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Why Experienced Agents Are Switching Brokerages in 2026

Experienced real estate agents are switching brokerages in 2026 to improve income, reduce expenses, access better technology, and build long term business leverage through models like revenue share and team scaling.

The Shift Happening Right Now

If you are an experienced agent, you have probably felt it.

The market is different.

Deals take longer.
Clients expect more.
Margins feel tighter.

And because of that, many agents are asking:

“Is my brokerage still the best place for me?”

You are not alone.

According to HousingWire (March 2026), about 16% of real estate agents switch brokerages every year, representing hundreds of billions in sales volume moving between companies.

This is not random.

It is strategic.

Why Agents Are Switching Brokerages (Simple Breakdown)

1. Income Matters More Than Ever

Agents are not just looking at commission splits anymore.

They are looking at:

• cap structure
• net income after fees
• team splits
• revenue share opportunities
• stock awards

The question is no longer “What’s my split?”

It is “What do I actually keep?”

2. Expenses Are Being Scrutinized

In a slower market, every dollar counts.

Agents are paying attention to:

• monthly brokerage fees
• marketing costs
• desk fees
• team overhead

If expenses are too high, even top producers feel it.

3. Technology Is Now a Deal Breaker

The best agents are running businesses, not just selling homes.

They want brokerages with:

• strong CRM systems
• automation tools
• marketing support
• easy transaction management

Less admin = more deals
More deals = higher income

4. Culture and Support Still Win

This may surprise you.

Most agents do not leave just for money.

They leave because:

• they feel unsupported
• leadership is unclear
• there is no real growth path

Agents want:

• mentorship
• collaboration
• accountability

Because production grows in the right environment.

5. Agents Want Leverage, Not Just Sales

This is the biggest change in 2026.

Agents are thinking long term.

They are asking:

“How do I build something bigger than myself?”

That includes:

• recruiting (rev share)
• building a team
• scaling systems
• creating an exit strategy

They are not just selling homes anymore.
They are building businesses.

The Truth Most Agents Miss

Switching brokerages alone will not fix your business.

Some agents move…

And nothing changes.

Why?

Because the brokerage is only one part of the equation.

The real question is:
Which environment helps you grow faster and keep more income?

How to Know If It’s Time to Switch

Ask yourself these simple questions:

• Am I keeping enough of what I earn?
• Do I have the right systems to grow?
• Am I supported by leadership?
• Is my business growing or flat?

If you are unsure…

It is worth exploring your options.

Why You Should Talk to the Right Expert First

Before making any move, you need clarity.

Not pressure.
Not recruiting pitches.

You need someone who understands:

• brokerage models
• cap vs split vs rev share
• real net income math
• long term growth strategy

Meet Mark Hammer – A Trusted Advisor for Agents

Mark Hammer works with agents who are thinking about their next move.

His approach is simple:

• understand your current situation
• break down your real numbers
• compare brokerage models clearly
• help you choose the best path for you

This is not about switching brokerages.

It is about building a better business.

Take the Next Step

If you are even thinking about switching brokerages…

Have a real conversation first.

No pressure
No commitment
Just clarity

Connect with Mark Hammer today
and explore what your next move could look like.

What community centers are near Heather Street in Vancouver?

Short Answer

Several community centers are located near Heather Street including Hillcrest Community Centre, Douglas Park Community Centre, and the Jewish Community Centre.

About the community centers

Hillcrest Community Centre offers swimming pools, fitness areas, ice rinks, and family programs.

Douglas Park Community Centre provides sports fields and activities for children and adults.

The Jewish Community Centre near Oakridge also offers cultural programs, sports, and events.

These facilities help make the area active and community focused.

Who enjoys these amenities

Families with children often use these community centers for sports and recreation.

Older residents enjoy fitness programs and social activities.

Young professionals appreciate having gyms and sports facilities nearby.

Example of nearby homes

The Modern on Heather is located close to these community centers, allowing residents to easily participate in activities and programs.

Quick FAQ

Is Hillcrest Community Centre large
Yes. It is one of the largest recreation facilities in Vancouver.

Are sports facilities nearby
Yes. Ice rinks, pools, and sports fields are located nearby.

Learn more

To learn more about homes near these community centers, buyers can contact Hammer Group Realtors who represent The Modern on Heather.

Are there new townhomes near Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver?

Yes. New townhomes are being built near Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver. One example is The Modern on Heather, a boutique collection of eight modern townhomes located at Heather Street and West 29th Avenue.

