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Should I Join a Real Estate Team or Work as an Individual Agent? The Benefits and Drawbacks Explained In the world of real estate, both joining a team and working independently come with unique advantages and potential drawbacks. As you decide on the path to take, understanding the nuances of each can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your goals, skills, and lifestyle. What Is a Real Estate Team? A real estate team is a group of agents and support staff working under one brand or broker, collaborating on sales, marketing, client relationships, and lead generation. Teams often include specialists in different aspects of the business, from buyer’s agents and listing agents to administrative and marketing roles. Working as an individual agent, on the other hand, means you’re your own boss. You manage every aspect of your business, from marketing and client service to administration and sales. This path gives you more control and autonomy, but it also requires you to be a jack-of-all-trades. The Benefits of Joining a Real Estate Team Built-In Support and Mentorship Shared Resources and Reduced Costs Steady Lead Flow Enhanced Work-Life Balance Increased Accountability and Motivation Networking and Collaboration Opportunities The Downsides of Working on a Team Reduced Earnings Per Sale Less Control Over Business Decisions Potential for Team Conflict Limited Personal Brand Building The Benefits of Being an Individual Agent Complete Autonomy and Flexibility Higher Potential Earnings Per Sale Opportunity to Build a Unique Brand Greater Client Control Flexible Scheduling The Challenges of Being an Individual Agent Limited Support and Higher Costs Lead Generation Is Entirely on You Risk of Burnout Reduced Networking Opportunities Key Takeaway: Which Path Is Right for You? Whether joining a team or working solo, consider your goals, experience, and personal preferences. If you’re new to real estate, looking for guidance, or prefer collaboration, a team could offer the structure and support you need to thrive. On the other hand, if autonomy and higher earnings are priorities and you have strong industry knowledge, going solo might be the path to achieving your career ambitions. If you’re ready to take the next step in your real estate career and want access to local and international opportunities, join Realtors-Near-Me.com. Build your network, gain valuable leads, and leverage tools designed to help agents like you succeed, no matter the path you choose. Ready to Accelerate Your Real Estate Journey? Join Realtors-Near-Me.com Today! Unleash the potential of a professional network dedicated to real estate experts. Whether you're looking to join a team, build your solo brand, or simply explore your options, we offer the resources, connections, and leads to make your journey a success. Click Here to become part of a platform that values your goals and helps you reach them on your terms. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Do Real Estate Agents in Teams Get Paid a Salary? 2. What Is an Agency in Real Estate? 3. What Is a Real Estate Team? 4. What Is the Most Common Type of Agency in Real Estate? 5. Are Real Estate Teams Better Than Working Alone? 6. How Do Real Estate Teams Work? Here Are 5 Key Things to Know 7. What Are the Pros and Cons of Working in a Real Estate Team? 8. Can I Build My Own Brand While on a Real Estate Team? 9. Should New Agents Join a Team? 10. How Do I Decide Between Joining a Team and Working Solo? 11. What Are the Typical Commission Splits on a Real Estate Team? 12. Can I Transition from a Real Estate Team to Being an Individual Agent? 13. Do I Need to Pay Fees to Join a Real Estate Team? 14. What Kind of Technology Do Real Estate Teams Use? 15. Are Real Estate Teams Good for Experienced Agents? 16. What Should I Look for When Joining a Real Estate Team? 17. Where Can I Join a Real Estate Team or Start Building My Own Brand?
Teams provide a structured environment where new agents can learn quickly, receiving guidance from seasoned professionals. Mentorship within a team can accelerate your development, helping you avoid common pitfalls and master best practices faster.
Many teams share expenses related to marketing, lead generation, and administrative support. This allows you to focus on selling properties rather than stretching your budget on costly ads or handling complex paperwork alone.
Teams often have dedicated resources for generating and managing leads. New agents or agents who are still building their network can benefit immensely from the steady lead flow that teams provide. This access can significantly reduce the time needed to build a book of business and develop consistent cash flow.
Teams can divide responsibilities, ensuring that no single agent is overloaded. This division of labor can allow you to achieve a more balanced life, with the opportunity to take time off without worrying about missed opportunities or a heavy backlog of tasks.
Working on a team means having colleagues who are likely to encourage you, keep you motivated, and ensure you stay on track. Teams offer an environment of accountability, which can be especially helpful for agents who thrive with structured goals and support.
Teams naturally bring together a wider network of connections, including clients, lenders, and contractors. This expanded network can give you a faster route to establishing your reputation and finding business opportunities.
Typically, working on a team means sharing commission splits. While the lead generation and support might balance this out, high-producing agents might find the split frustrating, as they could earn more independently.
In a team, decisions regarding marketing, branding, and even certain sales strategies might be made by team leaders. If you prefer having complete control over your brand and approach, you may feel constrained within a team setting.
Working with others always introduces the potential for interpersonal conflict, especially in high-pressure sales environments. Team members sometimes experience competition, which can affect morale and impact overall performance.
