Hey everyone, Rhonda Lavoie here. Welcome back to TUF Coffee Shop Talk Unfiltered! Have you ever dreamed of opening your own real estate brokerage? Maybe you think it's the ultimate sign of success or the key to bigger profits . I used to think that too when I opened The Urban Farmhouse Realty . In this raw, unfiltered episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on why starting your own brokerage might be one of the biggest mistakes you could make. I'll share the hard lessons I learned, the real costs that go way beyond commission splits (think insurance, tech, marketing, and your time!), and why competing with the big players is tougher than you imagine . I get honest about why I ultimately closed my shop and found a better path to building my brand, making more money, and finding more happiness by leveraging the power of a larger company like eXp . If you're considering going independent, you need to hear this first. Learn from my journey before you take the leap!

Timestamped Key Points:

• [0:26] Thinking about opening your own brokerage?
• [1:20] My story
• [2:07] Common reasons agents want to open their own brokerage (saving money, branding, control).
• [3:57] The #1 myth busted: Opening your own brokerage does NOT save you money.
• [4:20] The hidden costs: Insurance, licensing, dues, staff, tech, marketing, legal fees, and your TIME.
• [5:44] Why competing with big brokerages on tech, training, and support is nearly impossible for a small shop.
• [6:04] Example: The extensive (and expensive) tech suite provided by EXP that's unaffordable for most boutiques.
• [6:51] The challenge of providing adequate training, support, and lead gen as a small brokerage owner.
• [8:55] A better alternative: Building your team and personal brand under a larger franchise umbrella like EXP.
• [9:15] The benefits: Access systems, tools, support, and branding freedom without the brokerage headaches.
• [9:48] Shift your goal from "saving money" to "making more money" by leveraging a franchise model.
• [10:08] How models like EXP can allow you to earn back commission splits through programs like ICON.
• [12:17] My realization: I was too short-sighted and restrictive; joining EXP led to more money, a stronger brand, and greater happiness.
• [12:59] My final advice: Unless your true passion is being a managing broker, don't open your own shop – build within a larger structure.

Like what you hear? I would love to hear from you [email protected]

Don't forget to subscribe!! I love to see my following grow, makes my heart happy!

Follow me @ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠~ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠

TUF Institute Website (Client courses, coaching an TUF Collaborative membership) ~ ⁠⁠https://www.tufinstitute.com/⁠⁠⁠

Subscribe to my newsletter ⁠http://rhondalavoie.exprealty.com/newsletter