I haven't made arrangements to attach to any any particular agency in Illinois yet. To be completely honest, I really do not know how to get information on whether, a) I would be an acceptable candidate and b) whether their office would meet my career goals.

I am returning to Northern Illinois in August. I have already completed my 120 hour real estate broker coursework. I have to just sit for the state exam as soon as I move back.

Thanks to this forum, I have been able to see what is essential for a good start. But I have to admit I am a real novice coming back to hometown when it comes to looking for an office to work out of. Its kind of embarrassing too, since I first became an agent in 1986, Finished my Maryland broker's course and was even a pre-licensure instructor in Maryland.

The last commission split I can recall was 50/50. There were no desk fees and it was pretty much standard whether a person worked for C-21, Long and Foster or Coldwell. Time have sure changed in 15 years. The reason for my naivity is I have been a university teacher for the past 15 years instead of staying with real estate. Also, in each case before I was lucky the broker found me. It won't happen that way this time. I'm still overseas.

I would like to send emails to a dozen or so brokerages, but I am not really sure how to appropriate approach the topic of compensation models and mandatory fees, so I can have a good idea which direction I am heading.

My relocation area is Rockford, Freeport and Belvidere Illinois. I was fortunate to speak with one agency owner I met on this forum already. So, I have at least one face to face meeting in my plans for August.

Any help and advice greatly appreciated.