

This comparison between Real vs Douglas Elliman highlights the key differences in commission structures, fees, and opportunities for agents to build long-term wealth. Both brokerages offer distinct approaches, making them suitable for different agent needs.
Commission Splits and Fees
Real Broker offers commission splits ranging from 85/15 to 100/0, with no franchise or royalty fees. The production cap is set at $12K, and agents have the potential to earn a top agent bonus of $24K. Monthly fees are affordable at $750 per year, and transaction fees are waived until the cap is reached, making Real Broker a cost-effective option for agents.
Douglas Elliman, on the other hand, has commission splits between 50/50 and 70/30, which are much lower than Real Brokerโs top splits. Douglas Elliman also charges a 6% franchise/royalty fee, further reducing the agentโs overall earnings. Unlike Real Broker, there is no production cap, meaning agents continue to split their commissions with the brokerage indefinitely. Monthly fees vary by office, and transaction fees are included in the royalty structure, offering some predictability but at a higher cost.
Income Opportunities
Real Broker excels in income opportunities by offering a revenue share program, which allows agents to earn passive income by recruiting new agents. This revenue share, along with Real Broker’s retirement income path and willable income options, makes it a great option for agents focused on long-term financial security.
Douglas Elliman does not offer additional income streams such as revenue sharing, retirement income, or willable income. Agents at Douglas Elliman rely solely on commission income, limiting their ability to build wealth beyond sales.
Training and Support
Real Broker provides robust training with 30+ live training sessions per week and 24/7 agent support, giving agents access to resources whenever they need them. This is an excellent option for agents who want continuous development and immediate support.
Douglas Ellimanโs training varies by office, meaning agents may experience inconsistencies in the quality of training offered. The brokerage does not provide 24/7 agent support, which could be a drawback for agents who need assistance outside of traditional working hours.
Technology and Resources
Real Broker offers modern, cloud-based technology tools designed to streamline the agentโs work, including CRM systems and marketing platforms. These tools provide flexibility and efficiency, helping agents manage their business from anywhere.
Douglas Elliman, while offering good branding and marketing resources for agents focused on high-end properties, may not offer the same level of tech-driven tools as Real Broker. The technology at Douglas Elliman is geared more toward luxury real estate marketing rather than the cloud-based efficiency provided by Real Broker.
Agent Satisfaction
Real Broker has a Glassdoor rating of 4.5 stars from 109 reviews, with agents praising the transparent fee structure and additional income opportunities. The support system and modern technology are also highly rated by agents.
Douglas Elliman holds a 3.9-star rating from 638 reviews. While the brokerage is recognized for its luxury market focus and brand reputation, agents often raise concerns about the lower commission splits and high fees.
Final Thoughts on Real vs Douglas Elliman
Real Broker offers more agent-friendly commission splits, lower fees, and significant income opportunities through its revenue share model, retirement path, and willable income options. Agents looking for a modern, flexible brokerage with long-term financial potential will find Real Broker a better fit.
Douglas Elliman is ideal for agents targeting the luxury market, but the higher fees, lower commission splits, and absence of additional income streams may limit its appeal for those looking to maximize their earnings.
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