Published January 19, 2026

Thinking About Changing Brokerages in Spokane? Here’s What Most Agents Wish They’d Asked First

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Written by Billy Deese

Thinking about a change in brokerages

If you’re a real estate agent in Spokane or Eastern Washington, there’s a good chance you’ve already had the call.

You know the one:

  • A promise of a better split

  • Big numbers thrown around

  • A vague pitch about “culture”

  • And a not-so-subtle push to decide quickly

Most recruiting conversations focus on why you should leave.
Very few help you decide where you actually belong.

This article is for agents who want clarity—not hype—before making one of the most important business decisions of their career.


Why Most Agents Change Brokerages (And Why It Usually Isn’t the Split)

Agents don’t usually leave because of one dramatic moment.

They leave because of:

  • Feeling like a number instead of a professional

  • Not having real support when a deal is on the line

  • Leadership that’s unavailable when things get uncomfortable

  • A growing gap between what was promised and what actually exists

Over time, that friction adds up.


Commission Splits Matter — But They’re a Terrible Starting Point

Let’s be honest.

Commission splits matter—but starting there often leads agents to overlook:

  • What support actually exists when deals get complicated

  • Whether leadership helps solve problems or avoids them

  • How much autonomy you really have

  • What happens when something goes wrong

A higher split doesn’t automatically mean a better business—or a better life.


What Good Agents Actually Need From a Brokerage

Experienced agents tend to value the same things, regardless of production level:

1. Access to Leadership

Not just during onboarding—but when a deal is unraveling on a weekend.

2. Clear Expectations

No moving goalposts. No surprises. Just transparency.

3. Professional Respect

You’re not a rookie to be micromanaged or a number on a leaderboard.

4. Support Without Ego

Guidance when you want it. Space when you don’t.


Culture Isn’t What a Brokerage Says — It’s What It Does

Culture isn’t a slogan on a website.

It’s:

  • How mistakes are handled

  • Whether questions are encouraged or avoided

  • How leadership shows up when things get hard

  • Whether transparency is real—or just part of recruiting

Agents don’t leave brokerages.
They leave cultures that don’t align with who they are anymore.


Who Deese Real Estate Is Built For

Deese Real Estate wasn’t designed to be the biggest brokerage in Spokane.

It was built intentionally—for agents who want:

  • Independence and support

  • Professionalism without ego

  • Honest conversations instead of recruiting scripts

  • Leadership that’s available, not performative

If you see your career as a long-term business—not a short-term hustle—you’ll likely feel at home here.


Who We’re Probably Not the Right Fit For

And that matters just as much.

We’re likely not the right fit if:

  • You want zero accountability

  • You’re chasing the highest split at all costs

  • You prefer hype over substance

  • You want to be completely left alone, all the time

Not every brokerage should be for everyone—and that’s intentional.


Why We Lead With Transparency

We follow the principles outlined in Endless Customers because we believe trust should come before the conversation.

Recruiting shouldn’t feel like a sales pitch.
It should feel like professionals deciding whether they’re aligned.


Final Thoughts: Changing Brokerages Is a Business Decision

Switching brokerages isn’t about loyalty—it’s about alignment.

The right brokerage should:

  • Support your growth

  • Protect your reputation

  • Respect your independence

  • Be there when it actually matters

If you’re even thinking about making a move, asking better questions is the smartest first step.


Curious, But Not Ready to Commit?

If you want:

  • A confidential, no-pressure conversation

  • An honest comparison to where you are now

  • Or clarity on what you actually want next

We’re always open to a conversation—no recruiting pitch, no awkward follow-up.

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Agents, Brokerage, Support
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