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Β Β Β Β Β Β Β brokerage comparison
Who Comes Out on Top?
Comparing the Financial Strength, Agent Earnings, Agent Fees, and Support for online real estate brokerages: eXp, Real, LPT, and Fathom
| Cloud Based Brokerage | eXp Realty | Real Broker | LPT Realty | Fathom Realty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2009 | 2014 | 2021 | 2010 |
| GlassDoor Rating X/5 | 4.6 from 3500 reviews | 4.5 from 109 reviews | 4.3 from 37 reviews | 4.6 from 425 reviews |
| Glassdoors top 100 companies | 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Listed Stock | EXPI (S&P 600) trading around $14 | REAL trading around $6 | Not Listed | FATH trading around $2 |
| Financial Strength based on profitable quarters |
Profitable: 15
|
Profitable: 1
|
Not Publically Available |
Profitable: 1
|
| Agent count | 80,000+ | 20,000+ | 11,000+ | 11,000+ |
| States doing business in | 50 | 50 | 24 | 41 |
| Countries doing biz in | 24 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
| Commission Split | 80/20 to 100/0 plus $16K icon agent bonus* | 85/15 to 100/0 plus $24K elite agent bonus* | 80/20 to 100/0 if RSP* or 100/0 if BB** plus stock for top agent bonus | 100/0 No Top Agent Bonus |
| Income for Recruiting* | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Stock Production Awards | $200 for 1st annual sale, $400 for annual capping | 150 shares for annual capping | 75 (BB) or 150 (RSP) shares for 1st sale, 75 (BB) or 150 (RSP) shares for 3 sales | None |
| Option to Purchase Discounted Stock | 10% of agent's commission at 5% discount | 5% precap at 10% bonus (Max $3400); 10% post-cap at 20% (Max $15K) | No Listed Stock | No |
| Production Cap* | $16K | $12K | $15K RSP or $5K BB | $0 |
| Joining fee | $64 | $249 | $0 | $99 |
| Agent Fees | $1020/yr paid $85 monthly | $750/yr paid in 1st 3 sales | $500/yr paid 1st sale PLUS choice of $0, $89/mth (BB) or $149/mth (RSP)*** | $700/yr at 1st sale - if no sales, it's due year end |
| Transaction Fees Before Cap | $25 (broker review) | $0 | $195 | $550 for 1st 15 sales under $600K; ADD $200 up to 1mil deal; ADD $250 every $500K* |
| Transaction Fee After Cap | $275 | $285 or 15% whichever is less | $195 | $150 for all sales under $600K; ADD $200 up to 1mil; ADD $250 every $500K |
| Transaction Fee After More Sales | $100 after 20 post-cap sales | $129 for elite agents | $195 | $150 for all sales under $600K; ADD $200 up to 1mil; ADD $250 every $500K |
| Errors & Omissions Insurance | $60/sale | $30/sale | $0 | $0 except $200 for dual agents |
| Errors & Omissions Insurance Cap | $0 after 13 sales | $30/sale | $0 | $0 except $200 for dual agents |
| Leads | Yes - Revenos | No | No | No |
| Metaverse | eXp World 2.0 | No | No | No |
| Training beyond Online Courses | 50+ Live hrs/wk | 30+ Live hrs/wk | None | None |
| Mentorship | 60/40 for 1st 3 sales | 50/50 to 70/30 for 1st 3 sales | 55/45 for 1st 3 sales | 70/30 for 1st 3 sales |
| Free Sponsor Value | Yes | No | No | No |
| Healthcare options | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Partners - to benefit agents | 33 | 10 | 3 | 2 |
| *Only earn from producing agents | *Icon Agent - $5K - capped transaction fees or 500K GCI + 10 sales | *Elite agent - 6K in post cap fees or 500KGCI + 10 1mil sales | *RSP = Rev Share Partner; **BB = Business Builder (no rev share) | *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 |
| **Must choose (RVP) for teams/have office/own branding. | *Free4life - same rules as above but add 4 more agents who are outside their team, then pay $0 transaction fees | ***Paid monthly fee plans get more tech like cash offers & training |
Who Has Better Long Term Benefits?
