The real estate industry is evolving—and fast. With shifting consumer expectations, increased competition, and rising operating costs, many agents are rethinking the way they do business. Traditional brokerages, once the gold standard, are starting to feel outdated for professionals who want more freedom, better tools, and higher earning potential.
As the discount brokerage model gains traction, it’s not just appealing to homebuyers and sellers—it’s attracting top-performing real estate agents and brokers. These professionals are discovering they can close more deals, retain more of their commission, and operate with far greater flexibility than the traditional model allows.
If you’re a licensed agent or broker feeling stuck, overworked, or under-compensated, it might be time to explore why so many of your peers are switching to modern, value-driven brokerages like 1 Percent Lists.
The Traditional Brokerage Model: What’s Broken
For decades, the traditional brokerage model has dominated the real estate world. While it once made sense, many agents today find themselves questioning its value. Between high commission splits, steep franchise fees, and rigid policies, traditional brokerages often limit an agent’s growth rather than supporting it.
Common complaints include:
- Excessive commission splits that favor the brokerage more than the agent.
- Limited autonomy over branding, marketing, and lead generation strategies.
- Outdated technology and systems that create inefficiencies and slow down progress.
- A focus on quantity over quality, pushing agents to meet quotas instead of building a sustainable business.
Agents are working harder than ever, but many are seeing diminishing returns. That’s not just frustrating—it’s unsustainable.
The Rise of the Discount Brokerage Model
Enter the discount brokerage model—a smarter, leaner approach to real estate that aligns with modern consumer preferences and empowers agents to take control of their business.
Unlike the old assumption that “discount” means “inferior,” today’s discount brokerages offer high-level service at a fraction of the cost to the client. They do this by streamlining processes, leveraging tech, and cutting unnecessary overhead—not by cutting corners.
The result? Agents can charge competitive listing fees while still providing top-tier service—and they keep more of what they earn. For clients, it means more transparency and value. For agents, it’s a win-win.
This model isn’t just gaining popularity—it’s disrupting the industry. And forward-thinking agents are leading the charge.
Why Agents Are Making the Switch
More and more agents are leaving traditional brokerages behind—and they’re not looking back. The discount brokerage model offers clear advantages that directly address the frustrations many real estate professionals face. Here’s why agents are making the move:
Increased Take-Home Pay
One of the biggest motivators for switching is the ability to keep more of what you earn. Traditional brokerages often take a hefty cut of every commission, on top of franchise fees, desk fees, and marketing charges. Discount brokerages like 1 Percent Lists are structured differently.
By minimizing overhead and offering low-cost listing options, agents can close more deals faster while retaining a larger share of each commission. That means more money in your pocket without working longer hours.
Flexible Business Model
Today’s agents crave flexibility—and discount brokerages deliver. Whether you’re a solo agent, team leader, or broker-owner, these models provide more control over how you operate. You’re free to build your brand, set your own schedule, and implement marketing strategies that work for you.
Unlike rigid franchise systems, discount brokerages offer the freedom to adapt and grow your business your way, without asking for permission at every step.
Modern Tech and Support
Gone are the days of clunky CRMs and generic print flyers. Leading discount brokerages are built on streamlined, tech-forward platforms that simplify everything from lead generation to transaction management. At 1 Percent Lists, agents gain access to cutting-edge tools, digital marketing support, and systems designed to automate the busywork—so you can focus on selling.
This operational efficiency not only saves time—it positions agents to compete in a fast-paced, digital-first marketplace.
Consumer Appeal
Today’s clients are savvy. They expect value, transparency, and results—not bloated commission structures. The discount model is inherently attractive to buyers and sellers who want to save money without sacrificing service.
That means agents working under a discount model don’t need to fight for business—the value proposition sells itself. This increases listing opportunities and makes lead generation more efficient and effective.
Addressing Common Concerns
Change is never easy, especially when your business and reputation are on the line. If you’re intrigued by becoming a discount real estate broker , but still hesitant, you’re not alone. Here’s a look at some of the most common concerns—and the realities behind them.
“Will I make less money?”
Actually, most agents earn more. By keeping a larger portion of each commission and attracting more listings with competitive fees, the discount model often results in a higher net income. With less money going to your brokerage, there’s more left for you.
“Is this model sustainable long-term?”
Absolutely. Consumers are demanding more value and transparency in real estate—and the discount model delivers. 1 Percent Lists has seen consistent growth by aligning with market trends and empowering agents with tools for long-term success.
“Will clients think I’m offering less service?”
Not at all. The key difference is in pricing structure, not professionalism. Discount brokerages like 1 Percent Lists are built on full-service platforms, supported by top-tier marketing, technology, and transaction systems. The results speak for themselves—and clients love saving money without sacrificing quality.
“Will this hurt my professional reputation?”
In today’s market, being efficient, tech-savvy, and value-focused enhances your reputation. When you deliver exceptional results and savings, your reputation grows. Many agents report that the discount model actually makes it easier to earn referrals and repeat business.
Why 1 Percent Lists Is Leading the Way
Not all discount brokerages are created equal—and 1 Percent Lists has proven itself as a standout leader in this space. Designed by real estate professionals for real estate professionals, the model was built to solve the very challenges that traditional brokerages refuse to address.
Here’s what sets 1 Percent Lists apart:
A Proven, Scalable Business Model
Whether you’re an individual agent or a broker looking to expand, 1 Percent Lists offers a scalable system that supports growth. With a low-cost franchise opportunity and minimal overhead, it’s designed for maximum profitability.
Full-Service Platform with National Brand Power
Agents with 1 Percent Lists aren’t cutting corners—they’re providing full-service real estate experiences backed by a nationally recognized brand. From high-end marketing to lead gen automation, everything is structured to help agents close more deals, more efficiently.
Ongoing Training and Support
As a franchisee or agent, you’re never on your own. 1 Percent Lists provides hands-on training, marketing templates, digital tools, and business coaching to keep you moving forward. Our community is collaborative, not competitive.
Tech-Driven Efficiency
Our proprietary systems and marketing automations eliminate the time-wasting tasks that drag agents down. You get to focus on what matters most—building relationships, closing deals, and growing your income.
Conclusion
Traditional real estate brokerages are no longer the only option—and for many agents, they’re no longer the best one. The discount brokerage model offers more freedom, better tools, and the ability to truly take control of your career. It’s not about working harder—it’s about working smarter.
At 1 Percent Lists, we believe agents should be empowered, not exploited. If you’re ready to leave behind outdated systems and start building a business that works for you—not just your broker—it might be time to make the switch.
Ready to learn more?
Explore our franchise opportunities or schedule a discovery call today. The future of real estate is already here—don’t get left behind.