The vast majority (88%) of real estate agents have received recruitment pitches from brokerages over the past 12 months, according to a survey conducted by BAM and 1000watt.
With so many offers flooding your inbox, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or even make an impulsive decision. But here’s the truth: not all brokerages are created equal, and choosing the right one is a crucial step in your career.
As the founder of Revel Real Estate, I’ve honed my own recruitment strategies. These have grown my team, set a benchmark in the industry, and taught me a lot about what separates great pitches from mediocre ones.
Here, I’m sharing what you should look for—whether you are being recruited or are actively looking for a new brokerage—to ensure you’re making the smartest choice for your future.
Leverage the Brokerage’s Market Share
As a new agent, building your business from the ground up can be daunting. That’s why it’s crucial to align yourself with a brokerage that has strong market share in the area you wish to operate.
When you’re part of a well-known agency, you can leverage their listings to build your own credibility. This association not only helps you with circle prospecting around existing listings but also establishes you as a trusted name in the market.
Choose a Brokerage with a Strong Brand Identity
Beyond market share, a brokerage’s brand identity plays a significant role in your success. Look for the agency’s unique culture, values, and mission to help you find what resonates with you and aligns with your professional goals.
In addition, research testimonials from their current clients that demonstrate the support and opportunities you’re looking for. When you choose a brokerage that reflects the image and values you want to project in your career, you are more likely to align with that company.
Prioritze Training, Development & Mentorship
Continuous learning is non-negotiable in real estate—especially now, as we navigate changes being implemented from NAR’s settlement agreement. Look for structured onboarding programs that include training on systems, market insights and ongoing mentorship.
For my agency, Revel Real Estate, I offer my ongoing mentorship to my recruits. It’s important for me to show new agents they feel welcomed and supported from day one. Depending on an agent’s goals and style of work, we are able to pair new agents with veteran agents for guidance and support through their first few transactions.
In addition, I encourage and facilitate ongoing learning for my agents. It’s important to always be on the lookout for industry workshops, webinars, and courses that can help you stay ahead of trends and continuously improve your skills.
Seek Out a Collaborative Environment
No one thrives in isolation. Creating an environment where collaboration is encouraged and celebrated is a top priority for my agency and it should be for any team or brokarage you’re looking into. Look for an environment that encourages things like the exchange of off-market opportunities and collaborative prospective, which can be vital for business growth as a new agent.
When evaluating a brokerage, make sure they promote a culture where teamwork is celebrated, and where you can trust your colleagues to support you in your endeavors.
Utilize Technology and Innovation
Having access to the latest real estate technology is a must. From CRM systems to AI-powered analytics tools, the right tech can significantly enhance your productivity and client management.
For example, we’ve integrated Happy Grasshopper—a premier automated database marketing solution that helps us stay connected with leads and re-engage past clients. I typically test different technologies and strategies, and once they prove successful, I will share them with the team for their success.
The technologies a brokerage adopts can give you an edge, so be sure to explore what they offer.
Assess Social Media and Online Presence
A strong online presence speaks volumes about a brokerage’s commitment to staying relevant. Check their activity on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to gauge their engagement with the real estate community. Start interacting with these platforms to get a feel for the agency’s culture and to get on their radar.
Moreover, ensure that your own online profiles are professional and up-to-date. Your online presence should reflect your achievements and align with your audience.
Conduct Effective Interviews
When interviewing with a prospective brokerage, it’s essential to get a clear picture of what it’s like to work there. Ask about their market focus, average transaction values, and what type of training they provide agents.
In addition, understanding what your personal real estate production goals are important to assure that your brokerage can support you in the ways you need. Being educated on what types of properties a company sells, their average price points, who the top producers are at a brokerage will help you answer questions on how you can contribute to the company’s goals.
This will help you understand how you can contribute to their goals and whether their support aligns with your personal real estate objectives.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right brokerage is a critical step in your real estate journey. By focusing on these key factors—brand leverage, identity, training, collaboration, technology, and online presence—you can find a brokerage that not only supports your current goals but also helps you grow into the agent you aspire to be.
