Fathom vs Century 21: Fees, Splits & Programs (2026)

Key Takeaway: Fathom vs Century 21 is a comparison of two operating models: Fathom, a cloud-based brokerage with two current commission plans (Edge and Elevate), a five-level revenue share tied to current plan materials, and no agent equity program, and Century 21, a franchise network charging a 6–8% royalty on top of office-set commission splits.

TL;DR About Fathom vs Century 21

• Fathom offers two current commission plans.
• Century 21 uses office-set splits plus royalty.
• Fathom Edge plan caps fees at $9,000.
• Century 21 royalty continues beyond annual caps.
• Fathom offers a five-level revenue share program.
• Century 21 does not offer revenue share.
• Both operate without universal agent equity programs.

Fathom vs Century 21 is a comparison of two U.S. real estate brokerages with different operating models. Fathom operates as a publicly traded cloud-based brokerage with standardized plan-based commission structures. Century 21 operates as a franchise network of independently owned offices under the Anywhere brand portfolio.

The comparison is not a straight split-vs-split analysis. Fathom’s published plans include several per-sale fees and caps, and Century 21’s franchise royalty sits on top of the commission split, so headline percentages rarely reflect total annual cost.

This article is part of our broader brokerage comparisons library at SmartAgentAlliance.com, built to help agents compare brokerage models, fees, caps, revenue share, equity opportunities, and support structures before choosing where to hang their license.

This article explains the structural differences between Fathom and Century 21 across the following areas:

2026 Update: Compass and Anywhere

Compass completed its acquisition of Anywhere on January 9, 2026, bringing brands such as Coldwell Banker, Century 21, Sotheby’s International Realty, Corcoran, and Better Homes & Garden under Compass International Holdings. However, unless agent-facing terms change, the core comparison remains based on how Century 21 operates for agents today, including commission structure, fees, brand positioning, office model, technology, training, and support.

Commission Structure

The information below is provided for general comparison purposes only, based on sources available at the time of writing. Any plan summaries, figures, or calculation examples are illustrative only. Agents should verify all current terms directly with the brokerage they are evaluating before making a decision.

Fathom Realty

Fathom currently offers two commission plans, structured as standardized national plans that apply regardless of location:

Edge Plan

• • 7% commission split
• • $9,000 annual cap
• • $165 per transaction post-cap
• • $75 monthly fee
• • $35 E&O fee per sale
• • $250 client service fee per sale
• • $350 minimum transaction fee

Elevate Plan

• • 20% commission split
• • Concierge-level support and coaching included within the plan
• • $75 monthly fee
• • $35 E&O fee per sale
• • $250 client service fee per sale
• • $350 minimum transaction fee

Neither plan includes a franchise or royalty fee. Both plans apply uniformly across Fathom’s national footprint.

Century 21

As a part of Anywhere, Sotheby’s International Realty, Century 21, Coldwell Banker, and Corcoran became part of Compass International Holdings on January 9, 2026, following the Compass-Anywhere merger. Day-to-day agent terms, commissions, and independent contractor agreements are unchanged as of publication.

Century 21 is a franchise system, which means commission structures are set at the local office level and vary considerably:

• 70/30 to 90/10 split depending on the office and the agent’s production history
• 6% to 8% royalty fee charged on gross commission income – this is separate from the split and continues even after reaching any cap
• Cap ranges: $22,500 (Kickstart program) up to $200,000 (Relentless plan at top-producing offices)
• Monthly fees: $0 to $350 depending on the office
• Transaction fees: $95 to $295 per transaction, separate from the royalty

The royalty fee operates separately from the commission split. At a typical Century 21 office, the royalty is applied to gross commission income in addition to the office split, so the effective brokerage cost is higher than the headline split percentage.

Total Annual Cost at Different Production Levels

Fathom Realty Fee Schedule (Edge Plan)

The Edge Plan applies a 7% commission split until $9,000 in cap is reached; thereafter, transactions are billed at $165 each. Per-sale fees include $35 E&O, $250 client service, and a $350 minimum transaction fee. A $75 monthly fee applies to all active agents.

