According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median agent tenure at a brokerage is six years. So, it’s likely that at some point in your career, you’ll consider making a switch. But which is the best real estate company to work for? How do you decide which one is right for you? Through research, interviews, and a comprehensive rubric, I evaluated dozens of the best real estate companies to select the top seven brokerages based on the criteria that matter most to agents, like earning potential, flexibility, training, and broker support.
The Close’s Top Picks for Best Real Estate Company to Work For
| Brokerage | Best For | Commission Split |
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| Redfin | Relocating to a new market | 30% salary + 70% bonuses per transaction |
| Fathom Realty | Part-time agents | $550/transaction fee on the first 15 sales, $150 transaction fee after CAP |
| eXp Realty | Agent education | 80/20, cap at $16,000 |
| Compass | Breaking into the luxury market | 80/20 split |
| REAL Broker | AI-powered technology | 85/15 split; $12,000 CAP |
| Lpt Realty | Building a team | Choose between $500 per transaction with a $5,000 cap or 80/20 with a $15,000 cap |
| RE/MAX | Experienced agents wanting higher commission splits | 95/5 split |
1. Redfin: Best Real Estate Company for Relocating to a New Market
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Why I Chose Redfin
I can hear you gasp! How could I choose Redfin over other brokerages as the best real estate company to work for? But hear me out: Redfin’s model may not be right for you, but if you’ve ever weighed the pros and cons of being a real estate agent, then you know there are a lot of factors to consider that may make this business model a good fit for some agents, particularly a real estate agent who has to pick up and move to another market (I’m looking at you, military spouses—I know your pain!). Redfin might be the perfect transition solution for relocating agents.
You don’t have to have an established sphere of influence; you get leads fed to you, and you get a real estate agent salary (paltry, but not zero) to help you get established in your new market before you make a move to one of the other top real estate firms to work for on this list.
- Salaried positions with benefits: Agents can get their feet wet without having to sacrifice paying their bills or going without medical insurance.
- Strong online presence and lead generation: Redfin is a recognized name and excels at generating leads for its agents.
What I Think Would Improve Redfin
One of the things agents are expected to give up is flexibility. If agents had more control over their days, it might be better suited to more agents. According to reviews of the company, agents make a lot less than working the traditional route as independent contractors, even after covering their business expenses. Some agents might find another job they can do with their real estate license over working at Redfin.
2. Fathom Realty: Best Real Estate Company for Part-time Agents
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Why I Chose Fathom Realty
Fathom Realty is smaller than many brokerages on this list, but it’s growing quickly. It focuses on innovation and leading-edge technology to help seasoned agents who thrive independently, which is especially helpful for agents who want to work part-time. It’s a cloud-based brokerage, tapping into the latest trends in real estate companies. Its agent focus pushes it into “The Best Real Estate Agency to Work for” category this year.
- 100% commission model with low fees: Instead of the traditional commission split, Fathom offers 100% commission with a transaction fee, leaving more money in the agent’s pocket.
- Stock options for agents: Earn stock in the company as bonuses for sales and referrals.
What I Think Would Improve Fathom Realty
The one area that could help Fathom Realty is adding lead generation support for its agents. When you sign up with Fathom, you get business cards and some real estate marketing materials, but most of the marketing and branding falls squarely on the shoulders of its agents. Fathom can invest in its own branding to help increase brand recognition and recruiting efforts, making it easier for agents to build their own teams.
3. eXp Realty: Best Real Estate Company for New Agents
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Why I Chose eXp Realty
Over the past few years, eXp has stood out as the first large-scale cloud-based brokerage, and it’s continued to innovate and stay competitive as one of the best real estate firms to work for. One area that really pops is eXp World, which is a virtual platform that includes classrooms, boardrooms, meeting spaces, and conference rooms.
- Cloud-based virtual brokerage: Agent-focus with virtual environments puts agents in the driver’s seat, giving them access to tools and resources on demand.
- Emphasis on agent support and training: There is a ton of available training, networking, and more in the virtual world, as well as in-person training.
What I Think Would Improve eXp Realty
With such a huge focus on leading-edge technology, one way eXp could improve is by spending more time educating agents in its onboarding process. For many agents, the tech alone is quite intimidating. By providing more localized support and resources, agents might have an easier time adjusting to the virtual environment.
