Starting your real estate career can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with countless brokerage options, each promising to be the best choice for new agents. You’re not alone in feeling uncertain about this critical decision. Choosing the right brokerage can make or break your early success in the industry. The good news is that with the right information and careful consideration, you can find a brokerage that aligns with your goals and sets you up for long-term success.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the best real estate brokerage for new agents. We’ll explore key factors to consider, compare top brokerages, and provide actionable insights to help you make an informed decision that launches your career on the right foot.
Key Takeaways
- Evaluate Commission Splits And Caps: Compare how each brokerage’s split, royalty, and cap structure affects your net income so you understand exactly when you take home 100 percent.
- Prioritize Training And Mentorship: Choose firms that offer hands-on training, coaching, and mentorship programs, as these resources dramatically improve new-agent retention and early production.
- Match Culture And Support To Your Style: Look for a workplace culture—collaborative, competitive, virtual, or boutique—that aligns with how you learn, network, and stay motivated.
- Verify All Fees Up Front: Beyond splits, ask about desk, tech, E&O, and transaction fees so there are no surprises that erode your earnings.
- Leverage Technology And Brand Strength: Select brokerages that provide robust tech tools and recognizable branding to boost lead generation, marketing reach, and client confidence from day one.
Specialized Brokerage Types For New Agents
Understanding different brokerage models will help you choose the structure that best supports your career goals and working preferences.
National brokerages
National brokerages offer several advantages for new agents, including brand recognition that helps establish credibility with clients, extensive training resources, standardized systems and processes, and wider referral networks. However, they also come with disadvantages such as less flexibility in marketing and business practices, higher fees and franchise costs, and potentially less personalized support.
Boutique brokerages
Boutique brokerages provide more personalized mentorship, flexible commission structures, nimble response to local market conditions, and often a stronger local market presence. The disadvantages include limited brand recognition, fewer training resources, smaller referral networks, and potentially less technological infrastructure.
Online brokerages
Online brokerages are a growing segment that offers agents complete flexibility. They often provide lower fees, virtual training resources, and tools to help agents work remotely. With robust technology platforms, online brokerages allow agents to manage their business from anywhere while keeping a larger portion of their commission. However, they may lack the local presence, in-person mentorship, or referral networks found in traditional brokerages.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Real Estate Brokerage
Choosing your first brokerage requires careful evaluation of several critical factors that will impact your daily work life and long-term success.
Commission structures and fees
Understanding commission structures is crucial to your financial success as a new agent. Today’s brokerages offer various models that can significantly impact your take-home pay.
- Traditional Split Models: Many established brokerages offer new agents splits ranging from 50/50 to 70/30 (agent/broker). These splits often come with training and support systems tailored to new agents.
- Commission Caps: Some brokerages implement a cap system in which, after contributing a certain amount to the brokerage each year, agents keep 100 % of their commissions for the remainder of the year. Caps may differ depending on your region.
- Transaction Fees: Be aware of additional fees that may apply once you reach your cap. For example, some companies charge a transaction fee for a certain number of transactions after you meet your cap.
- Other Costs: Always inquire about desk fees, technology fees, E&O insurance, and franchise fees. Some brokerages may offer high splits but charge substantial desk fees.
- Alternative Payment Plans: Many brokerages now offer flexible payment structures that allow agents to choose between higher desk fees with higher splits or lower desk fees with lower splits.
See each proposed commission plan in action by requesting our FREE real estate commission calculator.
Company culture and support environment
The culture and support system of your first brokerage can dramatically influence your early success and job satisfaction.
- Mentorship Programs: Some brokerages are renowned for their comprehensive mentorship programs that pair new agents with experienced professionals. These structured programs often include shadowing opportunities, regular check-ins, and transaction guidance.
- Collaborative vs. Competitive Environments: Some brokerages foster team-oriented cultures that encourage knowledge sharing, while others promote healthy competition.
- Networking Opportunities: Brokerages with regular team meetings, social events, and mastermind groups create valuable networking opportunities. These connections can lead to referrals, partnerships, and mentorship relationships that accelerate your career growth.
- Work-Life Balance: Consider how the brokerage’s culture aligns with your personal values and lifestyle needs. Some brokerages emphasize flexibility and autonomy, while others may have more structured expectations regarding office hours and production goals.
