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20 Questions to Ask a Real Estate Brokerage Before Joining

Use this checklist in every brokerage interview. We answered each one for Realty ONE Group Elevate so you can compare.

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Here are the questions to ask a real estate brokerage before joining, the ones that reveal what you will really keep and how you will really be supported. Bring this list to every interview, and get the answers in writing. We have included Realty ONE Group Elevate’s answers. Jump to the questions to ask a real estate brokerage before joining.

What Should You Ask a Brokerage Before Joining? Quick Answer

Ask about the split, cap and every fee; what counts toward the cap; monthly and tech costs; who answers contract questions; whether the broker competes with agents; training and mentorship; how leads and referrals are handled; revenue share; what happens to pending deals if you leave; and whether the brokerage supports agents who invest.

Money Questions

  1. What is the split? Our answer: none.
  2. What is the annual cap, and what counts toward it? $11,111; both the broker fee and transaction fee count.
  3. What are the per-transaction fees? $399 broker fee charged to the buyer or seller, plus $0 to $2,200 by price.
  4. Are there monthly, desk or royalty fees? No desk or royalty fees; tech is $0 or $99/month, your choice.
  5. Is there revenue share? $75 per closing by each agent you refer, until they cap.
  6. Do you credit cap progress if I switch mid-year? Yes, through the Top Producer Cap Transfer Program for eligible agents.

Support Questions

  1. Who answers my contract questions, and how fast? The broker and support team, directly.
  2. Does the broker compete with agents? No; Tanya works referral-only.
  3. What training and mentorship is there? A hands-on mentorship program plus Realty ONE Group’s online training.
  4. What technology is included? Bring your own or use ONE Toolchest.
  5. Is there office space? Yes, in Jacksonville and St. Augustine.
  6. How are leads and referrals distributed? Ask every brokerage to explain this in detail.

Growth Questions

  1. Can you help me invest or flip? Yes; we connect agents with lenders, contractors, title and property management.
  2. Can I build a team? Ask about team structures and fees.
  3. What does a top agent here earn after fees? Ask for a sample net sheet on your numbers.
  4. How is the brand helping agents win listings? Realty ONE Group is a global brand ranked No. 1 in its Entrepreneur category.

Exit and Fine-Print Questions

  1. What does my agreement say if I leave?
  2. How are pending deals paid after I leave?
  3. Are there fees after departure?
  4. Can I talk to three current agents? We will connect you.

Realty ONE Group Elevate Fees at a Glance

Commission splitNone
Broker fee$399 per closing, charged to the buyer or seller
Transaction fee$0 to $2,200 per closing, based on sale price
Annual cap$11,111; both fees count toward it, then you keep 100% for the rest of the year
Desk and royalty feesNone
TechnologyBring your own tech for $0, or the optional ONE Toolchest suite for $99/month
Revenue share$75 per closing by each agent you refer, until that agent caps

See the full transaction fee table and the Top Producer Cap Transfer Program for agents switching mid-year.

Why Realtors Choose Realty ONE Group Elevate

Realty ONE Group Elevate is a Realty ONE Group brokerage serving Northeast Florida from Fernandina Beach to Daytona Beach, with offices in Jacksonville and St. Augustine. Broker/Owner Tanya Cosmini has 20 years of real estate experience and nearly $200 million in career sales, and she works on a referral-only basis, so she does not compete with her own agents for listings and buyers. On Homes.com she shows 83 closed sales totaling $41.8 million over the prior five years and a 5.0-star rating from 22 reviews.

Behind the local office is Realty ONE Group International, named the No. 1 real estate franchise in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 for the fifth year in a row in January 2026, with more than 20,000 real estate professionals in over 450 offices across about 30 countries.

Talk to Tanya About Your Next Move

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Brokerage Interview FAQ

How many brokerages should I interview?

Most agents compare two to four. Use the same questions and your own numbers for each.

Should I get answers in writing?

Yes. Ask for the independent contractor agreement and fee schedule before you decide.

What is the biggest mistake agents make choosing a brokerage?

Comparing headline splits without looking at caps, fees and support.

Keep Exploring

Realty ONE Group Elevate is a licensed real estate brokerage in Florida. Fees and programs described here are current as of November 2026 and may change; ask for the current independent contractor agreement before joining. This page is for informational and recruiting purposes only and is not legal, tax or investment advice. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Our Family of Companies

Affiliated business disclosure: Realty ONE Group Elevate is owned by Tanya Cosmini. Title Company of Florida is owned by her husband, Sam Gorniak, and Rental Property Partners is owned within the same family. Because of these family relationships, the owners may benefit when you use more than one of these companies. You are not required to use any of them and are free to choose other providers.