Century 21 Fee Schedule (Ranges by Office)

Century 21 office-level fee structures vary by location. Commission splits range from 70/30 to 90/10 based on office and production history. The 6–8% royalty is applied to gross commission income on every transaction. Monthly fees range from $0 to $350, transaction fees from $95 to $295, and cap structures range from $22,500 (Kickstart) to $200,000+ (Relentless).

What an Agent Producing $250,000 in GCI Actually Pays

Fathom Realty (Edge Plan, 25 transactions):

• Commission to brokerage (7% of $250,000 GCI, capped at $9,000): $9,000
• Monthly fees ($75 × 12): $900
• E&O ($35 × 25): $875
• Client service fee ($250 × 25): $6,250
• Minimum transaction fee: already exceeded by the per-sale fees in this example
• Total cost: ~$17,025
• Net to agent: ~$232,975 (93.2%)

Century 21 (mid-range estimates, 75/25 split, 25 transactions):

• Commission to brokerage at 75/25 split (to cap): $22,500
• Royalty fee (7% on $250K GCI): $17,500
• Monthly fees (~$150 × 12): $1,800
• Transaction fees ($195 × 25): $4,875
• E&O (estimate ~$1,200/year): $1,200
• Estimated total cost: ~$47,875
• Estimated net to agent: ~$202,125 (80.9%)

Estimated difference at this production level: approximately $30,850 in total-cost difference between Fathom Edge Plan and the Century 21 mid-range illustrative estimate.

The royalty fee is a central mechanical factor in the Century 21 cost structure. The 6–8% royalty is applied to gross commission income in addition to the commission split. At $250,000 in production, the royalty alone adds approximately $15,000 to $20,000 to total brokerage cost. The royalty continues on each transaction throughout the year and does not stop at any cap threshold.

The total-cost gap widens at higher production levels because the Edge Plan caps the split-based portion at $9,000 while per-sale fees continue to scale with transaction count. At $400,000 GCI in an illustrative 40-transaction model, the Edge Plan produces approximately $21,300 in total Fathom brokerage cost versus an estimated $70,000 or more at Century 21 once the royalty continues to apply on each transaction.

Revenue Share and Distribution Programs

Fathom Realty

Fathom offers a 5-level revenue share program for agents who attract other agents to the brokerage.

Fathom’s current plan materials show a 20% distribution at each of the five levels, calculated on eligible pre-cap split revenue from sponsored agents. Levels 3 through 5 include unlock requirements tied to sponsorship activity. Distribution amounts depend on the production and capping behavior of agents in the sponsorship tree.

Revenue share structures vary across cloud brokerage models. 

Century 21

Century 21 does not offer revenue share, profit share, or any form of passive income for agents. There is no retirement income path tied to agent attraction and no willable income stream from the brokerage.

Some Century 21 offices have referral bonus structures for introducing new agents to the office, but these are office-level programs and not a systematic income stream comparable to a revenue share model. Income at Century 21 comes entirely from closing transactions.

Training and Professional Development

Fathom Realty

• 600+ on-demand courses available to all agents at no additional cost
• Training accessible anytime through the Fathom platform
• Covers sales skills, technology, business development, and compliance
• Fathom Academy, live webinars, and local and in-person training resources tied to current Fathom programs

Century 21

• C21 University – the brand’s formal training platform with online courses and resources
• Training quality and depth vary significantly by office
• Some offices invest heavily in in-person training and mentorship programs
• New agent support depends almost entirely on the local broker/owner
• The franchise model means training consistency is not guaranteed across locations

Fathom’s training program combines an on-demand course library with Fathom Academy, live webinars, and local and in-person sessions. Century 21’s brand-level training runs through C21 University, with office-level implementation varying across independently owned locations. New agents at both brokerages typically assess mentorship and coaching availability at the office or platform level before making a decision.

