Pros
Name recognition, tech innovation and support
Cons
The negatives are the same as any real estate firm, you are an independent contracctor, not an employee, which is the same as being self employed, meaning no benefits whatsoever. No health or life insurance, no 401k, no pension, no base pay. That can be okay when the market is good, now it is really awful. You couldn't even apply for unemployment, since you didn't pay into it. If you don't have a sale, you don't get paid. That is just the nature of the business. You have to decide if you can handle this kind of arrangement. One thing that I find to be very disappointing is the favoritism of the office structure. I know there will always be big achievers,and I know they have a proven track record. This is a very hard business to succeed in without having money to fall back on or without referrals when times get lean. I know in my office, certain people get referrals, corp. relos, etc., usually the people who are doing well before the "help". The lower earners are the ones that help hold the office structure in place by taking floor time and open houses, often without compensation ( no phone calls and no leads from the open houses). I was told by other agents (not in this office) that it was a very good office in that favoritism was minimal. I have found that not to be the case. It has been very frustrating. Money makes money is what it comes down to, but there is a lot of uncompensated and unrecognized help from other agents. Bills still need to be paid, the fees alone are a killer this year. Again, no help from the agency you are on your own.
