Your first brokerage decides whether you survive year one. Most new agents pick on split percentage. That's how you end up with 95% of nothing. The split math nobody shows you A 95/5 split with no leads, no training and no answers is a desk fee with extra steps. A lower split with real support pays for itself on your first saved deal. Run the numbers on what you keep after two closed deals - not the percentage on a deal you haven't closed. Five questions that expose any broke

Most agents get the order of operations wrong. I'm a lawyer and a Broker of Record - I've signed both sides of these transfers. Here's the sequence, start to finish. Step 1: read your contract before you decide anything Penalties. Auto-renew provisions. Minimum notice. Your independent contractor agreement decides how expensive the door is - read it before you touch the handle. Sometimes leaving has a price, and paying it is a straight business decision. It can also be a game