New Agent being taken advantage of

Real Estate Horror Stories
1moFollow

New Agent being taken advantage of

Sophia Munoz
Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 4 votes

Hi guys, I just wanted to share my story. So I joined a brokerage in hopes of learning commercial real estate specialize in multifamily apartment building. It's been a couple months and I realize that I'm receiving no training and basically whenever I have questions, my mentor answers them. I'm quickly looking for another brokerage that can teach me instead of just feeling like I'm just handing my mentor leads for him to go runoff until my managing broker. I'm realizing really quickly what this business entails and how you just have yourself and you can't really trust anybody and I think it's unfortunate because when first starting out, you would think that you are surrounded by people who are looking out for you. So many lessons to learn, I would love to hear what you guys have to say.

1Reply
290 views

Most Popular Reply

Joseph BeilkeBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Palm Coast, FL · Member since 2018 · 363 posts · 243 votes
1mo

@Sophia Munoz

Real estate is your business, and ultimately your responsibility. I knew from the beginning that if I wanted a mentor, it was going to cost me in one way or another. Whenever I found an opportunity, I did everything I could to secure it before bringing in someone with more experience to help close the deal.

Look for the agent in your current brokerage—or your next one—who isn't necessarily the busiest, but who is the most approachable and willing to teach. Invite that person to lunch and be transparent about your intentions. During lunch, spend more time listening than talking. If you like what you hear, propose an informal partnership that rewards them for mentoring you while you build your business.

For example, on your first deal, if you generate the lead and they help close the buyer or seller, consider giving them 50–60% of the commission. In return, do as much of the hands-on work as possible. Your paid mentor is there to answer questions, provide guidance, and step in when needed—not to do the entire transaction for you.

On the next deal, reduce their share to 40–50%, then a little less with each successful transaction until you're confident handling deals on your own. It's an investment in your education, and in my opinion, it's money well spent.

240-676-4927
Enkore Real Estate & Property Management4.836 Reviews
WebsiteView Page
1Reply
See this reply in the discussion

17 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Joseph BeilkeBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Palm Coast, FL · Member since 2018 · 363 posts · 243 votes
    1mo

    @Sophia Munoz

    Real estate is your business, and ultimately your responsibility. I knew from the beginning that if I wanted a mentor, it was going to cost me in one way or another. Whenever I found an opportunity, I did everything I could to secure it before bringing in someone with more experience to help close the deal.

    Look for the agent in your current brokerage—or your next one—who isn't necessarily the busiest, but who is the most approachable and willing to teach. Invite that person to lunch and be transparent about your intentions. During lunch, spend more time listening than talking. If you like what you hear, propose an informal partnership that rewards them for mentoring you while you build your business.

    For example, on your first deal, if you generate the lead and they help close the buyer or seller, consider giving them 50–60% of the commission. In return, do as much of the hands-on work as possible. Your paid mentor is there to answer questions, provide guidance, and step in when needed—not to do the entire transaction for you.

    On the next deal, reduce their share to 40–50%, then a little less with each successful transaction until you're confident handling deals on your own. It's an investment in your education, and in my opinion, it's money well spent.

    240-676-4927
    Enkore Real Estate & Property Management4.836 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
  • Ken M.
    Investor · Get yourself trained before doing something inadvisable. · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1mo
    Quote from @Sophia Munoz:

    Hi guys, I just wanted to share my story. So I joined a brokerage in hopes of learning commercial real estate specialize in multifamily apartment building. It's been a couple months and I realize that I'm receiving no training and basically whenever I have questions, my mentor answers them. I'm quickly looking for another brokerage that can teach me instead of just feeling like I'm just handing my mentor leads for him to go runoff until my managing broker. I'm realizing really quickly what this business entails and how you just have yourself and you can't really trust anybody and I think it's unfortunate because when first starting out, you would think that you are surrounded by people who are looking out for you. So many lessons to learn, I would love to hear what you guys have to say.

