What are the best real estate brokerages to work for this year? This is one of the most common questions a real estate agent asks, especially right out of real estate school. Which makes all the sense in the world because a brokerage has a LOT to do with your development, especially early on.
If you’re looking for the best real estate brokerages, here’s a brief summary before we expand on each:
- eXp Realty – preferred by modern agents
- Keller Williams – preferred by new agents
- Fathom Realty – preferred by part-time agents
- Compass – preferred by luxury agents
- Coldwell Banker – preferred by agents who value assurance
- Re/Max – preferred by agents who value brand name
That’s a lot of options, but not every brokerage is best for everyone. I’ll give you some more detailed information below to help you decide which you want to work with.
eXp Realty
eXp Realty is a new brokerage by comparison, founded in 2009 by Glenn Sanford. Because eXp is a fully online brokerage, agents don’t have brick and mortar offices to work in. Instead, they work virtually, gathering support from the online eXp platform (eXp World) through live training, extensive education opportunities, and top-notch technology.
Modern agents who value technology and a flexible schedule prefer working with eXp Realty. It’s a great real estate brokerage for those who like to have tons of resources at their fingertips and want connection with agents from around the world. The brokerage is known for the many revenue streams available to all real estate agents, not just franchise owners. Currently, eXp Realty operates in all 50 states and 24 countries worldwide.
Keller Williams
Keller Williams is one of the oldest and best-known real estate brokerages in the United States. Founded over 37 years ago, it holds the number one spot in agent count, units, and sales volume. Currently, it has agents on five continents, with offices around the world in France, Greece, China, the Philippines, and many other locations.
Keller Williams is passionate about providing employees with the proper work-life balance and training them to do their best work every time. The strong values at the core of Keller Williams keep them growing, and their passion for helping agents has truly expanded their reach. Recently, Keller Williams has been working on expanding their technology so agents can keep up with the intense online competition.
The training resources at Keller Williams are phenomenal, which is why new agents like to get their start with this brokerage. The training program for new agents is unlike no other and is the golden standard in the real estate community.
Fathom Realty
Fathom Realty is a newer real estate brokerage, currently operating in 24 states. It’s a real estate brand focused on building agents up from the ground. They often quote the verse: “Whoever wants to be great must become a servant of all” (Matthew 20:26).
Fathom provides agents with stock shares in the company, access to healthcare, and low fees. In fact, the commission is 100%–you get to keep your entire commission as an agent. You’ll pay $450 as a transaction fee on each of your first 12 transactions, then your fee will be $99. And you’ll earn stock on nearly every transaction, making Fathom Realty one of the lowest-fee brokerages in the United States.
Compass
Founded in 2012, Compass Realty is one of the most luxurious brokerages out there. The company focuses on creating innovative technology for agents, designed to make the real estate process go more smoothly and more elegantly. Its marketing strategies are designed to help agents spend as much time as possible with their customers.
Compass is all about doing real estate in a “new way,” bringing sophistication and drive to every transaction. Because of its focus on luxury, many agents interested in the luxury sphere prefer to work with Compass. Compass has developed deep pockets to provide agents with high-class opportunities and a quality concierge atmosphere to provide hard-working agents with all the support they could desire.
Coldwell Banker
Coldwell Banker is the oldest real estate franchise in North America, founded over a hundred years ago in 1906. Since then, it has spread to 49 countries and territories and supports more than 3,000 offices worldwide. Over the years, Coldwell Banker has developed a technology suite for their agents to help them stay in touch in the modern era.
The Coldwell Banker touch is all about maintaining a powerful work experience for agents. With the technology, support, and ongoing education, the company provides agents with a firm foothold as they head out into their real estate careers. Agents who want stability and endurance come to Coldwell Banker because they know it’s made it a long way and is continuing to grow.
Re/Max
Founded back in 1973, Re/Max has quickly become one of the top names in real estate. With 130,000 agents around the world and averaging nearly 16 transactions per agent, a Re/Max agent is sure to be noticed wherever they work. Re/Max is devoted to providing agents with support, education, and great profits.
With its specialized commercial and luxury brands, Re/Max gives agents the opportunity to dabble in the real estate niche of their choice. The brand name of Re/Max is what really matters–much like the Coca-Cola brand, people tend to trust the name and logo they’ve seen so often. Agents who want a brand name and a chance to develop their skills under a brand’s umbrella love working with Re/Max.
The Best Real Estate Brokerage This Year?
There’s no one answer to which of the real estate brokerages is the best.
- eXp Realty has a flexible, modern platform
- Keller Williams provides strong and extensive training
- Fathom supports agents with small fees and quality service
- Compass offers agents new opportunities and expensive resources
- Coldwell Banker provides security and stability
- Re/Max provides a supportive and unique brand
Each of these brokerages has a lot going for them, but they aren’t all right for you. Consider carefully what you want in a brokerage and what kind of support means the most to you. Then you can make an informed and intelligent decision about the brokerage you want to work for.