Have any of you gotten a brokerage license just so you can hang your license under your own company (and not split commissions)?
I'm considering becoming a "broker", currently a real estate salesperson. However I'm not particularly planning on running an actual brokerage, I'd just like to break off from my current brokerage and be on my own. Mainly because I don't really associate with the rest of the brokerage anyways, I already pay my own technology fees, and then I wouldn't have to fork over any of my commissions. 

Have any of you gone from a regular agent to being a broker for yourself? Any advice?
[{"id": "j25uet8", "text": "IMHO what a brokerage provides is not a place to hang your license but a suite of services that help you elevate your business as an agent. There\u2019s a lot more to a brokerage than meets the eye. \n\nInstead of venturing out on your own, I would negotiate a higher split with your current broker.", "replies": [{"id": "j25wlop", "text": "Any examples of the services? I'm already paying for all my own marketing services and only go into the office when there's a check to pickup.", "replies": [{"id": "j25xbi4", "text": "CRM, data aggregation, operating systems, lead generation to name a few", "replies": [{"id": "j25xlp2", "text": "Those are all already paid by me and I have to generate my own leads. I guess my situation with my brokerage is a bit unique, and it probably makes sense for me to be on my own.", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "j25vxe8", "text": "If you are generating all your own business and don't need leads/guidance/administrative work/etc from your current brokerage, then definitely consider opening your own shop. Not sure your location, but you will very likely have higher license fees and definitely higher MLS and Realtor association fees since your brokerage has fees along with yourself in agent fees.", "replies": [{"id": "j25xbca", "text": "I think I will. My brokerage doesn't give me leads, don't need guidance, pay for my own marketing services, and I do my own admin work already (besides the things that only the brokerage can do like writing checks and renewing my license.) I'm just wondering if there's a lot more behind the scenes that I'm not seeing. \n\nI don't even use MLS and not a realtor so I don't have to worry about those. brokerage and agent fees would obviously be put on me, but that's definitely a lot less than I'm paying in commission splits. \n\nThanks for the input!", "replies": [{"id": "j25z6e6", "text": "I forgot to mention E&amp;O insurance which is typically paid as part of your broker's split of commissions. Depending on your anticipated revenue these policies are inexpensive but you should definitely have one. And you'll probably need to incorporate your brokerage to get a business bank account to then pay yourself commissions as the agent. All of this is mostly paperwork and minimal fees to get done. Your state licensing board probably requires another test to become a broker, your CE requirements may be more stringent, and license renewal fee higher. Again mostly paperwork and modest additional fees.", "replies": [{"id": "j25zpc1", "text": "Thanks for bringing up the insurance! That's an expense I overlooked but that makes me feel better about the liability aspect.", "replies": [{"id": "j29kioe", "text": "Legal services!!! Especially if you are doing commercial where contract terms are way more complex and custom than standard SFR.", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}, {"id": "j26kri5", "text": "Hey! Not being snarky or on any bullshit- but genuinely curious how do you sell without the MLS? Or being a Realtor ? Grew up in this biz as a realtor so wondering the other side\u2026 appreciate you in advance !", "replies": [{"id": "j26mzk4", "text": "Well I sell warehouse buildings which transact on sites like Costar and Crexi (or off market, mainly). MLS just isn't the place for that product. I have someone that posts properties there for me, but it doesn't gain any traction for warehouses.", "replies": [{"id": "j26o951", "text": "Ohh that makes sense\u2026 yea commercial is like that where I\u2019m from too. I\u2019m actually working on building a commercial book. Would you mind a call to pick your brain about that area of business?", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "j26986m", "text": "Think it depends on the situation. Sounds like you're paying for pretty much every expense that most commercial brokerages cover. I think it would make a lot of sense to make the jump.\n\nI guess there's really only one other question that remains: how important is your current brokerage's brand/presence in the market, and has that reputation helped you win listings/assignments? If the answer is no, it doesn't sound like it makes much of any sense to stick around.", "replies": [{"id": "j269j7e", "text": "My clients hire me for me, they don't care about the company name. \n\nThanks for your input! I'm looking forward to pursuing this.", "replies": [{"id": "j269ni4", "text": "Love it. Best of luck!", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "j2699d5", "text": "Think it depends on the situation. Sounds like you're paying for pretty much every expense that most commercial brokerages cover. I think it would make a lot of sense to make the jump.\n\nI guess there's really only one other question that remains: how important is your current brokerage's brand/presence in the market, and has that reputation helped you win listings/assignments? If the answer is no, it doesn't sound like it makes much of any sense to stick around.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "j26hbq4", "text": "hahahahahaha yup because it\u2019s that easy.  Good luck.", "replies": [{"id": "j26moj5", "text": "That's why I was posting for advice to see if I'm overlooking anything... It's mainly just additional accounting, paperwork, license renewals and some extra coursework, no?", "replies": [{"id": "j26nili", "text": "If you don\u2019t know then you\u2019re not ready.  It\u2019s not a template business.  Take some more time and get to see what the back office and support work looks like at a good firm.  Advice isn\u2019t what you need.  Experience is what you need.", "replies": [{"id": "j26pli8", "text": "I'm not trying to run a firm I'm just trying to get the license so I don't have to be with a firm", "replies": [{"id": "j26x0cy", "text": "I'm in the same boat. I don't get leads either, have my own clients and email database. Most buyers find my listings on crexi or loopnet. Our marketing packages are impressive as is the department, but there are a lot of talented graphic designers out there working independently. I also get a free office and access to costar, but pay for my own crm. Basically what I cost the company annually is covered in one commission split. Our company name used to have some clout, but they rebranded after a breakup and now I have to explain who we used to be for validation.\n\nI still think there is value in surrounding oneself with like-minded professionals, but at what cost?\n\nBased on my research you need the license, e&amp;o, to incorporate, a business checking account, logo and website. A few thousand bucks, all in. A lot less than the tens of thousands siphoned off each closed deal.", "replies": [{"id": "j27rzik", "text": "Don\u2019t forget, a separate trust account", "replies": [], "depth": 6}], "depth": 5}, {"id": "j292a7h", "text": "Depending on where you operate you may have to get additional licensing. Here in BC it's an entirely separate set of courses and licensing that is congruent with your trading services license. Otherwise it sounds like you're doing it all and not getting much in return so why not !", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "j27b72j", "text": "CRE broker here, went off on my own during the pandemic. Best thing I ever did for myself. Just a bit more administrative items to keep up with but worth it not having to give up 50%", "replies": [{"id": "j27c5c6", "text": "Awesome! Any unexpected hurdles come up?", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "j27edws", "text": "Yes", "replies": [{"id": "j27f2uu", "text": "Any advice based on your experience doing so?", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "j27wurc", "text": "I got my broker\u2019s license about 25 years ago, and until 5 years ago worked for big companies (Sotheby\u2019s/Coldwell Banker). When I retired, I started getting referrals and why should I pay a split to get a referral? So I\u2019m now under my own broker license- now that I don\u2019t actually work. It was nice to have it all set up ahead of time.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]