4. Compass: Best Real Estate Company for Luxury Agents
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Why I Chose Compass
Compass has made a name for itself in the luxury real estate market, providing agents with the tools, support, and brand recognition needed to succeed in this competitive niche. By leveraging Compass’s cutting-edge technology, sophisticated branding and marketing strategies, and extensive network, agents can effectively navigate the unique challenges of luxury real estate.
- Excellent high-end branding: Agents will step into a fully recognized luxury name with stunning branding.
- Fully integrated marketing platform: Technology drives the Compass company with tools for agents, including Likely to Sell, to generate and nurture leads as well as build a solid personal brand.
What I Think Would Improve Compass
One way for Compass to become more friendly for agents is to reduce its desk fees and other costs for joining its ranks. I’m not going to lie, Compass is not inexpensive, which gives it an air of exclusivity. However, it also raises the barrier to entry.
5. REAL Broker: Best Real Estate Company for AI-powered Technology
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Why I Chose REAL Broker
Previously, REAL was listed as an industry disruptor. And REAL is still disrupting the industry, but now it’s more of a serious player and begging other brokerages to follow its lead. It is known for being a huge AI-tech innovator in the real estate space.
- Agent-centered 100% commission model: REAL is a cloud-based, 100% commission model that focuses on agents instead of the traditional brokerage model.
- Access to a wide range of technology tools: If you love all the latest tech in the real estate space, you’ll love the innovative feel of REAL Broker.
What I Think Would Improve REAL Broker
As cool as all the real estate tech is, it’s intimidating to a lot of agents. REAL could spend more time on comprehensive training and mentorship programs to help agents get started in their real estate business. For its more seasoned agents, offering additional incentives for high performance would help with retention in the long run.
6. lpt Realty: Best Real Estate Company for Building a Team
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Why I Chose lpt Realty
If you want to talk about disruptors, this year’s newest company in this category is LPT Realty, with its sleek custom marketing for every listing and the mortgage lender part of the company, making a lot of the agents’ lives smoother. It’s a tech-forward company, changing how agents think about real estate brokerages. This is one to keep your eye on, as it could beat out several others as the best real estate company to work for over the next year.
- Mortgage process automation: The owner of LPT Realty also owns a mortgage company and a title company, keeping things simple for agents and streamlining processes.
- AI-driven property insights: LPT Realty uses proprietary mobile-first technology to create data points to help agents target their marketing.
What I Think Would Improve lpt Realty
The biggest struggle for LPT Realty right now is name recognition and national-level branding. But considering it started only in February 2022, it’s on track to expand quickly. In the two and a half years since its inception, it has already expanded to 20 states with nearly 10,000 agents.
7. RE/MAX: Best Real Estate Company for Experienced Agents
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Why I Chose RE/MAX
When it comes to the gigantor, a globally recognized brokerage, RE/MAX stands out as one of the longest-running and best real estate companies to work for. Seasoned agents can keep more of their commissions in their pockets and run their businesses however they want.
- Comprehensive training programs: Agents can choose from an extensive selection of video or in-person training.
- Variety of franchise models and fee structures: RE/MAX follows the traditional franchise model, so each location offers its own fee and commission structure.
What I Think Would Improve RE/MAX
With a traditional franchise model like RE/MAX, you never know what you’re going to get when you meet the brokers. More standardization might help attract agents to the brokerage. Also, more innovation, tech tools, and resources to help its agents stay competitive could improve its retention.
Let’s Talk Boutique Brokerages
I’ve talked about some big names in real estate and discussed their commitments to training, mentoring, branding, and financial incentives. But the truth is, a big, national brokerage may not be the best real estate brokerage for new agents—in fact, it often isn’t. Most well-known national brokerages are built on a franchise model, meaning every independent office differs.
For example, while Keller Williams, as a company, values educating agents, your individual franchise office might not. How do you evaluate whether it’s one of the best real estate companies to work for when they’re all different?
I encourage every agent (whether looking for their first brokerage or wanting to switch companies) to consider a boutique brokerage in their local area. I happen to be a big fan of smaller shops, and here’s why:
- Generally, your broker is personally invested in your success.
- There’s potential for a lot more face time with the boss.
- Smaller brokerages often feel like a team or even a family.
- You generally have more control over your individual branding.
- There is often an opportunity for better, or at least more individualized, support.
- Often, local brokerages are heavily engaged in and striving to make a lasting impact on their communities.
