Choosing the Right Brokerage: Real Broker vs. Epique Realty

I’m sure you’ve been hesitant and figuring out whether you should hang your license with Real Broker or Epique Realty. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know: caps, splits, fees, revenue share, stocks, benefits, culture, and more. If that’s what you’re looking for, read on for my insights on all things Real vs. Epique Realty.

There’s a brokerage for everyone. There’s Epique Realty, Real, eXp, LPT, brick-and-mortar brokerages, low-fee brokerages—whatever fits you best. My goal is to help you make that discovery and, hopefully, you’ll find enough value to consider joining me at Epique Realty.

To make this comparison clearer, I’ll include some graphs and visuals. I’ll dive deep into the details of each company, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of their pros and cons.

Comparing Real Broker and Epique Realty: Commission Splits, Fees, and More

First, let’s dive into the commission splits and fees. Both Real Broker and Epique Realty start with an 85/15 split, meaning 85% goes to the agent and 15% goes to the company until the cap is reached. At Real Broker, the cap is $12,000, whereas at Epique Realty, it’s $15,000, with a unique declining cap each year, rewarding loyalty. This cap decreases annually from $15,000 down to $10,000 over five years.

Joining Fees and Monthly Costs Real Broker has a joining fee of $249, while Epique Realty’s is $99. Epique Realty offers a monthly fee option of $99 or $149, depending on the payment plan.

Transaction Fees Epique Realty charges a 0.1% transaction fee capped at $500, which reduces to $250 once the cap is reached. Real Broker doesn’t charge a transaction fee initially but requires agents to pay $750 over the first three transactions. After capping, Real Broker implements a $285 transaction fee, capped at $6,000, then reduced.

Broker Review and Policy Fees Real Broker includes a $30 broker review and policy fee per transaction and a $100 transaction fee post-Elite status.

Real Broker Additional Costs Agents at Real Broker must also pay a $750 annual brokerage fee across the first three transactions annually and can opt for a third-party CRM (formerly Chime) for $40 per month.

Epique Realty Benefits Epique Realty offers comprehensive benefits such as no royalty, franchise, annual, or quarterly fees, and free E&O insurance. It also features a declining cap system rewarding loyalty over time.

Comparison at Surface Level At first glance, Real Broker’s $12,000 cap and lack of monthly fees might seem more appealing. However, considering Epique Realty’s declining cap and additional benefits, it’s important to delve deeper into what each company offers and determine which aligns best with your long-term goals.

Ultimately, the choice between Real Broker and Epique Realty should be based on your individual needs and preferences. Evaluate the unique features and benefits each company provides to make an informed decision.

Understanding the Team Structure at Epique Realty and Real Broker

Understanding the team structures and benefits can be crucial when considering joining a real estate brokerage. Below, we delve into the various team types and structures at both Epique Realty and Real Broker.

Real Broker Team Types

Real Broker offers three primary team types:

1. Domestic Teams: These teams consist of related family members who operate as a team and share a cap.
2. Pro Teams: There are two categories here:
   • Pro Teams with at least two members.
   • Mega Pro Teams, requiring 12 agents with $100 million in annual production. Team leaders have a cap of $12,000, while team members have a cap of $4,000.
3. Marketing Groups: These unofficial teams share information, splits, and leads without formal production requirements. They operate under a combined cap of $4,000 for all members.

Epique Realty Team Types

Epique Realty provides a flexible team structure, which includes:

1. Traditional Teams:
   • Team leaders have a declining cap from $15,000 to $10,000.
   • Team members have a $10,000 cap.
   • All members enjoy stock awards and the opportunity to achieve power agent status.
2. Power Teams:
   • Agents have a $5,000 cap and $99 monthly fee.
   • Benefits include stock awards, power agent status, and a reduced transaction fee cap.
   • Team leaders enjoy double revenue share on all level one recruits if they are also power award agents.
3. Family Teams:
   • A two-person team (e.g., married couples or siblings) working together on each deal.
   • Each member has a $7,500 cap and $99 monthly fee.
   • Members receive stock awards.
4. Unofficial Teams:
   • Similar to Real Broker’s marketing groups, these teams share marketing material and do not have production requirements.

