REAL Broker vs eXp Realty – Which is the Best Match for You in 2025?

When it comes to choosing the right real estate brokerage, agents have plenty to consider: fees, stocks, training, technology, revenue share, and, of course, where you get the best coffee in the office (just kidding—kind of). In 2025, two names are on every agent's mind: REAL Broker and eXp Realty. If you're ready to decode the details and make an informed decision, you're in the right place!

Fee Structure: Keeping More in Your Pocket

Let's face it: nobody loves fees. They're like those hidden calories in salads—unexpected and mildly infuriating. Here's how these two brokerages stack up for 2025:

REAL Broker maintains an 85/15 commission split with a $12,000 annual cap for solo agents Next-Gen AgentsAyersteam, while eXp Realty offers an 80/20 split with a $16,000 cap Agent Wealth HustleFive Pillars Nation. Both brokerages keep their structures competitive, but REAL Broker's lower annual cap and no monthly fees can save you a bundle—perfect for treating yourself to a few extra caramel lattes.

Stock Options: Build Wealth While You Sell Homes

Owning a piece of the company (and not just a mug from the break room) is a big deal. See how these brokerages reward you:

REAL Broker: The Elite Agent program awards $16,000 in stock for exceptional sales volume Real, plus an additional $8,000 stock award for cultural contributions through Real Academy Real. Agents receive 150 shares when they cap Next-Gen Agents, and can participate in a stock purchase program with bonus shares.

eXp Realty: The ICON Agent Award provides each qualified agent with up to $16,000 in publicly traded eXp World Holdings stock upon achievement of production, cultural and event attendance goals. To qualify, agents must cap and then complete 20 additional transactions or generate $500,000 in gross commission income Agent Wealth Hustle.

As one expert noted, stock rewards create "a sense of real ownership and investment in the future" for agents at both companies.

Technology: The Modern Agent's Secret Weapon

If you're still using a notebook and fax machine, it's time for a change (and possibly an intervention from the 21st century). Both brokerages embrace cloud-based tools:

REAL Broker: Known for its user-friendly reZEN dashboard, seamless transaction management, and integrated mobile app. All your business tools in one place—no need for juggling tabs like a cyber-circus act.

eXp Realty: Offers eXp World (a 3D virtual campus), kvCORE CRM, Skyslope, and comprehensive transaction management, included in the $85 monthly fee. It's perfect for agents who want to collaborate, network, and pick up training from their kitchen table.

Training and Support: Learn, Grow, Repeat

Remember when you had to sit through those mandatory, yawn-inducing seminars? Well, forget that! In 2025, both brokerages are all about relevant, accessible training:

REAL Broker: Focuses on mentoring, mastermind groups, regular webinars, and agent-led trainings. Elite agents can contribute to Real Academy for additional stock awards.

eXp Realty: Features 60+ hours of live training weekly, an extensive on-demand library, and CE courses. ICON agents must become certified mentors or instructors to receive their full stock awards Agent Wealth Hustle.

Revenue Share: Making Money While You Sleep (Almost)

Both companies reward you for growing their network of agents, but their models are a bit different.

REAL Broker: Operates a 5-tier revenue share program (5-4-3-2-1) where tier one pays 5% of gross commission, tier two pays 4%, and so on. The model is simple, transparent, and paid straight from the company's side—not your friend's hard-earned commissions.

eXp Realty: Sponsors receive 3.5% of the gross commission from agents they directly sponsor, with a multi-tiered system extending up to seven levels for potentially higher rewards as you attract and support more productive agents.

As one industry analyst noted, revenue share models are "redefining how agents build passive income and collaborate nationwide."

Choosing the Right Brokerage for Your Business

There's no one-size-fits-all answer: your style, ambitions, and working preferences matter most. Here's a quick roundup to help you decide:

Consider REAL Broker if:

• Lower fees and no monthly costs appeal to you
• You prefer a simpler revenue share model
• You want the opportunity to earn up to $24,000 in stock through Elite Agent status
• Peer-driven culture and efficient technology without complexity excite you

Consider eXp Realty if:

• You love virtual collaboration and the metaverse-style eXp World platform
• You want extensive training resources and established systems
• You're comfortable with monthly fees for bundled technology
• You see yourself building a nationwide network through a deeper revenue share structure

Conclusion: It All Comes Down to You

Whether you crave streamlined simplicity or a feature-packed platform, both brokerages offer agents the benefits of modern tech, wealth-building, and community. The most important factor? Choose the one that lets you thrive, laugh, and grow—while still leaving time for that extra cup of office coffee.

FAQ: REAL Broker vs eXp Realty in 2025

Which brokerage has lower startup costs? REAL Broker typically offers lower transaction fees and a $12,000 cap compared to eXp's $16,000 cap, making it a more affordable option for agents watching their bottom line.

Can I build wealth with stock at both brokerages? Absolutely! Both have agent stock award programs that allow you to grow your long-term financial security alongside your sales career.

How important is technology in these brokerages? Very! Both prioritize cutting-edge tech so you can work efficiently from anywhere and serve clients at a high level.

Is the training helpful for new agents? Yes! Both companies offer frequent, high-quality training and mentorship. eXp requires new agents with fewer than 3 transactions to complete a mentorship program, while REAL provides comprehensive onboarding and support.

What should I consider before choosing a brokerage? Think about your work style, support needs, financial goals, and which company culture fits you best.