Why Joining a Real Estate Team Is No Longer Optional—It’s Strategic

In an industry shaped by rapid change, solo agents are feeling the pressure. Technology, shifting consumer expectations, and downward commission pressure have created an environment where teams aren’t just helpful—they’re critical.

And now, the data backs it up.

Recent studies from Workman Success Systems, RealTrends, T3 Sixty, and AccountTECH paint a clear picture: real estate teams are the future of the industry—driving higher income, better retention, stronger client service, and more satisfaction.

Here’s why smart agents are making the move.

🔹 1. Agents on Teams Earn More—Even with a Commission Split

According to the 2022 Workman Success/CGK study, 76% of team agents say they earn more money—despite sharing commission. The reason? Increased deal flow.

And the trend continues:
A 2024 RealScout + T3 Sixty study found that agents on larger teams (6+ members) earned significantly more, as those teams were more likely to spend heavily on lead generation—up to $9,999/month in some cases. Bigger teams = bigger pipelines.

🔹 2. Teams Boost Productivity and Motivation

80% of agents say they’re more productive and successful on a team, according to Workman’s study. With structured systems, accountability, and daily huddles, teams create what Workman calls a “culture of productivity.”

Even more impressive:
85% say being on a team keeps them motivated to improve their sales results. When you’re part of something bigger, it’s easier to stay focused and fired up.

🔹 3. Teams Solve Real Estate’s Retention Crisis

The average agent lasts less than two years in the business. But teams change that:

• 81% of agents believe being on a team makes them more likely to stay in real estate

• Teams offer structure, mentorship, and leads—exactly what new agents need to survive and thrive

🔹 4. Agents Join Teams to Serve Clients Better

Surprisingly, the top reason agents join teams isn’t income—it’s better client service.

• 59% joined a team to better serve clients

• 58% cited income

• 53% wanted to collaborate with others

The mission is clear: agents want to help people first—and they know they can do it better on a team.

🔹 5. Ongoing Training and Learning Are Easier on a Team

• 83% of agents say teams make professional development easier

• 62% want more role-specific training (buyers, listings, admin, etc.)

• Teams provide that clarity and structure—so agents grow faster and perform better

A team creates shared knowledge, mentorship, and hands-on learning, which is far more powerful than DIY webinars and compliance-only classes.

🔹 6. Community and Collaboration = Better Work, Better Life

• 86% of agents say being on a team provides more community, collaboration, and accountability

• 55% said being on a team improved their personal life, not just their professional one

Real estate can be lonely. A great team eliminates that isolation and gives agents a place to thrive—personally and professionally.

🔹 7. Brokerages & Brands Should Take Note

• 89% of agents say their company should support a team model

• Yet many brands still treat teams as a “trend” instead of a strategic pillar

Brokerages that invest in team systems, onboarding, compensation structures, and leadership development will win the recruitment and retention game.

🔹 8. New Data Confirms Teams Drive Brokerage Revenue

In early 2025, AccountTECH analyzed 2.4M+ transactions and found:

• Top-decile agents (44+ deals/year) drove massive company dollar returns

• Mid-level producers—often team-based—contributed nearly 70% of total income

• Teams anchor the core profitability zone of most brokerages

✅ The Takeaway: Teams Are the New Standard

The numbers are clear. Real estate teams…

• Boost income

• Increase productivity

• Improve client service

• Solve retention challenges

• Provide better training

• Support personal balance

• Strengthen brokerages

Whether you're a new agent seeking support, a seasoned agent looking to scale, or a brokerage leader trying to future-proof your organization, teams are not optional. They’re essential.

🚀 Want to Build or Join a High-Impact Real Estate Team?

We can help. Let’s talk about what a modern, high-performing team could look like for you—whether you're leading it or ready to be part of one.

→ Learn more at https://www.lincolnselect.com/careers
→ Chat with Us: (402) 937-0090