5 Things To Look For In A Chicago Brokerage

Choosing the right real estate brokerage is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as an agent. While every company is unique, a proper brokerage in Chicago or beyond will focus its support on some core support areas that are universal in the real estate industry. From helping build your business to the tools available to you and even what the office environment is like – it’s important to focus on these key areas as you search for your new brokerage.

Whether you’re newly licensed and looking to plant your first stakes or an experienced broker looking for a change, finding a brokerage that supports your goals and success is key to growing your career. But with so many options in the Chicago real estate market, how do you know which brokerage is the right fit for you? Here are five things to look for in a Chicago brokerage or any market you find yourself in:

1. Aggressive & Transparent Commission Splits

A strong commission split should be one of the top things to look for in a Chicago brokerage. Your commission structure directly impacts your earnings, so choosing a brokerage with a fair and competitive split is essential. Some brokerages offer high splits but hide fees in the fine print, charging for E&O insurance, office space, marketing materials, or admin support. Look for a Chicago brokerage that offers strong splits and is fully transparent about what you’ll take home after every closing.

Pearson Realty Group offers aggressive, competitive commission splits and charges low fees transparently. We truly believe in our agents and don’t want their hard work or dedication to go unnoticed. That’s why we focus on a strong competitive split combined with our powerful agent support, which empowers Pearson Realty Group agents to grow their business with us. If you’re looking for a brokerage that puts more money in your pocket with every deal, schedule an interview today.

2. Team Building, Coaching, Mentorship & Training

A strong brokerage should provide opportunities for networking, training, and team building. New agents benefit from hands-on coaching & mentorship, while seasoned agents can grow their business through structured team-building support. Whether it’s pairing you with an experienced mentor, helping you recruit agents for your team, or offering leadership development programs, a brokerage that fosters professional growth is invaluable. 

Pearson Realty Group offers a combination of in-person and virtual training, on-demand video resources, and market-specific coaching through Pearson University. We work closely with team leaders to grow their teams through team pairing assistance and lead generation. Our bi-weekly Team Leader Mastermind meetings also give Pearson leaders a chance to collaborate outside of the regular training sessions such as our Monthly Lunch & Learn training.

3. Cutting-Edge Marketing & Technology Tools

Real estate is constantly evolving, and having access to the latest marketing strategies and tech tools can give you a competitive edge. In addition to effective training tools, the best brokerages provide strong marketing tools and resources to help agents maximize their outreach and efficiency. These can include high-quality CRM systems, branded graphics, ready-to-use templates, and other modern digital resources  When considering a brokerage, ask about their investment in marketing support and technology, such as “Does your CRM system have automated lead follow-ups and AI-driven marketing tools?”

Pearson Realty Group offers a powerful proprietary CRM – “PearsonCORE” that acts as the central nervous system for your real estate marketing. We also offer a wide range of digital marketing resources from social media graphics, email templates, and print marketing materials through our online Agent Center, so our agents can spend more time closing deals. Our marketing and admin teams also utilize AI-powered technology to streamline support tasks for agents, saving time across the board.

4. Consistent Company-Generated Leads

Leads are the lifeblood of any real estate business. While some brokerages promise leads, not all deliver leads that are receptive or qualified (or cold leads). Look for a Chicago brokerage that provides a steady stream of high-quality, company-generated leads—not just a database of cold contacts. A firm with a proven system for lead distribution, follow-up support, and conversion training will help you maximize every opportunity and more importantly, close more deals.

Pearson Realty Group provides our agents with free qualified, ready-to-talk leads that keep your pipeline from drying out, without wasting your time. These high-quality leads come from multiple sources pooled together for our agents to pick from – giving our agents all the leads they can handle while allowing them to accept and convert them at their own pace. If you are looking for free Chicagoland real estate leads, apply to become a Pearson Realty Group agent today.

5. Supportive & Growth-Oriented Company Culture

A brokerage should offer more than just office space—it should provide a community where agents feel valued and supported. A positive, growth-focused culture can make a significant difference in your career satisfaction and success. This includes coaching programs, networking events, team-building activities, and a collaborative atmosphere encouraging agents to share knowledge and grow together. When interviewing brokerages, pay attention to their level of agent support and the overall company vibe.

Pearson Realty Group understands the significance of a strong and supportive company culture that drives success and fun. When agents and teams feel closer to each other, they are more willing to work harder and help one another. We hold quarterly networking events and regular happy hours with both agents and staff which fosters an environment of teamwork that makes collaboration easy.

Find the Right Chicago Brokerage for You

The real estate brokerage you choose will shape the trajectory of your career, so it’s crucial to take the time to evaluate your options carefully. Ask about commission structures, training opportunities, lead generation, and company culture before making a decision.

If you’re searching for a Chicago brokerage that offers aggressive commission splits, free company-generated leads, zero office fees, full training support, and a strong agent community, consider joining Pearson Realty Group. We provide everything agents need to succeed in today’s competitive market—without the hidden costs and hassles.

Interested in learning more? Schedule a confidential interview to see how Pearson Realty Group can help you grow your real estate business! Contact us anytime or by filling out the form below.