Key Points:
- Anonymous agent reviews > brand hypeย โ Skip the PR spin; Glassdoor/Reddit tell the real story.
- High fees & splits bleed profitsย โ Compass, Corcoran, and Sothebyโs charge luxury prices for basic support.
- Leads? Youโre on your ownย โ Most brokerages (RE/MAX, The Agency) offer tools, not clients.
- Training โ consistentย โ Keller Williams excels; others leave you Googling “how to real estate.”
- “Luxury” = steep costsย โ Prestige (Sothebyโs, Douglas Elliman) hides fees, competition, and outdated tech.
- Work-life balance is a mythย โ Redfinโs salary = burnout; Compass demands hustle 24/7.
- Top pick: eXp Realtyย โ 4.5 stars, 92% agent approval, low fees, virtual tools, revenue share.
- Skip the grind: Smart Agent Allianceย โ Pre-built lead gen, mentorship, marketing systems.
You know how Amazon lets you filter out the junk with reviews from real people? Yeah, weโre doing thatโexcept this time, itโs not for air fryers or phone chargers. Itโs for top real estate companies.
Weโve pulled together legit real estate brokerage reviews from agents whoโve actually worked at these firms. No marketing spin. No recruiter scripts. Just real talk from the insideโlike having a brutally honest friend at every brokerage whoโs more into truth bombs than team meetings.
Whether youโre hunting for the best real estate brokerage for new agents, curious about what is the most successful real estate company, or just trying to avoid signing on with the next Blockbuster-in-a-suit, this list has you covered. We did the research so you donโt have to. Hereโs your handy dandy index:
Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Brokerage: Itโs Not Just About the Splits
Picking a brokerage isnโt about who has the flashiest promo video. Itโs about finding a company that wonโt leave you broke, burned out, or buried under empty promises.

Sure, youโll compare commission splits, fees, and how the tech stacks up. Something you can easily do with our brokerage comparison tool. But donโt stop there. The real differentiators? Things like stock incentives, lead systems, mentorship, training that doesnโt suck, and whether someone actually answers when you need support. Spoiler alert: not all of the top real estate brokerage companies deliver on those.
Want to know what questions to ask before making a move? Check out our blog, Top 17 Brokerage Interview Questions to Ask Before Choosing.
Ranking Criteria: Real Talk from Agents Who Donโt Sugarcoat
Letโs be honestโevery brokerage has a glossy pitch deck. Thatโs why we went straight to the agents whoโve actually worked there and donโt have a script to follow.
We pulled anonymous agent reviews from Glassdoor and Reddit, where people tell it like it is. These platforms offer a look behind the curtainโno filters, no fear of getting cut from the company holiday party.
We used Glassdoorโs official rating system to rank the firms, so weโre not just winging it here. Whether youโre comparing the top 10 brokerage firms or checking out the eXp Realty reviews for new agents, this is the context youโve been missing.
Now letโs talk about the prosโฆ briefly. โGreat flexibility,โ โcool tech,โ โsupportive cultureโโyeah, those show up everywhere. What matters more? The cons. The deal-breakers. The things people donโt say out loud during onboarding.

Because when it comes to real estate agent reviews, the one-star bombs often tell you way more than five-star fluff ever could. And if you’re sizing up the top real estate brokerages in the US, you need to know what could go wrong before you sign anything. While reviews reach into the past, know that brokerage profitability matters too because that is likely to define your future. So donโt miss our blog all about what are the top real estate companies by profitability.
Insider Feedback on 12 Top Brokerages: From Worst to First
Time to separate the hype from the helpful. We’re ranking 12 major real estate brokerage companies based on what actually mattersโreal estate brokerage reviews from agents whoโve worked there lived it, and left anonymous feedback without sugarcoating a thing.
These are unfiltered real estate agent reviews, covering the real pros, the ugly cons, and whether theyโd actually recommend their brokerage to a friend. If two companies tied in rating, we broke the tie based on that โwould-you-recommendโ factor.
Trying to figure out which of the top real estate brokers in the USA are legit and which are just running on reputation? Youโre about to find out.
Compass โ Fancy Tech & Friendly Vibes

