What’s a Cap in Real Estate? And Why You’re Getting Robbed If Your Brokerage Doesn’t Have One

Let’s get brutally honest for a second.

If you're still at a brokerage with no cap, you're basically working for free after a certain point.
You’re not an independent contractor—you’re a cash cow.
And if no one’s said it yet: you’re a dumb agent for staying.

But don’t worry—by the end of this blog, you’ll understand what a cap is, why it matters, and how to stop making your broker rich at your expense.

So, What Is a Cap?

A cap is the maximum amount of commission your brokerage takes from you in a year.
Once you “cap,” you get to keep 100% of your commission for the rest of your anniversary year.

It’s how fair brokerages reward high-performing agents—and give you the income you actually earned.

Example Without a Cap:

You close $300,000 worth of GCI (Gross Commission Income).
Your brokerage takes 30% of that.
That’s $90,000—gone.

And you’ll keep paying them on every deal. Forever.

Example With a Cap:

At eXp Realty, you pay 20% of your commission until you hit the cap of $16,000.
Once capped, you keep 100% of your commissions for the rest of your year.

$300,000 in GCI - $16,000 cap = $284,000 in your pocket.
Do the math. Which sounds smarter?

Why Agents Stay Stuck (and Broke)

Too many agents stay loyal to “the name” or “the office culture”—even if it’s costing them tens of thousands every year.
Here’s the truth:

Your office happy hour won’t pay your taxes.
Your broker’s marketing poster won’t build you wealth.
That 35% split you’re handing over? It’s funding their retirement, not yours.

Why eXp Realty Wins (Especially With Shaina McAndrews as Your Sponsor)

At eXp, you get:

80/20 split with a $16K cap
100% commission after capping
Company stock when you hit milestones
Revenue share for attracting other agents
And if you really crush it? ICON status earns you up to your full cap back in stock

But here’s the key: who you join under matters.

When you name Shaina McAndrews as your sponsor, you get:

Fast-track onboarding and coaching
Access to templates, systems, and accountability
Real 1-on-1 mentorship
Entry into the Honey Badgers Network (eXp’s highest-producing group)
And a local Philly-area community who meets in person and helps each other win

Real Talk: Are You Working for Your Broker or for Yourself?

If you’re paying unlimited splits to your brokerage with no cap, no stock, no revenue share, no plan, and no support—you’re not a business owner.
You’re a salaried employee in disguise.

It’s time to stop making other people rich and start building your own empire.

Ready to Break the Cycle?

Apply here: http://shainamcandrews.exprealty.careers
Click “Get Started
When prompted for a sponsor, enter:

First Name: Shaina
Last Name: McAndrews

Send a quick email to confirm: Shaina@MontcoLiving.com

Have Questions? Want to Join the Team?

Book a private call: https://calendly.com/agentshainamc
Email anytime: Shaina@MontcoLiving.com

Stop bleeding commission. Start building a business.
A cap isn’t a perk—it’s a baseline.
And if your brokerage doesn’t have one?
Run. Fast.