AXEN vs. eXp vs. Real: what an agent really pays
On 20 closings at $10,000 commission each, an agent pays about $12,500 a year at AXEN (Pro plan), $17,320 at Real Brokerage and $21,270 at eXp Realty, using each company's own published fee schedule. Here is the math, line by line, with sources.
The fee schedules side by side
| Fee | AXEN (Pro plan) | eXp Realty | Real Brokerage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commission split | None. Flat $500 per closing | 80/20 | 85/15 |
| Yearly cap | $6,000 | $16,000 | $12,000 (solo agent) |
| After the cap, per deal | $0 flat fee | $250 or 20%, whichever is less; $75 after $5,000 | $285 or 15%, whichever is less |
| Per-file fees | $295 admin | $25 review + $60 risk fee (risk capped at $750 a year) | $50 review |
| Monthly or yearly fee | $50 a month | $85 a month | $900 a year |
| Sign-up fee | $0 | $149 | $249 |
| Revenue share | Up to 5 levels | 7 tiers | 5 tiers |
AXEN also has an Elite plan: $1,000 per closing, capped at $12,000. Real's cap is lower for team members. Fees change; always confirm with each company in writing.
The math: 20 closings at $10,000 each
Same agent, same year, $200,000 in commission. Only the brokerage changes.
| Cost | AXEN | eXp | Real |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split or flat fee until cap | $6,000 (12 deals × $500) | $16,000 (8 deals × $2,000) | $12,000 (8 deals × $1,500) |
| Fees after cap | $0 | $3,000 (12 × $250) | $3,420 (12 × $285) |
| Per-file fees | $5,900 (20 × $295) | $1,250 ($500 review + $750 risk) | $1,000 (20 × $50) |
| Monthly or yearly fee | $600 | $1,020 | $900 |
| Total you pay | $12,500 | $21,270 | $17,320 |
Many AXEN agents pass the $295 admin fee to their client at closing. If you do, your AXEN total drops to $6,600. Sign-up fees are left out because you pay them once.
What about LPT, Keller Williams and Compass?
As of September 2026, we could not find a complete fee schedule published by LPT Realty, Keller Williams or Compass on their own websites. At Keller Williams, each office owner sets the split. Ask any brokerage for its full fee schedule in writing, including every per-file, monthly and technology fee, and run the same 20-deal math.
When AXEN is not the right fit
- You want a big-name office with a desk and a sign out front. A traditional franchise may suit you better.
- Company stock is your main goal. eXp and Real both run stock programs for agents.
- You want the company to hand you leads. AXEN gives you tools, training and support, but your business is yours to build.
Run it on your own numbers
Your split, your deals, your average commission. Bring them to a live Why AXEN call and we will walk every line with you, or look inside the portal free. Questions about support? See agent live support and who runs AXEN in your state.
Sources
- AXEN Realty fee schedule: axenrealty.com/join (September 2026).
- eXp Realty: cap and split, exprealty.com/income; fees, Independent Contractor Agreement and Policies and Procedures filed with eXp World Holdings' 2025 Form 10-K, SEC EDGAR (filed February 2026).
- Real Brokerage: fee schedule and annual brokerage fee, updated August 31, 2026.
Costs only, not an earnings claim. Your results depend on your own sales. Each company may change its fees at any time; confirm current fees with each company before you decide. eXp Realty and Real Brokerage are trademarks of their owners, who do not endorse this page.
Fee comparison questions
Is AXEN cheaper than eXp Realty?
On 20 closings at $10,000 commission each, an agent pays about $12,500 at AXEN on the Pro plan and $21,270 at eXp, based on each company's published fees as of September 2026.
Is AXEN cheaper than Real Brokerage?
On the same 20 closings, an agent pays about $12,500 at AXEN and $17,320 at Real Brokerage, based on each company's published fees as of September 2026.
What is a brokerage cap?
A cap is the most an agent pays their brokerage in a year. AXEN's Pro plan caps at $6,000, eXp at $16,000 and Real at $12,000 for a solo agent.
Does AXEN take a commission split?
No. AXEN charges a flat fee per closing until the yearly cap, plus a $295 admin fee per file and a $50 a month platform fee.