Agents on a team may find it challenging to build their personal brand, as marketing materials and advertisements often emphasize the team’s brand instead of individual agents. If you’re focused on creating a unique identity in the industry, this could be a drawback.
As an independent agent, you make all decisions for your business. From the clients you take on to the marketing strategies you use, every choice is yours. This control allows you to shape your career based on your preferences and goals.
Individual agents don’t have to split commissions with a team, so you keep all earnings on each transaction. For high-performing agents with a robust client base, working solo can be a financially rewarding choice.
Working alone gives you the freedom to create and cultivate a distinct personal brand. You can tailor your marketing efforts to represent your values and unique selling points, which can differentiate you from the competition.
As an individual agent, you directly control client relationships from start to finish. This can lead to higher client satisfaction and referrals, as clients appreciate working directly with the person they initially contacted.
While both team and solo agents work flexible hours, individual agents have the ultimate say in their schedules. You can adapt your workload around personal commitments and work on your own terms, which can be particularly appealing to those who value work-life balance.
Without a team’s shared resources, you’re responsible for all your expenses, from office space and technology to marketing and administrative costs. Additionally, handling every aspect of the business can be overwhelming, especially for new agents still building industry knowledge.
Solo agents often face the challenge of generating leads independently, which can be time-consuming and requires consistent effort. Success in lead generation typically takes time to develop and requires marketing knowledge and skill.
Managing all aspects of the business can lead to burnout, particularly for agents with a busy schedule and a high volume of clients. Without team support, individual agents often struggle to balance client service with the business side of things, leading to stress and fatigue.
Without a team’s built-in network, solo agents may find it harder to build connections within the industry. This can limit access to useful resources, industry insights, and potential clients.
Real estate agents working on a team generally do not receive a fixed salary. Instead, they earn a commission based on the transactions they close, with the commission split between the agent and the team or brokerage. Some teams, however, may offer a small base salary or draw to help new agents get started, but this is less common.
An agency in real estate is a legal relationship between a real estate professional (the agent) and their client (the buyer, seller, landlord, or tenant). This relationship means the agent has a fiduciary responsibility to act in the client’s best interests, providing guidance, expertise, and representation throughout the transaction process.
A real estate team is a group of professionals, including agents, administrative staff, and sometimes marketing specialists, who work together under one brand or brokerage. Each team member may focus on specific tasks or areas, such as working with buyers, managing listings, or handling paperwork, which allows the team to provide a high level of service to clients.
The most common types of agency relationships in real estate are buyer agency (representing the buyer) and seller agency (representing the seller). Additionally, some states allow dual agency, where an agent represents both the buyer and seller in the same transaction. However, dual agency has specific legal restrictions and must be disclosed to all parties.
Whether a real estate team is "better" depends on an agent's goals and preferences. Teams often provide support, shared resources, and lead generation, which can be ideal for new agents or those seeking a collaborative environment. Individual agents, however, may benefit from full commission retention and greater autonomy over business decisions, making it ideal for experienced agents with established client bases.
Building a personal brand on a team can be challenging, as the team’s marketing typically focuses on the team brand. However, some teams encourage agents to develop their personal brands alongside the team’s brand. If this is important to you, consider discussing branding opportunities before joining a team.
Joining a team can be highly beneficial for new agents, as they can learn from experienced colleagues, access established resources, and gain clients more quickly. Teams often provide valuable mentorship and training, making the transition into the real estate industry smoother for those who are just starting out.
Consider your career goals, financial needs, experience level, and preferred work style. Teams offer support and shared expenses, which can be valuable for new agents, while solo work allows for full commission retention and brand control, which appeals to agents with an established network and client base.
Commission splits vary depending on the team, the agent’s experience, and the brokerage. Common splits range from 50/50 to 70/30 (agent/team), but each team has its structure, often influenced by the resources and support provided. Some high-performing teams may offer lower splits in exchange for more lead flow and administrative support.
Yes, agents can transition from a team to solo work or vice versa. Some agents start on a team to gain experience and build their network before going solo, while others might join a team later in their career for support and a steadier lead flow. Your career path in real estate is flexible and can adapt to your changing needs.
Some teams may require agents to contribute to team expenses, while others cover all costs and deduct them from commissions. Be sure to ask about any potential fees or expenses when considering a team to ensure you understand the financial commitment.
Teams often use customer relationship management (CRM) software, lead management tools, digital marketing resources, and collaborative platforms. These technologies help streamline communication, track leads, manage listings, and provide efficient service to clients.
Experienced agents can benefit from joining a team if they’re seeking more lead flow, work-life balance, or administrative support. However, high-performing solo agents might find the commission split less appealing if they already have a solid client base and steady business.
When considering a team, look at their commission splits, lead generation strategy, support systems, mentorship opportunities, and team culture. It’s also essential to align with a team whose values and work style match your career goals and personality.
Realtors-Near-Me.com offers resources and opportunities for agents interested in joining teams or building independent brands. Connect with like-minded professionals, access exclusive listings, and grow your client base locally and internationally. Sign up today and take the next step in your real estate career!