Technology and Tools

Fathom Realty

• intelliAgent transaction management platform
• Integrated CRM tools
• Marketing tools, templates, and marketing automation
• Customizable IDX-enabled agent websites
• Cloud-based platform available to agents across Fathom’s national footprint

Century 21

• Access to the C21 brand’s national marketing materials and templates
• Lead generation tools vary by office and often require additional fees
• Some offices provide CRM platforms or third-party tool subscriptions
• The C21 national website provides some agent exposure and referral infrastructure
• Technology investment is at the discretion of each franchise owner

Fathom’s technology stack is standardized at the company level, so the platform is the same for every agent regardless of location. Century 21’s technology provision is set at the franchise office level and varies by office; some offices provide an integrated platform while others rely on agent-sourced tools. Office-level technology inclusions are typically reviewed during the office evaluation process at Century 21.

Culture and Work Environment

Fathom Realty: Cloud-Based Operating Model

Fathom operates without traditional physical office environments. Agents work independently with support delivered through the company’s online platform, aligning with a cloud-based operating model. Glassdoor shows a 4.6-star average from approximately 362 reviews at the time of writing.

Century 21: Franchise Office Structure

Century 21 offices are independently owned franchises, so office culture and operating style vary by location. Some offices operate collaborative training programs and broker mentorship structures, while others run lean transactional operations. The Century 21 brand has longstanding consumer name recognition, particularly in suburban and mid-market segments where the brand has been present for decades.

With approximately 1,400 Glassdoor reviews and a 3.9-star average rating – which has trended downward – agent sentiment at Century 21 is more mixed. Reviews frequently mention cost concerns, inconsistent support, and office-to-office variation in culture and management quality.

Stock, Equity, and Agent Investment Programs

Fathom Realty

Fathom Holdings is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the ticker FTHM. Fathom does not currently offer agent stock awards or a production-based equity program. The five-level revenue share program is the primary brokerage-level distribution program available to Fathom agents beyond commission income.

Century 21

Century 21 operates as a franchise brand within the Anywhere portfolio, now part of Compass International Holdings following the January 2026 merger. Agents have no equity participation in the franchise or parent company. Century 21 does not operate an agent stock award program, a revenue share program, or a brokerage-level ongoing distribution program. Agent income at Century 21 comes from commission on closed transactions.

Agent Support

Fathom Realty

• Support is available through the Fathom platform and agent resources
• Broker support is accessible virtually
• No 24/7 live support – Fathom does not advertise round-the-clock availability as a standard feature
• Consistent support quality across locations due to the centralized model

Century 21

• Support varies entirely by office and franchise owner
• Some offices provide strong broker availability and dedicated administrative staff
• Others operate lean with minimal support infrastructure
• No 24/7 corporate-level support standard
• The quality of support is one of the most variable factors when evaluating a specific Century 21 office

Agent Profiles That Align with Fathom’s Model

Fathom’s model is structured for agents who match one or more of the following profiles:

• Operate independently without reliance on a physical office environment
• Prefer a standardized, plan-based commission structure with transparent per-sale fees
• Expect to reach the Edge Plan annual cap through consistent production
• Structure income partly around participation in the five-level revenue share program
• Prefer a brokerage model without franchise or royalty fees layered on the commission split
• Are comfortable with self-directed access to training resources through an online platform supplemented by Fathom Academy live sessions

Agent Profiles That Align with Century 21’s Model

Century 21’s model is structured for agents who match one or more of the following profiles:

• Operate in markets where the Century 21 brand has meaningful consumer recognition
• Prefer a local office environment with in-person collaboration and shared resources
• Have identified a specific Century 21 office with an active training and mentorship structure at the office level
• Prefer a franchise model with established national brand infrastructure and office-level implementation
• Incorporate brand association with a national franchise name into their listing and buyer-agent positioning

Structural Summary

The two models are structured around different cost architectures. Fathom applies a plan-based fee schedule with a capped split portion and per-sale fees, and does not apply a franchise royalty. Century 21 applies an office-level split plus a 6–8% franchise royalty calculated on gross commission income, which continues to apply on each transaction regardless of cap status.