Compass pulls a 3.7 rating from over 2,000 real estate brokerage reviews, with 60% of agents saying theyโd recommend it and 67% approving of the CEO. Solid, but not groundbreaking. Thatโs a dead-last agent ranking!
Agents consistently praise the tech, culture, and brand recognitionโespecially in luxury markets. The tools are sleek, the vibe is collaborative, and the Compass name does some heavy lifting with clients. Leadership and support also get a thumbs up, and agents like the freedom to manage their own schedules (although that exists at pretty much every brokerage).
But before you get too cozy, hereโs the part that doesnโt show up on Glassdoor: Compass is the least profitable brokerage among all publicly traded firms. Yepโagain, dead last. We break down the earnings disaster in our blog on brokerage profitability, but spoiler: even the branding canโt cover that kind of red ink.
The Compass Cons: When the Aesthetic Doesnโt Pay the Bills
Now for the part that really matters: the stuff agents complain about when no one from management is listening. Compass may get points for polish, but the real estate agent reviews make it clearโthere are cracks behind the clean branding.
Hereโs whatโs consistently rubbing agents the wrong way:
- High Fees and Rough Commission Splits
- Compass isnโt cheap to hang your license. Agents frequently mention hefty monthly fees, confusing commission structures, and extra per-transaction costs that add up fastโespecially for those not consistently closing deals. One agent put it bluntly: โLow split, then another 3% per deal? Thatโs annoying.โ
- No Leads, No Problem? Actuallyโฆ Itโs a Problem.
- The brokerage may provide sleek tools, but the leads? Not so much. Reviews repeatedly call out the complete lack of company-generated business. Several agents said flat-out: โThey donโt provide leads.โ
- High Pressure, Low Warm Fuzzies
- Many reviews describe Compass as competitive and cutthroatโfine if you thrive on 24/7 hustle, less ideal if you were hoping for work-life balance. One agent described it as, โJust like every other brokerage that swears theyโre the best.โ
- Team or Bust
- Compass leans heavily on a team-based structure, which can leave solo agents feeling lost in the shuffle. Multiple reviews say that without a team, itโs hard to gain tractionโand support from management feels nonexistent unless you’re already producing.
- Corporate Vibes, Minus the Warmth
- Despite the โcoolโ aesthetic, several agents described the office culture as cold and corporate. Thereโs a sense that higher-ups stay distant and agents can easily feel like just another headcount. One review summed it up: โBig company, low commissionโget lost in the crowd.โ
So while Compass earns its spot among the top real estate brokerage companies by name recognition and flash, the agent reviews suggest a different story: great surface-level shine, but some serious internal growing pains. If youโre not already a top producer with a team, the costs might just outweigh the perks.
Redfin โ Structure, Salary, and a Side of Burnout

