This isn’t just another brokerage comparison — it’s a real look at how your paycheck, support, and business tools will be affected by your choice. Whether you’re drawn to the simplicity of flat fees or the prestige of a well-known name, here’s how Fathom Realty and Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate compare where it counts.
Commission Splits and Fees
At Fathom Realty, the 100/0 commission split means what it says — agents keep every cent of their commission. There are no franchise or royalty fees taking a cut, and agents enjoy complete freedom from production caps. The only recurring costs are a flat $700 annual fee and a per-transaction fee between $150 and $250. This predictable, no-frills model has been one of Fathom’s biggest selling points for agents who want to simplify their finances and scale their business without penalty.
Better Homes & Gardens, in contrast, operates under a traditional split model that ranges from 60/40 to 80/20. The company also takes a 6% franchise or royalty fee, which further trims the agent’s net income. There’s no cap in place, so even top producers continue paying the split. Monthly fees vary based on office and region, and while transaction fees are baked into the royalty structure, there are additional costs like E&O insurance. Overall, it’s a higher-cost model, even though it comes with the familiarity of a household brand.
If your goal is to keep more of what you earn, Fathom’s lean model clearly gives you more breathing room.
Income Opportunities
Fathom Realty doesn’t offer revenue share, equity awards, or retirement paths — it’s a commission-only setup. What you close is what you make, and that’s where it ends. It’s clean and simple, but there’s no added value for long-term wealth building.
Better Homes & Gardens follows the same philosophy. Agents earn their commission and have no access to recurring income, revenue sharing, or other wealth-building incentives. So while the company supports sales activity with its branding, it doesn’t reward agents beyond the deals they personally close.
Neither model offers additional income streams, which may work fine for those focused only on transactions, but won’t meet the needs of agents thinking about scaling or exiting the business someday.
Training and Support
Fathom Realty has earned a reputation for being agent-friendly, but it doesn’t provide structured training or 24/7 support. That approach works well for confident, experienced agents who already know the ropes, but may feel limiting to newer agents seeking mentorship or coaching. The low overhead and minimal intrusion are perks for self-starters, but not ideal for someone who needs handholding.
Better Homes & Gardens does offer training, but it varies by office. Some locations are known for robust support and onboarding, while others offer the bare minimum. Like Fathom, there’s no 24/7 support, so agents are largely dependent on local managers and office culture for help.
In both models, success depends heavily on your own initiative and your specific office environment.
Technology and Resources
Fathom Realty gives agents access to basic tech tools like transaction management systems and CRMs. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done. There’s no massive tech suite, and agents who want advanced lead generation or marketing platforms will need to build that stack independently or join a team that offers it.
Better Homes & Gardens leans into technology and branding more heavily. With the backing of a recognizable brand, agents can access strong marketing resources and CRM systems designed to support high visibility and lead follow-up. These tools can be especially useful for agents who are less tech-savvy or who want to plug into a ready-made system.
Fathom provides the essentials with freedom to customize. Better Homes & Gardens offers a more fully built platform, but it comes at a higher cost.
Agent Satisfaction
Fathom Realty currently holds a 4.6-star rating on Glassdoor, with hundreds of agents praising the simple commission structure, predictable fees, and freedom to operate independently. Agents regularly mention financial clarity as one of the biggest advantages.
Better Homes & Gardens earns a slightly lower rating of 4.3 stars from fewer total reviews. Agents tend to appreciate the branding, marketing tools, and name recognition, but also mention the pain of ongoing fees and limited income options as recurring downsides.
If agent reviews are any indicator, the satisfaction difference often comes down to expectations — whether agents prioritize branding or bottom-line income.
Final Thoughts on Fathom vs. Better Homes & Gardens
Fathom Realty is the choice for agents who want full commission, fixed fees, and minimal brokerage interference. It’s best suited for those who value autonomy and know how to manage their business without needing constant support or tech-heavy tools.
Better Homes & Gardens makes more sense for agents who want the credibility of a national brand and access to advanced marketing resources. But it comes with the trade-off of lower commission retention and more ongoing costs, with no cap in sight.
Neither brokerage supports passive income, equity, or long-term wealth strategies. If that’s what you’re looking for, you may want to explore an alternative that gives you both earning power and financial growth opportunities.
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.
