Hi Peter Mohylsky 

   Start in a Physical Office.  

  I started in an office that had 20 or 25 agents.   I had mentors, I had training, I had supervision.  I was given leads, listings, and buyers, by both the Broker and some of the seasoned agents.  There was a weekly sales meeting with a caravan to see the new listings.

 In all honesty, without that foundation, that guidance, that hand-holding, I don't know if I could have made it in this business.  So my answer for a new agent is find a brick-and-mortar office that provides training and has potential mentors.

New agents need to be closely supervised by their Broker and should be in the office. Experienced agents can decide what is best for them. I mostly work from home but I also meet clients at the office. It's a win-win.

Peter Mohylsky I kept an office either at my brokerage or in a Regus Office Center from 1999-2018. I decided to try working from home in 2019 - what timing because then 2020-2021 we all had to work from home!
I've never gone back to the office model. I'm organized and disciplined enough to work from home and better to use that $1200/month I would have spent on office space to market to and reward my database.

Newer agents should work in the office.  They will have issues where it is nice to have an experienced person around to ask questions.  It will help them develop habit of starting work at a certain time, focusing on work instead of dealing with laundry, etc.

For a veteran agent, it depends.  Some people do better at the office.  Others do better at home.  Still others like to work at Panera or some place like that.  

If you do work at home, you need the appropriate space at home.  Not all homes and families have room for an office.

I have always worked from home - from day one even when I was affiliated with a big box brokerage ... newer and/or more experienced it did not make a difference for me!   

I enjoy the peace and quiet, with no interruptions or drama from others! 

When I began, I was required to be in the office doing floor duty, weekly meetings and weekly caravans etc.  What I learned was what NOT to do. It was awful but I came from a Sales background.   My first brokerage was not a good example but sadly, the best in the area.  It gave me a great beginning on what I could do differently to be successful.  I eventually set up my own private office space and kept away until I could finally join Sothebys Canada, thank goodness.  I have never set foot in my new Brokerage which is 3.5 hours away and have enjoyed every moment of my 10 years with them.  I can't imagine having to attend an office each day, I couldn't do it, lol

Definitely new agents should be in an office environment to gain more knowledge near a broker/mentor. For others, it depends on level of productivity in a brokerage office or home office. I have less distractions at home but enjoy the lively, brokerage office atmosphere.

For newer agents, I'd say it's very important.  Training, learning, experiencing, networking all of that is best done in person.  For experienced agents, or those on their own, a physical location is not always a benefit.

IMHO a newer agent could definately use in office experience to set up for future challenges.  It's bad enough now that agents don't get enough help from their broker.

My office has and will always be wherever I am sitting at the time! And today it's mainly in my vehicle and/or coffee shop...

I have an office location that I only infrequently visit. The offer has changed. Its occupancy has changed. Not many agent there. Most, like me, work from home mostly.

Like right now.

Different story for new agents. The need the camaraderie of experienced agents and the proximity of there mentors to continue to grow their knowledge about our business and to become productive.

As the broker I feel it's my responsibility to have a brick and mortar and be available.  I have an agent who works only from home, the rest work in the office.  And my newest agent who has been licensed for about a month learns a LOT from being IN the office.  I do think both models work for agents, but training and mentoring for newer agents are needed and not enough happens when they start at home.  But I do believe any person can successfully get to that point.  I wouldn't need to have an office if I were just an agent, but I also feel sitting down with agents to help them solve problems and issues shouldn't be done at my house.  So as a broker I have a place they are welcome.  AND in my rural market we still get a LOT of walk in traffic for people starting their search and driving to the area to check it out because we're well located with a giant turn here bill board on a major US route just before our office.

A newer agent may need an office . . .

A seasoned agent may not . . .

I haven't had bricks and mortar since 2007, and I don't have to waste time with tire kickers . . . but it takes time to develop a clientele.

My preference is to have a professional office setting as a place to meet prospects and clients as well as to network with leading agents. All, of course, need to have a home office as well.

A newer agent should have a physical office, be around other experienced agents to garner knowledge.   Experienced agents have a choice, and have had my home office for 17 years.

I know a guy who used to arrange meetings at the different Starbucks which are everywhere. It worked well. I used to have clients to the house myself. Meet my wife, know me personally which puts them at ease. The office days are okay however, brick & mortar is expensive & perhaps on its way out the door. I have met in parking lots, cars & Hotel lobbies too.

Working from home was one of the best moves I made and know most people are doing it now.

Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate nailed it for the new agent! some can move-on to a home office and some will stick with the brick and mortar.

I have done both, and continue to.

There are times, many times where the energy and professionalism of a physical office are essential.

Having to meet clients at a coffee shop says something about you and the strength of your infrastructure.

Seasoned agents don't really need an office unless they live in a community such as a small ocean side village or a ski area etc where the downtown has a lot of traffic and it's common for folks to have a 'shop' to drop by and take a look around or just chat.  I was in a country club office when I first started and that was an excellent location. I had a lot of walk in clients.

New agents - I would highly suggest they work out of an office and have mentors to help them learn how to build a business.

New agents should definitely work in an office - to both be exposed to other, experienced agents who prefer to work in the office AND to be closely supervised.

I work in the office 3 days each week now but, do love working from home. I get a LOT more done when I'm working in my home office!

The decision of whether to have a physical office or work from home as a real estate agent can depend on a variety of factors, including personal preferences, budget, and business goals. Both newer agents and experienced professionals may have different thoughts on the matter.

For newer agents, an office can provide a professional setting to meet with clients, which can help build credibility and trust. It can also provide access to resources and tools such as training programs, marketing materials, and administrative support. Additionally, an office can offer a sense of community and camaraderie with other agents in the same brokerage, which can help new agents learn from their more experienced colleagues.

On the other hand, working from home can be a more cost-effective option for newer agents, who may not have the budget to rent or lease a physical office space.

For experienced professionals, the decision of whether to have a physical office or work from home may depend on their business goals and the nature of their client base. If an agent primarily works with high-end clients or is looking to expand their business, having a physical office can help convey a sense of professionalism and can be a valuable marketing tool.

However, experienced professionals may also find that working from home can offer more flexibility and freedom, especially if they have an established client base and do not need to rely on walk-in traffic. 

An office at a real estate company is essential for anyone beginning their career and hoping to really learn how to be a good real estate agent.  A seasoned veteran has no need for an office at the company as meeting at Starbucks or a home office saves money since they should now be selling themselves rather than the company.