REAL Trends has financial data on hundreds of residential brokerage firms across the nation. By far, the most important metric tracked is retained company dollar—how much the brokerage keeps after agents are paid.

With that number trending downward, brokerage firms are seeking ways to enhance that margin by being more valuable to their agents, such as through technology and other services.

After surveying hundreds of brokerages across the country, REAL Trends and Inside Real Estate took an in-depth look at the top five drivers influencing brokerage profitability and identified critical elements necessary to execute on them effectively.