eXp Realty vs Century 21: Structural Comparison

Key Takeaway: eXp Realty vs Century 21 compares two national brokerages operating under different business models. eXp operates a cloud-based platform with a $16,000 flat cap, no royalty fee, a seven-tier revenue share program, and publicly traded equity pathways. Century 21 operates a franchise model with variable caps and a 6% to 8% royalty fee that continues after an agent reaches the cap.

TL;DR About eXp vs Century 21

• eXp caps annual brokerage fees at $16,000
• Century 21 caps vary by office
• eXp charges no franchise or royalty fee
• Century 21 charges 6% to 8% royalty, ongoing
• eXp runs a seven-tier revenue share program
• Century 21 offers no passive income program
• Century 21 joined Compass International Holdings

eXp Realty and Century 21 are two national real estate brokerages operating under different business models. eXp runs a cloud-based platform with standardized fees. Century 21 operates a franchise model with independently owned offices, variable caps, and a royalty fee that continues after an agent reaches the cap.

A common assumption is that the brokerage decision comes down to commission split. Split is one factor among several, including cap structure, royalty fees, technology, passive income model, and ownership structure.

This article explains how the eXp Realty vs Century 21 comparison fits into the broader Smart Agent Alliance brokerage comparisons ecosystem available to all agents.

The sections below compare company structure, commission and fees, production-level costs, revenue and equity programs, training, technology, divisions, and public company status:

Company Structure

eXp Realty

eXp Realty is a cloud-based brokerage founded in 2009 by Glenn Sanford, headquartered in Bellingham, Washington. The brokerage operates with no physical offices at the brokerage level. eXp Realty is a subsidiary of eXp World Holdings, which trades on NASDAQ as EXPI. The brokerage operates across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Puerto Rico, Mexico, South Africa, India, and additional international markets.

Century 21

Century 21 is a franchise brokerage founded in 1971 by Art Bartlett and Marsh Fisher, headquartered in Madison, New Jersey. The brokerage operates through a network of independently owned and operated franchise offices across the United States and international markets. On January 9, 2026, Century 21 became part of Compass International Holdings following the Compass-Anywhere merger. Day-to-day agent terms, commissions, and independent contractor agreements are unchanged as of publication. Most Century 21 offices are franchise-owned and operate under separate franchise agreements that do not automatically change with a parent company acquisition; franchise broker migration to the Compass technology platform is planned for January 2027.

Commission and Fee Structure

eXp Realty

• 80/20 split until the annual cap is reached
• $16,000 cap — once an agent has paid $16K to the brokerage, they earn 100% commission for the rest of their anniversary year
• No franchise or royalty fees — the 80/20 split is the only commission-based cost
• ICON Agent Program — agents who cap and meet production and cultural benchmarks can earn their full $16K cap back in eXp stock

Century 21

Century 21 operates under a franchise model, so agent compensation varies by office. Some Century 21 franchises use plan structures such as Kickstart and Relentless. For example, one Century 21 office advertises a Kickstart plan at 70% split and a Relentless plan at 90% split until $200,000 GCI, then 100%, with a 6% franchise fee on each transaction under both plans.

Other Century 21 offices use different splits, caps, monthly fees, and transaction fees. Reported royalty or franchise-fee structures can differ by office, so agents should confirm the exact terms with the specific Century 21 franchise they are evaluating. Any calculations in this article are examples only, based on reported office-level structures, and should not be read as a universal Century 21 compensation model. Agents should confirm the exact terms directly with the specific Century 21 office they are considering.

Cost at Common Production Levels

Total annual cost depends on cap structure, monthly fees, transaction fees, E&O insurance, and (for Century 21) the 6% to 8% royalty fee that continues after capping.

eXp Realty Fee Schedule

Century 21 Fee Schedule (Ranges by Office)

Annual Cost at $250,000 GCI

Total annual cost at $250,000 GCI across approximately 25 transactions is shown below. Century 21 figures use mid-range Kickstart plan estimates because costs vary by office.

eXp Realty:

• Commission to brokerage (20% until $16K cap): $16,000
• Monthly fees ($85 x 12): $1,020
• Transaction fees ($25 x 25): $625
• E&O ($60 x 12.5 transactions, capped at $750): $750
• Total cost: $18,395
• Net to agent: $231,605 (92.6%)

Century 21 (Kickstart plan, mid-range estimates):

• Commission to brokerage (30% until $22.5K cap): $22,500
• Royalty fee (7% on all $250K GCI — continues after cap): $17,500
• Monthly fees (~$175 x 12): $2,100
• Transaction fees (~$195 x 25): $4,875
• E&O (estimated ~$600/year): $600
• Total cost: $47,575
• Net to agent: $202,425 (81.0%)

At $250,000 GCI, total annual cost is $18,395 at eXp Realty and $47,575 at Century 21 under these mid-range estimates.

