Congratulations on reaching this exciting milestone in your real estate journey! If you’re researching interview questions for managing brokers, you’re likely close to fulfilling your dream of becoming a licensed real estate agent. This is a pivotal moment that deserves celebration — but also careful preparation.
Once you’ve completed your pre-licensing coursework and passed your state-specific real estate exam, selecting the right managing broker becomes your next crucial step. This decision will shape your career trajectory, income potential, and professional growth for years to come.
This comprehensive guide will equip you with the essential questions to ask during brokerage interviews, helping you evaluate compensation structures, support systems, company culture, and growth opportunities to find the perfect match for your real estate career.
Key Takeaways
- Know Your Worth: Understanding commission splits, fees, and caps ensures you make financially sound decisions that align with your income goals.
- Evaluate Support Systems: The right brokerage provides comprehensive training, technology, and mentorship to accelerate your success as a new agent.
- Assess Company Culture: Finding a brokerage that matches your values and work style creates a foundation for long-term career satisfaction and growth.
- Plan For Growth: Look for brokerages that offer career advancement opportunities and continuing education to support your professional development.
- Research Thoroughly: Speaking with current agents and understanding all fees upfront prevents costly surprises and sets realistic expectations.
Understanding the Brokerage Interview Process
Finding a managing broker differs significantly from traditional job searching. Unlike typical employment, as a real estate agent, you won’t receive a regular salary. Instead, your income depends entirely on your sales success. This unique dynamic benefits both you and the brokerage when you close deals.
Most brokerages actively seek to expand their agent roster, which gives you negotiating power during interviews. However, this also means you must carefully evaluate each opportunity to ensure it aligns with your career goals and financial needs.
The interview process should feel like a mutual evaluation. You’re not just hoping they’ll accept you—you’re determining whether they deserve your business and future success.
Financial Questions Every Agent Must Ask
What is the commission split structure?
Commission splits form the foundation of your income as a real estate agent. Instead of keeping the entire 2-3% commission from your sales, you’ll share this money with your brokerage according to predetermined percentages.
Commission structures vary widely across brokerages and can often be renegotiated as your sales volume grows. Consider these key points:
- Splits typically range from 50/50 to 80/20, with newer agents often starting at lower percentages
- Many brokerages offer graduated splits that improve with higher sales volumes
- Some companies provide higher splits in exchange for monthly fees or reduced support services
Remember that the highest commission split doesn’t always equal the best opportunity—factor in the support and resources you’ll receive.
Are there franchise fees involved?
Franchise real estate companies often charge additional fees beyond the standard commission split. These fees typically range from 3% to 8% of your commission and go directly to the franchise brand.
For example, with a 60/40 commission split and a 5% franchise fee, your $10,000 commission might be divided as follows:
55% to you ($5,500)
40% to the local brokerage ($4,000)
5% to the franchise ($500)
Do you charge monthly desk or office fees?
Some brokerages require agents to pay monthly desk fees regardless of sales activity. These fees can range from $50 to $500 per month and may include:
- Physical office space access
- Administrative support
- Basic office supplies
- Meeting room usage
Consider whether you actually need office space or if you prefer working remotely before committing to these fees.
What additional monthly expenses should I expect?
Beyond commission splits and desk fees, brokerages may charge for various services and requirements:
- MLS access fees
- Errors and Omissions insurance
- Technology platform subscriptions
- Marketing material costs
- Continuing education courses
Ask for a comprehensive breakdown of all potential monthly expenses to calculate your true cost of doing business.
Do you offer commission caps?
Commission caps benefit high-producing agents by limiting the total amount the brokerage can retain from your commissions each year. Once you reach the cap, you keep 100% of additional commissions.
For example, with a $12,000 annual cap and $125,000 in gross commissions:
Without a cap (60/40 split): You net $75,000
With a cap: You net $113,000
Commission caps reward productivity and can significantly impact your annual income as your business grows.
Support and Resources Questions
What training programs do you provide?
Comprehensive training programs can accelerate your success as a new agent. Evaluate training offerings across these categories:
- Initial onboarding training
- Industry fundamentals and best practices
- Local market knowledge and trends
- Legal compliance and ethics training
- Technology platform tutorials
- Ongoing education opportunities
- Monthly workshops and seminars
- Guest speaker sessions with industry experts
- Certification programs for specialized niches
- Mentorship and coaching programs
What technology platforms and tools do you offer?
Modern real estate success requires robust technology support. Ask about access to:
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
- Lead generation and management platforms
- Marketing automation tools
- Document management and e-signature solutions
- Mobile apps for on-the-go productivity
Determine whether these tools are included in your fee structure or require additional monthly subscriptions.
