You've passed your exam. You've interviewed brokerages. Now comes the moment of truth: signing on the dotted line. This decision will shape every aspect of your real estate career—from your daily experience to your earning potential to your long-term success. Yet most agents commit to brokerages without doing proper due diligence, seduced by smooth sales pitches and promises that sound too good to be true. Don't be one of them. Before you sign that contract, work through this comprehensive checklist. It covers everything from financials to culture to support systems, ensuring you have all the information you need to make a decision you won't regret. Your future self will thank you for taking the time to get this right.

Financial Transparency Checklist

☐ Commission Split Clearly Documented – Get the exact percentage breakdown in writing, understand when (if ever) the split improves, and verify how it compares to the actual value you're receiving.

☐ All Fees Disclosed in Writing – This includes monthly desk fees, technology fees, transaction fees per deal, franchise fees, marketing costs, and any other recurring expenses. If they're hesitant to provide a complete list, that's your answer.

☐ Commission Cap Structure Explained – Does a cap exist? What's the amount? What happens after you hit it? Is it annual or lifetime? These details matter significantly to your long-term earnings.

☐ Financial Example Provided – Ask them to show you exactly what you'd take home on a $10,000 commission after all fees and splits. If they can't or won't provide this clarity, walk away.

Training & Support Systems Checklist

☐ Structured Onboarding Program Exists – Request the week-by-week schedule, curriculum outline, and duration. "We have training" isn't good enough—you need specifics.

☐ Mentorship Program Details – Who are the mentors? What are their track records? How does matching work? What's their availability and commitment level?

☐ Transaction Support Confirmed – Who reviews your contracts? Is support available after hours? What are response time expectations? Can you access the broker for complex situations?

☐ Continuing Education Opportunities – Regular training sessions should be offered, with clear topics and professional development paths. Ask what's included versus what costs extra.

Here's what matters most: All the fancy systems mean nothing if you can't reach someone when you need help at 8 PM before a morning closing. Confirm actual availability, not theoretical support.

Technology & Tools Checklist

☐ CRM System Provided – Which platform? Is it included or an extra cost? Will you receive training on how to use it effectively?

☐ Marketing Resources Available – Professional photography, graphic design support, social media templates, and website tools should be clearly outlined.

☐ Transaction Management Software – Digital document storage, e-signature capabilities, and workflow automation save you hours per deal.

☐ Lead Generation Systems – Are leads provided or do they just teach lead generation? Understand the quality, conversion rates, and any costs per lead.

Office Culture & Environment Checklist

☐ Spoke with Current Agents (Unsupervised) – Talk to at least 2-3 agents at different experience levels away from management. Ask about honest pros and cons and their daily experience.

☐ Observed Office Atmosphere – Visit during business hours and watch how agents interact. The energy tells you everything about what working there actually feels like.

☐ Turnover Rate Discussed – How long do agents typically stay? Why do agents leave? High turnover signals problems.

☐ Collaboration vs. Competition – Is knowledge shared openly or guarded competitively? Are successes celebrated as team wins or individual achievements only?

Broker/Leadership Checklist

☐ Broker Accessibility Confirmed – How available is leadership? Is there an open-door policy or appointment-only access? What's their actual track record in real estate?

☐ Management Style Understood – Is the approach hands-on or hands-off? How are decisions made? Is agent input welcomed or are policies dictated from the top?

☐ Vision Alignment – Where is the brokerage headed? Do their growth plans suggest stability? Do your goals fit their model?

Contract & Legal Checklist

☐ Contract Reviewed Thoroughly – Read every single line before signing. If something is unclear, ask for clarification or have a lawyer review it. Never sign under pressure.

☐ Termination Clause Clear – Understand exactly how you can leave if it's not working out. What's the notice period? Are there penalties or non-compete clauses?

☐ Liability and E&O Insurance – Who provides errors and omissions insurance? What's covered? Is there additional cost to you?

Ottawa-Specific Checklist

☐ Local Market Expertise Demonstrated – Does the broker and team genuinely know Ottawa neighborhoods, market trends, and local regulations?

☐ Ottawa Board/Association Support – Will they help with Ottawa Real Estate Board membership and connect you with the local professional network?

Gut Check & Final Questions

☐ Your Questions Were Welcomed, Not Deflected

☐ Everything Feels Transparent and Honest

☐ You Can Genuinely See Yourself Here for Years

☐ The Values Align with Your Own

☐ You Feel Excited, Not Pressured

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. The right brokerage won't just tolerate your questions—they'll welcome them.

