The May 2025 ActiveRain Challenge asks us what we would do differently if we were just starting a real estate career now, knowing what we know now, and using today's tools.
I've thought about this all month, and I have come up with only one thing that I would have done differently if I were starting today. And it's something brand new agents should take into account when getting started.
My one thing is -
Pick an appropriate real estate brokerage to be affiliated with.
The importance of picking the right company was not shared with us during our real estate license classes, so I didn't know at the time all the things that might go into making the right decision. But I do now.
There is no one-size fits all brokerage. The right choice for you depends on how you work and what you need. Here are just some things to think about before interviewing agencies. And yes, you should interview all the ones you're thinking about to see what might be a good fit for you.
Size:
Are you interested in a nationwide firm where you have a built in network in multiple locations? Or would you prefer a small boutique firm where everyone knows everyone? Or something in between?
Training:
What kind of training works best for you? Do you want to get your training online at your own convenience, or would you prefer a face to face training platform? Do you like a regimented program where you have to attend certain classes or would you prefer to pick and choose?
And what kind of training is provided? Does the company make sure you know all the forms and disclosures and help you explain them? What about doing role play training? Do they share different issues you might experience with buyers and sellers, and help you know how to respond? Or do they just give you some forms and wish you well.
Mentoring:
What kind of mentoring options are provided, if any? Can you shadow a more experienced agent on listing appointments and buyer consultations? Is there someone who can help you put together an offer or contract and explain what should be included and why? Is there a fee associated with mentoring? What is the time frame that a mentor might be available to you?
Marketing
Does the brokerage offer any marketing assistance? For example, do they provide business cards and listing signs? Do they share costs for post cards or online websites? Are you able to use a tagline of your choosing on your marketing or is all the marketing brokerage focused? What kind of process is there for getting approval of your marketing and how long would approval take? Does the firm object to you having your own website?
Leads
Getting buyer or seller leads typically is 100% on the agent, but there are some brokerages that assist with lead generation. So does the company provide any kind of leads, and if yes, what kind are they? Do they purchase a list with names that may or may not be ready to buy or sell? Or is it a vetted list and the buyer or seller just needs a phone call to get started? Do they warm transfer calls to you during certain times? What is the cost to you for each lead, if any?
Office Culture
Who runs the office on a regular basis? If you need to talk to someone, will it be an office manager or managing broker? Is everyone treated equitably? Do the people who make a lot of money and the agents who are just starting all get equal time? Can they all make appointments to be seen?
Does the office provide private space where you can meet with a client? How difficult is it to use that space?
Are there opportunities for networking with other agents in the office? Does the brokerage have any events on a regular basis?
And what are the goals of the broker in charge? Is it to have a well oiled and smoothly running brokerage full of productive and energized agents, or is it to gain as many heads as possible so they can win the biggest agency in the area award?
Commission Split/Fees
I put this last because contrary to popular belief, commission splits are NOT the most important thing to consider. People will leave brokerages because of poor management probably more often than they will leave due to commission splits. That being said, it IS important to know how you will get paid and how much of your income you will keep.
So what are the commission splits? They could range from 100% to you down to 60% to you and 40% the company. Or perhaps even lower. And then, what kind of fees are there? Do you have to pay for training? What about for the technology platform? Are you responsible for purchasing your own business cards and listing signs? Is there an office fee or desk fee? Are there franchise fees?
So
So what did I do that I would do differently?
This post started because the question was, what would I personally do differently if I were just starting out? I would have interviewed brokerages and selected one that put the agents first, all the agents.
What I did instead was went to one brokerage, a big name brokerage in my area, that happened to be very close to my home. And I just went with them because it was convenient. It took me two years before I made a switch to a different office, and here's why I switched.
This company provided training, but much of it was the same training given again and again. The office team also spent almost all their attention on the high producing agents, ignoring those who just started. So newbies who had questions could have a hard time getting those questions answered. Or they'd set up meetings with the managing broker which would be canceled at the last second because a high producer was in the office talking about an upcoming party.
And there was also not equity in leads. The rule was that anyone who agreed to do floor time would take care of any calls that came in, or people that came to visit. But in fact, typically the new agents who took floor time would only get the calls for rental tenants. Any calls for listings or buyers would be given to the same top producers.
And there was also inequity in non-business happenings. For example agents planning a trip to a city to see a show but only inviting their favorite people and scheduling the entire thing with whispered comments in the office but then putting it on social media as a company trip. Or having two people, one a money maker and one a new agent, lose a parent in the same week. One of those people had the support of the entire office with cards and meals and support at the funeral. The other one was ignored.
I watched all of this going on, and finally had enough and went to another brokerage, but once again made a mistake. I picked one that supported a first-responder program I wanted to be involved with, and that's the only reason I picked them. I ignored my own advice above and wound up in a company with no quality training and a manager that just wanted to gather bodies and wasn't concerned about sales.
Summary
All of the items above might be important to you, as well as others I haven't even thought of. Interview as many companies as possible, and ask agents in the company for their feedback as well. What do they love and what is not so great. Then figure out what you need to start your business, and pick the best overall company. And then instead of the confused agent in the featured photo, you might be the thrilled agent in the second photo!
Best wishes!
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