1) Real Broker (and teams like Speicher Group)

If you want a modern, cloud-based model that’s built for agent economics, this is the one most agents at least evaluate.

Real’s setup is straightforward: an 85/15 split, an annual cap (with different caps for team leaders vs team members), and a fee structure that’s spelled out in their support docs. They also lean hard into two things traditional brokerages rarely offer at scale: revenue share and equity/stock programs.

For Virginia agents, the practical piece is that Real has a documented Virginia transfer/onboarding process, so it’s not “some internet brokerage” vibe—it’s operational. And if you don’t want to join “solo,” teams like Speicher Group operate under Real and work across VA/DC/MD, which matters if you want community, standards, and accountability instead of floating alone.

What agents usually like about the Real + team path:

• A clear commission/cap structure that’s easy to model

• No “office politics” requirement to access support (if your team is structured)

• Stock and revenue share as optional upside (not required for production)

• A team environment (Speicher) that adds coaching, systems, and deal support on top of the platform

If you’re recruiting, this is your clean framing: Real is the platform; Speicher is the operating system.

2) Samson Properties

Samson is a true DC-metro monster, and Virginia agents feel that scale in real ways: lots of agents, lots of activity, and a footprint that shows up across the NoVA orbit.

This is often the interview stop for agents who want an independent that feels “big,” especially if they’re used to a traditional office ecosystem but still want a model that’s more agent-friendly than a classic franchise. The trade-off is that experiences can vary by office and by who actually supports you day-to-day.

3) Keller Williams

KW is still a common recruiting destination because it’s everywhere and it has a built-in culture around training, coaching, and community.

But KW is not one experience. It’s a network of market centers. One office can feel like a growth engine, another can feel like noise and meetings.

Agents who thrive at KW tend to be the ones who want structure, live training, and a big peer group—and who don’t mind that the business model depends heavily on the quality of that specific market center.

4) Long & Foster

Long & Foster is the “legacy platform” that a lot of Virginia agents still respect for stability, recognition, and reach.

It can be a strong fit if your business leans on local brand familiarity, relocation relationships, or a more traditional support environment. The question to answer here isn’t “are they big?”—it’s “does this office (and this manager) actually move agents forward?”

5) Compass

Compass is a serious presence in many higher-price NoVA corridors, and agents often interview them when they want strong marketing polish and a modern consumer-facing brand.

This is typically a good fit for agents who already have momentum (or who can realistically build it fast) and want a platform that looks and feels premium. If you’re brand-forward and listing-heavy, Compass is usually on your list.

6) Corcoran McEnearney

Corcoran McEnearney is a regional brand that matters in the DC/VA suburbs. It tends to attract agents who want a more boutique feel while still having a meaningful footprint.

If you’re recruiting against them, the angle isn’t “they’re bad.” It’s: they’re great for a certain type of agent—do you want boutique independence, or do you want the Real platform plus a team infrastructure like Speicher that’s built for scale?

7) Luxury boutiques in NoVA

These aren’t “every agent” shops. They’re for agents who live in the high-end lane and want a brand that signals it.

• Washington Fine Properties (high-tier boutique positioning)

• Sotheby’s affiliates (e.g., TTR Sotheby’s) (global luxury network effect)

If your recruitment target is a producing luxury agent, these are the competitors you’ll hear in the conversation. The counter isn’t volume. The counter is: platform economics + team support + modern ops can outperform prestige if the execution is tight.

8) Hampton Roads anchors

Coastal Virginia isn’t the same game, and agents who win there usually have very local systems and deep regional roots.

• BHHS RW Towne Realty is one of the biggest names you’ll run into in that region.

• Howard Hanna also has a real presence with local offices.

If you’re recruiting coastal agents, your message has to include: support for VA loans, water/flood realities, and a team/ops model that doesn’t leave them alone when the transaction gets complicated.

A simple recruiting-friendly way to position the shortlist

When an agent asks you “why here,” don’t lead with hype. Lead with clarity.

Have them compare three things:

• Economics: split, cap, fees, what happens after cap

• Support: contract review, escalation, coaching, accountability

• Platform: tech stack, agent community, and whether it fits how they work

Then anchor your pitch: Real gives the economics and platform; Speicher adds the structure and standards that most cloud models lack.

FAQs

What makes a brokerage “top” for agents in Virginia?

For agents, “top” usually means one of two things: either the brokerage has a proven platform that helps you keep more and scale faster, or it has local dominance that makes lead flow and repeat business easier.

In Virginia specifically, the winning brokerage is often the one that matches your lane. NoVA agents tend to care about speed, negotiation, and higher price points. Richmond agents care about local reputation and relationships. Hampton Roads agents care about military patterns and coastal realities. A brokerage can be “top” statewide and still be the wrong fit for your actual market.

Why do agents consider Real Broker in Virginia?

Agents look at Real because the business model is easy to understand: an 85/15 split with an annual cap, plus documented fees and an onboarding process that includes Virginia license transfer steps.

The bigger draw for some agents is optional upside: revenue share and equity programs. For others, it’s simpler: they want a cloud model without monthly desk fees, and they want to keep more of what they earn.

Where does Speicher Group fit if I’m comparing brokerages?

Speicher Group is a team operating under Real that serves VA/DC/MD. That matters because many agents like the Real platform but don’t want to feel solo. A team can add structure: coaching, deal support, standards, and accountability.

So instead of comparing “Real vs everyone,” it becomes: Real as platform + Speicher as team infrastructure versus a more traditional brokerage where you’re largely on your own unless you find the right office culture.

What should I ask before switching brokerages in Virginia?

Ask questions that reveal the real day-to-day, not the recruiting pitch.

Ask who reviews your contracts. Ask what happens after hours. Ask what your first 30 days looks like. Ask for the full fee schedule in writing. Then confirm license status and transfer requirements through Virginia DPOR so you don’t get stuck in paperwork limbo.

How can I verify a brokerage or agent license in Virginia?

Use Virginia DPOR’s License Lookup. It’s the cleanest way to confirm a license is active and in good standing before you make a move.