Hi guys, I will be getting my license in just over a month, and have been interviewing several brokerages. I am leaning towards starting out with an independent because I could not see the value of a franchise.

What is your thoughts.

Does this independant company have pretty good market share? In my market the number one company is a independant company. But the $20k a year they charge brokers keeps away many newly licensed people.

No, the company opened 16 months ago. The broker of record ran a Sutton group for 9 years.

What i liked about her was that she said that she interviews the agents, not that i interview her which was a refreshing change. It was nice that it didn't feel like a seagull attacking me like at the other brokerages.

I like the idea of helping a company grow. I don't like restrictions and additional fees that come with franchises.

I feel like she would be a good mentor for my personality. I am direct and to the point, and want to learn the resources that are available to me.

I have gone to many brokerages where it feels very cult like. I don;t want to learn about my personality type, I don't need positive reaffirmation (the secret). That is not my style.

I see why some people need that, but it is not my style. I want to be around someone who wants to see me succeed and not look at me as a dollar signs. That is why I really enjoy this place. My only concern is can I be competitive with the independent that gives me the freedom to do what i please or will a franchise work better.

I started with a franchise and quickly left for an independent. Here's why...Soon after starting my career with the big franchise I found that I was competing with myself! For example, I would call a seller for a listing appointment and the seller would say, Oh I already have someone from Coldwell Banker on the way over! Now the seller thinks everyone from Coldwell is the same. Even another Coldwell office... Since I moved to the smaller Independent office (11 years now) I have never competed with a fellow agent and find it much easier to get the appointment. I also find it easier to get the listing because the seller feels a more personal connection to our smaller, family run office.

I realize this is not for everyone but it has worked for me. Good luck to you!

I would suggest finding a company that will help you with training or mentoring you need as a new agent.

thanks for the replies.

It seems this specific independent is keen on mentoring and training her agents. I like what she has to offer at a fraction of the price of what the francises offer.

Independent vs. Franchise.....pros and cons to both

"Why use a big word when a diminutive one will do?" - Anonymous

Big words or small, I still have no idea what that last post said. Thank you, Vermont. I was beginning to think I was the only one who thought that post was gobbledygook.

You are never alone. Not even in Solitary Confinement.

Some people feel secure in knowing this . . . . others feel violated.

The use of gobbledygook (correctly spelled by the way!), is a well known technique in learning "How to Irritate People" for those who are wanting to perfect this ability.

I think English isn't the first language of 'meal'...and he/she might even be using an internet translator.

Very entertaining to read. No offense, of course :)

Translator? Not so sure. It does seem like he's making his way through his thesaurus alphabetically.

ummmmm........can we continue the conversation in english please. I have decided to lean to an independent with a strong presecense in the community.

They are paying me to do admin work a few hours a weak for $15 dollars an hour. The broker of record will co-list a house that he gets and I will get 50% of the commission.

And I will get open houses and be paid $15 an hour, plus he will promote it for me.

All this for 100% commission and 100 dollars a month/300 per transaction.

Sounds pretty good. What do you experts think?

It sounds way too good. What's the catch?

LOL.....I know sounds too good, but i haven't found a catch.

Maybe there training might not be as extensive as others, but sitting in training watching videos doesn;t appeal to me like the big franchises.

They are not even forcing me to sign a contract until I feel ready.

I think that they want to swallow the big franchises.

My only fear is that there business model will fail. I know they have 110 agents right now and have strong market share along with remax in the neighbourhood.

So I am assuming that volume of agents is the most important.