It would makes sense for those that use the space, pay for the space. 

You could surely try to renegotiate your deal. I haven't had bricks and mortar in 8 years because we were so electronic to start with, no one used the office at all. I never charged a desk fee even then, except to one agent in exchange for a 100% split. I have just 1 agent now, who has been with me 13 years. She works from home, pays no fees and has a lovely split. It doesn't suck to work for me. I am not hiring. ;)

To each their own, but...

Your lack of use of the office, is on you. I'd say get into the office more :)

I never understand why agents want to work in the isolation of their homes? The energy & culture of the office gets the spark plugs firing.

I start my day at my office almost every work day. Unless I have a 7am or 8am meeting, I go there first. It's like my Superman phone booth for turning Husband & Dad man into professional Realtor man for the next 8-10 hours.

BILL CHERRY The brokerage has overhead expenses that have to be paid. Not using the office shouldn't make any difference. The office is just one aspect of working with the brokerage.

That is an issue to discuss with the broker, just keep in mind that if your fees are reduced too far that office may not be there for long.

Do you want your company to be a strong and vibrant presence in the community or a run down shack that will drive clients to a more prosperous firm?

I never could understand the office concept, except for having a place for the admin personnel to process all the paperwork/billing that all the salespeople generated. When I was in sales, I spent 99% of the time out in the field relating and conversing with my current clients, in addition to picking up new clients on a person to person basis. Don't most realtors do the same?

They reserved 7 private offices with a $450/mo desk fee. By providing stools agents are squeezed in the cafeteria or outside balcony for the rest 400 agents. The stool fees are a bit high for the sore butts.  People are leaving due to existance of flat commission companies next door.  We have ~100 broker-associates.  A couple bought out name franchises (cheap) and open their brokerages.  Within the same block we have 4 brokerages close to 800 agents and brokers. Four lenders.  One needs to evaluate and shop for the best brokerage or open his brokerage as each realtor provides his leads.

It depends on the split.  Anyone who has never actually owned a business does not understand the costs and responsibilities of doing so.  Regardless of the time they spend in the office, even though I was in the office rarely, there are still administrative costs involved.  I never minded paying the office split.  It was philosophical and ethical differences that drove me into business for myself.  

The office fee should be eliminated.

When was the last time a broker eliminated a revenue stream?

They will keep the fee but change the suit it wears. (i.e. increased admin fee)

I am a broker, and don't have a split.

The office fee and split do not include use of a private office.  Some agents rent a private office from the brokerage for a separate fee.

The only thing that comes down is precipitation and we all get soaked if we are out.

I expect that a lower office fee is wishful thinking. Facilities costs salaries are still rising.

Commission is based on performance.   We don't have an office fee -- per se.  

Bill - My split never included an office fee, even though an office is available to me any time I wish to use it. I prefer working from home, or out in the field.

Those who negotiate will get the answer.  There is always the opportunity to look for other sponsorship!

BILL CHERRY it all depends - if one is really using it, they will not mind paying for it.

While I'm not physically in the office a great deal, my broker provides so many services that none of could imagine renegotiating already generous splits. 

My office does offer a different split to agents that work out of the office. I think this is fair. But none of our agents are working out of the office at this time. I like going into my office. 

Yours or the Brokers?

Our office isn't set up that way. Everyone contributes to overhead and nobody is exempt even if they choose to work from home. That is our company's policy.

The use of the office is a minor issue, just like when someone wants you to lower your selling commission.  You are paying for the knowledge and other issues that go along with running a business

Our brokerage is 100% virtual. When I need an office for a meeting I use a title agents space. Our splits reflect the lack of the overhead.

We do a lot of Q&A and idea exchange via our closed FB group and there are a couple agents (and my broker) in my area that I talk with frequently. I don't miss the office at all!

I'm on the office every day, and my split is just fine.

No. Its my decision to use or to not use the office. If my Broker asked me to use my office less then I would ask for my commission split to be lower. As it now stands I can use my office 24/7.

I don't think that argument will get you a lower split. Perhaps changing brokers or getting your own broker's license is a better way to go.

I am happy with my commission split so I don't rock the boat.

we offer a variety of splits including a 95/5 with full use of the office and conference rooms plus a private office shared with one agent....

In our office we have a home broker rate along with favorable commission splits BILL CHERRY. 

It already is for us!