (vs 30% for listing agents)
- Realtor.com ecosystem provides significant consumer traffic
- Mobile app for iOS and Android enables on-the-go proposal management
- Coverage across all 50 states with Keller Williams and Compass partnerships
- No upfront costs - referral fees paid only at closing
Cons
- Competitive proposal process can drive commission rates down as agents undercut each other
- Very small company (~30 employees, $3.8M revenue) relative to competitors
- Time spent creating proposals for leads you may not win
- Risk of being folded into Realtor.com's core product at any time
Our Verdict
UpNest's competitive marketplace model gives agents control over their proposals, and the 15% buyer's agent referral fee is the lowest in the category. However, the small team size and risk of Realtor.com consolidation make its long-term independence uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does UpNest cost for agents in 2026?
UpNest has no upfront or monthly fees. Listing agents pay a 30% referral fee at closing, while buyer's agents pay only 15%. You set your own client-facing commission rate in your proposals, creating a competitive marketplace.
How does UpNest work for agents?
When consumers submit requests, agents in the area receive notifications and have 24 hours to submit proposals. Consumers compare proposals side-by-side and choose which agent to work with based on experience, reviews, marketing plans, and proposed terms. UpNest verifies consumers are looking to act within 90 days.
Who owns UpNest?
UpNest was acquired by Move, Inc. (parent company of Realtor.com, owned by News Corp) in June 2022. It now operates as 'UpNest by Realtor.com' from its headquarters in Burlingame, California. Major brokerage partners include Keller Williams and Compass.
Is the UpNest buyer's agent referral fee really only 15%?
Yes, UpNest charges buyer's agents only 15% of gross commission as a referral fee, compared to 30% for listing agents. This split structure is not widely advertised but is confirmed in multiple independent reviews. The 15% rate is the lowest buyer's agent referral fee among major networks.
UpNest vs HomeLight: which should I choose?
UpNest uses a competitive proposal model where you set terms and compete for business; HomeLight uses data-driven matching based on your transaction history. UpNest charges 30%/15% (listing/buyer); HomeLight charges 33% flat. HomeLight offers Cash Offer and Trade-In programs; UpNest offers Realtor.com integration.
Does UpNest have an affiliate program?
UpNest's affiliate program status is unclear. A previous listing on FlexOffers may no longer be active. No confirmed public affiliate program currently exists for publishers. Parent company Realtor.com has its own lead programs.
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