I have been a Realtor now for 2 years this month. 2005 I was honored with Top Producer. I have been with the same amazing agency from the start. A total of 9 agents. I was given a strong starting foundation. Training, support, etc. We are truly a unique company, we are a team and like family. I ran with it and made myself what I am today. The start of this new year I have felt a desire for the next level. (whatever that may be)

I have been approached in the past couple months to join other teams. I happily declined due to what I have now. I was recently approached by a very reputable agent that just got her Brokers. She wants to start a team with me. We are exact opposites. She is cut and dry, I am warm and caring. Her strengths are my weaknesses and vise versa. We both have strongs ties in the same community and I have always watched what she has done. We both have loads of energy. She has a proven record and I think I would grow more with her than I could where I am now.

My ultimate goal was to achieve great success. It seems I am answering my own questions here but I feel my personality and loyalty is weighing in a ton. Perhaps I am afraid of the unknown. The emotions I am feeling are very strong, stomach upset, light headed. I still have time to weigh my options but it always come down to the relationship that I currently have to be the brick wall stopping me. I didn't expect this "next level" to come so soon. Yes, it's strange but it's also very confusing for me. Will I be happy with someone so different than me? Although I know we have what it takes for a successful team. Why does it seem so hard for me to risk current happiness for success? I can also easily adapt to anything so it may just be the fear of the unknown.

Does anyone have any words of wisdom? Thank you.

What exactly do you mean by "team" here? Are you on your own or working for an agent? Personally I prefer being on my own working for a big name brokerage where I get a generous split.

And I'm not sure joining with a brand new broker as their only associate is a gamble worth taking, unless there are mitigating factors like an amazing split plus strong support and maybe some leads.

I, too, won a prestigious award in my first year and I did it by myself. have you considered going with a brokerage that offers support and a strong split like Keller Williams, Realty Executives, or Re/Max?

If you can generate your own business (get clients) in sufficient volume, and if you don't need much if any hand-holding, then the split becomes the biggest factor in your success.

This new opportunity would be teaming up with an agent who is with Re/Max. She is is a strong listing agent and I am a strong buyer agent. She has almost 20 current listings and I would get those buyers in addition to what I bring in myself. I am still researching how I will benefit best as far as splits and so forth. This is a whole new ball field than what I am used to and I am still unclear on many details. I want to be educated for our next meeting and make sure I ask the right questions. My current situation is 50/50 but everything is paid for, and more, which is also a big factor. She does generate more than I do right now.

After you get the details, give your broker a chance. Let your broker know about the other opportunity, tell them how much you love and appriciate where you are at. If the company is really that great your broker might have some ideas that will boost your income where you are now. The 50/50 split is a lot to swallow...

I was a member of a team 50/50 with exact opposites. Like you, I was the warm and caring, my partner cut and dry. Strengths and weaknesses opposites as well.

It was AMAZING!! You have no idea how far you can go - just have to be willing to take the risk.

A successful agent will learn to delegate what they are not the best at, and this situation is perfect for that. I do recommend staying 50/50 and not keeping track of who brought what client/referral, etc. We had a marketing account we each contributed to equally, and the paid all marketing out of that. We were both blissfully happy with the arrangement.

We disbanded due to my going into more training, and I have now moved back to Arkansas. But we remain the best of friends and if I return to real estate, I will consider teaming again.

that split is pretty common for a team where you get fed the leads

Yes, I agree. 50/50 with EVERYTHING included + leads is great. That is where I am now. Keep in mind I haven't left that yet. However, my referral base is starting to come full circle. The people who I wanted to know me, now know me. But there is always more to get.

I pretty much have made up my mind. Now it's time to research the splits and contract details, which is all new to me. Any thoughts are welcome.