eXp Realty for New Agents: A Smart Move in 2026?

Are you a brand new agent looking for the best brokerage to join? As a UC Berkeley Law School graduate and past California lawyer, I suspected the decision regarding which brokerage a new agent should join would be huge. It is!

After all, the National Association of Realtors reported that 75% of Realtors fail within the first year, and 87% fail within five years. Researching brokerage options is worth a brand-new agent’s time.

I researched several brokerages. I researched eXp Realty because it’s the fastest-growing brokerage in U.S. history and on the planet. It’s also now a part of the S&P 600. I also researched other traditional brokerages – Compass, Vanguard, Sotheby’s, Coldwell Banker, and Remax – because of their local presence.

In this article, I’ll share everything I learned from my research and interviews, plus, I’ll share everything I’ve learned since I joined eXp Realty, the pros of being at eXp and the cons of the brokerage, particularly for new agents.

While eXp is the right brokerage for many brokers, real estate teams, seasoned/experienced agents, and new agents, eXp Realty is not right for every agent. Fortunately, it is for me. By my second year at eXp, I did well over 6 figures in gross commission. I LOVE my brokerage, my eXp sponsorship group, and community, and what I do. But is eXp the best brokerage for you?

New Agents, How is eXp Realty Different?

eXp Realty is primarily different than most brokerages because it’s a cloud-based brokerage that relies on modern technology to operate in a more effective, efficient, and profitable manner. Traditional brick-and-mortar brokerages don’t run as efficiently because of their high cost of maintaining local office space and many layers of franchise owners.

eXp Realty is the only large brokerage that has been cumulatively profitable in the past several years. eXp can afford to improve agent earnings while other brokerages decrease what agents earn. Also, eXp Realty has been on Glassdoor’s best companies to work at for the last 8 years.

Let’s dive into the pros and cons of joining eXp Realty for new brand agents.

Pros of Joining eXp Realty for New Agents

1. 100% Commission Payout Possibility

Traditional brokerages told me new agents get anywhere from a 70/30 payout split to a 60/40 payout split (actually 64/36 and 54/44 because they didn’t deduct their 6% fee.)

Once an agent pays eXp $16,000 from their earned commissions (about $2.65 million in gross sales at 3% commission), the agent is considered “capped” that year and then the agent earns 100% of their commissions for the rest of their calendar year.

2. Extensive FREE Agent Training

New agents at traditional brokerages often rely on one broker in their office to answer all their questions. A broker told me that I should buy expensive ($2000 or more) training classes to “learn” how to get leads and clients and make a commission.

eXp’s training extends well beyond the support offered by a single broker. eXp has 3 primary training opportunities: 1. On-boarding videos and webinars directed at helping new agents get leads, clients, and commission as fast as possible, 2. 60+ hours of live training classes available each week, and those same training classes are recorded and available on-demand if a new agent can’t make the live training. 3. Sponsorship groups incentivized to offer additional training classes to agents. These sponsorship groups run 7 tiers deep, creating a deep support system for new agents.

3. Low Agent Fees and Costs

eXp Realty has no desk fees, no franchise fees, and no royalty fees. New agents pay $149 their first month at eXp and then just $85 a month thereafter. Additionally, that low monthly fee includes a personalized IDX website, a top industry CRM with lead generation tools (one that other agents pay $6000 a year for), access to Regus Business Lounges (yep, eXp does have office space), ongoing live training, and much more.

Also, at eXp E&O insurance fees are much lower – $60 paid from each commission and it caps at $750 annually. Last, eXp agents pay $25 for broker review from each commission. Clearly, eXp fees are MUCH lower than traditional brokerage fees!

4. Superior Support with eXp World & Mentors

To get new agent questions answered, traditional brokerages told me “go to your office broker to ask your questions”. Wow, agents have to rely on the knowledge and availability of just one person?

eXp Realty has over 2000 salaried employees in eXp World (their cloud-based office) to help answer questions and solve problems. Some employees are available 24-7.

Additionally, eXp Realty has a mentorship program for brand-new agents. New agents are assigned a mentor who has been qualified by eXp. These mentors are invaluable in a new agent’s day-to-day needs and guidance through transactions.

5. Seven-Tier Sponsorship Groups Can Provide Top Value

eXp Realty’s has unique 7-tier sponsorship groups that set it apart from other real estate brokerages. These groups offer agents incredible advantages in 2 ways.

First, agents earn revenue income by sponsoring other agents into the company, something all agents do at any brokerage company, yet, at eXp, agents are compensated (from the company dollar). This revenue share income is nothing to sneeze at. Top agents at eXp earn over 7 figures a month. That is not a typo! This revenue share income continues when an agent retires and it’s willable too.

Second, because sponsorship groups only profit when agents earn commissions (sponsors are paid from the 20% eXp makes before an agent caps), sponsors are incentivized to help agents succeed both in their production and in bringing in new agents to the company.

Great sponsorship groups offer training, support, and several weekly video calls that help agents earn more commissions and revenue share income. These calls also create community. Many agents say their virtual community is tighter than any physical brokerage office they’ve ever worked in.

6. Innovative Technology and Virtual Tools

7. Access to Huge Network of Experienced Agents Across Different Markets

eXp Realty’s huge network of over 80,000 agents offers invaluable opportunities for learning, collaboration, and referrals. That along with eXp’s culture of sharing allows new agents to connect with experienced agents to tap into their training expertise and gain valuable insights to navigate challenges and earn more commissions.

8. Work from Anywhere, Anytime with Virtual Support Systems

eXp Realty’s virtual work environment provides the flexibility to work from anywhere at any time. No eXp agent is confined by traditional office hours or geographic limitations. eXp Realty’s virtual support systems ensure agents have all the tools and resources needed for digital-age success.

