Need advice to find a broker that is a good fit for me.

[Matt Gehrls]

I'm moving to Grand Rapids Michigan in about two weeks and I just passed my salesperson licensing exam yesterday. I've been looking at brokerages in the greater Grand Rapids area and weighing my options, but I'm feeling stuck on the next step.

If it helps, my goal is to be a listing agent primarily, (I had success as a leasing agent getting listings) and working with investors. I expect that to start I may have to work for first time home buyers, and I don't mind doing that while I get my bearings and learn the field.

I have no problem calling a brokerage and inquiring about a job, but I'm not sure if it's rude to ask questions like "What was your sales volume last year," and other blunt questions to really get to whether I want to work there or not. I want a brokerage that gives decent training, and maybe will even have me working under someone for a bit. I'm not sure if that is the standard, or how to ask for it, or if there is protocol for even asking a broker if he/she is looking for agents. So any advice would be a great help to me here. 

[Jake Thomas]

@Matt Gehrls

I prefer working for a smaller brokerage that takes a much smaller cut of each commission. I pay a flat fee and take home more of each commission check. On the other hand my brokerage gave me zero training and zero support but I don't feel I need it. You don't need a website, or training to be successful you just have to be a go-getter. Yes, having the big name like KW helps but since March I have closed on 4 houses with 3 more listings 2 more coming up and 3 other houses under contract with buyers. I don't have a website, I had my own signs made and absolutely zero training. The only thing you need is a phone, and a computer to be successful in this business as a newbie. 

On the other hand, I am not a full-time agent that makes cold calls all day, I still hold a full-time job (for now). I pick out my leads and focus on the ones with the most potential. The only training you need is getting out there and talking to people.

Good luck!