Thinking About Switching Brokerages? Here’s How Big-Box Companies Quietly Drain Your Commission
Every fall, agents across Western New York start doing the same math: How much did I actually earn this year — and how much did my brokerage keep?
Most don’t love the answer.
If you work for a big-box brokerage, the numbers can be painful. Layered splits, high caps, monthly fees, tech fees, desk fees, marketing charges, mandatory programs — it all stacks up fast. You may have closed more deals than ever, yet your take-home pay doesn’t reflect it.
But here’s the good news: you’re not stuck. And the right brokerage change can put thousands back in your pocket before the 2026 market even begins. At Great Lakes Real Estate, agents cap at just $10,000. After that, you take home 100% commission. And yes — agents really are hitting their cap. Let’s break down why so many agents are rethinking where they hang their license this time of year.
Why Big-Box Brokerages Cost You More Than You Realize
1. High Caps That Feel Unreachable
Many national brokerages set caps so high that the average WNY agent never actually reaches them. So each deal becomes another reminder that you’re working hard… but not for yourself.
2. Splits That Stack the Deck Against You
It’s not always the split that drains your check — it’s the combination of split + cap + mandatory fees. Some brokerages take 20–30% or more of every closing, even from top producers.
3. Hidden Fees That Add Up Fast
Tech fees. Desk fees. Transaction fees. Coaching fees. “Brand fee” charges. Every month, the brokerage gets paid — whether you close or not.
4. Promised Support That Never Arrives
Agents often pay premium dollars for “national resources,” yet end up with:
- Slow marketing support
- Outdated tech
- Generic training
- and very little personal guidance
- In the end, you’re paying for a brand rather than a partner.
What Makes Great Lakes Different
Agents at Great Lakes Real Estate pay a $10,000 cap — and that’s it. After that, every dollar of commission is yours. But the value doesn’t stop at the cap.
Support That Actually Helps You Close, Not Just Pay Bills
Agents get:
- Leads
- Marketing support
- Tech support
- In-house aerial photography services
- Free office space
- Two conference rooms
- An actual broker in the office daily
- A respected local brand
- and same-day commission payouts
Because we’re not a big-box franchise, you’re not just a number. You’re part of a team that knows your name, your business, and your goals.
How Much Could Switching Really Save You?
Most agents underestimate what they’re losing. Here’s a real example from typical WNY production:
Agent earns $85,000 in gross commission. At a big-box brokerage:
- 20–30% split
- high cap (often $18k–$25k)
- monthly tech fees
- transaction fees
That agent may take home $55,000–$60,000.
At Great Lakes Real Estate:
- $10,000 cap
- 100% after
That same agent takes home $75,000 or more. Same workload. Same number of closings. $15,000–$20,000 difference. That’s real money — and it’s why so many agents switch between October and February.
Why This Time of Year Is the Smartest Time to Move
October through February is when most agents reassess:
- How did this year go?
- Did my brokerage help me grow?
- Did I get the support I paid for?
- Do I like the way my commission check looks?
A new year is coming. Inventory is rising. Rates are easing. If you’ve been thinking about switching, the market is about to reward the agents who position themselves well now.
Thinking of Making a Move? Let’s Talk.
If you want to:
- keep more of the commission you work for,
- get real support from real people, and
- align with a brokerage that invests in your success…
Great Lakes Real Estate is the right move. For confidential conversations or office tours, call (716) 754-2550. End the year stronger — and start 2026 with a brokerage that actually pays you what you’re worth.
