Best Real Estate Companies to Work for in 2021

In the past, a company’s employees determined whether or not it was a good place to work. Nowadays, companies need to be more selective about who they hire and what kind of people are most compatible with their culture in order for them to succeed. The best places offer those things that make working there really worth it!

The “top real estate companies to work for” is a list of the best real estate companies that are currently hiring.

A real estate firm is a brokerage that employs registered real estate agents to serve local buyers and sellers. It may be national or local. Based on commissions, costs, training, brand awareness, and marketing activities, we examined 11 major real estate brokerages and determined the best six to work for.

As a consequence, we’ve identified the best six real estate firms to work for in 2021 as follows:

• (Best Overall) Agents looking for a high commission structure and possibilities for ongoing education can choose Keller Williams is a real estate firm based in.
• New agents who want tools, assistance, and marketing to help them develop might choose ERA Real Estate is a company that specializes in real estate..
• RE/MAX: Experienced agents looking to tailor commission splits and desk fees.
• Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is looking for tech-savvy agents that desire marketing, lead capturing, and other tools.
• Professionals looking for a virtual brokerage with access to a wealth of online tools and services might consider eXp Realty is a company that specializes in real estate..
• Agents at The twenty-first century place a premium on brokerage brand familiarity.

Joining a firm is only one step in the process of becoming a real estate agent. You must also complete state-mandated courses and pass a license test. If you haven’t yet earned your license, consider going to Real Estate Express, an online school that provides both mandatory coursework and professional development materials at a low cost. Learn more about Real Estate Express’ “Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee” by clicking here.

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Keller Williams

The Best Real Estate Company to Work For Overall

PROS

• Agent development is prioritized in an inclusive business culture.
• Courses in sales, marketing, and leadership are available.
• Mentorship and prospects for advancement

CONS

• Internal rivalry is created through profit-sharing incentives.
• Within office brokerages, there may be a lot of conflict.

Total Points

4.43

OUT OF

5

Because of their hefty agent compensation and comprehensive continuing education choices, Keller Williams Realty is regarded as our top overall firm. Keller Williams provides an incredible amount of support resources to its agents via their numerous training platforms. They also provide unique internal development options, such as profit sharing and a vote in leadership choices. Keller Williams (KW) is the greatest choice for agents looking for a reasonable commission split, affordable desk fees, mentoring, development possibilities, and robust training programs.

Commission Splits & Agent Fees at Keller Williams

Keller Williams (KW) pays agents a 64 percent agent, 30 percent broker, and 6% franchise commission split unless they exceed their annual gross commission targets (called limits). You retain 100% of any commissions earned for the rest of the year after you’ve reached your annual quota. It’s vital to know that each KW office has its own limit.

The following is a breakdown of Keller Williams’ commission splits:

• 64 percent for the agent: Given that many agencies start new agents at 50%, this is a significant increase that might spell the difference between financial success and failure. This acts as a motivator for you to sell more in your first year.
• The part of a commission that covers office expenditures including rent, electricity, and insurance is 30 percent for the broker.
• The franchise fee of 6% is the sole profit that Keller Williams International generates from each agent every year. The annual cost is set at $3,000 per agent.

Keller Williams charges a small desk fee in addition to the broker share and franchise costs. Errors and omissions insurance, customer relationship management (CRM) software, e-marketing services, Google Applications, paperless document handling, websites, iOS and Android apps, fax, and phone are all covered by Keller Williams’ desk fees. Desk costs may vary from $50 to $125 per month, depending on the location.

Additional Advantages

Keller Williams offers 310 instructor-led classroom sessions, 2,000 self-paced online courses, and 82 hours of formal structured training per year. In fact, they provide free online assistance resources to any agent. Keller Williams was also selected to Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers for Diversity, and has received extraordinarily good ratings on Comparably from agents of all demographics.

Additionally, each agent has their own Keller William-branded website with contact forms and neighborhood information. The brokerage’s site allows you to search for all available homes. This is how the brokerage gets the most exposure and assists agents in generating leads.

On the listing, a Keller Williams agent is highlighted.

ERA Real Estate

PROS

• There are no commission splits or desk fees.
• For new agents, a training program has been established.
• Tools for lead creation and marketing

CONS

• Management might be tough to reach.
• For established agencies, it is too limiting.
• There isn’t much room for improvement.

Total Points

3.99

OUT OF

5

ERA Real Estate is a national and international agency that focuses on training and developing new agents. ERA University, an in-house training program, includes everything from business planning to productivity to networking. New agents may receive listings quicker and more effectively with clear marketing and technological tools. ERA Real Estate is great for new agents who seek advice and support as they start their new company because of this emphasis.

