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BROKERAGE MODELS

Real vs a traditional brokerage

Short answer

Real is a cloud brokerage. It runs on its own software and generally doesn't keep physical branch offices, except where local law requires one. Office-based firms each set their own splits, fees and support. So the fair way to compare is to get each firm's written terms and add up a full year at your own production.

How Real's model works

In its June 30, 2026 filing, Real describes a fully digital brokerage. It runs core brokerage work through its own technology, reZEN, and lets agents work on their own or as part of a team without a physical office network.

  • Split and cap: 85/15 until a $12,000 cap for individual agents and team leaders.
  • Monthly fee: none.
  • Per deal: a $50 CBR fee, plus a $900 yearly brokerage fee collected as $300 on each of your first 3 deals.
  • After cap: $285 per sale or $125 per lease, or 15% if that is less.
  • Tools: reZEN for deals and pay, Leo as an AI assistant, and Real Wallet for business banking.
  • Programs: an optional stock purchase plan, stock awards, and revenue share paid out of Real's 15%.

One change worth knowing: since August 24, 2026, Real and RE/MAX Holdings share a parent company, Real REMAX Group Inc. This guide covers Real Broker, LLC, the brokerage Real agents join.

What to ask an office-based firm

Traditional firms vary a lot, so don't guess. Ask for these in writing:

  • The split, and whether it changes with production.
  • Whether there is a cap, and what you pay after it.
  • Desk, office, technology, franchise or marketing fees, and how often each is charged.
  • Per-transaction and E&O fees.
  • What training, broker support and admin help are included, and who provides them.
  • The rules for leaving: notice, listings, pending deals and any fees.

Office vs cloud: questions to ask yourself

  • Do you use an office every week, or mostly work from home and the field?
  • Do you want in-person training, or are live online classes and recordings enough?
  • Do you lead or plan to build a team? If so, how does each firm handle team splits and team caps?
  • Which tools do you already rely on, and what would you have to replace?

There is no right answer for everyone. Some agents do their best work with a local office and a managing broker down the hall. Others don't use an office at all.

Run it on your own numbers

Take your last 12 months of closed deals and commission. Apply the same numbers to each firm's schedule, including every fee. Then put the support you'd actually use next to the cost.

Real calculatorReal's fees and split12 questions to ask

FAQ

Common questions

Real generally does not rely on physical branch offices, except where local law requires one, according to its June 30, 2026 filing.

It depends on the firms and your production. Compare each firm's written split, cap and fees for a full year at your own numbers.

Real runs live online classes each week for new agents and keeps recordings in Real Academy.

Each state has a designated broker for Real Broker, LLC. In Washington it is Dan Pehlke, license #25259.

Real and RE/MAX Holdings share a parent company, Real REMAX Group Inc., since August 24, 2026. This guide covers Real Broker, LLC.

Sources

Last checked October 2, 2026. Companies can change their fees and policies at any time.

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