What Should I Ask During a Brokerage Interview?

You've got your real estate license, and now every brokerage in town wants to recruit you. The presentations are polished, the promises are exciting, and everyone claims they're "the best." But how do you cut through the sales pitches to find a brokerage that will actually help you succeed?

Most agents make this decision based on commission splits, brand recognition, or whoever calls them first. Meanwhile, the factors that actually determine whether you'll thrive or struggle get completely ignored.

The wrong brokerage can leave you spinning your wheels for years, wondering if you're cut out for real estate. The right one provides the structure, support, and systems that turn your hard work into consistent closings.

This guide gives you the exact questions to ask during brokerage interviews—the ones that reveal whether you're walking into genuine support or just another "figure it out yourself" situation.

Why Most Brokerage Interviews Miss the Mark

Here's what typically happens: You sit through a presentation about company culture, technology platforms, and commission structures. Someone shows you the office, mentions the "family atmosphere," and hands you a business card.

But no one talks about what your Tuesday morning looks like when you're three months in with no closings. No one explains what happens when you need help with a difficult transaction. And nobody addresses the elephant in the room: where your leads will actually come from.

Most brokerage interviews are designed to impress you, not inform you. They focus on what sounds good rather than what actually matters for your success. Agents typically choose brokerages based on incomplete information, then struggle because they didn't ask the right questions upfront.

The 10 Questions That Actually Matter

Here are the essential questions that cut through the sales pitches and reveal what your experience will really be like:

1. "How do agents typically get their first 10 deals here?"

This reveals whether the brokerage has a real plan for new agent success or just expects you to figure it out. If they immediately mention cold calling your sphere or buying expensive leads, that's a red flag. Quality brokerages have systems that help agents generate business while they're learning the ropes.

2. "Who specifically will mentor me, and what does that relationship look like day-to-day?"

Mentorship should be specific, not generic. You want to know who you'll work with, how often you'll meet, and what kind of support they provide. Tip: "Everyone here is willing to help" isn't a mentorship program. 

3. "What does your training look like after the first month? What about month six?"

Most brokerages have some form of initial orientation, but ongoing education is where agents actually develop skills. Look for structured, progressive training that evolves as you grow. One-size-fits-all approaches don't work for agents at different experience levels.

4. "What happens when there's a problem with a deal after regular business hours?"

This tests whether support exists when you actually need it, not just during business hours. Real estate doesn't operate on a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither should your support system.

5. "Can you walk me through exactly how leads are distributed and what the process looks like from lead to closing?"

Quality brokerages will have clear, documented processes. They should be able to explain not just how you get leads, but how you're supported in converting them. Vague answers or "it depends" responses indicate a lack of structure.

6. "What administrative support do agents receive, and what do I handle myself?"

Transaction coordination, paperwork management, and compliance support can make or break your efficiency. Understanding what you'll handle versus what the brokerage provides helps you evaluate the true time investment required.

7. "Can you break down all costs associated with working here?"

Beyond commission splits, there may be desk fees, transaction fees, marketing costs, or other expenses. Understanding the complete financial picture helps you make informed comparisons.

8. "Can you share examples of how you've helped struggling agents turn their business around?"

This reveals whether the brokerage actually invests in agent success or just cuts loose anyone who isn't immediately productive. Look for specific stories and concrete examples of support systems in action.

9. "Can I speak with agents who joined in the last six months? What about agents who've been here for several years?"

Talking to agents at different stages reveals both the new agent experience and long-term satisfaction. Quality brokerages will gladly connect you with their agents because they're confident in the experience they provide.

10. "What does a typical week look like for your most successful agents?"

This reveals the daily behaviors and activities that lead to success within their system. If successful agents are grinding 70-hour weeks, that might not align with your goals for work-life balance.

What Great Answers Look Like

To help you recognize quality responses, here's what excellent brokerages typically say:

About lead generation: "We provide qualified leads through our partnership programs, but we also teach you to build your own pipeline. Here's our conversion process and the support you'll receive..."

About training: "Our bootcamp covers everything from contracts to marketing, and we have ongoing coaching every Tuesday and Thursday. Your mentor will be [specific person] who's closed [specific number] deals..."

About support: "When deals get complicated, our transaction coordinators step in. Here's how we handled a similar situation last month..."

About growth: "We track your progress and adjust support based on your needs. Here are three agents who started where you are and where they are now..."

Quality brokerages provide specific, detailed answers because they have specific, detailed systems. They're confident in what they offer because they've built something worth being confident about.

Red Flags to Watch For During Interviews

Industry expert Tom Toole recently noted that only about 13% of agents stick around past their first five years, highlighting why choosing the right brokerage support from day one is crucial. 

While asking the right questions is crucial, pay attention to warning signs that indicate problematic brokerages:

Pressure to decide immediately: Quality brokerages want you to make an informed decision, not a rushed one. High-pressure tactics often indicate desperation or poor agent retention.

Vague answers about support systems: If they can't clearly explain their training, mentorship, or lead generation processes, those systems probably don't exist in any meaningful way.

Focus only on commission splits: Brokerages that lead with splits often have little else to offer. The best opportunities come from environments that help you close more deals, not just keep more of each commission.

No agent references: Legitimate brokerages will gladly connect you with current agents. Reluctance to provide references suggests they're hiding something.

Unrealistic income projections: Be wary of anyone promising specific income levels, especially without understanding your experience, market knowledge, or work ethic.

Making Your Final Decision

After conducting thorough interviews, evaluate each opportunity based on alignment with your needs and goals:

Support systems: Which brokerage provides the most comprehensive training, mentorship, and operational support?

Lead opportunities: Where will you have the best chance of connecting with qualified prospects while learning the business?

Cultural fit: Which environment feels most supportive and aligned with your values and working style?

Growth potential: Where can you see yourself not just surviving, but thriving long-term?

Financial structure: Which compensation and fee structure provides the best value when you consider all the support provided?

Remember that the goal isn't to find the perfect brokerage—it's to find the right fit for your current situation and future goals.

What This Looks Like at 54 Realty

At 54 Realty, we welcome these questions because we're confident in our answers. We provide qualified leads through our Zillow Flex partnership, comprehensive training through our 4-day bootcamp and ongoing coaching sessions, and transaction support that handles the details while you focus on clients.

Our agents know exactly what to expect because we've built systems around their success, not just our profits. We believe informed agents make better decisions, and better decisions lead to better outcomes for everyone.

When you ask us these questions, you'll get specific answers backed by real examples and measurable results. Because when you're genuinely invested in agent success, transparency isn't scary—it's a competitive advantage.

Your Next Steps

Don't choose your brokerage based on whoever has the shiniest presentation or the highest commission split. Choose based on where you'll get the support, systems, and opportunities that turn your potential into performance.

Use these questions to conduct thorough interviews, take notes on the responses, and compare your options thoughtfully. Your choice of brokerage will influence every aspect of your real estate career—make sure it's an informed decision.

The right brokerage doesn't just want your signature on a contract. They want your success in the market. And with the right questions, you can tell the difference.

👉 Ready to ask these questions and hear our answers? Call 54 Realty at (813) 435-5411 for a no-pressure conversation about what your real estate career could look like with proper support.