Starting a career in real estate is exciting, but choosing the right brokerage can shape your early success. The best real estate brokerage for new agents offers strong training, mentorship, and support to help you navigate your first deals confidently. With so many options, finding one that fits your needs feels overwhelming at first.
New agents often struggle with generating leads, understanding contracts, and building confidence. A supportive brokerage provides tools, classes, and experienced mentors to shorten the learning curve. This guidance turns beginners into productive professionals faster.
This article explores top brokerages known for helping newcomers thrive. We’ll look at what makes them stand out, compare key features, and share insights to guide your decision. Whether you prefer in-person offices or virtual models, the right fit sets you up for long-term growth.
Why the Brokerage Matters for New Agents
Your sponsoring brokerage is more than a place to hang your license—it’s your launchpad. Good ones invest in your development through structured programs, reducing the trial-and-error phase common for rookies. They often provide lead opportunities or marketing help to get your first clients.
Commission structures, fees, and culture also play big roles. Some prioritize high splits for quick earnings, while others trade lower initial pay for better resources. Local market presence affects brand recognition, making it easier to attract clients in competitive areas.
Ultimately, the best choice aligns with your learning style and goals. Interview multiple offices, ask about success rates for new agents, and consider long-term fit over short-term perks.
Key Factors to Consider
Focus on these essentials when evaluating options:
- Training and Mentorship — Look for ongoing classes, shadowing opportunities, and dedicated coaches.
- Commission Splits and Fees — Balance starting splits with caps or perks that reward growth.
- Technology and Tools — Modern platforms for leads, marketing, and transactions save time.
- Culture and Support — Collaborative environments with accessible brokers build confidence.
- Lead Generation — Some provide company leads; others teach self-sourcing skills.
Location matters too—national brands offer consistency, while local independents might provide more personalized attention.
The Best Real Estate Brokerages for New Agents
Several stand out for their commitment to beginner success. Keller Williams tops many lists with its agent-focused model and extensive education. eXp Realty appeals to tech-savvy newcomers with virtual training and attractive economics. Traditional names like Coldwell Banker and RE/MAX provide strong branding and office support.
Other strong contenders include Century 21 for its university-style learning, Compass for innovative tools, and emerging cloud-based options like Real Brokerage. Each excels in different areas, so prioritize what matches your needs.
Keller Williams
Keller Williams earns praise for its world-class training programs, including Ignite for fast starts and ongoing skill-building. Offices foster collaboration, with mentors readily available. Profit-sharing adds future income potential.
New agents benefit from structured paths to productivity. Drawbacks include variable office quality and caps that reset annually.
eXp Realty
This cloud-based brokerage offers virtual everything—training, meetings, and support—ideal for flexible schedules. Revenue sharing and stock options create wealth-building opportunities beyond commissions.
High caps and 80/20 splits suit volume builders. It’s fully remote, which might lack in-person camaraderie for some.
Coldwell Banker
With a legacy brand, Coldwell Banker provides solid resources like Global Luxury for upscale leads and comprehensive onboarding. Many offices emphasize mentorship and community involvement.
Strong marketing tools help visibility. Splits can be less favorable initially compared to newer models.
RE/MAX
RE/MAX’s recognizable balloon logo boosts credibility. Agents enjoy high splits after low fees, with good autonomy.
Training varies by office, but brand strength aids lead attraction. It’s great for self-starters.
Century 21
Century 21 University delivers robust online and in-person education. The brand supports diverse agents with scholarships and mentorship.
Consistent tools across franchises help standardization. Commission structures are competitive but not always top-tier.
Other Notable Options
Compass invests heavily in technology for seamless transactions. Real Brokerage grows fast with capped plans and public company perks. Boutique or local firms sometimes offer the most hands-on guidance.
Comparison Table
Here’s a snapshot of key features for top picks (standard new agent terms; confirm locally):
| Brokerage | Typical Starting Split | Training Focus | Key Perks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keller Williams | 70/30 (capped) | Extensive in-person/virtual | Mentorship, profit share | Comprehensive learning |
| eXp Realty | 80/20 (capped) | Virtual academy, revenue share | Stock options, remote flexibility | Tech-savvy, income diversification |
| Coldwell Banker | 60-70/30-40 | Onboarding programs | Strong brand, luxury tools | Traditional support |
| RE/MAX | High after fees | Office-dependent | Brand recognition, autonomy | Independent workers |
| Century 21 | 70/30 variable | C21 University | Diverse agent support | Structured online education |
This highlights trade-offs between support and earnings potential.
Tips for Choosing and Joining
Interview at least three brokerages. Ask about new agent close rates, mentor availability, and hidden fees. Shadow a day if possible to feel the culture.
Negotiate where you can—some offer signing bonuses or better splits for promising recruits. Consider part-time compatibility if needed.
Join local associations early for networking beyond your firm. Success comes from effort, but the right brokerage amplifies it.
Common Challenges for New Agents
Many face slow starts without leads. Brokerages with generation programs help bridge this. Contract complexity overwhelms rookies—seek ones with transaction coordinators.
Market shifts affect everyone; supportive environments provide stability. Overcome by committing to training and consistent prospecting.
Conclusion
Finding the best real estate brokerage for new agents boils down to prioritizing growth resources like training and mentorship. Keller Williams often leads for its educational depth, while eXp shines for modern economics. Evaluate based on your style—traditional or virtual—and local options. The ideal one equips you to turn potential into production quickly.
FAQ
What makes a brokerage good for beginners?
Strong training programs, accessible mentors, and lead support accelerate success. Look for structured onboarding and collaborative cultures to build skills confidently.
Do new agents get leads from brokerages?
Some provide company-generated leads, especially teams or high-fee models. Others focus on teaching self-generation for long-term independence.
How important is the commission split for new agents?
It’s secondary to support early on—better training often means more deals overall. Higher splits matter more once you’re closing consistently.
Can I switch brokerages later?
Yes, most allow transfers with notice. Many agents move after gaining experience for better terms.
Should I choose national or local brokerage?
National offers brand power and resources; local provides personalized attention. Hybrids or franchises combine both effectively.