Starting or growing your career in real estate? One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is picking the right real estate brokerage. The company you join can impact everything from your commission splits and fees to the kind of support and culture you experience as an agent.
However, according to the National Association of REALTORS®, there are 360,000+ brokerages currently active in the US.
Whether you’re a brand-new agent fresh out of real estate education or an experienced agent looking for better tools and higher sales volume, knowing your options matters. So, let’s dive into some of the best real estate companies to work for, ranked in order based on splits, caps, fees, and overall agent experience.
Key Takeaways
- Flexibility vs Stability: eXp Realty offers virtual freedom and capped splits, while Redfin provides a steady base salary with bonuses.
- Brand Matters: RE/MAX and Coldwell Banker offer strong national brands, valuable for agents targeting luxury real estate.
- Costs Add Up: Desk fees, franchise fees, and transaction fees can seriously affect take-home commissions.
- Training & Support: Keller Williams is well-known for coaching, making it ideal for new agents building their real estate business.
- Income Potential Varies: 100% commission models like Fathom offer max earnings, but watch out for transaction fees.
Top Real Estate Agent Workplaces
| Company |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commission Split | 95/5 or 80/20 | $400 desk fees | Traditional brokerage | Luxury and experienced agents | Strong brand, desk fees add up |
| Caps / Fees | 55/45 – 60/40 | 5% franchise fee | Traditional brokerage | Middle market and luxury agents | Strong history, solid training |
| Model Type | 80/20 | $16,000 cap | Virtual brokerage | Agents seeking tech + flexibility | Large virtual community, tech-driven |
| Best For | 30% salary + 70% bonuses | N/A | Hybrid salary + bonus | New agents wanting stability | Base salary reduces income volatility |
| Notes | 70/30 | Fees included | Traditional brokerage | Agents wanting training & coaching | Large network, agent-centric culture |
1. RE/MAX
RE/MAX is one of the oldest and most recognizable names in the real estate industry. Their commission splits typically range from 95/5 to 80/20, with $400 monthly desk fees. RE/MAX has a vast network of agents and a strong reputation for luxury real estate.
Pros:
- Powerful brand recognition and national presence
- Great for agents targeting luxury real estate markets
- Extensive training and marketing resources
- Large agent network for collaboration
Cons:
- Desk fees can be costly, especially for new agents
- Commission splits vary widely, so earnings depend heavily on your office and agreement
- Less appealing to agents who want lower fees and more splits
Why it made the list: RE/MAX’s high-split structure rewards top performers who can handle the monthly desk fee, making it a go-to for self-sufficient agents ready to keep more of what they earn in luxury and competitive markets.
2. Coldwell Banker
Coldwell Banker offers splits generally ranging from 55/45 to 60/40, plus a 5% franchise fee on commissions. They have a strong foothold in both residential and luxury markets and are known for solid brand prestige.
Pros:
- Strong brand with a history of success
- Solid training and mentoring programs, especially for new real estate agents
- Good reputation among middle-market companies and luxury agents alike
- Access to comprehensive marketing support
Cons:
- Lower splits compared to some newer firms
- Franchise fees reduce net commissions
- Some agents report less flexibility than newer virtual or tech-driven companies
Why it made the list: Coldwell Banker blends a century-old reputation with a modern luxury presence, attracting agents who want the cachet of a historic name without sacrificing access to current marketing tools.
3. eXp Realty
eXp is well-known for its cloud-based model. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar firms, eXp operates virtually, which appeals to many agents seeking flexibility and a modern tech-forward approach. It offers an 80/20 commission split with a cap of $16,000, meaning once you hit that cap, you keep 100% of your commissions for the rest of the year.
Pros:
- Virtual brokerage means lower overhead and more flexibility
- Strong technology platform and tools
- Attractive commission cap promotes high earnings potential
- Large, growing agent community offering networking and support
Cons:
- Lack of physical offices may be tough for those who want face-to-face support
- Some agents may miss traditional in-person training and mentorship
- Transaction fees can add up
Why it made the list: eXp’s cloud-based model eliminates the need for physical offices, letting agents expand nationwide without moving zip codes — a huge win for those building multi-state or referral-based businesses.
