7 Signs It’s Time to Switch Brokerages (And What to Look for Instead)

In a real estate career, growth is everything. Whether you're in your first year as a real estate agent or your fifteenth, the brokerage you hang your license with plays a central role in that journey. The right brokerage can empower you with tools, support, and culture that accelerate your business. The wrong one? It’ll hold you back.

If you've been wondering whether it's time to move on, you're not alone. Here are seven clear signs it might be time to switch brokerages—and what to prioritize when you start exploring your options.

1. High Fees and Low Value

You’re working hard, closing deals, and still watching too much of your commission check disappear. Sound familiar?

Excessive splits, monthly desk fees, or hidden transaction costs can chip away at your income. And if those fees aren’t matched by solid leads, marketing support, or training opportunities, that’s a problem. Today’s top brokerages are lean, transparent, and committed to delivering real value. If you’re not seeing that, you’re likely overpaying for underperformance.

2. Limited Tools and Investment in You

A brokerage’s technology stack should make your life easier—not harder. If you’re stuck using clunky CRM software, outdated websites, or getting no help with digital marketing, you’re not getting the competitive edge you need in this market.

Top-performing agents rely on strong backend systems, smart lead generation, and automation. If your brokerage isn’t investing in tools to help you win, that’s a red flag.

3. Lack of Training, Mentorship, or Professional Development

Whether you're just starting out or aiming to scale your business, growth never stops. If your brokerage isn’t actively supporting your career path through coaching, masterminds, or access to experienced mentors, that’s a missed opportunity.

Agents don’t just need answers—they need leadership. And that leadership should come from a culture of collaboration, not competition.

4. You Feel Misaligned with the Culture

The culture of your brokerage isn’t just about motivational quotes in the breakroom. It’s about leadership, ethics, accountability, and the way agents treat each other.

If you’re dealing with drama, politics, or leadership that’s reactive instead of proactive, it takes a toll. And if you're the kind of agent who thrives on professionalism and clear communication, the wrong environment will start to feel like dead weight.

5. Your Business Has Outgrown the Brokerage

Maybe your first year was all about getting traction, and your current firm was a good launch pad. But now you’re ready for more—bigger deals, more sophisticated clients, investment property specialization, or even building a team.

If your brokerage is still stuck in the beginner playbook or isn’t equipped to help you scale, it’s time to find one that is.

6. You’re Not Getting Support When It Matters Most

Delayed responses from your broker. No help with compliance. Confusion during a deal crisis. These are the moments when support matters most.

Real estate moves fast, and the last thing you want is to feel like you’re on your own. If you’ve been burned one too many times trying to get a straight answer or help closing a tough file, that’s a sign you’ve outgrown the system.

7. You’re Just Not Energized Anymore

Let’s call this one what it is: you’re not excited to go to work. Maybe you’re tired of chasing leads that go nowhere. Maybe you’re feeling isolated in your business. Maybe you're starting to look around and wonder, “Is this all there is?”

If you’re not excited about your brokerage, your brand, or your growth trajectory, that’s not something to ignore—it’s a wake-up call.

Ready for a Change? Here’s What to Look For

If a few (or more) of these signs resonate with you, you’re not alone—and you’re not stuck.

When researching your next move, look for a brokerage that offers:

• Transparent commission structures (you should know where every dollar goes)
  
  
• Robust training programs that meet you where you’re at in your business
  
  
• A team-first culture that lifts everyone up, not just the top producer
  
  
• Modern tools and systems to help you work smarter, not harder
  
  
• Leadership you can actually learn from and rely on
  
  

The right brokerage won’t just help you close more deals. It’ll help you build a career that’s sustainable, profitable, and aligned with your values.

At GPG, we believe switching brokerages can be one of the most empowering moves you can make as a real estate professional. If you’re exploring options, we’d love to be a part of that conversation.