New real estate agent seeking advice.

[Chris England]

I just passed my licensing exam last weekend and I’m trying to decided on which company to work under. I’m having a hard time deciding between a larger company (Real Estate One) or a smaller company (Weichert Realty). Weichert offered the better commission and cap. The broker offered to personally train me. It’s a smaller office so I’ll work directly with him as I learn. Real Estate One is a bigger company in the Metro Detroit area so I’m thinking that they have more name recognition when it comes to securing listings and buyers. Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated? Happy New Years!

[Nathan Gesner]

You need a brokerage that is going to train you. Keller-Williams is probably the best at that. Too many agents join large companies because they feel the name recognition will bring them work. It may, but it still requires effort on your part and you'll be competing against all the big dogs in the office. 

Other people want to join a brokerage because it has a low commission split. That will allow you to keep more of your money...if you make any sales. It still requires effort.

There's no right answer because everyone is different. I personally think you're best bet is to either hitch yourself to a successful team where you can learn the ropes while working with others, or you join a brokerage that has a good training plan so you can figure out what it takes to be successful. Once you're established, then you can think about breaking out or joining someone with a lower commission split.