20 Smart Questions to Ask When Choosing a Real Estate Broker

By: Donna Gilmore – Realtor & Director of Operations for the #1eXpTeam in South Carolina

Expert Real Estate Mentor & Team Transition Specialist | AI Systems Strategist for Top-Producing Agents & Teams | Creator of the Systems-to-Scale AI Implementation Method™**

*Helping agents, teams, and leaders implement AI, automation, and high-performance systems to grow smarter, scale faster, and dominate their markets.*

A Fresh Start in Real Estate

Starting a career in real estate can completely change your life. It offers flexibility, limitless earning potential, and the chance to build something that’s entirely your own. But before your first sale, you need to make one of the most important choices of your career—selecting the right brokerage.

Your brokerage determines the quality of your training, the technology you’ll use, the support you receive, and the culture you’ll be surrounded by. For new agents, these factors matter far more than the commission split alone.

The goal is to find a brokerage that helps you learn quickly, grow confidently, and build long-term success. This guide will help you understand what to ask and what to look for—no real estate experience required.

Step 1: Understand How Brokerages Work

When you earn your real estate license, you can’t work independently right away. You must “hang your license” with a brokerage—this is the company legally responsible for overseeing your transactions and compliance.

Some brokerages operate with traditional office structures and in-person meetings, while others are modern, cloud-based models that use virtual systems for training and collaboration. Both can be successful, but they offer very different experiences.

The key is to identify what type of environment will help you thrive.

Step 2: Ask About the Financial Structure

1. What is the commission split?

This determines how much of each commission you keep. For example, on a 60/40 split, you retain 60% and the brokerage keeps 40%. A high split isn’t always better if it comes with little training or support.

2. Are there franchise fees?

Some national brands charge an additional 3–8% off the top of each transaction. That fee goes to the corporate brand, not your local office.

3. Is there a commission cap?

A cap limits the total amount you pay the brokerage in a year. Once you hit the cap, you earn 100% of your commissions for the remainder of that year.

4. Are there monthly or start-up fees?

Ask about recurring expenses such as technology fees, MLS access, Errors & Omissions insurance, or desk fees.

5. What other costs will I be responsible for?

Be clear about what you’ll pay for personally—signs, business cards, lockboxes, marketing, and REALTOR® dues are common expenses.

Donna’s Note: Always request a written breakdown of costs before you commit. Financial transparency is the first sign of a trustworthy brokerage.

Step 3: Learn What Support and Tools Are Provided

6. What resources are included for agents?

A strong brokerage equips you with more than a license. Ask if they provide:

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A personal website or CRM system

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Transaction management and e-signature tools

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Administrative or transaction coordination support

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Buyer and seller leads (and how they’re distributed)

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Paid-at-closing options

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Marketing templates, photography, or video support

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Continuing education or technology assistance

Brokerages that prioritize agent success invest heavily in systems that save you time and help you focus on clients.

Step 4: Evaluate Training and Mentorship

When you’re new, the learning curve is steep. A great brokerage understands that and surrounds you with the right guidance.

7. What training is offered—and how often?

Are classes live, virtual, or on-demand? Look for ongoing programs that teach contracts, negotiation, marketing, and client management.

8. Who can I call when I have a question?

Real estate doesn’t operate on a 9–5 schedule. You’ll need access to someone experienced when you’re writing offers late at night or handling a tough situation.

9. Is there a mentorship program?

Ask if you’ll be paired with an experienced agent for your first few transactions. Some programs include a small commission share, but the hands-on learning is invaluable.

Step 5: Consider the Culture and Expectations

10. How many agents are in the office or network?

This helps you understand the scale of support and whether the environment is collaborative or competitive.

11. What is the culture like?

Is the brokerage known for teamwork and sharing ideas, or does each agent operate independently? You’ll learn faster in a supportive culture.

12. How does the brokerage promote agents and listings?

Some offices provide marketing exposure, social media features, or advertising resources that can help you grow your business quickly.

13. What expectations are set for new agents?

Some brokerages require office meetings, desk duty, or minimum production goals. Others allow you to build your business at your own pace.

14. Can I attend a meeting or class before joining?

If possible, observe how the team interacts. You’ll sense immediately whether it’s the right fit.

Step 6: Research and Reputation

Before making your final decision, take time to research. Look for agent testimonials, online reviews, and retention rates.

Ask to speak privately with a few agents currently at the brokerage—listen for consistent themes about leadership, support, and opportunity.

You’re not just choosing a brand name; you’re choosing the people and systems that will shape your career.

Donna Gilmore’s Final Advice

Real estate rewards those who take ownership of their growth. The right brokerage gives you confidence through mentorship, freedom through fair compensation, and momentum through proven systems.

Many new agents focus on where they’ll earn the most money on paper—but long-term success comes from the environment that helps you learn faster, think bigger, and perform better.

“Don’t chase a split. Chase the support, systems, and culture that will make you unstoppable.”

— Donna Gilmore

If you’re ready to begin your career in a forward-thinking, collaborative brokerage built around innovation and agent success, explore what’s possible with eXp Realty and the COAST Group.

Your Next Steps

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Identify three brokerages you’d like to meet with

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Bring these twenty questions to each conversation

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Compare answers honestly and trust your instincts

Your real estate career starts the moment you make an informed decision about where to grow.

© 2025 Donna Gilmore. Information deemed reliable but subject to change. Some links may include affiliate partnerships at no additional cost to you.