“What’s the split?”
“Do they cap?”
“What kind of tech do they offer?”
“Is there a better cut than I’m getting now?”

And hey, fair questions. But here’s the harsh truth:

Your commission split isn’t going to make you wealthy.
Your brokerage might help you make money but it will never build wealth for you.

That’s the point Keith Riddle drove home on the Real Estate Growth Network Podcast, and it’s one every Treasure Valley agent needs to hear especially if you’re planning to stay in the business for the long haul.

In this post, we’ll unpack the real reason most agents stay stuck on the income treadmill and how you can start thinking like an owner and building something that pays you long after the deal is done.

The Trap: Chasing Commission, Ignoring Ownership

For years, real estate agents have been sold the dream of high commissions and flexible hours.

And while it’s true that real estate has no income ceiling, that’s only part of the picture.

Keith Riddle said it best: “Commission creates income. Ownership creates freedom.”

That quote should be framed in every real estate office across Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and beyond.

Because too many great agents:

• Close deal after deal with no long-term plan
• Obsess over a 5% better split while ignoring 100% equity
• Treat real estate like a hustle, not a scalable business

The result? They burn out. Or plateau. Or hit a good year followed by a terrible one.

It’s not because they’re lazy. It’s because no one taught them how to shift from transactional thinking to ownership thinking.

Let’s break that down.

Commission Is a Paycheck. Ownership Is a Plan.

Let’s get practical. What do we mean when we say “ownership”?

It doesn’t mean starting a brokerage (unless you want to). It means building assets things that produce income, opportunities, or leverage even when you’re not directly involved.

Here are four ways agents can start owning their business in a real, scalable way:

1. Referral Networks That Compound Over Time

You know those random calls that start with “Hey, someone said I should talk to you”?

That’s your referral network doing its job and if you build it with intention, it can become one of the most valuable assets in your business.

Here’s how you build it:

• Stay top-of-mind with your past clients (monthly emails, videos, or mailers)
• Create simple incentives or touchpoints (birthday cards, home anniversary gifts)
• Invest in agent-to-agent referrals across markets (especially with people moving to Idaho)

Referrals aren’t random. They’re a system. And when built right, they produce business on autopilot.

2. Leveraged Teams and Partnerships

Solo agents often brag about “doing it all.” But doing it all is not a wealth strategy.

Want to scale? You need leverage.

That could look like:

• Hiring a showing assistant or transaction coordinator
• Building a small team under your brand
• Partnering with other agents to share marketing and lead-gen systems

You don’t need to be a mega team to use leverage.
You just need to stop being the only one who generates revenue.

Think of it this way:
If your business stops when you take a vacation, it’s time to rethink your structure.

3. Content Ecosystems That Work While You Sleep

In today’s market, attention is currency and content is the engine that earns it.

Keith Riddle encouraged agents to build media assets: things like YouTube channels, newsletters, or even a local podcast that positions you as the go-to expert in the Treasure Valley.

Done well, your content can:

• Attract inbound leads (organically)
• Strengthen your brand authority
• Educate clients at scale
• Create a referral magnet that grows monthly

It doesn’t need to be fancy. It just needs to be consistent and true to you.

If you’re not sure where to start, think:

• Weekly “Idaho Home Tips” reels
• “Local Eats in Boise” YouTube reviews
• First-time buyer guides for Eagle or Meridian

You’re not just building awareness. You’re building a brand people trust and that creates long-term opportunity.

4. Real Estate Investing (Start Small, Start Smart)

Here’s the kicker most agents overlook:

You sell real estate all day… but do you own any?

Whether it’s your first rental property, an Airbnb in McCall, or a long-term duplex in Caldwell, real estate investing is one of the fastest ways to shift from commission-based income to asset-based wealth.

Start simple:

• Co-invest with a partner or spouse
• House-hack a duplex
• Buy a property with future appreciation upside (yes, even in Idaho’s market)

Even owning one cash-flowing property can change your financial trajectory and it often gives you deeper empathy and insight for your clients, too.

Why This Matters for Treasure Valley Agents (Specifically)

Let’s zoom out for a second.

Idaho is still growing. People are moving in from all over California, Washington, Colorado and they’re looking for:

• Homes with more space
• Lower taxes
• A better lifestyle

That growth brings massive opportunity for real estate professionals. But it also brings competition, shifting interest rates, and evolving client expectations.

If you’re still thinking short-term chasing the next deal, worrying about your split you’re going to feel left behind.

But if you start building systems, assets, and equity you’ll be ready for whatever the market throws your way.

Treasure Valley is evolving. Your business should evolve with it.

What Are You Building That Works Without You?

That’s the ultimate question.

When Keith Riddle asked this on the podcast, it hit hard.

Because most agents don’t have a business.
They have a job with no benefits, no paid time off, and no exit plan.

Here’s your challenge:

Ask yourself: What am I building that will keep working when I take a break?
If the answer is “nothing,” don’t panic but do start now.

Pick one area to start building ownership:

• A referral engine
• A leveraged team
• A content machine
• A rental property or investment play

You don’t need to do it all. But you do need to do something.
That’s how you move from income to impact. From hustle to legacy.

Final Thought: Don’t Just Make Money Multiply It

Real estate is an incredible industry.
But you’re not in it just to chase checks.

You’re here to build something that matters. Something that outlasts your next close.
Something that gives you the time, freedom, and impact you actually want.

Your brokerage might be a great place to hang your license.
But it’s not your retirement plan.

You are.

So stop asking what split you’re getting…
…and start asking what equity you’re building.

Want More Strategies for Scalable Success?

At Real Estate Growth Network, we help agents all across the Treasure Valley stop thinking like commission chasers and start thinking like business owners.

 Let’s build wealth with intention one move at a time.