Your New Brokerage Business Model Sucks!
This is the basic message I got from my broker when I told him the lovely bride and I were leaving the Century 21 Mothership to start our own brokerage.
When we told him we were opening a “virtual office” brokerage, he shook his head and launched into why we were doomed for failure.
This from the man whose usual greeting for me was, “Still doing that blogging thing Thompson?”
This from the man who set up his office firewall to block Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter and every other social network/web 2.0 thingy you can name. (What he should have done was uninstall the Solitaire game on the floor desk PC. God only knows how much office productivity would have increased.)
His reasons for our impending demise?
1) People expect a successful agent to have a physical office.
2) You’ll never be able to recruit agents without providing them something tangible, “like a desk”.
3) “The Internet is not all it’s cracked up to be”.
4) And most importantly, “You need the Century 21 name. Or at least the backing of a major brand.
Huh.
My responses:
1) I guess some people do expect a successful agent to have a physical office. Just like some expect a successful agent to drive a new Lexus. Personally, I can’t recall the last time I met a client in the office. And if someone is going to judge me by my office or the car I drive, then they can just scoot right along to the guy in the Armani suit or the lady with the bouffant hairdo. More power to ’em.
2) Something tangible. LIKE A DESK? I don’t even know where to start with this one. Our business model doesn’t including hiring every being that walks thorough the front door with a license and a pulse. We plan to hire a very limited number of experienced, tech savvy agents that place value in growing the business together and have the same attitude that we do when it comes to what is most important to us — superior customer service. That’s just a wee bit more important than a desk.
“But how will you charge desk fees without desks?” That’s easy, we won’t. I can’t seem to explain to the man that we don’t want to fleece agents with desk fees and ridiculous commission splits. We’ll have minimal splits, just enough to cover overhead costs (which, ahem, are greatly reduced due to the fact that we don’t have a physical office and all the expense that entails). The money is to be made through organic growth of an extremely satisfied customer base. A customer base that all the agents in the brokerage will work toward building.
3) The Internet is not all it’s cracked up to be… oh dear God… is he serious? He knows we’ve gotten 80% of all our business straight from the web — be that in the form of a traditional static site or the blog. 10% of our business comes from agent referrals. How did we meet those agents? “Social networking” — ie The Internet. And the remaining 10% of our business is repeat business and client referrals, all of which originated from — The Internet.
But maybe he’s right. Maybe it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.
4) Big brand? OK, maybe being associated with a major brand is important for a new agent. We have web and blog pages that are high on page 1 of Google for search terms like, “Century 21 Phoenix”, “Phoenix Century 21 agent” and dozens of such terms. So what. The number of visits from those terms is less than 20/week. And I could count the number of clients we’ve received from them on less than one hand.
What did I get from being a C21 agent? 6% franchise fees extracted from my checks, an overbearing relocation department with arcane rules, the right to use the logo and gold colored sign posts. What a deal.
So where am I going with this ridiculously long diatribe?
I’m not writing this to gloat, or to imply that I’m better than some major franchise. Nor am I saying that any agent working for a franchise or in a traditional office is inferior. Far from it. There are some fabulous traditional offices and brokers out there and there are incredibly progressive agents wearing balloons and gold jackets (though not likely at the same time).
Where I’m going with this is there is an alternative to the traditional brokerage business model. One does not need to hire dozens of agents, provide half-assed training and hope enough of them squeeze out a transaction or two all-the-while with enough sense to not get you sued.
Personally, I think a successful brokerage (or individual agent) can be made by going back to a very traditional thought and practice…
Provide superior customer service. Period. Focus on that. Live that. Worry about little else. Use technology to provide you the efficiency to dare I say — pamper — your clients. And I don’t mean pamper them with a warm Corinthian leather seat in your Lexus. I mean pamper them with the education, tools, advice and counsel they need to make their real estate transaction not just smooth as a baby’s buttocks, but also fun and exciting.
Do that, and watch your business go viral with word-of-mouth buzz and endorsements.
That’s not really all that “high tech” now, is it?
Matthew Rathbun
March 12, 2008 at 4:53 am
Jay….welcome to my world. Before moving to association staff, I was with a franchise, not because of the name; but because of the broker. When I left there to move closer to home and church, the only surviving company in our rural area was a franchise with NO tendency to technology. Literally…the broker had NEVER touched a computer and didn’t get the importance of technology.
