Should You Join a Real Estate Team or a Brokerage?

One of the biggest decisions real estate agents face is whether to align themselves with a real estate team or operate as an independent agent within a brokerage. Both paths can lead to success, but the right choice depends on your experience, goals, and working style.

Here’s a breakdown of what you should consider.

Joining a Real Estate Team

What It Is:

A real estate team is a group of agents who work together under a shared brand, often with a team leader providing structure, leads, and mentorship.

Benefits:

• Leads Provided: Many teams offer leads directly to their agents, reducing the pressure of prospecting.
• Shared Marketing: Your name is tied to a team brand, often with professional marketing materials already created.
• Mentorship & Training: Ideal for newer agents who want direct guidance from experienced leaders.
• Support System: Transaction coordinators, assistants, and fellow team members can help lighten your workload.

Consider If:

• You’re newly licensed or early in your career.
• You prefer collaboration over independence.
• You want to ramp up quickly with less focus on generating your own business.

Working Directly with a Brokerage

What It Is:

When you join a brokerage as an independent agent, you represent yourself under the brokerage’s umbrella. You’re responsible for building your business, but you benefit from the brokerage’s training, resources, and brand.

Benefits:

• Independence: You control your branding, schedule, and business strategy.
• Higher Earning Potential: Without a team split, you keep more of your commissions.
• Flexibility: Choose your niche, clients, and marketing approach.
• Career Growth: Brokerages often offer leadership paths, such as team leader or managing broker.

Consider If:

• You’re experienced and confident in generating leads.
• You value independence and want to control your own brand.
• You’re motivated to build long-term equity in your personal name and reputation.

Team vs. Brokerage: Which Is Right for You?

• New Agents: A team may be the better choice to learn the ropes, get leads, and build confidence.
• Experienced Agents: Joining a brokerage directly gives you freedom, higher earnings, and room to build your own brand.
• Hybrid Path: Some agents start on a team for a few years, then transition to independent status when they’re ready to grow on their own.

Final Thoughts

There’s no “one size fits all” answer — it depends on your goals, personality, and stage in your career. A team can provide structure and mentorship, while a brokerage gives you freedom and independence. The key is to evaluate what environment will best support your success.

Post your profile and let Brokerages or Teams find you