“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein
Do you ever think if you’re truly keeping what you earn in real estate? Are those hard-earned commissions slipping away faster than you think?
If you’re a top real estate broker in Texas, this question hits hard. The way you structure your business, flat fee or split model, can absolutely make or break your income potential. You work tirelessly, closing deals, building client trust, showing properties in scorching heat, and negotiating until late hours. So why does your brokerage still take a massive cut?
Want to know how you can keep more of your money while still getting full support?
Understanding the Flat Fee Model: Pay Less, Keep More
In the flat fee model, the real estate broker’s fee in Texas is a fixed amount per transaction, regardless of commission size. That’s it.
For example, let’s say you close a $500,000 deal with a 3% commission. You earn $15,000. Under a flat fee brokerage like The 100 Percent Agent, you might only pay $499 per transaction. You walk away with $14,501. Now imagine doing ten such deals in a year. That’s over $145,000 in your pocket, not your broker’s.
This model works brilliantly if you’re:
- A self-starter
- Already experienced
- Hungry to keep as much commission as possible
However, this only benefits you if you’re consistently closing. If you’re newer or need help generating leads, it may not be ideal unless your flat-fee brokerage also offers training, which many don’t. The exception? Brokerages like The 100 Percent Agent offer education without commission splits.
Breaking Down the Split Model: Pay as You Earn
Split commission models are more traditional. You and your broker split your earnings, usually 70/30 or 80/20. Some brokers may offer a 50/50 split when they provide more in-house support, leads, or marketing.
Let’s use the same example: $500,000 sale at 3% = $15,000.
On a 70/30 split, you only keep $10,500. Your broker keeps $4,500.
The more you earn, the more you lose.
But here’s the kicker: many new agents like this model initially because:
- You don’t pay upfront
- You get training and hand-holding
- You receive leads from your broker’s network
It’s safe for those still learning. But long-term? It drains your income drastically. Especially in high-volume markets like Dallas, Houston, or Austin.
Comparing Monthly Caps and Fees
Do you know what’s hidden behind split models? Caps, monthly desk fees, and surprise admin charges.
In flat-fee brokerages, your cost is predictable. You pay per transaction. In split models, you might pay $500/month just to stay “active,” plus split commissions, tech fees, and marketing surcharges.
In flat-fee brokerages, your cost is predictable. You pay per transaction. In top real estate brokerages in Texas that use split models, agents might pay $500/month just to stay “active,” plus split commissions, tech fees, and marketing surcharges.
Let’s do the math.
Agent A (Flat Fee): Closes 2 deals/month
- Paid $998 total for the month
- Keeps ~$28,000+
Agent B (Split Model, 70/30 + $500 monthly fee):
- Pays $4,500 per transaction + $500
- Keeps ~$21,000 or less
That’s a $7,000 difference per month. $84,000/year.
Shocking? Yes. Avoidable? Absolutely.
Flexibility and Freedom: Which Model Gives You More Control?
Flat fee models are built for independence. Want to run your own team? Use your own branding? Build your own lead gen systems? Flat fee lets you do it all, without approval or revenue sharing.
Split model brokers often place tight controls over:
- Branding
- Lead management
- Vendor usage
- Marketing platforms
They claim it’s for “consistency,” but often, it’s about control.
If freedom matters to you, a flat fee is the better fit. Want to be your own boss and maximize growth potential? Then don’t chain yourself to a split model.
Long-Term Earning Potential: What’s Sustainable?
Let’s be honest.
If you plan to stay in real estate long-term, split models simply don’t scale with you. The more you grow, the more they take. That’s not a partnership; it’s a slow drain.
With flat fee brokerages, your income scales as you grow. More deals = more profit for you, not your broker.
Want to build a team under you? Offer mentorship? Keep marketing profits? With a predictable real estate broker fee in Texas, a flat fee lets you build your own real estate empire.
Remember: you’re already doing the work. Why give someone else a third of your reward?
Conclusion:
You now know the key differences:
- Flat fee = predictable cost, more control, higher take-home
- Split model = more support early on, but less money long-term
So ask yourself: do you want hand-holding forever, or financial freedom now?
If you’re ready to take ownership of your real estate career in Texas, then it’s time to ditch the old-school split model. Flat fee brokerages like The 100 Percent Agent are designed for real professionals like you, ones who want more, do more, and absolutely deserve more.
Ready to finally keep 100% of your hard-earned commission?
Want real training and support, without giving up your income?
Join The 100 Percent Agent today, where you work smarter, earn faster, and grow bigger.
Visit https://the100percentagent.com/ and get started now!