Redfin earns a 3.6 rating with 65% of agents recommending it to a friend and 79% approving of the CEO.
Redfinโs model is different from most of the top real estate brokerage companies. Itโs not your typical 1099 commission-only gig. Agents often receive a base salary, benefits, and enjoy a collaborative team culture, making it feel more like a W-2 job with corporate perks. Agents who like structure and teamwork tend to feel at home at Redfin. Reviews frequently highlight a collaborative culture, supportive coworkers, and management that doesnโt ghost you when things get tough. The ability to work from home, enjoy a flexible(ish) schedule, and earn a base salary with benefits gives it a corporate vibeโbut in a way that some agents actually appreciate. And while the tech can be a lot, agents do give Redfin props for keeping things organized and efficientโat least when itโs working.
It sounds like a dream setupโuntil you scroll past the star ratings and into the actual complaints.
The Redfin Cons: Salary Stability Comes at a Cost
If Redfin feels more like a corporate job, thatโs becauseโฆ it kind of is. And the real estate agent reviews make it clear that stability often comes with strings.
- Commission Caps & Pay Frustration
- Many agents say the income potential just doesnโt cut it. While the base salary is nice for consistency, the commission structure is limited, and some agents feel theyโre leaving money on the table compared to more traditional brokerages.
- Weekend Burnout Is Real
- Agents love the โflexibilityโโuntil they realize it includes working most weekends and juggling a non-stop client load. Reviews call out a lack of real work-life balance due to the heavy volume and rigid expectations.
- Clogged Career Paths
- Looking to move up? Not so fast. Many agents feel like they hit a ceiling quickly, with few opportunities to advance or grow inside the company.
- Too Many Clients, Too Little Time
- That structured lead system? It can flood agents with more customers than they can handle, leading to burnout and customer service fatigue. As one review put it: โGreat place to start, exhausting to maintain.โ
- Technology Overwhelm
- Yes, Redfin has techโbut some agents say it’s overkill. The systems are clunky, CRMs could be better, and the constant updates can be more frustrating than helpful.
So if youโre someone who likes structure, salary, and teamwork, Redfin could feel like the best real estate brokerage for your needs. But if you’re after uncapped income, flexible growth, and control over your schedule, you may want to read between the linesโbecause these real estate reviews show that consistency comes at a cost.
Douglas Elliman โ Prestige, Perks, and a Few Cracks in the Foundation

Douglas Elliman pulls a 3.8 with 67% of agents saying theyโd recommend it to a friend, and a solid 88% CEO approval rating.
Agents rave about the brand prestige, strong training and support, and an office culture that leans collaborative. The companyโs long-standing presence in luxury markets brings a level of clout that newer brokerages canโt fake. Add in a flexible schedule, a stash of resources, and seasoned leadership (depending on the office), and Douglas Elliman has its perksโespecially if youโre newer and want exposure in high-end real estate.
The Douglas Elliman Cons: Fancy Brand, Familiar Problems
As far as top real estate brokerage companies go, Douglas Elliman gets respectโbut not without its share of classic big-brokerage baggage.
- Commission-Only Pay (and Itโs Not Cheap to Stay)
- Like many traditional brokerages, Elliman is 100% commission-basedโso you eat what you kill. Agents also say the splits and monthly fees are steep, making it tough to get ahead unless youโre already producing at a high level. โThereโs a price to pay for the resources,โ one review noted.
- Competitive & Hierarchical Vibes
- Some offices feel like a team, others feel like high schoolโcomplete with cliques and top-producer favoritism. Itโs a sink-or-swim environment where newer agents can easily feel sidelined.
- Support Isnโt Always Consistent
- Support varies widely by office and manager. While some managers are all-in, others are checked outโand if you donโt speak up or push for help, you may be left to figure it all out on your own.
- Outdated Tech and Clunky Tools
- Despite the brokerageโs luxury positioning, the technology doesnโt always match. Several agents called it outdated or non-intuitive, with too many disconnected systems and not enough streamlining.
- Communication Gaps from the Top Down
- While some managers are praised, others leave agents feeling ignored. Reviews mention inconsistent support, unclear expectations, and office politics that get in the way of productivity.
Bottom line? Douglas Elliman may be one of the top real estate brokers in the USA, but agents want the backend to match the brand. If youโre an experienced agent with a strong book of business and a taste for prestige, it could be a solid fit. But if youโre looking for hand-holding or innovation, donโt let the name fool youโitโs not always as polished behind the scenes.
The Agency โ Luxury Cool, But Bring Your Own Leads (and Maybe a Therapist)

