When you hire a real estate agent, you’re actually hiring the brokerage firm that stands behind them. Here’s something most people don’t realize: agents are independent contractors. That means when you work with us, you’re technically hiring the brokerage firm, and we act as an extension of that company.
When you sign a Buyer’s Broker Agreement or a Listing Agreement, it’s not technically with the individual agent you’ve chosen—it’s with their brokerage, the company ultimately responsible for the transaction.
Think of the brokerage as the umbrella: in order to legally work in real estate, every agent must “hang their license” with a licensed broker or brokerage firm.
Here’s the Real T:
- Agency Relationship → Your agreement is with the brokerage. Your agent represents the brokerage in serving you.
- Fiduciary Duty → Your agent is legally and ethically bound to put your interests first—loyalty, confidentiality, disclosure, and care. The brokerage ensures those duties are upheld and provides the framework for compliance and oversight.
So yes—you’re hiring the brokerage. But with that said, it’s the agent who makes the difference in how your experience unfolds: how you’re guided, how your goals are prioritized, and how your story is carried through the process.
Let’s take a look at some of the brokerages shaping the industry today—their history, their role in the business, and how they’ve each helped define the real estate landscape.
📸 Note: The images you’ll see in this article are AI interpretations of each brokerage brand. They’re meant to capture the “feel” and essence of each company, not official photography.
1. Keller Williams Realty (KW)
Founded: 1983 in Austin, TX
Keller Williams grew from a small Texas office into the largest agent network in the world. Their reputation is built on training, coaching, and culture. Their “Millionaire Real Estate Agent” playbook turned into a foundation for Realtors everywhere.
👉 Insider T: KW’s renowned mentorship program is second to none. They don’t just teach scripts and systems—they’ve built a culture of generosity, where seasoned agents share knowledge and time with new ones. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the mentorship, support, and encouragement I experienced at KW. The relationships, training, and accountability I found there gave me the foundation to grow my business and serve at a higher level.
2. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Founded: 2013 under Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway
When you see Berkshire Hathaway, you think stability and trust. That credibility carries through to their real estate brand.
👉 Insider T: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices appeals to clients who value legacy and long-term confidence. The weight of Warren Buffett’s name alone communicates financial stability and credibility.
3. Coldwell Banker
Founded: 1906, San Francisco
Born after the 1906 earthquake, Coldwell Banker was founded to bring honesty and professionalism to a shaken market. Over a century later, it’s still one of the most established names in the industry.
👉 Insider T: Their Global Luxury division remains one of the strongest in the industry, bringing tradition, prestige, and broad reach to high-end clients.
4. RE/MAX
Founded: 1973, Denver
Known worldwide for its hot-air balloon logo, RE/MAX has a presence in over 100 countries. Their “maximum commission” model allows agents to keep more of their earnings, attracting entrepreneurial, independent Realtors.
👉 Insider T: RE/MAX has become one of the most recognized global real estate brands. Their structure gives agents independence while still providing strong international recognition.
5. eXp Realty
Founded: 2009, Washington
One of the fastest-growing brokerages, eXp is entirely cloud-based—no brick-and-mortar offices, just a virtual platform. Their revenue-sharing and stock equity model has drawn in tens of thousands of agents.
👉 Insider T: Think of eXp as the “Zoom” of real estate—scalable, innovative, and attracting digitally savvy agents who thrive in a virtual-first environment.
6. Christie’s International Real Estate
Founded: Auction house origins in 1766; brokerage launched in 1987
Christie’s name is synonymous with art, luxury, and exclusivity. Their real estate arm specializes in prestige properties worldwide, often serving the same high-net-worth individuals who buy fine art at their auction house.
👉 Insider T: Christie’s isn’t just about selling homes—it’s about curating lifestyles tied to art, culture, and global prestige.
7. Douglas Elliman
Founded: 1911, New York City
Douglas Elliman is a powerhouse in NYC and other luxury markets like Miami and Los Angeles. Known for developer partnerships and high-profile clientele, Elliman thrives in the spotlight.
👉 Insider T: If you’ve seen glossy marketing campaigns or “Million Dollar Listing New York,” you’ve seen the Elliman brand at work—glamorous, fast-paced, and luxury-focused.
8. The Real Brokerage (REAL)
Founded: 2014, Toronto; U.S. expansion followed
One of the newest players, REAL is a modern, tech-driven brokerage built on collaboration and innovation. Its model includes agent equity and digital-first systems, appealing to the next generation of Realtors.
👉 Insider T: REAL positions itself as the “new school” of brokerages—lean, digital, and built for agents who value flexibility and shared success.
9. Sotheby’s International Realty
Founded: 1976 by Sotheby’s Auction House
Globally recognized for luxury, Sotheby’s International Realty carries a brand that instantly conveys sophistication and prestige. With affiliates worldwide, they dominate in high-end and resort markets.
👉 Insider T: The Sotheby’s name alone carries global recognition. When you see it on a sign, you know it’s synonymous with exclusivity and world-class service.
10. Compass (My New Home)
Founded: 2012, New York City
Compass is the sleek, tech-forward brokerage that has grown into the fastest-growing in U.S. history. Known for its design-first branding, proprietary technology, and concierge services, it has quickly become a leader in modern real estate.
👉 Insider T: Compass combines cutting-edge tools with elegant branding, giving agents the ability to market properties smarter and faster—and giving clients a more seamless experience.
Why I Chose Compass
Even now, I still feel like I’m onboarding. That’s because the technology platform here is colossal—and in the very best way. Compass has invested about $1.6 billion into building Compass One, the industry’s most integrated, intuitive tech ecosystem. The beauty is, it doesn’t get in the way. Instead, it empowers me to be a better, more relationship-driven agent. It’s smart, efficient, and a truly modern approach to real estate.
But Compass is more than just tools. It’s built on an amazing culture of collaboration, inspired by Robert Reffkin’s ethos of abundance and support. The belief here is simple: we rise by lifting others. If a Compass agent calls for insight, you pick up the phone and pay it forward—that’s the Compass way.
It’s also a modern brokerage that looks like the diversity of America. From leadership to agent community, Compass emphasizes inclusion, with affinity groups for nearly everything you can imagine. It’s a place where agents (and clients) feel represented, supported, and connected.
👉 Insider T: For me, Compass is the perfect blend of innovative tools, collaborative leadership, and inclusive culture. It’s where I can serve clients at the highest level—today and into the future.
Bringing It Home 🏡
✨ The Real T: Every brokerage has its own strengths, history, and culture. Just like people, we’re all drawn to different things depending on what matters most—some firms highlight tradition, others innovation, some focus on global luxury while others shine in local community. The important part for you as a client is knowing that there really isn’t a “bad” brokerage—there are simply different approaches that fit different personalities, goals, and needs. What matters most is the experience you have, the trust you build, and the relationship you create.
At the end of the day, the brokerage provides the framework, but it’s the agent who makes the difference. Choose the professional you trust, and the rest will follow.
And if you’re curious to dive deeper—whether it’s learning more about how brokerages work, or exploring some of Compass’s signature tools like 3-Phase Marketing, Private Exclusives, Make Me Move, or Compass Concierge—I’d love to walk you through it. LET’S CONNECT!
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