Fathom’s Edge Plan applies a 7% commission split with a $9,000 cap, plus $75 monthly fee, $35 E&O per sale, and $250 client service fee per sale. In the illustrative $250,000 GCI scenario above, an Edge Plan agent’s total brokerage cost is approximately $17,025 (roughly 93% retained). Fathom’s training resources, five-level revenue share program, and Glassdoor profile are additional structural features of the model.

Century 21’s economic structure is most differentiated at higher production levels, where the compounding effect of the royalty on each transaction drives total brokerage cost above uncapped alternatives. Office-level implementation — brand presence in the local market, office-level training, and broker investment in agent support — is a significant variable in evaluating any specific Century 21 office.

What Agents Also Ask

How do Fathom and Century 21 structure their commission plans differently?

Fathom offers two current standardized national plans (Edge at a 7% split with a $9,000 cap and Elevate at a 20% split). Century 21 splits are set by each independently owned franchise office, typically 70/30 to 90/10, plus a 6–8% franchise royalty applied to gross commission income.

Does Century 21 operate as a franchise or a company-owned brokerage?

Century 21 operates as a franchise brand under the Anywhere portfolio, now part of Compass International Holdings. Each Century 21 office is independently owned under the Century 21 brand, with local ownership setting office-level fees, splits within a range, and support infrastructure.

What is the Fathom Edge Plan?

The Edge Plan is one of Fathom’s two current commission plans. It applies a 7% commission split with a $9,000 annual cap, after which the per-transaction fee drops to $165. The plan also includes a $75 monthly fee, $35 E&O per sale, and a $250 client service fee per sale.

Why This Matters

Many agents comparing Fathom and are also evaluating how both models compare with eXp Realty’s cloud-based structure, standardized cap, revenue share, equity opportunities, and sponsor ecosystem. For that comparison, see eXp Realty vs Fathom and eXp Realty vs Century 21.

To compare additional brokerage models, return to the brokerage comparisons library.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fathom Realty’s commission cap?

On the Fathom Edge Plan, the annual cap is $9,000. Once an agent reaches the cap, the per-transaction fee drops to $165 for the remainder of the anniversary year. Fathom’s Elevate Plan uses a 20% split with no published annual cap shown on the current plan materials. 

Does Century 21 charge a royalty fee after the cap?

The royalty fee at Century 21 (6% to 8% of gross commission income) is charged separately from and in addition to the commission split. It continues on every transaction throughout the year regardless of cap status. This is a critical detail that makes Century 21 more expensive in practice than the stated split or cap figures suggest.

Does Fathom Realty offer revenue share?

Fathom offers a 5-level revenue share program. Agents who attract others to the brokerage earn a percentage of the brokerage fees those agents generate, across five levels. Current Fathom plan materials show 20% at each of the five levels, calculated on eligible pre-cap split revenue, with unlock requirements for Levels 3 through 5. 

What is Fathom Realty’s Glassdoor rating compared to Century 21?

Fathom Realty shows a 4.6-star Glassdoor rating from approximately 362 reviews at the time of writing. Century 21 shows a 3.9-star rating from approximately 1,400 reviews, with the rating trending downward across recent periods. Review volume and time period differ, and agents evaluating Glassdoor data typically also weigh the office-level variability of a franchise model against the company-wide profile of a single-operator model.

Is Fathom Realty good for new agents?

Fathom’s current training mix includes a 600+ on-demand course library, Fathom Academy, live webinars, and local and in-person sessions. The Edge Plan’s lower out-of-pocket structure is most impactful once an agent is producing consistently enough to reach the $9,000 annual cap. New agents evaluating Fathom typically weigh their preference for self-directed platform access versus the in-person office coaching.