Choosing between Fathom Realty and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices comes down to a core question: do you want brand prestige or maximum income retention? These brokerages operate from two entirely different philosophies. Fathom focuses on agent autonomy and a predictable fee structure, while Berkshire Hathaway leans on legacy branding and luxury market credibility—but with heavier costs. If you’re evaluating which model better supports your long-term growth and income goals, this breakdown lays out everything you need to know.
Commission Splits and Fees
Fathom Realty makes commission splits simple. Agents keep 100% of their commission on every transaction, with no franchise fees or royalty deductions. There’s no production cap, so your income isn’t penalized no matter how much you sell. The only recurring costs are an annual $700 fee and flat-rate transaction fees that fall between $165 and $465 depending on your plan. It’s a low-overhead structure designed to give agents more control over their income with fewer surprises.
Berkshire Hathaway uses a traditional commission split model, typically ranging from 60/40 to 90/10. However, every transaction includes a 6% franchise fee—even after the agent hits their cap, which is not common among modern brokerages. There’s no production cap here either, meaning agents continue paying split percentages and franchise fees indefinitely. Monthly fees and transaction charges vary by office, but it’s not uncommon to see costs that range from $295 to $625 per transaction, in addition to variable office dues.
The difference is clear: Fathom prioritizes take-home income, while Berkshire Hathaway builds its cost structure around maintaining its luxury brand footprint.
Income Opportunities
Fathom Realty sticks to one lane when it comes to income: commission. There is no revenue share model, no stock incentives, and no retirement or willable income structure. Agents earn only what they sell, making it a straightforward but narrow model for those looking to scale beyond personal production.
Berkshire Hathaway is equally limited in this regard. Despite its size and reputation, the brokerage offers no passive income opportunities. There’s no formal program to reward agents for building teams, attracting other agents, or contributing to company growth. Your earnings begin and end with closed transactions.
For agents who are focused solely on commission, both models offer viable options. But for those who want to build long-term, scalable wealth, neither provides a structure to support that growth.
Training and Support
Fathom Realty takes a minimalist approach to training. There is no formal onboarding program, no company-wide education platform, and no access to 24/7 support. While this approach may appeal to experienced agents who don’t need external guidance, it can be a significant drawback for new agents or those who are navigating unfamiliar markets.
Berkshire Hathaway does offer training, but the quality and availability vary by office. In some locations, agents receive strong mentorship and educational opportunities. In others, the resources are sparse or outdated. There’s no centralized, always-available support system, which makes it harder for agents to get the help they need during nights, weekends, or last-minute client emergencies.
If you’re self-directed and don’t need much hand-holding, either brokerage may be sufficient. But if you’re seeking structured development and high-level coaching, neither model provides the level of ongoing support that agents now expect.
Technology and Resources
Fathom Realty provides cloud-based systems and core operational tools like a CRM and transaction management platform. The technology is modern, functional, and designed to help agents stay organized—but it’s not proprietary or focused on luxury presentation. Agents are encouraged to bring in or build their own tech stacks to suit their specific business model, making Fathom a flexible option for tech-savvy agents who know what tools they want.
Berkshire Hathaway offers a more traditional suite of marketing and tech resources. These tools often focus on maintaining the brand’s luxury image—think branded listing materials, email templates, and marketing support that leans heavily into high-end aesthetics. While useful for agents working luxury listings, the tech is less about automation or innovation and more about reinforcing the company’s image. In many offices, the backend platforms are aging and may not integrate well with modern lead generation tools.
Agents looking for tech flexibility and streamlined workflows often lean toward Fathom. Those prioritizing a brand-enhancing toolkit for high-end listings might prefer Berkshire Hathaway—though it comes with a cost.
Agent Satisfaction
Fathom Realty boasts a 4.6-star rating on Glassdoor, with agents often praising the fee structure, commission model, and freedom to build their business independently. Many reviews describe Fathom as the ideal environment for experienced agents who want to stop splitting their hard-earned commission. However, the lack of support, training, and passive income potential is a common point of concern among those looking to grow or scale.
Berkshire Hathaway holds a 4.2-star rating based on nearly 1,000 reviews. Agents frequently express pride in representing a household brand, especially in the luxury segment. However, some reviews also highlight frustration with ongoing franchise fees, lower splits, and inconsistent office leadership. The prestige is real—but it often comes at the expense of profitability and growth flexibility.
Ultimately, agent satisfaction at both brokerages comes down to what agents value most: income retention or brand prestige.
Final Thoughts on Fathom vs. Berkshire Hathaway
Fathom Realty is the better fit for agents who want to maximize earnings and minimize brokerage interference. If you’re confident in your ability to operate independently and prefer a lean model that keeps more money in your pocket, Fathom offers exactly that. Its tech-forward, flat-fee model favors experienced agents who no longer need expensive branding to validate their business.
Berkshire Hathaway, in contrast, is a solid choice for agents focused on luxury markets who see brand recognition as a key asset in winning high-end listings. The trade-off, however, is steep. Between high splits, never-ending franchise fees, and inconsistent support, it’s not always the best long-term financial move for agents looking to build wealth.
If neither model delivers the right combination of income, support, and opportunity, you’re not alone—and there’s a better option that combines the best of both.
Why Smart Agent Alliance Agents Thrive at eXp Realty
Our team at Smart Agent Alliance is built for agents who want to:
- Keep More Money: Retain up to 100% of commissions after cap, with no hidden fees.
- Build Beyond Themselves: Earn revenue share from your team and stock grants for hitting goals.
- Access Turnkey Systems: From done-for-you lead generation funnels to weekly masterminds with 7-figure agents.
We don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” real estate. That’s why we provide free, customizable tools to help you scale your way—whether you’re a solo agent or building a mega-team.
