Chris-

As a new agent you will need a brokerage that offers the training tools you need to get started.  These include basics such as fully understanding the forms you will use plus more advanced training such as how to build your business and stand out in a crowded industry.  Starting from the ground up, this can be exciting and fulfilling, but also frustrating if you don't have the support you need. Understand that the other agents are all independent contractors and it is not their job to train you.  You work with the managing broker and administrative staff will be essential.  Find someone you think will provide the tools you need.  If it doesn't work out, you can always interview with other brokerages until you find the right fit.

Chris when we had an office full of agents  (which is no longer our choice) we offered weekly training on how to build YOUR business and brand (real life results that work), lots of networking opportunities with local chambers and other groups. Participation in local business fairs. We hosted large networking/chamber events at our office. Every month I met with each agent for one on one coaching.  We also offered various classes at the office too.  Lots to consider when deciding on your first broker! I lucked out years ago and went with a very good 'business' man broker who was calm, cool and collected and always said - no matter what - do the right thing for your clients and they will be loyal to you.  Good luck to you - lots of great adventures ahead of you!!

Be mindful that many brokers will tell you that they will give you training.  In class or on line training is NOT the same as hands on training.  As a new agent you would need plenty of hands on training AND a broker who is willing to assist you when you have a transaction.  In my experience, not that many brokers would be willing to take phone calls, especially during weekends, from his/her agents.  Ask whether you can shadow an experienced agent.

Higher commissions without the monthly fees and the joy of working at an independent agency. Also, there are recruitment incentives. I get new recruits everytime I place an ad. It makes for nice residual income. 

I don't recruit or hire. Had 6 agents at one time. Only one remains and she's been with me 16 years. She's an MBA, bilingual and will never get me sued. She can stay.

Agents are a PITA and I'm too moody, capricious, independent and impatient to have any underfoot. LOL

You need training, lots of training and the broker or office manager should be a peek, call or text away at all reasonable times.

If the split is too good to be true, you're probably sacrificing that micromanaging you need.
 
Agents in your office need to be civil but mind their business. Too much familiarity breeds contempt.

When I first got licensed, I interviewed at 3 offices. 2 big name. 1 long established indie.
Big name 1 = big fees, zero training. Bad for a new agent.
Big name 2 = trained, I liked the broker, but was geographically too far from my house and I still ran a business from home so I needed someone closer.

3 Indie was right for me. Micromanaging broker and agents who were retained for 20+ years. You'll know it's a good place to work when there's little turnaround. HOWEVER, I did not like floor time so I left after 3 years to work for a big name who allowed me to be a 'satellite'. I could have franchised and they wanted me to. But I wanted to build a brand and not pay the mothership forever.

Don't pay desk fees. You should be working as much from a home office as possible. Offices with hanging out agents are watercoolers and you need to be focused on your business!

I'm sure the wise ones will give you more!

I'm a KW agent. While KW is a national franchise each office runs a little different so I can't speek for offices in Utah but our office offers any amount of help a new agent wishes. There's inhouse training 3 or 4 days a week, a wide variety of free classes and courses and books. There's a mentoring program for agents. There's several very high producing teams  in the office to join that are a great fit when a new agent has no reserves and needs income right away (the first month). Basically the part I like best about what our office offers is that it does give anyone the degree of help and "tools" they need and want to create their business to whatever level they desire.

We don't hire, let alone new recruits.  What you need as a new recruit is training.  Your education only teaches you how to pass a test, not how to sell homes.  Get someone that will show you the ropes for your area.  Get someone who will show you how to run your business like a business!  Too few people do that and they don't make it to the one year mark, let alone the renewal on their license.

Things have changed so much since I was actively looking for a broker and now I'm retired so I'm of no help on this one Chris Marston 

Chris,

You have good answers, and follow the suggestions.  Now remember, each large brokerage is not created equally.  Some are good and some are so/so.  Interview and above alll trust your gut.  Don't settle!  A

We have a person that helps you get setup entirely in your website & social media. She explains all the different extras that RM provides to each new agent. 

