I listened to their 'sweet words.'

I made a big mistake.

New agents need to treat this selection as an integral part of THEIR business plan. Which means choose the broker who can help the agent with the agents business, not the other way around. But if the agents does not know what their business is, they WILL be among the 90% of licensees,  who "use to be' real estate agents.

I interviewed them, they did not interview me.  I prepared a list of question to ask.  The broker who answered the best is where I decided to go.

The first one because he was referred to me by a colleague at work and helped me and my wife buy a house before I was licensed. Liked him so much it was a no brainer

It depends on where you are in your career.  If you're new, you need support and training.  

   Talked to several... the one I chose to work with was dynamic, powerful. 

If you are new to the business...you will want to find a broker with a good training or mentorship program. 

By exercising extreme caution.  Many promise the moon and stars and just do not deliver. 

You interview with several, ask agents that work for them and then go with your gut. You can always move if it isn't the right fit.

A broker with flat fees and one that teaches.

#1 was open door and support.

In the beginning it was training & brand. (1999)

Last year it was split & entrepreneurial culture. (2015)

I've actually only left a broker to move 500 miles away and to make a career change within real estate. I do not move around nor recommend it.

Cashin Co.(5 years)

Coldwell Banker (12 years)

Big Block Realty (1+years, Present and here for a while).

The one that offered further training and answered the phone when I needed her.

I interviewed them And I've never worked "under" any broker. I've hung my license with a brokerage firm and worked for myself.

Based on the services I required.

Stephanie Weirich - the one who promised me the training and education - along with mentorship.

Been working for myself for so long that I forgot why.

Networking with agents and brokers...get to know them as people first and if their ethics and business philosophy match yours, go for it.

Advice of current agents

Richard Weeks nailed this one!

A bit of research to find a good fit, chats. Best of all - me!

They survive because you have your license under. But they should serve your business model.

You are better off working with a brokerage with lots of new agents. Almost most franchise brokerages do not provide leads. They are interested getting more agents producing greater desk fee revenue. Agents have high attrition.

You work with newer agents learning practice on the job together and net work together.  The experienced agents are too busy not willing to share wealth.....

Almost 95% of brokers promise more than they deliver. If there are leads coming it goes to their golden boys-their relatives.    I got one from office in 12 years. All rest are self produced. 

In my opinion the answer to this question depends on the level of experience for the agent.   

For a new agent -- training will be important.

For the experience agent -- there may be incentives that may be more attractive.  

For either -- choose wisely.   Find the right match for your needs.  

By asking many Realtors for their recommendations.

I interviewed with 3 brokers. I knew I needed a lot of training. The first broker that I went to seemed too negative, bad-mouthing the industry. The second one said that I would get plenty of training by paying several thousand $$$ for their University, desk fees and all my expenses. The third one told me that the newest agent in the office sat at the desk next to her so that she could watch everything they do and guide them through deals. There were a dozen agents there who had been there since day 1. That told me that they liked and were doing well there. The office had beautiful lush green plants all over--totally my style. I stayed with that office for my first 3 years, did well and got great training. That broker and I are still friends and sometimes she comes to me for advice now. ♡♡♡

If I was a newbie I'd go for training & a couple of heavy hitters in the office. You could learn from just watching them. What you don't want to do is listen to the people that aren't doing anything!

Now, I would say 'show me the money' & do just that with a good split

Choose wisely, grasshopper as that can make or break you.

I have only moved twice in 30+ years. Did have a name change or 2 in the beginning there.

Stephanie Weirich I went with a broker who had a good mentoring and training program.

Actually I had no choice the firt 3 brokers LOL

You've come to a great place to ask !

Ask other agents. Many factors need to be considered, like location, commute, parking situation, reputaion, where broker is licensed if you plan to be lic in more than 1 state.

As a new agent, the most important things to me were the local reputation of the broker, the available training and the corporate culture.  I interviewed a few places but there was only one that met all criteria and after 12 years, I am still there and just as happy as ever.

I know this may sound a bit racy but I work under my wife. 

Others have answered.

Same principal as wanting/having a good friend only in a business environment