4. Redfin
Redfin operates on a different model: agents receive a base salary (about 30%) plus bonuses (around 70%) from transactions. This hybrid approach provides more income stability compared to the typical commission-only model.
Pros:
- Base salary helps cover living expenses
- Strong tech platform and client lead generation
- Supportive for new agents with less income volatility
- Growing national presence
Cons:
- Total earnings may be lower than pure commission splits at high volume
- Less control over client relationships due to company involvement
- Bonus structure can be complex to understand
Why it made the list: Redfin’s salary-plus-bonus pay structure offers steady income and company-generated leads, creating a rare safety net for agents who prefer stability over the feast-or-famine of pure commission work.
5. Keller Williams
Known as one of the largest real estate franchises globally, Keller Williams offers a 70/30 split with fees included. KW is famous for its agent-centric culture and emphasis on training and development.
Pros:
- Generous training and coaching programs for new and experienced agents
- Strong focus on team building and collaboration
- Reasonable split with fees included simplifies finances
- Large, national agent network
Cons:
- Some agents find the 70/30 split less favorable than capped models
- Corporate culture may feel intense or sales-driven to some
- Technology platform improving, but still catching up with newer companies
Why it made the list: Keller Williams functions like an “agent business school,” offering a built-in playbook for growing your own brand inside a massive network — ideal for those who see real estate as an entrepreneurial venture.
6. Fathom Realty
Fathom offers agents 100% commission but charges a $450 transaction fee plus $99 after a cap is reached. It blends the appeal of high commission with a transparent fee structure.
Pros:
- 100% commission means maximum earning potential
- Transparent fee structure makes financial planning easier
- Growing company with a focus on agent independence
- No franchise fees
Cons:
- Transaction fees can add up quickly for high-volume agents
- Less brand recognition compared to some larger firms
- Limited physical offices, which may affect support
Why it made the list: Fathom’s 100% commission setup with flat transaction fees empowers high-volume agents to maximize earnings while keeping costs predictable, even without a big-box brokerage brand.
7. Compass
Compass is a tech-driven brokerage focused on luxury real estate, offering commission splits that typically range from 70/30 to 80/20, often with caps. Their investment in technology and marketing is a major selling point.
Pros:
- Top-notch tech and marketing support for agents
- Strong luxury market focus and brand prestige
- Split caps help maximize commission potential
- Supportive for agents managing multiple team members
Cons:
- Higher splits and fees may cut into profits for lower-volume agents
- Primarily focused on luxury markets—not as strong for entry-level agents
- Company culture can be competitive
Why it made the list: Compass merges high-end marketing with in-house tech innovation, making it a standout for agents who want Silicon Valley-level tools to impress luxury clientele.
Wrapping It Up: Choosing the Right Real Estate Company for You
Your decision about which real estate brokerage to join should come down to your goals, experience, and style. Here are a few quick tips:
- New agents may want a company with strong training, support, and a stable income model (like Coldwell Banker or Keller Williams).
- Experienced agents who want to maximize income might prefer capped splits (eXp, Compass) or 100% commission models (Fathom).
- Consider whether you want a virtual company or a physical office presence for community and resources.
- Think about the markets you want to serve: luxury vs. middle market vs. mass market.
- Factor in fees carefully, including desk fees, franchise fees, and transaction fees add up.
No matter what, remember that the best real estate company to work for is one that supports your growth, fits your work style, and helps you build a sustainable real estate business.
FAQs
The highest-paid real estate professionals are often luxury real estate agents or brokers working with high-value properties, often affiliated with firms like RE/MAX or Compass.
Focus on choosing a brokerage with strong training and support, build your network aggressively, and dedicate consistent hours to lead generation and client relationships. Invest in an online real estate course to pass the exam and help build your knowledge and expertise quickly.
It depends on your goals. eXp Realty is great for tech-savvy agents wanting flexibility, while Keller Williams offers top training and support. RE/MAX excels in luxury markets.
Yes, top-performing agents at major firms with high sales volume and luxury listings can earn $300K or more annually.
Brokerages with capped commission splits like eXp Realty or 100% commission models like Fathom often allow agents to maximize earnings, especially at high volume.
