You've finished your real estate classes and just received your license.  Next step:  Time to find a broker.  It is required that real estate agents work with a licensed real estate broker although the requirements vary state-by-state.  Finding the best brokerage firm for you is vital to laying the groundwork for a successful career in real estate.  Here are questions to ask a real estate broker during an interview before you join their sales team.

1.  Do you provide real estate training?
One of the most important tips for new real estate agents is learning that working under the umbrella of a real estate brokerage provides the additional training, resources, and contacts that lead to a successful real estate career.

Reputation is paramount when selecting a real estate brokerage. You will want to choose a brokerage that has a reputation for providing quality training for their real estate agents. An established brokerage will go to great lengths to ensure their agents are up-to-date on regulations, industry trends and sales techniques. Moreover, they hold their real estate agents to high ethical standards. This translates into a solid reputation for the brokerage that prospective clients appreciate and trust.

2.  What kinds of support do you provide?
Another critical factor new real estate agents should consider when selecting a brokerage is what kind of support they will receive. This is a broad category that includes marketing, administrative, office space, printing services, lead services, etc. While it is up to you to hit the ground running selling real estate, the established network a brokerage has built will make every step you take just a little bit easier.

3.  What is your market share?
New real estate agents should look at the brokerage's market share. A higher market share is a good indicator that the brokerage has established itself and that there will be plenty of opportunities for you to sell real estate.

4.  What is your commission split schedule?
A new real estate agent will also want to inquire about the commission split schedule. Each brokerage has their own guidelines and schedules and it is important to know what these are. In many cases, the commission split can be negotiated as the agent establishes their career and acquires additional skills. The greater the capabilities and resourcefulness of the agent, the lower the commission split will become.

5.  Please describe your corporate culture?
In addition to the "brass tacks" of choosing a brokerage, one of the most important tips for new real estate agents is to discover if the company's culture is a good fit for you. This means selecting a real estate company that you will be comfortable working within.

You will want to look at the record and reputation of REALTORS® within the brokerage.  Are they friendly and helpful? Are they people you can learn from and grow with? If the answers to these questions are "yes," then it's an opportunity you don't want to pass up. Surrounding yourself with top-tier people is the best way to learn the skills of the trade that will make you successful.

Our Career Development Team is ready to help you get started on your way to a successful career in real estate.   Contact us for more information about joining BHHS Homesale Realty.