Location, location, location are the most important words in real estate for setting the value of property… opportunity, however is the most important word when you choose a real estate office and Broker. Acquiring your real estate license allows you to legally act as an agent. Unfortunately it does not prepare you to earn a living. And since most of us have no idea of how to set up and build a real estate business from scratch, as a beginner you are going to need all the help you can get …So picking the right office is extremely important.


This section is about choosing an office and a Broker, that will give you the best chance, and opportunities to get started, survive, and prosper as a newly licensed real estate agent. First of all, you’re not looking for a job. There is no salary involved. You are looking for a place where you can create your own job… your own business… Brokers are always looking for agents who are willing to work hard and split their commissions. So, to paraphrase the late Presodent Kennedy…Ask not what you can do for your broker… ask what your broker can do for you.

What your broker should do for you is provide opportunities… opportunities to learn… and opportunities to earn… how do you find such a broker…? You interview them… You call and make an appointment by saying that you are a new licensee and you are looking for an office to work out of. You can get a list of brokers from the yellow pages and by contacting your local real estate board, which you should do as soon as possible anyway.

When you have an appointment with a Broker, don’t be afraid to ask the important questions:

Is the broker a member of the local real estate board, plus the State and the National Association?

Does the office have an up to date computer system that is connected to the MLS system? Is the system available to you?

What kind of phone system do they have…? Does it include voice mail…? What is your monthly charge for using the system…?

Does the office have a training program…Or perhaps a mentor program to help new agents…?

What kind of support staff are available such as a receptionist? Is there an office manager or Broker available who can answer the countless questions that all agents have…

Does the office have the state approved forms and documents such as: purchase contracts, listing agreements, disclosure forms, etc. Is there a charge for the forms? Is there someone available to explain how to use the forms?

What is the commission split? They differ from area to area… Does your percentage increase with your production?

Do they offer Errors and Omissions Insurance, which every agent should have. What is the cost to you?

What is the Brokers advertising policy? Does he pay for advertising the company listings or is that an added expense to you?

How many listings does the office have and are they available for sitting open house?

How often does the phone ring with prospective buyers and sellers due to company signs or advertising… and what opportunities will you have to take those calls?

Does the office have a crisscross phone directory for cold calling?

All of these questions cover areas that are important for giving you the opportunities and the tools necessary to be successful. Use them to find the right office for you.