Once you have become qualified, it is best to start your search for a new brokerage straight away - you get 12 months from your completion date to find one. When you are looking for a brokerage to join, it can feel somewhat daunting with the amount of choices to make – the location, branding, and reviews can all impact your decision. Here are some tips to help you narrow down your search for the perfect brokerage:
Brokerage preferences – does the brokerage cater to a certain type of agent? What percentage of their agents have been in practice less than 3 years, or more than 5 years? Is the brokerage part of a franchise? Whether the brokerage is home to many seasoned agents or is filled with fresh new faces to the industry, this will help you determine your preferred atmosphere.
Training and support – does the brokerage have systems to support its new agents? Will you need to pay towards further training or support, or will be covered? Will there be someone to help you write, or check over your important documents as you start your journey? Is there a mentorship program? It is best to determine this before accepting an offer to join, just in case you need to make further financial arrangements for your continued learning.
Compensation packages – will you enter into employment or an independent contractor agreement? What services are included in the brokerage fees or commission splits? Are you restricted regarding employment outside of the brokerage? Assessing your income needs before you accept an offer to join will help you make the right decision for you.
Brokerage services to its agents – which technologies will the brokerage offer you as an agent? Will you be paid commissions earned via cheque or direct deposit? Will you receive signage or listing materials to help you in your work? Are there rooms available at the brokerage (or in easy reach) for you set up meetings with your clients? Depending on your own personal brokering style, you may want to consider and check all the services afforded to you, to aid you on your road to success.
Culture and health of the brokerage – does the brokerage hold internal meetings with all its staff, and are they mandatory? What are their social media policies – is there guidance for posting online? Are there policies regarding managing conflict between agents, or between agents and clients? Are they a communal and outgoing bunch or are they more inclined to work solo, away from the office? Will you see your colleagues on a frequent basis? The culture of the brokerage can have a high impact on how you work – you might try to avoid quieter brokerages if you are more of a sociable person.
There really is a lot to consider when you are choosing your first brokerage; using the questions above as a guide can help you make an informed decision that is right for you. The best first step is to reach out – use our Find a Broker tool, where you can sort via location, individual and brokerage name. Utilizing search engines, speaking to brokers you may already know and picking up the phone for a friendly introductory chat can all go a long way.
Brokerage preferences – does the brokerage cater to a certain type of agent? What percentage of their agents have been in practice less than 3 years, or more than 5 years? Is the brokerage part of a franchise? Whether the brokerage is home to many seasoned agents or is filled with fresh new faces to the industry, this will help you determine your preferred atmosphere.
Training and support – does the brokerage have systems to support its new agents? Will you need to pay towards further training or support, or will be covered? Will there be someone to help you write, or check over your important documents as you start your journey? Is there a mentorship program? It is best to determine this before accepting an offer to join, just in case you need to make further financial arrangements for your continued learning.
Compensation packages – will you enter into employment or an independent contractor agreement? What services are included in the brokerage fees or commission splits? Are you restricted regarding employment outside of the brokerage? Assessing your income needs before you accept an offer to join will help you make the right decision for you.
Brokerage services to its agents – which technologies will the brokerage offer you as an agent? Will you be paid commissions earned via cheque or direct deposit? Will you receive signage or listing materials to help you in your work? Are there rooms available at the brokerage (or in easy reach) for you set up meetings with your clients? Depending on your own personal brokering style, you may want to consider and check all the services afforded to you, to aid you on your road to success.
Culture and health of the brokerage – does the brokerage hold internal meetings with all its staff, and are they mandatory? What are their social media policies – is there guidance for posting online? Are there policies regarding managing conflict between agents, or between agents and clients? Are they a communal and outgoing bunch or are they more inclined to work solo, away from the office? Will you see your colleagues on a frequent basis? The culture of the brokerage can have a high impact on how you work – you might try to avoid quieter brokerages if you are more of a sociable person.
There really is a lot to consider when you are choosing your first brokerage; using the questions above as a guide can help you make an informed decision that is right for you. The best first step is to reach out – use our Find a Broker tool, where you can sort via location, individual and brokerage name. Utilizing search engines, speaking to brokers you may already know and picking up the phone for a friendly introductory chat can all go a long way.
