Real vs Fathom: Which Brokerage is Best for Realtors in 2025?

Real vs Fathom Realty logos on a blue wavy background
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Online Brokerage Comparison

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Helping Real Estate Agents Grow Exponentially

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September 6, 2024

Who Comes Out on Top?

Real vs Fathom

Financial Strength
Agent Earnings
Agent Fees
Support
Cloud Based Brokerage Real Broker Fathom Realty
Founded 2014 2010
GlassDoor Rating X/5 4.5 from 109 reviews 4.6 from 425 reviews
Glassdoors top 100 companies 0 0
Listed Stock REAL trading around $6 FATH trading around $2
Financial Strength based on profitable quarters Profitable: 1
Non-Profitable: 18
Profitable: 1
Non-Profitable: 18
Agent count 20,000+ 11,000+
States doing business in 50 41
Countries doing biz in 2 5
Commission Split 85/15 to 100/0 plus $24K elite agent bonus* 100/0 No Top Agent Bonus
Income for Recruiting* Yes No
Stock Production Awards 150 shares for annual capping None
Option to Purchase Discounted Stock 5% precap at 10% bonus (Max $3400); 10% post-cap at 20% (Max $15K) No
Production Cap* $12K $0
Joining fee $249 $99
Agent Fees $750/yr paid in 1st 3 sales $700/yr at 1st sale - if no sales, it's due year end
Transaction Fees Before Cap $0 $550 for 1st 15 sales under $600K; ADD $200 up to 1mil deal; ADD $250 every $500K*
Transaction Fee After Cap $285 or 15% whichever is less $150 for all sales under $600K; ADD $200 up to 1mil; ADD $250 every $500K
Transaction Fee After More Sales $129 for elite agents $150 for all sales under $600K; ADD $200 up to 1mil; ADD $250 every $500K
Errors & Omissions Insurance $30/sale $0 except $200 for dual agents
Errors & Omissions Insurance Cap $30/sale $0 except $200 for dual agents
Leads No No
Metaverse No No
Training beyond Online Courses 30+ Live hrs/wk None
Mentorship 50/50 to 70/30 for 1st 3 sales 70/30 for 1st 3 sales
Free Sponsor Value No No
Healthcare options Yes Yes
Partners - to benefit agents 10 2
*Only earn from producing agents *Elite agent - 6K in post cap fees or 500KGCI + 10 1mil sales *Cap4Life - 4 sales in 12 months + 4 agents with 2 prior sales in 12 months who onboard in the same 12 months as my 4 sales - then pay $150+/sale for life
***Paid monthly fee plans get more tech like cash offers & training

Who Has the Better Revenue Share Program?

Fathom does not have a Revenue Share program

Rev Share MLM Brokerages Real Broker
Max $s Available for Rev Share Pool* $7200 per agent
Aproximate Pool Size if 30% of agents cap $43,000,000
Can Provide Unique Value to Attract No*
Sponsors Provide Services to Help Agents Cap No
How many MLM Tiers 5
Earnings for EVERY Downline Agent No
Can Choose Just Rev Share Earnings No, must earn minimum $3K commission every 6 months
FLQA Agents Needed to Open Tiers 1 - 10 - 15 - 20 - 25
Rev Share Minimum Payout** $2400, $1920, $1440, $960, $480
Fees to earn Rev Share $175/year plus 1.2% Admin Fee
Retirement Income Path Yes with time qualifications**
Willable Income Path Yes with time qualifications***
Stock Awards for attracting 75 shares
Stock Awards for Tier 1, 1st transaction $0
Bonus $0
*But allows co-sponsors from different downlines **Can retire with 20% if with Real for 1 year plus 20% more for each year
***Can will 60% if with Real at least 3 yrs, 100% if at Real at least 5 years

Selecting the right brokerage can significantly influence a real estate agent’s career path, financial gains, and overall satisfaction. In this analysis, we’ll dive into the key differences between Real vs Fathom Realty, two leading players in the real estate industry. We’ll examine their foundational elements, financial performance, commission splits, income opportunities, training, and support systems, along with additional features that each offers.

Overview

Real was founded in 2014 and has quickly become a notable contender in the real estate brokerage industry with its innovative approach and cloud-based model. The brokerage boasts over 20,000 agents across 50 states, indicating a significant presence in the U.S. real estate market. Real’s Glassdoor rating stands at 4.5 from 109 reviews, highlighting strong agent satisfaction and a positive work environment.

Fathom Realty, established in 2010, has developed a strong foundation with operations in 41 states and a network of over 11,000 agents. It enjoys a slightly higher Glassdoor rating of 4.6 from 425 reviews, reflecting a strong reputation for agent satisfaction and a supportive company culture.

Both Real and Fathom Realty have carved out unique niches within the real estate sector, with Real focusing on rapid growth and technological solutions, while Fathom Realty emphasizes its extensive reach and agent-centric policies.

