BreakThru Realty

Joining a Real Estate Team vs Joining a Brokerage Directly

Every agent works under a brokerage; a team is a business inside one. The real question is whether you want to build your own business now, or work inside someone else's while you learn.

How a Team Works

A team leader generates business and hands leads to team members, who do the showing, writing and closing. The member receives a share of the commission after the team's share, and the brokerage's share comes out as well. In return the member gets leads, a process and someone to learn from.

What It Costs

A team member typically keeps a smaller part of each commission than a solo agent would, because two businesses are paid before them. That can be an excellent trade if the team supplies deals you would not otherwise have. It is a poor one if you are generating your own clients and paying the team for them.

Who Owns the Client

Read the team agreement. Many say that clients from team leads belong to the team, some say that every client you work with while on the team belongs to it, and some restrict what you can take when you leave. This matters more than the split, because your database is your business.

When a Team Makes Sense

When you are new, need deal experience quickly, have limited savings and want a defined role. Also when you prefer working buyers or working listings and do not want to run marketing, systems and administration yourself.

When Going Direct Makes Sense

When you have a sphere to work, want to build a brand under your own name, and the brokerage itself provides what a team would: training, contract review, tools and a lead source. Going direct is harder in month one and better in year three.

A Middle Path

Some brokerages give solo agents team-style support: a structured first ninety days, broker contract review and website leads as you qualify. That is how BreakThru's new agent program is designed. Ask any brokerage you interview exactly what a new solo agent's first three months look like.

Schedule a Confidential Conversation

Tell us your licence status, how long you have been licensed, the market you work, whether you want residential, commercial or business brokerage, and what you want from your next brokerage. Our broker reads every application personally and replies within one business day. Your inquiry is confidential and we never contact your current brokerage. Prefer to talk now? Call (786) 914-1017.

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