NAR Profile of Buyers and Sellers reported that of the 79% (I think it’s higher) of consumers that go online to start their real estate search, only 5% are looking for a specific company name and 3% for an agent… they are looking for properties and knowledge.
I laughed when I read the issue of games on the PC for two reason. First I did this very thing while managing and seriously the agents refused to do floor duty. Which was ok, because I have no faith in floor duty. But it also put into context what the agents valued at floor duty. It was a social opportunity and not productive. I rarely saw floor duty (mandated by the owner) agents using the time to market or research.
Lastly, my rant about some franchise rules, boils down to this illustration. While many other companies and franchises were showing commericals featuring the ease in which you could find properties on your laptop, my particular franchise was nealy demanding that you wore a certain colored jacket – as if that would make you more money than meeting the client where they are.
Personally, my happiest moments in the industry were with a good friend at a small independant office, where he cared about me as a person and the other agents in the office. I also made the most money there….
Sorry for the long post!
Heather Elias
March 12, 2008 at 5:02 am
Congrats!!! I have been mulling over how to recreate the traditional brokerage to a virtual brokerage; I’ve realized that the vast, vast majority of my business is self generated from the internet and referrals from social networking…easy then to question the need for the typical brokerage ‘features’. I’d love to pick your brain about how you are setting everything up. I know you will be a huge success!
Jim
March 12, 2008 at 5:16 am
Darn it, Jay. I had a post similar to this and you went and wrote it for me. (you seem to do that a lot, how’d you get in my brain?)
I was at a listing “conversation” the other night and they asked why they should use my company (also a Century 21 franchise). My answer was simple – I have complete autonomy to run my business, innovate as I see fit and do whatever is right for my clients.
Autonomy is a good thing; I have a bit of an anti-authoritarian streak. 🙂
Brian Block
March 12, 2008 at 5:24 am
Jay, your broker probably also thinks that Amazon.com was wasting its time by trying to sell books (and other stuff) online. You don’t hear much about WaldenBooks or any other independent booksellers these days who are eating or have already suffocated on Amazon’s kicked up dust.
jeremy Hart
March 12, 2008 at 6:35 am
wow – when I saw the post title I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve now read the post three times and have gotten something new each time.
Like so many others, I’m at a franchise. Starting out, it was the right decision to make – be a small dish in a big pond. When you’re getting started, I think that can be a very good thing. And it worked! My first year was a success, with half my business that first year coming from floor duty. Each year since, that number has dropped to the point I don’t need to do floor duty anymore. I hear the argument all the time, “you should be at ABC brokerage ’cause there’s no franchise fee, etc.” and it’s true that I could make a little more at another place. But in the end, I like where I work. I like the people who are there, it’s the only brokerage in our area where people actually seem to like each other. And they’re actually trying to understand this social media thing … Look for the blog soon.
All of those things are fine and dandy, but Jim’s point – for me – is the key. It’s not the office environs, or the attempt at a blog, or the catered parties (which are also a nice addition). It’s the autonomy, the freedom to adjust and “innovate” as I see fit. I’m blessed to work with a brokerage that’s been at this for 30 years and who trusts it’s agents to make independent decisions based on what they think is best for the brokerage. It becomes a communal effort … So that’s the deciding factor for me, and is likely one of the reasons many of us are where we’re at. If that autonomy ever changed, I’d be setting up shop at home in a heartbeat – and calling Jay on my way home for advice!
Thanks for the thoughts, Jay. This one’s getting bookmarked and read many more times.
Michelle DeRepentigny
March 12, 2008 at 6:38 am
Congrats from a former C21 broker who made the move back to independent 4 years ago and guess what – I’m surving without them, although I still have many friends in the system. The only thing I really missed were conventions and I’ve found plenty of fun new ways to network with my peers.
Kevin Sharkey - IBR Broker
March 12, 2008 at 7:26 am
Hi Jay,
Great post as usual. Your bottom line remarks about providing outstanding customer service is the essence of what good agents are all about, whether they are virtual or traditional.