Agent Fees & ERA Commission Splits

Because ERA offers personalized compensation programs tailored to each real estate market and agent, the precise commission splits are not accessible online. To find out your specific commission split, you’ll need to contact the brokerage nearest to you.

The website states, however, that ERA is not a high-split brokerage and that it pays well and has modest costs. Even though they give agents with significant marketing tools and the ability to utilize their office spaces, several ERA real estate professionals who submitted reviews on Indeed and Glassdoor affirmed that this brokerage had lower agent fees.

Additional Advantages

Technology is an important aspect of ERA’s marketing strategy and agent training. They provide each agent with a fully functional IDX-enabled website that connects with social media and the ERA CRM to showcase their listings and open houses.

There’s also an ERA app for communicating with customers and managing company chores, as well as TextERA, a text-based lead creation tool. TextERA makes use of SMS marketing by giving leads a phone number to text when they’re interested in a property. SMS marketing has produced more leads for ERA brokers and agents than Trulia and Zillow combined since it has one of the greatest deliverability rates in the business.

ERA Real Estate encourages their agents to join organizations like NAHREP (National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals), NAREB (National Association of Real Estate Brokers), NAGLREP (National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals), and others, but they haven’t demonstrated any further commitment to diversity and inclusion.

RE/MAX

Controlling Commission Splits is the best option.

PROS

• Compensation splits may be customized.
• Allows agents to be as flexible and independent as possible.
• Select your training requirements and set your own work plan.

CONS

• Collaboration is lacking.
• There is a lack of collaboration and guidance.
• It might be challenging for new agents.

Total Points

3.89

OUT OF

5

RE/MAX is a major real estate agency known for allowing agents to select commission splits, which normally start at 95/5 with an upfront desk fee. Fees may also be adjusted based on the requirements of the agent, however resources may be limited compared to other possibilities. RE/MAX is suitable for agents who require a broker but are less interested in the resources and branding of a national agency and are more interested in a favorable split.

Commission Splits & Agent Fees at RE/MAX

RE/MAX provides a range of high split choices to its agents. The 95/5 split is the ideal choice for agents who are willing to pay an upfront desk charge (which varies per office). This implies that the agent receives 95% of each commission, while the broker receives 5%, plus a monthly desk charge to cover rent, insurance, and lead expenses.

RE/MAX Alternative Payment Plans provide secondary commission splits without a separate desk or monthly expenses (RAPP). RAPP incorporates broker fees and monthly desk fees into the commission split; costs are deducted from commission payments so that agents aren’t hit with a hefty bill every month.

RE/MAX offers three tiers of RAPP for agents to choose from:

• The 80/20 split implies that you get 80% of the sales commission and the broker receives 20%.
• The 70/30 split implies that agents get 70% of their compensation and the broker receives the remaining 30%.
• A 60/40 split indicates that the agent receives 60% of the commission and the broker receives the remaining 40%.

The larger the proportion kept by the broker, the more RE/MAX resources are available to the agent. Agents who do not get desk fees are responsible for their own expenditures, such as lead acquisition, advertising, and marketing flyers. The overall sales limit for all RAPP programs is $23,000 per year. When an agent’s cap is reached, they are immediately transferred to the 95/5 plan.

Additional Advantages

RE/MAX University provides a diverse range of do-it-yourself programs. Agents may attend training in RE/MAX classrooms, online, or via on-demand video. Special designations, certificates, continuing education credits, and professional development are all available via classes. RE/MAX agents have the option to advance to management, swap brokerages, or start their own franchise as a national franchise.

Although, unlike Keller Williams, RE/MAX does not provide all agents with a fully functional website, you will have access to their “Design Center,” a web-based platform with templates for mailing pieces, open house sheets, drip email campaigns, single property websites, and YouTube-compatible listing videos.

In many respects, RE/MAX has actively advocated for diversity. They support the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) and the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), as well as the National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals (NAGLREP) (NAGLREP).

Coldwell Banker Realty

Agents that are tech-savvy will benefit the most.

PROS

• Supports agents with cutting-edge technology and helps them discover properties.
• Agents in specialist markets such as smart homes may find this useful.
• Training in advanced specialist areas is available.

CONS

• It’s difficult for agents who aren’t used to working with technology.
• Need to learn new tools and platforms on a regular basis

Total Points

3.88

OUT OF

5

Coldwell Banker Realty is a global real estate firm that is known for its highly sophisticated tools. The Coldwell Banker Realty CBx Tech Suite is a collection of tools that employ algorithms to deliver information on seller leads, property listings, and buyer locations. Coldwell Banker Realty is great for agents that are comfortable utilizing technology to search listings and communicate with buyers and sellers because of this capability.