Key Differences and Benefits

• Epique Realty’s Power Team Benefits: Epique’s power teams offer significant benefits, such as a low $5,000 cap, reduced fees, and double revenue share for team leaders. Additionally, achieving power team status at Epique requires 40 million in transactions or 140+ deals annually, providing flexibility for growing teams.
• Epique’s Declining Cap Structure: Team leaders at Epique benefit from a declining cap, unlike the fixed caps at Real Broker, which can result in considerable savings over time.
• Stock Awards and Power Agent Status: Both Epique Realty and Real Broker offer stock awards and power agent status, but Epique’s structure allows team members to reach power agent status with a lower cap.

These differences highlight why many teams are transitioning to Epique Realty. The ability to reach power team status with more accessible criteria, combined with comprehensive benefits, makes Epique an attractive choice for growing real estate teams.

Comparing Stock Plans and Incentives at Real and Epique Realty

In this segment, we’ll delve into the different stock plans and incentives available at both Real and Epique Realty. This comparison will provide a clear understanding of how agents can earn and benefit from stock options at each company.

Stock Plans at Real

At Real, there are six ways to earn equity:

1. Stock Purchase Plan: Before capping, 5% of your net commission income is invested in stock. After capping, this increases to 10%. There are maximum contribution limits.
2. Bonus Incentives: Before capping, you receive a 10% bonus on stock purchases, which increases to 20% after capping.
3. Stock Award for Capping: Agents receive stock awards with a three-year vesting period when they reach their cap.
4. Elite Agent Production Award: High-performing agents can earn additional stock awards.
5. Elite Agent Culture Award: Awarded for contributing to the company culture, such as teaching monthly topics.
6. Attracting Shares: Earn shares by attracting new agents to the company.

Stock Plans at Epique Realty

Epique Realty offers a similarly robust stock plan with some unique advantages:

1.production award: Power Award Status: Up to 1,500 Shares or up to $15,000 worth of Stock (whichever is less) as commensurate with agent’s current cap (i.e. a $12,000 Cap = 1,200 shares of stock or $12,000 worth of Stock (whichever is less)).

2. Free Stock Awards:

 Earn free stock for activities such as joining Epique, recruiting an agent, selling a first home, and capping.

• Joining Epique for the first time: 50 Shares or $500 worth of Stock (whichever is less).
• Anniversary Date: 50 Shares or $500 worth of Stock (whichever is less).
• Recruiting an Agent: 25 Shares or $250 worth of Stock (whichever is less).
• Selling your first home with Epique: 50 Shares or $500 worth of Stock (whichever is less).
• Capping: 100 Shares or $1,000 worth of Stock(whichever is less).

3. Fast Vesting: Shares vest over a three-year period.

4. Private Company Benefits: Epique is not a public company, meaning the stock is not subject to public market fluctuations.

Additional Insights

• Real’s Public Company Status: Real is a public company with stock trading at around 53 cents per share at the time of recording. Agents can purchase stock at a 10% or 20% discount.
• Epique’s Flexibility: Epique offers the flexibility to opt-in or out of stock purchases at each transaction, providing agents with more control over their investments.

This comparison highlights the different approaches and benefits of stock plans at Real and Epique Realty, providing agents with comprehensive options to grow their wealth and participate in the company’s success.

Elite Agent Award vs. Power Award at Epique Realty

When considering the recognition programs at Epique Realty, it’s essential to understand the distinctions between the Elite Agent Award and the Power Award. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Elite Agent Award:

• Eligibility: Agents must cap and achieve 21 deals post-cap, translating to a $6,000 price point with a $285 transaction fee per deal.
• Criteria: The required deals may vary based on location, ranging from 24 to 35 deals, depending on the area.
• Benefits: Includes $16,000 in stock, reduced post-cap transaction fees to $129, and eligibility for an additional $8,000 in stock upon fulfilling cultural contributions through Real Academy. This stock has a three-year vesting period.

Power Award at Epique Realty:

• Eligibility: Achieve 24 deals or $10 million in volume.
• Criteria: Simplified with a straightforward requirement of 24 deals or a $10 million volume, regardless of location.
• Benefits: Up to 1500 shares or  $15,000 in company stock, matching the cap, double revenue share for level one agents for a full calendar year from the achievement date, and reduced monthly fees to $99.