I have owned and operated a virtual agency for more than 15 years and feel it offers a great alternative to the franchised experience. Our model is to have a modest physical presence, but no agents housed there. We have four work stations for our 300 agents and they are never full. Our commission splits are high and we offer 30 hours of continuing ed for free. Our two trainers emphasize cutting edge technologies and creating a superior experience for our clients.
The money not spent on big offices and non-essential staff can be used for better purposes. Like helping agents become better agents
Greg Cremia
March 12, 2008 at 7:36 am
In July of 06 my wife and I got tired of paying the remax fees for no service and started working out of the house. I already had a strong internet presence and none of our business came from the franchise so the decision wasn’t that hard.
We meet sellers at their house and pick buyers up at theirs. We do not meet people at houses until we have worked with them for a while.
No one has questioned this arrangement except other agents. Our production has increased and our overhead has decreased. Our biggest problem right now is with working too much. My only regret is not doing it sooner.
Teresa Boardman
March 12, 2008 at 8:13 am
I am totally “virtual”, some people expect me to have an office but welcome the idea of meeting at a local coffee shop. I think that real estate companies own too much real estate and as a result they need to raise fees to agents to make a profit. Those costs get passed onto the consumer. Is the consumer really served by supporting our offices? Almost none of the sellers who’s homes I have listed over the years ever saw my office. Showings go through showing solutions so now they don’t even talk to anyone in my office, yet they all pay an extra $300 or so tacked onto their fees because there is an office.
Jody McLeod
March 12, 2008 at 8:36 am
Here, here! Some really great points here. The company I work for also gives us great autonomy and I don’t think I would want it any other way. I have a home office and I meet my clients out in the real world – a coffee shop or their home – and I have never had any ask me if we could meet at my office. The only drawback is less day-to-day social interaction. On slower days I find myself at my computer the whole day, blogging or researching. It just means that you have to find other ways to get out there and connect with you peers such as classes or luncheons!
Matt Scoggins
March 12, 2008 at 9:16 am
I know there are a lot of old school brokers out there, but to say, “The Internet is not all it’s cracked up to be” is just to funny.
Jay, you will be around long after that old dinosaur is gone!
Ines
March 12, 2008 at 9:24 am
Hey Jay – I had to do a double take on the author here!! 🙂
I think Rick and I go to our office once every 2 weeks oly to show our face at meetings (and we take turns, which means they see me once a month). – as for the physical meeting place, what is Starbucks for? Duh!
And the big brand – google “Coldwell Banker Miami Shores” and miamism appears ahead of the company’s multi-million dollar monster…… not bad for a couple of peons. (sp?)
Congratulations!! again…..it’s all about relationships and of course Jeff Turner comes to mind every time I say that.
Anthony Longo
March 12, 2008 at 9:43 am
Heard this before….
Keep rocking it out! We are feeling pain…but witnessing the traction!
Daniel Rothamel, The Real Estate Zebra
March 12, 2008 at 10:23 am
Jay,
Now you know what I know. The reasons you list above are precisely the reasons we started our own brokerage (although we do have a physical office). More power to you!
Jim,
Thanks for the gentle prodding reminding me to write that listing “conversation” post. Once I get out from under this pile of, uhhhh, real work, I shall finish that draft.
Jay Thompson
March 12, 2008 at 10:30 am
Thanks for all the insightful comments folks, what a warm welcome to Agent Genius!
@Matthew — “NAR Profile of Buyers and Sellers reported that of the 79% (I think it’s higher) of consumers that go online to start their real estate search”
I think it’s higher too.
@Heather — “I’d love to pick your brain about how you are setting everything up.”
Any time!
@Jim — “Darn it, Jay. I had a post similar to this and you went and wrote it for me. (you seem to do that a lot, how’d you get in my brain?)”
Dalton does that to me all the time. (And you do too). It’s weird.
@Jeremy — “But in the end, I like where I work. I like the people who are there, it’s the only brokerage in our area where people actually seem to like each other.”
THAT is a big deal. It’s not all about the split. Happy agents are productive agents.
@Brain — I loved my former broker. He taught me a lot and I owe him a lot. But he’s stuck in the 1970s.
@Michelle — “The only thing I really missed were conventions…”
There are always places like the NAR convention and Inman Connect. (Think REBarCamp just prior to Inman SF 08!!)