Coldwell Banker Realty Fees & Commission Split

Coldwell Banker Realty pays an initial commission split of 80% to skilled agents. You earn 100% of commissions when your annual maximum of $15,000 has been reached. Furthermore, Coldwell Banker has shifted away from the conventional brokerage model and toward an online one with no necessary desk fees. There is, however, a Document Reviewing Fee and Errors and Omissions (E&O) costs that are limited. They also give partial returns for the 6.5 percent royalty costs when you reach specific milestones.

Additional Advantages

Coldwell Banker Realty offers training to both new and seasoned agents. You’ll always have additional possibilities to learn via online courses and classroom seminars in technology, marketing, sales, and more. You may also work your way up to management or open your own Coldwell Banker company.

Coldwell Banker Realty uses a variety of media, including the web, smartphones, and television, to boost the exposure of local agents. The CBx Tech Package also provides agents with a comprehensive marketing suite. It comes with a wide range of tools and technologies to help you advance in your real estate profession.

Furthermore, in 2020, Coldwell Banker introduced an Inclusive Ownership initiative to improve diversity among brokerage and franchise owners. They’ve also received honors from a variety of groups, including the Women’s Choice Award, the Top LGBTQ List, and others.

eXp Realty

PROS

• There are no franchise or desk fees.
• a large number of resources and assistance
• To make management more accessible, a virtual world was created.

CONS

• For agents, it may be overwhelming.
• Management’s lack of face-to-face communication or assistance

Total Points

3.34

OUT OF

5

eXp Realty is a virtual brokerage that offers substantial training, technology, and marketing to agents without charging them a desk charge. Its one-of-a-kind approach gives agents a variety of ways to make more money, learn more about various subjects, and use numerous marketing tactics. However, since all platforms are online, there may be a lack of personal assistance, therefore it’s ideal for seasoned agents that prioritize efficiency, training, and technology.

Commission Split & Agent Fees at eXp Realty

When you join eXp Realty, you’ll pay a $149 starting charge that covers your first monthly subscription, business cards, a website, CRM, memberships, and more. You’ll be charged an ongoing monthly price of $85 after the first month to cover all team tools, training, and support.

Until you reach your yearly maximum of $16,000, your commission split is 80/20. You’ll retain 100% of your commissions after that, but you’ll have to pay a $250 transaction charge for the following 20 transactions. However, with its stock ownership plan, ICON agent rewards, and revenue sharing plan, eXp is unique in that it provides possibilities to earn additional money.

Features Not Included

In addition to their unique brokerage concept, eXp provides its agents with possibly the most comprehensive set of resources. The quantity of training, technology, and marketing tools accessible to eXp agents was lauded by several eXp agents online. While this may seem daunting to new agents, there isn’t much that eXp doesn’t already have.

In addition to the materials, you can utilize eXp World to communicate with all of your agents and workers. eXp World is a virtual reality platform that allows you to create an avatar and visit various departments or meetings. It’s a one-of-a-kind and effective solution to provide agents with a home base and a simple way to remain in touch, stay informed, and stay productive.

One eXp is a diversity project aimed at making eXp Realty a more inclusive and diverse agency. eXp has a variety of diverse groups, including the Black eXp network, the eXp Asian network, the eXp Latino network, the eXp LGBTQ network, and the eXp Power Girls.

Century 21

Brand Recognition: Best Real Estate Broker

PROS

• There are no costs for using the desk.
• Brand recognition is quite high.
• It’s a lot easier to get buyer and seller leads now.

CONS

• There aren’t many prospects for advancement.
• Commission split is standard.
• Fees for franchising

Total Points

3.04

OUT OF

5

Century 21 is a well-known national real estate firm with a loyal customer base. Century 21 is the only real estate firm with a 90 percent confidence and recognition rating among potential buyers and sellers, which it has maintained for the last 20 years. As a result, Century 21 is the greatest option for new and seasoned agents looking to increase sales by partnering with a reputable real estate company.

Commission Splits & Agent Fees at Century 21

When it comes to commission splitting, Century 21 takes a more conventional approach. To compensate for the absence of a desk fee, new agents start with a 50/50 share. On the basis of sales, more experienced agents are paid a bigger share. With desk fees or tiered programs, some agencies may give new agents bigger shares.

In most circumstances, Century 21 does not collect any kind of desk fee. This may be a lifesaver for novice agents who are trying to make ends meet while generating leads and paying their obligations. However, Century 21 does collect an 8% royalty or franchise fee. The agent may be required to pay the whole amount or divide it with the broker.