How KW Icon Realty Measures Up

At KW Icon Realty, we don't just check these boxes—we exceed them. Our agents don't wonder if support exists; they experience it daily. Our financials are transparent from day one because we have nothing to hide. Our culture is collaborative because we genuinely believe your success is our success.

This checklist shouldn't feel like detective work—it should feel like confirmation that you've found the right home for your career. We're proud to walk through every single item with you and provide clear, documented answers to each question.

Ready to evaluate a brokerage that welcomes your thorough evaluation? At KW Icon Realty, we encourage you to bring this checklist to your interview and ask the tough questions. We'll provide honest answers because we want you to make the best decision for your career. Your goal is our goal.

See How KW Icon Checks Every Box—schedule your comprehensive interview today.

Continue Your Research

Making an informed brokerage decision requires understanding the full picture. Check out these related articles to deepen your knowledge:

• Why Most New Ottawa Agents Choose the Wrong Brokerage in Their First Year – Learn the common mistakes that derail promising careers and how to avoid them.

• 6 Red Flags When Interviewing Brokerages in Ottawa – Spot the warning signs before you commit to the wrong office.

These resources, combined with this checklist, give you everything you need to make a confident, informed decision about your real estate career.

At KW Icon Realty, we believe that empowering agents with knowledge and support leads to the best outcomes. Whether you're evaluating your first brokerage or considering 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.

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.

You just passed your real estate exam. Congratulations—that's a huge accomplishment. Now comes a decision that will shape your entire career: choosing which brokerage to join. Most new agents in Ottawa make this choice based on the wrong factors, and it costs them dearly. They chase the highest commission split, pick their friend's brokerage because it sounds fun, or sign with the first company that shows interest. A year later? They're struggling, underpaid, and wondering why this career isn't working out. Here's the truth nobody tells you: your first brokerage decision matters more than almost anything else you'll do as a new agent. Choose wisely, and you'll build a thriving business. Choose poorly, and you'll join the 87% of agents who fail within five years.

The #1 Mistake: Choosing Based on Commission Split Alone

Let's address the elephant in the room: commission splits. Every new agent gets dazzled by high splits—90/10, 95/5, even 100% commission structures. It sounds incredible until you do the math that actually matters.

Why High Splits Are Misleading for New Agents

One hundred percent of nothing is still nothing. What good is keeping more commission if you never close deals because you don't know how to prospect, negotiate, or handle contracts? A new agent earning $50,000 at a 70/30 split takes home $35,000. An agent at a 90/10 split who only earns $20,000 because they lacked training and support takes home $18,000. The higher split lost.

Here's what high commission splits usually mean: minimal training and support, no lead generation systems, zero mentorship, and you're truly on your own from day one. Many also come with hidden fees—desk fees, transaction fees, technology fees, marketing fees—that eat into your "higher" split faster than you can say "closed deal."

Commission splits matter, but only after you've learned how to actually earn commissions in the first place.

Mistake #2: Not Asking About Training & Mentorship

Most new agents don't know what questions to ask about training because they don't yet know what they don't know. They hear "we offer training" and assume it's adequate. It's usually not.

What Real Training Looks Like

Structured onboarding programs that cover everything from contracts to client communication. Access to experienced mentors who've closed hundreds of deals and are willing to share their knowledge. Contract review and transaction support when you're stuck at midnight before a closing. Shadowing opportunities with top producers so you can see how professionals actually operate.

Real training means someone answers when you call in a panic because your buyer's financing fell through. It means roleplay sessions for objection handling. It means learning the Ottawa market inside and out, not just generic real estate theory.

Red Flags in "Training" Claims

Watch for the "you'll figure it out" mentality. YouTube playlists and online modules masquerading as comprehensive training. No dedicated support when you actually need help closing your first deal.

Here's what happens next: You land your first client (probably a friend or family member who took pity on you). You get an accepted offer. Then you realize you have no idea how to navigate inspections, financing conditions, or what comes next. You can't reach anyone at your brokerage for guidance. The deal falls apart. Your client is disappointed. You're embarrassed. You start questioning whether this career is right for you.

That's the cost of choosing a brokerage without proper training and mentorship.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Company Culture & Environment

Culture isn't some soft, intangible concept—it's the daily reality of your work life. Do agents at the brokerage celebrate each other's wins, or do they see each other as competitors fighting over scraps? Are top producers willing to share insights and advice, or do they guard their strategies like state secrets?

Some brokerages have a growth-oriented culture where collaboration is encouraged and success is shared. Others have a transactional culture focused on filling seats and collecting fees, where you're just another revenue source. The difference affects everything from your enjoyment of the work to your long-term success.