The Agency scores a strong 4.0 and the agent sentiment is sort of glowingโ71% would recommend it to a friend, and 82% approve of the CEO.
The vibe here is sleek and supportive. Agents call out the collegial environment, solid CRM tools, marketing support, and a culture that feels more “work fam” than “corporate cult.” You get freedom and flexibility to build your business how you wantโand if youโre already good at sales, this place can make you look (and feel) like a rockstar.
The Agency Cons: Great Vibe, but Youโd Better Be Scrappy
Even with the fancy logo and good vibes, The Agency isnโt immune to the same issues that show up in real estate agent reviews across the board.
- High Stress and Cutthroat Competition
- Several reviews paint the job as a 24/7 hustle, with one calling it โvery stressfulโโnot because of clients, but because of the pressure to constantly perform in a saturated market.
- Management Drama and Favoritism
- Not every manager is a team player. Some agents complain about poor communication, rude leadership, and even shady lead distribution, which feels more like Hunger Games than high-end real estate.
- Quality Leads? Not Really a Thing Here
- Multiple reviews say leads are sparseโand when they do come, theyโre low-budget rentals or dead-end deals. Agents feel like theyโre stuck sourcing their own business, which kind of defeats the purpose of having “support.”
- Turnover and Team Instability
- Behind the polished brand, thereโs high turnover, inconsistent systems, and what sounds like some internal shakeups. Great culture only goes so far if you’re constantly rebuilding teams or training new managers.
So, is The Agency one of the best real estate brokerages for high-performing agents who want a luxury brand behind them? Possiblyโif youโre self-motivated, already have a pipeline, and donโt mind dodging the occasional internal chaos. But if youโre looking for hand-delivered leads and a team thatโs got your back 24/7โฆ the reviews say you might be chasing a dream, not a done deal.
Century 21 โ Family Vibes, Franchise Fees, and a Familiar Story

Century 21 pulls in a solid 4.1 rating with 74% of agents saying theyโd recommend it to a friend and a whopping 89% CEO approval rating.
New agents especially shout out the training, support, and family-style culture. The vibe? Welcoming. The systems? Robust. The brand recognition? Still strong in a lot of markets. If youโre looking for a brokerage that feels like a good first step into real estateโwith some hand-holding and a flexible scheduleโCentury 21 delivers a solid starting point.
The Century 21 Cons: Big Name, Big Splits, and Some Outdated Baggage
Century 21 might bring the warm fuzzies, but it also brings the usual old-school brokerage problems. And the real estate agent reviews donโt hold back.
- High Fees and Splits
- Agents say the commission splits are steep, especially early onโand some question why theyโre still paying franchise fees like itโs 2004. One agent even called it โexpensive, but worth itโโwhich doesnโt exactly scream scalable.
- Tech Thatโs Trying Its Best
- The tools and backend systems are there, but agents say they feel clunky or outdated. Too many logins, slow support, and not enough tech-savviness compared to more modern brokerages.
- Leads? Youโre on Your Own.
- Unless youโre on a team or in a high-volume office, donโt expect leads to rain from the sky. Several agents noted the lack of company-generated businessโand a need for more long-term support in building client pipelines.
- Work-Life Balance? Depends on Your Definition
- Real estate is demanding, sureโbut agents here say the workload and weekend grind can make balance feel impossible. If you want your nights and weekends off, you might want to rethink.
So is Century 21 good for you? It depends. If you want structure, mentorship, and a company that still values relationship-building over buzzwords, it might be a good launchpad. But if youโre looking for modern tools, better splits, and lead generation support – legacy doesnโt always mean leverage.
Coldwell Banker โ Big Brand, Big Toolsโฆ Bring Your Own Patience

