Team Up or Go Solo? Pros & Cons to Consider in Real Estate
If you're a real estate agent, you've probably asked yourself at some point: "Should I join a real estate team or go solo?" It's a big decision, and one that can have a significant impact on your career. There are definite pros and cons to each path, and today, we're diving deep into what you need to consider when deciding if joining a team is the right move for you.
The Pros of Joining a Real Estate Team
1. Gain Valuable Experience
One of the biggest advantages of joining a team is the experience you'll gain. When you're surrounded by agents actively working in the industry, you'll naturally absorb valuable knowledge and skills. Being in that environment accelerates your learning curve and helps you gain confidence as an agent.
2. Built-in Support & Training
A well-run team will provide training, mentorship, and resources to help you succeed. This can be especially beneficial for new agents who need guidance on contracts, negotiations, marketing, and lead generation. The support of a team can make all the difference in getting your business off the ground.
3. Shared Business Expenses
Marketing, transaction coordination, CRM systems, and office space all come with costs. Many teams provide these resources for their agents, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. This allows you to focus on building relationships and closing deals instead of worrying about paying for every little detail.
4. Leads & Accountability
A team will often provide leads to its agents, which can be a major perk. Additionally, working within a team structure can help keep you accountable. Whether it's daily call quotas, team meetings, or shared goals, accountability can help keep you motivated and on track.
5. Expanding Your Sphere of Influence
When you're on a team, you benefit from a larger network. Events, marketing, and referrals are often done as a group effort, which can increase your exposure to potential clients and help you build relationships that may take much longer to develop as a solo agent.
The Cons of Joining a Real Estate Team
1. Lower Commission Splits
One of the biggest drawbacks of joining a team is that your commission split will likely be lower. Since teams provide leads, resources, and support, they take a percentage of your earnings. This can be worth it if the trade-off is consistent business, but it’s something to weigh carefully.
2. Limited Control Over Your Business
When you're part of a team, you follow the team’s rules and structure. This can include working specific hours, making a required number of calls, or following certain processes. If you value complete independence, this may be a downside.
3. Lack of Personal Branding
Most teams operate under a single brand name, which means your personal brand takes a backseat. If your long-term goal is to build your own real estate brand, this can be a disadvantage. If you eventually leave the team, you may have to start fresh in establishing your name in the market.
4. Less Control Over Your Sphere of Influence
Many teams require that the leads you generate go into the team’s database rather than your own. This means that even if you bring in new clients, they may technically belong to the team, making it harder to build your own book of business.
5. Not All Leads Are High Quality
While teams often provide leads, the quality of those leads varies. Some agents find that the leads they receive aren’t always motivated buyers or sellers, making it difficult to convert them into closed deals. If you're relying on team-generated leads, you’ll want to ensure they are high-quality opportunities.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
At the end of the day, choosing whether to join a real estate team depends on your goals and personality. Ask yourself:
Do I want mentorship, structure, and support to grow quickly? → A team might be a great option.
Do I prioritize independence and personal branding over immediate support? → Going solo could be a better fit.
Am I comfortable with a lower commission in exchange for provided leads and resources? → A team might be a smart move.
Do I want to control my own schedule and business model? → Consider going solo.
If you're still unsure, you can always start with a team to gain experience and later transition to working independently. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—just the right fit for your career goals.
If you’re looking for guidance on how to build and scale your real estate business the modern way—leveraging the power of social media—let’s connect! I love helping agents grow their businesses and would be happy to chat about your next steps.
