Franchise Brokerages Versus Independent Brokerages

We have had very similar career paths and viewpoints.

Name recognition (the franchise).

Abundance of tools provided (many free) to assist you make more money.

Now, to address one of your concerns, working in the "jungle" has its disadvantages as you have addressed.  However, whether or not you let those influences get the best of you is up to you.  If you are constantly inundated with requests for guidance, give it if you want to but if you are too busy to take care of their request(s) let them know.  Furthermore, if you want to avoid them completely get away from that office environment.

Obviously, you are as self-motivated person.  Work out of a "home office" if you care to.  There are many advantages to it.  There are disadvantages as well.

Martin,I am also looking for those responses....as an independent as well...I sometimes scratch my head and wonder what the attraction is to Franchises.

The only reason I am thinking about a franchise (buying one) are the systems that are available and don't need to be built from the ground up.

Wow, Martin--me, too. We should stay in touch. Anyone who has successfully been an Independent Broker fror14 years gets a ton of respect from me.  From time to time, I am attracted to a franchise, especially when the promise a ride to the moon for a dime:-) Initially, my issue was being able to decide among the franchises. I am meant to be Independent. I have to remind myeself because ever so often I start looking at the grass on the other side. Freedom of thought and advertising are very important to me. The flexibility of being Independent is important.