@Kevin — “The money not spent on big offices and non-essential staff can be used for better purposes. Like helping agents become better agents”
Yep. And passing those savings on to the client isn’t a bad idea either.
@Greg — “My only regret is not doing it sooner.”
I’ve only been open just under two weeks and already have the same regret!
@T — “I think that real estate companies own too much real estate and as a result they need to raise fees to agents to make a profit.”
My old broker’s biggest concern every month is how to pay for the building and utilities. His biggest concern should be the clients.
@Jody — “It just means that you have to find other ways to get out there and connect with you peers such as classes or luncheons!”
Great point. There are always ways to interact. Humans are social animals and need that face-to-face interaction. Of course, I like the sort of interaction we’re doing right now too!
@Matt – “but to say, “The Internet is not all it’s cracked up to be” is just to funny.”
Funny. And pathetic. But that’s a direct quote…
@Ines — “Hey Jay – I had to do a double take on the author here!!”
I’m not sure why they let me in here. But I’m lovin’ it!
@Anthony — is may be cliche, but “No pain, no gain”…
Shailesh Ghimire
March 12, 2008 at 10:37 am
Jay,
I have a friend who works for as “Director of Virtual Manufacturing”. They are a “manufacturer” – but all of it is done abroad in China and other places. They sell their products in the United States – with minimal facilities. Their margins are through the roof and they company is very successful.
With modern communication virtual is as real as anything else. In our industry you are the business. Where you go your business goes with you. Aimee and I work from home half the time and none of our customers/clients would know it. We make accommodations to meet them in coffee shops in different parts of the town if they want – so I’m just glad we don’t get charged a desk fee – otherwise it’s be a tremendous waste!
I am confident you guys will rock! I am sure more and more brokerage houses will be moving your way.
Cyndee Haydon
March 12, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Hey Jay couldn’t agree more and gotta say the new avatar matches the new office – “real” not stuffy and corporate – not that that’s bad if it’s what someone wants – the beauty of blogging and Web 2.0 is I find people “choose” the person – not the clothes, car or office – ah, now that’s refreshing – Keep us posted on your successes (because I have no doubt 🙂
Chris Lengquist
March 12, 2008 at 1:35 pm
I’ve been with a small broker (really small – like tiny) and with a huge broker (third largest in the country, or is it 4th?…either way) and neither has had anything to do with my success or failure. Sure glad I have that desk, though. 😉
Vance Shutes
March 12, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Jay – Like Chris (#18 comment), I have been with a small brokerage (5 people) and a huge broker (#1 in Michigan). While both brokers have contributed greatly to my education, the money flow has been decidedly TOWARD them (splits, fees, etc.), rather than from them. Our results as agents stem directly from the level of service we provide to our CLIENTS, not to/from our broker. Congratulations on your big step, and much success to you in the future!
Terry Smith
March 12, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Amen brother. You aren’t missing that gold jacket, are you? I even think that being with a big brand
could and does lower the negotiating power of your client. A good broker is suppose to let you go and be nice, guess it’s hard recruiting in this market…Virtual is the only way….
Fort Worth Gal
March 12, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Great Post Jay!
Our Broker was with a large Re/MAX franchise and decided to go out on his own a few years ago. We are virtual as well and growing and taking market share rapidly.
Brad Nix
March 12, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Ditto Daniel Rothamel. I just like separating work and home, so the office is for me and those agents who feel the same. No extra costs to use our desks (or computers or copier or coffee or any other other little fee most brokers’ dream up).
jaybird
March 12, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Way to go! I totally agree and except for my disdain of anything and everything admin–such as creating a brokerage and paperwork and tax stuff–I would have started my own co. JustNewListings.com awhile ago. The nice thing with remax is you can brand yourself as if you are your own virtual brokerage by making the balloon very minor compared with one’s own brand. They just provide the legal/admin support of checks, etc. 100% is 100% whether I let remax handle the admin or become legally my own brokerage with all its hassles.
But virtual with only techie agents will be very $$rewwarding$$. You should touch base with Frank Llosa (franklyrealty.com) who did the same thing out here.
j
loren nason
March 13, 2008 at 12:31 am
WOW 24 comments by the evening.
I read this for lunch and almost spit coke on my laptop. Didn’t have time to leave comment so I figured i’d come back later.
“The internet is not all it’s cracked up to be”
HMMMMM…..