Visit the office before you decide. Talk to agents who've been there for different lengths of time. Ask pointed questions: How would you describe the culture here? Do agents help each other? Is there a "fill seats" or "build careers" mentality? Pay attention to how they answer and what you observe in the office environment.

Mistake #4: Falling for Brand Names Without Substance

Big franchise brands have national recognition, but that doesn't automatically translate to quality support at the local level. Corporate promises often don't match office reality. Cookie-cutter systems might not fit your unique style or the specific dynamics of the Ottawa market.

Boutique Brokerages: The Hidden Gems

Don't overlook smaller, boutique brokerages. Many offer more personalized attention, greater flexibility and innovation, direct access to leadership, and often a better cultural fit for creative, entrepreneurial agents who want to build something meaningful rather than just punch a corporate clock.

The right brokerage isn't always the most famous one—it's the one that aligns with your vision, supports your growth, and treats you like a professional rather than a transaction.

Mistake #5: Not Understanding What Support Actually Means

"Support" is a vague word that means different things at different brokerages. Get specific about what's actually provided.

Lead generation: Do they provide qualified leads, or just teach you to find your own through cold calling and door knocking? Technology and systems: What CRM, marketing tools, and transaction management software do they provide, and is it actually user-friendly? Administrative support: Who handles paperwork, compliance, and the tedious details that eat up time? Marketing resources: Do they provide professional photography, graphic design, and social media content, or is everything DIY?

Legal and contract support: When you're facing a complex situation at 9 PM before a closing deadline, who can you call? If the answer is "figure it out yourself," you're not getting real support.

Mistake #6: Choosing Convenience Over Strategic Fit

Joining your friend's brokerage without doing research is like buying a house because you like the exterior paint color. Picking the closest office to your house prioritizes your commute over your career trajectory. Signing with whoever responds first to your inquiry shows desperation, not discernment.

Interview multiple brokerages. Ask tough questions. Get clear on what success looks like in year one, year three, and year five. Don't make a decision until you've done your due diligence.

Mistake #7: Not Considering Your Specific Goals

What kind of agent do you want to be? Residential or commercial? Do you envision building a team someday, or do you prefer operating solo? Are you tech-forward and data-driven, or relationship-focused and people-oriented?

Different brokerages excel at different things. If you're a corporate career-changer accustomed to systems and structure, you need a different environment than a young entrepreneur who thrives in creative chaos. If your goal is to eventually run a team, you need a brokerage that supports team building, not one that treats everyone as independent contractors competing for the same resources.

At KW Icon Realty, we don't just hire agents—we invest in building real estate professionals who thrive. Our comprehensive training and mentorship programs mean you'll never face a contract alone, never wonder what to do next, and never feel like just another number. We're building careers, not filling seats, because when you succeed, we all succeed.

What to Ask During Brokerage Interviews

Come prepared with questions that reveal the truth behind the marketing language.

About Training & Support:

• Walk me through your specific training schedule and curriculum for new agents.

• How does your mentor program work, and what's expected of both mentors and mentees?

• If I have a question at 8 PM before a morning closing, who can I contact?

About Financials:

• What's the full breakdown of commission splits AND all fees I'll pay?

• Are there cap structures, and how do they work?

• What transaction fees and other costs should I budget for?

About Culture & Expectations:

• What does a successful first-year agent look like at this brokerage?

• How do you specifically support agent growth beyond the first few months?

• Can I speak with agents who joined within the past year about their experience?

The quality of their answers tells you everything you need to know.

How KW Icon Realty Gets It Right

We've built something different here in Ottawa. A growth-focused culture where your success is celebrated, not envied. Comprehensive training and mentorship programs that give you the skills and confidence to close deals from day one. Technology and systems that actually work—not complicated platforms that create more problems than they solve.

Our environment is collaborative, not competitive. We believe that empowering our agents leads to the best results for clients, which is why we invest heavily in your development. You'll have access to leadership that's genuinely invested in your long-term success, deep Ottawa market expertise, and community connections that help you build your business faster.

Your goal is our goal. When you thrive, our entire team grows stronger.

Ready to start your real estate career with a brokerage that actually cares about your growth? At KW Icon Realty, we're building a community of empowered, successful agents in Ottawa. We offer the training, technology, mentorship, and collaborative culture you need to not just survive, but thrive in your first year and beyond. Let's have a conversation about your goals and how we can help you achieve them.

Join a Brokerage That Invests in Your Success—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 considering a career in real estate or you're ready to make the switch from another brokerage, 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.