    Please explain why a sane brokerage would train you and give you leads, especially when that's how they feed their family. Few if any, guarantee that in writing, when you start working there. The brokerage has risk, building  rent, advertising costs, taxes, water, electricity, insurance, liability and can pretty much guarantee he can close the deal without you. I not trying t be mean, just realistic. You either need a mentor or you need to learn to code instead of real estate. Get a mentor.
    0Reply
    • Sophia Munoz
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 4 votes
      1mo

      @Ken M. Hi Ken thanks for your message I am cold calling and getting leads. But when I did get a lead it was the first thing my mentor did was run off to tell my managing broker. I'm just learning that even your mentor has there own intentions & it's been a learning curve with the trusting people who are suppose to be in your corner essentially even if it is my business especially starting out. 

      0Reply
    • Ken M.
      Investor · Get yourself trained before doing something inadvisable. · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
      1mo
      Quote from @Sophia Munoz:

      @Ken M. Hi Ken thanks for your message I am cold calling and getting leads. But when I did get a lead it was the first thing my mentor did was run off to tell my managing broker. I'm just learning that even your mentor has there own intentions & it's been a learning curve with the trusting people who are suppose to be in your corner essentially even if it is my business especially starting out. 

      "But when I did get a lead it was the first thing my mentor did was run off to tell my managing broker."  I'm sorry if that happened to you. A mentor should never steal a lead from a trainee. I'd personally find a different mentor. This one is showing his true side. And it ain't pretty.


      0Reply
  • Caleb Brown
    Real Estate Agent · Kansas City · Member since 2018 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    1mo

    If you are wanting to get into commercial and apartments cold calling is key. Find a broker that'll help you cut your teeth in it. It'll be a grind as you start. 

    0Reply
  • Arman AhmedPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 890 votes
    1mo
    Quote from @Sophia Munoz:

    Hi guys, I just wanted to share my story. So I joined a brokerage in hopes of learning commercial real estate specialize in multifamily apartment building. It's been a couple months and I realize that I'm receiving no training and basically whenever I have questions, my mentor answers them. I'm quickly looking for another brokerage that can teach me instead of just feeling like I'm just handing my mentor leads for him to go runoff until my managing broker. I'm realizing really quickly what this business entails and how you just have yourself and you can't really trust anybody and I think it's unfortunate because when first starting out, you would think that you are surrounded by people who are looking out for you. So many lessons to learn, I would love to hear what you guys have to say.


    That's a tough lesson, but it's one a lot of people in this business go through. A good mentor should be helping you grow, not just benefiting from your efforts. Don't let one bad experience make you cynical, there are plenty of brokers and investors who genuinely invest in their people. Keep asking questions, keep building your network, and don't be afraid to move if you're not getting the training and support you were promised. Your long-term career is worth more than staying in the wrong environment.
    [email protected]614-418-6081
    0Reply
  • Sharaline Joseph
    Property Manager · Birmingham, MI · Member since 2024 · 15 posts · 3 votes
    1mo

    I can understand your frustration. Unfortunately, not every brokerage has a structured mentorship program, and many new agents discover that they have to be proactive about finding the training they need.

    One thing I've learned is that a mentor should be invested in your growth—not just the deals you bring in. If you're consistently generating leads but not gaining knowledge, it's worth evaluating whether the relationship is helping you reach your long-term goals.

    Before making a move, I'd ask potential brokerages specific questions about their training, deal exposure, coaching, and what support new agents actually receive. Speak with agents who recently joined to see if the reality matches the promises.

    Don't let this experience discourage you. The right environment can make a huge difference, and the fact that you're recognizing what isn't working this early puts you in a better position to find a brokerage that truly supports your development. Wishing you the best as you continue building your career.

    0Reply
    • Sophia Munoz
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 4 votes
      1mo

      @Sharaline Joseph  thank you for taking the time to leave me a message. ❤️ I'm learning to be a tough cookie & I'm excited to not need anybody! But until I get there imma be a smart savy business woman. 

