Hello - I know that is broad question but many of you seem to be experienced RE's that know the biz and have some ideas which ones might be goodones when you are a newbie. I think I would like to work with a large company as their name is recognized but how do I find out if the firm is actually selling well (brand recognition) or not. We have Keller Williams, Remax, Coldwell Banker, and Century 21. Of course there are smaller ones but these are the big ones. I am interviewing Coldwell next.

Thanks.

Really it is not so much the firm but the individual agents that are making the sales, so it doesn't really matter that much.

In choosing a firm look for what they are doing for you in regards to training and lead generation.

But for the most part you'll have to find your own leads, so how you are going to market yourself is the biggest issue.

Chris

Check the Business Journal statistics in your area - i.e. Austin Business Journal, Houston Business Journal - if you are in a metro area.

When I moved to Austin, this is the list I used and set up appts with as many as the Top 25 as I could - large national brand or not.

I didn't bother with anyone not in the Top 25. I ended up with number 8 for the particular year I used. Smallest office, most sales per agent.

Thank you I appreciate the feedback. Will get those journals tomorrow!

Don't worry about the split right now. Go with the company that has the best training and find someone to mentor you. Ask everyone if you can hold open houses every Sunday. Usually, (not always), newbies should start at the biggest and the one that everyone knows about. This way you don't have to sell you too much and can sell the company.

Z

You may be able to search online. That's where I got my list.

Finding a smaller brokerage that provides one on one training and leads may be a better option, esp. in this market. There are many agents from larger traditional brokerages that are having to go inactive bec. they are unable to produce leads. A large majority of larger brokerages do not provide buyer, seller, renter leads unless you do phone time. I would explore all your options, but don't write off smaller brokerages that focus on a specific niche just bec. they are not an Ebby, Remax etc. You might get better training and make more money by going with Little Joe Realty...

Some great information in here. Thanks

I picked REMAX because it is a very entrepreneurial environment. No floor duty or other office politics to deal with. I'd recommend REMAX to anyone who is a self-starter.

I'm going with Royal Lepage for the same reasons as La Jolla

aren't all agents independent contractors?

what is it that would attract a self-starter to remax over another brokerage with a similar setup (ie..100%)?

learning how to bring in business is going to be what seperates the real estate rockstar from the average agent. you can do that at any brokerage you go to!