Yes, brokers often make more than agents because they earn a share of their agents’ commissions while also doing personal deals. But top-producing agents can out-earn many brokers. Income depends on deal volume, team size, market conditions, and overhead costs.
Brokers diversify their income by earning from multiple agents, but they also take on legal risk, management responsibilities, and fixed costs that can quickly shrink profits. Many agents discover they don’t need to become brokers to maximize earnings, they simply need the right platform.
By the end of the day, your income depends on the model you choose, the size of your team (if any), market conditions, and how you structure your business.
At Realty Hub, we built a system that flips the outdated brokerage model on its head. We let agents keep 100% of their commission after a simple flat fee, no franchise cuts, no desk fees, no forced MLS memberships.
If you want to dig deeper into how broker and agent incomes really stack up, and how to choose the smartest path for your career, keep reading.
Broker vs Agent: Quick Income Comparison
At a glance, brokers and agents earn income very differently.
Brokers generate income from:
- Personal sales commissions
- A share of commissions earned by their agents (agent splits)
- Office profit if they own the brokerage outright
Agents generate income from:
- Personal sales commissions only
While brokers benefit from multiple income streams, the math isn’t always in their favor. High-volume agents who consistently close deals, without the expense of managing agents, staffing, or office overhead, often out-earn brokers who oversee teams.
In some cases, top-producing agents working independently generate more take-home income than broker-owners.
Ultimately, how much you earn depends on your business model, your production volume, your market niche, and your experience level. Some agents thrive as individual producers; others build teams or transition into brokerage ownership for passive income opportunities.
Why Do Brokers Often Make More Than Agents?
The reason many brokers earn more than agents is simple: they’re not limited to their own sales production.
When you build a brokerage, your income grows with each agent you bring on board. Every transaction your agents close feeds into your revenue stream, even if you personally never touch that deal.
Brokers also benefit from:
- Steady income from multiple agents
- Passive revenue as headcount grows
- Less personal dependence on closing deals month after month
- Full control over fees, policies, and office operations
Broker Revenue Sources Include:
- Commission splits from agents
- Franchise royalties (in franchise models)
- Office service fees (desk fees, tech fees, transaction fees)
- Referral fees from agent networks
- Personal production when desired
However, brokers exchange production-based stress for management-based stress. While agents worry about closing deals, brokers worry about recruiting agents, covering expenses, and staying compliant with licensing regulations.
What Percentage Do Brokers Take From Agents?
Commission structures vary wildly across the industry:
- Traditional splits: 30–50% for new agents is common
- Capped models: Experienced agents may pay 10–20% until they hit a cap (often $15,000–$30,000 per year)
- Flat-fee brokerages: Realty Hub charges just $100 per year and $100 per transaction, after that, agents keep 100% of their commission
- Franchise models: Often take an additional 5–8% royalty on top of splits, even after caps
Many agents assume these high splits are unavoidable. They’re not. Flat-fee models like Realty Hub eliminate confusing percentages, forced upsells, and endless fees. Our agents know exactly what they’re paying upfront, no franchise fees, no desk fees, no technology subscriptions they don’t want.
| Model | Monthly Fees | Transaction Fees | Commission Split | Franchise Royalty |
| Traditional | $100+ | $200-$500 | 30-50% | 5-8% |
| Franchise | $150+ | $250-$1,000 | 20-30% | 5-8% |
| Realty Hub | $100/year | $100 per transaction | 0% | 0% |
The difference in take-home pay can be staggering, especially for agents who consistently produce.
Is Becoming a Broker Worth It? Pros and Cons
The benefits of becoming a broker include:
- Passive income streams as your agent network grows
- The ability to build a valuable business asset over time
- Multiple revenue streams beyond personal sales production
But there are very real downsides:
- Full legal liability for your agents’ actions, every contract they write falls under your license
- Significant fixed expenses (staff, compliance systems, technology platforms, office space)
- Recruiting, managing, and training agents becomes your primary responsibility
This is where many agents pause. They realize that while becoming a broker offers income potential, it also introduces risk, complexity, and management burdens that can outweigh the benefits, especially for agents who enjoy the simplicity of direct client work.
At Realty Hub, we’ve intentionally built a model that lets agents enjoy many of the financial upsides brokers seek, without the liabilities and management headaches that often come with brokerage ownership.
