Alabama Real Estate Education Blog

Go Button to a Real Estate Career

Where you place your real estate license is a critical decision. The company can become your most valuable asset or your career detriment. The choice is yours and it should not be taken lightly. The relationship is sort of like owning a business within a business. You are responsible for your business but the company provides an umbrella that either strengthens your opportunities and services or leaves your career path full of holes.

Let’s consider some of the most  important issues:

♦  Company Website

• Is it user friendly? Remember, your clients will be going there for information.
• Is it kept up to date? How often are listings updated? The same info pages….
• Are you provided personal web pages? Are they easy to update?
• What does all this cost you? Do you get value for what you spend?

♦  References:

• Do you know someone who is licensed there? Ask about their experience.
• Ask neighbors, friends about their experiences.

♦  Office First Impression:

• Is it warm and friendly?
• Do you get a positive feeling when you step in?

♦  Small, Medium or Large:

• Is Coaching/Mentoring provided and if so, at what cost to you.
• What support services are available; technology, marketing, relocation, staff etc. 
• Are systems in place for prospecting, listing, or contact management?

♦  Broker/Manager:

• Selling or managing broker: A selling broker could be your competition.
• What is the broker’s management style?
• How much management experience has the broker had?

♦  Location:

• Is it nearby your home making it easy to pick up and drop off  things?
• Can technology be utilized extensively making the office location not as important?

You should interview with 3 or more different brokers. Prepare and take a list of questions to each interview. Note down your impressions during or immediately after each interview. Then trust your feelings as you review the notes. Here are some suggested questions:

1. What do you consider to be the strengths and weaknesses of your company/office?
2. What do you do to assist an agent in getting started at your office?
3. What do you expect from a new agent?
4. What will it cost me to get started and what does the company pay for on my behalf?
5. What is the makeup of your office, i.e. # of agents, experienced versus new, diversity
6. How often will I have an opportunity to work floor time or open houses?
7. What will my commission split be and does it increase as my production increases?

You can develop other questions from the list of considerations shown above. The more you know, the better decision you can make. Real estate can be a very rewarding career but it can also be very challenging. Choosing the right company is one thing that can help you get your business moving.