eXp Realty vs RE/MAX: Commission Split Breakdown
eXp Realty and RE/MAX use fundamentally different commission structures, and the better option depends on how an agent earns income, manages expenses, and plans to scale. eXp Realty operates on a capped commission model with predictable fees, while RE/MAX commonly uses higher splits paired with ongoing desk or office fees that vary by market and office. Amanda Mullins, MBA, REALTOR® with eXp Realty evaluates this comparison by focusing on net income after all costs, not headline split percentages.
Amanda Mullins, MBA, REALTOR® brings more than 13 years of residential appraisal management experience and an MBA in Applied Management to analyzing brokerage compensation models through real-world cash flow, expense control, and long-term business sustainability. This guide breaks down how commission splits actually work at eXp Realty and RE/MAX, what agents often overlook, and how to decide which model aligns with personal production goals.
Why Commission Split Alone Is a Misleading Metric
Commission split is only one part of an agent’s financial picture. Two agents earning the same gross commission income can end the year with very different net income depending on:
Caps and when they are reached
Monthly desk or office fees
Technology and marketing costs
Transaction fees and admin charges
How expenses scale as production increases
A “higher split” does not always mean higher take-home pay.
How the eXp Realty Commission Model Works
eXp Realty uses a capped commission structure. Agents pay a percentage of commission to the brokerage until a cap is reached, after which most of the commission is retained by the agent for the remainder of the cap year, subject to smaller per-transaction fees.
Key characteristics of the eXp model:
A standard split until the cap is met
A defined annual cap amount
Predictable monthly and transaction fees
Strong emphasis on cost transparency
Once capped, agents often experience a noticeable increase in net income per transaction.
How the RE/MAX Commission Model Works
RE/MAX offices typically operate on a high-split or near-100 percent commission model. Instead of a cap, agents usually pay recurring desk, office, or service fees regardless of production level.
Key characteristics of the RE/MAX model:
Very high commission split or flat-fee structure
Ongoing monthly office or desk fees
Fees vary significantly by franchise location
Costs continue even during slower production periods
This model can work well for high-volume agents who value office presence and brand recognition, but it can create pressure during slower months.
The Real Difference: Cap vs Ongoing Fees
The core financial difference between eXp Realty and RE/MAX is how costs behave over time.
eXp concentrates costs earlier in the year until the cap is reached
RE/MAX spreads costs evenly across the year regardless of production
Agents who cap early often benefit from eXp’s structure. Agents who maintain consistent, high-volume production year-round may find RE/MAX costs easier to absorb.
Commission Split Scenarios in Practice
Understanding how each model behaves at different production levels is critical.
Lower to moderate production
Agents producing fewer transactions often feel monthly fees more acutely. A capped model can limit total exposure, while ongoing desk fees continue regardless of closings.
Higher production
High-producing agents may prioritize keeping more of each commission check. In this case, the key comparison becomes total annual fees paid versus total income retained.
Variable income
Agents with seasonal or inconsistent income often prefer models where expenses drop once capped or where fixed costs are minimized.
Expense Predictability and Risk
Expense predictability matters just as much as total cost.
eXp Realty expense profile
Costs are front-loaded until the cap is met
Monthly fees are typically lower and more predictable
Fewer surprises tied to office overhead
RE/MAX expense profile
Monthly desk or office fees continue year-round
Costs vary by franchise and local leadership decisions
Office-related expenses can increase without a production increase
Agents who value financial predictability often prioritize capped or platform-style models.
Technology and Support Costs
Commission splits should always be evaluated alongside what is included.
Some brokerages include:
CRM access
Transaction management tools
Marketing platforms
Training and support
Others charge separately for many of these tools. What matters is not what is offered, but what the agent actually uses.
Decision Comparison Table
| Comparison Factor | eXp Realty | RE/MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Primary cost structure | Commission split with annual cap | High split with ongoing desk fees |
| Cost behavior | Costs reduce significantly after cap | Costs remain steady regardless of production |
| Expense predictability | High | Varies by office |
| Risk during slow months | Lower once capped | Higher due to fixed fees |
| Best fit for | Agents who value scalability and cost control | Agents who want office presence and brand visibility |
What Agents Often Overlook
Common blind spots include:
Assuming high split equals higher net income
Ignoring how fees behave in low-production months
Underestimating add-on tech and marketing costs
Failing to model a full 12-month income cycle
Running conservative projections usually reveals which model carries less financial stress.
When Each Model Tends to Work Best
eXp Realty often works best when:
The agent wants predictable costs
Scaling or flexibility is a priority
Office dependency is not critical
Long-term net income matters more than optics
RE/MAX often works best when:
The agent produces consistently at high volume
Office presence is a core part of the business
Brand recognition drives local leads
Monthly fees are easily absorbed
Frequently Asked Questions
Does eXp Realty have a higher split than RE/MAX?
Not necessarily. eXp uses a capped split model, while RE/MAX often uses very high splits paired with monthly fees. Net income depends on total costs.
Is a capped model better for most agents?
Capped models tend to benefit agents whose production grows during the year or fluctuates seasonally.
Are RE/MAX fees the same everywhere?
No. Desk and office fees vary by franchise and local market.
Which model is better during slower markets?
Models with lower fixed monthly costs often create less pressure during slower periods.
Do clients care about brokerage commission splits?
No. Clients care about service, communication, and results.
Which model scales better long term?
Models with predictable costs and less dependency on physical offices often scale more easily.
What should agents compare before choosing?
Total annual cost, expense predictability, support quality, and how the model fits daily operations.
Closing Perspective
Choosing between eXp Realty and RE/MAX is not about which brokerage offers the highest advertised split. It is about which compensation structure produces the highest net income with the least financial strain. Agents who model their income conservatively, account for all fees, and choose the structure that supports consistency tend to make better long-term decisions.
Amanda Mullins, MBA, REALTOR® | eXp Realty
Phone: 317-750-6316
Email: amullinsmba@gmail.com
Serving Springfield, Dayton, Columbus, New Carlisle, Fairborn, Enon, and Wright-Patterson AFB areas
