Voting Question: Best place(firm) to start a real estate career as a realtor?

I have been doing some research on the various residential real estate firms out there pertaining to starting my career as a real estate agent. I'm looking at the Chandler, AZ area; close Phoenix and some of the firms i've noticed there are Keller Williams, Remax, Coldwell Banker, and Realty Executives. I really know that area well and like it there. KW seems to have a solid program for new agents but what about the others, does one have a better repuatation than another in terms of helping new agents getting started? How about the pay structure? Do any firms offer group benefit plans? Which is best/worst for "office" fees? As a new agent, given the current state of the economy, what number of sales can a new realtor expect in their first year or what can they expect to "take-home" in their first year on average? Also, I'm thinking of eventually getting my broker's license after 2-3 years and say for example I start out with Coldwell Banker but end up franchising as a part of Remax, is this normal? Once I would start my possess franchise, I assume i'm the only realtor there until I hire others and build it up? Do the franchiser's assist in building the new franchise with staff support/agents? On average, how much capital does it take to start your possess franchise? I've got plenty of questions and any and every of your input is greatly appreciated!!

8 Sep 2009, 9:14 pm | click here to view more