How do you support marketing and lead generation?
Marketing support can make or break your early success as an agent. Inquire about:
- Personal website creation and maintenance
- Social media templates and content
- Print marketing materials and branding
- Lead generation systems and referral programs
- Professional photography and staging services
What administrative support is available?
Administrative support allows you to focus on client relationships and sales activities. Ask about:
- Transaction coordination services
- Contract preparation assistance
- Showing coordination and scheduling
- Client communication support during closings
Management and Culture Questions
Who will be my direct supervisor and mentor?
Understanding your support structure ensures you’ll receive guidance when needed. Key questions include:
- Who serves as your managing broker?
- What are their availability hours for questions and support?
- How many agents do they currently supervise?
- What mentorship programs exist for new agents?
- How quickly can you expect responses to urgent questions?
Real estate transactions move quickly, so accessible management support is crucial for your success and client satisfaction.
What is the company culture like?
Company culture significantly impacts your daily work experience and long-term satisfaction. Explore these aspects:
- Collaboration vs. competition
- Do agents share leads and referrals?
- Are there team-building events and activities?
- How does the company handle conflicts between agents?
Professional development focus
- Does leadership encourage continuing education?
- Are there clear advancement opportunities?
- How does the company recognize top performers?
Work-life balance expectations
- What are the typical working hours and expectations?
- How does the company support agents’ personal goals?
- Are there flexible working arrangements available?
- Can you provide references from current agents?
Speaking with current agents provides invaluable insights into the brokerage’s daily operations and culture. Request contact information for:
- Newer agents who recently joined (similar to your experience level)
- Experienced agents who’ve been with the company for several years
- Agents who work in your target market area
Ask these agents about their experiences with management support, commission structures, lead generation, and overall satisfaction with their choice.
Growth and Development Questions
What career advancement opportunities exist?
Understanding growth potential helps you envision your long-term future with the brokerage. Explore opportunities such as:
- Training and mentorship positions
- Team leadership roles
- Specialized niche development support
- Broker licensing and ownership paths
How do you help agents develop specialized expertise?
Specialization can significantly increase your earning potential and market position. Ask about support for:
- Commercial real estate transactions
- Investment property sales
- First-time buyer programs
- Luxury home markets
- Senior housing transitions
What continuing education support do you provide?
While many brokerages offer continuing education courses, remember that Colibri Real Estate provides affordable, comprehensive CE courses covering numerous topics. Compare in-house offerings with external options to ensure you’re receiving the best value and most relevant education for your career goals.
Questions About Market Position and Reputation
What is your market share in this area?
A brokerage’s market presence can impact your success through:
- Referral opportunities from other agents
- Marketing leverage and advertising reach
- Professional networking opportunities
- Brand recognition with potential clients
How do you generate leads for your agents?
Lead generation support varies significantly between brokerages. Understand their approach to:
- Online marketing and SEO strategies
- Social media presence and advertising
- Community involvement and sponsorship
- Referral programs and past client systems
What sets you apart from other brokerages in the area?
This question reveals the brokerage’s unique value proposition and competitive advantages. Listen for specific examples of:
- Superior client service standards
- Innovative marketing approaches
- Advanced technology implementations
- Exceptional agent support systems
Making Your Final Decision
After interviewing multiple brokerages, create a comparison chart evaluating each opportunity across key criteria:
- Financial considerations
- Total cost structure (splits, fees, caps)
- Projected net income scenarios
- Support services included vs. additional costs
- Support and resources
- Training quality and comprehensiveness
- Technology platform sophistication
- Marketing and administrative support
- Culture and growth
- Management accessibility and expertise
- Professional development opportunities
- Company values alignment
Remember that your first brokerage choice isn’t permanent. Many successful agents change brokerages as their careers evolve and their needs change. However, starting with the right foundation can accelerate your success and provide the support you need during those crucial first years.
Start Your Real Estate Career With Confidence
Choosing the right managing broker represents a pivotal decision that will shape your real estate career trajectory. By asking these comprehensive questions and carefully evaluating each opportunity, you’re positioning yourself for long-term success in this dynamic industry.
Your preparation and thoroughness during the interview process demonstrate the professionalism and attention to detail that will serve you well throughout your real estate career. Trust in the education and knowledge you’ve gained, ask the tough questions, and select the brokerage that aligns with your goals and values.
As you embark on your career as a real estate agent, partner with Colibri Real Estate School for all your post-licensing and continuing education needs. Sign up for one of our CE membership plans to receive all the CE courses in your state, access to learning snacks, and access or discounts to professional certification programs, including Real Estate AI Specialist.
