eXp Realty and Sotheby's International Realty both offer comprehensive services to real estate agents, but they cater to different needs and priorities. eXp Realty stands out with its structured commission plan, extensive training programs, and technology platform, making it a strong choice for agents seeking growth and support. Sotheby's International Realty, with its strong brand recognition, global network, and luxury market specialization, is better suited for agents focused on high-end properties and international reach. However, potential agents should carefully consider the client satisfaction ratings and lead generation capabilities of each company before making a decision.
Attribute | eXp Realty | Sotheby's International Realty |
---|---|---|
Commission Structure | 80/20 commission split until a $16,000 annual cap is reached. After the cap, agents receive 100% of their commission minus transaction fees. | Commission splits vary by location; many agents report a 70/30 split. Experienced agents may negotiate higher splits. Caps on commission amounts may apply. |
Agent Training Programs | eXp University provides research-based training at every level. Programs include FastCAP, Elite Solo Agent Mastermind, Team Mastery Series, and Agent Essentials. New agents can benefit from Emerging Agent training. In-person training opportunities are available. | Provides training programs covering sales techniques, brand representation, client relationship management, and marketing strategies. Some offices offer basic training programs for new agents. William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty have a dedicated training facility called The Imagine Lab. |
Marketing Support | Emphasizes continuous education and provides marketing and sales support. Agents have access to lead generation tools. | Offers agents marketing tools, including the 'Current by Sotheby's International Realty' suite with apps for home staging, email marketing, and digital ad building. Provides marketing support and exposure in publications such as *The New York Times* and *The Wall Street Journal*. |
Technology Platform | Offers cutting-edge technology tools and resources, including eXp World, kvCORE, SkySlope, and MyeXp. As of July 1, 2025, eXp offers CRM of Choice, allowing agents to select between BoldTrail, Cloze, or Lofty. | Provides agents with technology tools, including the 'CURRENT Suite,' which offers access to different apps like ActivePipe for email marketing, Curate for virtual staging, and Cloze, a CRM application. |
Brand Recognition | One of the largest real estate brokerages in the US by both transactions and sales volume. It is a publicly traded company. | Well-known luxury real estate brand with a history dating back to 1744. Associated with adventure and elegance, marketing high-end homes. |
Global Network | Has a global network with agents in over 20 countries. | Operates in 84 countries and territories, with over 1,000 offices and more than 25,000 agents. Strong global reach and referral network. |
Luxury Market Specialization | Can be a good fit if you have a luxury property. | Specializes in luxury residential properties, including high-end homes, penthouses, villas, and heritage estates. |
Agent Support and Mentorship | Offers mentorship programs to support new agents. New agents are paired with experienced mentors who provide guidance and hands-on support. | Offers a lot of support. New agents are expected to meet high standards. Some offices have friendly and helpful franchise owners. |
Lead Generation System | Provides lead generation tools to help agents find potential clients. kvCORE is a lead generation platform with a CRM database and lead generation website. | Some agents have reported issues with lead generation. |
Company Culture | Fosters a collaborative and supportive culture where agents can connect with colleagues from around the world. The company has core values that support their vision and shape their culture. | Supportive and collaborative company culture. Agents and staff feel like part of a family. Emphasizes high standards and a focus on excellence. |
Continuing Education Opportunities | Offers a wide range of training and educational resources to help agents succeed. eXp University provides live and on-demand training. | Encourages continuing education and professional development. Agents have opportunities to attend industry events, such as the Sotheby's International Realty Global Networking Event. |
Client Satisfaction Rating | Reviews differ across platforms. Experience.com has an overwhelmingly positive rating, but review sites like the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Affairs display much lower customer satisfaction. | Overall score is 2.7/5. |