Coldwell Banker scores a shiny 4.1 stars with 78% saying theyโd recommend it to a friend and 86% giving the CEO a thumbs-up. Itโs also been listed as a Best Place to Work in both 2022 and 2023โso, hey, theyโve got trophies to back it up.
What do agents actually like? Training gets an A+, especially if youโre new and need someone to tell you what a CRM even is. The company also dishes out solid brand recognition, tons of marketing tools, and a flexible schedule that lets you decide when to hustle (or hide). The culture is consistently called out as supportive and collaborative, with enough experienced agents around to make it feel like youโre not totally winging it.
The earning potential is there tooโassuming you’re ready to work your tail off. Itโs one of the top real estate brokerage companies for those who want big-league branding and have the drive to match.
Coldwell Banker Cons: Fees, Leads, and the โFigure-It-Outโ Method
Hereโs where Coldwell Banker gets dinged:
- Fees That Feel a Bit… Much
- Agents repeatedly mention high desk fees and commission splits that donโt always feel justifiedโespecially for new agents still figuring out how to unlock the office printer.
- New Agents? Good Luck Out There.
- Unless youโve got a mentor lined up or a lead-generating sidekick, support for new agents is hit-or-miss, and leads arenโt exactly being handed out like open house flyers.
- Real Estate = Real Burnout
- While flexibility is praised, the reality is many agents feel overworked and on call 24/7, with weekends and evenings regularly sacrificed on the altar of client convenience.
- Self-Starter Required
- Youโll hear it in nearly every real estate brokerage review: success here means being relentlessly self-motivated. If youโre waiting for a manager to swoop in and save youโyouโll be waiting a while.
So if youโre looking for prestige, training, and access to a mega-brand nameโcheck. But if you’re hoping for generous support, a flood of leads, and low startup costsโฆ you might want to read a few more real estate brokerage reviews before you jump in.
RE/MAX โ Big Brand, Big Splits, Big Expectations

RE/MAX pulls in a solid 4.2 rating with 79% of agents saying theyโd recommend it to a friend and 88% approving of the CEO.
Agents love the freedom to build their own schedule, the strong training, and the big-brand street cred. If youโre self-driven and love the idea of high commission potential (95/5 splits, anyone?), RE/MAX gives you the sandbox to build your empire. Just donโt expect anyone to bring the shovelsโor the leads.
RE/MAX Cons: Youโre the Bossโฆ and the Entire Payroll Department
For all the love in the real estate agent reviews, thereโs a healthy dose of โyouโre on your ownโ energy too.
- High Fees, Big Bills
- Agents say the desk fees can be brutal, especially if you’re not on a top-tier plan. Between that and the splits, itโs not exactly a budget-friendly option for new agents finding their footing.
- Success Depends on Youโand the Zip Code
- How well you do depends on your hustle and your geography. Agents in hot markets thrive. Others? Not so much. And since itโs all about franchises, experiences vary wildly from office to office.
- New Agents, Youโre on Thin Ice
- Reviews repeatedly mention that new agents donโt get much supportโno leads, no real onboarding, no hand-holding. Youโll need grit and Google just to survive the first six months.
- Tech Growing Pains
- Booj was apparently a nightmare (their word, not mine), and while theyโve switched to kvCORE, reviews still want better CRMs and more tech-savvy support.
So, is RE/MAX one of the best real estate brokerages for experienced agents who know how to generate their own business and want name recognition? Absolutely. But if you’re brand new and hoping someone will show you where the coffee is… well, good luck finding the break room.
Corcoran โ Polished, Prestigious, and Priced Like It

