Bartos Group BLOG

Joining a real estate team is one of the most important decisions a new agent can make. In this blog, Mary Bartos with the Bartos Group of Premiere Plus Realty shares straightforward, no-fluff guidance for newcomers who want to build momentum quickly and sustainably. This article breaks down the core options, outlines actionable steps, and gives a clear checklist for making the right choice for your career.

Two Clear Paths for New Agents

There are two realistic ways for a new agent to get traction. One path is to operate as a single agent and build a personal brand. The other is to join a real estate team and plug into an existing infrastructure. Each path has pros and cons and the choice depends on personality, goals, and available support.

Path 1: The Single Agent Route

Operating alone requires hustle, discipline, and strong people skills. Many agents underestimate the amount of outreach needed early on. If someone has lived in a community for a long time, they usually have contacts and “leads” to start with. The advantage of staying independent is full control over branding and commission splits.

• Pros: Full autonomy, complete control of marketing, and branding freedom.
• Cons: Slower ramp, heavier overhead, and the need to build systems from scratch.
• Skills needed: Comfort with phone outreach, ability to set up face-to-face meetings, and excellent follow-up habits.

Path 2: Join a team

To join a real estate team means tapping into a group that already has systems, leads, and a shared culture. Teams can accelerate learning, provide lead flow, and offer mentorship. But not all teams are created equal. The right team will align with the agent’s goals and provide the specific kind of support needed.

• Pros: Faster learning curve, shared marketing, lead distribution, and built-in accountability.
• Cons: Less independence, team commission splits, and the need to fit into an established culture.
• How to evaluate: Ask about cultural fit, mentorship style, lead quality, and what success looks like on that team.

How to Evaluate Team Culture and Fit

When considering whether to join a real estate team, the most crucial factor is culture. Culture dictates daily habits, how leads are handled, and whether the team helps you reach your goals. The ideal team has clear expectations, training, and a collaborative mindset.

Ask potential teams the following:

• What does a typical day look like for a new agent?
• How are leads assigned or shared?
• What metrics define success and how is progress measured?
• How does the team handle accountability and coaching?

Essential Skills No Matter Which Path You Choose

Whether an agent decides to operate alone or to join a real estate team, a few core skills determine early success:

1. Phone and in-person communication. The business begins “belly to belly.” Cold leads rarely convert without direct human contact. Developing comfort on the phone and confidence meeting people face to face accelerates results.
2. Lead generation and nurturing. Treat every contact as a potential lead. Consistent follow-up and relationship-building are nonnegotiable.
3. Accountability. New agents must either hold themselves accountable or find structures that do it for them. A daily routine, measurable targets, and someone tracking progress make the difference between momentum and stagnation.

Accountability: The Often-Overlooked Success Factor

Many agents believe sheer effort is enough. The missing ingredient is accountability. If an agent chooses to be solo, they must create systems to ensure tasks get done. If an agent chooses to join a real estate team, they should confirm the team provides regular check-ins, mentoring, and tangible milestones.

Simple accountability tactics:

• Set weekly activity goals (calls, meetings, listings). Track them publicly or with a mentor.
• Use a CRM for reminders and follow-up tracking.
• Schedule recurring coaching or huddles with a teammate or manager.

Checklist for Making the Right Decision

Use this short checklist when deciding whether to join a real estate team or go it alone:

• Do I want full control or structured support?
• Am I disciplined enough to self-manage leads and activities?
• Does the team offer mentorship and lead quality that aligns with my goals?
• How will this choice impact my income, learning curve, and lifestyle in year one?

Making the Most of Your First Year

Regardless of the path chosen, the first year is about consistent activity and learning. Mary Bartos emphasizes direct interaction, saying success starts when agents get face to face with people and consistently pick up the phone. The team environment can amplify that behavior if the culture pushes agents to be proactive.

For agents who decide to join a real estate team, use the team resources. Ask for scripts, role-play phone calls, and request shadowing opportunities. For agents who choose the solo path, create accountability partnerships with other agents or hire a coach to keep momentum steady.

Final Thoughts

Both roads lead to success when navigated intentionally. The key is to be honest about strengths and weaknesses, choose a structure that complements those, and commit to consistent, people-focused activity. If the aim is faster growth with support, choose to join a real estate team. If the goal is full independence and brand control, choose the single agent route—but build systems and accountability quickly.

Mary Bartos with the Bartos Group of Premiere Plus Realty believes in practical, repeatable habits. The combination of strong communication, cultural fit, and accountability will make the difference in year one and beyond.

FAQ

What does it mean to join a real estate team?

To join a real estate team means becoming part of a group that shares leads, systems, and often branding. Teams provide mentorship, shared marketing, and operational support in exchange for a commission split or set role within the team.

How do I evaluate if a team fits my goals?

Look at culture, lead quality, training programs, and how success is measured. Ask for references and examples of agents who started where you are and scaled on the team.

Is it harder to succeed alone or on a team?

Each path has challenges. Alone requires more self-discipline and systems building. Teams require cultural fit and adaptability. The difficulty depends on an agent’s strengths and the support structure chosen.

How important is accountability in real estate?

Accountability is crucial. New agents who track activities, set goals, and review results with someone else see faster growth. Teams often provide this structure automatically; solo agents must create it intentionally.