One of the greatest challenges facing real estate agents is the choice of working as a solo operator or joining with one or more agents to form a team. The question can lead to agonizing over the pros and cons. The agent must consider the particulars of having to work with another personality as an equal or near equal against being in charge of one’s own operation with no one else to contradict one’s business plans.

Sometimes the development of a Realtor’s business forces the issue. A solo operator is forced by an ever-increasing workload to take on help or risk losing business because he or she can’t keep up with all of the transactions coming in. Bringing in another agent as a partner can ease the strain and help the business grow further.

The benefits of working on a team may seem self-evident. For an agent whose workload is piling up, starting a team with another Realtor can provide major relief. With two or more agents around to handle clients and find leads, the transaction volume of each individual Realtor can go up. Agents also may be able to spend more time with each individual client, building a rapport that could develop into a solid business relationship.

“With a team, you should be able to get more personal time and increased cash flow,” said Alfonso Parodi of Team Parodi at Realty Associates. His team consists of three full-time buyers’ agents and a closing coordinator, and he is in the process of hiring his first inside sales associate.