Hey @Tony Iwen, congrats on getting your license and making it to this point. Choosing your brokerage is definitely one of the most important decisions you'll make in your new career as a real estate agent.
For me, I initially started with a small boutique brokerage and eventually left because the split wasn't favorable (50%) and the owners did not have a strong desire to train, mentor, teach or coach me.
When it became time to move on, I interviewed with four different brokerages - some of the standards that had big reputations and big infrastructure (and therefore big caps), others that were more midsize and geographically convenient, and finally decided to go with eXp Realty because of its progressive attitude, profit share, and friendliness towards investor/realtors (you get three personal transactions annually with no commission).
Based on your priorities, pre-existing relevant experience in other fields, and general interests or niche preferences, you should ask questions about what resources and support are offered that will help you ultimately obtain your goals. Some questions to consider:
1. How long do you consider an agent to be "new?"
2. Is the split / cap different for new agents vs. seasoned agents?
3. Are there structured mentorship opportunities? If so - what do those look like?
4. Is there help or encouragement to pursue certifications or niche/specialties (i.e. REO, Probate, etc.)
5. How long have most of the current agents been at the brokerage?
Hope those help a little bit! Just remember that you are interviewing THEM as much as they are interviewing YOU. If it doesn't feel like a personality or culture match, I suggest you RUN.
And of course, if you'd like to speak further about the brokerage I mentioned I joined (eXp) please let me know and I'd be happy to share my experience!
