This may be a stupid question, so keep in mind I am studying for my RE license and am not yet a RE agent.

If someone works for a franchised office, let's say Century 21, would the individual agent still come up with his own company name (probably something like "Last Name" Properties) and use that on his website and business cards?

As I am a new agent myself I am far from an expert but as I understand it the answer would be no. While you are not an "employee" of your broker you are their "agent" and represent not only the intrests of the broker but whatever company that broker is affiliated with as well.

Steve is right.

You work for a broker as a contractor. You do not create your own company name. You work for his or her brokerage and work under their company name.

R

I'm not sure about California... however in Florida there are several agents working under team monikers.

You would still have to comply with all c21 and state regulations with your advertising but you could brand yourself x-name properties if you wished.

I dont think I fully explained everything in my question. Just because I have seen many local RE websites where they have their "company name" at the top, and then they will also have their Broker's LOGO and link on the page.

Here's an example:
http://www.patrickjhenry.com/

His website is his name, his "Patrick J Henry Homes" logo is at the top, but then he has the Coldwell Banker logo at the bottom of his page.

You want to brand your name or logo. Look at my website. I work with my wife and our brand is "Stacey and Bob". Its plastered on all of our advertising, cards, website, cars etc. That is so people will think of you when they see or think of realtors.