Related Article: Essential Real Estate Broker Interview Questions
Top Real Estate Brokerages for New Agents
Understanding the landscape of major brokerages will help you identify which options best align with your career goals and working style.
| Brokerage | Who They Are—in one breath | Starter Split & Cap* |
| Keller Williams Realty® | Founded in 1983 in Austin; now the largest franchise by agent count | 70/30 split → local cap about $15k–28k; 6% royalty (cap $3k); keep 100% after both caps |
| eXp Realty® | Launched in 2009 as the first fully cloud brokerage; agents work from a virtual campus and can earn company stock and revenue-share. | 80 / 20 split • $16,000 annual cap • once capped: 100 % minus $250 per deal (drops to $75 after $5k in fees). |
| Coldwell Banker® | Legacy brand (est. 1906) now part of Anywhere ℠; mix of company-owned & franchise offices worldwide | No corporate split or cap published. Each affiliate sets its own plan; CB only states that commission structures are “competitive” and “varied by market.” |
| Real Brokerage Inc. (Real)™ | 100 % cloud company founded 2014 | 85 / 15 split • Different caps based on your business model |
| RE/MAX® | Denver-based franchise (1973) known for its “work like an owner” model | Two core options: 1) 95/5 split with a monthly desk fee (highest payout, no cap). 2) “RAPP” plan with no monthly fee and a soft cap: agents start on 60/40, 70/30, or 80/20 depending on prior-year production and move to 95/5 after reaching a $23,000 cap |
*Data verified October 2025. Figures shown are the standard solo-agent plans that new licensees encounter in most U.S. markets; local franchises may offer different options. Always confirm terms with your local office; fees and caps vary by market.
Other Considerations When Choosing a Brokerage
Here are other things to consider when choosing a brokerage.
Technology and marketing tools
Today’s successful brokerages differentiate themselves through their technology offerings, which can significantly impact a new agent’s productivity and client acquisition abilities.
- CRM Systems: Customer Relationship Management platforms help agents organize contacts, automate follow-ups, and track client interactions.
- Marketing Automation: Look for brokerages that provide templated marketing materials, social media marketing tools, and automated drip campaigns.
- Virtual Tours and 3D Imaging: Some brokerages offer advanced virtual tour technologies and 3D imaging tools that help listings stand out in competitive markets.
- AI and Predictive Analytics: Forward-thinking brokerages are implementing AI tools to help agents identify potential sellers and buyers.
- Social Media Support: Many brokerages now offer social media content libraries, scheduling tools, and training.
Training and mentorship opportunities
Comprehensive training is perhaps the most critical factor for new agent success, making this a priority when evaluating potential brokerages.
- Core Skills Training: Look for programs that cover fundamental skills like lead generation, contract writing, negotiation, and closing techniques.
- Market Knowledge: Effective training programs should include local market analysis, pricing strategies, and neighborhood expertise.
- Business Planning: The best programs help new agents develop business plans with realistic goals and actionable steps.
- Technology Training: With the increasing importance of digital tools, training on CRM systems, marketing platforms, and transaction management software is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions For New Agents
How do I choose the right real estate brokerage as a new agent?
Consider your learning style, financial situation, and career goals. Visit multiple offices, speak with current agents, and evaluate the culture, training programs, and commission structures before making your decision.
What are typical commission splits for new real estate agents?
New agents typically start with splits ranging from 50/50 to 70/30 (agent/broker).
Should I join a team as a new agent?
Joining a team can provide valuable mentorship, consistent lead flow, and transaction support. Teams typically offer lower commission splits (often 50/50 or less) and may layer in additional marketing fees, but the training, leads, and support can accelerate your learning curve. Consider your financial situation, learning style, and independence preferences when deciding whether to join a team or start as an individual agent.
How important is brokerage brand recognition?
Brand recognition can help new agents establish credibility with potential clients. National brands offer instant recognition that can open doors, especially for new agents without an established network. However, local boutique brokerages may have stronger recognition in specific markets, so consider your target client base when evaluating the importance of brand.
What ongoing fees should I expect beyond commission splits?
Common fees include desk fees, technology fees, E&O insurance, franchise royalties, transaction fees, and annual dues. Always get a comprehensive breakdown of all fees before joining a brokerage.
How do commission caps work?
A commission cap limits the total amount you pay to your brokerage annually. Once you reach the cap, you typically keep 100% of your commissions for the remainder of the year (though transaction fees may still apply). For example, with an 80/20 split and a $16,000 cap, once you’ve contributed $16,000 to the brokerage, you keep 100% of your commissions for the rest of your anniversary year, subject to post-cap transaction fees.
Take The Next Step In Your Real Estate Journey
Choosing the right brokerage is just the beginning of your real estate career success story. Remember that the best brokerage for you is one that aligns with your learning style, financial goals, and career aspirations. Don’t rush this decision. Take time to visit offices, interview agents, and thoroughly understand each brokerage’s offerings.
Your education shouldn’t stop once you choose a brokerage. Continuing to invest in your professional development will set you apart from the competition and ensure long-term success. Consider joining Colibri Real Estate School’s CE membership program to access unlimited state-approved continuing education courses, professional certifications, and career-advancing tools. With over 25 years of experience serving more than 500,000 students, Colibri offers the flexible, comprehensive education solutions that successful agents rely on throughout their careers.
