Starting your career in real estate means making some big decisions early on. One of the most important decisions is whether to join a real estate team or work as an independent agent. In Florida’s competitive housing market, both paths can lead to success, but they offer very different experiences. At LEAP Orlando, we help new agents explore their options and prepare to thrive whichever direction they choose.
What Is a Real Estate Team?
A real estate team is a group of agents working together under the same brokerage. The team usually has a lead agent or broker. Newer agents take on specific roles like buyer showings, marketing, or paperwork. This setup allows the team to handle more clients and transactions than a solo agent could on their own.
Benefits of Joining a Real Estate Team
1. Built-In Support
New agents often feel overwhelmed by contracts, negotiations, and client management. On a team, you’ll have guidance from more experienced members to help you through.
2. Shared Marketing Power
Teams often share resources for advertising and finding leads. This helps new agents access opportunities they might not have alone.
3. Faster Learning Curve
Because you’re working closely with seasoned professionals, you’ll pick up strategies and insights more quickly.
4. More Stability
Even if you don’t have your own client base yet, team leads may assign you clients or tasks, helping you earn income faster.
Downsides of Joining a Team
- Lower Commission Splits: Teams usually divide commissions, which means you’ll take home less than a solo agent.
- Less Independence: You may have to follow the team’s rules, branding, and methods.
- Limited Recognition: Sometimes, the team leader gets the spotlight instead of individual members.
Advantages of Going Solo in Florida
Full Independence
You make all the decisions about how to market, how to brand yourself, and which clients to work with.
Higher Earning Potential
Since you’re not splitting commissions, you keep more of your earnings.
Personal Branding
You have full control of your reputation, style, and how you present yourself in the Florida real estate market.
Challenges of Going Solo
- Steeper Learning Curve: You won’t have a team to guide you, so mistakes can feel bigger.
- Upfront Costs: Marketing, lead generation, and business expenses fall entirely on you.
- Loneliness Factor: Real estate can be isolating when you don’t have peers to share experiences with.
Florida Real Estate Teams vs. Solo: Which Is Right for You?
The choice often comes down to your personality and goals:
- If you thrive on collaboration and want structure while you learn, a team may be best.
- If you value independence and are ready to invest time and money into building your own business, going solo could be the right path.
Some agents even start on a team for a year or two, then branch out once they’ve built skills and confidence.
LEAP Orlando’s Role in Preparing You
At LEAP Orlando, our courses give new agents the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed, whether they join a team or go solo. We emphasize practical training, professional ethics, and market understanding so our graduates can adapt to whichever path they choose.
We also encourage networking. Many LEAP Orlando students meet peers. They often form strong referral partnerships or start teams together.
Building Your Best Career Path
In Florida, there’s no single “right way” to start a real estate career. Joining a team gives you guidance and support, while going solo offers freedom and independence. What matters most is knowing yourself and your goals.
With the right education and mindset, both options can lead to rewarding careers. LEAP Orlando is here to give you the foundation you need to succeed, no matter which path you take.
