Selecting a brokerage is one of the most consequential decisions a real estate agent can make. Itโs not just about commission splits or brand recognitionโitโs about finding a partner that aligns with your goals, growth trajectory, and vision for the future. For many agents, the choice boils down toย autonomy vs. support: Do you prioritize keeping every dollar you earn, or are you willing to pay for resources that could accelerate your growth?
In this comparison, weโll dissect two well-known brokeragesโFathom Realtyย andย RE/MAXโto see how they stack up in key areas like fees, training, technology, and agent satisfaction. Fathomโs 100% commission model appeals to agents craving financial independence, while RE/MAXโs global brand offers prestige and referral potential. However, both have limitations that modern agents are increasingly wary of: a lack of passive income streams, fragmented support systems, and tech tools that donโt always justify their cost.
As you weigh these options, keep in mind that the real estate landscape is evolving. Many agents are now turning toย hybrid modelsย that blend the best of traditional and innovative brokerage structuresโthink high commission splitsย plusย revenue share opportunities, free tech stacks, and collaborative cultures that feel less like a corporation and more like a growth partner.
Whether youโre drawn to Fathomโs simplicity, RE/MAXโs legacy, or curious about newer alternatives, this guide will help you navigate the pros, cons, and hidden trade-offsโso you can make a choice that fuels your success for years to come.
Fathom vs REMAX Commission Splits and Fees
Fathom Realtyย has carved a niche with its straightforward financial model. Agents keepย 100% of their commissionsย and avoid franchise fees entirelyโa major perk for high-producing agents tired of traditional splits. Instead, Fathom charges a flat transaction fee (150โ150โ250 per deal) and annual fees of around $700. For seasoned agents with consistent sales volume, this model can significantly boost take-home pay. However, the lack of passive income opportunities (like revenue share or team bonuses) means agents are solely reliant on closing transactions, which can limit scalability for those looking to build long-term wealth.
RE/MAX, a household name in real estate, offers a more variable structure. Commission splits range fromย 60/40 to 95/5, paired with a 5% franchise fee and monthly office fees that can climb toย 2,500. While the brandโs global recognition drives referrals, newer agents or those in slower markets may find the fees to eat into profits. For example, an agent earning 100,000 in commissions at a 70/30 split with fees would net roughly $58,500 after costsโfar less than Fathomโs model. RE/MAX suits agents who value prestige and are confident they can offset fees with high sales volume, but itโs a gamble for those still building their pipeline.
Key Takeaway: Fathom rewards independence, while RE/MAX bets on brand power. However, agents today increasingly seekย hybrid modelsย that blend high commission retentionย withย opportunities to earn beyond their own salesโsomething newer, cloud-based brokerages are pioneering.
Income Opportunities
Both Fathom and RE/MAX focus on traditional commission structures, leaving little room for passive income. At Fathom, agents keep every dollar they earn but miss out on team splits, revenue share, or retirement incentives. This “all-or-nothing” approach works for self-sufficient agents but can feel isolating for those wanting to build a business beyond their personal production.
RE/MAX agents face similar constraints. While the brandโs international network can lead to referral opportunities, thereโs no formal system for earning income from mentoring others or growing a team. Agents are essentially paying for the RE/MAX logo without gaining tools to diversify their revenueโa gap thatโs becoming glaring as more brokers offer profit-sharing, stock equity, or coaching stipends.
For Forward-Thinking Agents: The rise of collaborative brokerage models highlights a shift towardย community-driven growth. Platforms that incentivize mentorship (e.g., earning a percentage of your teamโs commissions) or offer stock rewards for hitting milestones are attracting agents who want to profit from both their workย andย their leadership.
Training and Support
Fathom Realty operates on a “sink-or-swim” philosophy. Withย no formal training programs, agents must rely on existing experience or informal peer support. This works for veterans whoโve mastered the basics, but itโs a steep hurdle for new agents or those transitioning markets. The lack of 24/7 support can also leave agents stranded during time-sensitive negotiations or complex transactions.
RE/MAX addresses this gap withย RE/MAX University, a library of courses covering contracts, marketing, and lead generation. While the training is robust, itโs largely self-paced and lacks live interaction. Agents craving real-time feedback or strategies tailored to todayโs hyper-competitive markets (e.g., social media lead generation, AI-powered tools) may find the curriculum outdated.
The Collaboration Advantage: Top-performing agents often credit their success toย daily collaborationโthink live masterminds, accountability groups, and on-demand coaching. Brokerages that build these elements into their culture help agents adapt faster to industry shifts, whether itโs navigating a bidding war or leveraging TikTok for listings.
Technology and Resources
Fathom provides agents with essential tools: a functional CRM, transaction management software, and basic marketing templates. Itโs a no-frills tech stack designed for agents who prefer simplicity (or already have their own systems). However, the absence of advanced featuresโlike AI-driven lead scoring or automated social media campaignsโcan put tech-savvy agents at a disadvantage in crowded markets.
RE/MAX invests more heavily in tech, offering branded marketing suites and customizable CRM tools. But with monthly fees sometimes exceedingย 2,000, agents must weigh whether the ROI justifies the cost. For example,ย a 2,500/month fee equals $30,000 annuallyโenough to hire a part-time marketing assistant or buy premium third-party tools outright.
Tech That Pays for Itself: Modern brokers are eliminating this dilemma by bundlingย free, enterprise-level techย (think cloud-based transaction hubs, AI chatbots, and recruiting websites) into their standard plans. This allows agents to allocate their budget toward growth, not overhead.
Agent Satisfaction
Fathomโsย 4.6/5 Glassdoor ratingย reflects broad approval of its transparent model. Reviews praise the autonomy and lack of “nickel-and-dime fees,” though some agents express frustration over stagnant growth:ย “Great for solo agents, but youโll hit a ceiling if you want to build a team.”
RE/MAXโsย 4.2/5 ratingย highlights a divide. Veteran agents appreciate the brandโs clout, while newer recruits criticize the high costs:ย “Youโre paying for the name, but youโre still on your own.”
Whatโs Missing?ย Agents today want brokerage cultures that feel less like a transaction and more like a partnershipโthink profit-sharing, equity opportunities, and mentorship that evolves as their business grows.
Final Thoughts: Fathom vs. RE/MAX
Fathom Realty shines forย self-reliant agentsย who prioritize commission retention and low fees. If youโre established, disciplined, and donโt need hand-holding, itโs a financially efficient choice.
RE/MAX, meanwhile, appeals to those who valueย brand recognitionย and structured training. Itโs a fit for agents willing to trade higher fees for access to a global network.
But What If You Want More?
If youโre looking for:
- Higher splitsย (80/20 up to 100% after a $16K cap)
- Zero franchise feesย + free tech (CRM, AI tools, recruiting websites)
- Revenue shareย for building a team + stock awards for production milestones
- Live coaching and collaboration with the top 1% of agents
โฆitโs worth exploringย eXp Realtyโs model. Hybrid brokerages like this blend the best of traditional support with modern scalabilityโa trend resonating with agents tired of choosing between profit and growth.
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 donโt believe in “one-size-fits-all” real estate. Thatโs why we provide free, customizable tools to help you scale your wayโwhether youโre a solo agent or building a mega-team.