Revenue share is a big player when it comes to long term benefits for online real estate brokerages
| Rev Share MLM Brokerages | eXp Realty | Real Broker | LPT Realty | Epique Realty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max $s Available for Rev Share Pool* | $8000 per agent | $7200 per agent | $2500 - $7500 per agent | $5000 to $7500 per agent |
| Aproximate Pool Size if 30% of agents cap | $204,000,000 | $43,000,000 | $16,500,000 assuming $5K max | $3,750,000 assuming $6250 max |
| Can Provide Unique Value to Attract | Yes | No* | No | No |
| Sponsors Provide Services to Help Agents Cap | Yes, some provide organized services to help | No | No | No |
| How many MLM Tiers | 7 | 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Earnings for EVERY Downline Agent | Yes - smaller % available for unopen tiers | No | No | Yes |
| Can Choose Just Rev Share Earnings | Yes | No, must earn minimum $3K commission every 6 months | Yes, but must cap annually (production or Rev Share) before earning | Yes, but won't earn stock awards for attracting |
| FLQA Agents Needed to Open Tiers | 1 - 1 - 1 - 5 - 10 - 15 - 30 | 1 - 10 - 15 - 20 - 25 | 1 - 4 - 8 - 12 - 16 - 19 - 20 | 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 |
| Rev Share Minimum Payout** | $1400, $1600, $1000, $600, $400, $1000, $2000 | $2400, $1920, $1440, $960, $480 | $1550, $900, $350, $350, $350, $500, $1000* | $1250, $1250, $1250, $1250, $1250, $1250* |
| Fees to earn Rev Share | $0 | $175/year plus 1.2% Admin Fee | $0, but can't earn Rev Share for 1st 90 days at LPT | $0 |
| Retirement Income Path | Yes | Yes with time qualifications** | Yes | Yes** |
| Willable Income Path | Yes* | Yes with time qualifications*** | Yes** | Yes |
| Stock Awards for attracting | $200 | 75 shares | $0 | $250 if power agent (24+ sales or $10mil in sales) but no listed stock yet |
| Stock Awards for Tier 1, 1st transaction | $400 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Bonus | Up to $4000 for Tier 1 Agent's first year | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| *Max if agent caps | *Recipient must get licensed within 12 months | *But allows co-sponsors from different downlines | *Assumes 50% RSP agents and 50% BB agents | *Assumes 50% 15K cap agents and 50% 10K cap agents |
| **All, except Epique, will likely pay more due to "extra" rev share pool funds from non-participating agents or unopen levels. | **Can retire with 20% if with real for 1 year plus 20% more for each year | **Recipient must get licensed within 12 months | **Only paid for agents at Epique for 3 years+ & only if you've been at Epique for 3 years+ | |
| ***Can will 60% if with Real at least 3 yrs, 100% if at Real at least 5 years |
Online Real Estate Brokerage Comparison: A Detailed Analysis
When choosing an online real estate brokerage, several factors come into play, including the founding year, agent satisfaction, financial strength, agent benefits, and unique offerings. Here, we compare four prominent online real estate brokerages: eXp Realty, Real Broker, LPT Realty, and Fathom Realty, examining their performance across key metrics.
Founding Year and Agent Satisfaction
eXp Realty, founded in 2009, boasts a strong GlassDoor rating of 4.6 from 3,500 reviews and has consistently made it to GlassDoor’s top 100 companies list from 2018 to 2024. Real Broker, established in 2014, holds a 4.5 rating from 109 reviews. LPT Realty, the newest at 2021, has a rating of 4.3 from 37 reviews. Fathom Realty, founded in 2010, also enjoys a high rating of 4.6 from 425 reviews but hasn’t made the GlassDoor top 100 list.
Financial Strength and Profitability
eXp Realty demonstrates robust financial health with 15 profitable quarters out of 20. Real Broker and Fathom Realty each have only one profitable quarter out of 19, and LPT Realtyβs financial details are not publicly available. This profitability is reflected in their stock performance: eXp Realty (EXPI) trades around $14, Real Broker (REAL) around $6, and Fathom Realty (FATH) around $2.
Agent Count and Geographic Reach
eXp Realty leads with over 80,000 agents, operating in all 50 states and 24 countries. Real Broker follows with 20,000+ agents in 50 states and 2 countries. LPT Realty and Fathom Realty each have 11,000+ agents, but LPT Realty is active in 24 states and 1 country, while Fathom Realty covers 41 states and 5 countries.
Commission Splits and Incentives
eXp Realty offers an 80/20 split, with the potential to earn 100% commission and a $16K icon agent bonus (learn more here). Real Broker provides an 85/15 split, also moving to 100% with a $24K elite agent bonus. LPT Realty offers varying splits, including 80/20 to 100/0 if RSP or 100/0 if BB, plus stock for top agent bonuses. Fathom Realty stands out with a straightforward 100/0 split but lacks a top agent bonus.
Revenue Share and Stock Awards
In the realm of multi-level marketing (MLM) online real estate brokerages, eXp Realty again leads with a potential revenue share pool of $204 million if 30% of its agents cap, significantly higher than Real Broker’s $43 million, LPT Realty’s $16.5 million, and Epique Realtyβs $3.75 million. eXp Realtyβs agents can earn revenue share across seven tiers, compared to five tiers for Real Broker and Epique Realty, and seven for LPT Realty. Additionally, eXp Realty provides stock awards for attracting agents and completing first transactions, enhancing the overall value proposition for its agents. Learn more about eXp Realty revenue share here.