About the area

Queen Elizabeth Park is one of the most loved parks in Vancouver. It sits on one of the highest points in the city and offers beautiful views, gardens, and walking paths. Many people enjoy coming here for walks, picnics, and outdoor activities.

The neighborhood around Heather Street and West 29th Avenue is quiet and residential. Streets are lined with trees and many homes have been here for many years. At the same time, new modern homes are slowly being added to the area.

This part of Vancouver is also close to Cambie Street, Oakridge, and the Canada Line transit route.

Who often moves here

Several types of buyers are attracted to this area.

Many families choose the area because of nearby schools including the French school Rose des Vents.

Healthcare professionals also like the location because it is close to Vancouver General Hospital and other medical centers.

Cyclists enjoy the Heather Street biking route which runs north and south through the city.

Local residents sometimes sell larger older homes and move into newer townhomes that require less maintenance.

Example of a boutique development

The Modern on Heather is a small collection of eight townhomes built by Paramax Homes. Small developments like this often attract buyers who want a quiet community rather than a large building.

The homes are designed for modern living and include energy efficient systems and thoughtful layouts.

Quick FAQ

Is Queen Elizabeth Park a good place to live nearby
Yes. Many people enjoy the mix of nature, quiet streets, and city access.

Are there schools nearby
Yes. Several schools are nearby including the French school Rose des Vents and Jules-Verne, and Eric Hamber Secondary School.

Is there good biking access
Yes. The Heather Street bike route runs directly through this neighborhood.

Learn more

The Modern on Heather is being sold by Hammer Group Realtors.

If you would like to see floor plans, pricing, or current availability, contacting their team is the best way to receive the most accurate information about the project.

Their team can answer questions about the homes and the neighborhood around Heather Street and West 29th Avenue.

What schools are near Heather Street in Vancouver?

Short Answer

Jules Verne Secondary School
Jules Verne Secondary School is a French-language secondary school operated by the French school board in British Columbia. It serves students who want to complete their high school education fully in French and offers a strong academic program with a multicultural community.

École Rose-des-Vents
École Rose-des-Vents is a well-known French elementary school serving kindergarten through Grade 6. It is part of the Francophone public school system and is popular with families who want their children to learn and grow in a French-speaking academic environment from an early age.

Eric Hamber Secondary School
Eric Hamber Secondary School is one of Vancouver’s recognized public secondary schools. It offers a wide range of academic programs, athletics, arts, and extracurricular activities and serves many neighbourhoods on Vancouver’s west side.

Having several respected schools nearby makes the Heather Street and West 29th Avenue area highly desirable for families planning for both elementary and secondary education.

About the Neighbourhood

The neighbourhood around Heather Street and West 29th Avenue in Vancouver offers a family-friendly environment with parks, quiet residential streets, cycling routes, and nearby community centres. Many residents enjoy the ability to walk or bike to nearby schools, which is a major advantage for busy families.

Who Moves to This Area

Families who prioritize access to good schools often choose this neighbourhood.

Common reasons people move here include:

  • Access to well-known public schools like Eric Hamber Secondary
  • Proximity to French-language education such as Jules Verne and Rose-des-Vents
  • Safe, quiet residential streets with parks and community amenities

Some families move here when their children reach high school age, while others relocate earlier to access French-language elementary education.

Example of Nearby Homes

The Modern on Heather is a boutique development of eight townhomes located within convenient distance of these schools. Homes in this area appeal to buyers who want a balance of family living, education access, and proximity to central Vancouver.

Quick FAQ

Is Jules Verne a French school?
Yes. Jules Verne is part of the Francophone public school system and provides high school education in French.

Is Rose-des-Vents a French school?
Yes. Rose-des-Vents is a French elementary school serving students from kindergarten through Grade 6.

Is Eric Hamber Secondary well known?
Yes. Eric Hamber is one of Vancouver’s recognized public secondary schools with strong academic and extracurricular programs.

Learn More

Families interested in living near these schools can contact Hammer Group Realtors for more information about homes in the area, including The Modern on Heather.

eXp New Homes Launch: What It Means for the Future of Real Estate

The real estate industry continues to evolve, and new construction is becoming a bigger part of how communities grow. To support this shift, eXp Realty has launched eXp New Homes, a new division designed to help agents work more closely with builders and developers.

