Top 10 Real Estate Companies in the USA

The U.S. real estate landscape is dominated by several influential companies, each contributing uniquely to the industry. Here’s an overview of the good real estate companies, highlighting their achievements and insights into their operations.

1. Compass

• Sales Volume (2023): $184 billion
• Founded: 2012
• Agent Count: 28,000+
• Headquarters: New York, NY

Founded in 2012, Compass has become the leader of the real estate sector in no time. By 2023, it reported a sales volume of $184 billion, earning the third consecutive year title of the largest residential real estate brokerage in the United States by sales volume.

In its huge and rapid success, its technology-driven independent brokerage business model has played a key role. Its innovative technology platform is designed to integrate data analytics to enhance agent performance and client satisfaction. This advanced and tech-oriented approach has truly disrupted the traditional brokerage market, and Compass has set new industry standards.

2. Douglas Elliman

• Sales Volume (2022): $42.9 billion
• Founded: 1911
• Agent Count: 6,600+
• Headquarters: New York, NY

Established in 1911, Douglas Elliman is the oldest real estate firm in this list after Coldwell Banker Real Estate. Douglas Elliman primarily focuses on luxury markets and that’s why the company has a significant presence in New York, Florida, California, and in other big cities.

The company’s business model is based on luxury real estate brokerage and it has become a trademark of Douglas Elliman and people widely trust them in luxury markets. Its focus on high-end properties and personalized service has earned a good reputation for the company among affluent clients.

3. Redfin

• Sales Volume (2023): $27 billion
• Founded: 2002
• Agent Count: 1,800+
• Headquarters: Seattle, WA

Founded in 2002, Redfin integrates technology with real estate services. The best and unique feature of Redfin lies in its distinctive features which include salaried agents, lower commission fees, and discounted listing fees.

The company’s commitment to transparency and customer savings is backed by efficient technology, differentiating it from traditional brokerages.

4. Keller Williams Realty

• Sales Volume (2022): $439.6 billion (across all franchises)
• Founded: 1983
• Agent Count: 191,000+
• Headquarters: Austin, TX

Established in 1983, Keller Williams Realty takes pride in running the largest agent network in the U.S. The company claims over 174,000 agents operating under its brand, and this is what Keller Williams Realty is known for, everywhere and always in service.

The company is contributing to a substantial market share of approximately 11.3% in the U.S. Its training programs and technologies have empowered its agents and have made it a dominant force, though it differs from Compass and Redfin, which operate company-owned brokerages while it is based on a franchise-based brokerage model.

5.eXp Realty

• Sales Volume (2023): $132 billion
• Founded: 2009
• Agent Count: 87,000+
• Headquarters: Bellingham, WA

Established in 2009, eXp Realty has quickly become a big player in the U.S. real estate market without even building offices. eXp Realty operates on a unique cloud-based platform, without traditional offices working entirely through a virtual office model. This model attracts agents, as it eliminates overhead costs and allows agents to work remotely.

Other than that agents get a big 80% commission and can even win stocks in eXp World Holdings, the publicly traded parent company if agents reach a certain level of performance. It has also an interesting revenue sharing system, according to which agents earn a percentage of commissions from agents they recruit into the company.

6. RE/MAX

• Sales Volume (2022): $291.6 billion
• Founded: 1973
• Agent Count: 144,000+
• Headquarters: Denver, CO

Founded in 1973, RE/MAX (Real Estate Maximums) is providing real estate solutions not only to Americans but beyond U.S. borders. Over 80,000 agents are working across the U.S. and Canada with RE/MAX, while 64,000 agents operate in over 110 countries under the company’s name. The company’s vast network of agents and brand value has made it close to Americans for 50-plus years.

One of the key reasons for the company’s huge success is its agent-centric model where agents are allowed to have full commission in return for a fixed monthly fee. This model gave agents autonomy and better chance to grow and it has helped RE/MAX to establish an extensive agents network.

7. Century 21

• Sales Volume (2022): $154 billion
• Founded: 1971
• Agent Count: 50,000+ in the U.S.
• Headquarters: Madison, NJ

Century 21, is a reliable brand not only in the United States but operating in over 80 countries. Being part of Anywhere Real Estate Inc., Century 21 is working on a franchise model and a tough competitor of other franchise-based brokerages like Re/MAX and Keller Williams.

Though, a global brand Century 21 is localized at the same time, earning a good reputation in suburban and mid-tier residential markets. Unlike other big real estate companies Century 21 doesn’t confine its operation to big cities and luxury markets.

8. The Real Brokerage, Inc.

• Sales Volume (2023): $19 billion
• Founded: 2014
• Agent Count: 12,000+
• Headquarters: Toronto, Canada (operating in the U.S.)

A new but rapidly growing real estate firm, The Real Brokerage operates similarly to eXp Realty, an entirely online system without any offices and focusing on a cloud-based model with revenue-sharing incentives for agents.

A distinctive feature of The Real Brokerage is its equity-based compensation system which allows agents to receive company stock incentives other than just commission. In this way, the company is succeeding in gathering the experts of real estate under the umbrella of The Real Brokerage. Though, continuously growing yet not a big company like Compass or Keller Williams but definitely emerging as a strong competitor.

9. Zillow

• Sales Volume: Zillow does not operate as a traditional brokerage but has a major influence on real estate transactions.
• Founded: 2006
• Headquarters: Seattle, WA

Zillow is not a brokerage but is included for its massive impact on real estate transactions and that is what Zillow aims for. Their motto is helping people provide a seamless, end-to-end transaction experience.

Its online home listings, Zestimate tool, and Premier Agent program influence millions of buyers and sellers. Zestimate is an amazing tool, it uses vast amounts of housing market data and through machine learning provides home value estimates. Zillow’s mobile application is widely trusted and used by buyers, sellers, renters, and shoppers during their real estate experience.

10. Coldwell Banker Real Estate

• Sales Volume (2022): $246 billion (across all franchises)
• Founded: 1906
• Agent Count: 50,000+
• Headquarters: Madison, NJ

Established in 1906, Coldwell Banker is one of the oldest real estate companies in the U.S. and the oldest company in this list of top real estate companies. The company isn’t just a reliable choice in the U.S. but also provides real estate solutions globally with approximately 3,000 offices in 49 countries.

They are more known for their expertise in luxury and mainstream markets. Coldwell Banker’s long-standing reputation and global reach have contributed to its enduring success.

Top 10 Real Estate Companies in USA – At A Glance