By: Alex Capozzolo

Choosing a brokerage is one of the most important business decisions you’ll make as a real estate professional. The right fit can give you the support, resources and environment you need to grow, while the wrong one can leave you paying for services you don’t use or searching elsewhere for the help you need.

That also means there isn’t one brokerage model that’s right for every agent. A new agent who needs hands-on training may value something very different from an experienced agent with an established business. Before comparing brokerages, think about what you need now and what you’ll need to reach the next stage of your career.

Then, go beyond asking what a brokerage offers. Find out how those resources actually work, what they’ll cost you and whether they’ll support the business you want to build. These questions can help you get started.

Will I get the support I need to grow?

A brokerage might offer an impressive list of training and professional development opportunities, but what matters is whether those resources match what you need at this stage of your career.

If you’re a newer agent, ask what training looks like beyond onboarding. How often is it offered, and who can you turn to when you encounter something unfamiliar during an actual transaction? Having access to a library of courses can be useful, but there will be times when you need timely guidance from your broker, a mentor or another experienced professional.

More experienced agents should think about what growth looks like for them, too. Maybe you want to develop a specialty, build a team or move into a leadership role. Ask whether the brokerage has the resources and expertise to help you take that next step.

Most importantly, get specific about how support works in practice. Ask who will be available to you, how mentorship or coaching works and what resources you’ll have access to. The right brokerage shouldn’t just offer opportunities to grow. Its support should align with where you want your business and career to go next.

What marketing support is available?

Marketing is essential to building your brand, but it needs assistance. A brokerage that provides marketing support understands how crucial it is for generating leads and retaining clients.

Inquire about the marketing resources provided by the brokerage. This may include in-house support, outsourcing opportunities, digital advertising or social media management. Ask about their marketing strategies and how they plan on getting ahead in reaching a broader audience.

What will it cost me to work here?

Before signing an agreement, make sure you understand the full financial arrangement and what you’ll receive in return.

Ask the brokerage to walk you through the expenses you would be responsible for and when they apply. Then consider those costs alongside the services, technology, training and support included. A brokerage that appears less expensive on paper may not necessarily offer the best value for your business.

Review the independent contractor agreement carefully as well. Make sure you understand your responsibilities, the brokerage’s responsibilities and any terms that could affect your business before you sign.

What technology will I have access to?

Technology can make running your business easier, but a long list of tools isn’t necessarily an advantage if you don’t know how to use them or they don’t fit the way you work.

Ask which technology the brokerage provides and what you’ll need to purchase on your own. Find out whether you’ll have access to tools such as a customer relationship management system and whether the brokerage provides training and ongoing support for the platforms it expects agents to use.

It’s also worth asking how the brokerage approaches newer technology, including artificial intelligence. Does it have policies governing how AI tools can be used in your work, particularly when client or transaction information is involved? Knowing the rules before you start using these tools can help you protect sensitive information and use the technology responsibly.

You don’t necessarily want to evaluate a brokerage on how many technology platforms it offers. Consider whether the tools are useful to your business, whether you’ll receive the support you need to use them effectively and whether the brokerage has clear expectations for using them responsibly.

What is the brokerage known for?

A recognizable name or large market presence can be appealing, but neither necessarily tells you what it will be like to build your business there. Before joining a brokerage, look beyond its recruiting pitch and learn how it is viewed by agents, clients and other real estate professionals in your market.

Talk to agents who already work there about their experiences, including how the brokerage communicates with and supports them. If possible, speak with someone who recently left and ask what influenced their decision. These conversations can give you a clearer picture of whether the brokerage’s reputation matches the experience it promises prospective agents.

Consider what the brokerage is known for in the broader market, too. Its reputation and business practices will become associated with you once you join. Make sure they align with the kind of real estate professional you want to be and the business you want to build.

What is the office culture like?

The work culture of the brokerage is another essential factor. Office culture can impact your performance and overall success. You do not want to be stressed out at work because of conflict between colleagues.

Ask about the office environment, team dynamics and collaboration. Check to see if the brokerage is inclusive and offers a collaborative culture.

What are the opportunities for career growth?

You should consider the long-term growth at any brokerage. Where do you see yourself in five years? Maybe managing a team or potentially running your branch?

Ask about potential paths for advancement such as leadership roles or opportunities to manage people. A lot of brokerages offer structured development programs while some are more flexible.

What Am I Responsible for Generating Myself?

Before joining a brokerage, make sure you understand where new business is expected to come from. Some brokerages provide leads or opportunities to connect with prospective clients, while others expect agents to generate most or all of their own business.

If the brokerage provides leads, ask how they are generated and distributed. Find out whether there are costs, referral fees or other requirements attached to them, as well as what happens if you don’t convert a lead. You should have a clear picture of what the brokerage is providing and what it expects from you in return.

Just as important, ask what resources are available to help you generate business on your own. You want to understand what you’ll be responsible for building yourself and whether you’ll have the support to do it.

As a practitioner, your career is partly in your hands and partly in the hands of the brokerage you work at. Don’t fear to ask these questions as they are what will help you decide. A well-established brokerage will have the ability, capacity and resources to provide you with the proper answers, guidance and development skills that will allow you to progress in your career as a professional. It will invest in you financially and hone your expertise, so you want to choose wisely.

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Alex Capazollo is the co-founder of Brotherly Love Real Estate. He has been investing in real estate for +7 years and owns a small portfolio of 14 units. Alex works full-time as a real estate agent in Southern California and enjoys writing on home improvement, marketing strategies, and other real estate topics.