I don't like you telling me not to bash anyone or state my opinion 100%. Thanks for treating us like toddlers.

if you're a new agent, you MUST get trained and have a 24/7 mentor available to you, as you run wildly through your marketplace.... omg.... not to worry about standing out....  it's not your Broker/Owner's responsibility to make sure you "standout".....  learn to market and learn how to brand yourself....  it will all fall into place.... eventually!

Amazing Culture, Coaching, Training and Tech at KW, give me a call, I would love to help you get started with the best.

You have many great answers here.

I'm on a small team of agents (we're actually all brokers) in a pilot program for brand new agents. We offer 7-day a week mentorship as well as classes each week (for ONE YEAR), a staff member who trains our agents on all of the online programs my company offer.

Our marketing designer guides the select new agents who we invite to join us - a new website design/set-up, guidance in selecting a domain name, business cards, their own logo (partnered with RE/MAX's logo, of course), their first sign, postcard designs for their farms and more - all provided at no cost.

It's a serious, intensive new agent orientation/mentorship and all of us doing the teaching/training/mentorship are all brokers who sell at least $20M/year. So, you're not getting any slackers training you! 

It's been decades since I was a new agent  so I really have very little idea about what kind of training is offered to new agents. And really, what happens in my market is not necessarily what can or will happen in yours. I can't advise not knowing anything about your market or the brokerage firms there. Here in Charlotte, I do know that Coldwell Banker provides some serious training for new agents, mentoring, accountability partners, top of the line systems, etc.... but I don't know if that's offered at your end of the world.

Profit Share, Training, Support

TRAINING, TOOLS & SUPPORT!! 

Big Block Has a comprehensive marketing package but ultimately it’s up to the agent to stand out not the broker; meaning they can provide all the tools for you and possibly do a press release for you but at the end of the day you have to consistently market and brand yourself

The best of luck as you navigate your way through the maze of brokerages, promises, fees, training, responsibilities, ups and downs, successes, etc. Only you will know what is right for you!

If a business supplies tools & support then ones success after that remains their own. One must learn for themselves what works and what doesn't

For a new agent, I would go with the company you think has the best training and culture.  Don't worry so much about the compensation portion.  Later in your career, that might be flipped - the money aspect will be more important to you than the training.

Like ice cream, come in many flavors. The favorite is your own personal choice. Even national franchises vary from office to office. Good luck 

Don't expect or rely on continuous help from a broker. usually, lenders, title companies, real associations, etc will offer training classes on a variety of topics, so check their training calenders and take advantage of trainings from other sources.

You have many good comments here. 

I echo many of them and most definitely Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA 

I believe that we alone makes us stand out. It comes from within. It comes from our drive and motivation. It comes from a willingness to never give up. With that said, do we get help from others in terms of the "how" the nuts and bolts of real estate, you bet we do with training and mentoring! 

I wish you all the best. 

If I were taking on agents, I would show a broker what is offered, what is expected in their paperwork, when checks are cut after closings, and share my experience.

I start my agents out with 1000 note pads and 500 post cards at my expense.

We never care about what the brokerage offers us to stand out. We are independent and market ourselves to highlight our exceptionable services to the public.

Many good comments here. 

Training for a new agent on how to succeed in this business is most important.

Passing the license exam is a good start but does not put money in your pocket. Additional training is needed to prevent disappointment, failure and drop-out.

You want a company that target new agents like Keller Williams where there are many like new agents to work, farm and practice together. The split needs be reasonable. 100% companies promise training 99.5% are interested in your desk, phone fees. One can spot company cultural quickly. Most agents in the office prefer you work alone quietly as busy agents do not have time or patience to answer new agents questions. You want leads? You generate your own. If you go to these places you will leave quickly or get put on notice. Many realtors stay on same brokerage year after year after settling down.  Some are tired of unfriendly people and move on every few years. Many decided to be brokers work from their home.

With cell phones no one walks into the brokerage looking for realtors anymore. Prior, walk-in traffic and people calls in a brokerage sign with broker phone #(not agent phone) allows you to pick up customers through floor time. It does not happen anymore.  So most agents do not come to office other than picking up the check. Once you are trained suggest you focus on better commission split arrangements.  Some agents also do loans, appraisal, contractor to take up the slack time. Most people prefer to look for homes on their own and do not use buyer agent often. Sellers still need listing agent. The listing agent job stays. Good luck.