Solo, Team, or Big Brand: Which Path Really Maximizes a Broker’s Potential?

Why Top Producers Are Rethinking Their Career Strategy—And How You Can Too

In commercial real estate, everyone is chasing the same prize: independence, income growth, and long-term security. But too many agents find themselves hitting ceilings—either in how much they can produce, how much they can keep, or how far they can grow.

So the real question becomes:

Where do agents thrive—solo, under a large brokerage, or within a high-performing team?

Let’s break it down.

🚶‍♂️ Going Solo: Complete Control, But at a Cost

Many agents start solo, enticed by 100% commission and the freedom to call the shots. You’re your own boss, marketer, assistant, accountant, and closer.

But over time, the drawbacks mount:

Inconsistent deal flow
No leverage or support
Burnout from wearing all the hats

Some thrive in this mode. Most plateau.

“The myth of the solo rockstar is fading—today’s market favors collaboration and scale.”

🏢 Big Brokerage Life: Brand Power, Limited Freedom

National franchises and large brokerage houses promise name recognition, resources, and brand credibility. They have training, logos, and polished systems. But they also come with:

Steep splits and fees
Rigid structures
Little to no pathway to ownership or leadership

“You may get tools, but you rarely get a seat at the table.”

Many high performers feel like they’re helping build someone else’s empire.

🤝 Team Model: Collaboration + Growth Path

The team model—when structured right—offers the best of both worlds:

Shared marketing, tools, and backend operations
Ongoing mentorship and cross-pollination of ideas
Scalable production without being buried in admin work

Best of all, the right team creates a clear path to leadership, equity, and long-term wealth-building.

💡 What Top Producers Are Doing Differently

Across the country, top-performing brokers are shifting how they think:

They don’t just want commission, they want ownership.
They’re not looking for bosses, they want collaborators.
They want to build a brand, not just work under one.

They’re focused on scaling their results and future net worth, not just their current income.

🌍 Our Approach at RE/MAX Commercial Great Horizons

We asked ourselves: What if there was a way to give agents the tools of a national brand, the autonomy of a solo business, and the scalability of a team?

So we built it: