Questions to Ask Before
Choosing a Brokerage
Choosing a brokerage is one of the biggest business decisions you will make as an agent. This printable checklist walks you through the questions that actually matter, from fees and splits to technology, culture, and your own brand. Take it to any conversation with any brokerage, including REAL, and use the answers to make a clear-eyed decision.
A note from Tory
AI Certified REALTOR® · Real Broker Ontario Ltd.
I put this checklist together because I remember what it felt like to weigh my options. No brokerage is perfect for everyone, and that includes mine. Ask these questions everywhere you look. The right answers will tell you more than any marketing page can.
Money and Fees
- What is the commission split, and does it change after a production cap?
- Are there monthly desk fees, office fees, or technology fees?
- What are the annual fees, and when are they charged?
- What does it cost to sign up, and are there any hidden charges?
- How fast are commission payouts, and how do you actually get paid?
- What happens to my earnings after I hit a cap?
Your Brand and Your Business
- Can I keep my own brand, or do I have to use the brokerage branding?
- Do I own my leads, my database, and my marketing materials?
- Can I work remotely, or am I expected to be in an office?
- Are there geographic limits on where I can work?
- Does the brokerage support my systems, or do I have to use theirs?
Technology and Tools
- What tools are included, and what do they really cost?
- Is there AI support, and how does it fit into my day to day?
- Who owns the data my clients generate through the brokerage tools?
- Is the technology easy to use, or does it add busywork?
Culture and Support
- Can I talk to agents who are already there, without a salesperson present?
- What does the community actually look like day to day?
- What training and coaching are available, and who pays for it?
- What happens when I need help on a busy closing day?
- How do agents collaborate, and is competition encouraged or discouraged?
Growth and Income
- Does the brokerage offer revenue share, and who pays for it?
- Are there stock awards or equity opportunities, and what are the requirements?
- Are any income projections guaranteed? (If yes, that is a red flag.)
- What does success look like for agents who have been there five years?
The Exit
- What does it take to leave if it is not the right fit?
- Are there non-compete clauses, penalties, or notice periods?
- What happens to my listings, leads, and database if I leave?
The honest part
REAL has a strong model, and I chose it for real reasons, but it is not the right fit for every agent, and neither is any other brokerage. My goal with this checklist is to help you decide with your eyes open.
If you would like to talk through your answers, I am happy to do that with you, whether you join REAL or not. That conversation is free, and it is yours.