The Retirement Problem in Real Estate—And How eXp (and the Right Sponsor) Solves It

The Harsh Truth: Most Realtors Can’t Retire

If you’ve been in real estate for more than a few years, you’ve probably asked yourself: “What happens when I stop selling?”

Here’s the reality in Pennsylvania and across the country:

Realtors don’t have a pension.
Most brokerages don’t offer retirement planning.
Income stops the moment you stop closing deals.

That’s why you see so many Realtors working into their 70s and 80s. It’s not always because they want to. Many simply can’t afford to retire.

Why Traditional Brokerages Don’t Solve the Problem

At most brokerages, your only source of income is commission. If you want more money, you have to close more deals. Even if your office talks about “building wealth,” what they usually mean is: work harder, sell more homes, and stash some money away yourself.

That’s not a true retirement plan.

Enter eXp Realty: A Brokerage That Puts Agents First

eXp Realty was built differently — to help agents not just earn commission, but also build wealth. Here’s how:

1. Revenue Share: Residual Income Beyond Closings

Every time an agent you sponsor into eXp closes a deal, you earn a portion of company dollar. It doesn’t come out of their pocket — it’s built into eXp’s model.

This is where real estate finally looks like a business with recurring income. Imagine sponsoring just 5–10 producing agents. Over time, as they grow, you could have a stream of income that continues even if you take a vacation, slow down production, or decide to step away.

2. Equity Ownership: Build Wealth in a Public Company

At eXp, you’re not just an independent contractor — you’re an owner. Agents earn stock for doing what they already do:

Closing their first deal each year.
Capping.
Sponsoring other agents.

You can also choose to take a portion of your commission in stock at a discount. Over time, this can grow into a meaningful equity portfolio — something most Realtors never have access to.

3. ICON Agent Program: Elite Producers Get Paid Back

Top producers can earn their entire cap back in company stock. That’s unheard of at traditional brokerages, and it’s one reason why eXp is attracting some of the best agents in the country.

Why eXp Is a Perfect Fit for Pennsylvania Agents

Pennsylvania is unique. We have thriving metro markets like Philadelphia, but also smaller, relationship-driven markets in Lancaster, Harrisburg, the Lehigh Valley, and the Poconos.

Here’s why eXp makes sense across the state:

No Desk Fees: Whether you’re in the city or the country, you’re not paying for a brick-and-mortar office you don’t use.
Scalable Model: Dual-career agents can start part-time, while full-time agents can scale without being capped by their brokerage.
Collaboration: eXp’s cloud model means you’re not limited to learning from only the people in your office. You get access to some of the best agents nationwide.

Why Your Sponsor Matters (and Why I’m the Right One)

Here’s the part most agents overlook: Your eXp experience depends heavily on who you choose as your sponsor.

Anyone can sign you up for eXp. But the right sponsor gives you the mentorship, systems, and community you need to thrive.

Here’s what you get when you partner with me and the Shaina McAndrews Team:

Local Expertise: We know Pennsylvania real estate inside and out — from Philly to the Poconos.
Proven Systems: CRM, marketing, and accountability structures that keep your business on track.
Community: You’re not just joining a brokerage. You’re joining a team that hosts client events, masterminds, and career workshops.
Support for All Levels: Whether you’re brand new, mid-career, or thinking about retirement, we’ll help you build a strategy that works for your goals.
Agent Uplift Movement: Access to our larger mastermind community that’s all about helping agents grow wealth and freedom.

Most importantly, I take your goals personally. If retirement is your focus, we’ll design a step-by-step plan to grow your business, your revenue share, and your equity so you can step away when you’re ready — without fear of income disappearing.

Imagine This: Your Retirement Roadmap with eXp

Let’s paint the picture.

Year 1–2: You join eXp, plug into our systems, and focus on production. You close deals, earn stock, and maybe sponsor one or two agents.
Year 3–5: You’ve built consistency. You cap yearly, earn ICON stock (if you’re a high producer), and have sponsored a handful of agents who are also growing. Your revenue share is now a meaningful part of your monthly income.
Year 6–10: Your downline has grown. Even if you slow down your production or shift to referral-only business, your revenue share and stock portfolio are supporting you. You can take more time off, travel, or start the retirement you’ve earned.

This isn’t a dream. It’s what hundreds of agents across the country are already experiencing. And it’s exactly what I help agents in Pennsylvania design for themselves.

If you are looking to retire tomorrow- let’s put the systems in place in overdrive to get you where you want to be sooner!

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Retirement doesn’t just happen. If you’re waiting for your brokerage to create a plan for you, you’ll be waiting forever.

The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. With eXp Realty’s model and the right sponsor, you can finally create a business that supports you long-term — not just while you’re grinding.

👉 Schedule a confidential call with me here, and let’s talk about building your retirement strategy the smart way.

Your future self will thank you.