Best Real Estate Company to Work For: Full Brokerage Comparison

Choosing a brokerage is one of the biggest early decisions a real estate agent makes, and the "right" answer depends less on headline commission splits and more on training, support, technology, and what kind of business you want to build. Below is a side-by-side look at eight of the most searched-for brokerages in the country.

Brokerage Comparison Table

Keller Williams

Keller Williams is widely recommended for new agents because of its depth of training — programs like Ignite, BOLD, and KW University give first-year agents structured guidance that's harder to find elsewhere. The market center model also creates a built-in community of agents and mentors, which matters more than split percentage when you're closing your first few deals.

eXp Realty

eXp runs on a cloud-based model with no physical office requirement, paired with revenue share and stock incentive programs. Its 80/20 split with a $16,000 cap is transparent and easy to model, which appeals to agents who want to know their numbers upfront rather than negotiate them.

RE/MAX

RE/MAX offers one of the most aggressive splits in the industry — up to 95% after the cap — but that comes paired with some of the highest desk fees around, which can run into the thousands per month depending on the office. It tends to favor established producers who can absorb the fixed costs more than brand-new agents.

Coldwell Banker

Coldwell Banker offices are mostly uncapped, meaning agents split with the house on every deal indefinitely. As of the January 2026 Compass merger, the brand is now part of the same parent company as Century 21, though individual offices continue operating under their existing franchise structure for now.

Compass

Compass doesn't operate on a franchise model — it's company-owned, with negotiated splits that vary widely by market and production history. That flexibility can favor experienced, high-producing agents with leverage to negotiate, but it makes Compass a harder brokerage for brand-new agents to enter with strong terms.

Century 21

Century 21 works well for agents who value brand recognition and structured mentorship over a high split. Offices are independently owned, so terms vary more here than almost anywhere else on this list — get the fee sheet in writing before signing.

Redfin

Redfin is structurally different from every other brokerage on this list: agents are W-2 employees with benefits and covered business expenses. That said, Redfin has moved away from guaranteed base salaries toward a commission-driven model (Redfin Next) offering splits up to 75% on self-sourced clients. It suits agents who want steadier support and covered costs over building an independent personal brand.

Real Brokerage

Real Brokerage keeps its commission structure simple: an 85/15 split until agents hit a $12,000 annual cap — the lowest cap of any major brokerage — after which they keep 100% of commission for the rest of the year, aside from flat transaction fees. It's a cloud-based model built for agents who want transparent economics without franchise fees.

You Might Also Like

• How Many Questions Are on the Florida Real Estate Exam?
• How to Pass the Florida Real Estate Exam on Your First Try
• Real Estate Math Cheat Sheet & Free Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best real estate company to work for as a new agent?

Keller Williams and eXp Realty are the two most frequently recommended brokerages for new agents because of their structured training programs and mentorship support, which tend to matter more in year one than the exact commission split.

Which real estate company has the highest commission split?

RE/MAX and Real Brokerage offer some of the highest splits in the industry. RE/MAX agents can keep up to 95% of commission after reaching a cap, while Real Brokerage starts agents at an 85/15 split with a $12,000 annual cap, after which agents keep 100%.

Is Redfin a good place to work as a real estate agent?

Redfin agents are W-2 employees with benefits and covered business expenses, which is unique among major brokerages. However, Redfin has moved away from a guaranteed base salary toward a commission-based model called Redfin Next, so it functions more like a hybrid brokerage than a salaried job today.

Are Century 21 and Coldwell Banker still separate companies?

Both brands continue to operate under their own names, but as of a January 2026 merger, Compass acquired Anywhere Real Estate, the parent company of Century 21 and Coldwell Banker, bringing all three brands under Compass ownership.

What should new agents prioritize over commission split?

Training quality and mentorship access typically matter more than commission split in a new agent's first year, since the gap in take-home pay between splits is usually a few thousand dollars, while the gap between good and no training can determine whether an agent has a career at all.