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

BrokerageBest ForCommission Split
RedfinRelocating to a new market30% salary + 70% bonuses per transaction
Fathom RealtyPart-time agents$550/transaction fee on the first 15 sales, $150
transaction fee after CAP
eXp RealtyAgent education80/20, cap at $16,000
CompassBreaking into the luxury market80/20 split
REAL BrokerAI-powered technology85/15 split; $12,000 CAP
Lpt RealtyBuilding a teamChoose between $500 per transaction with a $5,000 cap or 80/20 with a $15,000 cap
RE/MAXExperienced agents wanting higher commission splits95/5 split

1. Redfin: Best Real Estate Company for Relocating to a New Market

Redfin logo
Pros
Cons
  • Salary-based creates a stable income stream
  • Low salary and minimal transaction bonuses compared to independent agents
  • Access to medical/dental benefits package
  • Insufficient training for a new agent
  • Company-generated lead source
  • Less flexibility than traditional agents
  • All expenses covered, unlike independent agents
  • No opportunities to learn the many aspects of running a real estate business
  • Marketing done for you

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

Fathom Realty logo
Pros
Cons
  • Low monthly fees and low transaction fee
  • Limited in-person support and resources
  • Cap at 15 transactions, not a dollar amount
  • Less brand recognition compared with larger brokerages
  • Stock options offered as part of compensation
  • Agents responsible for generating their own leads
  • Training provided for agents
  • Cloud-based brokerage offering flexibility

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

exp realty logo
Pros
Cons
  • Agent-centric, cloud-based model with low overhead
  • No brick-and-mortar office locations
  • Massive library of on-demand training materials + virtual live training
  • Limited in-person support and mentoring
  • Transparent commission structure that’s advantageous to all agents
  • Focus on recruiting may have tarnished its reputation
  • Revenue sharing and stock options for agents
  • Relies heavily on technology, which may have a learning curve
  • Equity sharing incentives
  • Some agents may find virtual environment less engaging

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

Compass logo
Pros
Cons
  • High-end, unified branding and marketing; much of it done for you
  • Relatively exclusive; application process to become a Compass agent is difficult
  • Marketing and support tools offered to agents
  • No standard split or cap structure
  • Excellent reputation among high-net-worth homeowners
  • Rapid growth may lead to a lack of support, volatility, and instability
  • Technology is prioritized, especially with tools like its Likely to Sell lead program
  • Higher desk fees and other costs compared with some brokerages
  • Attractive commission splits and financial incentives
  • Some markets may be more competitive due to high concentrations of Compass agents

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

REAL Broker logo
Pros
Cons
  • Agent-centric, cloud-based model
  • No brick-and-mortar office locations
  • Tech-forward and innovative tools for agents
  • Limited in-person support and mentoring
  • Transparent commission structure that’s advantageous for all agents
  • Less brand recognition than other brokerages
  • Five-tier revenue share plan attractive for recruiting
  • Generous equity share opportunities
  • Plenty of room for growth

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

lpt Realty logo
Pros
Cons
  • Flexibility in how you split commissions
  • No brick-and-mortar office locations
  • Custom marketing materials included with every listing
  • Limited in-person support and mentoring
  • Technology included free of charge, including website and CRM
  • Lot less brand recognition than other brokerages
  • Individual office branding encouraged
  • Not available in as many markets yet
  • Seven-level revenue share
  • Reliance on tech can be intimidating for many agents

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

RE/MAX logo
Pros
Cons
  • Strong brand recognition and global presence
  • Higher franchise fees and desk fees compared with some brokerages
  • Various training and support resources offered to agents
  • Inconsistent support and resources across different offices
  • Flexible fee structures and commission splits available
  • Some markets are highly competitive and saturated with RE/MAX agents

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:

  1. Generally, your broker is personally invested in your success.
  2. There’s potential for a lot more face time with the boss.
  3. Smaller brokerages often feel like a team or even a family.
  4. You generally have more control over your individual branding.
  5. There is often an opportunity for better, or at least more individualized, support.
  6. Often, local brokerages are heavily engaged in and striving to make a lasting impact on their communities. 
  7. 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






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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