The Pros and Cons of Joining or Starting a Real Estate Team: What Every Agent Should Know

In today’s competitive real estate landscape, more agents than ever are considering whether to join a real estate team or build one of their own. Teams promise increased support, shared resources, and greater leverage—but they also come with trade-offs that can affect your income, autonomy, and long-term career growth.

Whether you’re a new agent looking for structure or a seasoned producer considering leadership, understanding the benefits and drawbacks of both paths is essential. Here’s a clear, SEO-friendly guide to help you make the best decision for your real estate career.

What Is a Real Estate Team?

A real estate team is a structured group of agents and support staff who work together

under a shared brand, processes, and goals. Teams may include buyers’ agents, listing specialists, transaction coordinators, marketing assistants, ISAs (inside sales agents), and administrative staff.

Teams are designed to provide efficiency, lead generation power, and division of labor.

But they are not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Pros of Joining a Real Estate Team

1. Consistent Lead Flow

One of the primary benefits of joining a team is access to steady, company-generated leads. This helps newer agents build experience quickly and reduces the pressure of having to self-generate business from scratch.

2. Training and Mentorship

Teams often provide hands-on training, scripts, coaching, and accountability systems. This accelerates growth and helps agents avoid common mistakes early in their careers.

3. Administrative and Marketing Support

From transaction coordination to professional photography and CRM management, teams typically handle the back-end tasks so agents can focus on client relationships and closing deals.

Benefits include:

• Less paperwork

• Streamlined processes

• More time for prospecting

4. Built-In Brand Recognition

A strong team brand can give new agents instant credibility. This can be especially valuable in competitive markets where trust and reputation matter.

5. More Collaboration and Shared Success

Teams provide a sense of community—something many solo agents miss. Collaboration can increase motivation, improve skill development, and make work more enjoyable.

Cons of Joining a Real Estate Team

1. Lower Commission Splits

The biggest downside for many agents is the reduced commission split. Teams provide leads and support, but this comes at a cost—often 50/50 or lower.

2. Less Autonomy

When you join a team, you follow the team’s systems, branding, and sometimes geographic boundaries. Agents who value independence may find these structures limiting.

3. More Accountability and Required Activities

Teams often require:

• Daily check-ins

• Script practice

• Open houses

• Minimum production standards

Some agents thrive with accountability, while others feel micromanaged.

4. Potential Culture Misalignment

Every team operates differently. A mismatched leadership style, communication approach, or work culture can impact your motivation and success.

Pros of Starting Your Own Real Estate Team

1. Leverage and Expansion

Starting a team allows you to scale your business beyond your personal production. With the right people and systems, you can grow exponentially.

2. Control Over Branding and Systems

You get to decide:

• Team name and identity

• Lead generation strategies

• Team structure

• Compensation models

• Culture and expectations

This level of control appeals to entrepreneurial agents.

3. Higher Long-Term Earning Potential

While starting a team requires investment, over time it can create multiple income streams and increased profitability—especially if the team becomes self-sustaining.

4. Ability to Recruit and Develop Talent

Many team leaders love mentoring newer agents. Creating a team lets you build a legacy while multiplying your impact in the industry.

Cons of Starting a Real Estate Team

1. Higher Costs and Responsibilities

Team leaders must handle:

• Payroll or splits

• Marketing expenses

• Systems and technology

• Office space

• Training and recruiting

This shifts the role from “selling homes” to “running a business.”

2. More Leadership and Management Demands

If you don’t enjoy conflict resolution, training, or administrative oversight, starting a team may feel overwhelming. Leadership requires patience and consistency.

3. Time Away from Personal Production

Team leaders often sell fewer homes personally as they shift their attention to operations and agent support. Some leaders underestimate how much time this takes.

4. Risk of Turnover

Agents may leave—and sometimes take the systems, training, or branding knowledge they gained with them. Managing turnover is part of team leadership.

Should You Join a Team or Start Your Own? Key Questions to Ask

If You're Thinking About Joining a Team:

• Do I need leads and structure right now?

• Am I okay with a lower split in exchange for support?

• Does the team culture feel like a good fit?

• What training and tools are included?

• How transparent is the team about expectations?

If You're Thinking About Starting a Team:

• Am I consistently producing at a high level?

• Do I enjoy coaching and leading others?

• Do I have the systems in place to support a team?

• Am I financially prepared for the upfront investment?

• Do I want to shift from agent to business owner?

Final Thoughts

Joining or starting a real estate team can be a powerful way to grow your career—but it’s not the right move for everyone. The best choice depends on your goals, personality, experience level, and leadership ambitions.

If you want structure, leads, and mentorship, joining a team may be the ideal path. If you love leadership, scalability, and building systems, starting a team might be the next step in your real estate journey.