Are Real Estate Agents 100% Commission?

Key Takeaways:

• Most real estate agents are paid on commission, not salary.
• Not all agents are 100% commission—many split earnings with their brokerage.
• Consumers don’t directly pay agents, but commissions come from the transaction.
• 100% commission brokerages exist and offer agents more income potential.
• Agents looking for a 100% commission model should evaluate fees, caps, and support.

Understanding How Real Estate Agents Get Paid

If you've ever wondered, "Are real estate agents 100% commission?"—the answer is sometimes, but not always. This is a common question asked by both home buyers/sellers and aspiring real estate agents.

Let’s break it down so you understand the difference between traditional commission structures, 100% commission models, and how each affects both the consumer experience and the agent’s earnings.

For Consumers: Who Pays Real Estate Agents?

When you buy or sell a home, real estate agents typically don’t receive a salary. Instead, they earn a commission, which is a percentage of the home’s sale price. This amount is usually built into the sales contract and paid at closing.

For example, if a home sells for $400,000 with a 6% total commission:

• $24,000 is split between the listing and buyer’s brokerage.
• Each agent may only receive a portion of that after their brokerage takes a cut.

Key insight: Agents only get paid when a deal closes. If the transaction falls through, they often earn nothing.

So, even if the agent “earns” 3% from your side of the deal, they might only take home 1.5%–2% after their brokerage split, fees, and expenses.

What Does “100% Commission” Really Mean?

In a 100% commission model, the agent keeps the entire commission from their transaction—no split with the brokerage. However, the agent usually pays:

• A monthly fee, or
• A per-transaction fee, or
• An annual cap that limits how much they pay in total

For example, at Amerivest Pro-Team powered by Real, agents pay no monthly fees and keep 100% of their commission after a low $4,000 cap is met.

This model benefits high-performing agents who want to retain more of what they earn and who don’t need hands-on training or office space.

Traditional Brokerages vs. 100% Commission Brokerages

Why It Matters to Consumers

While consumers don’t typically negotiate an agent’s split, understanding how agents are compensated can help set expectations.

Agents at 100% commission brokerages like ours are often more:

• Entrepreneurial
• Motivated to close efficiently
• Transparent about fees and value

It’s worth asking your agent how they’re compensated—not to judge, but to understand how that might impact your experience.

For Realtors: Is 100% Commission Right for You?

If you’re an agent asking this question, it likely means you’re exploring how to maximize your income. Here’s what to consider:

• Does the brokerage charge monthly fees?
• Is there a cap on what I pay in total each year?
• What do I get in return—technology, leads, support?

At the Amerivest Pro-Team powered by Real, we offer a modern 100% commission structure:

• No monthly fees
• Only $4,000 cap
• Full access to Real’s tech and support
• Revenue sharing and stock award potential

This model gives you the freedom to grow your business and keep more of what you earn.

Final Thoughts

So, are real estate agents 100% commission? Some are, but many are not. The structure depends on the brokerage they’re affiliated with. For consumers, it’s good to understand how your agent earns a living. For agents, choosing the right commission model can make a big difference in your career growth.

Explore Our 100% Commission Model

If you're a licensed Realtor looking to keep more of your hard-earned commission, explore the 100% commission plan from the Amerivest Pro-Team powered by Real.

No monthly fees. Low $4K cap. National reach. Built for today’s agent.