How much do agents really keep? We break down every commission model, run the math on a real transaction, and show you what your brokerage choice actually costs.
A commission split is the way a real estate brokerage divides commission income between the agent who earned it and the broker who sponsors them. When a deal closes, the listing brokerage and buyer's brokerage each receive their agreed-upon portion of the commission. The agent's brokerage then splits that commission with the agent based on their agreement.
For example, on a $400,000 home sale with a 3% buyer's agent commission ($12,000), an agent on a 70/30 split keeps $8,400 and the broker keeps $3,600. The split is the single biggest factor in determining how much of your earned commission actually reaches your bank account.
Commission splits are not mandated by TREC or any regulatory body. They are a business arrangement between the agent and broker, typically outlined in the Independent Contractor Agreement (ICA). This means they can vary significantly from one brokerage to another.
The agent keeps 50% and the broker takes 50%. This is typically offered to brand-new agents at traditional brokerages that provide heavy mentorship and training. While the support can be valuable early in a career, agents on this model are giving up half of every dollar they earn.
The standard split at many mid-size and franchise brokerages for agents with some experience. The agent keeps 70% and the broker takes 30%. This is often the “default” split that agents accept without realizing how much it costs over a full year of production.
Your split improves as you hit production milestones. You might start at 70/30, move to 80/20 after $100,000 in gross commission, and reach 90/10 at $200,000+. While this rewards production, the brokerage still takes a percentage of every single deal, and the thresholds reset annually.
You pay a commission split on every deal until you reach an annual cap (commonly $12,000 to $25,000 or more). Once capped, you keep 100% for the rest of the year. The cap resets every year. This model is used by brokerages like Keller Williams and eXp Realty. The challenge is that lower-volume agents may never reach the cap, meaning they pay a split on every deal all year.
The agent keeps 100% of their commission and pays a flat monthly fee to the brokerage. There is no split on any transaction. This model is the most predictable and tends to be the most cost-effective for agents doing more than a few deals per year. RaiderX uses this model at $99/month for individual agents.
To understand what commission splits really cost, let's work through a concrete example. Consider an agent who closes a $300,000 sale and earns a 3% commission ($9,000).
50/50 split: Agent keeps $4,500 — broker takes $4,500
70/30 split: Agent keeps $6,300 — broker takes $2,700
80/20 split: Agent keeps $7,200 — broker takes $1,800
100% flat fee: Agent keeps $9,000 — broker takes $0 from the deal
On just this single transaction, the difference between a 70/30 split and 100% commission is $2,700. Over 10 deals at this size, that's $27,000 per year that the agent either keeps or gives away.
Commission splits are only part of the story. Many brokerages layer additional fees on top of the split that further reduce what agents actually take home.
For a deeper dive into these fees and how to identify them, read our Hidden Brokerage Fees Guide.
The table below compares the total annual cost to the agent across four common brokerage models. “Total annual cost” includes everything — commission splits, monthly fees, transaction fees, and typical additional charges.
| Annual GCI | Traditional 70/30 | Cap-Based (~$18K cap) | Flat Fee + Tx Fee | RaiderX $99/mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $30,000 | ~$18,000 | ~$4,200 | $1,188 |
| $150,000 | $45,000 | ~$18,000 | ~$5,400 | $1,188 |
| $200,000 | $60,000 | ~$18,000 | ~$6,600 | $1,188 |
| $300,000 | $90,000 | ~$18,000 | ~$9,000 | $1,188 |
Traditional 70/30: 30% of GCI. Cap-based: ~20% split until $18K cap (typical range $12K–$25K), may include additional monthly/transaction fees. Flat fee + Tx fee: ~$100/mo + ~$250/transaction (assumes 10–25 deals). RaiderX: $99/mo flat, no splits, no transaction fees. E&O included. All figures are estimates for comparison purposes.
Plug in your actual production numbers to calculate your annual cost at each model.
The 100% commission model works well for a wide range of agents, but it's important to understand what you're getting and what you need.
Many agents who switch to a 100% commission model find that the tools, training, and support available — like RaiderX's Partner Academy, ConsoleX AI, and dedicated Account Executives — provide more than enough guidance to succeed. The key difference is that you are not paying for that support through a percentage of your income.
Curious about what other agents experience when switching? Read our guide to switching brokerages in Texas or explore the truth about 100% commission brokerages.
Common questions about real estate commission splits.
New agents typically start at a 50/50 or 60/40 split at traditional brokerages, meaning the broker takes 40-50% of every commission. Some brokerages offer better initial splits but may charge additional fees. At flat-fee brokerages like RaiderX, there is no split regardless of experience level — agents keep 100% from day one.
Take-home pay varies significantly based on the commission model, production volume, and fees. On a $12,000 gross commission (3% on a $400,000 sale), an agent on a 70/30 split keeps $8,400 before fees. An agent on a 100% commission flat-fee model like RaiderX keeps the full $12,000 minus only their monthly subscription fee.
At many traditional brokerages, commission splits are negotiable — especially if you have a strong production history. However, negotiating often requires leverage and time invested at the brokerage. Flat-fee models eliminate this dynamic entirely since there is no split to negotiate.
A split is a percentage taken from every commission check. A cap is the maximum total amount you pay to the brokerage in a year through splits — once you reach the cap, you keep 100% of commission for the remainder of the year. The cap then resets annually, and you start paying the split again.
It depends on the brokerage. Some "100% commission" brokerages charge per-transaction fees, technology fees, or other costs that reduce your take-home. At RaiderX, 100% commission means you keep the full commission on every deal — the only cost is your flat monthly fee of $99 (Individual plan), which includes E&O insurance, CRM, and all technology.
Stop splitting your commission. RaiderX flat-fee sponsorship starts at $99/month with no splits, no transaction fees, and no hidden costs.