No team unless you have a written agreement with exit clause.  I have seen too many newer agents taken advantage of by the team leader.

go solo with a mentor..... unless the team is set up to train and have the agent shadow....

I think it is a personal preference.  

That would depend entirely on the agent, and on the team.

Some agents need the mentoring, and some are better on their own.  Some teams are great training grounds for new agents, and others just use and abuse them.

It depends.

  Team or mentor.  

Lesson two of Napoleon Hills book - Keys to Success, 17 Principals of Personal Achievement, he says to "Establish a Mastermind Alliance" and again in lesson 12 he says "Inspire Teamwork"  ..... In today real estate business I would translate this into getting a mentor. Someone who is successful that you can learn from. For anyone just starting a career in real estate, I cannot think of a better way to advance your career than to get a mentor. In the past this was your broker. Now days this is mostly done by joining a team. 

Joining a team was not an option 25 years ago, so very hard to say what I would do today. As for suggestions to new agents... I'd have to know the agent involved to make the right kind of recommendation.

I think it would depend on the agent and what they felt was best for them.  I don't think it would be an easy one size fits all answer.

Depends upon the agent and the team! Self-motivation is a MUST either way, in my opinion.

Based on my experience, a new agent should ask lots of questions and listen.  To join a team, hire a coach, find a mentor --- each is a possible option.  Having the right information helps in the decision-making process.  

I might agree. It would be good for them to see systems working in action & there would always be help when questions came up. Flying solo as a noob is tough.

Inna Ivchenko I think if a new agent has a chance to join a successful agent or team they should JUMP at the chance.

Most should join a team, I just formed my own.

When you first start shadow an experienced agent. Then when you know what you are best at get into a team where you & your partner's skills compliment each other!

That decision is up to the individual. And, there are many formats for teams.

Inna Ivchenko It is better for a new agent join a team or work with a mentor.

I don't know about a team, but I think everyone new to an industry should have some type of mentorship or coaching in place.

I feel that it depends on the agent and the level of training offered by the managing broker.  

I loved working on a team no matter if I was new or very experienced. Leaders/contract writers who know how to delegate with wisdom, write their own paycheck. I've done VERY well with teams.

A great mentor or a great team that mentors and nurtures is a must for any new agent. IMO

Join a Team ... Learn, Study and Practice ... makes one a much more experienced and well-rounded Real Estate Agent.

I think a team you learn quicker that way you can always leave later if you choose to.

An agent with no real estate experience? Never bought or sold property in their life? They need to be with a mentor, or a very hands-on broker. Not even a team. Too easy to be overlooked & left to your own devices.
My first year, my broker was way up my backside, with eyes in the back of her head. And for good reason. I knew nothing. And I had worked in real estate in another state and dealt with transactions before. But it doesn't mean you know anything, especially in the great state of AZ.

Have never been part of a team, and see that one always feels they do more than the other.   I think a mentor, or a broker assisting would be my suggestion.

Inna it is all about personalities, I hated being in Corporate America, hence I chose the hard road, but loved the idea of being my own boss, there are trade offs... but well worth my decision... Endre

Go solo, but have a mentor.  With teams it is far too easy to get pigeonholed into just working buyers or one aspect.  Plus often in teams you don't get your stats, they all go to the team lead.

This depends on the specific agent and the level of 'street-smarts' she has.

Depends on the person but believe that most new agents would do much better in the long run by starting on a team. -Kasey

I see the future of real estate at least in large markets as being team driven. There is just too much to do and not enough hours in a day to compete in today's tek based world as a solo agent.

1. get trained

2.join a sucessful team

3. split off and make your own team after a few years

that is what I would do today as a new agent

I agree with Barbara Todaro, going solo with a good mentor is the best way to learn the ropes. 

A strong mentor or team is a great way to get a start and ensure success.

It all depends on how determined and independent a person is. I have no regrets going solo.

I'm all for going solo with a mentor!

Inna, I had to do it solo. It was before teams were popular. I train all of my agents to go solo, but if they wanted to work as teams, I'd certainly encourage them and train them to do so. I like the solo path, but it's all I've known.

Inna,

It all depends on one's temperament.  Some do well in a team and some do better solo.  A

Probably solo with a mentor or coach. But it wouldn't hurt to try a team on a trial basis. The more learned, the better.

I think it would depend on the individual.  I do think everyone that is new or even experienced benefits from shared knowledge of others though so its always a good idea to ask others what they do and how. If its helpful learn from it and impliment what seems like it would fit you. 

Depends on the individual and how much hand holding they think the require.

The team leader needs to be considerate not fighting all over stealing your clients.  Most are looking for unpaid volunteers or gophers.  It is best to find like agent work together and form your own team. 

If I wear Jennifer Smith Team's pink T-shirt, there must be justification and compensation go with the arrangment.   

I think it depends on the ultimate goals of that agent and if they have the time/money to build slowly or not -

At the very least find a mentor.

Team, but only if the team structure is a win-win.

I would say go solo. 

I don't know. You can learn a lot of bad habits too. Just because someone has done it for years, well.... And if the "mentors" are truly successful, they are not about to teach you. Real estate is pretty "individual", we each have our own way of selling. As to the proper forms to use, etc., that's an ongoing learning experience as forms are added. Plus, most of us go into real estate a little later in life when we have  quite a bit of experience under our belt.Don't know about anyone else, but I couldn't wait for the 3 years of being an agent and hanging my license under a broker, to take my own broker's license. I'm in business for myself and love it.

A new agent would benefit from a mentor or a team to get started.

So many new agents just go into real estate. They just want to make a lot of money. You really need to take time to figure out who you are and what are your strengths. To be on a team you need to make sure your strengths fit the role you are given on the team.

For many, I think having a really good mentor is the best place to start.

totally solo with a good mentor

I always recommend joining a "productive" team.  Just joining any team is not the most beneficial IMO

It really depends on the individual.

It depends on the person, some can make it solo, most cannot. A team atmosphrer can sure ive a great start and built a strong business for any agent

I would go solo.. and enusre you are with a brokerage who provies ongoing education and training and mentoring.  If you do go with a team, have someone else look over the contract before you sign it...

Should atleast have a mentor.

New agents benefit from training and leads provided by a team. 

I am not big on teams but it really depends on if the agent is a self starter.

I think it's an individual thing depending on the person and their needs. I started out with a team but if I could do a do-over, I would prefer a mentor to guide me for a while. 

Inna Ivchenko I would suggest a new agent find a mentor. Once they learn the ropes, then join a team if they choose to do so. I don't believe a team is the place to learn this business.

If the team is supportive, it would be a good learning experience.

Both...always be looking for opportunity and support a team position too

Join a great team and get a coach right away!

No question here...being on a GOOD team allows you to learn from others and then impliment into your own business...I started the business solo and was completely lost.

It really depends on their current relationships and how long they have been in business. If an agent is just starting out or does not have that big of a network, join a team. Other than that it comes down to a financial decision as well, if one does not have a big source of funds, it will take a good amount to catipult the team model quicker, but can be done, it will just take longer.

Team and mentor to be there must.

It depends on the personality traits of the individual.