One of the biggest decisions you'll make as a REALTOR®—especially early in your career—is whether to join a real estate team or build your business as a solo agent.

There's no one-size-fits-all answer.

Some of Ottawa's top-producing REALTORS® thrive on high-performing teams, while others have built incredibly successful independent businesses. The key is understanding your personality, goals, and the type of support you need.

Before making your decision, here's what you should consider.

What Does a Real Estate Team Actually Do?

A real estate team typically consists of multiple REALTORS® working together under one brand or team leader.

Depending on the team, there may also be:

• Administrative staff

• Transaction coordinators

• Marketing specialists

• Showing assistants

• Buyer agents

• Listing specialists

Instead of running every part of the business yourself, responsibilities are often shared.

The Benefits of Joining a Team

1. Mentorship From Day One

For newer agents, this is often the biggest advantage.

Instead of figuring everything out on your own, you'll likely have experienced agents to help with:

• Contracts

• Negotiations

• Listing appointments

• Buyer consultations

• Difficult situations

• Pricing strategies

Learning alongside experienced REALTORS® can dramatically shorten your learning curve.

2. More Leads

Many successful teams invest heavily in marketing.

That often means:

• Online leads

• Sign calls

• Website inquiries

• Open house opportunities

• Referral business

Instead of wondering where your next client will come from, you'll often have more opportunities to work with active buyers and sellers.

3. Less Administrative Work

Many teams have dedicated staff handling paperwork and transaction coordination.

That allows agents to spend more time doing what actually generates income:

• Meeting clients

• Showing homes

• Prospecting

• Negotiating deals

4. Accountability

Working independently requires a lot of discipline.

On a team, you'll often benefit from:

• Weekly meetings

• Sales coaching

• Goal setting

• Accountability partners

For some personalities, this structure is incredibly valuable.

The Downsides of Joining a Team

Of course, there are trade-offs.

Commission Splits

Since the team often provides leads, support, and marketing, you'll usually share part of your commission.

Less Freedom

Some teams have expectations around:

• Office hours

• Lead response times

• Marketing

• Branding

• Vacation schedules

If you enjoy complete independence, this can feel restrictive.

Building Someone Else's Brand

While you'll certainly grow your own experience, much of the public recognition may go to the team rather than your individual brand.

The Benefits of Working Solo

1. You're the Boss

Every decision is yours.

You decide:

• Your schedule

• Your branding

• Your marketing

• Your niche

• Your business plan

Many experienced REALTORS® love the freedom that comes with independence.

2. Keep More of Your Commission

Without a team split, you'll generally retain a larger portion of each transaction (subject to your brokerage's commission structure).

For established agents with strong referral networks, this can make a significant difference over time.

3. Build Your Own Brand

Every listing, every review, every social media post helps build your reputation—not someone else's.

Over time, this can become one of your greatest business assets.

4. Complete Flexibility

Want to specialize in:

• Luxury homes?

• Condominiums?

• First-time buyers?

• Investment properties?

• Rural properties?

Working independently gives you complete control over your business direction.

The Challenges of Going Solo

While independence has its advantages, it also comes with more responsibility.

You'll need to manage:

• Marketing

• Lead generation

• Administration

• Contracts

• Client communication

• Business planning

Without strong systems, it can quickly become overwhelming.

The Brokerage You Choose Still Matters

Whether you're joining a team or working independently, your brokerage plays a huge role in your success.

A supportive brokerage can provide:

• Training

• Leadership

• Compliance support

• Marketing resources

• Technology

• Collaboration opportunities

In fact, many independent agents succeed because they have a brokerage that offers the support of a team—without requiring them to join one.

That's why it's important to evaluate both the team and the brokerage before making a decision.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Before deciding, consider these questions:

Are you comfortable finding your own clients?

If not, a team may provide a smoother start.

Do you enjoy working collaboratively?

If you thrive in group environments, you'll likely appreciate team culture.

How important is flexibility?

If complete independence matters to you, working solo may be the better fit.

Are you looking for mentorship?

New agents often benefit tremendously from experienced guidance.

What's your long-term goal?

Do you eventually want to:

• Build your own brand?

• Start your own team?

• Become a top-producing independent agent?

Your answer today doesn't have to be your answer forever.

Can You Switch Later?

Absolutely.

Many REALTORS® begin their careers on a team, gain valuable experience, and later transition to running their own independent business.

Others spend years working solo before joining a team to improve work-life balance or increase production.

Your career isn't locked into one path.

Team vs. Solo: A Quick Comparison

Neither option is universally better.

The right choice depends on your goals and personality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is joining a real estate team better for new agents?

For many new REALTORS®, yes. A good team can provide mentorship, systems, lead opportunities, and confidence while learning the business.

Can solo agents still be successful?

Absolutely. Many of Ottawa's top-producing REALTORS® operate independently and have built strong referral-based businesses over many years.

Do teams provide leads?

Many do, but every team is different. Be sure to ask how leads are distributed and what expectations come with them.

Will I earn less on a team?

You may share part of your commission, but access to more leads, mentorship, and support can often offset that difference—especially early in your career.

Can I leave a team later?

Yes. Many REALTORS® eventually transition from team environments to independent businesses as their confidence and client base grow.

Should I choose a team or the right brokerage first?

Ideally, evaluate both. A great team within a supportive brokerage can be an excellent combination, while a strong brokerage may provide enough training and resources that you don't feel the need to join a team at all.

Final Thoughts

The decision to join a real estate team or work independently isn't about choosing the "better" option—it's about choosing the right option for where you are in your career.

If you're brand new, a team can provide valuable guidance, accountability, and experience. If you've already built a solid client base and enjoy running your own business, working independently may give you the flexibility and control you're looking for.

Regardless of which path you choose, one factor remains constant: the brokerage behind you matters. The right brokerage should provide leadership, education, technology, and a collaborative environment that helps you succeed—whether you're part of a team or building your own brand.

Take your time, ask plenty of questions, and remember that your career can evolve. Many successful REALTORS® have experienced both paths before finding the one that fit them best.