Trying to figure it out...When did you decide to switch companies? Seems like times are a changin...should I just get my broker's license and work for myself? What's the real risk/liability vs cost of being a realtor and giving a large portion of my income to my broker? Advice appreciated!

I've been licensed over 12 years but decided to go on my own about 2 years ago. I don't expect to ever go back to another sponsoring broker.

Your own knowledge, competence and integrity will determine your risk. As for your cost remember that whatever the sponsoring broker provides you he/she paid for with your earnings. He/she also paid at least some of their own income from your earnings.

As a part of my own risk reduction I do not sponsor other agents. The income, not having to be split with a sponsoring broker, is more than adequate to cover the additional expense.

few a few hundred bucks a month you can go to a 100% company. let them assume the liability. as long as they let you run your business in a lawfull manner there are plenty of brokers who will let you do whatever you want.

I decided to go on my own a few years ago. I take extra real estate classes every year and read a lot to stay abreast. I also talk to other agents. As an agent I was still at a risk for lawsuits. I feel the benefits are definitely worth the change.

by that i mean, having a shop and the overhead associated with owning a store front.

for my monthly fee if the place were to go down, i could be in another shop the next day.

It all depends on the type of business your in.For me in commercial I don't have any other agents.I meet with developers and work on projects and we meet up at restaurants,offices,etc. to discuss what stage the project is in and how we ar eplannign to move forward to the next step.

In my scenario controlling my company 100 percent by getting my brokers liscense and doing my own company was the next logical step.

its completely up to you and what you future business plan and goals are.

I thought at one time I wanted to go off on my own. But I often need the help of other agents and people. If I need to get another agent to help me with showings or whatever its fairly easy when you are part of an office of over 200. I like not having to worry about paying the office overhead etc also. if I were on my own I would have to recruit help and be responsible for everything.

It would be difficult for me to do a one man show like Super realtor.

I'm not a good teacher and it would be difficult for me to run my own business and offer constant attention to other agents.

So personally it is in my best interest to stay at a large nationally branded office that offers a good split, the opportunity to make 100%, low monthly fee and the ability for me to run my business the way I want to.

I would carefully weight my goals before going off on my own, just the MLS Office joining fees and E&O can be huge expenses in some places. Then without staff support just hiring a dozen agents can be tough to handle along with your own business.


I would advise you to look at your future goals and decide how or if your current office fits into them.

if you need help send me a PM