CRE agents/brokers - who are you with and what do you pay?
Which firm are you with and what are you monthly costs? 

I am with eXp Commercial at the moment and the $250/month is killing me since it is my first year in RE and I’m not making much. They are taking away our CRM that was included and also told us we needed to be a realtor. After paying all the realtor association fees they said that was a mistake and we need to cancel asap with no refunds or we would be transferred out of commercial.

Edit: they made us join our local commercial realtor association, not sure if that is what is confusing people
[{"id": "iqozr4b", "text": "Where are ypu located?", "replies": [{"id": "iqozz25", "text": "Raleigh, NC area", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iqp01e0", "text": "Sounds like you're in a residential brokerage.", "replies": [{"id": "iqp03cs", "text": "What do you mean?", "replies": [{"id": "iqp1zyh", "text": "Does the broker you are working under actually have commercial experience?  It sounds like some buffoonery whatever it is", "replies": [{"id": "iqp27ol", "text": "Yes. The side of the firm I am with is all commercial. My broker in charge does solely commercial as well as my mentor.", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}, {"id": "iqqlzx8", "text": "I haven't heard of any commercial brokerages charging fees... the splits are usually 50/50 60/40 etc. Also mention \"realtor\" to any commercial broker and they cringe or laugh. Exp sounds like a \"do it all\" brokerage, which is the worst kind.\nFind a true commercial broker.", "replies": [{"id": "iqqs5lh", "text": "Its not necessarily a \"do it all\" brokerage but bc we're provided higher splits, better Rev share than other brokerages a lot of the responsibility is put back on the agents/team leads.  The key is finding a team/mentor that can help you do the business the right way .    \n\n\nBut I do agree with you on the \"realtor\" aspect.  I worked for Marcus and Millichap in the past and we always referred to ourselves as \"brokers\" even with our licenses and cards stating \"salespersons\".  Its a silly grey area imo.", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iqp06yu", "text": "What is your prior experience with commercial?", "replies": [{"id": "iqp0jxb", "text": "I just got into RE at the beginning of the year.", "replies": [{"id": "iqp1es2", "text": "So I guess what I'm trying to get to the bottom of is that you seem to treat residential RE with some... disdain, maybe. Why did you choose commercial?  What gives you the thought that you should be in commercial? Why not start or ficus in residential? \n\n--I'm NOT one of those guys that says \"commercial is harder.\" It's all complex, just in different ways.  Very different.  I've done both.  \n\nHelp us understand where your actual frustration is coming from here when you have no real experience in either.", "replies": [{"id": "iqp1v62", "text": "Oh gotcha, I don\u2019t have anything against resi I just think commercial fits better for me. It\u2019s more business focused and numbers which I prefer. I don\u2019t do well dealing with peoples emotions \ud83d\ude05. I\u2019ve always been interested in commercial just wasn\u2019t able to find a way in until after joining eXp realty.", "replies": [{"id": "iqp3mls", "text": "You're working for commissions I assume?   Find a boutique.   Make yourself the VOLUNTARY  gopher. consider it your \"education. \" \n\nYou like numbers. Consider CCIM, consider A.CRE, consider a Master's education in proper RE where you can take out loans.  You need to LEARN About RE.  Also consider project management in either solar or telecom for better jobs with real pay.  I do NOT mean \"sell residential solar PPAs to unsuspecting homeowners.\" That won't help you.  I mean get somewhere that you can learn the land, leasing, and transactional matters ASAP.\n\nPM me if you want networking.", "replies": [{"id": "iqp4ana", "text": "Yup, commission only. I\u2019ve considered that but don\u2019t want to take out anymore student loans, and not sure I could even get into a program like that when I studied science in undergrad. \n\nAre you in the area? I\u2019m definitely open to hearing more.", "replies": [{"id": "iqqt55x", "text": "All good advice from Pitsmoker...money is green whether you're selling residential or commercial.  I've seen agents absolutely suck at getting deals done on the commercial side but they are rockstars in the residential world.    \n\n\nIf you're just looking to work your area/state.  I would go on sites like Crexi, Loopnet, and drive around town looking for signs of for sale or for lease businesses.  This will give you an idea of who the more consistent players are in the market.  If you go to a larger firm you won't necessarily have control of where you want to work.  RE at the end of the day is making connections with people and getting them to feel comfortable/like you.  I started selling commercial real estate in Brooklyn NY at 23 and felt that there was no reason someone should intrust me with selling their building but they did.  Find yourself a mentor who wants to help you grow.", "replies": [], "depth": 7}], "depth": 6}, {"id": "iqrkpgf", "text": "I have a sales backround, i want to break into Commercial RE. I am currently taking A.CRE. I'm thinking about investment sales brokage or something similar. What does a day in the life of a broker look like in cre?", "replies": [], "depth": 6}], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iqp34uu", "text": "That sounds like a terrible deal first year in the business. Are they at least providing leads and a super generous split?", "replies": [{"id": "iqp3aq4", "text": "No leads unfortunately (maybe on another team I have yet to find?), split is 80/20 but first 3 transactions you have to pay 50% to a mentor.", "replies": [{"id": "iqqhzx0", "text": "Yeah that\u2019s rough. I\u2019d maybe look for another team or brokerage. the split is nice after the first few deals but I\u2019d rather have a 50/50 split and have an office with some support. I work at a small boutique brokerage and they provide all the software needed and have given me some leads for small deals which is a big help to get started. The only thing I pay them is the split which is a tiered setup", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iqp5syj", "text": "No, but I've worked nationally in Legal (CRE) due diligence.  