My opinion is NONE OF THE ABOVE! I have worked for both a chain and independent brokers and I would NEVER work for a chain again John Lagoudis .

I gave someone my answer earlier this week. It's individual - some like boutique brokerages, others like big box brokerages. others prefer to be independents. 

Some people like teams, others don't play well enough in the sandbox to be on a team or perhaps, they just want to be independent...it's all individual. And, sometimes we have to try them all out to see which works best for us!

I work for myself and my own company.  That's the ticket, the Broker license ticket!

Depends. What's best for one person might not be best for another. A combination of factors are involved.

Different strokes for different folks, in my experience. That's what makes the world go 'round.

The reason no one is giving a definitive answer is because this is like asking, "What kind of car should I buy?"  We don't know if you need a small car for one person, a family car, a car that impresses others, or something that can haul a lot of junk.  There are a lot of good cars that meet a lot of different needs.  Likewise with real estate companies, there are a lot of good companies that meet different needs.

Here are a few questions that might you get you the answers you are looking for...

- If you work for a franchise, what do you get from it that matters to you?

- If you left a franchise for another one or for an independent broker, why did you leave?  What do you get from your new one that you didn't get from the previous one?

- What is most important to you in a brokerage?  Who has been able to provide that to you?

- Also, keep in mind that what people need from their broker varies greatly depending on where they are in their career. 

every office within most franchises are independently owned and operated..... that's the purpose of interviewing....

YOU should be interviewing the broker/owner/manager.... you have more to lose than they do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why do you ask? Best is relative.

So many choices.  Aren't we lucky/

I have really enjoyed Coldwell Banker Resdiential Brokerage as I get tons of support and cool gadgets that help me in my business.  The broker really makes the difference in each office so make sure you select a broker you can work hand in hand with.  Good Luck!

Independent is the best, but we went to our current brokerage for convenience of location.

I agree with Bob! I worked for an indie, a big box and I have my own indie shop. As a new agent, go where you'll get the most training, hands on, by an experienced and accessible human.

You have to research and find out what would be the best fit for your needs and what you are trying to accomplish. 

Clearly KW.

Who offers you the best terms and best team. 

To each their own. At the start of my career, I was with Prudential and a few others. I have been with a small, independently owned brokerage for almost 10 years and plan to stay!

There is no ONE best IMHO. It depends on the needs of the individual agent and who is leading the individual office. All Designated Brokers are not equal, regardless of the franchise.  

Let's just say that I am happy where I am.

Subjective as to "best"....However we are seeking an end to the means we choose. End math is kept tally by results. 

If you're trendy; Compass

If you're traditional, Coldwell Banker or Sotherby's

If you're in the middle: Keller Williams

But I enjoy Big Block Realty, a local privately owned brokerage.

The one you believe has what you are looking for!

John Lagoudis good to know, but it depends on the need of the real estate agent.

For me, none of the above.

Best is in the eyes of the beholder...A

Keller Willams, of course! 

Prefer to be and stay independent. Have interviewed many franchises and we have not found any that offer more benefits that would increase the bottom line vs the $$ you pay them to join.

Wanting name it used to be Coldwell, Berkshire Hathaway affiliates.

Some agents go broke working for them. Best is you own your business.

Best is an open ended question and only you can determine what’s best for you and your needs.  We all look for and need what is best for our individual needs. 

Where ever you find happiness, for a newbie you need the training once experienced you take the money and when YOU decide to get out of the rat race, make even more money or grow to the 10th degree you go on your on. I have worked for 3 companies in my 25 years and I took what was best for me and my customers and alway looked forward. 

Someone that offers you what you need to succeed in this business.

EXP is really coming on in our area.

RE/MAX worked for me.

You sound like a commercial about your scope of business....

If you follow the news and the research, you'll find out who are the fastest growing franchises are... by region.

Best for who?

Best for what?

Define Best.