I don’t see the point of having an office in most service business. I don’t have an office. I come out to customers houses and fix their problems and teach them new things.
Anyways I think some brokers will keep and office because some clients expect them, but the number of those that expect an office are dwindling and maybe 10 years from now an RE Brokers office will be a kiosk in the mall that is internet connected 56″ touch screen computer with an interface like the iPhone and then a button to contact REALTOR over VOIP or Text Message or who knows.
Jeremy Hart
March 13, 2008 at 6:26 am
Loren – “maybe 10 years from now an RE Brokers office will be a kiosk in the mall”
That’s assuming this Internet thing takes off! 🙂
Jay Thompson
March 13, 2008 at 10:32 am
Good point Jeremy. After all, the Internet, blogging and social networking/media are really just fads. 😉
Jessica Swesey
March 13, 2008 at 11:15 am
Great post, Jay. I’m in the market for a condo right now and while considering which agent to use, it never once occurred to me that I should be asking them whether they have a desk. Of course! A desk is an obvious symbol of great service that I seek. I look forward to sitting at an agent’s desk while the listings I want to see are waiting for me on that thing called the Internet and throughout the neighborhoods I’m looking in. A desk. Of course! Is there a designation for that?
Ginger Wilcox
March 13, 2008 at 11:39 am
I agree with Jaybird, I don’t want the admin hassle, otherwise I would be on my own probably too. It is not where you are, it is who you are and what you do that makes you successful. LOL at Jessica’s comment. Some agents do have the desk designation (CDE= Certified Desk Expert). Unfortunately, they may have a pretty desk, but they doesn’t mean they have ever sold a house.
Jayson
March 13, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Great post Jay! – seems like your broker was a little upset about you leaving. I think your business model is right on track and is perfect for tomorrows buyers and sellers.
Marc
March 13, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Wait, something doesn’t make sense Jay. I thought C21 is the most advanced, web savvy company in real estate. At least that’s the impression I get from their commerical. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xzra0Sidp4
Are you sure you have your facts straight?
Carl Minicucci
March 13, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Jay,
What do the following search terms have in common?
“Century 21 phoenix”
“C21 phoenix real estate”
“C21 phoenix homes”
“C21 phoenix homes for sale”
“Century 21 phoenix real estate agent”, and my personal favourite…
“Best Century 21 Aware agent”
They all represent search terms for which “thompsonsrealty.com” or “phoenixrealestateguy.com” pages rank on page 1 of Google (as at the time of this post)
Aside from the grin or smirk you’re probably wearing….I bet your mind is probably working a mile a minute right about now…so is mine.
Maureen Francis
March 13, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Shhhhhh. Please DO NOT tell your broker about the internet. He is right of course. It is completely overrated.
I worked for an “boutique” got 6 yrs until we were bought by Sotheby’s. I actually do like some of the stuff that comes from the brand. Worth the split/franchise fee? It seems like it right now. We shall see though. As for the office space, I prefer to work there, but it is almost deserted most days. Most agents work from home.
Melbourne Florida Homes For Sale
March 14, 2008 at 5:22 am
Thats okay there is a small market for his type of office. Good Luck with you new business, may business be good and google smile upon you on the way up the ranks.
Missy Caulk
March 14, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Jay, this is great and I know this will be a good move for you. I hope I have the courage to do this someday. Just changed from RE/MAX 11 yrs. to KW. I was very tempted to go on my own and maybe I will someday. Regardless, I work from home, except for team meetings. Don’t do office meetings, don’t do floor time. I can’t wait to follow your journey.
The internet is the great equalizer….(not all it’s cracked up to me) oh my.
Mark Hendriks
March 14, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Good luck on opening your brokerage! I too have taken that route and have opened my Real Estate company, virtually, it has helped me to cruise through this uneasy market (atlanta-metro). I takes some marketing strategy to get strangers used to a new name, but it is worth it in the end.
Dena Davis
March 15, 2008 at 9:36 am
I think the strenght of the traditional brokerages is in the training they provide for new agents. We have our own brokerage not associated with any franchise. My experience is that people buy from people. Not companies.
I have seen a lot of experienced agents move from the franchise system as they become more accomplished because they want to be assoicated with a more elite group. The very fact that so many of these traditional brokerages accept unexperienced new agents — is the very reason that some of the more experienced ones are leaving.