I also do real estate for telecom in commercial projects from Maine to Southern NJ.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iqp7fnt", "text": "I\u2019m on the investments side\u2026 but i don\u2019t think our brokers pay. They actually get a laptop and everything paid for", "replies": [{"id": "iqvzewc", "text": "Who are you with?\nI too signed on with eXp. I had my expectations set too high. They have awful communication and after 2 months of paying $250/mo for their \u201ctechnology fee\u201d and they just lost the CRM contract - I\u2019ve still yet to meet my Mentor or have our 50/50agreement signed. I get that it all takes time - but I am way more motivated than most and used to being able to actually work autonomously. This seems like a huge waste of my connections and my talent. Ps: I\u2019m in Seattle. Any recommendations?", "replies": [{"id": "iqy8yga", "text": "It\u2019s a 50 person family office that has investments/development/brokerage/property management \n\nIn the south East . \n\nI would suggest shopping around. Find a senior broker who knows his shit &amp; do the grunt work for him/her until you get your own contacts\n\nDon\u2019t go anywhere where you pay tho\u2026 you\u2019re the client when that happens. Not the employee", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iqp7ljr", "text": "I didn't join eXp for the reason you mentioned. The $250/mo technology fee isn't worth paying when I've created most of what's available myself. I asked if I could join without getting any of their tech and that wasn't an option.\n\nSince they don't provide leads, I thought of joining the non-commercial side and just doing commercial still since I have the tools I'd need already, the commission split is the same but the monthly is only $85.\n\nIf you're starting out, I'd stay local vs. eXp as others have said. The people I know going to eXp do it for the split after they've already made their network/experience.\n\nI'm looking for a local smaller broker since I have personal relationships on the development / tenant side but not enough to jump full-time somewhere.", "replies": [{"id": "iqpbws4", "text": "Honestly most of the software I use is free. I\u2019m going to try looking at smaller firms. Do you have any recommendations for finding them besides google? Should I look for ones that do only commercial?", "replies": [{"id": "iqpcyi5", "text": "Yes, I'd look for ones that do only commercial. My first broker was a residential broker that sold me on the belief that much of his early career included commercial. My introduction to him was through a friend that was closing on a commercial deal where he was the broker. However, once I signed on, he pushed me into resi and I really have no interest there.\n\nI think the most important part is the network you'll create w/ your contacts and you're most likely to help yourself in the commercial realm as that's what's going to lead to future business.\n\nHow to find smaller firms?  I've used LinkedIn , thebrokerlist site, Loopnet/Crexi, etc. For Loopnet/Crexi, search for properties in your area in the size you're targeting. Filter out the big firms. Look into the names that popup and contact the ones that look good.", "replies": [{"id": "iqpd2yy", "text": "Great idea, thank you!", "replies": [{"id": "iqqc6od", "text": "Sent you DM.", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iqpeq96", "text": "If your in Raleigh go interview at CBRE or Marcus Millichap. You will be 50-50 with company (not including 50-50 with mentor) but it will be solely focused on CRE. I know MM charges like 3,000 for training and start up costs but they take that out of your first check. \n\nIMO- don\u2019t chase splits when you are starting out. Go to learn from the best then take that knowledge and do what you have to for yourself and your family", "replies": [{"id": "iqpjumf", "text": "I am definitely willing to sacrifice split for good training/leads (if even possible)!", "replies": [{"id": "iqwc9hg", "text": "M&amp;M is a solid place to start and be trained if they offer you a job.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}, {"id": "iqqrm7r", "text": "I\u2019m in Raleigh. Don\u2019t go to M&amp;M. \n\nThere are plenty of good firms here. Not hard to find.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iqphfke", "text": "Lol. You have to pay rent on your job. Yeah just join Marcus and quit whstever resi bs you signed up for.", "replies": [{"id": "iqpi0dp", "text": "Do most places not make you pay?! I am just learning this \ud83d\ude2c", "replies": [{"id": "iqpif24", "text": "There are desk costs sure, but you are a runner or junior broker. The worst you can do is a draw, which is a loan you have to pay back. Most places you just have 50/50 commission or whatever split you work out with the senior broker. \n\nYou need sales liscense", "replies": [{"id": "iqpjmtl", "text": "The worst part about it is we don\u2019t even have an office \ud83d\ude05 I am a 50/50 commission split here but only for my first 3 transactions because I\u2019m required to have a mentor. And then the company takes 20% as well. \n\nIn NC we are all brokers. (But we do have a broker in charge - BIC).", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}, {"id": "iqtkyqt", "text": "To be clear: most places don't make you pay.