You first need to determine if you can be a team leader in your state without being a broker. As for structure... put 20 team leaders into a room and you'll find 20 structures. You need to decide what it is you need doing and help with and how a team might help. Maybe all you need is an assistant.

create a structure that works best for you in your area and with the type of agents you're interested in recruiting.... 

Everything that you need to know about real estate teams and a guideline to success is contained in the book, The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller, Jay Papasan and Dave Jenks.

First, congratulations on the healthy volume!

I would speak with your broker, Matthew - he knows your personality and how you work and would be able to give you better 'structural' advice than any of us. 

I have a team but, work completely outside of the team 'norm' - as that is what works best for me. I had buyers agents, listing agents and realized that if I had people helping me with the 'back-end' work instead, that would allow me to spend my time doing what I do best (be face-to-face with clients). It has been working well for me for several years and I wouldn't want to change a thing!

Read the MREA, your first hire is generally an Admin, then buyers agent.

I have been on a team... seen a number of teams...and they all differ...and most do not work well. One big problem is the inability for the lead agent to delegate and empower team members effectively. You end up with a revolving door and the whole thing collapses. Really have to do some soul searching, and only hire when you can create a 'win win' scenarios for all involved. But having an admin person and a buyer agent to run open houses and service listings can work well. Then lead agent as the 'rainmaker' and listing agent.

Before you jump in with both feet, coinsider a buyer's assistant and see how it goes. Find out if you have the stuff to lead a team and keep your sanity!

Best wishes Matthew Klinowski, PA , even as a broker the best team I could form was myself and my secretary and that worked very well.

Congratulations!

I formed an alliance. We share marketing costs equally and share the referrals geographically...

This is covered in “The Millionaire Real Estate Agent”

What John Juarez suggested

I'm in agreement with Nina Hollander.  First the "team" word is a buzzword, nothing more.  You'll need to check not only with your state laws, but also with your Broker to see if they'll even allow you to form a team.  Look at your business processes and what can be offloaded.  Chances are you may be able to get away with an unlicensed assistant to take care of the majority of back office tasks, freeing you up for other things.  Or maybe get an agent that you pay to show homes.  A per door fee may be in order.

Maybe take some team leads in other towns out to lunch and pick their brains.  They'll be more likely to help if you aren't a direct competitor.

Matthew,

So happy to hear you have so much volume.  The whole key is to find the right people and put them in the right position on your team (you cannot have a point guard playing center in basketball.  But first you have to determine what would work best for you!  Jim Collins who wrote Good to Great would be a good place to start to understand what it takes to build a lasting team, and define exactly what you want them to do....  We have helped agents build teams, and it like building a company.  A

As Nina Hollander wrote. The real key is to assemble a package that will be so attractive that talented agents approach you and remain supremely loyal. Come up with that formula and you will continue your success.

It's a big subject-matter. It depends on your business. There are a couple of good books about how it. One of which comes to mind is the one by Keller Williams, the Millionaire Agent.

But if I were you, I would also sit down and meet with at least 3 team managers in your market, and ask the question.

You have to think what you want to accomplish with a team and get people that fit. Their experience and how hard they work will all be part of it 

Do you have an assistant? Do you use TC? Otherwise start with bringing a buyer agent. 

Forming...the group is assembled

storming...we get out all the nonsense between us

norming...we are ready to move as a team

performing...we aim for results

These are the building blocks tried & true....build on these to customize

  Suggestions:

       First, check with your State Real Estate Commission for rules and requirements.  My state of Florida just came down really hard on "Teams", primarily advertising... lots of new rules.   

     Next, talk with your Broker.   Will he/she allow it?  What do they require?

     Then, talk with a real estate attorney.  Everything between the Team Members, from commission split to who handles leads needs to be in writing.

    Finally, as an alternative, have you considered getting a Broker's license and opening your own company?   

The structure is important together with shared goals of team members. There can only be one leader. All members of a team must understand that and honor it. Otherwise, chaos ensues. When that happens clients won't be happy - so what have you gained? 

More admin support and a buyer agent or two might be all you need. 

I wish you all the best. 

Have it in writing regarding roles, responsibilities, and compensation.

I would ask your broker.

Read the red book and then good luck.  It’s a tough job to ind the right mix of people.

Good luck, Matthew. There is some great feedback here. Lots of thinking, soul-searching, and planning to be done.

I am unsure of the law in Pennsylvania. In Oregon, you should become a Principal Broker so you can legally direct your team members.

Find someone you feel comfortable ask him/her to help you out and give referrals.  Do not pay much attention on split 50-50, 40-60, 35-65 yet. It is how much work the person actually did. When you are away that team member takes over w/o worrying. There are also new agents who needs leads and willing to give you hand. You should also pay the  jr. person while learning. They will contribute. There are always those who steal your customers, people who feel they do better w/o you. That is fine. If they want an agreement you 2 can sign it.  But if you want me to carry someone else signs, I will hesitate.  

No idea.

.

All you need is agreements with your associates.

My experience is that some will move on when they want to do their own things and you need to be prepared for those situations to maintain continuing good relationships.

KW teaches this. I'd hire an assistant first, a buyers agent second, a coach third. Best wishes!

Congrats on the volume and the need to bring on additional staff, Matthew! That's a great problem to have.

Cheers!

Well forst off I would be looking to see if developing a team will make you more money NET!

Congratulations on your growing business, and sounds like you have some ideas on how to proceed.

Become your own broker!

Happy Holidays.

Happy Holidays.