Skip to content For many real estate professionals, deciding whether to join a team or operate as a solo agent represents a pivotal career crossroads. This decision impacts everything from your daily operations to your long-term earning potential and work-life balance.
According to the National Association of REALTORS®, approximately 26% of REALTORS® now work on a real estate team—a number that continues to grow each year. But is team life the right fit for you?
If you’re an agent thinking about joining a team, this article will address the pro’s and con’s of joining a real estate team, and how you can self assess to know which production model is right for you.
Quick Links:
- The Benefits of Joining a Real Estate Team
- The Disadvantages of Joining a Real Estate Team
- Making the Right Decision for Your Career
The Benefits of Joining a Real Estate Team
Mentorship and Learning Opportunities
One of the most compelling reasons to join a real estate team is the built-in mentorship. For new agents especially, having experienced professionals to learn from can dramatically accelerate your growth.
Benefits of team mentorship include:
- Direct access to proven systems and scripts that have already generated results
- Shadowing opportunities with experienced agents during client meetings and negotiations
- Regular training sessions on market trends, negotiation tactics, and client management
- Reduced learning curve compared to figuring everything out independently
Lead Generation Support
Perhaps the biggest challenge for new agents is generating a consistent flow of quality leads. Teams typically have established lead generation systems that can provide a steady stream of opportunities.
Team lead generation advantages:
- Access to team-generated leads without having to build your own pipeline from scratch
- Reduced marketing costs as expenses are often shared across the team
- Exposure to multiple lead sources and strategies rather than relying on just one or two methods
- Consistent deal flow even during seasonal market fluctuations
According to Real Trends research, agents on teams close an average of 35% more transactions than solo agents during their first two years in the business, largely due to lead-sharing systems.
Administrative Support and Systems
Teams typically provide administrative support and established systems that allow agents to focus on dollar-productive activities rather than paperwork.
Key operational benefits:
- Transaction coordinators who handle paperwork and closing details
- Established CRM systems and technology platforms
- Marketing support including listing presentations, photography, and promotional materials
- Streamlined processes for every stage of the client relationship
Brand Recognition and Credibility
Joining an established team gives you instant credibility in the marketplace, which can be particularly valuable when you’re new to the industry.
Branding advantages:
- Leverage the team’s reputation and track record when meeting potential clients
- Higher conversion rates when prospecting due to name recognition
- Access to testimonials and reviews from the team’s past clients
- Professional marketing materials that might be cost-prohibitive for solo agents
Work-Life Balance Potential
Teams can offer better work-life balance through shared responsibilities and coverage systems.
Balance benefits:
- Vacation coverage from team members when you need time off
- Specialized roles that allow you to focus on aspects of the business you enjoy
- Shared on-call responsibilities rather than being available 24/7
- Reduced stress from having support during complex transactions
The Disadvantages of Joining a Real Estate Team
Commission Splits and Financial Considerations
The most obvious drawback to team life is sharing your commission. Teams typically operate on split structures that reduce your per-transaction income.
Financial considerations:
- Lower commission splits compared to working independently (typically 50-70% to the agent)
- Desk fees or marketing contributions that may be required in addition to splits
- Potential caps or thresholds that may or may not be attainable based on your production
- Less control over business expenses and investment decisions
Loss of Independence and Autonomy
Teams require conformity to established systems and processes, which can feel restrictive to entrepreneurial agents.
Autonomy limitations:
- Required use of team systems even if you prefer different methods
- Scheduled team meetings and training that may not always feel relevant
- Adherence to team standards for client communication and service
- Limited ability to implement your own ideas without team approval
Brand Identity Challenges
While team branding offers advantages, it can also create challenges for building your personal brand.
Branding challenges:
- Difficulty establishing your individual identity in the marketplace
- Client loyalty to the team rather than to you personally
- Restrictions on personal marketing and self-promotion
- Potential loss of clients if you leave the team
Team Dynamics and Personality Conflicts
Not all teams are created equal, and team culture can significantly impact your experience.
Potential team issues:
- Personality conflicts with team members or leadership
- Competition for leads or recognition within the team
- Uneven workload distribution or perceived favoritism
- Management styles that may not align with your preferences
Exit Challenges
Leaving a team can present significant challenges, especially regarding client relationships and business continuity.
Exit considerations:
- Non-compete agreements that may restrict where and how you can work
- Client ownership questions and potential loss of relationships
- Database and contact ownership disputes
- Reputation management during transition
Making the Right Decision for Your Career
Assess Your Experience Level
Your current experience level should heavily influence your decision:
- New agents (0-2 years): Teams typically provide the structure, training, and lead flow needed to establish yourself in the business.
- Mid-career agents (3-5 years): Consider whether you need systems scaling or prefer building your own brand.
- Experienced agents (5+ years): Evaluate whether joining (or creating) a team aligns with your long-term business goals.
Evaluate Your Working Style
Be honest about how you prefer to work:
- Do you thrive with structure or prefer setting your own rules?
- Are you motivated by collaboration or individual achievement?
- Do you need accountability or self-discipline?
- Do you prefer specializing in certain aspects of the business or handling everything yourself?
How to Interpret Your Results
Mostly Left Side (Independence, Self-Directed, Jack-of-All-Trades, Commission-Focused, Entrepreneurial):
You may thrive as a Solo Agent. You value freedom, control, and building something that’s 100% yours—even if it comes with higher risk and workload.
Mostly Right Side (Structure, Collaborative, Specialist, Support-Focused, Employee Mindset):
You may thrive in a Team Environment. You value mentorship, shared systems, accountability, and collaboration—trading some independence for greater support and efficiency.
Mixed Results (Some left, some right):
You may be best suited for a Hybrid Path. For example, starting on a team for training and mentorship, then branching into solo work—or operating solo while leveraging outsourced support.
Research Specific Teams
Not all teams operate the same way. Before joining, thoroughly research:
- Commission structures and financial arrangements
- Lead distribution policies
- Training and mentorship programs
- Team culture and values
- Exit policies and non-compete requirements
Consider a Hybrid Approach
Some brokerages offer hybrid models that combine aspects of team support with greater independence:
- Referral networks within brokerages
- Resource-sharing arrangements with other agents
- On-demand administrative support without full team commitment
- Mentorship programs without formal team structure
Joining a real estate team offers significant advantages in terms of mentorship, lead generation, systems, and support, particularly for newer agents. However, these benefits come with trade-offs in commission structure, autonomy, and personal branding.
The right choice depends on your experience level, working style, financial goals, and long-term career vision. By carefully weighing the pros and cons outlined in this article, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your unique circumstances and aspirations.
Remember that neither path is inherently better. The best choice is the one that positions you for success based on your individual strengths, weaknesses, and goals.
