Blog Real Estate Teams Work Solo or with a Real Estate Team?

Work Solo or with a Real Estate Team?

Choosing whether to go solo or join a real estate team is a pretty big decision every agent must make at some point. Working on your own gives you more freedom, but being part of a team comes with some serious perks—extra support, resources, and a crew to collaborate with that can help you level up faster.

So, what exactly are real estate teams, and how do they work?

In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of teams and help you determine if teaming up is the right move for your career.

Key Takeaways

• Joining a real estate team offers support and resources. Teams can provide valuable mentorship, leads and shared resources, making it easier to grow your business.
• You’ll trade independence for collaboration. While teams offer structure and stability, you might sacrifice control over your brand and earnings for shared responsibilities and commissions.
• Weigh your personal goals. Whether you thrive in a collaborative environment or prefer full autonomy, choosing between solo work and a team should align with your long-term career aspirations.

What Are Real Estate Agent Teams?

So, what exactly is a real estate agent team? It’s a group of agents working together, splitting up responsibilities, resources and commissions to make things run more smoothly for everyone involved.

Think of it like a well-oiled machine, where everyone has their role to play.

A team leader—often a seasoned agent—is in charge while the rest of the team handles different tasks. One person might take care of paperwork, another could focus on showing properties, and someone else might manage client relationships. It’s about letting each agent focus on what they do best so everything moves along efficiently.

As for commissions?

That can vary from team to team. Sometimes, the commission is split between everyone, with the team leader taking a bigger chunk.

Other times, agents might get a salary or bonuses based on their contributions.

Either way, being part of a team, especially if you’re new, means you’ll have experienced folks to lean on and a bit more security as you learn the ropes.

Types of Real Estate Agent Teams

When you’re thinking about joining a real estate team, it’s good to remember that not all teams are the same. There’s no one-size-fits-all setup here.

Teams come in all shapes and sizes, so knowing the differences can help you determine the best fit for your career.

Let’s break down three common types of real estate teams: partnerships, self-organized teams and mega teams.

Partnerships

A partnership is the easiest, most straightforward type of real estate team. It consists of two or more agents working together, usually splitting up tasks and sharing commissions equally.

Partnerships are great if you want a balance between going solo and having someone to collaborate with. Usually, partners divide the work based on their strengths —one person might be a pro at talking to clients, while the other handles the marketing or paperwork.

The secret to making a partnership work?

Trust and having a clear understanding of who does what.

A partnership could be the perfect solution if you love working with others but don’t want the full big team experience.

Self-Organized Teams

Self-organized teams consist of agents who enjoy the perks of working in a team without a boss or brokerage-appointed leader calling the shots.

These teams are super flexible—agents divide up tasks however they want.

There’s no strict hierarchy, just a bunch of people working together and pooling resources like marketing funds or lead gen tools.

These setups usually attract entrepreneurial agents who like their independence but still want to share the workload and tap into each other’s expertise.

It’s a great option if you want a say in how things run and are open to a DIY leadership approach.

Mega Teams

Mega teams are big, often super-organized groups led by a top-producing agent or broker. These teams can have many members— from agents to admin staff, transaction coordinators and marketing pros.

The team leader usually plays a CEO-like role, handling the big-picture stuff while the agents focus on working with clients and closing deals.

Mega teams tend to have solid systems for lead generation, marketing and client management, so they’re perfect for agents who want to jump in and start selling immediately.

The trade-off?

You might have to give up some control over your work since you’ll be expected to follow the team leader’s playbook.

If you like structure and want a clear path to grow a mega team, you could be what you’re looking for.

Advantages of Joining a Real Estate Team

Joining a real estate team can be a game-changer, especially if you’re new to the industry or looking to expand.

Let’s dive into the perks of teaming up:

Built-In Support System

One of the best things about being on a team is that you’ve got a crew backing you up. Whether it’s help with tricky transactions, marketing advice, or just having someone to brainstorm with, you’re never alone. It’s like having your own personal support network.

More Leads, Less Hustle

Teams often have solid lead-generation systems in place, which means you can take advantage of more opportunities without hustling for every single one.

This is especially helpful when starting and trying to build your client base.

Shared Resources

From marketing materials to admin help, teams usually have shared resources that take some of the burden off your shoulders.

You won’t have to worry about paying for your ads or spending hours on paperwork—someone’s got your back on that front.

When you’re part of a team, there’s always someone to cover for you if you need time off or have conflicting appointments. It’s a lot easier to juggle your work-life balance when you’re not doing everything solo.

Learning From Experienced Agents

Working alongside seasoned pros is a huge advantage if you’re new to the game. You’ll pick up tips and tricks from people who have been around the block, which can fast-track your growth. It’s like getting a mentorship while earning commissions at the same time.

Disadvantages of Joining a Real Estate Team

Joining a team has its perks, but let’s not sugarcoat it—there are some downsides you’ll want to think about.

Less Control Over Your Brand

When you’re part of a team, you’re repping the team leader’s brand, not your own.

If you have big dreams of building your own brand, that might have to wait. The team’s marketing and messaging are what you’ll be rolling with, and that can feel a bit restrictive if you like doing things your way.

Sharing Commissions

While being on a team might mean more leads, it also means splitting those commissions. If you’re used to keeping the full amount, sharing it might sting a little—especially when the team leader takes the bigger chunk.

You might have more deals, but each one nets you a smaller piece of the pie.

Less Flexibility

Teams usually have systems and processes in place, so there is less wiggle room for doing things the way you prefer.

