The Brokerage Landscape Has Changed
The real estate industry is evolving at record speed. Mergers like Compass + Anywhere Real Estate are redrawing the map, while innovative platforms such as Real Brokerage and LPT Realty are redefining what it means to be an agent.
Today’s question isn’t “Which company has the highest split?” — it’s “Which brokerage model gives me freedom, tech, and support to build the business I want?”
From AI-driven systems to instant commission payouts, this 2025 guide compares major brokerage models so you can choose the one that fits your goals in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Northern Delaware.
Step 1: Clarify Your Priorities
Before comparing brands, ask yourself:
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| How experienced am I? | Newer agents often need training & office culture; veterans may want autonomy. |
| Do I prefer tech tools or personal mentorship? | Determines whether a cloud or franchise model fits best. |
| Is equity or revenue share important? | Impacts long-term wealth building. |
| Do I value instant access to commissions? | Fintech features like Real Wallet change cash-flow timing. |
| How comfortable am I with AI & automation? | Determines how much you’ll benefit from new tech ecosystems. |
| Do I want a global brand or local independence? | Affects marketing, leads, and control. |
Step 2: Compare the Major Brokerage Models
Real Brokerage — A Platform of Possibilities
https://onereal.com
Join Real through Vincent Cyr’s sponsor link:
https://bolt.therealbrokerage.com/register?sponsorCode=hx2ilg8&sponsorName=Vincent%20Cyr
Real Brokerage isn’t just a brokerage — it’s a platform of possibilities for modern agents. Built on transparency, technology, and ownership, Real empowers agents to build with their company, not merely work for it.
Highlights (2025):
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Real Wallet: Instant commission payouts at closing — no waiting weeks for funds.
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AI Integration: Smart tools generate marketing copy, client updates, and predictive insights inside the reZEN platform.
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Agent Ownership: Stock + revenue share align agent success with company growth.
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Community: Virtual collaboration & regional masterminds keep the culture strong.
Best For: Experienced, tech-forward agents seeking autonomy, equity, and innovation.
Watch Out For: Limited brick-and-mortar mentorship for brand-new agents.
LPT Realty — The Hybrid Disruptor
Founded by Robert Palmer, LPT Realty bridges the gap between traditional brokerage and the revenue-share model.
Pros:
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Dual model: choose 100% commission or rev-share.
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LPT Marketing Suite provides polished materials & listing tools.
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Rapid expansion along the East Coast, entering PA markets.
Cons:
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Support quality varies by region.
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Revenue-share plan is complex for new agents.
Best For: Growth-minded agents who want flexibility and branding help without heavy overhead.
eXp Realty — Virtual Pioneer
eXp Realty was the first cloud brokerage to scale globally, offering massive reach and strong revenue-share potential. It remains dominant, though competitors like Real and LPT now offer leaner fees and simpler systems.
Best For: Network-builders comfortable in a fully virtual ecosystem.
Watch Out For: Overly complex structure and cultural fragmentation.
Fathom Realty — Agent Owned and Lean
Fathom offers low fees, stock ownership, and minimal bureaucracy — ideal for self-sufficient agents who don’t need marketing hand-holding.
Best For: Efficient producers who prefer simplicity over hype.
Watch Out For: Lower national visibility compared with bigger brands.
Keller Williams — Culture & Training First
Keller Williams continues to be the industry’s training powerhouse. Its KW Command tech platform integrates CRM, marketing, and lead management.
Best For: New agents who value mentorship and community.
Watch Out For: Higher franchise fees and slower innovation pace.
RE/MAX — Legacy Brand, Independent Spirit
RE/MAX remains a respected name with strong consumer trust. The model appeals to seasoned agents who value brand recognition and independence.
Best For: Experienced agents with established client bases.
Watch Out For: Desk fees and overhead can erode margins in slower markets.
Compass + Anywhere — Luxury Meets Scale
Compass: https://www.compass.com
Anywhere Real Estate: https://anywhere.re
Compass, known for design, technology, and prestige, is entering a new era with its merger with Anywhere Real Estate — the parent of Coldwell Banker, Sotheby’s International Realty, and Century 21.