Features Not Included

Brokers, managers, and agents are all included in Century 21’s free online and classroom training programs. They also provide in-person mentoring and coaching, as well as self-paced webinars. Although there is the possibility of progressing to management or starting your own brokerage, these opportunities are rare. The only disadvantage of keeping a continuously trustworthy brand with a low turnover rate is that this is the only drawback.

Century 21 provides a plethora of print and online marketing materials to its agents. They’ve built up a simple approach to publish adverts, and their print materials make it easy to personalize without spending hours on design. The Century 21 brand remains constant when you use their templates, and you save time and money. Century 21 has received a position on Forbes’ top employers for diversity in 2019 and 2020, just like Keller Williams.

Regional Real Estate Companies are another option.

While we opted to showcase nationally famous organizations since they serve the most people, it’s worth mentioning that small brokerages can provide greater mentoring and freedom for an agent to develop a company. This implies that dealing with a smaller, regional brokerage may be a better option if you want to start slowly and learn the ropes from a seasoned expert.

Take the time to compare these firms to local or regional brokerages in your town if you already have a sphere of influence and are searching for an alternative that will provide you a deeper feeling of ownership in the company’s success as well as camaraderie. Visit our post on how to pick a real estate business for additional information on which sort of brokerage could be ideal for you.

Most Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)

As a real estate agent, do you have a set salary?

Because most agents don’t get paid until their first sale, you should be financially prepared to go months without a salary. Only joining a firm like Redfin, which hires agents as full-time, paid workers, is an exception.

Is it necessary for me to sign with a brokerage?

All states need you to sign with a sponsoring broker; you must officially associate your license with an established brokerage. Instead of a physical office, you may work with a virtual broker like eXp Realty (described before) or another option called Real Estate (if available in your state). Alternatively, see our post on how to identify a sponsored broker for more information.

Will a brokerage provide me with the necessary training to get my real estate license?

Without a real estate license, you won’t be able to work for any broker. Your broker will give some training to assist you advance in your career; but, after attending real estate school prep classes, you must earn your real estate license on your own. Some of the greatest online real estate schools are listed here.

Conclusion

The ideal real estate broker to work with is determined by your requirements and career objectives. To choose Keller Williams as the top overall real estate business in 2021, we looked at fees, commissions, training programs, marketing, and growth possibilities. They not only provide excellent training and commission splits, but they also provide fantastic development potential.

How We Picked the Best Real Estate Firms

The brokerage you choose to work with may have a significant impact on an agent’s ability to succeed, but changing brokerages after you’ve begun can be tough. This is why, before making a commitment, you should learn all you can about the finest real estate broker to work with. To assist, we assessed prominent national brokers based on their commission splits, desk fees, training, brand awareness, and agent promotion activities.

Keller Williams is the greatest nationally renowned real estate brokerage to work for, according to us. This is because the well-known brand provides agents with a substantial compensation structure, low desk costs, continuous professional development opportunities, and profit sharing. By clicking on the links below, you can learn more about the elements that went into our assessment and the weight we assigned to each criterion:

30%

Structure of Commission and Fees

15%

Assistance with Education and Training

30% of the overall score

We took into account the aspects that influenced an agent’s earning potential while assessing brokerages. This covered a brokerage’s commission split structure and what desk, marketing, and other administrative expenses were paid back to an agent.

25% of the overall score

Agents that join with a national brand rather than a small or boutique agency benefit from name recognition, which may help develop trust. However, agents should never depend only on the reputation of the brokerage. This is why we sought for brokerages that supplied or provided supplementary marketing tools and services to assist agents acquire customers or get their listings recognized.

15% of the overall score

As a requirement of keeping their license, all licensed agents, regardless of state, must complete hours of continuing education training. While these programs are provided by independent real estate colleges and guarantee that agents are up to speed on the newest rules and regulations, the top brokerages to work for offer extra training and professional development possibilities.

15% of the overall score

We searched for brokerages that provided a route for professional development while analyzing them. When it came to brands that provided mentoring or management programs, as well as companies that enabled you to create your own brokerage one day when an agent is ready to take the next step in their career, we paid special attention to those that offered both.

15% of the overall score

The team you deal with has a significant impact on whether or not you like working with a brokerage. As a result, we looked at agent assessments for things like culture and work-life balance, as well as whether a brokerage supported diversity at all levels, in addition to their national reach.

*Percentages based on total score

The “best real estate companies to work for in california” is a question that has been asked many times. We have compiled a list of the best companies to work for in California.

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