Juan,

Having worked for a few large franchise companies I would recommend Remax, becuse they offer the best combination of name recognition and compensation.  

As far as is it a good time to get in the business, I would say yes it is a great time.  You are in a declining market, which means many agents are leaving the business, it also means many agents are not working hard (they are mostly complaining  about how bad the market is, this is just a guess on my part, but I am pretty sure I am correct.

This means if you get in now WORK HARD, have lots of energy and work smart you will be hugely successful.  It is a simple formula but it works every time and has been working for many many years.  

GOOD LUCK!!!

I think you will become a better agent when it's tough.  Before alomost any one could sell a house.

I think Craig hit right REMAAX is a good company, everyone knows the ballon.

The biggest problem I see with new agents is they don't know what they are getting into. Many don't come from a business back round or have experience being on thier own.

Months before you get into the business you need to start building a data base of people. Start with friends family and the peole they know. Collect business card from people you meet.

Start to design your marketing material so you will have plenty of time to play and make changes

Juan Rock and Roll

Good Luck

Ralph

Thanks for you comments and points of view.  I will certainly look into these companies before deciding which way to turn.  I also value your advice in things to consider, I know that it is crucial to get people you know on your side just by letting them know what you are doing for a living.  In my sales ventures this has created great opportunities to earn a substantial amount of money from word of mouth, and just for going the extra mile in helping people get what they want. 

Although in talking with realtors in my local area, they all seem to be complaining about how bad the market is.  My personal thought is that business is only bad in someones mind.   I ask all realtors if it's a good time to become a realtor and their most common answer is NO.  In fact most think that becoming a realtor in todays market would be a disaster.  But I know that nothing comes easy and we have to work hard, smart, and keep a positive attitude in order to be succesful in anything we set out to do. 

Again thanks for your inputs and ideas!  I will certainly put them to use.

God bless

Juan Tanon

info@mortgagefreefinancial.net

www.mortgagefreefinancial.net