Choosing between Real Broker and Coldwell Banker can significantly impact an agentโs career trajectory, earnings, and overall satisfaction. This comparison explores key differences in commission structures, fees, training, and support to help agents make an informed decision.
Commission Splits and Fees
Real Broker offers agents a competitive commission split ranging from 85/15 to 100/0, with no franchise or royalty fees, making it one of the most attractive options for agents looking to retain more of their earnings. The production cap is $12K, after which agents keep 100% of their commissions, and a top agent bonus of $24K is available for high performers. The annual fee is $750, and transaction fees are $0 until the agent reaches the cap, offering a straightforward fee structure.
Coldwell Banker provides commission splits between 55/45 and 90/10. However, agents are required to pay a franchise/royalty fee ranging from 5% to 6.5%, which reduces their overall earnings. Unlike Real Broker, Coldwell Banker does not have a production cap, meaning agents will continue to split their commissions with the brokerage no matter how much they earn. Monthly fees range from $150 to $179 depending on the office, and transaction fees are included in the royalty fees, simplifying some of the costs but making the franchise fees a major consideration for agents.
Income Opportunities
Real Broker provides agents with the opportunity to build wealth through a revenue share program, which allows agents to earn additional income by recruiting others to the brokerage. In addition, Real Broker offers a retirement income path and willable income, making it a great choice for agents who want to plan for long-term financial security.
Coldwell Banker, however, does not offer a revenue share program or any retirement income path. This limits agents to commission-based income, which may not provide the same financial stability or wealth-building potential that Real Broker offers.
Training and Support
Real Broker excels in offering continuous training and 24/7 agent support. Agents have access to over 30 live training sessions each week, allowing them to stay up-to-date with industry trends and strategies. The 24/7 support ensures that agents can always get the help they need, which is particularly important for newer agents or those working in fast-paced markets.
Coldwell Banker offers training that varies by office, and the quality can depend on the specific location. However, the absence of 24/7 support can be a disadvantage for agents who require more flexibility or immediate assistance.
Technology and Resources
Real Brokerโs technology is built with a cloud-based model, offering agents advanced tools for CRM, marketing, and transaction management. This makes Real Broker particularly appealing to agents who are comfortable using technology to streamline their workflows and grow their business.
Coldwell Banker also provides technological tools, though they vary by office. While the brokerage has a long-established presence in the industry, its technology infrastructure may not be as modern or flexible as Real Brokerโs.
Agent Satisfaction
Real Broker has a high Glassdoor rating of 4.5 stars from 109 reviews, with agents praising the transparent fee structure, revenue share model, and strong agent support.
Coldwell Banker has a 4.3-star rating from 2.6K reviews, with agents appreciating the brandโs reputation and extensive network. However, there are concerns about the high fees and the lack of additional income opportunities beyond commissions.
Final Thoughts on Real vs Coldwell Banker
Real Broker is a better option for agents seeking lower fees, and passive income opportunities through a revenue share program, and cutting-edge technology. The competitive commission splits and strong support infrastructure make it a great choice for agents looking to maximize their earnings and streamline their business.
Coldwell Bankerโs established brand and network are appealing, but the high fees, ongoing franchise costs, and lack of revenue share or retirement income options may not be ideal for agents seeking to grow their financial security in the long term.
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