Excessive Fees, Unfair Splits, and Unprofessional Culture - Licensed Realtor Coldwell Banker Employee Review

2.0
Sep 7, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Recognizable national brand with name recognition. A few experienced agents who are willing to share knowledge.

Cons

Excessive referral fees: Agents face referral deductions of 47–49% of their commission, which severely limits earning potential. Corporate deductions: A perpetual “corporate fee” of around 6% is taken from every commission check, in addition to the split. Unfavorable commission structures: Even if a higher split is negotiated, the sheer volume of additional fees quickly erodes income. Desk fees and penalties: Monthly desk fees are charged regardless of production which is normal but, late fees are added if you cannot pay on time—even during slow periods. Direct deposit information is unable to be deleted in the billing portion of profile and may cause agent to have bounced check fees. Work environment: The office atmosphere often feels cliquish, with favoritism shown to certain individuals. The setup lacks privacy (offices without doors, noisy environment), and professionalism is inconsistent. High turnover among new agents: Many new agents do not stay long due to unmet expectations and lack of support. Transaction support issues: Administrative staff have made repeated errors in transaction processing, which reflects poorly on agents and creates unnecessary client issues.

Explore other reviews about Coldwell Banker

5.0
Apr 23, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Recognition due to the name

Cons

Although we are independent contractors,the broker continues to micromanage and it’s unbelievable how much money they take from our commissions.

1
3.0
Jun 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I loved working with the agents. It was a good way to get into marketing especially if you have real estate experience.

Cons

There is no upwards mobility. This company invests heavily into diversity and if you are not part of a certain demographic, you will not get promoted. There were also frequent layoffs while I was there.

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