As a new real estate licensee, the first step you’ll need to do is choose a real estate broker. The process of picking a broker can start early, as some states require that you be sponsored by a broker when you take your real estate exam</exam-prep/a>. Don’t let the process of finding a real estate broker to work for intimidate you. We’ve put together some information to help you learn how to choose a real estate broker that’s right for you.
How do you select the best brokerage for your new career? Review the following five steps to learn how to choose a real estate broker.
Step 1: Ask about the commission split
Most real estate agents get paid on commission. When you’re not selling, you’re not getting paid. But when you’re selling, you’re going to split the proceeds with your broker. Brokers offer different commission structures. (And some brokers offer salaried positions, but these are few and far between.) While factors like company culture, resources, market share, reputation, and support will also come into play, you’ll want to pick a brokerage that offers you a commission split you can live with—keeping in mind that commission splits often get better with experience and sales volume.
Here’s how commission splits work: Let’s say you sell a $300,000 home and the average commission in your area is 6%. That 6% is first split between the buying and selling agent. Now you’re down to 3%, which works out to be $9,000. Next, you’re going to have to share that with your broker. If you’re on a 60/40 commission split, you’re taking home 60% of that $9,000, or $5,400. Of course, this is before expenses and taxes.
What’s a good commission split? That depends on the business, your market, the broker’s support and resources, and a number of other factors. Just make sure you understand the split and how you might get a bigger percentage over time.
Keep in mind that some brokerages these days are offering real estate agents a salary and benefits, or a hybrid model, so you might want to shop around if this approach to compensation appeals to you.
Free Guide: Download our real estate brokerage comparison chart.
Step 2: Evaluate the brokerage culture
Before you choose a real estate broker, ask yourself: What kind of company do I want to work for? How much support do I want from my coworkers? Just like other businesses, real estate brokerages develop a company culture that informs the way they do business. Are you looking for a small, mom-and-pop brokerage with an intimate, family-like brokerage culture? Or would you prefer a big-box franchise brokerage that’s more likely to let you fend for yourself? Are you looking for weekly get-togethers and company caravans on open house day? The best ways to know and understand a company’s culture are to chat with agents who work there or attend a company function.
Step 3: Decide between a franchise or independent brokerage
When it’s time to choose a real estate broker, another big question to consider is whether you prefer to work for a franchise or independent brokerage. Big-name brokerage houses like RE/MAX or Keller Williams have offices all over the country. A mom-and-pop brokerage might have been serving a single community for generations. Franchises tend to exert more control over their agents than an independent firm, but they usually offer more support and training. Independent firms are usually locally based and consist of a small- to mid-size team. The benefit of working for an independent broker is that you have more freedom to conduct your business the way you want to.
The National Association of REALTORS® reports that the majority of REALTORS® (53%) choose to work for independent firms. If you relish your independence and dislike corporate culture, an independent brokerage may be the way to go. The main advantages of a franchise are the many resources they offer in terms of information and marketing support—and the name recognition.
Step 4: Learn its reputation and niche
When you start your research, begin with a simple Google search as if you were a buyer. Search for “homes for sale in [community name]” and see who comes up. You want the brokerage you select to have a strong market presence and a quality reputation. If they have a high market share, you can depend on them to help you find leads. And we all know how important a brokerage’s reputation is.
Just as important is the niche your brokerage is in. Studies show that the right brokerage can triple your income. The right niche for you will probably be a combination of your interests, lifestyle and the opportunities available in your area.
Step 5: Make sure it will offer support
Some brokerages are very hands-on and offer extensive mentoring, free training, and marketing collateral. Other brokerages are just places to hang your hat while you get to work growing your own business. You might take the occasional sales training class or meet for a monthly brokerage meeting, but otherwise, you’re on your own. You’ll find many variations between the two extremes, and it’s largely a matter of finding the corporate culture that you prefer.
When you’re ready to choose a real estate broker, keep these considerations in mind. Finding the right brokerage involves research and interviewing. Don’t be afraid to sit down with several real estate brokerages in your area to see who fits the best with your learning style and business goals.
For additional info, read our article: How to Find a Female-Friendly Real Estate Brokerage.
Why is finding a broker so important?
Why is broker selection so important? In your first year as a real estate agent, you’ll have a ton of questions, uncertainties, and getting-your-feet-wet experiences. You’ll need to choose a real estate broker that will be there with you each step of the way.
When you’re first starting out, you won’t have the funds to compete with the big real estate brokerages when it comes to marketing, lead generation, and conversion. You’ll need a broker’s help getting your name out there, and you’ll want to use the broker’s tools and systems to kick start your career.
Editor’s note: this post was originally published on December 8, 2018 and updated on November 8, 2023.
