Best Real Estate Brokerage for New Agents: 2026 Top Picks

Entering the world of real estate involves a big move, and selecting a reputable office for new agents provides one of the most crucial opportunities you’ll ever have. With so many services available, ranging from conventional companies to those offered through the cloud, how do you determine which one works best for you? 

Use this guide to compare the main features that matter when choosing your first brokerage, including training, support, technology, commission splits, and culture.

What to look for in a real estate brokerage

Choosing your first brokerage isn’t just about who has the best office.  The point is to identify who can help you grow and advance your career. This is the top priority. Here’s what matters most: 

• Training and Development: Look for brokerages that offer structured, state-specific training programs – especially for those new to the industry. Keep in mind that your job title and responsibilities can vary by state: in Tennessee, for example, new licensees are called affiliate brokers and must work under a principal broker, which makes the training and mentorship a brokerage provides even more critical.
• Support Systems: A good mentor or team leader can make a huge difference.
• Technology Tools: CRMs, marketing software, and lead generation tools are necessary.
• Commission Splits: Ensure you determine the percentage you’ll receive from your commissions.
• Culture and Brand: Consider whether the company’s culture aligns with what you are looking for. And don’t overlook geography: some states have much easier licensing exams than others, which affects how quickly you can start working – and which brokerages will be available to you.

Important 2024 context: The NAR Settlement of 2024 changed how buyer-agent commissions are negotiated. Brokerages that offer specific training on buyer representation agreements and the new compensation model give new agents a significant advantage in 2026.

Before choosing a brokerage, make sure you’re prepared for the licensing exam. The free real estate practice exam covers all 50 states and shows you exactly what the PSI and Pearson VUE tests look like.

Top brokerage firms for new real estate agents

1. Keller Williams Realty

One of the most agent-focused real estate brokerages around, Keller Williams is known for:

• Training available through programs like Ignite and BOLD
• A profit-sharing model for long-term growth
• Tech platforms like KW Command for business management
• Typical commission split: common KW structures include 64/36, with local caps often around $18,000-$35,000 depending on the market center.

Best for: If you are new to real estate and enjoy sharing knowledge with your team, joining a company with a coaching program is a wise choice.

2. eXp Realty

As the fastest-growing real estate brokerage, eXp is designed for agents seeking more flexibility.

• 100% cloud-based with virtual training and meetings
• Revenue sharing and equity opportunities
• Strong focus on branding and independent business building
• Typical commission split: 80/20 with a $16,000 annual cap before agents move to 100% commission, subject to transaction and brokerage fees.

Best suited for: Tech-savvy agents or those seeking location flexibility. If you’re considering Florida, for example, eXp’s cloud model means you can work from anywhere in the state. See our breakdown of the best places to be a real estate agent in Florida for salary data by city and market conditions.

3. Coldwell Banker

The company excels in providing guidance, education, and real estate sales training to its professionals.

• Coldwell Banker University for continuous learning
• CBx’s marketing suite is powered by data.
• Global network and a strong brand reputation that people trust
• Typical commission split: often variable by office, commonly from 50/50 to 70/30, so confirm the exact split, cap, and fees with the local branch.

Note (2025-2026): Coldwell Banker and Century 21 are owned by Anywhere Real Estate, Inc., which announced an acquisition by Compass in September 2025 and completed the combination in January 2026. This transition may affect brokerage culture, support structures, and branding in the coming years. Verify current policies directly with local franchise offices.

Best suited for: Agents seeking a recognizable name, solid infrastructure, and reliable services.

4. Century 21

Century 21 offers a mix of tradition and innovation. Agents can utilize both well-established and innovative tools to help them succeed in their career path.

• Personalized coaching and support
• Access to 21Online, a digital resource center
• Great for agents focused on long-term brand growth
• Typical commission split: similar to other franchise brands, often variable by office and commonly from 50/50 to 70/30.

Note (2025-2026): Coldwell Banker and Century 21 are owned by Anywhere Real Estate, Inc., which announced an acquisition by Compass in September 2025 and completed the combination in January 2026. This transition may affect brokerage culture, support structures, and branding in the coming years. Verify current policies directly with local franchise offices.

Best suited for: Agents seeking expert guidance, support, and development resources.

5. United Real Estate

Are you interested in joining the most affordable real estate brokerage? United offers a single price per case, which appeals to agents who want to monitor their expenses closely. 

• Minimal fees and strong commission splits
• Comprehensive training programs
• Operations all over the country while supporting communities
• Typical commission structure: a flat fee or transaction-fee model instead of a traditional percentage split.

Best for: New agents focused on maximizing income early on and starting large.

Also worth considering

If you want a broader comparison, also look at RE/MAX, Real Broker, Redfin, Compass, and Realty ONE Group. RE/MAX and Realty ONE Group can appeal to agents who want stronger brand recognition or higher-commission models, Real Broker is often discussed for its tech-forward approach and 85/15 split with a $12,000 cap, Redfin may fit agents who prefer a more employee-style model with salary-based roles, and Compass can be useful for agents who want a premium brand and strong technology. These options give you a wider view of the main models: traditional franchise, cloud-based, high-split, salary-based, and luxury or tech-forward brokerages.

What is the best real estate brokerage firm for beginners?

Ultimately, the best brokerage firms for new real estate agents are those that offer a combination of support, training, opportunities for advancement, and growth potential. Whether you opt for a franchise like Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, a luxury-focused brand like Sotheby’s International Realty, or a cloud-based company like eXp, ensure the company is a good match for your ambitions.

If you’re wondering which brokerage will help you grow fastest, start by comparing their training, splits, and support for new licensees. And if your long-term goal is to run your own brokerage, plan ahead: the path to becoming a broker varies significantly by state. See our guide on how to become a real estate broker in Texas for a detailed example of the requirements, timeline, and costs involved.

Want to learn how to get your license before joining a firm? Our blog on Real Estate License Exam Questions is a great starting point.

How Lexawise helps you succeed

No matter which brokerage you choose, Lexawise is here to help you pass your real estate license exam and start strong.

Here’s what Lexawise offers to support new agents:

• Real Estate Exam Prep tailored to your state
• Practice Exams and flashcards to help you master key topics
• Audio & Video Lessons for on-the-go learning
• Smart Analytics to identify weak areas
• A 24/7 AI Tutor for quick support anytime
• Free Real Estate Exam Prep Tools to get started risk-free

Looking for a complete study system? The real estate exam prep covers all 50 states – with 20k+ practice questions, simulated exams, and a 24/7 AI tutor.

Final Thoughts

What matters in finding the best real estate company for new agents is more than reputation—it’s about finding the firm that fits your goals and preferred way of studying. Consider which areas are most important to you: training, support, culture, or commission structure.

And remember, wherever you end up, taking and passing the exam is the first step. Pass rates range from 46% to over 75% depending on the state, so knowing your state’s difficulty level helps you plan how much prep time you need before you can start interviewing with brokerages.

If you haven’t gotten your license yet, our guide on how to become a real estate agent with no experience covers the full process – from pre-licensing education to passing the exam to choosing your first brokerage. Many of the brokerages above actively recruit newly licensed agents and offer mentorship programs specifically designed for people starting from scratch.

Are you ready to start your real estate journey? Try our Free Real Estate Practice Exam today and take the first step toward joining the right brokerage for you.