Sponsor vs. Team: Which is Right for You?

September 24, 2025  |  By Brett Poe

A real estate agent making a choice between a team and a sponsor

For new and experienced agents alike, the question of whether to join a team or go it alone is a big one. Teams promise leads, support, and mentorship, but at what cost? In many cases, you're sacrificing a huge chunk of your commission for benefits that you could get for free. It's time to pull back the curtain on the traditional team model and explore a better way to build your real estate career: finding a sponsor.

The Truth About Team Splits

On a real estate team, a 50/50 commission split is common. That means that on top of your split with the brokerage, you're giving half of your remaining commission to the team lead. So, on a $10,000 commission, you might pay $2,000 to the brokerage and then another $4,000 to your team lead, leaving you with just $4,000. That's a tough pill to swallow when you're the one doing the work.

Teams justify these splits by promising leads and support. But in today's digital world, you don't need to pay a team lead to generate leads. With the right tools and training, you can generate your own leads and build your own brand, all while keeping more of your hard-earned commission.

A Better Way: The Sponsor Model

What if you could get all the support and mentorship of a team, without the hefty commission split? That's the beauty of the sponsor model. At a cloud-based brokerage like eXp Realty, every agent is encouraged to have a sponsor. A sponsor is an experienced agent in the company who is personally invested in your success. They're there to answer your questions, provide guidance, and help you navigate the challenges of the real estate industry.

And the best part? It doesn't cost you a dime. Your commission split with the brokerage is the same, whether you have a sponsor or not. Your sponsor is compensated through the company's revenue share program, which means they're incentivized to help you succeed. It's a win-win situation.

See What You’ll Net

Run your numbers through our Commission Calculator before you sign anything. Add up all the misc fees including monthly dues and put them in the calculator.

Why a Sponsor is Better Than a Team Lead

A sponsor is a mentor, not a manager. They're not focused on your production numbers or how many calls you're making. They're focused on helping you build a sustainable business that aligns with your personal and financial goals. A sponsor provides the support and guidance you need, while still giving you the autonomy to run your business your way.

Don't fall into the trap of thinking you need to join a team to be successful. With a sponsor, you can get the best of both worlds: the support and mentorship of a team, with the financial benefits of being an independent agent. It's time to take control of your career and find a brokerage that empowers you to succeed on your own terms.

Still Weighing Options?

Book a zero-pressure call and I’ll walk you through the real math.