“(search-box hero identical to Zillow — no fee-savings differentiation visible)”
Redfin exists because traditional agents charge too much. The hero doesn't mention fees, savings, or the brokerage model. A visitor who searched "low commission real estate" lands on a page that looks like every other portal and has to scroll to discover Redfin's core advantage.
“Add above the search box: "Buy with Redfin and get up to $8,000 back at closing. Sell for a 1% listing fee — half the traditional rate."”
A concrete dollar amount ($8,000 back) and a rate comparison (1% vs 2-3%) are the two strongest conversion arguments Redfin has. Placing them above the search box turns a generic portal into a value-differentiated destination.