Choosing the right real estate brokerage can significantly impact your career growth, earnings and overall success. With so many options available, it’s important to understand which brokerage aligns with your goals Are you looking to maximizing commission, increase passive income opportunities, receive top-tier training or benefit from strong brand recognition? This article breaks down five of the top real estate brokerages for agents in 2025, highlighting their key benefits and potential drawbacks.
1. Real – An Agent-Focused Approach
For agents seeking a modern, agent-first brokerage with no monthly fees and long-term financial growth opportunities, Real stands out. A cloud-based nationwide brokerage with an 85/15 commission split and a $12,000 cap—Real allows agents to reach 100% commission faster than competing brokerages.
Beyond commissions, Real offers passive income through revenue sharing, stock equity options and access to AI-driven CRM and custom tech solutions at no extra cost. Unlike other virtual brokerages, Real fosters a collaborative culture, making it a standout choice for agents who value support and professional growth.
https://bolt.therealbrokerage.com/register?sponsorCode=hx2ilg8&sponsorName=Vincent%20Cyr
Why Choose Real?
- 100% commission after capping
- No monthly fees
- Revenue share & stock awards for additional income streams
- Tech-forward solutions
- A strong, collaborative company culture
eXp Realty – Technology-Driven Solutions
Tech-savvy agents looking for a cloud-based brokerage with passive income potential should consider eXp Realty. With an 80/20 commission split and a $16,000 cap, eXp allows agents to reach 100% commission after capping.
eXp’s revenue share program provides residual income opportunities, and its stock ownership plan rewards agents for production and recruitment. While it lacks physical offices, its virtual collaboration tools help maintain a strong online community. However, monthly fees and a higher cap may deter some agents compared to Real’s lower-cost model.
Why Choose eXp Realty?
- 100% commission after a $16,000 cap
- Revenue share & stock ownership benefits
- Fully cloud-based operations
- Strong online training & collaboration
https://www.exprealty.com/join-exp
3. Fathom Realty – Flat Fee Structure
For agents prioritizing a 100% commission structure without traditional splits, Fathom Realty offers a flat-fee model per transaction, eliminating franchise fees and costly overhead expenses.
Fathom is a great choice for independent agents who prefer to keep more of their earnings. However, it lacks the passive income and stock opportunities available at Real or eXp. The company provides mentorship and training but does not have the same strong agent culture as Real.
Why Choose Fathom Realty?
- No commission split—agents pay per transaction
- No franchise or desk fees
- Low overhead, ideal for independent agents
4. Keller Williams Realty – Best for Training & Support
New agents or those looking for comprehensive coaching will find Keller Williams Realty to be a strong contender. With a 70/30 commission split and a market-dependent cap, KW offers one of the best agent training programs in the industry.
KW’s profit-sharing model allows agents to earn a percentage of company profits, though it is not as lucrative as revenue-sharing models like Real and eXp. While it has a strong in-person culture and training resources, the lower commission splits and office fees make it less appealing for high producers.
Why Choose Keller Williams?
- Industry-leading training and mentorship
- Profit-sharing opportunities
- Collaborative in-person culture
5. RE/MAX – A Top Brand for Experienced Agents
For experienced agents seeking high commission splits and strong brand recognition, RE/MAX is a traditional powerhouse. With commission splits as high as 95/5, agents can retain more of their earnings compared to franchise brokerages.
RE/MAX’s strong national branding helps generate consumer trust and leads. However, the brokerage charges high desk fees, and it lacks stock or revenue-sharing programs found in Real and eXp. This makes it a better fit for established agents rather than those looking for passive income opportunities.
Why Choose RE/MAX?
- High commission splits up to 95/5
- Strong brand recognition & lead generation
- Advanced marketing support
Choosing the Right Real Estate Brokerage
The best brokerage for you depends on your income goals, real estate experience, business structure, career priorities and preferred business model. It’s important to understand your own needs and preferences. Then, you can select a real estate brokerage that aligns with your priorities. A good brokerage behind you can help you maximize your earnings, expand your business and create long-term success in real estate.
If you are a real estate agent in the Southeastern Pennsylvania or Northern Delaware area, feel free to contact The Cyr Team. We have been in the industry a long time and have worked for a number of these top brokerages. We would be happy to share our advice and help you make the right decision for your career.