Financial Strength

When evaluating financial strength in Real vs Fathom Realty, there is a distinct contrast between the two. Real, listed under the ticker REAL, trades around $6 and has had only 1 profitable quarter out of 19. This suggests challenges in achieving consistent profitability, which might raise concerns for agents seeking stable, long-term financial growth.

Fathom Realty, on the other hand, is publicly listed under the ticker FATH, trading around $2. Similar to Real, Fathom has also experienced only 1 profitable quarter, indicating financial hurdles in maintaining steady profitability.

Both brokerages face financial challenges, but Fathom Realty has a more transparent track record due to its longer tenure in the industry. In contrast, Real’s position as a newer player might imply potential for growth, albeit with some financial instability.

Commission Splits and Fees

Commission splits and associated fees are pivotal factors in deciding between brokerages. Fathom Realty offers a 100/0 commission split, which is appealing to agents seeking to maximize their earnings without sharing a portion with the brokerage. This structure, however, comes without any top agent bonuses. Fathom Realty operates with a production cap of $0, which is advantageous for agents who wish to retain most of their commission earnings.

Real, meanwhile, provides an 85/15 to 100/0 commission split, allowing agents to start with a modest commission share and gradually earn more as they cap. Real’s production cap is set at $12K, which could be appealing for agents who can quickly reach this cap and enjoy higher commission retention. Additionally, Real offers a $24K elite agent bonus, serving as an incentive for high-performing agents to maximize their income potential.

When comparing commission splits in Real vs Fathom Realty, Fathom’s 100/0 split offers agents the maximum possible commission retention, but lacks additional bonuses. Real’s flexible split structure, combined with bonus opportunities, might attract agents looking for a balanced approach between initial commission sharing and eventual high earnings.

Income Opportunities

Beyond traditional commissions, income opportunities can significantly impact an agent’s earnings. Real provides multiple avenues for supplementary income, including revenue sharing and stock awards. Agents can earn 150 shares upon annual capping and have the option to purchase discounted stock with a 5% pre-cap bonus and a 20% post-cap bonus. These features offer substantial financial growth potential, especially for agents interested in building wealth through stock ownership.

In contrast, Fathom Realty does not provide revenue share income or stock awards, focusing solely on commission earnings. This lack of additional income streams might limit financial opportunities for agents who prefer diversified earning potential beyond commissions.

The analysis of income opportunities in Real vs Fathom Realty highlights Real’s edge in offering revenue sharing and stock awards, which could be appealing for agents seeking to expand their income sources. Fathom Realty’s straightforward commission structure may suit those who prioritize simplicity over-diversification.

Training and Support

Training and support are vital aspects of any brokerage, significantly influencing an agent’s professional development and success. Real offers 30+ live training hours per week, ensuring agents have access to continuous learning and skill enhancement opportunities. However, it does not provide a virtual office environment, which could limit access to collaborative tools.

Fathom Realty, similar to Real, does not offer a virtual office setup or structured live training sessions. While Fathom emphasizes agent satisfaction and community support, its lack of comprehensive training programs might be a drawback for agents accustomed to regular educational offerings.

In the comparison of training and support between Real vs Fathom Realty, Real edges out slightly with its provision of live training sessions, albeit without a virtual office. Fathom’s higher Glassdoor rating might indicate stronger cultural satisfaction and support, but both brokerages have room for improvement in their training offerings.

Additional Features

Additional features such as healthcare options, mentorship programs, and technological tools can significantly enhance an agent’s experience at a brokerage. Real offers healthcare options, which can be crucial for agents seeking comprehensive benefits beyond financial compensation. However, it lacks mentorship programs and does not provide a free sponsor value or partner networks to the extent seen in other brokerages.

Fathom Realty, in contrast, offers healthcare options but also lacks mentorship programs and additional technological tools. The absence of these features might be a drawback for agents seeking a full-service brokerage with comprehensive support systems.

In evaluating additional features in Real vs Fathom Realty, both brokerages have specific strengths but also areas where they could enhance their offerings. Real’s healthcare options and stock purchase programs may attract agents looking for added benefits, while Fathom’s established reputation and agent-centric culture could appeal to those seeking community support.

Final Thoughts on Real vs Fathom Realty

The choice between Real vs Fathom Realty hinges on individual agent priorities and career aspirations. Real offers a balanced approach with flexible commission splits, revenue sharing, and stock awards, making it attractive to agents seeking diversified income opportunities and growth potential. Its innovative approach and extensive training programs cater to agents who value professional development and financial incentives. To view our full chart comparing the top online real estate brokerages click here.

On the other hand, Fathom Realty provides a straightforward 100/0 commission split, focusing on maximizing agent earnings without additional complexities. Its established presence and agent-centric culture provide stability and support, which can be appealing for agents prioritizing simplicity and community engagement.

In weighing the factors of Real vs Fathom Realty, agents should consider which brokerage aligns best with their financial goals, support needs, and overall career vision. Both brokerages offer unique advantages, and the decision ultimately rests on whether an agent values diversified income streams and training or prefers a no-commission-sharing approach with a strong community focus.

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