Have a new idea for marketing? You’ll probably need to get it approved.

Want to handle transactions differently? The team likely has a set way to do it, and you’ll have to follow suit.

Personality Clashes

Let’s be real; not everyone gets along perfectly.

When you’re on a team, you work closely with others; sometimes, your personalities don’t mesh. If you don’t vibe with your teammates, it can make things awkward, which is the last thing you need when trying to close deals.

Limited Autonomy

If you love calling the shots and doing things your way, team life might not be for you. On a team, you’re playing by their rules—following their system for lead gen, marketing and everything in between.

Some agents like this structure, but for others, they can feel like it’s boxing them in.

Understanding Commission Splits

Commission splits are how the money gets divided after a deal closes. You’ll typically share the commission with your teammates and the team leader when you’re on a team.

The exact split depends on the team setup—sometimes, it’s an even share. Other times, the leader takes a bigger chunk, and the rest is divvied up among the agents. Knowing the split before joining a team is important so there aren’t any surprises when payday comes.

Commission Structures in Competitive Markets

In more competitive markets, commission structures can get a little trickier.

Teams may offer lower splits to stay competitive or bring in more leads.

In return, you might get more support, marketing tools or higher-quality leads.

It’s all about weighing how much you’re willing to give up for the extra help you’ll get in a hot market.

Factors Influencing Commission Splits

Your commission split can be impacted by a few things, such as the team leader’s experience, your market, and the kind of support the team offers.

You might get a smaller cut if the team provides tons of leads, admin help, or marketing resources.

You could negotiate a bigger share if you’re expected to bring in your own clients. It all depends on the value the team brings to the table.

Building a Successful Real Estate Team

Building a real estate team that really works takes more than just throwing a few agents together. You need a clear vision of where you’re headed and who’s doing what.

Defining Team Goals and Values

First things first—figure out what your team is all about. What are your goals? Are you focused on volume, luxury properties or specific niches?

Defining these early on sets the tone for how your team operates.

And don’t forget values—whether it’s teamwork, integrity or client-first service, having shared values helps everyone stay on the same page.

Identifying Team Roles and Responsibilities

Next, decide who’s doing what. A successful team runs like a well-oiled machine, so it’s important to clearly define roles. Who handles lead gen? Who manages transactions? By identifying responsibilities upfront, you’ll avoid stepping on each other’s toes and keep everything moving smoothly.

Leading and Managing a Real Estate Team

Leading a real estate team isn’t just about calling the shots—it’s about keeping everyone motivated, organized and on track. How you manage your team can make or break its success.

Leadership Styles Effective in Real Estate

Different leadership styles work for different setups in real estate teams. Some leaders are hands-on and involved in every detail, while others take a more laid-back approach, trusting their team to handle the day-to-day. The key is finding a style that fits your team’s needs, whether that’s being a mentor, a coach or more of a CEO type.

Communication Best Practices

Communication is everything when you’re running a team.

Regular check-ins, clear expectations and open feedback are essential. Whether through weekly team meetings, group chats, or quick daily updates, keeping the lines of communication open ensures everyone stays in the loop and on the same page.

The goal?

No surprises, just smooth teamwork.

Challenges Faced by Real Estate Teams

While real estate teams come with plenty of perks, they’re not without their fair share of challenges. But don’t worry—every challenge has a solution.

Personality Clashes

When you’re working closely with others, it’s almost inevitable that personalities will clash at some point. Whether it’s different work styles or communication preferences, tension can build.

Open communication is key here. Regular team meetings or check-ins can help air out any issues before they become bigger problems. Setting clear expectations upfront also goes a long way in avoiding misunderstandings.

Uneven Workloads

In some teams, a few agents might feel like they’re doing most of the heavy lifting while others coast along, leading to frustration and burnout for the top performers.

Make sure tasks are clearly defined and shared evenly. You could also introduce performance-based incentives to keep everyone motivated and pulling their weight.

Commission Disputes

Money can get tricky, especially when commissions are involved. If the commission split isn’t clear or fair, it can cause resentment among team members.

Transparency is key. Make sure everyone understands the commission structure from the get-go. Clear contracts and open conversations about pay can prevent most of these issues from cropping up.

Lack of Individual Recognition

Sometimes, agents on a team can feel like they aren’t getting the recognition they deserve, especially if the team leader is in the spotlight. This can hurt morale and make people feel unappreciated.

Celebrate individual successes just as much as team wins. Shout out to team members when they do a great job, and make sure everyone feels valued for their unique contributions.

Communication Breakdowns

With multiple people involved in deals, communication can easily get messy. Things can fall through the cracks if team members aren’t keeping each other in the loop.

Implement a solid communication system through regular team meetings, a group chat, or a project management tool to keep everyone on the same page. The smoother the communication, the smoother the workflow.

Final Thoughts: Should You Join a Real Estate Team?

Deciding whether to go solo or join a real estate team is a big decision that can shape your career. Teams come with great perks, like support, shared resources and a built-in network to help you grow faster. But they also have challenges, like less control over your brand and splitting commissions.

The key is figuring out what works best for you.

A team could be a great fit if you thrive in a collaborative environment and don’t mind sharing the spotlight and profits.

On the flip side, if you’re all about independence and want full control over your business, sticking it out solo might be more your style.

It’s about your career goals, how you like to work and what will set you up for success. Whatever path you choose, it is important to make sure it aligns with how you want to grow as an agent.