An independent brokerage is owned and operated by one entity. This means that all marketing, technology, and support are handled by one company.
Over 40% of real estate agents are associated with a franchise. But technology is allowing more independent brokerages to emerge. Franchises were often necessary to provide systems, marketing, and advice. Technology has helped independent brokerages scale to new markets without requiring local operators. This has been particularly visible with cloud brokerages and tech-enabled brokerages.
Independent brokerages are an example of a traditional brokerage. They are owned and operated by a single entity with centralized support systems..
Independent brokerages typically employ agents as independent contractors. But some new tech-enabled models have broken away from this trend. They sometimes hire agents as full-time employees.
eXp Realty, Howard Hanna, Compass, and Redfin are some of the largest independent brokerages in the country. Many top independent brokerages are also cloud brokerages and/or tech-enabled brokerages.