Comparing brokerages by headline split alone is how many agents end up paying more. Here is a framework California agents can use to compare offers fairly.
The four numbers that matter
- Split — the percentage of gross commission income (GCI) you keep.
- Cap — the maximum company dollar you pay per year.
- Fees — transaction, E&O, desk, technology and franchise fees.
- Lead terms — how company-provided leads are split, and how “company lead” is defined.
A worked example
Assume 12 transactions a year at an average $1,200,000 price and 2.5% commission — $360,000 in GCI.
| Model | Company dollar | You keep (before fees) |
|---|---|---|
| 70/30, no cap | $108,000 | $252,000 |
| 90/10 with $5,000 cap | $5,000 | $355,000 |
The gap is large, but always add every fee back in. A low cap with heavy per-transaction fees can cost more than it looks.
Support that is worth paying for
Broker availability for contract questions, compliance review, marketing tools and lead generation all have real value. The right question is whether you are paying for support you actually use.
Pyramont’s model
Pyramont’s proposed structure is 90/10 on agent-generated business with a $5,000 annual cap, and 60/40 on eligible company-generated opportunities, supported by an AI-assisted CRM and marketing tools. Run your own numbers or read about joining.
Frequently asked questions
What is a brokerage cap?
A cap is the maximum company dollar an agent pays the brokerage in a year. After reaching it, the agent keeps a higher share of commission on eligible deals, subject to post-cap fees in the agreement.
Is 90/10 always better than 70/30?
Not automatically. Compare total fees, cap terms and the value of support and leads you actually use.