Changing real estate brokerages is an important career decision.
Whether you've been licensed for two years or twenty, the brokerage you choose can influence your productivity, professional development, client experience, and overall satisfaction with your real estate career.
For agents working in Lake County, McHenry County, and surrounding Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin communities, finding the right brokerage involves much more than comparing commission splits.
It means finding an environment where you can grow, receive meaningful support, and build the kind of business and lifestyle you want.
Before making your next move, consider these seven important questions.
Quick Answer: What Should Real Estate Agents Look for When Changing Brokerages?
When considering a brokerage change, real estate agents should evaluate leadership accessibility, training opportunities, administrative and marketing support, technology, compensation, company culture, and long-term growth potential.
The best brokerage for an individual agent is one that aligns with their business goals, experience level, preferred working style, and expectations for support.
A higher commission split alone doesn't necessarily translate into greater profitability or career satisfaction.
1. Will I Have Access to Experienced Leadership?
Real estate is a relationship-driven business, and the relationship between an agent and brokerage leadership matters.
When challenging situations arise, agents benefit from having knowledgeable professionals available to provide guidance.
Before joining a brokerage, ask:
Who can I contact when I need assistance with a transaction?
How accessible are the managing brokers and owners?
Is leadership actively involved in helping agents succeed?
Will I receive guidance when navigating unfamiliar situations?
At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Star Homes – The Star Home Team, we believe accessible leadership and collaboration are essential parts of a supportive real estate environment.
Our brokerage serves agents and clients throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, with experienced leadership supporting both markets.
2. What Administrative and Transaction Support Is Available?
Successful real estate agents wear many hats.
Between prospecting, scheduling showings, communicating with clients, preparing offers, coordinating inspections, and managing transactions, administrative responsibilities can consume valuable time.
Before changing brokerages, find out which responsibilities you'll handle independently and which resources are available to assist you.
Ask about transaction coordination, listing preparation, marketing assistance, document management, and communication support.
The goal isn't simply to work more hours. It's to make the hours you work more productive.
At Star Homes, our team structure includes administrative, listing, transaction, and marketing support resources.
We encourage prospective agents to explore how those resources work and which services are available based on their role and participation.
3. Does the Brokerage Provide Meaningful Training and Professional Development?
Real estate is constantly changing.
Technology evolves. Contracts and regulations change. Consumer expectations shift. New marketing strategies emerge.
A brokerage that invests in ongoing agent education can help its agents adapt and remain competitive.
Look beyond whether a brokerage advertises training.
Ask what that training actually looks like.
Does it include live sessions, practical instruction, technology education, contract guidance, business development, and opportunities to learn from experienced agents?
At Star Homes, training and professional development are important parts of our culture.
We believe both newer and experienced agents benefit from continued learning, accountability, and exposure to new ideas.
Explore our Support & Training page on JoinStarHomes.com to learn more about our approach.
4. Will the Technology Help Me Build My Business?
Technology should make an agent's work easier, not create additional confusion.
A modern brokerage should help agents understand how to use customer relationship management systems, marketing tools, automation, and other resources effectively.
Questions worth asking include:
What CRM and lead follow-up tools are available?
Will I receive training on the systems?
Are marketing and communication tools integrated into the workflow?
How does the brokerage help agents adapt to artificial intelligence and emerging technology?
At Star Homes, we continue exploring technology and systems designed to improve agent productivity, client communication, and business development.
However, technology is only valuable when agents understand how to use it consistently.
That's why education and implementation matter just as much as the tools themselves.
5. What Is the Brokerage's Culture Really Like?
Company culture can be difficult to evaluate from a website or recruiting presentation.
The best way to understand a brokerage's culture is to ask how people actually work together.
Do agents share knowledge? Are successes celebrated? Is leadership approachable? Are agents encouraged to build businesses that align with their personal goals?
Consider asking to meet members of the team or learn about a typical week at the brokerage.
At BHGRE Star Homes, our philosophy is reflected in our message:
Live Your Best Life at BHGRE Star Homes – The Star Home Team.
We believe building a successful real estate career should also leave room for the people, experiences, and priorities that matter outside of work.
6. How Does the Compensation Structure Compare With the Actual Value Provided?
Commission splits are important, but they represent only one part of a brokerage's overall value.
An agent should also consider business expenses, technology costs, administrative responsibilities, marketing resources, professional development, and the time required to manage each transaction.
For example, a brokerage offering a higher split but limited support may not necessarily provide greater overall value than one offering a more comprehensive support structure.
The right comparison depends on your production, expenses, goals, and the services you actually use.
Before making a decision, ask for a clear explanation of compensation, fees, available services, and any participation requirements.
Evaluate the complete business opportunity, not just the commission percentage.
7. Can I See Myself Growing Here Over the Next Three to Five Years?
A brokerage change should support more than your immediate needs.
Think about where you want your real estate career to go.
Perhaps you want to increase production, improve your work-life balance, develop a specialty, strengthen your marketing, or become more consistent with lead follow-up.
Maybe you're looking for a collaborative environment where you can continue growing without feeling like you're building your business entirely on your own.
Ask prospective brokerages how they help agents establish goals, develop skills, and make progress over time.
At Star Homes, we recognize that every agent's definition of success is different.
Our goal is to provide an environment where agents have opportunities to learn, contribute, and pursue their individual professional goals.
Considering a Brokerage Change in Northern Illinois or Southern Wisconsin?
If you're exploring real estate career opportunities in Lake County, McHenry County, or nearby communities, taking time to research your options is a smart first step.
You don't have to make a decision immediately.
In fact, a confidential conversation can help you determine whether another brokerage might be a better fit for your goals.
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Star Homes – The Star Home Team serves Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, with offices in Grayslake and McHenry, Illinois, and support for our Wisconsin agents.
We welcome conversations with licensed agents who are interested in learning more about our culture, leadership, training, and support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Changing Real Estate Brokerages
How do I know when it's time to change real estate brokerages?
Consider whether your current brokerage provides the leadership, training, support, technology, and professional environment you need. If your business goals and available resources no longer align, exploring alternatives may be worthwhile.
Should I choose a brokerage based on commission split?
Commission is important, but agents should evaluate the complete compensation structure alongside expenses, available support, technology, training, and business opportunities.
Can experienced real estate agents benefit from joining a team?
Yes. Experienced agents may appreciate administrative resources, collaboration, professional development, and systems that support productivity. Whether a team is the right fit depends on the agent's goals and preferred working style.
What should I ask during a real estate brokerage interview?
Ask about leadership, training, compensation, fees, administrative assistance, marketing, technology, company culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
Can I explore another brokerage without committing to a move?
Yes. An introductory conversation is an opportunity to ask questions and evaluate potential fit. It does not require you to change brokerages.
Your Next Chapter Could Start With a Conversation
Choosing the right brokerage is about finding a professional home that supports the career and life you want to build.
If you're curious about what makes Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Star Homes – The Star Home Team different, we'd welcome the opportunity to talk.
Schedule a Confidential 15-Minute Call with Jim Starwalt
Learn about our team, ask questions, and explore whether Star Homes could be the right fit for your next chapter.
Visit JoinStarHomes.com to get started.
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Star Homes – The Star Home Team | Serving Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.