Deciding where to “hang your license” isn’t just paperwork, it’s your first real business decision. And for new agents, it can feel overwhelming. Should you chase the big-name brand? Prioritize commission splits? Look for leads, training, or freedom?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps new agents should follow to choose the broker that actually sets them up to succeed. We’ll help you avoid the glamour pitches, spot the real support systems, and find the model that works for the career, and lifestyle, you want to build.
Let’s break it down step by step.
Why Your First Brokerage Matters More Than You Think
Your first brokerage is more than just a place to park your license, it’s the launchpad for everything you’ll build in real estate. It shapes how quickly you gain confidence, learn the ropes, and generate income.
When that foundation is weak, no training, no support, no real mentorship, it’s easy to feel lost, overwhelmed, or even step away from the industry entirely.
Choosing the wrong brokerage can slow you down, drain your bank account, and knock your momentum before your career begins. But the right one? It can accelerate your learning, empower your growth, and put you in control from day one.
The 7-Step Checklist for Choosing Your First Real Estate Broker
A smart decision now pays off for years. Here’s how to evaluate your options like a professional.
1. Prioritize Training and Mentorship Over Commission Splits
High splits sound great, until you’re stuck with contracts you don’t understand and no one to review them. Early-stage agents need structure, not just freedom. If your broker can’t walk you through a deal step by step, the split won’t matter, because you’ll have no closings to collect on.
Ask:
- Who teaches new agents how to fill out listing agreements, offers, and addendums?
- Does anyone review paperwork before it’s submitted?
And yes, ask what happens if something goes wrong. If your broker doesn’t answer during a contract emergency, your deal (and reputation) could suffer.
2. Ask About Broker Accessibility
Accessibility is non-negotiable. You should know if the broker is reachable on weekends, evenings, or when you’re mid-deal and need real answers. Don’t settle for vague promises, ask for examples, and look for agent reviews that mention response time.
If you can’t get a callback while you’re still deciding, expect radio silence when you’re already in the trenches.
3. Get the Full Fee Picture (Not Just the Split)
Many brokerages tout “100% commission,” then make up the difference through desk fees, tech subscriptions, E&O surcharges, or “marketing packages.” Don’t just ask about commission splits, ask for the total cost per deal.
At Realty Hub, we keep it simple: $100 per year + $100 per transaction. That’s it. No desk fee, no franchise royalty, no bait-and-switch.
This structure gives our agents total clarity, and total control over their income.
4. Vet Their Training Format: Real Help or Fluff?
Plenty of firms advertise training. Few deliver it in a way that actually prepares you for real clients and contracts. Ask for a preview of their training. Is it self-paced video content, or do you get live sessions, mentorship, or contract walkthroughs?
If they won’t let you audit a class or connect with an agent who’s gone through it, that’s your answer.
5. Understand Culture: Solo Wolf or Support Squad?
Some brokerages say “we’re a family,” then ghost you the moment you need help. Others feel cold and transactional. Neither is ideal. You’re looking for a place where agents support each other, leadership is accessible, and you’re more than a number.
Watch for red flags:
- High agent turnover
- Leadership that doesn’t know your name
- One-size-fits-all systems with no room for flexibility
Culture directly impacts how long you’ll stick with this career.
6. Evaluate Support Systems Beyond Training
It’s not just about how you learn, it’s about who helps once you start working with clients.
A solid brokerage provides tools, transaction support, and compliance guidance. Bonus if there’s a private community where agents can exchange ideas and advice.
7. Align on Vision: Part-Time, Full-Time, or Referral-Only?
Your goals matter. Whether you’re scaling a team, working part-time, or operating referral-only, your broker should support that, not penalize it.
10 Questions You Must Ask Every Brokerage Before Signing
Before you sign anything, ask these:
- What’s your commission structure, and what does that include?
- Who can I call when I need contract help on a weekend?
- Can I preview your training or mentorship program?
- Do I need to join the REALTOR® association or MLS?
- What technology tools do you provide?
- Are there minimum quotas or sales requirements?
- What’s your turnover rate for new agents?
- Can I talk to 1–2 of your active agents before deciding?
- Can I brand myself, or do I have to use your templates?
- What happens if I leave your brokerage?
A great brokerage will welcome these questions, and have real answers.
Big Brand vs. Boutique vs. Flat-Fee: What’s Best for New Agents?
Choosing a broker model isn’t about following the crowd, it’s about aligning with your working style, financial goals, and learning needs. Here’s a clear breakdown of how the major brokerage types stack up:
| Model | Pros | Cons |
| National Franchises | Brand recognition, structured onboarding | High fees, limited independence |
| Boutique Firms | Personalized mentorship, tight-knit culture | May lack name recognition or robust tech |
| Flat-Fee Models | Maximum commission, low overhead | Often assumes you’re self-managed |
Common Worries (and How to Solve Them)
“What if I make the wrong choice?”
Answer: You can always pivot. Most brokerages operate under an Independent Contractor Agreement (ICA). Read it carefully and understand your exit terms. You’re never locked in forever.
“Do I need to go full-time to be successful?”
Answer: Not at all. Many of our agents thrive part-time, fitting real estate around other priorities. Growth isn’t about hours worked, it’s about having the right structure in place.
“What if I need hand-holding at the start?”
Answer: Then choose a brokerage that offers real mentorship, not canned videos. You need someone who’s done deals, who can explain contracts, who’s reachable when it counts.
“Is it legal to be referral-only without joining NAR?”
Answer: Yes. Despite what some may suggest, you don’t need to be a REALTOR® to do referrals. We support agents who operate this way, and we help them stay fully compliant.
Your First Brokerage is a Launchpad, Not a Life Sentence
Don’t aim for perfect, aim for progress. The goal isn’t to find the flashiest brand or the “most popular” office. It’s to find the structure that supports your growth, protects your time, and doesn’t take more than it gives.
Ask better questions. Trust your instincts. Start with a broker who helps you learn fast, not one who just promises high splits.
If autonomy, low fees, and reliable support are what you’re looking for, here’s what we’ve built for agents like you.
The Brokerage That Respects Your Business
When you’re trying to figure out how to choose a broker as a new agent, it can feel like every option either wants your money, your time, or your brand. That’s exactly why we built Realty Hub.
Here’s what we offer new agents:
- Keep 100% of your commission. Just $100/year and $100 per transaction. No desk fees. No franchise deductions. No surprise tech charges.
- Tools and support without micromanagement. Access real broker guidance, transaction systems, and compliance help when you need it, without anyone breathing down your neck.
- The freedom to grow your business your way. Whether you’re full-time, part-time, referral-only, or scaling up, we give you flexibility and keep your overhead low.
This model is for you if:
- You value independence, but still want responsive broker support.
- You’re tired of watching commission disappear into office overhead.
- You want to build your own brand, not someone else’s.
What does life look like with Realty Hub?
You’re finally free to work on your terms. You earn more from every deal. You build a business you control, and you do it with a brokerage that respects your autonomy and your time.
👉 Ready to stop splitting your commission and start building your brand? Join Realty Hub now.