Editor's note, September 25, 2026: an earlier version of this article, published June 1, 2026, contained figures and programme details that we could not trace to a published source. It has been rewritten using only the sources listed with the article. We regret the error.
Comparing brokerages? Use our Ontario brokerage comparison for agents, or see how Summitly compares with Century 21, RE/MAX and Royal LePage.
Century 21, RE/MAX and Royal LePage are all franchise systems in Ontario, and each brand's offices set their own commission splits, desk fees and training, so no brand-wide split exists to compare. What you can compare is the brand itself, its ownership and history, and the terms a specific office puts in writing for you.
The three brokerages at a glance
Everything in this section comes from the companies' own sites.
Royal LePage
Royal LePage traces its history to July 2, 1913, when A.E. LePage founded "A.E. LePage – The Bungalow Specialist". In 1984 A.E. LePage and Royal Trust merged to create Royal LePage. The brand offers a franchise system, and offices marked "Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage" are owned and operated by Bridgemarq Real Estate Services, which is listed on the TSX (symbol BRE). Bridgemarq describes a network of approximately 20,000 REALTORS® operating under the Royal LePage brand across Canada.
RE/MAX
RE/MAX Canada says its first franchise, RE/MAX First, opened in Calgary in 1978, and that Walter Schneider and Frank Polzler launched RE/MAX in Ontario two years later. It reports more than 25,000 agents and 925 offices in Canada, and that each office is independently owned and operated.
Century 21
CENTURY 21 Canada says the first CENTURY 21 office in Canada opened in British Columbia in February 1976, after U. Gary Charlwood and Peter H. Thomas acquired the Canadian franchise rights in 1975. It describes itself as Canadian owned and operated, with nearly 400 offices, each independently owned and operated.
Detailed comparison: splits, fees, and economics
None of the three brands sets one split for all its agents; each office sets its own. So the honest comparison table is short:
- Commission split: set by each office — ask them.
- Monthly or desk fee: set by each office — ask them.
- Cap: set by each office — ask them.
- Franchise or brand fee passed to agents: varies by office — ask them.
Questions to take to any office
- What is the split, and does it change with production?
- What fixed fees do I pay, monthly and per transaction?
- Is there a cap, and when does it reset?
- Is any franchise or brand fee deducted before or after the split?
- What is included — tools, marketing, administrative support?
How Summitly compares
Summitly (Coldwell Banker Summit Realty, Brokerage) is an independently owned and operated Coldwell Banker franchise. Summitly (Coldwell Banker Summit Realty) has two packages for your own business. Package A is a 95/5 split with a $200 + HST monthly fee and $799 + HST on each of your first 4 completed transactions in a calendar year. Package B is 90/10 with $125 + HST a month and $499 + HST on the first 4, moving to 95/5 for the rest of the year after $100,000 GCI. A $500 minimum brokerage share applies per completed transaction, starting with transaction 5 in each calendar year; see your agreement for tax treatment and details. To receive brokerage leads, agents join the Leads Plan: $299 + HST a month, no transaction fees, 90/10 on their own deals, and 50/50 on deals from leads the brokerage provides.
Brand pull and where each wins in Ontario
Brand recognition matters most when clients choose an agent they don't know. How much each brand shows up in your target area is something you can check yourself: look at who is listing in your neighbourhoods on the MLS® System and on local signs, and ask each office how many of its agents work there.
Technology, mentorship, and TRESA compliance
Technology, training and mentorship also vary by office within each brand. Ask for a demonstration of the tools you would use, the written training plan, and the name of your mentor if you are new.
TRESA compliance infrastructure
Every office, whatever the brand, operates under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002. Ask who the broker of record is, check them on the RECO public register, and ask how quickly they answer agents' questions.
Which brokerage fits which agent profile
- New agents: choose the office with the clearest written mentorship plan, whatever the brand.
- Producing agents: compare total annual cost at your production level, then support.
- Team leaders: ask how team members are charged and what the office provides.
- Agents who rely on brand recognition: check the brand's local presence yourself before choosing.
Frequently asked questions
Which brokerage has the highest agent retention rate?
None of the three publishes a comparable retention figure, so we can't say. Ask each office how many agents joined and left last year, and talk to agents who have been there a while.
Can I move between offices of the same brand without losing my book?
Offices are often separately registered brokerages — check each one's name on the RECO public register. RECO explains that a representation agreement is a contract between the client and the brokerage, so moving offices is a brokerage change as far as your active clients are concerned.
How important is the broker of record?
Very. They supervise the brokerage's compliance and are the person you go to when a deal gets complicated. Meet them before you sign.
Do any of these brokerages allow team building?
Team arrangements are set by each office. Ask about team splits, fees and what support the office provides.
Is Summitly part of one of these brands?
No. Summitly (Coldwell Banker Summit Realty, Brokerage) is an independently owned and operated Coldwell Banker franchise, registered with RECO.
Key takeaways
- All three are franchise systems with long histories in Canada: Royal LePage since 1913, CENTURY 21 in Canada since 1976, RE/MAX in Canada since 1978.
- Splits and fees are set by each office. Compare offices, not brands.
- Get every number in writing and compare total annual cost.
- Meet the broker of record and check the RECO register.
Recruitment questions? Book a confidential conversation with Summitly (Coldwell Banker Summit Realty, Brokerage) and we will answer them in writing.
