eXp Realty vs. LPT vs. REAL Broker Revenue Share Side-by-Side Comparison

As a real estate agent, choosing the right brokerage can make all the difference in your career. With so many options available, it's essential to compare the revenue share models of top brokerages to find the one that best fits your needs.

One of the key benefits of joining a cloud-based real estate brokerage is the opportunity to access additional income streams, such as Revenue Share. Instead of spending on traditional advertising, these companies allocate their marketing budget to agents who help grow the company one agent at a time.

This approach benefits the new agent, who gains a sponsor within the company, and the sponsor, who receives an additional income stream. It also helps the company by increasing agent retention.

The three major real estate brokerages following this growth model today are eXp Realty, REAL Broker, and LPT Realty. This article will provide an in-depth comparison of their Revenue Share programs, highlighting the pros and cons of each, and examining several scenarios to compare their revenue share models.

📌 REAL Broker Revenue Share Explained (2024)

REAL Broker employs a straightforward 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 revenue share model. For any agent you directly sponsor into the company, you receive 5% of every commission they earn until they reach their cap. Out of the 15% that REAL Broker takes from the agent, REAL keeps 10% and gives 5% to the sponsor. This equates to a maximum of $4,000 per year for each directly sponsored agent (Tier 1).

Agents in subsequent tiers generate revenue share as follows:

Tier 2: 4% of every commission until they cap, up to $3,200 per year.
Tier 3: 3% of every commission until they cap, up to $2,400 per year.
Tier 4: 2% of every commission until they cap, up to $1,600 per year.
Tier 5: 1% of every commission until they cap, up to $800 per year.

The total potential revenue share per agent adds up to $12,000, which aligns with REAL Broker’s cap.

Real Broker offers a competitive revenue share model, with agents earning up to 80% of the commission. The brokerage takes a 20% transaction fee, and agents can earn an additional 5% to 10% revenue share based on their sales performance.

Example: If you bring in 10 capping agents in your Tier 1, REAL Broker will pay you $40,000 in revenue share for that year.

🔓 Unlocking Tiers

When you join REAL Broker, Tier 1 benefits are immediately unlocked. To unlock benefits for Tiers 2 through 5, you need a certain number of “Producing Agents” in your Tier 1. A “producing agent” is one from whom the company has received at least $450 from the company's 15% share of that agent’s commission in the prior six months (i.e., the agent must earn at least $3,000 in total commission within a six-month period).

5 producing agents unlock Tier 2 benefits.
15 producing agents unlock Tier 3 benefits.
20 producing agents unlock Tier 4 benefits.
25 producing agents unlock Tier 5 benefits.

🌟 Co-Sponsorship

REAL Broker offers a unique co-sponsorship option, allowing an agent to list up to two sponsors when joining the company. The revenue share is then split 45%/45%/10% between the two sponsors and REAL Broker. This system is designed to sustain the revenue share program.

💲Revenue Share Eligibility

To qualify for revenue share, an agent must be a “producing agent,” earning at least $3,000 in commissions within a six-month period. This can come from referrals, team leader splits, rentals, or sales. REAL Broker also offers a Revenue Share Retirement Plan, allowing agents to step out of production while still receiving revenue share.

After 1 year as a producing agent, you can step out of production and receive 20% of your revenue share.
After 2 years, receive 40%.
After 3 years, receive 60%.
After 4 years, receive 80%.
After 5 years, receive 100%.

💲Willable Revenue Share

REAL Broker’s revenue share can be passed on to a beneficiary, such as a child or grandchild, if you pass away. The structure is similar to the retirement plan, starting at 3 years for 60% and reaching 100% after 5 years.

Personal Thoughts: REAL Broker’s revenue share model is simple and pays the most on Tier 1, which is the only tier you can control directly. REAL Broker also offers the highest payout as a percentage of their monthly income, compared to eXp Realty and LPT Realty. Moreover, REAL Broker’s willable revenue share provides peace of mind for agents with families.

📌 LPT Realty Revenue Share Explained (2024)

LPT Realty, a newer cloud brokerage, offers two business models:

Business Builder: $500 per transaction flat fee with a $5,000 annual cap, ineligible for revenue share but allows building a downline.
RevShare Partner: 80/20% split with a $15,000 annual cap, eligible for revenue share.

