What a Franchise Gives You

Brand recognition: Names like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, Coldwell Banker, and eXp carry weight with some consumers. Buyers and sellers who do not know a specific agent may gravitate toward a name they recognize.

Training programs: Large franchises typically offer structured training, especially for new agents. KW’s Ignite program and BOLD are well-known examples.

National referral networks: Franchise brands have built-in referral systems that connect agents across markets.

The cost: Franchise fees, technology fees, desk fees, E&O fees, marketing fees, and royalty splits add up. Depending on the brand and office, an agent producing $100,000 in gross commissions might pay $15,000-$25,000+ in fees before their commission split.

What an Independent Brokerage Gives You

Lower overhead: Without franchise royalties and mandated fees, independent brokerages can offer more competitive splits and fewer deductions.

Direct broker access: Independent brokerages tend to be smaller, which means the broker is available — not buried under 200 agents’ problems.

Flexibility: No corporate mandates on marketing templates, signage, or approved vendor lists. You build your brand your way.

The tradeoff: You lose the national name. For experienced agents with their own client base, this rarely matters. For brand-new agents, it can mean more effort building initial credibility.

Which Is Right for You?

If you are a new agent who needs structured training and a known name to get started, a franchise can make sense for your first 1-2 years. If you are an experienced agent who already has a pipeline and wants to keep more of what you earn, an independent brokerage deserves serious consideration.

Sloan Properties is an independent brokerage in Central Florida that offers the tools, technology, and support of a larger firm without the franchise overhead. Explore what we offer at sloanproperties.com/join-our-team or call (407) 961-7720.

The Questions That Actually Matter

What do I keep? Commission splits vary widely. Some brokerages offer 70/30 splits with desk fees. Others offer 90/10 or even 100% with a flat monthly fee. The right structure depends on your production level. High producers benefit from flat-fee models. Newer agents may benefit from a lower split with more training and support.

What tools do I get? CRM, transaction management, lead generation, marketing materials, and technology platforms are not luxuries — they are the infrastructure your business runs on. If the brokerage does not provide these, you are paying for them out of pocket.

Who is available when I have a question? This is where the gap between large franchises and smaller brokerages becomes clear. At a large franchise, your designated broker may oversee 200+ agents. Getting a direct answer on a contract question, a tricky negotiation, or a compliance issue can take hours or days. At a smaller brokerage, you pick up the phone and talk to the broker.

What is the culture? Some brokerages are competitive and transactional — agents are independent contractors who share office space and little else. Others are collaborative, with shared knowledge, mentorship, and genuine investment in each agent’s success. Neither is inherently better. Know which one you want.

Why Agents Are Joining Sloan Properties

Sloan Properties is a Central Florida brokerage built for agents who want better tools, direct broker access, and less overhead. We invest in technology, marketing, and training because agent success drives company success. No desk fees, no franchise fees, no bureaucracy.

If you are a licensed Florida Realtor exploring your options, we would like to have a conversation. Visit sloanproperties.com/join-our-team or call (407) 961-7720.