7 Questions to Ask Before Switching Real Estate Brokerages

Switching brokerages is a big call. The split on the flyer is only part of the picture. Before you move, get clear answers to these seven questions.

1. What do I actually keep?

Ask for the full math, not just the headline split. Add up the split, monthly fees, transaction fees, desk fees, technology fees and any annual caps. A low split with no fees can beat a high split with a pile of add-ons, and the reverse is also true. At iad, for example, it is an 80/20 split and a flat $99 per month.

2. What is included in that price?

List what you would otherwise pay for yourself: CRM, transaction management, E&O insurance, marketing tools and training. If you have to buy those separately, your real cost is higher than it looks.

3. Who will help me when I get stuck?

Support is only useful if a real person answers. Ask who handles contract questions, how fast replies come and whether mentorship is built in or sold as an extra.

4. Can I keep my own brand?

Many agents have spent years building a name. Make sure joining a brokerage does not mean starting over. You should be able to grow your own brand or team while using the brokerage for compliance and systems.

5. Is there a path to income beyond my own deals?

Your production is capped by your hours. Ask whether the brokerage offers a way to earn from growth, like a revenue share model, and read exactly how it pays. Look for clear tiers, clear percentages and no hidden qualification hoops.

6. Do I have to build a team?

Some models quietly push you toward recruiting. Others let you stay solo. Know which one you are signing up for, so you are not surprised six months in.

7. What happens when I want to exit?

Think about the long game. Can the business you build be passed on or sold? Does the model reward you for building something that outlasts your own production?

How to use this list

Write the questions down and ask every brokerage you are considering the same ones. Compare the answers side by side. The right fit usually becomes obvious.

Curious how iad answers these? Read our FAQ, see the full breakdown or book a conversation.