Belt Auction

Best place(firm) to start a real estate career as a realtor?

I have been doing some research on the various residential real estate firms out there pertaining to starting my career as a real estate agent. I'm looking at the Chandler, AZ area; near Phoenix and some of the firms i've noticed there are Keller Williams, Remax, Coldwell Banker, and Realty Executives. I really know that area well and enjoy it there. KW seems to have a solid program for new agents but what about the others, does one have a better repuatation than another in terms of helping new agents getting started? How about the pay structure? Do any firms offer group benefit plans? Which is best/worst for "office" fees? As a new agent, given the current state of the economy, what number of sales can a new realtor expect in their first year or what can they expect to "take-home" in their first year on average? Also, I'm thinking of eventually getting my broker's license after 2-3 years and say for example I start out with Coldwell Banker but end up franchising as a part of Remax, is this normal? Once I would start my own franchise, I assume i'm the only realtor there until I hire others and build it up? Do the franchiser's assist in building the new franchise with staff support/agents? On average, how much capital does it take to start your own franchise? I've got plenty of questions and any and ALL of your input is greatly appreciated!!

Public Comments

1. wyatt; get hold of me wed am and I will guide you.
2. I'm partial to KWEV in Tempe....but then again that is where I hang my license ;) The company you start with may meet your needs now, but not further down the line. There are all kinds of offices. You should assess what it is you want from a company first and then find out which company offers you that. Most people who start out in one company eventually move on to another one, just kind of how the business goes :)