Agents submit customized proposals competing for each consumer's business, differentiating on experience, marketing plans, and commission rates.
U
UpNest
upnest.com Free tierUpNest 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.
The 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.
01 — Overview
What UpNest is, and isn't.
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,' drawing on 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.
02 — Features ◆ standout
8 features, scored.
The 3 marked ◆ are why we rate UpNest a 3.7 overall.
Listing agents pay 30% referral fee while buyer's agents pay only 15% -- a significant difference favoring buyer's agents.
Part of the Realtor.com ecosystem (Move, Inc./News Corp), providing access to substantial consumer traffic and brand recognition.
UpNest for Agents app available on both iOS and Android for managing proposals and responding to leads on the go.
Tools to create compelling proposals highlighting your value proposition, experience, and marketing capabilities.
Side-by-side comparison interface helps consumers evaluate agent proposals objectively.
Past client reviews displayed on your UpNest profile to build credibility with potential clients.
UpNest verifies that consumers are looking to buy or sell within 90 days, filtering out long-term tire-kickers.
03 — Verdict at a glance
What we like — and where it falls short.
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
04 — Pricing
1 tiers. Pick the plan that matches your volume.
Prices below are as listed publicly Feb 2026. Verify on the official pricing page before committing — vendor pages change more often than our quarterly re-checks.
Agent Network Most pick this
Custom
- 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
05 — Integrations
What it talks to, out of the box.
Direct integrations marked first; Zapier and Make cover the long tail.
Realtor.com
Email notifications
UpNest for Agents mobile app
3 direct integrations
06 — Top alternative
If UpNest isn't the right shape.
H
HomeLight
HomeLight is the most comprehensive referral network in real estate, combining data-driven agent matching with Cash Offer, Trade-In, mortgage, and title services no competitor matches. Best for top-performing agents who can use these programs as competitive advantages, despite the 33% referral fee.
07 — Frequently asked
Questions every UpNest shopper asks.
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.