Interviewing Brokerages

Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Brokerage

Training & Mentorship

Why it matters: You don't want to find out during your first transaction that "support" means watching prerecorded videos and figuring out the rest yourself.
Ask:

• Do you have a structured mentorship program for new agents?

• Who will help me with my first few transactions?

• If I have a question in the middle of a deal, who can I call?

• Is there regular training beyond my initial onboarding?

• Will I learn practical skills like writing offers, taking listings, negotiating, lead generation, and managing a transaction?

• Is training included, or is there an additional cost?

• How accessible is the managing broker when I need help?

MVP Answers

Yes, we do have a structured, 3-month mentorship program where you’ll meet one-on-one with an experienced agent. They’ll follow along with you through your first five transactions. They are your first line of defense but you can also call anyone on the 7-member leadership team as well. We also offer classes with our managing broker on working with buyers, sellers and going through the inspection period that we want all new agents to attend. Beyond just new agent opportunities, we offer regular trainings in office as well as monthly brokerage meetings and collaborative work sessions.

Marketing Support

Why it matters: Having access to a marketing platform is very different from having a brokerage that actively helps you market your business.
Ask:

• What marketing does the brokerage provide for its agents?

• Is any marketing actually done for me, or will I be responsible for creating everything myself?

• Do you host any client-facing event?

• Are there ready-to-use templates and resources?

• Will someone help me learn how to market myself and build my personal brand?

• What marketing opportunities are included versus an additional cost?

MVP Answers

One of the key things that sets MVP apart is that we provide marketing mailers, pop by gifts and event opportunities for our agents. In addition, we have an entire Canva library of past materials agents can use. Our social media features our agents’ accomplishments and every listing. Your mentor will help you “launch” your career with marketing tailored to you and your sphere. You are able to customize a personalized landing page on our website and use it to promote yourself, including a bio and potential video introduction. Next to the classroom, you may have noticed our recording studio, which agents can sign up to use. We show you how to successfully market yourself and your listings in a social media centered, digital world.

Fees & Commission

A higher commission split doesn't necessarily mean you'll take home more money if there are significant monthly and transaction fees attached to it.
Ask:

• What is my commission split?

• Are there desk or monthly brokerage fees?

• Are there technology, franchise, transaction, E&O, marketing, or administrative fees?

• Are there fees even during months when I don't close a transaction?

• Does my commission split change as I grow?

• Are there additional costs for training, support, or office use?

MVP Answers

Listing Leaders prides itself on being a no-fee brokerage and Listing Leaders MVPs is no exception. We don’t charge a desk or monthly fee and we do not take additional “marketing” or “technology” fee out of your split. The only charge you will get annually is for your state-required E&O insurance. When you shop brokerages, be sure to ask if any additional charges come out of your split percent. We start our agents at a split that covers your mentorship and then after your first 5 transactions, your split will go up 5%. If you choose to participate in marketing opportunities like Pop-by gifts or mailers, you will be invoiced at cost for your order.

Culture & Community

Real estate can be surprisingly independent and the people around you can make a huge difference, particularly when you're getting started. Pay attention while you're there to see if people seem comfortable asking question, if they know each other, or if office feels welcoming. Culture can be difficult to measure on paper, so sometimes the best information comes from simply observing.
Ask:

• How would you describe the culture here?

• Do agents collaborate or mostly work independently?

• Are there opportunities to learn from experienced agents?

• Does the brokerage hold meetings, trainings, events, or other opportunities to connect?

• Can I talk with a few current agents about their experience?

• How does the brokerage celebrate and support its agents?

• What does the office do to help new agents feel like part of the group?

  MVP Answers

  Positive community and culture is one of the main things we strive for at LL MVP. Our people genuinely like each other and love coming into the office. It’s a rare day that no one comes by. We have monthly meetings, multiple trainings and try to have agent social events a few times a year. We are protective of our vibe and want to be a fun, encouraging place for agents to grow.

Tools & Resources

Ask the brokerage to show you what you'll actually have access to—not just tell you that they offer "tons of resources."
Why it matters: The right systems can save you an enormous amount of time and help you avoid reinventing the wheel while you're learning the business.
Ask:

• What technology and tools are included?

• Do you provide transaction management resources?

• Are there templates, checklists, scripts, guides, or systems available to agents?

• Are there resources specifically designed for new agents?

• What tools will help me stay organized and follow up with clients?

• Are these resources included in my brokerage fees?

• What systems are already built for me versus systems I'll need to create myself?

MVP Answers

Our brokerage is centered around our Agent Hub. This private website has all of the information you need to make it through a transaction including step-by-step guides and email templates to make sure you’re hitting all of the state and local requirements. Your mentor will guide you through our transaction management technology (Skyslope, Zipforms) and we have someone on staff specifically for technology questions as well.

Office & Accessibility

You may not need to work from an office every day, but having somewhere you can actually go can be valuable. Consider how convenient the location is for both you and your clients. A centrally located office can make meetings, training, collaboration, and getting help much easier.
Ask:

• Is there a physical office available to agents?

• Where is it located?

• Can I use the office to meet with clients?

• Is there workspace available when I need it?

• How often are trainings and meetings held in person?

• Where are the managing broker and support staff located?

MVP Answers

We are located at 117 E. Goldsborough in Crown Point, right next to the classroom. You can use the space at any time and can reserve rooms in advance if you need something specific. When you join Listing Leaders, your key will open not only our office but every Listing Leaders office. That means you have access to over a dozen offices throughout NW Indiana and the IL south suburbs.