Its very nice to hear that you have interviewed with several Brokers. There are two main factors that I feel are very important especially to new agents. The first is training & the second is opprtunities for success. look toward a company that can deliver that. You can see a company by the agents that it contains. What percentage of the agents are "Top Producers", Moderate Producers & lower producers. If the majority of the agents are Moderate, it bodes well for new agents. Just by the odds, you as a new agent will gravitate toward the majority. Having many moderate to high production agents either means that everyone is highly skilled therefore well trained or that there are many opportunities for success. In either case a new agent has a good chance at success.

It's all about the training. You can always change companies... Usually the larger companies have better training programs...some of the smaller companies leave you totally on your own. Learn the most you can and when you develop (if) a niche marketing, that will guide you where you should be.

Jillian - I would love to help. You really want an agent-centric company to help you get started. Unfortunately, the industry is generally set up to be highly competitive, so finding the right fit can be a challenge. I've been very happy with the fastest growing company in the US - Keller Williams. They are all about making agents successful, and have a tremendous support system. If you want more info, please email me at su@suwesely.com and I will be happy to expand upon the benefits I've seen. best of luck in your new career!

Hi Jillian-

Just speaking from my personal experience and what worked for me:

I started in 2001 at a small company, and then 9 months later moved to a large company when I realized the smaller company was not working for me. I found the smaller company did indeed offer personal attention. However, a good managing principal broker in an office of a larger company can also offer good service to their brokers.

I came into the business without a large sphere of influence and found that a larger office, with more listings in the area I wanted to work, offered more and better open house opportunities. I met my first buyers and sellers that way and it started building a referral base for me.

The larger company also offered a great training program for new agents.

Another feature of the larger company I liked was the chance to network with some very successful agents who worked in the same office. Their willingness and generosity in offering advice and support was invaluable.

I also enjoyed the advantage of affiliating with an established brand name with good public recognition and a reputation for integrity and good client service. When meeting potential clients, I could concentrate on selling myself, rather than my company.

I’ve been with Windermere/CCRGI for six years now and am quite happy here. Your actual results may vary, of course, based on your own style and needs!

Best wishes for a happy and successful carreer!

ED

I recently went through the same thing a year ago as a new agent to the business.

As an agent, you should be looking for what type of exposure the Brokerage has in the area where YOU will be working. If you are a new agent to the industry, you will probably want to see what type of training programs they have in place for new agents and what they may cost if anything. I know in New Jersey, some "big companies" or franchised companies each have there way of doing business as well because many are independently owned and operated so each broker agency location can have there own rules and business practices. Of course, use your instincts too! You should get a welcoming vibe in the office when you go to interview with brokers. If there is too much tention, chances are the agents in the office are extremely competitive and will not be helpful during your transition into the office and it's probably not your best interest to get started there. They should, like I said, have training programs (setup teams, one-on-one, online, etc) that are accessible to you to help you market yourself and assist in getting new leads. Feel free to contact me - hope this will help!

Christine Markow
ERA Statewide Realty
Hillsborough, NJ
Office: (908) 874-7797, ext 519
Cell: (908) 444-3106
christine.markow@era.com