Clocking in at a shiny 4.3 stars, Corcoran is one of the top-rated real estate brokerages in the USโat least according to its own agents. With 69% saying theyโd recommend it to a friend, and a CEO approval rating at 89%.
Agents rave about Corcoranโs top-tier training, its prestigious brand reputation, and collaborative work culture. If youโre looking for the best real estate brokerage for new agents in the high-end market, Corcoran might just feel like a five-star hotel with a desk fee. Thereโs lots of flexibility, room for growth, and that โIโve made itโ feeling when you walk into one of their offices.
But All That Prestige Comes at a Price
Luxury has its downsidesโand agents are quick to spill in the real estate brokerage reviews:
- Splits That Make Your Calculator Cry
- Agents regularly call out the high commission splits and fees, which are steep enough to make you wonder if the brand name is printed in gold leaf.
- Support Drops Off After the Honeymoon Phase
- The first few months are filled with champagne and check-insโฆ then itโs โgood luck out thereโ unless youโre already killing it.
- Tech Thatโs Still Catching Up to 2020
- While the brand screams luxury, the technology screams โweโll get there eventuallyโ. Several reviews mention outdated platforms and a slow shift toward digital tools.
- Youโre on Your Own in a Competitive Arena
- Corcoranโs vibe is definitely โswim with the sharks.โ If you’re new or introverted, brace yourselfโthis is not a brokerage where hand-holding is part of the onboarding process.
If youโre a self-starter with a client list and a thing for luxury branding, Corcoran can offer you a strong platform and respected name. But if youโre looking for hand-holding, low fees, or built-in lead generation, these real estate brokerage reviews suggest you might want to swipe left and keep looking.
Berkshire Hathaway โ Big Name, Bigger Expectations

With a strong 4.3 rating and 78% of agents say theyโd recommend Berkshire Hathaway to a friend, and 98% approve of the CEO.
Agents love the strong training, recognizable brand, and resources galoreโespecially for newbies who want structure, and seasoned agents who want to sharpen their edge. It’s also one of the few top real estate brokerages in the US where you can feel like a pro from day oneโฆ assuming you can figure out where all the tools are hiding.
Berkshire Hathaway Cons: Big Brand, Big Fees, Bring Your Own Leads
As polished as the BHHS brand is, the real estate brokerage reviews pull back the curtainโand it’s not all gold-plated signs and Warren Buffett quotes.
- Fees That Keep on Giving (to the Franchise)
- Agents call out high commission splits and extra fees that eat into profits. The franchise love doesnโt come cheap, and itโs easy to feel like youโre splitting your check five ways before you even cash it.
- Support? Only if Youโre Already Crushing It
- The support starts off strong, but many agents report it fades fast. Once your onboarding hugs are over, you may be left searching for leads (or answers) on your own.
- Too Many Tools, Not Enough Streamlining
- BHHS gets an A+ for having everything. But itโs also a bit of a scavenger hunt. Tools, resources, websites, platformsโtheyโre scattered like a deck of cards at a toddlerโs tea party.
- A Little Too Competitive (and Clicky)
- Itโs a competitive environment, and a few reviews hint at old-school hierarchies and the dreaded โgood olโ boys clubโ vibes. The vibe isnโt always inclusive, and agents feel it.
So, is Berkshire Hathaway one of the top 10 brokerage firms worth joining? If youโre organized, tech-savvy, and ready to make your own leads work harder than your commission splitโyes. But if youโre expecting endless hand-holding and free leads, it may feel less like a financial powerhouse and more like a luxury label with an expensive price tag.
Sothebyโs โ Luxury Brand, High Standards, and Youโd Better Show Up Ready

Sothebyโs clocks in at a strong 4.3 rating where 74% would recommend it, and 89% give the CEO the thumbs up.
Agents love the global brand recognition, which comes with serious clout for landing luxury clients. Add in a collaborative culture, solid support, flexible scheduling, and plenty of training and growth opportunities, and itโs easy to see why agents speak highly of the experienceโespecially those already operating in affluent circles.
The Sothebyโs Cons: Beautiful Branding Doesnโt Pay the Bills
Sothebyโs may be one of the top real estate companies by reputation, but the real estate agent reviews remind us that luxury comes at a costโand not just for the buyers.
- High Fees and Royalty Cuts
- Hereโs the catch: that global brand? Itโs not free. Agents mention steep commission splits and royalty fees, with one calling out the 6% branding tax as a bitter pill to swallow. Oh, and tack on hefty E&O fees while youโre at it.
- Saturated Markets = Fierce Competition
- Want to break into luxury? So does everyone else. Agents report a crowded, competitive field, making it tough for newbies to get tractionโespecially without robust lead support.
- Itโs All You, Baby
- The reviews are clear: if youโre not self-motivated, youโll drown. Thereโs minimal hand-holding, and agents say youโre expected to arrive with your own business, or build it fast with little help.
- Admin and Tech Headaches
- For a brand known for elegance, the backend systems can feel clunky and chaotic. Multiple reviews point to too many internal platforms and international coordination gaps that slow things down.
So is Sothebyโs the best real estate brokerage for agents eyeing the luxury lane? If youโve already got the network, the polish, and the drive, the brand can absolutely elevate your business. But if youโre still figuring it out? Read the real estate brokerage reviews carefullyโbecause while the logoโs fancy, the hustle is still very, very real.
Keller Williams โ The Training Champ (With a Side of DIY Business Building)