- Boutique brokerages may have better reputations than their big-name competitors in their local communities.
In fact, I personally made the switch from a big-box brokerage to a boutique one and never looked back.
For me, switching to Spence Properties, an independent brokerage in Crestview, Florida, is the most impactful decision I have ever made for my real estate career, and my brokers are the best real estate brokers to work for. In my smaller brokerage, I have directly tapped into the vast knowledge, skills, and experience of my broker and broker associates. They provided the mentorship I sought, and my fabulous brokers made my meteoric rise to real estate success possible. I love my small brokerage and wouldn’t trade it for anything.
When I was considering making the switch, I considered these the most important qualities for finding the best fit for me and my budding real estate career:
- Culture
- Training and Mentorship
- Technology
- Resources and Support
In the end, I chose a brokerage where I felt inspired, supported, and welcomed. Find a brokerage that fits your personality, your goals, and your needs.
FAQs
What is the best real estate brokerage for beginners?
Find a brokerage where you will have adequate training on the essentials of running your business. Your broker should focus on how to market your business, build your brand, and generate leads through myriad channels. If your brokerage doesn’t provide leads, make sure it offers training on how to generate your own.
What are the most important questions to ask in a broker interview?
When choosing the best real estate broker to work for, you should, of course, ask not only about the commission split, but also about any additional fees you may be expected to pay. Some brokerages charge monthly desk fees, even if you haven’t sold any real estate. Ask about the tech stack offered to agents—do they provide technology, like a CRM, website, or transaction management software—or is it available for an additional fee? Also, ask about their training, how it’s offered, and whether they offer a mentorship program.
What percentage do most brokers take from new agents?
This can vary wildly depending on the brokerage, the business model, and the broker. Many traditional franchise and boutique brokers take a 10%–50%. The split varies depending on your level of expertise. If you’re a new agent, the split to the broker will be higher, whereas a more experienced, high-performing agent will contribute less to the broker. Still, there are brokerages that charge a flat fee per transaction. Exploring the different brokerage models and interviewing several brokers before making your final decision is a good idea.
What should I expect as a new real estate agent?
As a new agent, you should expect to pay higher commission splits to your broker. As you become more self-sufficient, your splits should get smaller. Expect to spend the first few months learning a lot about branding and lead generation to get your business up and running.
How important is technology, marketing, and lead generation?
Technology is essential for being competitive in the real estate market. Your brokerage should offer some kind of tech stack, including a CRM, transaction management software, and a website, to get you started. Many brokerages provide leads, but if yours doesn’t, you might consider looking at some of the lead generation platforms available. If your brokerage doesn’t offer any technology, it may be an obstacle to growing your real estate business at scale.
Methodology: How I Chose the Best Real Estate Companies to Work For
When evaluating the best real estate companies, I used a comprehensive rubric to assess key elements essential for agent success and satisfaction. The rubric includes factors such as commission splits, fees, profit and revenue sharing opportunities, technology tools, marketing support, lead generation resources, training and mentorship programs, and overall company culture.
My goal is to highlight real estate companies that offer the most advantageous commission structures, minimal fees, and opportunities for additional income through profit and revenue sharing. I also emphasized the quality and scale of technology tools, marketing support, and lead generation resources—tools critical for agents to succeed in today’s competitive market.
I also recognize the importance of professional development and growth opportunities, assessing each company’s training and mentorship programs. A supportive company culture that provides collaboration, innovation, and work-life balance is essential for agent satisfaction, retention, and long-term success.
Throughout this comprehensive evaluation process, I identified standout real estate companies in several categories providing the best overall package for agents, offering multiple financial benefits, cutting-edge tech tools, robust support systems, and a nurturing work environment. My goal is to provide a valuable resource for real estate professionals seeking a company that aligns with their goals and empowers them to thrive in their careers.
Your Take
Deciding which brokerage to hang your license with can be overwhelming. Believe me, I get it. So, take your time and do your research. As I’ve pointed out, many of your local brokerages have their own culture, commission splits, tech stacks, and marketing to give their agents the tools they need to find their own path to success. Interview many of them. Learn what fits best for your goals and needs. And maybe even more importantly, you need to fit the culture of the brokerage you choose. But don’t worry if you don’t like your initial choice, you can make the switch when you need to.
Have you made a brokerage change in your career? How was it? What was most important to you when choosing your new brokerage? Let me know in the comments.
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