Ownership stakes, high commissions characterize firms: 100% commissions more common

Increasing demand for bottom-line productivity has more and more residential real-estate offices going toward the 100 percent commission structure, industry observers say.
At Re/Max Optimum Group in Greeley, agents take 100 percent of their commission home. They pay about $25,000 for fees broken into two categories: "desk fee" and "shared expenses." The agents pay for use of everything from their desk and a shared receptionist to advertising, office supplies and long-distance phone calls. Conference rooms are available for agent/customer use.
Ron Kohl, owner/broker for Re/Max Optimum Group, said that the real-estate office of the future will be further…