At some point in almost every REALTOR®'s career, the thought crosses their mind:
"Would I be better off at a different brokerage?"
Whether you've been licensed for six months or sixteen years, switching brokerages is one of the biggest business decisions you'll make. The right brokerage can help you grow your business, improve your work-life balance, and provide the tools you need to better serve your clients.
But here's the thing—the best brokerage isn't necessarily the biggest, the cheapest, or the one offering the highest commission split. It's the one that aligns with your goals.
If you're considering making a move, here are the biggest things to think about before signing on the dotted line.
1. Why Are You Thinking About Leaving?
Before looking elsewhere, ask yourself one simple question:
What's missing from your current brokerage?
Maybe you're looking for:
Better support
More mentorship
Stronger leadership
Better technology
More collaboration
Lower fees
A better culture
More freedom to grow
Knowing why you want to leave makes it much easier to find the right fit.
2. Don't Chase Commission Splits Alone
One of the biggest mistakes agents make is comparing brokerages based solely on commission.
A brokerage offering a 100% split sounds great—but what are you getting in return?
Ask yourself:
Will they help me grow my business?
Is there admin support?
Is there marketing assistance?
Will I actually save time?
Will I close more deals?
Sometimes a brokerage with a slightly lower split can actually help you earn significantly more because of the support and systems they provide.
Think about net income, not just commission percentage.
3. Leadership Matters More Than You Think
One of the most underrated parts of a brokerage is its leadership.
Ask yourself:
Can you easily reach the Broker of Record?
Do they genuinely care about agents?
Are they invested in your success?
Do they answer difficult questions quickly?
Strong leadership creates confident agents.
Weak leadership often creates frustration.
4. Training Shouldn't End After You Get Licensed
Real estate changes constantly.
Contracts evolve.
Marketing changes.
Technology improves.
Interest rates shift.
The best brokerages invest in continuous education—not just onboarding.
Look for:
Weekly training
Contract workshops
Negotiation coaching
Marketing classes
AI and technology training
Business planning sessions
Even experienced agents should never stop learning.
5. Is the Culture Collaborative or Competitive?
Every brokerage has a different personality.
Some feel like a team.
Others feel like everyone is working in their own lane.
Neither is wrong—but it's important to find the environment where you'll thrive.
Ask yourself:
Do agents share ideas?
Are experienced agents approachable?
Do people celebrate each other's success?
Would I actually enjoy coming into the office?
Culture is difficult to measure—but you'll notice it almost immediately when you visit.
6. What Technology Is Included?
Today's top agents run highly efficient businesses.
Technology should make your life easier—not harder.
Ask what's included:
CRM
Digital transaction management
E-signatures
Marketing software
Website options
Social media resources
AI tools
The less time you spend on paperwork, the more time you can spend with clients.
7. Marketing Support Can Be a Game-Changer
Not every agent enjoys creating social media posts, listing brochures, or marketing campaigns.
Some brokerages provide:
Professional graphic design
Listing templates
Video support
Social media coaching
Photography partnerships
Branding assistance
These resources can help you look more professional while saving hours each week.
8. Ask About Administrative Support
One overlooked question:
Who helps you behind the scenes?
Strong admin support means:
Faster paperwork
Fewer compliance issues
Better transaction management
More time to prospect
Less stress
The more efficient your brokerage is, the more efficient your business becomes.
9. Think Long-Term
Don't just ask:
"Will this brokerage help me next month?"
Ask:
Can I build a team here?
Will I still be happy five years from now?
Can I grow my brand?
Are there leadership opportunities?
Can I scale my business?
Your brokerage should grow with you.
10. Talk to the Agents
Before making a decision, speak with the people who know the brokerage best—the agents already working there.
Ask questions like:
Why did you join?
What's the biggest benefit?
What's surprised you?
How responsive is management?
Would you make the same decision again?
You'll often learn more in one honest conversation than you will during a formal interview.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Not every brokerage is the right fit.
Be cautious if you notice:
No ongoing training
Poor communication
High monthly fees with little value
High agent turnover
Unrealistic promises
Lack of leadership accessibility
If something doesn't feel right during the interview process, trust your instincts.
Remember: You're Interviewing Them Too
Many agents feel nervous walking into a brokerage interview.
But remember...
You're not just interviewing for a job.
You're choosing a business partner.
Ask tough questions.
Take your time.
Compare options.
A brokerage should earn your business just as much as you earn theirs.
What Makes a Great Brokerage?
While every agent has different priorities, great brokerages usually have a few things in common:
✅ Supportive leadership
✅ A positive, collaborative culture
✅ Ongoing education
✅ Modern technology
✅ Strong administrative support
✅ Transparent fees
✅ A willingness to invest in their agents
The brokerage should make your business easier—not more complicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do REALTORS® switch brokerages?
There's no set timeline. Some agents stay with one brokerage for their entire career, while others switch as their business evolves and their needs change.
Will switching brokerages affect my clients?
With proper planning, the transition can be smooth. Your brokerage can guide you through the process while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
Should commission splits be my top priority?
Not necessarily. Consider the overall value, including training, leadership, technology, marketing support, and administrative services.
Is it worth changing brokerages if I'm already successful?
Many top-producing agents switch brokerages to access better support, improved technology, stronger culture, or more opportunities for growth.
How many brokerages should I interview?
Meeting with at least three different brokerages can help you compare offerings and determine which one aligns best with your business goals.
What's the most important factor when choosing a brokerage?
There isn't one universal answer. The best brokerage is the one that supports your goals, fits your working style, and provides the tools you need to grow your business.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a brokerage is about much more than a commission split—it's about finding the right environment to build your business.
The best brokerages don't just process transactions. They invest in their agents through leadership, education, collaboration, and support. They create an environment where agents can focus on what matters most: serving clients and growing a successful, sustainable business.
If you're thinking about making a change, take the time to ask questions, meet the leadership team, and talk to the agents. The right brokerage should feel like a long-term partnership, not just a place to hang your licence.
A brokerage switch can be one of the best career decisions you make—but only if it's made for the right reasons.