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iqpm1rr", "text": "The first problem is you are trying to do CRE through EXP.", "replies": [{"id": "iqpndap", "text": "I am beginning to see that lol, do you recommend going with a bigger or smaller firm?", "replies": [{"id": "iqr0x6x", "text": "Big vs small depends on the office environment you like and type of work you want to do. A big national firm will be very structured but offers the benefit of name recognition that does make a difference in getting business.  If you are trying to do larger scale investment deals then that would also be the best path. \n\nA boutique CRE firm can be a much more pleasant environment to work in and many will offer equity at a certain point.  Being smaller they generally will lack the regional name recognition but do often offer a local advantage in CRE. \n\nThe problem with EXP is it is a residential virtual firm, it Carry\u2019s zero weight in the CRE world and offers you no real startup opportunity.  You will certainly have a battle trying to gain good clients with EXP on you business card. You will also deal with lack of respect in the brokerage world. I know I cringe anytime when an EXp agent calls me, they are almost always clueless on CRE.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iqpuo5q", "text": "I would recommend starting in private equity as an acquisitions or asset management analyst and then transition into brokerage if that\u2019s your end goal. Will make way more, gain much needed underwriting experience, understand how institutional investors look at the business, and make great connections.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iqqbj3t", "text": "We\u2019re in the same boat. I joined exp to do commercial and it was a huge mistake. They forced me join and pay for the REALTOR designation, provided no training for commercial transactions, gave me a 70+ slide deck outlining best practices, and said good luck. Your mentor doesn\u2019t do shit for you and nobody cares what the other people are doing. They market hard for new agents to join and promise everything but then give you no physical training and no office. It is a terrible place to start a real estate career. Stay away. \n\nI\u2019m currently trying to find a way out of exp and into a commercial multifamily brokerage where you can come into office each day and make deals happen. If anyone in the California bar area has any leads for commercial multifamily brokerages please let me know.", "replies": [{"id": "iqw1893", "text": "Following.\nI\u2019m in Seattle and feel the same way about eXp. I consider myself lucky to have my eyes wide open and see it for what it is. Lots of big talk and no action behind their words. 2 months in and still waiting on my \u201cMentor\u201d to follow through and keep one of the appts we\u2019ve made to meet. Their \u201ctraining\u201d was a complete joke. I\u2019m wondering who thinks they\u2019re great? Not from what I can see.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iqqhysx", "text": "Try Divaris. Recently expanded into Raleigh but great company and presence in other markets. They have a GREAT managing broker there and you would learn a lot from her.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iqqrsr1", "text": "I'm an EXP agent and do both residential and commercial deals.  You don't need to pigeon hole yourself as a Commercial broker.  If I remember correctly my cost per month is like 85 and again I can help a friend buy condo or sell a 6 fam without any additional cost. \n\nAny firm is going to cost you for getting started and being there, whether its a monthly fixed cost or you're paying for it somehow out of your split.  Are you at least being mentored by someone who can help you fast track your business?", "replies": [{"id": "iqrzxxs", "text": "Don't take this advice OP. Please don't do both residential and commercial.", "replies": [{"id": "ir61ae2", "text": "Respectfully that is the mentality that is spread at Commercial Firms.  If I'm trying to sell Triple Net RE across the country...sure focus on just Commercial Firms.  But if you're selling localized 6 units and up or Mixed use deals, 3 apartment over 1 store, I can and have won that business.  Some of the firms won't even touch deals below $2M which is literally any 6 unit and mixed use property in my market.  So who is hunting for those deals? Agents like myself who have the commercial real estate background but happen to sell some residential deals as well.", "replies": [{"id": "ir6ai8k", "text": "Respectfully, I am speaking from my own personal experience of how difficult it is to work on the other side of a deal with agents who do both.", "replies": [{"id": "ir6empc", "text": "That's fair as I can understand that frustration.  Personally I believe cutting your teeth in the Commercial world and then moving into the Resi world can be beneficial.  The agents who are start in Resi and then try to dabble...those agents are frustrating to deal with for sure.  In an asset class like multifamily/mixed use I'm constantly going up against mostly resi agents bc the large shops aren't servicing the sub $2M market (mostly bc of firms splits to be honest). Appreciate your insight.", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iqthymw", "text": "If you can get in with Marcus &amp; Millichap, CBRE, Cushman Wakefield etc.\n\nOR - try commercial real estate LOAN brokering. You'll only need an NMLS for a few states and be your own boss. \n\nI can hook you up with a ton of proven lenders in the field if you decide to go that route. Do NOT look for lenders for client by asking strangers or you run the risk of hooking up with knuckleheads who'll take due diligence or commitment deposits and disappearing on you.\n\nPM me if you want me to elaborate.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iqu6z5h", "text": "LOL eXp is such a scam.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ir827qb", "text": "Anyone have any experience with Avison Young?", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]