eXp Realty or Keller Williams: Which Real Estate Brokerage Actually Helps You Sell More Homes?
So, you’re hunting for a brokerage that isn’t stuck in the fax-machine era. Two giants—eXp Realty and Keller Williams—keep popping up, and you’re probably wondering which one will help you rock your real estate career. Grab your coffee (or, let’s be honest, your third coffee), and join us for a no-nonsense, slightly cheeky breakdown of these industry titans!
Company Overviews
Keller Williams: The Classic Powerhouse
Keller Williams has been around since the caveman era of real estate (1983, to be exact). With its massive franchise network and strong training culture, it’s the traditional “we’re like family, but with more paperwork” option.
eXp Realty: The Cloud-Based Disruptor
eXp Realty burst onto the scene in 2009. Its appeal? Virtual offices, cutting-edge tech, and a business structure that has you questioning if you even need a brick-and-mortar office to be successful. Spoiler: You don’t.
Commission Structures: Who Takes Less Of Your Pie?
| Brokerage | Commission Split | Cap | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| eXp Realty | 80/20 | $16,000/year | $149 start-up, $85/month, $25 & $40 transaction fees |
| Keller Williams | 70/30 (may vary) | $18,000/year (market dependent) | $50–$100/month franchise fees, desk fees may apply |
Once you hit your cap at either brokerage, you take home 100% of your commissions. The catch? At Keller Williams, those caps and splits can be as mysterious as the secret menu at Starbucks—they’re different everywhere!
Training and Support: Who Helps You Level Up?
Keller Williams is famous for its education program. Think endless workshops, coaching, and in-person meetings—like the Hogwarts for real estate agents, complete with a magical playbook.
eXp Realty? All the training happens in the cloud! Daily workshops, mastermind sessions, and online support from anywhere—even your couch (pants optional). Both brokerages want you to succeed, but eXp likes to do it in pajama-friendly style.
Technology & Tools: Old School vs. New School
At Keller Williams, you’ll find their Command platform, CRM tools, and physical office spaces ready for you to hang motivational posters. It’s robust but leans on you being local and involved in-person.
Meanwhile, eXp Realty’s whole shtick is that everything is virtual: from broker support in eXp World (imagine a Sims video game for grown-ups with strong coffee habits), to digital marketing tools and sky-high cloud storage. “Work from anywhere” is not a suggestion—it’s the business model.
Culture: Where Will You Fit In?
- Keller Williams thrives on in-person meetings and that sense of local camaraderie.
- eXp Realty’s community is global, collaborative, and loves a good Zoom call.
If you love office banter and water-cooler chat, Keller Williams is your spot. If you’ve been social distancing since before it was cool, eXp Realty might be your spirit animal.
Revenue Sharing and Profit Sharing: Free Money?
This is where things get a little spicy! eXp Realty offers a revenue share program where you earn a piece of the pie from agents you recruit—directly from company revenue. Keller Williams offers profit share, but it’s paid after expenses. Translation: at eXp, you get paid first; at Keller Williams, you get paid... if there’s anything left.
Who Should Choose Which?
- Choose Keller Williams if you want top-notch live training, love being part of a local team, and want to build your business the traditional way.
- Choose eXp Realty if you’re ready for remote work, enjoy leveraging tech, and want a chance to build passive income through recruiting.
Conclusion
Picking between eXp Realty and Keller Williams boils down to how you like to work, how much you love (or loathe) the office, and how you want to grow your business. Both brokerages are heavy-hitters, each with strengths that cater to different agent personalities and business models. Your next move? Ask yourself: "Do I want a traditional, in-person family vibe, or do I want to be part of a global, tech-driven revolution?" No wrong answer—just the right one for you.
FAQs about eXp Realty vs Keller Williams
What is the main difference between eXp Realty and Keller Williams?
The biggest difference is the business model: eXp is fully cloud-based with virtual support while Keller Williams is franchise-based with physical offices. Both offer competitive commissions and awesome training, but the work style is totally different.
Which brokerage offers better commission splits?
Generally, eXp Realty has a more competitive commission split (80/20 with a $16,000 cap) compared to Keller Williams’ 70/30 split (cap varies). eXp’s fees are more consistent regardless of location.
Is there a minimum sales requirement to stay at either brokerage?
Nope! Both eXp and Keller Williams allow agents to maintain their license and access to platforms without strict sales volume requirements, but staying productive helps you get the most value.
Who has the best training programs?
Keller Williams is known for excellent, in-person training, while eXp offers strong virtual training. The "best" depends on whether you prefer face-to-face or online learning!
Can you switch from Keller Williams to eXp Realty (or vice versa)?
Absolutely. Many agents have made the jump to find a better culture fit or business opportunity. As always, check with your local state real estate commission about transfer procedures.