At $500,000 GCI, total annual cost at Century 21 at a 7% royalty includes $35,000 in royalty fees alone, plus capped commission, monthly fees, and transaction fees. At eXp Realty, total cost at $500,000 GCI is approximately $19,020 (comprising the $16,000 cap, $1,020 in monthly fees, $625 in transaction fees on 25 deals, $750 E&O, plus $25 per transaction on deals beyond 25).

Century 21 costs vary by office. Monthly fees, transaction fees, and the royalty percentage (between 6% and 8%) differ across franchises. eXp Realty fees are standardized across all locations.

Revenue and Equity Programs

eXp Realty operates a sponsor-based revenue share program and equity award programs. Century 21 does not offer a revenue share, profit share, or equity program.

How eXp Revenue Share Works

When an eXp agent closes a deal before capping, eXp retains 20% of the commission. This is called the company dollar. Half of that company dollar — 50% — flows into the revenue share pool. The other 50% goes to the company.

For every agent in a sponsorship network who caps at $16,000, up to $8,000 per year enters the revenue share pool distributed across the tier structure.

Revenue share is structured across seven tiers. The first three are auto-unlocked for every agent. Tiers 4 through 7 require either personal production (capping or ICON status) or sponsoring a certain number of First Level Qualifying Agents (FLQAs).

Maximum theoretical distribution per capping agent across all seven tiers: $8,000 per year, representing the ceiling when the full sponsorship tree is populated at all tier maximums.

Historically, actual payouts on Tiers 1 through 3 run 20 to 25% higher than the minimums listed above due to a bonus pool that distributes additional funds when company performance allows it.

In 2024 alone, eXp distributed more than $170 million in revenue share payments to agents. Since the program launched in 2015, total payouts have exceeded $889 million.

Revenue share is a participation-based program; actual amounts depend on sponsorship activity and capping rates within an agent’s network.

Century 21

Century 21 does not offer a revenue share, profit share, or any form of passive income program tied to agent recruitment or network building.

Training and Support Model

eXp Realty

eXp Realty training is delivered through eXp University:

• 50+ live training sessions per week covering new agent fundamentals through advanced marketing and investing
• Full on-demand course library accessible 24/7
• Mentor Program pairing new agents with experienced mentors for their first transactions; commission earnings are temporarily reduced during the mentorship period
• Additional programs including Fast Cap, a live six-week training program for new or experienced agents that includes free realtor.com leads for U.S. agents, and Zoocasa, which provides one-on-one live training and qualified lead flow
• All training is included at no additional cost
• 24/7 Expert Care is eXp’s branded agent support program; 2,000+ full-time staff dedicated to agent operations

Training is delivered virtually through eXp World and online platforms. Every agent has access to the same training regardless of location.

Agents may also receive additional coaching, training, and guidance from their individual sponsor organization, if available.

Century 21

Century 21 training is delivered through:

• C21 University — corporate online learning platform with courses on sales, marketing, and business development
• C21 Learning system — on-demand courses and training modules
• Some offices offer local mentorship programs and coaching, though this is not standardized

In-office training, mentorship, and hands-on coaching vary by franchise; C21 University provides the corporate baseline.

Century 21 does not operate a mandatory corporate mentor program for new agents. New-agent mentorship, when available, is structured at the franchise level.

Technology Ecosystem

eXp Realty

eXp operates as a cloud-based brokerage with a centralized technology platform that supports production, communication, lead generation, compliance, and agent workflow.

• My eXp app serves as the central access point for company tools, dashboards, resources, and production and revenue share tracking
• eXp World functions as the company’s virtual office, giving agents access to live support, brokers, training, collaboration, and individual virtual office space
• CRM choice includes three supported options: BoldTrail, Lofty, or Cloze; agents may also use other systems at their own cost
• IDX websites are available through BoldTrail or Lofty
• SkySlope handles transaction management and compliance through a centralized cloud-based system with broker routing and state-specific requirements
• Sisu supports team production tracking
• MIRA provides 24/7 AI agent support
• Canva Pro includes listing templates, branding tools, and social media assets
• AI-driven workflow automations help support agent processes, tied to capping status
• Referral tools support cross-state and international business
• My Link My Lead is eXp’s proprietary lead tool, allowing agents to create searches and keep any leads generated, whether they work them directly or refer them out
• eXp Hub supports internal communication

Century 21

Century 21’s corporate technology stack:

• MoxiWorks CRM — available at many C21 offices for lead management and client communication
• com agent profiles — consumer-facing website with agent listings and lead generation
• Listing management tools — varies by office
• Marketing materials and templates — available through the corporate platform
• Transaction management platforms vary by office

Technology tools, CRM access, and tech support vary by franchise. Franchise broker migration to the Compass technology platform is planned for January 2027.

Culture and Work Environment

eXp Realty

eXp agents work from anywhere. There are no physical offices to report to, though eXp provides free access to Regus business lounges worldwide for agents who want occasional professional workspace. Collaboration happens through eXp World, virtual meetups, and regional events.

