I started year 8 this month. About 30 ends per year not counting land deals. Probably could have more ends but I’ve had health issues and spent a long time with a brokerage that did absolutely nothing for me.

Some tips: * There is value in joining larger brokerages that can generate leads. Don’t get caught up in the “we have more agents” nonsense or “we sell X amount” stuff. None of that matters. What matters is your commission split, what’s included, and whether or not they can supply leads. This isn’t to say you won’t have to generate leads too, but if you’re gonna be on your own, then don’t take a 70/30. * If a brokerage mentions “family” in their selling pitch, run. * Some agents are jerks. Let them be jerks, don’t let them affect you. I had a nearly 40 year old agent making fun of me at one brokerage (when I was 22) for not making as much as him. * Get a second phone and make it your business phone. Especially important if you’re younger. * Get an independent email and CRM. * Don’t believe what agents tell you. I know guys that say they made 100k their first year or did X amount of deals just to find out they failed their first year and did that volume after returning… I know guys who spent 23k on a referral network just to tell people they doorknocked. People love to embellish.

It’s a business and like any business it will take 2 years to establish in most cases. Also like any business, you have to take all advice with a grain of salt.