NAR Library & Archives has already done the research for you. References (formerly Field Guides) offer links to articles, eBooks, websites, statistics, and more to provide a comprehensive overview of perspectives. EBSCO articles (E) are available only to NAR members and require the member's nar.realtor login.
Partnership & Team Basics
From Growth to Stability: How Real Estate Teams Build for the Long Term (RISMedia, Jul. 27, 2026)
“Today’s most successful teams aren’t necessarily the largest—they’re the ones built to adapt. A recognizable brand may create opportunity, but sustainable growth depends on the systems, relationships and operational foundation that sustains it.”
“A real estate team is a group of real estate agents who work together and share commissions. Rather than working with one real estate agent, you'd work with the team as a whole. There are no set procedures that all real estate teams must follow, but team members almost invariably pitch in for each other and share the team spirit.”
How to Build a Real Estate Team + 7 Critical Mistakes to Avoid (The Close, Jul. 11, 2024)
“Real estate teams can offer numerous advantages for agents, from increased support and resources to the potential for higher earnings. Additionally, building a successful real estate team involves careful planning and execution. In this introduction, we’ll explore the benefits of real estate teams for agents and outline a 7-step process on how to build a real estate team while highlighting the mistakes to avoid along the way.”
The Psychology of Real Estate Teams (RISMedia, Jul. 8, 2024)
Team leaders can influence team morale and inspire favorable, long-term performance by providing training, the technology and tools team members need to foster a stronger working relationship, win more listings and stand out from the competition.
Window to the Law: Legal Issues for Teams (National Association of REALTORS®, Dec. 1, 2022)
"A well-drafted team agreement can ensure compliance with state law, avoid worker misclassification and minimize disputes. Brokers play an important role in supervising teams to mitigate risk to the brokerage while supporting an environment in which teams can thrive."
Considering a Partnership or Team?
Planning for Growth: When It’s Time to Start a Real Estate Team (realtor.com, Dec. 18, 2025)
“Most agents reach a moment when they realize their success has started to limit their growth. You’re closing deals consistently, but you’re also working longer hours, responding to texts at midnght, and wondering how to keep up without dropping the ball. It’s not that your systems are broken; it’s that they were built for a smaller business than the one you have now… some agents build teams to free up their time while maintaining income. Others want to expand their market share, mentor newer agents, or create a legacy brand that can operate beyond them. Knowing your “why” will guide every decision that follows, from who you hire to how you structure compensation.”
Real Estate Teams Survey (National Association of REALTORS®)
A state by state review of laws regarding real estate teams.
‘Teamerage’ Model Could Solve Small Brokers’ Growing Pains (NAR REALTOR® News, Nov. 16, 2022)
The teamerage model combines the best of what a brokerage and a real estate team have to offer, Betts told brokers at a Sunday session during NAR NXT, The REALTOR® Experience(link is external) in Orlando, Fla. Agents walk into a full-service experience with the resources and close-knit relationships of a team at their disposal. They also have access to the oversight and guidance of an active and involved broker.
Forming a Real Estate Team Could Prevent Burnout (NAR REALTOR® News, Nov. 16, 2022)
While she admits it took her awhile to build her ideal team, Hata now offers leads as the “rainmaker” but also provides her agents with extensive admin and marketing support. Her agents pay a 50-50 commission split on leads she provides, and they get a 60-40 split if they bring in the client. Hata handles all the virtual work on each of her team’s transaction, including pricing analysis, CMAs and contract negotiations.
eBooks & Other Resources
eBooks.realtor.org
The following eBooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:
Above Quota Sales Management (eBook)
All Star Sales Teams (eBook)
Best Team Ever (eBook)
Boomerang! Coach Your Team to Be the Best and See Your Customers Come Back Time After Time! (eBook)
Building Better Teams (eBook)
Building Resilient Teams (eBook)
Complete Partnership Book (eBook)
Co-Leaders: the Power of Great Partnerships (Audiobook)
Elevate Your Sales Team for Extraordinary Results (Audiobook)
The Intentional Sales Manager (Audiobook)
The Happy Sales Manager (Audiobook)
The High-Performing Real Estate Team (eBook, Audiobook)
Love Your Team (eBook)
Manage Teams Successfully (eBook)
Never Fly Solo (eBook)
Nice Teams Finish Last (eBook)
Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team (eBook)
The Real Estate Team Playbook (eBook)
Smart Leaders, Smarter Teams (eBook)
The Hedgehog Effect (eBook)
The I in Team (Audiobook)
The Ideal Team Player (eBook)
The Sales Leader They Need (eBook)
The Team Success Handbook (eBook)
Virtual Teams (eBook)
Have an idea for a real estate topic? Send us your suggestions.
The inclusion of links on this page does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked in this page complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.