Century 21

Agents work out of franchise offices. Century 21 underwent a brand refresh in 2018, updating its visual identity and positioning.

Century 21 has broad name recognition with consumers. The brand targets the mainstream residential segment rather than the luxury market.

Office environment, support, and culture vary by franchise location.

Divisions and Verticals

eXp Realty

eXp World Holdings operates multiple divisions available to eXp Realty agents. eXp Luxury serves the luxury residential segment with branded marketing and referral infrastructure. eXp Commercial covers commercial real estate transactions. Additional specialized divisions include Sports & Entertainment, Land & Ranch, and New Homes. eXp Referral Division supports agents operating in a referral-only capacity with reduced expenses. eXp Mortgage provides affiliated mortgage services. eXp Title handles title services. eXp Affiliates manages partner relationships and integration. SUCCESS Enterprises, including SUCCESS Magazine, SUCCESS Coaching, and SUCCESS+, operates under eXp World Holdings. The brokerage operates in multiple international markets, providing cross-border referral and transaction capability.

Century 21

Century 21 operates primarily in the mainstream residential segment. Within Compass International Holdings, Century 21 is one of several brands that include Compass, Coldwell Banker, Sotheby’s International Realty, Corcoran, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, and ERA Real Estate. Each brand continues to operate under its existing franchise or brokerage structure; agent terms at each brand remain as they were before the January 2026 acquisition. Century 21 agents access affiliated mortgage and title services through the parent organization.

Public Company Structure and Stock Pathways

eXp Realty

eXp World Holdings trades on NASDAQ as EXPI. Agent stock pathways:

• ICON Agent Program — agents who cap and meet production and cultural benchmarks can earn their full $16,000 cap back in eXp stock
• Agent Equity Program — agents can choose to receive a portion of their commission in stock at a discount
• Equity awards for meeting annual production benchmarks
• Equity award for the first closed transaction of sponsored agents

Stock ownership provides agents with equity participation in eXp World Holdings.

Century 21

Following the January 9, 2026 Compass-Anywhere merger, Century 21 operates as a subsidiary of Compass International Holdings, which trades on NYSE as COMP. Day-to-day agent terms are unchanged as of publication.

Century 21 agents operate as independent contractors under franchise agreements with their local franchise owner; the financial relationship is with the franchise, not with Compass International Holdings. There is no agent stock purchase program, no equity awards, and no pathway for Century 21 agents to earn company stock through production. Franchise broker migration to the Compass technology platform is planned for January 2027.

For context on the parent-company acquisition, see Compass-Anywhere Merger: What Agents Need to Know and What Happens to Agents When a Brokerage Is Acquired.

Anonymous Agent Reviews

Aggregated agent feedback from anonymous review platforms documents differing experiences at each brokerage. For the full cross-brokerage ranking, see Real Estate Brokerage Reviews: 12 Firms Ranked in 2026. eXp Realty holds a 4.4 Glassdoor rating with 87% of agents recommending the brokerage, 92% CEO approval, and 8 consecutive years on the Best Places to Work list. Century 21 holds approximately a 3.8 Glassdoor rating.

What Agents Also Ask

Is eXp Realty better than Century 21?

The answer depends on an agent’s priorities. Century 21 operates a franchise model with independently owned offices, a 6% to 8% royalty fee that continues after capping, and broad consumer name recognition. eXp operates a cloud-based model with a flat $16,000 cap, no royalty fee, a seven-tier revenue share program, and publicly traded equity pathways. The choice reflects operating preferences more than a universal ranking.

Which brokerage is best for new agents, eXp or Century 21?

eXp Realty requires a Mentor Program for new agents and delivers standardized training through eXp University. Century 21 does not operate a mandatory corporate mentor program; new-agent mentorship, when available, is structured at the franchise level. New agents prioritizing standardized cost and training may prefer eXp Realty; new agents prioritizing in-person franchise support may prefer a specific Century 21 office.

Is Century 21 the best brokerage for agents who value brand recognition?

Century 21 has broad consumer name recognition built over decades. eXp Realty also has national scale but markets itself differently, emphasizing agent programs over consumer brand identity. Fit depends on whether consumer brand recognition at the point of transaction materially affects an agent’s lead flow in a given market.

Why This Matters

Brokerage comparison data supports evaluating which business model and compensation design fit an agent’s plan. At eXp Realty, all agents receive the same core brokerage platform, including compliance, compensation, and access to company divisions. What differs is the sponsor ecosystem an agent aligns with.

The sponsor an agent selects shapes which tools, training, and attraction systems they have access to, including resources for comparing franchise and cloud-based models. Agents should weigh cap structure, royalty fees, and passive income design alongside commission economics.

Related Topics

• eXp Realty vs Coldwell Banker: Structural Comparison
• eXp Realty vs RE/MAX: A Structural Comparison
• eXp Realty vs Compass: A Structural Comparison