Being a small firm — I miss the comradery I would have in a big franchise. I think they have thier place– I always refer new agents to them! After all– we dont have time to train!! They have systems for that.
Jacksonville Real Estate
March 15, 2008 at 9:44 am
I operate a small real estate brokerage and handle listings from all over one of the largest (area wise) cities in the continental U.S. I have had very few clients actually come into our office.
The agents that I have recruited don’t care about having a desk. They just wanted to know their commission split, how many leads I can give them and any other marketing or advertising I could offer them to increase their sales.
Anyone who believes that the “internet is not all it’s cracked up to be” is going to be left on the side of the road as the industry moves on. You can still make sales by doing the “old school” basics but you need the internet in order to advertise a home for sale properly.
My partner and I left Re/Max 12 years ago because our broker was charging too much for the buyer agents we were bringing aboard. We haven’t looked back since and have been very happy to do it our own way.
“Major Brand needed? We don’t need no stinkin major brand.”
Best of luck to you Jay.
Jay Thompson
March 15, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Dena – structured training is indeed a benefit of a “big house” brokerage. I don’t really have the time nor desire to train brand new agents. That said, if the right agent wants to learn from me (assuming I have something to give) then I’m more than willing to work with them.
Marc Diaz
April 21, 2008 at 9:08 am
Jay,
I’m undergoing some of the same challenges as yourself and would like to start to share some ideas around the many opportunities of the brokerage office. I love the business of real estate – is it too much to ask to want to earn a profit? Check us out at http://www.rebuildingrealty.com. I think the current market conditions are presenting an opportunity to push a new model out there! I tried this before when the market was rocketing up but everybody was of the mindset, if it ain’t broke… but now it’s broke! Please join I’d love to hear some of the things you are doing in your new business model.
Robin
May 23, 2008 at 11:14 am
Jay wrote “we’ve gotten 80% of all our business straight from the web”
That’s all I needed to hear. I want to make our virtual business after Jay’s business model!
William Hampton
May 25, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Good Evening Jay,
I totally support your decision and views on the virtual office business model. I recently have been working from home. Things have been going OK but I really don’t have a sysem in place to add structure & organization. I would like to hear more about your business model and your success.
Thanks, Jay,
I wish you much success!
William Hampton
Sue
May 31, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Great post Jay. I’ve been virtual for a long time and was highly criticized early in my career for the way I worked and how I wasted my money on websites and spent too much time on the internet, etc. 🙂 I didn’t pay any attention and now laugh to myself as I watch many trying to play catchup. Congratulations on getting away from that C21office.
Barry Cunningham
June 14, 2008 at 7:47 am
Found this old post while searching and was amazed I missed it. Is this something that Jay and I actually agree on? No…couldn’t be but it…love virtuality (if that’s a word)
Jay Thompson
June 14, 2008 at 11:18 am
Barry – “virtuality” if it wasn’t a word, it is now! I think you and I may agree on more than you realize. Not everything, that’s for sure, but I bet it’s more than either of us realize (or want to admit!)
Jennifer in Louisville
July 1, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Right on conclusions IMO, Jay. All too often, people get wrapped up about what other agents think they should do. Instead, focus on your clients. They are the ones that you need to make happy. Interestingly enough, whenever I come up with a new idea, I usually go to my office and ask everyone what they think about it. If they say “you can’t do that”, or “that sounds like a bad idea” – then I know I’m on the start of something really good for my customers. 🙂
Natasha Bassova
July 25, 2008 at 9:46 pm
What a great post! After being with RE/MAX for a couple of years I am so happy with our new small company. No more ridiculous splits! 90% of my business comes from the web site and I think the website is a very important tool to have nowadays especially in resort market. It shall be informative and very helpful to the buyers and sellers who start their property search online. If they like the web site and the information you provide to them they will definitely contact you when they are ready to buy or sell real estate.
Mike Pannell ( Fort Worth Realtor)
October 18, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Yeah i have run a virtual brokerage for a while, it is a great system and if you work real hard it will pay off in the end.
