New licensee - commisions, fees etc

[Zlatan Omeragic]

Hello friends, its been a while since I have been on BiggerPockets. I've really missed you guys!

Anyway I have just completed my RE Salesperson classes in PA, and have started a relationship with a broker (known, big company). I haven't signed anything but the deal seemed OK when I made a verbal commitment to the broker pending my licensing which should occur this month. 

Anyway, I wanted to ask you guys if I am getting a good deal here. What do you think?

I am paying:

-Agent/Broker split is 70/30, with annual max to broker capped at $18,000, after that 100% goes to agent
-Franchise fee at 6% with annual max capped at $3000 

-Monthly $115 for MLS, E&O Insurance,their lead and contact management software, marketing software, paperless transactions etc, tech fee

-Probably not related to broker, but annual $400 for Realtors Association of Metro Pittsburgh (this is something i will get clarification on)

Getting (grain of salt because I am a recruit):

-A broker who seems to be an absolute rockstar and has been very responsive to my questions. Just a generally great woman overall.

-Great training - even though I am not licensed and officially committed, the broker has invited me to attend the classes and I have learned SO much already

-Plethora of training courses available online

-3 sessions per week with 150+ annual transaction agent to practice scripts, another thing I am already enrolled in

-What seems to be a great office environment with a lot of knowledgeable people who are willing to help, and already have. Does not seem to be a cut-throat place.

-What seems to be above average hand-holding (important for me), including a tag along with experienced agent during first listing presentation

-What seems to be daily free breakfast/lunch at the office - I would take advantage of this with my planned schedule :)

-Reimbursement of my pre-license education fees $400+

-I know this isn't much but 1000 business cards and 200 "Hi I just became a new agent" cards

-No transaction fees for agent

The last bullet is what is making me write this post. Yesterday I discovered that the broker charges an administrative type of fee to buyers. Of course I know that the buyer doesn't have to pay that fee, so I imagine I would have to eat it sometimes to keep a client. That said I plan to focus on the listing side so it may not be a big issue though the fee is several hundred dollars. What do you think about this?

Also what do you think about the commission split and monthly fee setup? I was always under the impression that it would be either commission split or monthly fee, but maybe that is my fault for making assumptions.

Anyway, I'd really appreciate any input my friends.