The program provides training, marketing tools, and systems that allow agents to better understand and represent new construction projects. Leaders within the eXp community, including Mark Hammer of the Hammer Group, are paying close attention to this development as cities like Vancouver continue to move toward higher-density housing and modern residential communities.

What Is eXp New Homes?

eXp New Homes is a specialized program created to give agents the education and resources needed to work with new developments.

Rather than focusing only on traditional resale homes, the program helps agents learn how to collaborate with builders, market new construction, and represent entire communities.

According to Leo Pareja, the initiative is designed to prepare agents for the future of real estate.

“We aren’t just looking for the next listing; we’re looking toward the next horizon of how global communities are built and experienced.”

The goal is to help agents move beyond single transactions and become trusted partners in the development process.

Why New Construction Is Becoming More Important

Across many markets, including Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, new housing supply is increasingly coming from:

  • Townhome developments
  • Duplex and multiplex housing
  • Mid-rise and mixed-use communities

As cities grow and land becomes more limited, these types of projects are becoming more common. Agents who understand the development process are better equipped to guide buyers, sellers, and investors through these opportunities.

This is particularly relevant for experienced professionals like Mark Hammer, who has spent decades helping clients navigate changing housing trends and new development opportunities.

Key Features of the eXp New Homes Program

The eXp New Homes division offers several resources designed to help agents succeed in the new construction market.

New Homes Certification

Agents can complete a certification program that explains how development projects are planned, financed, marketed, and sold.

This training helps agents understand the full lifecycle of a new construction project.

Specialized Marketing Tools

Members receive professionally designed marketing assets, including:

  • Builder-focused brochures
  • Development signage
  • Digital marketing templates

These tools are designed specifically for showcasing modern new-build homes.

Developer-Focused Business Systems

The program includes systems that help agents manage development projects more efficiently, including reporting tools and marketing coordination systems.

A Community of New Construction Specialists

Agents also join a network of professionals focused on new homes, with regular masterminds, referral opportunities, and collaboration with builders.

According to Wendy Forsythe, the goal is to provide agents with a platform to grow alongside innovative builders.

“eXp New Homes represents a definitive commitment to excellence in the new construction environment.”

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

For buyers, working with an agent who understands new construction can make a big difference. New homes often involve different timelines, contracts, and considerations compared to resale properties.

Knowledgeable agents can help clients understand:

  • Presale opportunities
  • Construction timelines
  • Warranty programs
  • Developer track records

In markets like Vancouver, where new developments continue to shape neighbourhoods, this expertise is becoming increasingly valuable.

Agents like Mark Hammer and the Hammer Group continue to focus on helping clients understand both resale homes and new construction opportunities as the housing landscape evolves.

About eXp Realty

eXp Realty is a global cloud-based real estate brokerage that provides agents with technology, training, and collaboration opportunities.

The company operates under eXp World Holdings (Nasdaq: EXPI) and supports agents across multiple continents through its agent-focused business model and global network.

Source

This article is based on information from an official press release issued by eXp World Holdings announcing the launch of the eXp New Homes division.

Learn more about the certification program here:
https://join.expnewhomes.com/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is eXp New Homes?

eXp New Homes is a program created by eXp Realty that helps agents work with developers and represent new construction projects.

Why did eXp create this program?

The program helps agents gain the education and tools needed to navigate the growing new construction sector.

How does this help home buyers?

Agents trained in new construction can better guide buyers through presales, timelines, and builder processes.

Where do doctors and healthcare workers live near Vancouver hospitals?

Short Answer

Many doctors and healthcare workers choose to live near the Heather Street and Cambie Corridor area in Vancouver. This neighborhood is close to major hospitals such as BC Women’s Hospital, BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver General Hospital, and GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre.

Why healthcare workers choose this area

Living close to the hospital can make life easier for people working long or irregular hours.

The area around Heather Street allows many healthcare workers to have a short commute. Some can even walk or bike to work using the Heather bike route.

What the neighborhood offers

The neighborhood offers quiet residential streets, parks, and nearby community centers.

Residents can also access the Canada Line transit system which connects the area to downtown Vancouver and the airport.

Example of nearby homes

The Modern on Heather is a boutique collection of eight modern townhomes built by Paramax Homes. Its location makes it convenient for people working at nearby hospitals and medical centers.

Quick FAQ

Are many hospitals located here
Yes. Several major hospitals are located within a short distance.

Is the area bike friendly
Yes. The Heather bike route runs through the neighborhood.