Karen Goodman
November 21, 2008 at 10:15 am
Jay – Would love your opinion on if there is a model between the big shiny office traditional model and the totally virtual office that could work. I work for a medium indep broker (70 active agents with about 10-15 producing agents/80 inactive licenses). He gives us total autonomy with minimal paperwork requirements. He is getting ready to get out of his expensive office space and take over a corner of the financial group across the hall to cut expenses.
The broker wants to get out of being a broker and start a national training company. So he is offering an opportunity to me (top producer in the company) and the top operations person to become owners without putting in any cash now…just eventually paying him for his assets, being able to use current staff time to help him start up his training company for awhile and getting 100% on his referral fees to the brokerage.
But everything I read is that the traditional model is doomed to failure. Going totally virtual wouldn’t work…we would lose our best agents. Any suggestions?
Arlington real estate guy
November 21, 2008 at 10:50 am
Karen, this is a different Jay replying to you. Why would going virtual cause you to lose agents? Are they that addicted to wasting time at the office instead of working from home more efficiently?
j
A Coffey
January 9, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Love the pamper comment. I fdo this by trying to do much more than is expected of me with every form of contact with my client. Thx for the reminder
RE/MAX Missouri
February 4, 2009 at 11:18 am
“Personally, I think a successful brokerage (or individual agent) can be made by going back to a very traditional thought and practice…”
This is exactly what I believe. The traditional thought applied to today technology will bring us greater success and results in the long run. And hopefully we will have a ton of fun doing it along the way!!!
Natasha
October 13, 2009 at 12:25 am
After being with RE/MAX for a couple of years I am so happy with our new small company. No more ridiculous splits! 90% of my business comes from the web site and I think the website is a very important tool to have nowadays especially in resort market. It shall be informative and very helpful to the buyers and sellers who start their property search online. If they like the web site and the information you provide to them they will definitely contact you when they are ready to buy or sell real estate.
Amanda Wernick
October 13, 2009 at 1:43 am
WOW! WOW! WOW! Kudos to you for being forward thinking, for doing away with the “tradition” of Real Estate, and actually focusing on what matters…YOUR CLIENTS EXPERIENCE! I wish you extreme amounts of success! Please keep me posted on how you’re doing! And just in case I didn’t say it….WOW! 🙂
@FUNomenalRealtr
Ted Amenta
October 22, 2009 at 9:48 pm
I think that the days of the “desks are us” business model are over. The only question is who will be the first in each market to realize it. Home office based companies are growing around the country and I look forward to a good one arriving in my area.
SCRE
March 11, 2010 at 9:22 am
I ran into someone at the supermarket yesterday who used to be with the biggest “desks are us” company in my market. She was 1 of 9 to leave that company going into 2010 and that is about 1/3rd of the office. The same company closed down one of their 4 offices in the area in 2009.
Jay Thompson
March 12, 2010 at 12:42 pm
Funny you should mention office closings SCRE. In the two years since I wrote this post, my old C21 broker who poo-poo’d our brokerage model has closed his office. We have grown to 18 agents and recently opened a branch office in Tucson…
melody
February 16, 2016 at 1:55 pm
great post
Janice
October 5, 2016 at 1:35 am
I found this out years ago (2003) when I sold my first listing with C21 and I only got $18K out of a $32K commission. I left then for an independent broker who charged $25/mo and $300 per transaction that covered E&O. Smartest move I ever made. Between the Internet and referrals I got for giving stellar service, my business was meteoric for a long time till the down market hit. Then I had to conform to market conditions and all was good again. However the past couple years I’ve been on sabbatical caring for my elderly folks who both passed away this year. Now my sister and I want to move into another rental home for a while to regroup and we can’t find a decent realtor in the area. The service and courtesy are deplorable especially from Lisa G. at Coldwell Banker where we’ve been paying rent for the past 4 years, on time every month. She is so bad that it’s difficult to believe. My sister called her on a Friday morning because she wanted to see a property on Sunday. We did not hear from her until Sunday 2 hours after the time we wanted to see the property and she left a voicemail stating that her firm is not opened on weekends. Neither was mine, but I worked weekends or I wouldn’t have made much money. We’ve tried at least 5 other agents at other firms and they are all the same. With this kind of competition, I can’t lose. I’m going back into real estate to dominate this market. They will never exceed my service. You can’t “wow” others when you only think about serving yourself. I will probably have to activate my license and pay MLS fees so I can find a rental.