LPT's revenue share model is based on a sliding scale, with agents earning up to 70% of the commission. The brokerage takes a 30% transaction fee, and agents can earn an additional 5% to 10% revenue share based on their sales performance.

LPT Realty Revenue Share Tiers: LPT Realty’s revenue share spans 7 tiers, with different payouts depending on the agent’s business plan.

Tier 1: Up to $775 per year for Business Builder agents, $2,325 for RevShare Partner agents.
Tier 2: Up to $450 per year for Business Builder agents, $1,350 for RevShare Partner agents.
Tier 3: Up to $175 per year for Business Builder agents, $525 for RevShare Partner agents.
Tier 4: Up to $175 per year for Business Builder agents, $525 for RevShare Partner agents.
Tier 5: Up to $175 per year for Business Builder agents, $525 for RevShare Partner agents.
Tier 6: Up to $250 per year for Business Builder agents, $750 for RevShare Partner agents.
Tier 7: Up to $500 per year for Business Builder agents, $1,500 for RevShare Partner agents.

Program Requirements:

No revenue share for the first 120 days.
Revenue share first applies to the $15,000 cap.
Must be enrolled in the RevShare Partner program and in good standing to qualify.

Personal Thoughts: LPT Realty’s revenue share pays significantly less compared to REAL Broker and eXp Realty, especially for Business Builder agents. The requirement for revenue share to apply to the cap first is a drawback, especially for agents looking to semi-retire or work part-time.

📌 eXp Realty Revenue Share Explained (2024)

eXp Realty offers two forms of revenue share:

eXpansion Shares: Paid out automatically on Tiers 2-7 without needing to unlock benefits.
eXponential Shares: Requires unlocking Tiers 2-7 benefits by having a certain number of “Front Line Qualifying Agents” (FLQA).

eXp Realty offers a unique revenue share model that allows agents to earn up to 80% of the commission. The brokerage takes a 20% transaction fee, and agents can earn an additional 5% to 10% revenue share based on their sales performance.

eXp Realty Revenue Share Tiers:

Tier 1: Up to 3.5% of every commission, maximum $2,800 per year.
Tier 2: Up to 4% of AGCI, maximum $3,200 per year.
Tier 3: Up to 2.5% of AGCI, maximum $2,000 per year.
Tier 4: Up to 1.5% of AGCI, maximum $1,200 per year.
Tier 5: Up to 1% of AGCI, maximum $800 per year.
Tier 6: Up to 2.5% of AGCI, maximum $2,000 per year.
Tier 7: Up to 5% of AGCI, maximum $4,000 per year.

Assumable Downline: If an agent passes away, their family members can assume their downline by getting a real estate license within six months and maintaining an active license with eXp Realty.

Revenue Share Eligibility: Agents must be Revenue Share Eligible and have an active license to receive revenue share.

Personal Thoughts: eXp Realty’s revenue share model is complex and may favor the company more than the agent. However, for top recruiters, the potential earnings can be significant. REAL Broker’s simpler model and higher payout on Tier 1 may be more advantageous for most agents.

When comparing eXp Realty, LPT Realty, and REAL Broker, consider the following variables:

How much they pay per tier.
The number of tiers they offer.
Ease of unlocking tiers.
The percentage of monthly income paid out in revenue share.

REAL Broker pays out the highest percentage of their monthly revenue and the most on Tier 1. eXp Realty has the most tiers but can be difficult to unlock all benefits. LPT Realty is the easiest to unlock tiers but pays the least.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Here's a side-by-side comparison of the revenue share models of eXp Realty, LPT, and Real Broker:

Which Brokerage is Right for You?

When choosing a brokerage, it's essential to consider your individual needs and goals. If you're looking for a competitive commission split and a flexible revenue share model, REAL Broker may be the best fit. If you're looking for a unique revenue share model with opportunities for additional income, eXp Realty may be the way to go. If you're looking for a sliding scale revenue share model, LPT may be the best option.

Choose the program that best fits your network growth expectations. REAL Broker’s simpler model and higher payouts may benefit most agents, while eXp Realty’s model may suit top recruiters.

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