Choosing a brokerage affects your costs, training, support, compliance help, confidence, and long-term income. Before you sign anything, ask specific questions and compare the answers side by side.
The brokerage you join is not just a place to hang your license. It is the business infrastructure you operate inside of every day — and it shapes almost everything about your first year.
If you are getting licensed for the first time, the Illinois real estate licensing guide on this site covers the licensing process step by step before you reach the brokerage decision.
Ask every brokerage these questions and write down the specific answers. Vague responses ("it depends" or "we'll talk about that later") are themselves meaningful data.
Many brokerages say they offer training. Ask what that means in practice — a video library and a structured, accountable curriculum are very different things.
"We have mentors" can mean many things — from a formal 1-on-1 program with active agents to a list of names you can theoretically call. Get specifics.
Your managing broker is legally responsible for supervising your transactions. How available and responsive they actually are is one of the most practical things to investigate before joining.
Getting licensed is step one. Building a client base is the actual business. Ask how the brokerage helps with that — or whether it does at all.
Technology benefits are often listed on brokerage websites but used less often in practice. Ask which tools agents actually use day-to-day, and what agents pay for separately.
Culture is hard to measure but easy to feel within the first week. Ask questions that reveal whether agents collaborate or operate in isolation.
You can see what Kale Realty's events and in-person culture look like at the Kale events and training page — with real photos from Investor Summits, community outings, and agent events.
The most important questions vary depending on where you are in your career. Use the section below that matches your situation.
Use this as a working document. Bring it to every brokerage conversation and fill in what each one tells you. The quality and specificity of their answers is data in itself.
| Category | Question to Ask | Why It Matters | Notes / Your Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commission Split | What is the split, and does it change as my production grows? | Determines what percentage of each commission you keep before fees | Write down the exact number — not a range |
| Annual Cap | Is there a cap? What is it, and what do I keep after hitting it? | A cap means high producers keep 100% above a certain threshold — major for total income | No cap can mean unlimited split payments to the brokerage |
| Monthly Fee | What is the monthly fee regardless of production? | This is your floor cost — what you pay even in months with zero closings | Calculate 12× to see annual baseline cost |
| Transaction Fee | Is there a per-transaction fee on top of the split? | Transaction fees compound at higher production volume and can significantly change total cost | Ask if it applies to both sides or just one |
| Training | Is there a structured training program? Is it included in fees? | Training quality directly affects how quickly new agents close their first deals | Ask for specifics — not just "yes we have training" |
| Mentorship | Is mentorship formal, included, and led by active agents? | Access to real deal help from experienced agents is one of the most valuable early-career resources | Ask how many mentors, and if there is a waitlist |
| Broker Support | Who do I call with a contract question and how fast will I hear back? | Managing broker accessibility determines how supported you are when a real situation arises | Ask if support is available evenings or weekends |
| Compliance | What compliance systems are in place? Who reviews contracts? | Errors in transactions can have professional and legal consequences — oversight matters | Ask what happens if you make an error |
| Technology | What tech is actually included vs. listed but not used by agents? | Technology costs add up. Unused tools have no value, regardless of how many are listed | Ask agents, not just recruiters, what they actually use |
| CRM | Is a CRM provided? Is it supported and trained on? | A CRM you know how to use is a business development asset. One you never open is irrelevant | Ask what CRM and whether training is included |
| Leads | Are leads provided? What is the split or referral fee on brokerage-provided leads? | Brokerage-provided leads sound attractive but often come with significant referral fees | Calculate the net split on provided leads vs. self-generated |
| Marketing | Are marketing templates or tools provided? Is brand support available? | Marketing infrastructure saves time and cost for agents building their business | Ask for examples of what agents actually have access to |
| Events | Are there regular in-person events, training sessions, or summits? | In-person events build relationships, community, and accountability that online content does not fully replace | Ask how often and whether attendance is included |
| Culture | Are agents collaborative? Can I speak to current agents before joining? | Culture affects motivation, retention, and the informal learning that happens peer-to-peer | Ask to be connected with a current agent for a real conversation |
| Part-Time Fit | Does the brokerage have production minimums? Is the model sustainable at low volume? | Some brokerages are built for high-volume, full-time agents and are a poor fit for part-time practitioners | Ask directly whether other agents work part-time here |
| Experienced Agent Fit | What does the brokerage offer a productive agent beyond a favorable split? | Experienced agents may benefit from coaching, investor relationships, admin support, or team-building options | Calculate total annual cost at your actual production volume |
| Exit Policy | What happens to my clients, listings, and commissions if I leave? | Understanding exit terms before you join prevents surprises and protects your business if you ever switch | Ask for this in writing before signing |
Not all brokerages are worth joining, regardless of how they present themselves. These are signs that warrant more scrutiny — or walking away.
Kale Realty is an independent brokerage based in Chicago, Illinois. This section is not a sales pitch — it is a factual description of what Kale offers so you can include it in your comparison.
If you are comparing brokerages, Kale Realty can walk you through its training, support, fees, mentorship, and onboarding so you can decide whether the model fits your business.