California DRE Salesperson License & Examination Preparation License Requirements Exam Content
First brokerage

Choose supervision and operating support before chasing the highest split.

Compare broker supervision, training, commission split, desk and transaction fees, leads, MLS, E&O, mentoring, teams, contracts, technology and first-90-day expectations.

01Training and supervision

Ask who reviews contracts, disclosures, advertising, trust funds and difficult client situations.

02Total economics

Compare splits, caps, desk fees, transaction fees, E&O, leads, association, MLS and technology costs.

03Lead and business model

Understand whether the brokerage expects sphere prospecting, open houses, online leads, rentals, teams or a specialty niche.

04Compliance culture

Look for documented policies, file review, fair-housing controls, cyber-fraud procedures and accessible brokers.

Questions before affiliation

  • Who is the responsible broker and how is supervision delivered?
  • What happens when a transaction has a disclosure, agency or contract problem?
  • Which fees continue even with no closed transaction?
  • Who owns leads, contacts, listings and marketing content after departure?
  • What training is required in the first 30, 60 and 90 days?