What to Know:
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Unmatched Scale: Creates one of the largest brokerage networks in U.S. history.
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Tech Expansion: Compass’s marketing & CRM tools may extend across Anywhere brands.
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Culture Shift: Agents could gain resources — but face more corporate oversight and structural change.
Best For: Luxury or brand-conscious agents seeking large-network reach.
Watch Out For: Potential realignment of culture, comp, and leadership.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS)
BHHS continues to stand for trust, stability, and mentorship under the Berkshire Hathaway name.
Pros: Strong brand equity, consistent training, and consumer confidence.
Cons: Higher franchise costs; slower tech adoption.
Regional Note: In PA/DE suburbs, BHHS retains deep market credibility — especially in mid-to-upper price segments.
Independent Brokerages — Freedom and Local Power
Independent firms thrive on flexibility and local identity. They attract experienced agents ready to own their marketing and keep more profit per transaction.
Pros: Full control, creative branding, personalized mentorship.
Cons: Limited national reach & DIY compliance/tech responsibilities.
Local Example: Across Southeastern PA, boutique independents often outperform large franchises on per-agent productivity thanks to strong referral bases and hyper-local marketing.
Step 3: Understand the 2025 Trends
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Instant Commissions: Fintech tools like Real Wallet are eliminating payout delays.
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AI Everywhere: From marketing copy to lead scoring, AI is transforming agent productivity.
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Consolidation vs Autonomy: The Compass–Anywhere merger shows legacy scale; agent-owned firms offer independence.
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Equity & Passive Income: Ownership models (Real, LPT, Fathom) create wealth beyond closings.
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Personal Branding: Your name is now your brand — choose a brokerage that supports, not overshadows, it.
Step 4: At-a-Glance Comparison
| Brokerage | Best For | Model | Key Innovation | Primary Trade-Off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real | Tech-driven pros | Cloud Equity | Wallet + AI Platform of Possibilities | Limited in-person training |
| LPT Realty | Growth-seekers | Hybrid | Dual Model Flexibility | Inconsistent support |
| eXp Realty | Network builders | Cloud | Global Scale + Revenue Share | Complex structure |
| Fathom Realty | Solo producers | Agent Owned | Low Fees | Low brand visibility |
| Keller Williams | New agents | Franchise | Culture + KW Command | Franchise costs |
| RE/MAX | Experienced independents | Franchise | Global Brand | Desk fees |
| Compass + Anywhere | Luxury agents | Corporate Hybrid | Scale + Tech Integration | Cultural realignment |
| BHHS | Traditionalists | Franchise | Trust + Mentorship | Slower innovation |
| Independent | Local veterans | Boutique | Full Control | Limited reach |
Step 5: The Bottom Line
Choosing the right brokerage in 2025 means choosing how you want to build your business.
Whether you prefer the innovation and ownership of Real, the flexibility of LPT Realty, or the legacy stability of BHHS, the best brokerage is the one aligned with your goals, values, and lifestyle.
In a world of mergers and megabrands, Real Brokerage stands apart as a platform of possibilities — proving that when agents own their future, they redefine the industry itself.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Our team has worked across multiple brokerage models — cloud-based, franchise, and independent — and we know what works best for agents in Southeastern PA and Northern DE.
If you’re considering a move or just want an honest conversation about your next step, schedule a confidential call with The Cyr Team today.
The Cyr Team is a trusted real estate team serving the Philadelphia suburbs, including Chester and Delaware Counties and communities such as West Chester, Kennett Square, Media, and Garnet Valley. With over 20 years of combined full-time experience, we have successfully closed more than 300 sales and earned 76+ five-star Google reviews. These results reflect our commitment to exceptional service and trusted guidance. Our clients — as well as other real estate professionals — consistently refer and recommend us for our expertise, professionalism, and proven track record in helping families buy and sell homes across the region.