In addition to what Kenneth J. Jones said, I would stress choosing a brokerage which will offer training NOT just on lead generation and other ways to annoy people, but will also offer training on contracts, on becoming a market expert, on pricing, etc. etc.   If they offer a mentoring program, that is even better.  

I couldn't have said it better than Kenneth J. Jones Then again, I don't consider myself anything but a top-of-the-line professional and you wouldn't catch me dead working as a discount broker. At the end of the day, people get what they pay for... and with me, it's 5-star, world class service and expertise.

How do you perceive the value you intend to give to service your clients? You are the business owner of your own business and it depends on how you want to run it..quantity of fast deals at lower commission or quality transactions at higher commission.

David Oberhaus Find a broker with a good mentoring and training program.

Go with the smartest broker with the best education.

Joe Pryor said:

Go with the smartest broker with the best education.

That is the best advice anyone gave you.  Our industry is full of dumb and dumber agents due to the fact that they and their brokers have not taken a class since they got a license. 

The only way you will grow is to have the best brain training you...a smart broker who is educated and willing to teach is the best place you can be...commission split means nothing.

Statistics show that educated agents earn more...

Eve

REad Ken's answer...it is very good

As other's have noted it really is up to you and what you feel is important.   Training, Mentoring, Engergy and a Brokerage that truly teaches you how to build a business and explains to you upfront how much work it is,  would be my suggestion.  I would attend a few sales meetings at various brokerages to give you a feel.

A  small independent brokerage does not mean they are a discount brokerage.

Go where you will have training and support.

I've never been a fan of discount brokerages.... but that's a decision you need to make AFTER you interview at each of them....

Explore your options and decide which is better for YOU. 

It depends on what you're bringing to the party.  Many people assume new Realtors have no experience but I've found this not to be valid.  You're the only one who is going to know what you need and from whom.  Ask yourself do you want quantity or quality?  That usually will help you find the correct next step.  Good luck with whatever you choose.

As, Professor Kenneth J. Jones  wrote!

I would look for a brokerage where they have a good reputation for training and mentoring for new agents, and aplace that is not a revolving door. As Ken points out it would be harder to go from a discounter brokerage to a brand or even an independent. I don't see any advantages to a new agent from a training and reputation perspective to joining a discounter.

It's a personal preference 

Investigate live and in person all sources until your heart leaps. Thats the place when it does

NEITHER !!! You need to join a TEAM where you will be 1 on 1 Mentored and supplied Buyer Leads !!! 

Depends on what kind of agent you want to be and what you think your business model should be

Choose a broker who can mentor you.

Select the broker that will best meet your personal needs. Personally, I would select a full service broker that has an excellent program for new agents.

A big brand like KW will provide a lot of tools to get you started, but you should still have a mentor. I think a small, independent office could provide a more "hands on" mentorship and work as well, possibly better. But it's hard work to find the right one!

This is an easy profession to get into, but a difficult one to make a career.  For the first year or two, you need a company that will give you good training.  Consider Keller Williams.  

Kenneth J. Jones nailed this one!

It's a personal decision.

Depends on you...big brokers generally have lower splits but more training.

David Oberhaus - Find out the brokerage that provides training, education, support, a mentor possibly and then split.

1. Be willing to take a bit lower fee if you are with an agent who is smart and willing to train.  Consider the first two years as your apprenticeship, and a lower fee is your way of saying thanks while you learn the ropes.  When you are pulling your weight and getting your own clients, you can negotiate a different split.

2. GO WITH AN AGENT WHOM YOU RESPECT, and WHO TREATS YOU WITH RESPECT.  People who treat you like dirt are -- guess what?  Going to leave you feeling like dirt, the longer you spend with them.  People who feel like dirt cannot serve others well and pull in good money.

You need to have and maintain your own self respect.  THIS is what inspires others to respect you.  So only work with those who help you respect yourself.  This is a major part of what others mean when they talk about "relationship" with another broker.  Do not underestimate the power of respect...and it starts with your self respect.  Nurture it well.

It depends on your goals and objectives.

I think it is more important to match your personality and goals with the company and the people in that company. You will be branded by the reputation of the company so make sure that is how you want to be perceived.

It's best to join one where you fit in. I your my age David and most of the agents are the age of your grand children that may not be a good match. If you are a Christian like I am you may not want to join the two in town who consume 80% of the alcohol in town... etc...etc. What is important to you?

Discount is generally a lose/lose proposition.

Go for quality in all that you do.

What Kenneth J. Jones said.  Also since you are new, you'll need training.  Lots of it.  Not all companies are good for that.  Had a brand new Keller Williams agent on my last transaction.  I taught her more about the process than her "mentor" or broker did.

A little while ago.

Before you plunked down your money to go to real estate school.

You created a business plan. After all that is how all new business owners start their adventure.

In your business plan you provided the description of your business, your perfect customer and what they could afford.

The way most real estate agents start is they pay the lease and announce my store is open? What kind of store?

A shoe store!

What kind of shoes will your sell?

Hard core athletic stuff and the latest Jordans.

What will these shoes cost you? Where will you get them? Who will buy them?

And did you notice, this community is 90% assisted living?

Your real estate business is NOT different.

Here may be an exercise to complete regarding YOUR questions.

Set up two landing pages. That is easy on FB or Word press.

Go to the mall and have two tee-shirts made with the url to those landing pages.

"Sell your house in 30 days or I'll buy it."

"Sell your house for only $2,500 in fees."

See which landing page gets the most response.

By the way, as you do this, count the number of eyeballs that read the message. Now you have no less that 3 things you can work with after you have completed your business plan.

In closing, the broker will not the the detriment factor in your failure or success. Neither will 'train'n.' It will be your preparation.

Discount Brokerage is great when YOU are the Broker, and you don't have to share that low fee with anybody else.   Otherwise, no. 

Big Brand?  Many of the big brands only want seasoned experienced agents with lots of sales under their belt.  Some big brands will take you, but won't offer you training, mentors, or leads.

Interview several brokers.  Find out what works best for YOU.

Best to you, David!

David,

Kenneth J. Jones has great advice for you.  A

As someone who has always worked in full service brokerages, I have a biased opinion, but I, personally, would never take the discount route.

There are many factors to consider. The relationship between the agents and the managing broker is very important.

Yes, this question is what is going to be best for you.  What will need too in a brokerage?  What will the brokerage provide for you?  How will you be gaining business and how will the brokerage support you in that?  Many factors are involved in choosing a brokerae, and brokerages provide a wide variety of services and options.  Everyone has different wants and needs. -Kasey

 Discount brokerage is the last place I will go to learn that many agents do not abide law. Some brokers take licensees under restriction or themselves had crossed the line in the past.