reZEN
REAL’s central transaction and business platform. Ask to see deal submission, commission visibility, support access and reporting—not just a dashboard screenshot.
The Brokerage Model Breakdown
Cloud or traditional. Compare what matters.
A brokerage model is a bundle of economics, support, systems, relationships and tradeoffs. Compare the bundle—not the sales pitch.
Side by side
Same profession. Different operating logic.
These are common structural patterns, not universal rules. Individual brokerages vary. Replace the generalization with the facts in your own agreement.
| Decision area | Traditional branch model | Cloud brokerage model |
|---|---|---|
| Physical space | A branch, meeting rooms and a familiar local hub may be included or supported by desk fees. | Remote-first operations; agents arrange local meeting or office space when needed. |
| Cost structure | May combine split, desk, franchise, technology, administration and transaction charges. | Typically emphasizes a defined split and cap with lower fixed office overhead; other transaction and annual fees still apply. |
| Broker support | Often centred on a local manager or broker of record, with access shaped by the branch. | Delivered through provincial brokerage leadership, technology, support channels and agent networks rather than one office. |
| Technology | Can range from excellent integrated systems to a collection of vendor subscriptions. | Usually built as the operating core because the company cannot rely on a branch for coordination. |
| Culture | Proximity can create spontaneous contact and strong local identity when agents participate. | Broader, remote-first community that rewards deliberate participation; less hallway contact. |
| Brand | Corporate or franchise identity may lead; local rules and brand strength vary widely. | Agent and team brands can remain prominent within brokerage and regulatory requirements. |
| Scale | Local branch depth can be powerful; cross-market reach depends on the network. | A wide agent network and shared platform can make cross-market collaboration easier. |
| Wealth programs | Usually centred on transaction income, with some brokerages offering profit or ownership programs. | May include revenue share, equity and retirement programs, all subject to terms, performance and market risk. |
| Best fit | Agents who materially use office, local leadership, supplied leads or hands-on branch infrastructure. | Self-directed agents and teams with portable systems who value economics, technology and a broad network. |
The economics at REAL
The headline is simple. The complete cost still needs a calculator.
REAL’s official agent material currently describes an 85/15 standard split, no monthly brokerage fee and Canadian cap levels of $15,000, $7,500 and $5,000 depending on business model and eligibility. After capping, the commission split moves to 100%, while applicable post-cap, broker-review and other transaction charges still apply.
That does not mean “free after cap.” Annual, transaction, broker-review, join and other situational charges may apply. Team, ProTeams, Private Label and Elite arrangements have their own requirements.
Operating platform
Technology is useful when it gives time and clarity back.
Do not choose a brokerage because the product names sound modern. Ask to see the workflow you will use from offer to close.
Leo + Real Signature
Leo is positioned as an AI-enabled assistant inside the ecosystem. Real Signature is integrated electronic signature. Test both against your board forms and file process.
WealthPlan
A planning view for production and optional wealth programs. It can model scenarios; it cannot guarantee stock value, revenue share or future performance.
Fit by agent
Who may thrive. Who should slow down.
The answer depends less on years licensed than on how the business actually runs.
Strong potential fit
You generate your own business, want clearer economics and are comfortable running a portable operation.
Support must be specific
Do not accept “community” as a training plan. Identify mentorship, broker access, file review and day-to-day accountability.
Model every seat
Compare leader and member economics, agreements, lead routing, admin roles and the cost of recreating current infrastructure.
Traditional may win
If the branch supplies leads, space, manager access and daily collaboration you use, replacing that value may cost more than the fee difference.
Questions before moving
Ask for the awkward detail before it becomes your detail.
Who answers a compliance question on a live file?
Get a concrete answer for your province or territory: channel, response expectations, escalation and who has authority. Ask agents about difficult files, not just onboarding.
What do I have to rebuild outside the brokerage?
List office, CRM, website, email, storage, marketing, printing, signs, administration, transaction coordination, training and local networking. Price the gaps.
Can I keep my current brand and domain?
Often, within advertising, trademark and regulatory requirements. Verify approvals before moving assets or printing anything.
How do teams and caps work?
REAL publishes multiple Canadian cap tiers and team programs subject to requirements. Do not assume a tier applies because another team uses it.
Should revenue share be in my decision math?
Not as guaranteed income. Treat optional programs as upside only after the core brokerage model works without them.
What should I test before saying yes?
The fee schedule, agreement, support path, technology, team treatment, brand approvals, transition sequence and at least three agent references with businesses similar to yours.
Now make it personal
A model can look excellent on paper and still be wrong for your business.
Run your actual fees, then talk through the support and transition questions the calculator cannot answer.