Comparison:

• The Elite Agent Award at Real Broker requires more intricate criteria and involves cultural contributions, while Epique Realty’s Power Award is more accessible with simpler requirements.
• The financial benefits also differ, with Real Broker offering up to $24,000 in stock and Epique Realty providing up to $15,000 but including additional perks like double revenue share and reduced monthly fees without cultural requirements.

This comparison highlights the different recognition paths and benefits available, assisting agents in choosing the right program based on their performance and business strategy.

Comparing the Tech Stack of Real Broker and Epique Realty

Next on the list is the tech stack. We’ll compare the tech stack of Real Broker versus Epique Realty. 

1. Tech Stack Comparison:
   • Real Broker:
     • Lofty: Available with an additional fee of $40.
     • SkySlope: Used for transaction coordination.
     • Reen: Mobile app platform that serves as their business system.
     • Upcoming Features: Real Wallet and Real Mortgage for pre-approval status and financial planning.
     • Agent Referrals: Utilizes Workplace, similar to a professional Facebook.
   • Epique Realty:
     • Lofty: Included in their tech stack.
     • Epique Cloud: Cloud-based app compatible with both laptops and mobile devices.
     • Transaction Coordination: Managed through dotloop.
     • Free Benefits: Includes Canva, Social Bay, and thanks.io.
     • Upcoming Features: Click Offers and Redo by Base.
     • Innovative Tools: AI virtual staging and other advanced tools.
     • Tech Evolution: Continuously evolving with a focus on tech-based and AI-driven solutions.
2. Commitment to Innovation:
   • Both Real Broker and Epique Realty are dedicated to enhancing their tech offerings with new features and tools.

Training and Mentorship: Epique Realty vs. Real Broker

When comparing the training and mentoring opportunities at Real Broker and Epique Realty, both companies offer valuable resources, but with some distinct differences. Both organizations provide company-wide Zoom sessions and various training sessions throughout the week, which are well-regarded by agents.

Real Broker:

• Provides company-wide Zoom sessions and various weekly training sessions.
• Features Real Academy with courses taught by elite agents.
• Covers a wide range of topics including YouTube and Facebook marketing, and other industry-specific skills.
• Designed to address all aspects of real estate education.

Epique Realty:

• Offers a more personalized approach to training and mentorship.
• Provides access to experienced area leaders and high-producing agents for guidance at no cost.
• Promotes collaboration and hands-on learning.
• Includes training programs such as the Earth to Orbit program with Power Coach Rob Stein.
• Features third-party training like Ryan Serhant’s courses and the 360 Business Blueprint for business management.
• Offers free CE courses available virtually and in-person.

Key Difference:

• Epique Realty stands out with its localized mentorship and support.
• Agents benefit from direct interaction with mentors, participation in open houses, and assistance with contracts.
• This localized support is a notable advantage over Real Broker’s offerings.

Exploring the Benefits of Real Broker vs. Epique Realty

When comparing the benefits offered by different real estate brokerages, it’s crucial to look at the details to understand what sets them apart. Here’s an overview of the benefits provided by Real Broker and Epique Realty.

Real Broker Benefits

Real Broker offers several notable benefits to its agents:

• Premium Healthcare Solutions: Agents and their families have access to major medical health share plans with various options available.
• Real Academy: Provides a range of courses covering topics like attraction development and personal growth, essential for professional advancement.

Epique Realty Benefits

Epique Realty stands out with a comprehensive list of benefits designed to support and enhance agents’ careers:

• Daily Training and Mentorship: Regular Zoom calls and third-party training sessions, along with ongoing mentorship, ensure agents receive continuous support and development.
• Free Transaction Coordinator Services: A transaction coordinator assists from contract to closing, streamlining the process for both buying and selling.
• Complimentary Leads: Epique Realty provides free buyer and seller attraction leads without any cost or splits involved.
• Professional Listing Photos: Agents receive high-quality listing photos at no additional charge.
• Yard Signs and Installation: Yard signs, including sign writers and posts, are provided and installed for agents.
• Free Car Washes: Agents enjoy unlimited car washes, adding convenience and value.
• Social Media and Billboard Advertising: Epique Realty covers social media ads for listings and offers free billboard advertising for agents.
• Free Healthcare Services: Includes direct primary care, free prescriptions, urgent care, mental health support, and optional add-ons for family members.
• Future Vision and Dental Insurance: Available at a nominal monthly fee, offering a wide range of coverage options.
• Pet Insurance: Airvet pet insurance is provided free of charge.

