Bartos Group BLOG

Choosing a real estate brokerage is one of the most important decisions an agent will make. Mary Bartos of the Bartos Group with Premiere Plus Realty and Nick Jankowski, managing Broker at Premiere Plus Realty, outline practical guidance for agents who are evaluating their next move. Their combined perspective covers mentorship, environment, compensation structure, team vs independent models, and a simple but powerful reminder: success starts with a plan.

Mary Bartos and Nick Jankowski emphasize that choosing a real estate brokerage should be intentional. Too many agents try to get by on momentum or hope. Instead, agents should look for a brokerage that offers the right culture, tools, and flexibility so they can build a sustainable career.

Start with Environment and Mentorship

At the heart of the advice from Mary Bartos and Nick Jankowski is the idea that people are a primary driver of success. As Nick puts it,

“You are who you surround yourself with!”

That means when choosing a real estate brokerage, agents should evaluate the people they will work alongside. Does the brokerage foster collaboration? Are there experienced agents willing to mentor newer ones? Does leadership make themselves available? Premiere Plus Realty highlights a family-owned culture where leadership maintains close contact with associates, prioritizing relationships over numbers.

Make a Plan: Business Planning, Coaching, and Routines

A recurring theme is that real estate is no longer a business where agents can wing it. Mary and Nick both insist on three essentials:

• Create a business plan with clear goals and measurable metrics.
• Invest in coaching for accountability, systems, and proven playbooks.
• Adopt a daily routine and calendar critical activities so they actually happen.

Newer agents often benefit immediately from joining a team because it bundles mentorship, shared systems, and lead-generation. Established agents might choose independence to retain full control, but they still need a plan and accountability. The bottom line is that when choosing a real estate brokerage, look for structures that support planning and personal growth.

Team, Independent, or Start Your Own: Which Path Fits Best?

Mary Bartos and Nick Jankowski break the decision into practical life-stage questions: Where is the agent in their career? What lifestyle do they want? Does the agent enjoy managing every detail, or would they rather focus on client relationships while delegating operations?

There are three clear choices:

1. Join a team for mentorship and shared resources.
2. Be an individual agent for full autonomy and flexibility.
3. Start a team if leadership, vision, and people management are strengths.

Each option has trade-offs. When choosing a real estate brokerage, agents should evaluate whether their daily needs—marketing, transaction coordination, and lead flow—are best met by a team or by an independent model.

Compensation Structure and Marketing Freedom

A practical differentiator Mary and Nick highlight is compensation structure. Premiere Plus Realty allows agents to retain more control over their marketing budget instead of binding them to a national campaign or steep franchise fees. That flexibility enables agents to invest in marketing strategies that actually move the needle for their individual business.

When choosing a real estate brokerage, ask:

• How much of the agent’s commission is available for reinvestment in marketing?
• Does the brokerage require co-op fees, franchise royalties, or mandatory marketing programs?
• Does the brokerage provide scalable tools while allowing agents to customize their own brand?

Brand Reach and Referral Networks

Brand recognition and referral access matter. Premiere Plus Realty combines local market prominence with affiliation to a national network. That mix gives agents both regional clout and a pipeline for nationwide referrals without extra cost to associates.

When choosing a real estate brokerage, prioritize firms that deliver:

• Local market leadership and visibility.
• National referral networks for lead flow outside the home market.
• Support that scales with agent ambitions.

Practical Checklist: Vetting a Brokerage

Use this checklist when choosing a real estate brokerage to make the decision objective and repeatable:

• Culture: Does leadership interact regularly with agents?
• Mentorship: Are there coaching programs or team options?
• Compensation: What fees, splits, and marketing allowances apply?
• Tools: Are transaction coordinators, CRM, and marketing resources provided?
• Brand and reach: Does the brokerage offer local strength and national referrals?
• Long-term fit: How will this brokerage support the next phase of your career?

What Makes Agents Proud to be at Premiere Plus Realty

Nick Jankowski and Mary Bartos describe pride in Premiere Plus Realty as rooted in legacy and service. The brokerage is family-owned, retains close-knit leadership, and invests in community experiences that bring agents together. That human-first philosophy is central to why many agents choose to join and remain with the company.

Final Guidance for Agents Starting or Switching Firms

The strongest, simplest advice offered is this: create a plan and stick to it. A solid business plan paired with consistent daily execution, a morning routine, and accountability will produce results. For agents who are curious about new opportunities, Mary and Nick recommend getting licensed, seeking counsel from experienced professionals, and thoroughly researching options before making the choice.

If an agent is comparing specific brokerages, the focus should be on practical outcomes: mentorship, marketing freedom, a supportive environment, and a compensation model that enables reinvestment in personal growth. These are the pillars to examine when choosing a real estate brokerage.

For agents interested in a firm that blends local leadership, broad reach, and agent-first policies, the option of Premiere Plus Realty is often recommended by practicing professionals like Mary Bartos of the Bartos Group with Premiere Plus Realty and Nick Jankowski of Premiere Plus Realty.

FAQ

How should I evaluate mentorship when choosing a real estate brokerage?

Look for structured coaching programs, experienced agents willing to mentor, and a culture that promotes collaboration. Ask about team options, access to coaching like Tom Ferry, and how the brokerage supports new agents in their first 12 months.

Is joining a team better than being independent?

It depends on career stage and goals. Newer agents often grow faster on a team due to mentorship and shared systems. Experienced agents who want autonomy may prefer independence. Consider lifestyle, the desire to manage operations, and access to leads when choosing a real estate brokerage.

What role does compensation structure play in choosing a real estate brokerage?

Compensation affects how much you can reinvest in marketing and growth. Favor brokerages that offer flexibility, low franchise fees, and the freedom to direct your own marketing budget while still providing useful tools and national referral networks.

Can a family-owned brokerage offer the same reach as a national franchise?

Yes, if the brokerage has national affiliations and referral networks. Premiere Plus Realty pairs local market leadership with membership in a national network, giving agents both local visibility and wider referral access without extra cost.

What is the single most important piece of advice for an agent entering the market?

Create a business plan, calendar your core activities, and commit to consistent execution. Pair that with mentorship or coaching to accelerate results when choosing a real estate brokerage.