It depends on the level of mentoring and support you need.

   Meet them one on one, over lunch or coffee if possible.  Meet their Office Manager.  Do you mesh with these people?

   Of course, splits matter.  And, what fees do you have to pay?  Are those fees only due when you make a sale, or is there a regular "desk fee" that you have to pay whether you sell any houses or not?

To me it makes zero difference other than the money I take home.  For you, it might depend on what you're bringing to the party?  Why did you leave the business?  What did you excel at before? Are you an independent thinker or do you need hand holding?  Are you self motivating?   Is this going to be a business for you or a hobby?   Too many variables!

Good morning Seana Johnson,

Welcome back, a lot has changed since you been gone:) What characteristics did you seek the first time? What is important to you now?

Seana --

Are you returning to business in the same area?

Do you have a record of success?

Why are you returning?

I guess what is most important to me might me different for you.  

Look inside yourself and ask lots of questions.  

After that interview brokers and find the match that works best for you.  

Good luck.

Selena,

Someone you have similar values with.  A

not only is it important to have a like-minded Broker, but the agents within that office should follow suit,....

Chemistry with the managing broker followed by the support you need and reputation of the brand! The split will take care of itself over time!

This question is asked a lot here; my response remains the same: 

Competence & Character combined with training, support & an open door policy.

Broker matters less to me these days, it's more about the split and what is offered than who they are

Seana Johnson Good rapport and a Broker with a good training and mentoring program.

Suggest a brokerage with good training where you will mingle with more new agents.  You want a brokerage with better commission split for starters.

All brokers promise more than they do. They have their golden boys for leads leaving you by youself.

My top choices are a broker that supports, teaches, assists and that there is not so many agents you get lost in the numbers.

Just like choosing a friend only this relationship has to pay bills

I would go to a broker that offers flat fee and one that trains agents

Ethics and reputation

Off the top of my head:

• Years of experience
• Good listening skills
• Good followup skills

All too often I ask for help and never get it!

Have them buy your signs at least

Availability and do you like the person.

Seana Johnson - I'd look forward to the support, education, training, culture..

Here's a link to this same question where you will find 21 answers already submitted.

This is a really popular question!  It's about the 4th time  this week!

Select the broker that will best meet your personal needs.

Reputation is the big one for me.

Decide what is important to you and then make a list of questions. Talk to other agents in the firm you are considering and find out what they like and don't like.

I have to agree with Carol Williams on this one. 

Need to really examine what YOU need in a broker, then start interviewing.

Make sure the owners appreciate all you do for them. Find a knowledgable, supportive manager and office. Make absolute certain, the person you interview with has a real estate license and real estate experience. 

I would make sure where you you hang your shingle you are with like minded individuals and you feel a connect.

It depends on your level of competence and experience. If you know your business and will not need much help, then look for a high split and a good name.

If you need a lot of help and will be crying to your broker everytime a buyer complains about repair or have no clue where your next customer is coming from, then maybe Kw, CB or C21 is for you.

Chemistry, what material and business support you need from the broker.

It depends on what you feel your needs are. This question has been posed multiple times and there are good answers for you in the Rain.

A broker makes no difference in your business. "Charateristics' is a smoke screen to suck newbies into the Failure System to which they will contribute $12,000 before judging themselves a failure.

What you need to know is which broker is best able to implement your business plan and get you engaged in transactions within 30 days.

Of course that is not possible if the new business person is practicing business malpractice by starting a business without a business plan.

But, the siren song of the system, wants to distract the prey, to have them focus on the meaningless, while the prey walks into the certainty of being counted among the 90% within two years.

There is only one question to which you need an answer. Only ONE!

After that is depends on if the newbie is going to be an adult and follow the directions provided.

Chapter15, Chosing a broker

One who provides the services you need.

Others have answered.

Honesty, integrity, competence, financial acumen, intelligence, enforcement of a positive culture.