Changing real estate brokerages is a major career decision.

For some agents, the question comes up because their business has grown and their needs have changed. Others may be looking for stronger broker support, better technology, more effective marketing resources, additional training or simply a company culture that feels like a better fit.

Whatever the reason, choosing a brokerage should involve more than comparing commission splits.

The right brokerage should support the business you're building today while giving you the resources and opportunities to continue growing tomorrow.

If you're a licensed real estate agent considering a change in Northeast Tennessee or Southwest Virginia, here are some important things to evaluate before making your decision.

Start With Why You're Considering a Change

Before comparing brokerages, identify what is causing you to consider leaving your current company.

Are you looking for more accessible leadership? Better technology? More training? Stronger marketing? Additional lead opportunities? A more collaborative environment?

Maybe your current brokerage was a good fit when you started, but your business has changed.

Understanding what you want to improve will make it easier to evaluate whether another brokerage actually offers something better.

Changing companies simply for the sake of change rarely solves anything. Changing because you've identified what your business needs next can be a very different decision.

Look Beyond the Commission Split

Commission is important, but it shouldn't be the only number you consider.

Agents should understand the complete compensation structure, including commission splits, caps, transaction fees, monthly fees, technology expenses and other costs associated with doing business.

Then consider what you're receiving in return.

A brokerage that provides leadership, training, technology, marketing resources and business support may create value that isn't obvious when looking at the commission percentage alone.

The better question isn't simply, “What is the split?”

It's, “What does this brokerage provide that can help me build a stronger and more profitable business?”

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Consider the Leadership Behind the Brokerage

Real estate agents operate independently, but that doesn't mean they should have to figure everything out alone.

Transactions can become complicated. Contracts create questions. Markets change. Difficult situations arise with buyers, sellers, inspections, negotiations and closings.

When that happens, accessible and experienced brokerage leadership matters.

Before changing companies, ask who will actually be available when you need help.

Consider whether the brokers and leadership team are involved in the day-to-day business and whether the company provides an environment where agents can ask questions, exchange ideas and learn from one another.

Strong leadership shouldn't disappear once you've transferred your license. It should remain a resource throughout your career.

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Evaluate the Technology and Marketing Resources

Technology has become an important part of running a real estate business.

A brokerage's technology should help agents organize contacts, follow up with leads, market properties, communicate with clients and manage their business more efficiently.

Marketing resources matter too.

Professional listing marketing, social media resources, websites, design tools and other systems can help agents maintain a consistent professional presence without having to build everything from scratch.

When comparing brokerages, don't simply ask what tools are available.

Ask how those tools fit into your actual business and whether training and support are available to help you use them effectively.

Ask What Opportunities Exist to Grow Your Business

Experienced agents usually aren't looking only for help completing transactions. They're looking for ways to continue growing.

That may include business planning, additional training, lead opportunities, marketing support, accountability or opportunities to learn from other successful real estate professionals.

Think about where you want your business to be two or three years from now.

Then ask whether the brokerage you're considering has the people, systems and resources that can help you get there.

A brokerage change should ideally move your business forward—not simply move your license from one office to another.

Company Culture Matters More Than It May Seem

Real estate can be a competitive business, but the environment inside a brokerage can still be collaborative.

Pay attention to how agents and leadership interact.

Do agents share knowledge? Do people support one another? Are accomplishments recognized? Can experienced agents exchange ideas without feeling like every conversation is a competition?

Culture can be difficult to measure on a spreadsheet, but it can have a significant effect on your experience with a company.

The best way to understand a brokerage's culture is often to spend time talking with its leadership and agents rather than relying only on recruiting materials.

Think About the Transition Before You Make It

Changing brokerages involves more than choosing a new office.

Before making a move, understand how the transition may affect your current transactions, listings, clients, marketing, technology and business systems.

Ask the brokerage you're considering how it helps experienced agents through the transition process.

A well-planned move should allow you to begin establishing your business at the new company while minimizing unnecessary disruption for the clients you're already serving.

This is also a good time to ask detailed questions about onboarding, technology setup, training and the resources that will be available once you arrive.

Experienced Agents

Have a Confidential Conversation Before Making a Decision

You don't have to decide to change brokerages before exploring your options.

In fact, one of the best ways to evaluate another company is simply to have a conversation.

Ask questions about leadership, compensation, technology, training, marketing, support and the company's expectations of its agents.

Most importantly, talk about your own business.

Where are you today? What is working? What would you like to improve? What are you trying to build over the next several years?

A brokerage should be able to explain how its resources and leadership fit into those goals.

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Is It Time to Explore a Different Brokerage?

There isn't one brokerage that's right for every real estate professional.

But if you've reached a point where you want stronger leadership, additional resources, better technology, more support or a different environment for growing your business, it may be worth exploring your options.

Weichert, Realtors® – Saxon Clark works with real estate professionals throughout Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia and welcomes the opportunity to talk with experienced agents who are considering their next step.

You don't need to make a commitment to have a conversation.

If you're currently licensed and would like to learn more about Weichert, Realtors® – Saxon Clark, explore our opportunities for experienced agents or schedule a confidential conversation with our leadership team.

Weichert, Realtors® – Saxon Clark
423-436-8846
www.wrsaxonclark.com

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