Choosing a brokerage is the biggest business decision most agents make, and most make it based on whoever recruited them first. Here is how to make it deliberately.
Start with your own numbers
Before you talk to anyone, write down how many deals you closed in the last year, the average price, and the mix of sales and rentals. Every brokerage's pitch should be run against that reality, not against a hypothetical top producer.
Ten questions to ask every brokerage
- What is the split, and how does it change with production? Ask for it in writing.
- What fees exist beyond the split? Desk, technology, E&O, franchise, transaction minimums.
- What is included? MLS, e-signature, CRM, printing, signage, business cards.
- Who trains me, and how? A person, or a video library? How often? Is it one-on-one?
- Is the broker reachable? When a deal goes sideways at 7pm, who picks up?
- Do you have a lender relationship, and how does it work? An in-house mortgage team changes how fast your buyers get pre-approved.
- How are rentals handled? Many brokerages make rentals unprofitable for the agent.
- What happens to my pending deals if I leave? Read the independent contractor agreement.
- Where is the office, and can I use it? Meeting rooms, printing, a place to sign contracts.
- Can I talk to three current agents, not the ones you pick?
Signals worth weighing
A brokerage that publishes its commission structure is telling you it can stand behind it. A brokerage that records its team meetings is telling you it expects agents to be out working. A brokerage whose broker still trains agents personally is telling you where its priorities are.
Red flags
- Recruiting bonuses for bringing in other agents that are larger than the support offered to you.
- A split that is only available if you also pay for a "premium" tier.
- Vague answers about who owns the client relationship.
LJ Realty Team publishes its structure, has no desk fees and trains agents one-on-one with the broker. Read the Realtor Careers page or see how we support agents in Queens and on Long Island.