Keller Williams pulls in a rock-solid 4.3 stars with 86% recommending it and 94% supporting the CEO.ย KW also racks up workplace awardsโearning a spot on the Best Places to Work list for eight years running. The brand clearly knows how to make agents feel supported, at least on paper.
So whatโs the real scoop? Agents consistently rave about the top-tier training programs, supportive leadership, and flexible schedule. Itโs especially popular among newbies looking for a real estate brokerage that actually teaches you something before throwing you to the wolves. Pair that with a strong mentorship culture and skyโs-the-limit earning potential, and youโve got one of the top real estate brokerages in the US for getting started.
Where the KW Kool-Aid Runs a Bit Thin
Even with that glowing reputation, Keller Williams isnโt immune to the usual brokerage gripes. Hereโs what the real estate brokerage reviews are throwing shade at:
- Steep Fees and Splits
- Agents say the caps and monthly fees can feel like death by a thousand deductionsโespecially painful if you’re not closing deals consistently.
- No Lead Fairy
- Thereโs no magical lead fountain here. New agents especially note that youโre mostly left to figure out where business comes fromโฆ and fast.
- Office Politics and Culture Drift
- While many offices feel like a family, others seem more like a high school lunchroomโcliques, cold vibes, and a whole lot of agents crammed into the same boat.
If you’re a self-starter who thrives with great training and is ready to hustle for your own leads, Keller Williams might be one of the best real estate brokerage companies to launch your career. The real estate agent reviews are clearโKWโs got the bonesโฆ but whether you build a mansion or a money pit is still up to you.
eXp Realty โ The Cloud-Based Powerhouse Agents Actually Recommend

With a whopping 4.5-star rating, 92% of agents recommend it, and 96% approve of the CEO.ย Plus eXp lands in the Best Places to Work streak that could make Google jealous, with eight straight years on the list and #7 for 2025. eXp Realty isnโt just one of the top real estate brokerage companiesโitโs the top-rated one by quite a gap according to the agents living it.
If youโve been sifting through real estate agent reviews looking for the best real estate brokerage for new agents, eXp Realty consistently lands near the top. Why? Because itโs got what a modern agent actually needs: flexibility, training, tech tools, community support, and that sweet, sweet revenue share.
Agents love the massive resource library, cutting-edge tech, and mentorship options. Add in total independence, a positive, collaborative vibe, and the chance to earn stock and passive income. Yeah, exp realty reviews arenโt just goodโtheyโre glowing.
But Even the Top Dog Has Its Gaps
No brokerage is perfect, and exp reviews still serve up some constructive truth bombs:
- No Brick-and-Mortar? No Buffer
- Agents who crave a desk and water cooler chat might feel a bit untethered. The lack of a physical office takes some adjustmentโthough there are free office options if you miss humans.
- Self-Starter or Self-Sabotager
- eXp Realty is not here to babysit. If you need constant hand-holding and someone checking your homework, this probably isnโt your scene. Itโs a freedom-first modelโwith more training than youโll know what to do withโbut itโs on you to show up and use it.
- Mentorship Roulette
- While many mentors are fantastic, the quality has been inconsistent in the past. The good news? The mentorship program is improving and you can change mentors if need be.
- Tech Can Get Noisy
- Yes, thereโs tons of tech. No, not all of it is perfect. KVCore gets the most heat, with some agents wishing for an upgrade or more intuitive tools.
eXp Realty isnโt just the top real estate brokerage in the world according to many agentsโitโs one of the few that actually acts like it. For the driven, tech-friendly, and independent agent who wants scalability, collaboration, and a legit path to passive income, eXp checks nearly every box. Just make sure youโre ready to run your business like a businessโbecause while eXp offers tons of training, nobodyโs strapping on your helmet and pushing the bike. Youโve got to pedal.
Why Smart Agent Alliance Is the Shortcut to the Brokerage Support You Actually Want
After reading real estate brokerage reviews from agents whoโve lived through the chaos, one thing becomes crystal clear: most brokerages overpromise and underdeliver. The exception? Smart Agent Alliance. Weโre not just another sponsor team under eXp Realtyโweโre a global real estate group made up of top producers, sharp marketers, and collaboration junkies who actually want to help each other win.