Agent Fees and Costs
eXp Realty charges $85 monthly, totaling $1,020 annually. Real Broker has an annual fee of $750, paid within the first three sales. LPT Realty has a $500 annual fee, plus additional monthly options. Fathom Realty charges $700 annually, payable after the first sale or at year-end if no sales occur.
Transaction Fees and Insurance
Before the cap, eXp Realty charges a $25 broker review fee, while Real Broker has no transaction fees. LPT Realty charges $195, and Fathom Realty charges $550 for the first 15 sales under $600K, with additional fees for higher sales. After the cap, eXp Realty’s fee drops to $275, Real Broker charges $285 or 15%, LPT Realty maintains the $195 fee, and Fathom Realty’s fees vary based on sales price. eXp Realty has a $60/sale errors & omissions insurance fee, capping at 13 sales. Real Broker’s fee is $30/sale, and Fathom Realty charges $200 for dual agents.
Additional Benefits and Training
Unique to eXp Realty is its extensive support system, including 50+ live training hours per week and a virtual world (eXp World 2.0). Real Broker offers 30+ live training hours but lacks a virtual world. LPT Realty and Fathom Realty do not provide such extensive training options. eXp Realty also provides healthcare options and a comprehensive mentorship program (60/40 split for the first three sales), which is matched by Real Broker but at varying splits (50/50 to 70/30).
Income for Recruiting and Stock Purchase Options
eXp Realty, Real Broker, and LPT Realty offer income opportunities for recruiting new agents, with varying structures and incentives. eXp Realty allows agents to purchase stock at a 5% discount using 10% of their commission, Real Broker provides a 10% bonus on pre-cap and a 20% bonus post-cap, and LPT Realty does not offer stock purchase options. Fathom Realty does not provide income for recruiting or stock purchase options.
Mentorship and Sponsor Value
eXp Realty offers a 60/40 mentorship program for the first three sales, while Real Broker provides mentorship splits ranging from 50/50 to 70/30. LPT Realty and Fathom Realty also have mentorship programs but with different splits. eXp Realty stands out by offering free sponsor value, unlike the other online real estate brokerages.
Detailed Comparison of Revenue Share MLM Online Real Estate Brokerages
Evaluating revenue share MLM online real estate brokerages involves examining their potential earnings, structure, and agent benefits. In this section, we compare four key brokerages: eXp Realty, Real Broker, LPT Realty, and Epique Realty. We analyze factors such as revenue share pool size, tiers, and additional incentives to provide a comprehensive overview of each online real estate brokerage’s offerings. Fathom Realty from the previous comparison was not included as they do not have a revenue share program.
Max Dollars Available for Revenue Share Pool
eXp Realty offers up to $8,000 per agent, Real Broker provides $7,200 per agent, LPT Realty ranges from $2,500 to $7,500 per agent, and Epique Realty offers $5,000 to $7,500 per agent.
Approximate Pool Size if 30% of Agents Cap
eXp Realty has the largest pool size at $204,000,000, followed by Real Broker at $43,000,000, LPT Realty at $16,500,000 (assuming $5K max), and Epique Realty at $3,750,000 (assuming $6,250 max).
Unique Value to Attract Agents
eXp Realty can provide unique value to attract agents, whereas Real Broker, LPT Realty, and Epique Realty do not have this capability.
Sponsors Provide Services to Help Agents Cap
eXp Realty sponsors can provide organized services to help agents cap. Real Broker, LPT Realty, and Epique Realty sponsors do not provide such services.
Number of MLM Tiers
eXp Realty and LPT Realty each have seven MLM tiers, while Real Broker and Epique Realty have five tiers.
Earnings for Every Downline Agent
eXp Realty and Epique Realty offer earnings for every downline agent, while Real Broker and LPT Realty do not.
Choosing Just Revenue Share Earnings
eXp Realty and LPT Realty allow agents to choose just revenue share earnings. Real Broker requires agents to earn a minimum of $3,000 commission every six months, and Epique Realty allows it but without stock awards for attracting agents.
FLQA Agents Needed to Open Tiers
eXp Realty, tiers 1-7, requires 1, 1, 1, 5, 10, 15, and 30 FLQA agents to open tiers. Real Broker requires 1, 10, 15, 20, and 25 FLQA agents. LPT Realty needs 1, 4, 8, 12, 16, 19, and 20 FLQA agents, while Epique Realty requires 1 agent for each of its five tiers.
Revenue Share Minimum Payout
eXp Realty’s minimum payouts per tier are $1,400, $1,600, $1,000, $600, $400, $1,000, and $2,000. Real Brokers are $2,400, $1,920, $1,440, $960, and $480. LPT Realty’s are $1,550, $900, $350, $350, $350, $500, and $1,000, and Epique Realty’s are $1,250 for each tier.
