You're sitting across from a broker who's selling you on their company. The office looks nice. They're saying all the right things about growth and opportunity. But something feels off—you just can't put your finger on it. Trust that instinct. The difference between a brokerage that launches your career and one that derails it often comes down to subtle warning signs most new agents miss during interviews. These red flags reveal whether a company is genuinely invested in your success or just looking to fill desks and collect fees. Before you sign anything, learn to recognize these six critical warning signs that separate career-building brokerages from ones you should walk away from immediately.
Red Flag #1: They Can't (Or Won't) Provide Specifics About Training
When you ask about training and hear "we have great training" without any details, pay attention. Vague promises about "online resources" or "you'll learn as you go" aren't training programs—they're excuses for having none.
Here's what this really means: They're hoping you'll figure it out on your own or quit before costing them too many resources. Real training comes with specific week-by-week onboarding schedules, named mentors with proven track records, transaction support availability including evenings and weekends, and sample materials you can actually review before joining.
If they can't show you a curriculum or name the mentors you'll work with, that's because neither exists. Walk away.
Red Flag #2: Everyone You Meet Seems Miserable or Stressed
The office atmosphere tells you everything about daily life at that brokerage. Watch how agents interact with each other. Notice their body language when discussing the company. Are they enthusiastic or do they seem drained?
Ask to speak with agents who joined six to twelve months ago—they're past the honeymoon phase but not yet jaded. If leadership is reluctant to let you talk to anyone unsupervised, that's a massive red flag. Pay attention to empty desks and frequent hiring posts, which signal high turnover. People don't leave great cultures—they flee toxic ones.
Trust what you observe more than what you're told. Your gut knows when something is off.
Red Flag #3: They Focus Only on Commission Splits During the Pitch
When the entire conversation revolves around splits—90/10! 95/5! 100% commission!—with zero mention of what you actually get for that split, you're being sold a fantasy. High commission splits mean nothing if you don't have the skills, support, or leads to close deals.
What should they be discussing instead? Lead generation and business-building systems. Technology and marketing support that actually works. Mentorship opportunities and collaboration with experienced agents. A clear path for long-term career growth. If the only value proposition is "keep more of your money," ask yourself: what money? Without support, there won't be any commissions to split.
Also watch for hidden fees that aren't mentioned upfront. That generous split often comes with desk fees, transaction fees, technology fees, and marketing costs that quickly eat into your earnings.
Red Flag #4: They Can't Answer Basic Questions About Support
Ask specific questions: Who do I call when I have a contract question at 7 PM? What happens when I need help and my mentor is unavailable? Who reviews my contracts before I submit them? What marketing materials do you provide versus what I create myself?
If you get vague answers like "we're here if you need us" or "you'll have access to support," that means the support doesn't really exist. Good brokerages have clear systems: dedicated transaction coordinators, after-hours support lines, contract review processes, and comprehensive marketing resources.
The inability to answer basic support questions reveals that new agents are expected to sink or swim alone. That's not a brokerage—it's an expensive desk rental.
Red Flag #5: They Pressure You to Sign Immediately
High-pressure tactics like "this offer expires today" or "we're only accepting two more agents this month" are manipulation, not scarcity. Good brokerages don't need to rush you because they're confident in their value.
If they discourage you from interviewing other brokerages or speaking with their agents independently, they're hiding something. Legitimate companies want you to make an informed decision because they know informed agents make better long-term partners.
At KW Icon Realty, we want you to interview other brokerages. Seriously. Because when you choose us, we want it to be because we're genuinely the best fit for your goals—not because we pressured you into a decision you'll regret. Confident brokerages don't need to rush you—they earn your partnership through transparency, proven support, and a culture where agents actually thrive.
Red Flag #6: Their Success Stories Don't Match Your Goals
If all their top producers work luxury markets but you want to serve first-time buyers, that's a mismatch. If they emphasize team building but you prefer working solo, their systems probably won't support your vision.
Ask about agents with backgrounds similar to yours who've succeeded there. If they can't provide examples, it means their model only works for one type of agent—and that might not be you. The right brokerage supports multiple paths to success based on your unique strengths and goals, not a one-size-fits-all template.
What to Do If You Spot These Red Flags
Trust your instincts and walk away. Don't let desperation or excitement override good judgment. Interview at least three brokerages to compare answers and get perspective. Ask to speak with agents confidentially, away from management, to get unfiltered insights.
Take detailed notes during each interview and compare promises against what agents actually say about their experience. The discrepancies will tell you everything you need to know.
How KW Icon Realty Does It Differently
We're transparent about training schedules, support systems, and expectations from day one. We encourage you to interview elsewhere because we're confident that comparison makes our value clear. Our office culture is collaborative, not competitive—agents genuinely support each other's success.
We focus on career-building, not just commission splits, because we know that proper training and support lead to higher earnings than any split percentage could offer. You'll get clear, specific answers to every question because we have real systems in place, not vague promises.
Most importantly, we offer multiple paths to success based on YOUR goals and vision. Whether you want to build a team, specialize in a niche, or work independently, we have systems and support designed for your unique journey.
Ready to interview a brokerage that welcomes your tough questions? At KW Icon Realty, we believe informed agents make better decisions—and better decisions lead to thriving careers. Schedule a no-pressure conversation with our team, tour our office, and speak candidly with our agents. We're confident that once you see the difference, the choice will be clear. Your goal is our goal.
Experience the KW Icon Difference—connect with us today.
At KW Icon Realty, we believe that empowering agents with knowledge and support leads to the best outcomes. Whether you're just starting to interview brokerages or you're ready to make a change from your current office, our team is committed to making your transition as smooth and successful as possible. Because when Ottawa's real estate professionals thrive, our entire community grows stronger.
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