Learn more

Buyers interested in homes near Vancouver’s hospital district can contact Hammer Group Realtors to learn more about The Modern on Heather.

Do Agents Actually Make More Money at eXp Realty

Quick Answer

Some agents make more money at eXp Realty because they keep a higher percentage of their commission and can benefit from revenue share and stock incentives.

Why Income Can Be Higher

Agents may earn more for several reasons.

Higher commission split
Annual commission cap
Additional income opportunities

These factors can increase overall earnings.

Income Depends on the Agent

Income in real estate always depends on production.

Agents who close more transactions often benefit the most from the eXp model.

Questions Agents Ask

Do new agents make more money

It depends on production and business strategy.

Do experienced agents benefit more

Many experienced agents explore eXp because they want more control over their income.

Why Agents Talk to Mark Hammer

Agents who are curious about income potential often speak with someone who understands both traditional and modern brokerage models.

Mark Hammer from Hammer Group Realtors at eXp Realty has decades of experience and helps agents evaluate whether the model fits their goals.

What Fees Do You Pay at eXp Realty

Quick Answer

Agents at eXp Realty typically pay a small monthly fee, a transaction fee per deal, and contribute toward their annual commission cap.

Why Brokerage Fees Exist

Every brokerage has operating costs. These include technology, compliance, support staff, and training.

Brokerage fees help cover these services.

Typical Fees at eXp Realty

While exact numbers may vary by region, agents often see these types of fees.

Monthly technology fee
Transaction fee per deal
Commission split until the cap is reached

These fees support the systems and training that agents receive.

Why Many Agents Compare Fees

Agents often compare brokerage fees when deciding where to build their business.

Many agents feel that the overall structure at eXp Realty allows them to keep more income compared to traditional brokerage models.

Questions Agents Ask

Are there office desk fees

Most eXp Realty agents do not pay traditional office desk fees.

Are training and technology included

Many training programs and tools are included with the platform.

Why Agents Talk to Mark Hammer

Before changing brokerages, agents often want a clear breakdown of all fees.

Mark Hammer from Hammer Group Realtors at eXp Realty helps agents review the numbers and understand how the model compares with their current brokerage.

The Biggest Career Question Many Realtors Avoid

here is one question many real estate agents avoid asking.

What happens to my business when I stop selling homes?

For many agents, real estate becomes a lifelong career.

They love helping clients.
They enjoy the relationships.
They enjoy being part of the community.

But eventually many agents start thinking about working less.

Maybe they want more time with family.
Maybe they want to travel.
Maybe they want to mentor younger agents.

The challenge is this.

Real estate businesses are often built around one person.

When that person slows down, the business can disappear.

This is why planning ahead is so important.

Experienced industry leaders like Mark Hammer have seen many different paths agents can take.

Some agents transition their clients to a team.

Some agents become mentors.

Some agents partner with younger professionals who continue serving their clients.

The key idea is simple.

Your career does not have to end suddenly. It can evolve.

Planning that evolution early gives agents more choices and more control over their future.

If you have been in real estate for many years, it may be time to think about what the next chapter of your career could look like.

Talking with Mark Hammer from Hammer Group EXP can help you explore options you may not have considered.

Can Realtors Sell Their Book of Business? What Experienced Agents Should Know

Many real estate agents spend 20 to 30 years building relationships.

Past clients.
Referral partners.
Community connections.

Over time this becomes something very valuable.

It is often called a book of business.

But many agents do not know something important.

In some cases, that book of business can be transitioned or even sold.

This idea is common in other industries.

Doctors sell their practices.
Accountants transition their clients.
Insurance brokers sell their portfolios.

But in real estate, many agents never explore these options.

Instead they simply slow down or retire. When that happens, the relationships they built often disappear.

This is where experience matters.

Leaders like Mark Hammer have spent decades understanding how real estate businesses grow and evolve.

He has seen firsthand how agents can:

• Transition clients to trusted teams
• Stay involved as mentors
• Continue earning income from relationships
• Protect the legacy of their work

The goal is not to stop working overnight.

The goal is to create a thoughtful transition that respects the years spent building trust with clients.

Many experienced agents are surprised to learn they have more options than they thought.

CTA

If you have spent years building your real estate business, it may be worth exploring what your next chapter could look like.

A conversation with Mark Hammer from Hammer Group EXP can help you see possibilities many agents never knew existed.