Choosing a team can shape your whole career. When Chris Castro moved back to the area, he knew what he wanted. “I always thrived in a team environment. I said, these are my plans, these are my goals. What are the best teams in the area?”
He interviewed with a few of them. Here’s what mattered, and what you can ask when you do your own search.
1. Do they get to know you? Chris says the interview process was one he’d never been through. “They take time to get to know you.” A team that invests in knowing you before you join is usually one that will invest in you after.
2. Do your values line up? Through the interview process Chris realized it wasn’t just about the sales. There were some real shared values. After the interview, he says, “I knew this is where I was supposed to be.” Look for a team whose priorities are visible, and see if they match yours.
3. What happens when a deal gets hard? On his first deal with the team, a client’s home needed a new HVAC and a brand new roof. His transaction coordinator negotiated $30,000 in repairs and got every penny done for the client. “I could not do my job without her.”
Ask any team: who handles the details when a deal goes sideways?
4. Is there a place to ask for help? “Anytime I run into a snag, I just put it into team chat. Is anybody able to help me out? It doesn’t matter if it’s a showing, a contract question, a unique scenario about an appraisal cut.” Everyone has seen different scenarios, so someone usually has the answer.
5. Are you ready for accountability? Chris is honest about this one. “It’s not for everybody. There’s a level of accountability on this team that people say they want, but then when it actually happens… accountability and structure is wonderful if you want to grow your business, but it’s not for every agent.”
It’s worth asking yourself first whether you really want it.
Five questions to ask any team you’re considering
- How do you get to know new agents before they join to make sure they will be a fit?
- What do you stand for, and how can I see it day to day?
- Who supports me when a deal gets complicated?
- How do I get help in the moment, not next week?
- What accountability and structure will I have, and what do you expect from me?
Want to talk it through?
If you’re weighing your options, CEO Drue Richmond is happy to give you a free 15 minute strategy session. No pitch, just a conversation about what you’re looking for.
Ready to start a conversation or the interview process?
Email us at Support@davehooketeam.com