What Type of Broker Gets Paid the Most?
- Luxury Brokers: Handling high-end residential properties comes with larger commissions but often requires significant investment in marketing, staging, and brand positioning.
- Commercial Brokers: Large-scale commercial transactions can yield commissions in the six- and seven-figure range, especially for brokers specializing in multifamily, retail, or industrial real estate.
- Franchise Broker-Owners: Brokers who own large franchise offices with dozens or hundreds of agents can scale income significantly through volume.
- Specialty Brokers: Those who build niche expertise, such as development consulting, property management, or investment sales, often command premium fees for their specialized knowledge.
Top 1% commercial brokers regularly earn $1M+ per year, often working only 30 hours a week once they’ve built long-term relationships and become the go-to expert in their markets.
When Do Agents Make More Than Brokers?
Despite the earning potential of brokerage ownership, there are many situations where agents outperform brokers:
- High-Volume Solo Agents or Team Leaders: Top agents who maintain lean operations, work directly with clients, and minimize overhead often take home more net income than brokers burdened with office expenses.
- Referral Agents in Flat-Fee Models: Referral-focused agents, like many at Realty Hub, can maintain active licenses, collect commissions, and avoid association dues or MLS fees, all while having minimal ongoing responsibilities.
- Investor-Agents: Agents who also invest in real estate benefit not only from commissions but from equity growth, rental income, and tax advantages.
RealtyHub Tip: Referral-only structures like Realty Hub allow agents to generate consistent income with minimal workload, no desk time, and virtually no risk, especially attractive for part-time agents, investors, or professionals who want flexibility without sacrificing earning potential.
Common Worries About Becoming a Broker
The idea of moving into brokerage ownership often triggers valid concerns. Here’s how to address them:
- Worry #1: What if my agents don’t produce enough deals?
Solution: Start lean with a virtual brokerage model. Realty Hub’s flat-fee system eliminates costly office leases and high overhead, allowing you to grow at a sustainable pace. - Worry #2: Will I face legal risk for agent mistakes?
Solution: Compliance is non-negotiable. Realty Hub’s “compliance first” systems provide full transaction management and support, helping agents stay aligned with licensing rules and reducing broker liability exposure. - Worry #3: Can I afford startup costs?
Solution: Traditional brokerages carry heavy upfront costs. Flat-fee models like Realty Hub eliminate expensive infrastructure, allowing agents to focus on production, not office bills. - Worry #4: What if I burn out managing others?
Solution: Build a network of self-motivated agents. At Realty Hub, we attract independent professionals who don’t need hand-holding, freeing brokers from constant supervision and daily management stress.
5 Proven Tips to Maximize Income as an Agent or Broker
Whether you stay an agent or become a broker, these strategies will help you keep more of what you earn:
- Choose the right model: Flat-fee brokerages like Realty Hub allow you to minimize costs while maximizing commission income.
- Specialize in profitable niches: Luxury sales, commercial deals, investment consulting, and referrals all offer high-income potential.
- Leverage technology: Use transaction management platforms, CRM systems, and automated marketing to work more efficiently.
- Control your overhead: Avoid office leases, bloated staff, and unnecessary tech subscriptions that drain your profits.
- Monetize referral income: Build a referral network that generates passive income streams while allowing you to focus on your highest-value activities.
The Realty Hub Difference: A Smarter Model for Agents Who Want Freedom
The question is whether you’re keeping enough of what you earn. Here’s how we make that happen:
- 100% commission after a simple flat fee: Just $100 per year and $100 per transaction. No splits. No percentages.
- No unnecessary fees: No desk fees, franchise royalties, forced MLS memberships, or expensive technology bundles.
- Support when you need it, independence when you don’t: Access broker support, compliance systems, and a community of experienced agents while maintaining full control over your business.
You don’t need to become a broker-owner to control your income. You simply need the right structure.
Ready to Stop Splitting Your Hard-Earned Commissions?
You worked for the client. You closed the deal. You deserve to keep what you’ve earned. If you’re tired of giving away chunks of your commission to cover someone else’s office rent, admin staff, and franchise fees, it’s time to take control.
Run your business your way, with 100% of your commission in your pocket where it belongs:
