For agents in Plymouth, Canton, Northville, Novi and nearby

Comparing real estate brokerages in Southeast Michigan

A brand-by-brand look at what the brokerages agents in Wayne, Oakland and Washtenaw counties compare most often publish about offices, support and costs, plus the questions worth asking every one of them.

Please read first. This guide is published by Redefine Real Estate, which competes with the offices listed. It’s built to be useful, not to name a winner. Terms vary by office and agent and change over time, so get current terms in writing from any brokerage, including us.

Want our terms side by side with yours? Book a 15-minute intro call.

Verified on public sources · Oct 26, 2026
Reception at Redefine Real Estate, 770 Davis Street, Plymouth

What to compare

Splits matter, but they’re only one piece.

Who does the workMarketing tools you run yourself vs. marketing done for you
Transaction supportOffers, listing entry, contract to close, and per-file costs
LeadsHow they’re assigned and what split or fee applies
All-in costCaps, monthly, per-deal, E&O and tech fees together
ExpectationsOffice time, meetings, minimum production

Side by side

Plain text = published by the brand or office itselfReported= public industry sources, not confirmed by the brandBroker profile= the office’s own profile on ChooseMyBroker (date not shown)Not published · ask = we couldn’t find it on the brand’s own public pages; it doesn’t mean they don’t offer it
BrandParent companyModelPublished comp & feesBrand / franchise feesSupport styleDone-for-you services
Redefine Real Estate
Publisher of this guide		Independent (Plymouth)Independent brokerage, team-styleUp to 90% on self-generated; cap option, 100% after cap; 50% on brokerage-provided clients; $300/yr E&ONone (not a franchise)Done-for-you: built for experienced agentsPaperwork, listing entry, contract to close, listing marketing, appointment setting
Keller Williams
Keller Williams Realty (private)Franchise: local market centersBroker profileKW Advantage: 60/40 for first 6 deals, then 70/30; $155 onboarding; monthly fee ~$85–$105Reported6% royalty, capped at $3,000/yr (2026 FDD)Training-led: Broker profilecoaching 4x/week, no costNot published · ask
@properties Christie’s
CompassBrokerage + Christie’s affiliate networkNot published · askReported1% agent services fee at company-owned offices (2023)Not published · askNot published · ask
Century 21
Compass (via Anywhere)Franchise (independently owned offices)Set by each local office · askReported~6% royalty on office GCI + brand fund; office decides pass-throughTools & training: PublishedC21 University, 21Online, marketing toolsNot published · ask
Real Estate One
Independent (Michigan)Michigan brokerage, multiple officesBroker profileStarts 70/30, rises yearly toward 100%; $0 desk, $0 monthly; ~$1,800/yr typical fixed costsNot a franchise brandNot published · askNot published · ask
National Realty Centers
Independent (Michigan)Michigan brokerage, four officesPublishedMarkets a “100% commission” plan; exact fees: askNot a franchise brandNot published · askNot published · ask
RE/MAX
RE/MAX Holdings (public)Franchise (local offices)PublishedBrand recommends 95/5 with agent-paid fixed fees; offices set splitsPublishedBroker fee generally 1% of commissions; annual duesNot published · askNot published · ask
eXp Realty
eXp World Holdings (public)Cloud-based brokeragePublished80/20 to $16,000 cap, then 100%; $85/mo; $149 start; $85/transactionNone (not a franchise)Not published · askNot published · ask
Preferred, Realtors Ltd
Independent (Plymouth)Locally based brokerageBroker profileSplit until annual “contract amount” is met, then 100%; $0 desk, $0 monthlyNot a franchise brandTraining-led: Publishedone-on-one, online, small-group new agent trainingNot published · ask
Coldwell Banker
Compass (via Anywhere)Franchise (independently owned offices)Set by each local office · askPublishedOffice royalty starts at 5.5% of GCI, steps down to 3% (parent’s SEC filing)Training-led (local affiliate): Publishedmentor program, conference, weekly classesLocal affiliate lists services at “minimal or no cost” · ask
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
HomeServices of America (Berkshire Hathaway)Franchise networkBroker profile60/40 starting split; $50/mo desk + $50/mo monthly feesReported~6% royalty + 1% marketing fee (franchise agreement)Training-led: PublishedExcellerate and DASH programsNot published · ask

Redefine Real Estate

Publisher of this guide
Parent company
Independent (Plymouth)
Model
Independent brokerage, team-style
Published comp & fees
Up to 90% on self-generated; cap option, 100% after cap; 50% on brokerage-provided clients; $300/yr E&O
Brand / franchise fees
None (not a franchise)
Support style
Done-for-you: built for experienced agents
Done-for-you services
Paperwork, listing entry, contract to close, listing marketing, appointment setting

Keller Williams

Parent company
Keller Williams Realty (private)
Model
Franchise: local market centers
Published comp & fees
Broker profileKW Advantage: 60/40 for first 6 deals, then 70/30; $155 onboarding; monthly fee ~$85–$105
Brand / franchise fees
Reported6% royalty, capped at $3,000/yr (2026 FDD)
Support style
Training-led: Broker profilecoaching 4x/week, no cost
Done-for-you services
Not published · ask

@properties Christie’s

Parent company
Compass
Model
Brokerage + Christie’s affiliate network
Published comp & fees
Not published · ask
Brand / franchise fees
Reported1% agent services fee at company-owned offices (2023)
Support style
Not published · ask
Done-for-you services
Not published · ask

Century 21

Parent company
Compass (via Anywhere)
Model
Franchise (independently owned offices)
Published comp & fees
Set by each local office · ask
Brand / franchise fees
Reported~6% royalty on office GCI + brand fund; office decides pass-through
Support style
Tools & training: PublishedC21 University, 21Online, marketing tools
Done-for-you services
Not published · ask

Real Estate One

Parent company
Independent (Michigan)
Model
Michigan brokerage, multiple offices
Published comp & fees
Broker profileStarts 70/30, rises yearly toward 100%; $0 desk, $0 monthly; ~$1,800/yr typical fixed costs
Brand / franchise fees
Not a franchise brand
Support style
Not published · ask
Done-for-you services
Not published · ask

National Realty Centers

Parent company
Independent (Michigan)
Model
Michigan brokerage, four offices
Published comp & fees
PublishedMarkets a “100% commission” plan; exact fees: ask
Brand / franchise fees
Not a franchise brand
Support style
Not published · ask
Done-for-you services
Not published · ask

RE/MAX

Parent company
RE/MAX Holdings (public)
Model
Franchise (local offices)
Published comp & fees
PublishedBrand recommends 95/5 with agent-paid fixed fees; offices set splits
Brand / franchise fees
PublishedBroker fee generally 1% of commissions; annual dues
Support style
Not published · ask
Done-for-you services
Not published · ask

eXp Realty

Parent company
eXp World Holdings (public)
Model
Cloud-based brokerage
Published comp & fees
Published80/20 to $16,000 cap, then 100%; $85/mo; $149 start; $85/transaction
Brand / franchise fees
None (not a franchise)
Support style
Not published · ask
Done-for-you services
Not published · ask

Preferred, Realtors Ltd

Parent company
Independent (Plymouth)
Model
Locally based brokerage
Published comp & fees
Broker profileSplit until annual “contract amount” is met, then 100%; $0 desk, $0 monthly
Brand / franchise fees
Not a franchise brand
Support style
Training-led: Publishedone-on-one, online, small-group new agent training
Done-for-you services
Not published · ask

Coldwell Banker

Parent company
Compass (via Anywhere)
Model
Franchise (independently owned offices)
Published comp & fees
Set by each local office · ask
Brand / franchise fees
PublishedOffice royalty starts at 5.5% of GCI, steps down to 3% (parent’s SEC filing)
Support style
Training-led (local affiliate): Publishedmentor program, conference, weekly classes
Done-for-you services
Local affiliate lists services at “minimal or no cost” · ask

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Parent company
HomeServices of America (Berkshire Hathaway)
Model
Franchise network
Published comp & fees
Broker profile60/40 starting split; $50/mo desk + $50/mo monthly fees
Brand / franchise fees
Reported~6% royalty + 1% marketing fee (franchise agreement)
Support style
Training-led: PublishedExcellerate and DASH programs
Done-for-you services
Not published · ask
Who owns the brand? Since January 2026, Coldwell Banker, Century 21, @properties and Christie’s International Real Estate are all owned by one company, Compass. Franchise offices remain independently owned, but brand fees flow to the parent. Source: Compass Form 10-Q, 2026

Franchise brands (Keller Williams, RE/MAX, Century 21, Coldwell Banker, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices) let each local office set its own splits, caps and fees, so the same brand can have different terms a few miles apart. Ask the specific office for its written plan.

Where does your commission go?

Every brokerage keeps part of each check. The real question is what that part pays for, and how much of it comes back to your business.

At a franchise brand

Your share
Local office
National brand

Part of the office’s share, and sometimes yours, goes to the national franchise for the brand name, systems and advertising.

At Redefine

Your share
Stays local: your support team

No franchise fee. What we keep pays for the people who write your paperwork, market your listings and set your appointments.

Illustration only, not to scale. Actual splits and fees vary by brokerage and plan.

Questions to ask about brand fees

  1. 01How much goes to the national brand on each of my deals, and is it passed to me?
  2. 02What do I get for it that brings me business: leads, referrals, or name recognition my clients actually ask for?
  3. 03Would I use those national programs, or do most of my clients come from my own sphere?
  4. 04If I stopped paying it, what would I lose?

Training or time back?

The right support depends on where you are in your career.

If you’re newer

Look for structured training, mentorship and accountability. Many franchise brands publish strong training programs, and that’s worth a lot in your first years.
  • Is there a mentor or coaching program?
  • How often are classes, and are they free?

If you’re experienced

You already know how to sell. What limits growth is time. Look for leverage: who actually does the paperwork, the listing marketing and the follow-up?
  • Who writes my offers and enters my listings?
  • What marketing is done for me, not just given to me?
  • Who sets appointments?

Published vs. Redefine’s research

For each brand: what it publishes on the left, what we’ve gathered and our opinion on the right. Every number is labeled by where it came from.

Publishedbrand, parent SEC filing, or office siteBroker profileoffice’s own ChooseMyBroker profileDocumentedfrom a dated written plan we reviewedReportedpublic industry sources, not confirmed by the brand
eXp RealtyCloud-based · eXp World Holdings
What they publish
Published80/20 split to a $16,000 annual cap, then 100% for the rest of the anniversary year.
Published$85/month, $149 to start, $85 per transaction ($25 broker review + $60 risk management).
PublishedRevenue share is performance-based; eXp states the median for a typical (Tier 1) agent is $0. Over 83,000 agents.
Redefine’s research
Nothing to add beyond what’s published.
Our takeLowest published fixed costs on this list. A fit for self-sufficient agents comfortable without a local office who handle their own marketing and admin or pay for help separately.
exprealty.com/income; eXp 10-K FY2025
Keller WilliamsFranchise · Keller Williams Realty
What they publish
PublishedLocal market centers set many terms; KW Advantage has offices in Novi and Northville.
Redefine’s research
Broker profileKW Advantage: 60/40 for the first 6 transactions, then 70/30; $155 onboarding; monthly fee listed at $85 to $105 (office, tech, E&O); free coaching 4x a week; an “additional revenue stream” from year 3.
Reported6% royalty to KW on GCI, capped at $3,000 per agent per year (2026 franchise disclosure).
ReportedMarket center caps commonly reported between ~$15,000 and $36,000 depending on the office.
Our takeStrong structure for newer agents who want frequent coaching and a big network. Experienced agents should total the cap, royalty and monthly fees, and ask what work is done for them, not just taught.
ChooseMyBroker (KW Advantage); franchise-disclosure summaries; industry write-ups
Coldwell BankerFranchise · Compass (via Anywhere)
What they publish
PublishedOffices are franchised and independently owned and operated.
PublishedParent’s SEC filing: office royalty starts at 5.5% of GCI and steps down to a 3% minimum, plus marketing fund contributions.
PublishedLocal affiliate (CB Professionals): mentor program, annual conference, weekly classes, tech support team; “ProSuites” services at minimal or no cost.
Redefine’s research
Nothing to add beyond what’s published.
Our takeDeep training calendar and a national name. Ask how much of the brand royalty is passed to agents, and which ProSuites services cost extra.
coldwellbanker.com; Anywhere 10-K FY2024; coldwellbankerprofessionals.com; Compass 10-Q 2026
Century 21Franchise · Compass (via Anywhere)
What they publish
PublishedEach office is independently owned and operated.
PublishedAgent tools: C21 University, 21Online platform, MoxiWorks, Canva templates, Boost ads, seller reports.
Redefine’s research
ReportedRoyalty around 6% of office GCI with volume incentives, plus a brand marketing fund; per-transaction fees reported around $95 to $295, varying by office.
Our takeBig brand toolkit. Most of what’s published is tools you run yourself; ask what’s done for you and what the office passes through in fees.
century21.com; franchise-disclosure summaries; Anywhere filings
RE/MAXFranchise · RE/MAX Holdings
What they publish
PublishedBrand recommends a 95/5 split with the agent paying fixed fees; each office sets its own plan.
PublishedBroker fee of generally 1% of commissions, plus annual dues.
PublishedNew 2025 options: Aspire (new agents), Ascend (lower fixed fees, capped broker fees), Appreciate (retiring agents).
Redefine’s research
ReportedAnnual dues reported at $410 per agent.
Our takeCan reward high producers who self-generate. Fixed monthly fees mean you pay even in slow months; compare total yearly cost at your real production.
RE/MAX Holdings 10-K FY2025; industry summaries
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServicesFranchise · HomeServices of America
What they publish
PublishedBHHS Michigan Real Estate: Plymouth office at 294 S. Main St; Excellerate and DASH training programs.
Redefine’s research
Broker profile60/40 starting split; $50/month desk fee + $50/month monthly fee; formerly Prudential Preferred; 50 offices in two states.
ReportedFranchise royalty around 6% plus a 1% marketing fee, paid by the office.
Our takeStrong new-agent training. Ask for the split schedule after year one and how much the brand royalty affects your take-home.
bhhsmichiganrealestate.com; ChooseMyBroker; franchise-agreement summaries
@properties Christie’sBrokerage · Compass
What they publish
PublishedNorthville office at 200 N Center St; part of Christie’s International Real Estate network.
Redefine’s research
ReportedA 1% agent services fee on GCI at company-owned offices, shared per the agent’s split (reported 2023).
ReportedAcquired by Compass (completed January 2025).
Our takeLuxury-leaning brand with a strong Northville presence. Ask whether the agent services fee still applies and how the Compass ownership affects plans.
atproperties.com; The Real Deal; Compass filings
Real Estate OneIndependent · Michigan
What they publish
PublishedPlymouth and Northville offices.
Redefine’s research
Broker profileStarts at 70/30 and progresses each year toward 100%; later splits depend on prior-year production; $0 desk and $0 monthly fees; typical fixed costs about $1,800 a year.
Our takeSimple, no-desk-fee structure with a big local footprint. Ask how long it takes to reach the higher splits at your production.
realestateone.com; ChooseMyBroker
National Realty CentersIndependent · Michigan
What they publish
PublishedMarkets “Michigan’s first true 100% commission plan”; four offices including Northville (116 W Main St).
Redefine’s research
Nothing to add beyond what’s published.
Our takeBuilt for agents who want to keep the most per deal. Ask for the full per-transaction and monthly fee schedule and what support is included.
nationalrealtycenters.com
Preferred, Realtors LtdIndependent · Plymouth
What they publish
PublishedOne-on-one training, online courses, webinars and small-group new agent training; two full-time managers and an on-site broker/owner.
Redefine’s research
Broker profileSplit with the company until an annual “contract amount” is met, then 100%; resets on your anniversary date; $0 desk and monthly fees.
ReportedFounded 1989; 100+ agents; formerly operated as Coldwell Banker Preferred Realtors.
Our takeA strong local independent with a cap-style plan. Ask for the exact contract (cap) amount.
preferredrealtorsltd.com; ChooseMyBroker

Something out of date? Brokerages and agents can email info@listingmi.com and we’ll review it.

