Finding the Right Real Estate Brokerage to Work for in Ohio
Agent Tips, Becoming an Agent, Blog
August 9, 2025 | Real Estate Editorial Team
Starting your real estate career can feel both exciting and overwhelming. With so many choices to make early on, one of the most important decisions is choosing a real estate brokerage that supports your goals and helps you grow.
A great brokerage does more than meet licensing requirements. It provides guidance, tools, and mentorship that shape your long-term success. Whether you’re newly licensed or exploring a change, this guide will walk you through finding a sponsoring real estate broker in Ohio, what to look for, and how to make the best decision for your future.
Key Takeaways
- Interview Multiple Brokers: Meeting with multiple brokers helps you compare opportunities and find one aligned with your career goals.
- Ask Specific Questions: Bring a list of topics to discuss so you can fully understand what each brokerage offers.
- Focus On Long-Term Growth: Look for a brokerage that invests in your development, not just your sales.
- Compare Brokerage Sizes: Consider both large and boutique firms to find a work environment and structure that fits your goals and personality.
- Evaluate Training and Support: Look for brokerages that offer formal training, mentorship, and marketing tools to set you up for long-term success.
Why Choosing a Real Estate Brokerage Matters
In Ohio, you can’t practice real estate independently until you’ve obtained a broker’s license. That means your first step after passing the licensing exam is to find a sponsoring real estate broker to oversee your transactions.
But beyond the legal requirement, your brokerage will impact:
- The training and mentorship you receive
- The tools and technology available to you
- The company culture and your professional environment
- Your commission structure and earning potential
Because your brokerage becomes the foundation of your real estate career, this choice should be made with careful consideration.
Steps to Finding the Right Real Estate Brokerage
Finding a brokerage is not a one-size-fits-all process. Take time to explore your options and consider your priorities.
1. Research brokerages in your area
Start by exploring broker websites, agent reviews, and company reputations.
Look for:
- Size and reputation of the firm
- Areas of specialization (residential, commercial, luxury, etc.)
- Agent testimonials or client feedback
Ask yourself: Does this brokerage seem aligned with the market I want to work in?
2. Attend real estate events and networking sessions
Industry events offer a chance to meet brokers and agents face-to-face.
During events, you can:
- Learn about local brokerages in an informal setting
- Ask questions about training, culture, and resources
- Discover what successful agents love (or don’t love) about their firms
These conversations help you understand your local real estate landscape from multiple angles.
3. Ask for referrals and recommendations
Reach out to people in your network who have been through the process.
- New agents can offer fresh insights into onboarding and support
- Experienced agents can share what to avoid or what to prioritize
- Real estate instructors and mentors can also offer referrals
A well-placed recommendation can lead to a great professional fit.
4. Schedule interviews with brokers
Once you’ve narrowed your list, set up interviews with 3-5 brokers. Consider speaking with brokerages of different sizes, so you can understand the pros and cons of working at a large brokerage vs a boutique firm.
Come prepared with questions and treat the interview like a two-way conversation.
Ask about:
- Training and mentorship opportunities
- Commission splits and desk fees
- Access to tools and marketing support
- Office culture and team dynamics
- Expectations for performance and accountability
You’ll learn a lot from how a broker responds to your questions.
What to Ask When Choosing a Real Estate Brokerage
Before accepting any offer, ensure you understand how the brokerage operates. You’ll want to know how it can support your career now and in the future.
Here’s what to ask a broker during an interview:
Company culture and values
- What is the team environment like?
- How do agents collaborate or compete?
- Is this a place where you can thrive long term?
Support and resources
- What tools are available to help agents manage leads and marketing?
- Is there administrative support for paperwork or scheduling?
Training and mentorship
- Is there a formal training program for new agents?
- Will you have access to a mentor or coach?
Commission and fees
- What is the standard commission split?
- Are there desk or franchise fees?
- How are bonuses or incentives structured?
How will your commission split affect your income? Use our interactive real estate commission calculator to help you pick the right brokerage.
FREE Tool! Real Estate Commission Calculator
Career growth
- Are there leadership or management opportunities?
- Can you transition into commercial or luxury real estate over time?
These conversations help ensure you’re entering into a partnership that supports your future goals.
FAQ: Can Real Estate Agents Work Independently?
Not right away. In Ohio, all real estate agents must work under the supervision of a licensed broker. After you work as a real estate agent for at least two years, you can go through the broker licensing process to obtain more autonomy and advance your career.
This allows you to:
- Open your own brokerage
- Sponsor other agents
- Increase your income potential and independence
Until then, partnering with the right brokerage is the best way to grow professionally and gain experience.
Choosing a Brokerage in Ohio
Do you need help finding a sponsoring real estate broker in Ohio? Here are some to consider:
Cleveland/Akron Area:
Columbus Area:
- Keller Williams Greater Columbus Realty
- Howard Hanna Real Estate Services
- Coldwell Banker Realty
- Red 1 Realty
Cincinnati/Dayton Area:
- Coldwell Banker Heritage, Lingle & College Real Estate
- Pivot Realty Group
- Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
Toledo Area:
Youngstown Area:
Take the Next Step in Your Real Estate Journey
Choosing the right brokerage is a decision that sets the tone for your career. It’s about more than just passing the exam — it’s about building the future you want. Take time to explore your options, ask questions, and align yourself with a brokerage that supports your goals.
You can also depend on Hondros College for all your pre-licensing needs, as we have been a trusted real estate school for more than 40 years and offer a “Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee.”
You can also rely on Hondros College for your entire career journey. Sign up for a Hondros Career Expo to connect with hiring brokerages in your area. We also offer post-licensing courses and top-notch real estate continuing education.