9. Brand New Agents Can Be More Efficient with New Tech tools

eXp has many advanced technology tools that other brokerages don’t have. Brand new agents are even more poised to take advantage of these tools than experienced agents who leave another brokerage and join eXp. That’s because experienced agents tend to keep doing what they were doing before they joined eXp and often they don’t learn to use the more efficient and effective tools that eXp offers. Brand new agents often make better use of Skyslope forms and their choice of CRM (BoldTrail, Lofty, or Cloze).

10. Affordable Healthcare

Although healthcare is not free at eXp, most brokerages have no healthcare options. eXp Realty offers affordable healthcare options saving agents up to tens of thousands of dollars annually in healthcare costs.

11. eXp Luxury Launched

Sothebys, The Agency, and Compass no longer have the best marketing. eXp Luxury advertises luxury homes in the best of the best publications, translates listings into different languages, and offers global exposure for luxury listings. Plus, members of eXp Luxury get four monthly training calls offering top tips and training classes for our luxury agents.

12. eXp Centralized a Referral Division

With over 80,000+ agents all around the world, referrals are BIG business. eXp has made referrals easy with a centralized hub. A few clicks on a form and referral paperwork is all done. For agents choosing to only provide referrals to earn commissions, eXp has made it so those agents no longer have to pay their MLS and Realtor association fees.

13. eXp Commercial Real Estate Division

That’s right! Commercial agents get all the same great features and benefits that eXp offers. At eXp Realty, agents have lots of choices of how to earn an income.

14. eXp has Extensive Vendor Partners

While sponsors often use the term “partner with me”, vendor partners refers to the vendors that eXp Realty has relationships with that bring services to eXp agents. The sheer size of eXp Realty with over 88,000 agents worldwide provides bargaining power for eXp to bring the best to agents.

Cons of Joining eXp Realty for New Agents

1. Missed Opportunity When New Agent Chooses the “Wrong” Sponsor

Some agents join eXp Realty without naming a sponsor and others join sponsorship groups that don’t provide the value needed for that agent. It’s important for new agents to research the sponsorship groups so they won’t miss out on training, support, guidance, or resources that could have helped them thrive in their real estate careers.

Note, that agents cannot easily change sponsorship groups. To change groups, an agent must leave eXp for at least 6 months and then rejoin the company.

2. Revenue Share Challenges for New Agents

Some agents become discouraged when trying to bring more agents into eXp and they may struggle to build income through attracting recruits. Joining a sponsorship group with revenue share training brings more success to agents seeking revenue share this income.

3. Lack of On-Site Broker Guidance May be Hard for New Agents

eXp Realty doesn’t maintain traditional brick-and-mortar offices. While the flexibility to work anytime from anywhere appeals to many agents, it may not suit everyone’s preferences or needs.

Working remotely requires a high level of self-motivation and discipline, especially when it comes to training and doing the day-to-day activities necessary to succeed in the real estate business. While some agents thrive in this setting, others may struggle to stay focused and productive without the structure of a traditional office environment.

4. Almost Too Much Support and Training for New Agents

Tips for New Agents to Succeed at eXp Realty

1. Research & Choose the Right Sponsorship Group

It’s crucial to evaluate potential sponsorship groups. Each group has its own unique culture, support system, and resources that can greatly impact your success. Look for a group that aligns with your values and goals.

2. Embrace Additional Value Offered by eXp

At eXp Realty, new agents can access additional value beyond traditional real estate brokerage services. Take full advantage. eXp University provides comprehensive training resources. Utilize it by checking the weekly course and attending the courses that suit your needs.

Additionally, if your sponsorship group offers mastermind video calls, attend the calls. These calls will get you “plugged in” for success while fostering relationships with other agents, and creating a supportive community.

3. Leverage Modern Marketing Strategies

4. Seek Guidance from Experienced Mentors

New agents at eXp are assigned a mentor for the agent’s first three transactions. Mentors offer advice and direction on lead generation, negotiation tactics, and market trends, as well as transactions. Actively engage with them, ask questions, and soak up their wisdom to enhance your chances of success.

5. Utilize eXp World for Support

eXp World is an immersive virtual platform that allows agents to connect with colleagues worldwide and to get questions answered and problems solved. Take a tour of eXp World. Go to your state brokerage for production issues, go to tech help for any tech issues, and go to agent support for questions surrounding onboarding. Visit the self-help areas and visit the eXp partner booths. Take advantage of the over 2000 salaried employees in eXp World who are waiting to be of service to you.

Join Our FREE Team at eXp Realty

By partnering with us, you’ll gain access to all the incredible FREE value offered by the Wolf Pack and our team, Smart Agent Alliance.

Not only will you be joining the ONLY profitable public brokerage in the past 5 years that agents rank as the best brokerage to work for, but you’ll also benefit from double the free resources (two teams in your upline) designed to help you succeed quickly and efficiently at eXp.

With the Wolf Pack, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to the Wolf Pack weekly webinars, the Social Agent Academy for social media training, the Wolf Pack Hub for easy onboarding, Investor Army for investing and flipping houses training. 

With Smart Agent Alliance you’ll enjoy personalized day-to-day concierge care plus assets like customizable agent presentations, business automation, production checklists, customizable social media posts, and so much more.

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to maximize your earnings and build a thriving real estate business. Join eXp Realty today and experience unparalleled support from both the Wolf Pack and Smart Agent Alliance.

Not quite convinced? No problem! Contact us to set up a meeting, request a personal link to a live webinar, and/or get all your questions answered via email, phone call, or video call. We’re here to help you succeed!

For more information, check out our eXp Realty overview, learn about our team benefits, and visit our Join Smart Agent Alliance page. Partner with us today and take your real estate career to the next level!

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