Fees to Earn Revenue Share
eXp Realty and LPT Realty charge no fees to earn revenue share, while Real Broker charges $175 per year plus a 1.2% admin fee. Epique Realty also has no fees to earn revenue share.
Retirement and Willable Income Path
All online real estate brokerages offer a retirement income path. eXp Realty, Real Broker (with time qualifications), LPT Realty, and Epique Realty (with conditions) provide willable income paths.
Stock Awards for Attracting Agents
eXp Realty offers $200, Real Broker provides 75 shares, LPT Realty offers no stock awards, and Epique Realty offers $250 if the agent is a “power agent” (24+ sales or $10M in sales) but has no listed stock yet.
Stock Awards for Tier 1, First Transaction
eXp Realty provides $400 for Tier 1, first transaction, while the other online real estate brokerages offer no stock awards for this.
Bonuses for Tier 1 Agents
eXp Realty offers up to $4,000 for a Tier 1 agent’s first year. Real Broker, LPT Realty, and Epique Realty do not provide such bonuses.
Conclusion
In this comprehensive comparison, eXp Realty emerges as a leader across multiple metrics between online real estate brokerages, including agent satisfaction, financial strength, commission splits, additional benefits, revenue share potential, and mentorship programs. Real Broker and Fathom Realty also offer competitive packages, particularly for agents seeking lower fees and simpler commission structures. LPT Realty, despite being newer, shows promise with its flexible commission splits and potential for growth. Each online real estate brokerage presents unique strengths, and the best choice depends on individual agent needs and priorities.
FAQ's About Online Real Estate Brokerages
What is an online real estate brokerage?
Online real estate brokerages operate primarily in a virtual environment, providing services and support to agents without the need for physical office spaces. These brokerages leverage technology to offer training, marketing tools, and transaction management systems.
What are the benefits of joining an online real estate brokerage?
Benefits include better commission splits due to lower overhead costs, greater geographic coverage, convenience of virtual meetings and training, and access to advanced technology tools for transaction management and marketing.
Are there any downsides to working with an online real estate brokerage?
Potential downsides include lack of in-person interaction and support, challenges for new agents who may benefit from face-to-face mentorship, and the need for self-discipline to stay productive in a virtual environment.
What kind of training and support can I expect from an online real estate brokerage?
eXp Realty offers over 50 live training hours per week in their virtual campus, eXp World, along with recorded sessions and extensive support staff. Real Broker provides live training via Zoom and maintains a library of recorded sessions for agent access.
Can I still have in-person interactions if I join an online real estate brokerage?
Yes, many online brokerages organize local events, meetups, and larger conferences to facilitate in-person interactions. For example, eXp Realty hosts annual events like EXPCON and the Shareholder Summit.
What are the costs associated with joining an online real estate brokerage?
Costs can include monthly fees, transaction fees, and errors & omissions insurance. For instance, eXp Realty charges $85 monthly and has a $275 transaction fee after capping, while Real Broker charges $285 or 15% of the transaction after capping.
Do online real estate brokerages offer health insurance?
Some online brokerages, like eXp Realty, offer healthcare options for their agents, while others may not provide such benefits.
How do stock options work at online real estate brokerages?
eXp Realty offers stock awards for agents’ first sale, annual capping, and reaching ICON status. Agents can also purchase stock at a discount. Real Broker provides stock awards for capping, attracting agents, and allows agents to purchase stock with a 15-30% bonus on their commissions.
Why Join Smart Agent Alliance at eXp Realty?
When you join Smart Agent Alliance, you get double value because youβre also automatically a Wolf Pack member.Β Together, Smart Agent Alliance and the Wolf Pack provide the tools, support, and expertise to elevate your business to new heights.
Smart Agent Alliance Benefits:
At Smart Agent Alliance, we prioritize organization, clarity, and efficiency to help our agents succeed. We provide essential onboarding resources, customizable presentations, business automations, client checklists, business assets, social media content, YouTube support, a growth plan, quality lead generation, production know-how, website support, and top-notch organizational tools.
Wolf Pack Benefits:
The Wolf Pack team at eXp Realty offers expert-led courses like Social Agent Academy 3.0, the Wolf Pack Hub, and the Investor Army for property flipping. We provide tailored assistance for new agents, developing agents, top producers, team leaders, and broker owners. Key resources include lead generation, production know-how, social media content, and YouTube support.
eXp Realty Benefits:
eXp Realty offers a comprehensive range of benefits for agents, focusing on top pay structures, low fees, and free stock options. Agents get an 80/20 commission splits that cap at $16,000 annually, with opportunities to earn 100% commission, receive annual stock awards and gain income through Revenue Share. Additional resources include 24/7 agent support, affordable healthcare, live training, and advanced tech tools like kvCORE and customizable IDX websites.