      2Reply
  • Steve K.
    Realtor · Boulder, CO · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    1mo

    Yes everyone looks out for their own interests first. Real estate is similar to almost all other businesses in this way, so it’s good that you’ve learned this lesson. I wouldn’t look things at as if you’re being taken advantage of so much as that is just the way the business world works. Commercial real estate has been facing challenging market conditions over the past several years and all of the commercial agents I know are doing less business than they would like. It ain’t easy, but stick with it and after 3-5 years of hard consistent effort it should start to pay off. If you’re not impressed with your brokerage, switch it up but know that it’s a dog eat dog business in general so what you’re experiencing isn’t unique to your brokerage. If the market conditions improve, the rising tide will left all ships but if the tide keeps going out, it’ll continue to be slim pickins. You might advance faster in residential. Consider joining a team that you connect well with and can learn on the job better at. In commercial you typically need to work at an entry level longer unless you have connections, experience, an advanced degree in business or are business savvy already. It can be a steeper learning curve than resi. Stick with it and it will pay off eventually but yeah one thing you will come across consistently is everyone looks out for their own interests first in business. 

    0Reply
    • Sophia Munoz
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 4 votes
      1mo

      @Steve K. Thank you. I won't be doing residential I'll stick to commercial. I'm okay with the struggle. But I appreciate you writing to me. If there's any helpful podcasts or videos you recommend I would love to hear it. 

      0Reply
  • Ernie Rodriguez
    Real Estate Agent · Miami FL, USA · Member since 2024 · 19 posts · 10 votes
    1mo
    What state are you in
    0Reply
  • Henry ClarkPro Member
    Developer · Member since 2020 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    1mo

    OP be your own mentor at this point.  Use the current agency to do this.  Make the first pass at an outline then ask the people on this post to add to it.  Make an outline of a Realtor, multi family.  

    Zoning, variances,

    Property tax

    Insurance

    Closing documentation

    Offers

    Permits

    Marketing, Crexi, loopnet, marketing yourself

    Finance, lending

    Capital gains, cost segregation, 

    Based on your past posts look like you’re in LA.  Pick an area, learn all MFH on the market, analyze and approach each from an investors standpoint.

    Build your team.  Contractors, lenders, realtors, PZ, inspectors, investor groups, surveyors,   Start sending work their way.


    Use your office closings and go thru each one.  

    Develop your property checklist.

    Develop a property analysis 


    Learn to judge or compare properties and deals against each other.  

    Keep adding


    Then after the above and you have grown professionally then decide your next professional move after you have grown.  

    0Reply
  • Henry Lazerow
    Real Estate Agent · Chicago, IL · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    1mo

    I joined a bad brokerage at first. Just leave and go to any name brand firm with a good reputation and free training programs atleast this is how it works for residential and 2/4 units as well as small commerical.. Skip any mentor bs, its a scam. For large commercial you can break in as an analyst, the reputable firms will pay you a starter salary. If you do not have a solid degree or strong sales background no one serious is going to get you into commerical. 

    0Reply
  • Ashish AcharyaBusiness Member
    CPA, CFP®, PFS · FL · Member since 2017 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    1mo

    The mentorship and brokerage situation is really more of a career and business decision than a tax one, so I'll leave that piece to others here who've navigated brokerage dynamics firsthand.

    One thing to keep in mind on the tax side as you're deciding whether to switch, commercial brokerage commissions are usually 1099 income rather than W-2, which means self employment tax on top of the regular rates. So wherever you land next, once your deal flow starts picking up, it's a good idea to look at setting up an entity, and possibly an S corp election, sooner rather than later. That's really what keeps the SE tax from eating into your commissions as they grow.

    Happy to connect!

    [email protected]941-914-7779
    INVESTOR FRIENDLY CPA®5242 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    TaxMD™ | AI-Powered Tax Planning
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.
Log InJoin for Free