10 questions to ask every brokerage (including us)

  1. 01What is my split on business I bring in, and on leads you provide?
  2. 02Is there a cap? How much, and when does it reset?
  3. 03What do I pay every month, every transaction, and every year?
  4. 04Who writes my offers and enters my listings? Is there a per-file fee?
  5. 05Who handles contract to close, and what’s still on me?
  6. 06What marketing do you do for my listings, versus give me tools to do myself?
  7. 07How are leads assigned, and what happens if I don’t convert them?
  8. 08What are the meeting and office-attendance expectations?
  9. 09Can I see the full agreement and fee schedule before I decide?
  10. 10Can I talk to two agents at my production level who joined in the last year?

Is the drive right for you?

Our office
770 Davis Street, Plymouth

We believe in an in-office culture, so most of our agents live within about 30 minutes of the office. Agents join us from across Wayne, Oakland and Washtenaw counties.

Farther out? If the commute works for you, let’s talk.

About 20 minutes or less
  • Ann Arbor
  • Ann Arbor Township
  • Canton
  • Livonia
  • Northville
  • Northville Township
  • Novi
  • Plymouth Township
  • Salem Township
  • Westland
About 20 to 40 minutes

Including Farmington Hills, Dearborn, Royal Oak, Birmingham, South Lyon, Brighton, Saline, Ypsilanti and more.

See all nearby communities
  • Allen Park
  • Barton Hills
  • Belleville
  • Berkley
  • Beverly Hills
  • Bingham Farms
  • Birmingham
  • Bloomfield Hills
  • Brighton
  • Brighton Township
  • Brownstown Township
  • Chelsea
  • Clawson
  • Commerce Township
  • Dearborn
  • Dearborn Heights
  • Detroit
  • Dexter
  • Dixboro
  • Farmington
  • Farmington Hills
  • Ferndale
  • Franklin
  • Garden City
  • Green Oak Township
  • Hamburg
  • Hamburg Township
  • Hazel Park
  • Huntington Woods
  • Keego Harbor
  • Lathrup Village
  • Lincoln Park
  • Lyon Township
  • Madison Heights
  • New Hudson
  • Northfield Township
  • Oak Park
  • Pittsfield Township
  • Pleasant Ridge
  • Redford Township
  • Romulus
  • Royal Oak
  • Saline
  • Scio Township
  • South Lyon
  • Southfield
  • Superior Township
  • Van Buren Township
  • Walled Lake
  • Wayne
  • West Bloomfield Township
  • Whitmore Lake
  • Wixom
  • Woodhaven
  • Ypsilanti
  • Ypsilanti Township

Drive times are approximate and vary with traffic.

Which model fits which agent

Franchise market center

A big national brand, structured training paths, and a large agent community.

Large regional brokerage

Many local offices and established local name recognition.

Boutique or independent

A smaller office and more direct access to the broker.

Team-style, done-for-you

Paperwork, marketing and appointments handled, in exchange for a lower split on brokerage-provided leads.

None of these is right for everyone. It depends on your production, how much you want to do yourself, and how you like to work.

Compare us side by side

Book a 15-minute intro call. We’ll put our terms in writing so you can compare them fairly with your current brokerage. The form asks which city you live or work in, so we can talk about the commute up front.

Or call (734) 259-7949

Last verified October 26, 2026. Next review January 2027. If you represent a brokerage listed here and something is out of date, email info@listingmi.com and we’ll review it.