Epique Realty’s benefits not only address everyday needs but also support agents in saving money on essential services, demonstrating a commitment to their well-being and professional success.

Revenue Share Comparison: Real Broker vs. Epique Realty

When evaluating the revenue share programs of Real Broker and Epique Realty, there are several key differences to consider. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you understand the nuances of each system:

Real Broker Revenue Share Structure

• Levels and Percentages: Real Broker offers a revenue share program with five levels, where the percentage of revenue shared decreases progressively. The levels are structured as follows:
  • Level 1: $4,000
  • Level 2: $3,200
  • Level 3: $2,400
  • Level 4: $1,600
  • Level 5: $800
  • This structure totals up to 15% of revenue share potential per agent per year for capping agents.
• Unlocking Requirements: To access higher levels of revenue share, you need to have producing agents at each tier. Specifically:
  • Level 2: Requires 5 producing agents
  • Level 3: Requires 15 producing agents
  • Level 4: Requires 20 producing agents
  • Level 5: Requires 25 producing agents
  • These requirements can be challenging, as many agents might only have access to the first and second levels.
• Additional Fees: Real Broker imposes a $175 annual fee to participate in their revenue share program. There is also a 1.2% fee on all revenue share payments from the company to agents.
• Revenue Share Caps: As of November 1st, if revenue share payments exceed 60% of the company’s portion of the commission in a given month, the payments are capped and prorated among agents. This cap is in place to ensure the company retains at least 40% of the commission dollar.
• Co-Sponsoring: Real Broker allows for co-sponsoring, where a sponsor can add up to two co-sponsors. However, co-sponsoring agents count as only half towards the qualifying tier one agents.

Epique Realty Revenue Share Structure

• Levels and Percentages: Epique Realty’s revenue share program is straightforward and consistent:
  • It offers five levels with a 10% commission on every level, totaling 50% across all levels.
  • All levels are accessible without the need for unlocking, providing full access from the start.
• Simplicity and Transparency:
  • There are no front-line qualifiers or restrictions on accessing different levels.
  • No additional fees like $175 or 1.2% deductions apply.
  • Epique Realty avoids complex requirements and buffering, making the revenue share system transparent and easy to understand.
• Nationwide Attraction: Epique Realty’s revenue share program is designed to attract agents from anywhere in the country, without geographical limitations.
• No Hidden Costs: The program does not involve hidden costs or complicated calculations, ensuring agents know exactly what they are earning without any surprises.

This comparison highlights the significant differences between the two revenue share models. While Real Broker has a more complex system with various fees and caps, Epique Realty offers a more straightforward and accessible revenue share structure.

Why Epique Realty Was My Top Choice

I appreciate you sticking with me to the end. When choosing a real estate brokerage, I evaluated options like Real Broker and Epique Realty, considering my experience with eXp. The decision became clear when Epique expanded into my state. Here’s why:

1. Growing Opportunity: Epique Realty offers tremendous growth potential, with the company expanding rapidly. Unlike competitors, Epique’s status as a private company trading at a lower entry point for stocks added to its appeal.
2. Straightforward Revenue Share: Epique Realty’s revenue-sharing program is uncomplicated and lacks the complex qualification requirements found in other models. Unlike Real Broker, which demands a network of productive agents to earn revenue share, Epique offers a more accessible approach.
3. Lower Costs and Fewer Roadblocks: Compared to Real, Epique Realty provides a more cost-effective solution with fewer hurdles for revenue share. This straightforward approach removes barriers to building passive income.
4. Innovative Benefits: Epique Realty stands out with unique benefits that support both business operations and personal well-being. This includes a range of perks that go beyond those offered by competitors, enhancing both professional success and quality of life.
5. Big Picture Value: The overall value of Epique Realty, when considering all factors beyond just initial costs, makes it a clear choice. It’s essential to evaluate the broader benefits and long-term advantages, not just the upfront expenses.

If you’re exploring options and want to discuss whether Epique Realty is the right fit, feel free to reach out. Thanks for tuning in! Join Epique Realty and learn more information from The Agent Collab.