Starting a career in the real estate industry is both rewarding and challenging. It offers the freedom to build your own brand and the potential for long-term financial success. However, navigating the early stages can be overwhelming for new agents. One of the most crucial decisions in establishing a successful real estate career is selecting the right brokerage.
Once licensed, many agents are quickly approached by multiple firms, all offering different models, promises, and cultures. Therefore, it’s essential to look beyond the surface and consider the appropriate brokerage that aligns with your goals—especially when comparing traditional firms to 100% brokerages.
To better understand why real estate recruiting is so important, we will walk you through what the recruitment process looks like. Additionally, we will explain why firms like Charles Rutenberg Realty continue to attract both new and experienced agents.
What Is Real Estate Recruiting?
Recruitment in real estate is a process where brokers and hiring managers seek out new or top-producing agents to join their team. They connect with licensed—or soon-to-be-licensed—realtors and present what their brokerage has to offer. These conversations often highlight commission structures, training opportunities, continuing education programs, available resources, and, of course, company culture.
For agents, this process is more than just a formality; it can shape the entire trajectory of your career. You’ll likely meet with several brokers, comparing what each real estate company provides and deciding which one feels like the best fit.
If you’re just starting, it’s especially important to make a wise choice. Look for a brokerage with a strong reputation, comprehensive training that prepares you for working with your first clients, and ongoing support to help you build your real estate business. The right broker can make all the difference in setting you up for long-term success.
How Does the Real Estate Recruitment Process Work?
Brokers contact newly licensed real estate agents.
When you enroll in your pre-licensing course or register for the real estate exam, you’ll be asked to sign a waiver that permits brokers to contact you. Upon licensure, it’s common to receive continuous inquiries from brokerages interested in recruiting new talent onto their real estate team.
This outreach is a common and effective recruitment strategy for brokerages, but it also works in your favor. As a new agent, you might not yet know which company is the best fit. These calls and emails give you the chance to explore your options, learn what different brokerages offer, and start envisioning where you’d like to build your career.
Real estate agents interview with a broker or team leader.
A key part of the real estate agent recruiting process is meeting with potential brokerages. Often, a broker or team leader will invite you out for coffee or welcome you into their office to share what they can offer. However, this isn’t just their chance to meet you, it’s also your chance to interview them.
Go in prepared with a list of questions. Ask about their commission structure, the technology and tools they provide, and the level of training and support you’ll receive. More specifically, you may want to inquire about lead generation strategies and the brokerage’s support in helping you build key networks. You can also ask about how their firm attracts top producers and how they retain them.
After a few of these meetings, you’ll begin to see the differences between brokerages. And, with that, you’ll be able to successfully make informed decisions on which structure best suits your career path. This is your opportunity to make sure the brokerage you choose will support your long-term success.
Accept an offer and complete the onboarding process.
Once you’ve chosen the broker you want to work with, the next step is accepting their offer and completing onboarding. This begins with signing an independent contractor agreement. Unlike an employee, you’ll be considered a contractor. This allows for greater freedom, better flexibility, and the ability to work as a real estate agent part-time. However, being a contractor also comes with a significant responsibility, as you will be in full control of managing your real estate business.
After you’re officially signed, your broker will activate your license with the Florida DBPR. From there, you’ll gain access to essential tools like professional services, lockboxes, internal systems, and often CRM software to help manage your clients.
You’ll also need to pay dues to the National Association of Realtors. Membership not only allows you to use the respected “Realtor” title but also provides access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and valuable ongoing training. This stage is where your business truly begins to take shape, with the tools and resources you need to succeed. Undergo training and mentorship with the broker.
When brokerages recruit real estate agents, they typically offer a training and mentorship program to get you started. These programs often last a few weeks and are designed to provide you with hands-on experience and confidence in your new role.
During training, you’ll learn how to attract clients through strategies like hosting open houses, making cold calls, door-knocking in the community, and leveraging your presence on social media. You’ll also learn how to write contracts, navigate daily documents, and remain compliant with Florida real estate laws.
This stage is more than just learning the ropes. It’s about building a strong foundation so you can successfully launch your career with the necessary tools, knowledge, and confidence.
Shadow experienced real estate agents.
One of the most valuable aspects of the recruitment process is the opportunity to shadow a top-performing agent. Often, this will be the team leader who recruited you or a seasoned agent your broker pairs you with.
Shadowing gives you a firsthand look at how an accomplished Realtor operates day to day. It’s your chance to observe, take detailed notes, ask thoughtful questions, and absorb practical insights that you won’t find in a textbook.
Start working with clients.
Before long, you’ll begin working with your own clients. As you build your network, host open houses, and connect with prospects, your first transaction will follow.
You won’t be navigating this milestone alone. A strong broker will oversee your initial transactions, offering guidance and support to ensure each step is handled correctly and professionally. This supervision not only protects your clients but also helps you gain skills to manage future deals independently.
Why a Realtor Should Consider Joining a 100% Brokerage like Charles Rutenberg Realty
Keep 100% of Your Commission
Most brokerages take a percentage—or split—of your commission in addition to charging transaction fees. At Charles Rutenberg Realty, our model is different. You keep 100% of your commission on every home sold, purchased, or rented.
We only collect the transaction and administrative fees needed to process the deal. As a result, you can expect to take home significantly more than you would under a traditional commission split model. This makes high-value transactions even more rewarding.
Take a look at our commission calculator to see how much you could be earning with us.
Predictable and Transparent Fees
Managing a real estate business requires keeping a close eye on both expenses and income. We make this easier with straightforward Silver or Gold plans consisting of a flat per-transaction fee and a fixed monthly plan.
This structure provides predictable costs and greater control over your profits. Therefore, you can plan ahead with confidence and, ultimately, retain a higher percentage of what you earn.
More Control Over Your Business
For entrepreneurial, self-driven agents who want full control over branding, lead generation, and marketing, Charles Rutenberg Realty is the ideal fit.
We give you the freedom to run your business your way. This means no heavy oversight or large portions of your earnings going to a broker. Because of this, you can focus on building a brand that reflects your priorities and supports your long-term goals.
Lower “Hidden” Broker Costs
With many commission-split brokerages, agents face surprise costs, including desk fees, franchise fees, and marketing fees. At Charles Rutenberg Realty, our 100% commission models eliminate those extra fees.
You’ll only have three predictable fees: a monthly fee, an Errors and Omissions (E&O) fee, and a transaction fee on each deal you close. Everything else comes directly from running your own business, giving you greater control over expenses and maximizing your profits.
Support and Technology Without Giving Up Commission
A strong broker offers more than a place for real estate agents to work—they provide support. At Charles Rutenberg Realty, we give our agents the tools and resources they need to thrive.
From comprehensive training programs and streamlined operations to innovative technology that speeds up transactions, our focus is on helping you close more deals with ease. Our marketing resources are designed to elevate your brand, attract more clients, and expand your network.
With Charles Rutenberg Realty, you have the independence to grow your business, but never have to do it alone.
Join the Charles Rutenberg Realty team in Clearwater, Florida, and earn 100% commission on your deals.
Selecting the right brokerage after obtaining your real estate license is one of the most important choices you’ll make in your career.
When you choose Charles Rutenberg Realty, you keep 100% of your commission—because you’ve earned it. However, our model goes beyond higher take-home pay. We provide training programs, innovative technology, and streamlined systems, helping you operate efficiently and grow your commercial real estate business.
And with the Charles Rutenberg Realty name behind you, you’ll position yourself as a trusted, top-performing professional in the Florida market. Schedule a time to connect with us and discover if Charles Rutenberg is the right brokerage to launch your real estate career.