Looking for an Austin Brokerage - Suggestions?

Question

Hello,

New to BiggerPockets. I just got approved for my real estate license in December & looking at brokerages to sign up under in Austin, TX.

I have been looking at the obvious big names (Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, Century 21) and trying to figure which one would best for someone starting their real estate career. Mostly had my eye on KW due to their presence in the Austin area, commission split caps & ability to make income off individuals that you sign up under you. Also they seem to offer a decent amount of training. Though I know a lot will come from hands on experience and seeking out the answers that I need.

Seeing if anyone has suggestions, brokers to avoid, or things I should keep in mind when making my selection.

I am sure this question has been asked before, but search options are limited for cheap free users as myself.

Thank you in advance for your input!

PS I have also joined the Austin REIA & Lifestyles Unlimited (local real estate investment groups) in the hopes of one day using my knowledge and connections gained as an agent to make smart decisions in investing. Currently looking at getting into Wholesaling (the right way) & Subject To investment strategies. I have read books like The Millionaire Real Estate Agent and the BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide to Real Estate Investing (currently reading the BiggerPockets No Money Down book).

David Ivy · Answer

@Brandon Drayden

Congrats on getting your license! It sounds like you've done some good research already. Keller Williams is by far the best company for brand new agents in terms of training, support, and accountability. The agent culture at the two Austin market centers is totally non-competitive and supportive. Those willing to work extremely hard, take the training material seriously, and listen to coaches and mentors have no trouble doing at least self-sustaining business as a Realtor within the first year. There are also plenty of opportunities to join teams and groups of all sizes. If there's anything I can do for you, just let me know!

Full disclosure: I'm with KW in Austin, but I don't think anyone really disputes that there's no better place for brand new agents as far as training, support, and accountability goes.

Katie Hanner · Answer

I would highly recommend JB Goodwin REALTORS in Austin. They are the largest independent broker in the Austin area and have a very long, solid reputation in real estate. They also are one of the Austin's "Top Workplaces" for several years running! They were the brokerage that I started with when I got my license (I am a broker now and hold my license independently). They have always been well known for their training, but in last few years that have made HUGE additions to what they offer their agents in terms of technology, etc. They have INCREDIBLE training and mastery program that rivals any "big box brokerage"...additionally they have a highly developed back-end CRM system that NO ONE in the Austin area is offering -- for free, to their agents. One of the things I love about them as a new agent is that they provide everything you need to start up and be successful...no desk fees or monthly fees...they want to see you succeed, so they get paid only when you do! Feel free to PM me if you have any questions, I'd be happy to share my experiences!

Jacob Wathen · Answer

Hello @Brandon Drayden! Congrats on getting your license! That is a huge step.

I strongly suggest interviewing with a variety of brokerages. Don't get too hung up on the commission split. Most of the brokerages that offer the support you need as a new agent will likely make the same amount off of you no matter what. Haha

I interviewed with 18 offices in Portland, OR before I decided on Keller Williams Realty. I feel that I did my homework and went to a few of their classes prior to joining and they simply had the best systems in place to assist me in starting my business. I started out on a time but here I am 3 months in and I am now a solo agent. I learned a lot on a team but ultimately I wanted to grow my own business.

The profit share idea for KW is very cool! I know people that make a couple thousand a month in passive income just because they brought on a couple of agents. I definitely do not think you should join just because of that but there are so many things that attracted me to KW as a new agent that I decided it was the best option.

Just do your homework and pick the brokerage that you believe will help you achieve your goals. I also went to 10 open houses per weekend while I was getting my license to speak with agents hosting the opens and get their 2 cents. It was extremely valuable and helped me make my decision.

I am happy to answer any other questions you may have regarding other brokerages but my experience is specific to Oregon. Most national brokerages have the same systems in place in each office though. Good luck to you!

Jacob Wathen

Cynthia Hairston · Answer

I know of a broker who will sponsor you, pm me

Jacob Wathen · Answer

@Brandon Drayden, Going to open houses was very beneficial! Just be mindful of the agents' time and if there is another client in the home, disappear. haha

There is a lot that separates the different companies. Look online for a list of questions to ask RE brokerages prior to joining and consistently ask the same questions while meeting with the recruiters. Take notes and compare at the end. If you want to focus on working with investors, military, first time homebuyers, luxury, etc. find out which company will get you there. Of course most agents don't stay at their first brokerage but it would be great to find the best fit early on.

If you join a real estate team you would likely be given leads. That being said you will be giving a big chunk of your commission in order to have their support but it isn't a bad idea if you don't have a network and things like that.

Brandon Drayden · Answer

@David Ivy Thanks! I appreciate your feedback. I know some people working with Keller Williams here in Austin and also in Houston. It is always hard to tell if they are genuine about their experience or they just want to sign you up under them. I have been hearing though that a big part of the real estate community is helping the people that come after you. From what I have seen so far, it seems like this true.

@Jacob Wathen I really liked that idea about about going to open houses and talking to agents. I might go try that this weekend. And you are correct I do need to go and talk with the different offices and see what meets my goals and visions for the future. I just always wondered what separated the various companies when you put the commission splits and fees to the side. The name people trust? Industry leading training? Leads to new agents?

@Katie Hanner To be honest, I have heard of JB Goodwin, but never even considered them when looking for where I should set up shop. I will have to add them to my list. Appreciate the suggestion.

Looking for an Austin Brokerage - Suggestions?

Looking for an Austin Brokerage - Suggestions?

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