How To Choose A Real Estate Brokerage (Without Regret)
Starting your real estate career is exciting — but let’s be honest, it’s also overwhelming. You’re suddenly faced with dozens of decisions you didn’t even know you had to make. And one of the biggest (and most impactful) is choosing your first real estate brokerage.
Here’s the truth:
👉 Your brokerage can make or break your early success.
Not because of their shiny offices, big-name brand, or Instagram-worthy marketing. But because of the support, training, and culture they offer behind the scenes.
Unfortunately, most new agents don’t know what really matters when evaluating brokerages. It’s easy to get distracted by commission splits, perks, or promises that don’t actually help you build a sustainable business.
That’s why I created a YouTube video walking you through exactly how to choose a brokerage with clarity and confidence.
In this post, I’m breaking down the highlights — so you can walk into every broker interview prepared to ask smart questions, spot red flags, and pick the right fit for YOU.
Why Your Brokerage Choice Matters More Than You Think
Your first few years in real estate are foundational. You’re not just learning contracts and scripts — you’re learning how to be a business owner.
The right brokerage will pour into you with training, mentorship, and real-world guidance. The wrong one? They’ll hand you a desk and say “good luck.”
Don’t just chase the highest split or flashiest brand. Chase the place that’s going to develop you.
📝 5 Smart Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Brokerage
Here’s what you should be asking — and why they matter:
1️⃣ What kind of training and mentorship do you offer new agents?
📌 Why it matters: Training closes deals, not logos. Ask for specifics:
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Is it classroom-style? One-on-one coaching? Shadowing?
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How often does it happen?
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Who’s leading it?
You’re not just buying into a company — you’re investing in an education.
2️⃣ How are leads generated, and who owns them?
📌 Why it matters: Some brokerages will feed you leads… but take a huge split or keep the client relationship for themselves.
Ask:
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Will I be responsible for generating my own leads?
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If the company provides leads, do I keep that client long-term?
Understand what pipeline you’re really building.
3️⃣ What are the monthly and annual fees, and what do they cover?
📌 Why it matters: That “amazing split” won’t feel amazing if you’re drowning in hidden fees.
Look beyond the commission:
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Are you paying desk fees? Technology fees? Errors & omissions insurance?
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Is marketing included, or will you pay out of pocket?
Know your true cost to operate.
4️⃣ What support systems are in place when I need help?
📌 Why it matters: You don’t want to be stuck at 11pm Googling contract clauses while your broker is MIA.
Ask:
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How available is leadership for urgent questions?
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Do I have access to mentors, transaction coordinators, or legal help?
Speed matters in real estate — so does access.
5️⃣ What does a successful agent look like in this brokerage?
📌 Why it matters: This question uncovers the culture and expectations.
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Do they value high volume, or client relationships?
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Are they mostly part-timers, or full-time producers?
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What’s the energy like — collaborative or competitive?
You want to align with their definition of success, not fight against it.
🚩 Red Flags to Watch Out For
❌ No clear plan for training
❌ Leadership that’s hard to reach
❌ Promises that sound “too good to be true”
❌ Vague answers about fees or expectations
Trust your gut. If it feels off, it probably is.
🔑 Set Yourself Up for Success From Day One
No matter where you hang your license, there’s something you need to know: your brokerage provides the framework — but YOU have to build the business.
That’s where tools like the Real Estate Agent Planner Pro become invaluable. This isn’t just a calendar — it’s a strategic planner designed specifically for agents, helping you map out income goals, track prospects, follow up with leads, and stay on top of your business daily.
👉 I always tell new agents: Don’t wait until you’re drowning in chaos to get organized. The earlier you start using a system, the faster you’ll grow.
And once you’ve chosen your brokerage, the next challenge is figuring out what to say and how to market yourself. That’s where the Real Estate Marketing Vault Membership comes in. It’s a one-stop resource packed with plug-and-play Canva templates, social media content, lead magnets, and marketing tools — so you’re not reinventing the wheel every time you need to post or promote.
With the Vault, you don’t just look professional — you save hours of time every week while attracting clients online.