Hereโs what you get when you join Smart Agent Alliance:
- An Agent Attraction Website & Hands-On Support to Gain Your Own Passive Income while we do the heavy lifting.
- Social Agent Academy Pro โ A $10,500 plug-and-play social media marketing system to generate leads while you sleep (or pretend to time-block).
- Live Weekly Masterminds โ Coaching and strategy sessions with producers who are still in the trenches, not retired in Cabo.
- Pre-Built Funnels & Automated Campaigns โ Lead gen systems you can use on day one.
- A Library of Customizable Marketing Templates โ Stop wasting hours designing. Start posting, mailing, and converting.
To learn more about eXp Realty and Smart Agent Alliance, visit SmartAgentAlliance.com, explore our free tools, or book a meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best real estate brokerage for new agents?
The best real estate brokerage for new agents is one that offers strong training, mentorship, and affordable fees. eXp Realty often ranks highest due to its support systems, low overhead, and revenue share model that helps new agents grow faster.
Are real estate brokerage reviews reliable?
Real estate brokerage reviews are most reliable when they come from anonymous agents on platforms like Glassdoor and Reddit. These reviews give unfiltered insight into company culture, support, fees, and overall satisfactionโwithout marketing fluff.
What should I look for in a real estate brokerage?
When choosing a brokerage, look beyond commission splits and focus on:
- Training and mentorship
- Technology tools
- Culture and collaboration
- Hidden fees and caps
- Lead generation support
Why do agents leave big-name real estate brokerages?
Agents often leave big-name brokerages due to high fees, poor support, lack of leads, or outdated systems. Many report that brand prestige doesnโt always translate to agent success or satisfaction.
What makes eXp Realty different from traditional brokerages?
eXp Realty is a cloud-based brokerage that eliminates brick-and-mortar offices to reduce overhead. It offers:
- 80/20 split with a $16,000 cap
- Revenue share and stock incentives
- Virtual training and support
- National and international collaboration
Is eXp Realty good for new agents?
Yes, eXp Realty is often ranked among the best brokerages for new agents. It provides:
- Tons of training and recorded classes
- Mentorship program for new licensees
- Low startup costs
- Collaborative agent community
What is Smart Agent Alliance?
Smart Agent Alliance is a top-performing team within eXp Realty offering free tools, training, and marketing systems to agents who partner with them. It’s designed to help agents grow faster without extra fees or pressure.
Do all real estate brokerages provide leads?
No, most brokerages do not provide leads beyond the occasional phone call to the brokerages. Some brokerages offer tools to help you generate your own leads, while others expect you to bring your own business or join a team. Only one brokerage, eXp Realty, has a full-time staff dedicated to providing eXp agents quality leads.