Deciding between Keller Williams and HER

[Larry Sinders]

Hi

I am going to take the exam for my real estate sales license in Ohio shortly after the new year and am in a dilemma as to which broker to choose. I have spent a lot of time narrowing it down to two offices, one HER and the other KW. 

I like the idea of KW better in pretty much every way. It seems the training is more extensive, this particular office is nicer, I prefer their splits and believe their systems/technology appear superior to HER. Although I didn't meet enough personnel in either location to form a fully accurate judgement, my instinct is I would relate better to the KW team, they just felt more modern (I am in my mid 20's). So you would think based on all this I would choose KW, but here are where my hesitations come in. 

The KW CEO treated me well, but gave hints of being overloaded and we didn't connect quite as well personally as the HER manager. The conversation fell slightly contrived. He is overseeing 128 agents in that office, while the manager at HER is only covering 50.

I explained to both people my biggest concern is having enough guidance and help to turn to during my first transactions. The KW CEO said he is always available and there is a productivity coach who will serve as the first line mentor for initial inquiries. I just wonder if two people are enough resources to adequately cover so many agents or if I am at risk of just being a number at KW. The HER manager has four specialists for different areas who are always available, and they insist on reviewing files before submitting contracts or going to closing. 

Finally, the KW CEO is a leader of a few person team in his office. This makes me wonder regardless of how objective he claims lead generation is, if their is a risk of inequality happening on this front (I know not to expect leads from my broker to be my bread) but I just am not sure if there is a risk of conflict of interest. The manager at HER does no transactions, and is paid according to the office income. 

If anyone has any thoughts or can speak first hand on either or both of the companies, I would really appreciate it. I feel like I could be successful in either office, which is why the decision is difficult.

Thanks

[Vince Williams]

I personally would look at their split structure and what services/guidance you are getting for them. Remember they are taking a huge chunk of your commissions. Don't get me wrong there are many great brokerages that have a wealth of knowledge and experience but some are just commission farms looking to take advantage of young unknowing agents just getting into the business.