Methods of Compensating Real Estate Agents – Commissions and Splits
This article gives a great overview of real estate commission plans. More evidence that our commission plan is undoubtedly the best in the industry.
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The Broker/Agent Traditional Commission Split Model:
The vast majority of real estate agents are compensated by a broker via sharing the gross commission amount that the broker collects. Here’s an example:
1. Gross commission amount of a transaction = $12,000.
2. Broker/Agent split of 50% broker/50% agent = $6000 to the agent.
3. The percentage split is an amount agreed to by the broker and the agent and usually reflects the amount of services and support the broker provides. It can also reflect the volume of business the agent brings in.
1. Gross commission amount of a transaction = $12,000.
2. Broker/Agent split of 50% broker/50% agent = $6000 to the agent.
3. The percentage split is an amount agreed to by the broker and the agent and usually reflects the amount of services and support the broker provides. It can also reflect the volume of business the agent brings in.
The 100% Commission Model:
In this compensation model, the agent gets the entire commission. This model can pay 100% to the agent because the agent is paying a “desk fee” or monthly office fee. This can be a significant amount/month, but experienced producers prefer it because their costs are capped while their income is not.
Example from above would be $12,000 to agent, but office fee could be $1000/month or more.
New agents generally are not interested in this model because of the fixed cost they must pay monthly.As of 2013, this model has almost disappeared, with even REMAX taking on new agents with less than a 100% commission.
Example from above would be $12,000 to agent, but office fee could be $1000/month or more.
New agents generally are not interested in this model because of the fixed cost they must pay monthly.As of 2013, this model has almost disappeared, with even REMAX taking on new agents with less than a 100% commission.
Referral Fees from One Brokerage to Another and Agent Split:
Referrals come “off the top” before commission is split. The referral is a negotiated percentage paid to another company for sending a client, either as a seller or a buyer. Here’s an example of a typical buyer referral:
1. Brokerage A refers a buyer to Brokerage B in another state.
2. Using the $12,000 gross commission from above, and an agreed referral fee of 25% would give Co. A $3000, and Co. B agent and broker would split the remaining $9000.
1. Brokerage A refers a buyer to Brokerage B in another state.
2. Using the $12,000 gross commission from above, and an agreed referral fee of 25% would give Co. A $3000, and Co. B agent and broker would split the remaining $9000.
Percentage Paid to Franchise for Business:
Some of the major franchises charge a percentage fee “off the top” of each commission to their franchisees. This fee would come off the top of whatever amount the Broker receives before splitting with the agent. Using a 7% franchise fee as an example:
1. $12,000 gross commission from deal would pay franchise $840, while broker and agent would split the remaining $11,160.
2. On the referral deal from above, the franchise percentage would come off of the $9000. Agent and broker split $8370.
1. $12,000 gross commission from deal would pay franchise $840, while broker and agent would split the remaining $11,160.
2. On the referral deal from above, the franchise percentage would come off of the $9000. Agent and broker split $8370.
Other Compensation Models:
With differing models appearing regularly for how brokerages charge their listing and buyer clients, there are many other ways an agent might be compensated….even by a salary.
For a new agent, the split negotiated with the broker should be carefully considered based on the services and anticipated prospect leads that will be received. Sometimes a 45% agent share can be better than a 60% share with little business coming from the broker.
For a new agent, the split negotiated with the broker should be carefully considered based on the services and anticipated prospect leads that will be received. Sometimes a 45% agent share can be better than a 60% share with little business coming from the broker.
