Franchising

The Power of Franchising

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:59:36 -0500

In today's economy, franchising might be the way to go for many independent brokers. Joining an innovative real estate franchise (like Area Pro Realty) can boost the production and credibility value of many brokerage offices.

Franchising provides brokers with the support and technology tools needed to stay on top of the market. Nowadays, brokers still get the freedom they need to run the brokerage the way they desire and can be backed by companies with entire teams of technology and support representatives.

The real estate franchises available today are vast, and a broker must thoroughly research all of them to find which one fits their needs and vision. Once you determine the best real estate franchise, it's time to sit down and write your 1, 5 and 10 year goal plan. A quality franchisor will help you do this. The real estate franchises for sale today offer numouers business models and systems, be sure to research, ask for references and look within yourself to find the best team for you moving forward

Michael Volkin is the president of Area Pro Realty, a new national real estate franchise.

The Cost of Franchising-The "Dreaded" Royalty

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:20:09 -0500

An innovative real estate franchise shouldn't implement the typical precentage of royalty charges to their franchisees (in the real estate industry the standard is 6%). Of the dozens of real estate franchises available, I would estimate about 90% of them offer this type of royalty structure. Perhaps by a lack of imagination or a desire to blend in, these companies all follow suit of each other. Area Pro Realty has instituted a unique royalty system. Instead of charging a large percentage of a franchisees royalty, we have instituted a system where franchisees only pay an amount per agent per month. Therefore, the most productive a franchisees office is, the more money the broker keeps, not gives away.

To be the best real estate franchise, you have to think outside the box. Before researching one of the many real estate franchises for sale, I would suggest analyzing your needs and evaluating where you think the real estate market is headed the next 5 years. Then, pair up with a company that will fulfill your goals and economic outlook.

Michael Volkin is the president of Area Pro Realty, a new national real estate franchise.

Franchise Question: What is an FDD?

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 08:49:26 -0500

As president of Area Pro Realty, the most innovative real estate franchise available to brokers, I get a lot of questions about franchising. One of the most confusing is the purpose for the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Each of the many real estate franchises available have an FDD and they all have to be disclosed early in the sales process. But many people don't understand the importance of the FDD.

When a broker is search for the best real estate franchise, they will at some point talk to a franchise sales person. That franchise salesman will give the interested prospect an FDD. This FDD provides a list of disclosures that a franchisor is required to disclose regarding the franchise offering. The FDD will include items like start up costs, company history, and a copy of the franchise agreement. The FDD can easy be 200+ pages. The best real estate franchise saleperson will show the prospect what items are important to read first as the document can be long and confusing.

There are many real estate franchises for sale, be sure to read the FDD to complete your research. Be sure to ask an Area Pro representative for their FDD, you will be pleasantly surprised when comparing Area Pro Realty to other companies.

The Key to Buying a Franchise

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:41:45 -0500

Not all franchises are created equal. In fact, the word franchise leaves a bad taste in some brokers mouth for various reasons. Some brokers feel they can build a company by themselves and be just as successful and some brokers might have had a bad experience with one in the past. As the owner of the most innovative real estate franchise in the country, I am asking for all brokers who fit the above category to open your mind to a new real estate franchise for sale.

If and when you ever start searching for the best real estate franchise for you, consider one that fits you like a glove. Some are innovative, some push the brand name, some provide great technology, but only one is perfect for you. There are numerous real estate franchises for sale, be sure to do your research and keep an open mind.

Franchise Myth: In a Tough Economy, it's Best to Start Your Own Brokerage

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:43:57 -0500

One of the myths surrounding franchising is it's better to stay an independent broker when the real estate market is poor. I disagree strongly. Some real estate franchises available offer support, technology and recruiting programs that are vital to the lifeblood of a broker during a bad economy. With an innovative real estate franchise like Area Pro Realty, a broker who has done "ok" or "just good enough" can flourish with the tools offered by a company backed with a large network and great technology.

Determing the best real estate franchise for you is easy with the book How to Evaluate a Real Estate Franchise available at www.EvaluateReFranchise.com.

If you haven't considered a real estate franchise for sale before, now may be the best opportunity for you to take advantage of this market.

Michael Volkin is the owner of the new national real estate franchise Area Pro Realty. You can learn more about Area Pro Realty at www.AreaProRealty.com/franchise

Do You Have the Right Personality to Be a Franchise Owner?

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:27:46 -0500

Do You Have the Right Personality to Be a Franchise Owner?

As the owner of the most innovative real estate franchise of the 21st century, Area Pro Realty, I see many people who want to start franchises but don't have the right personality for it.

There are many real estate franchises available, and each one requires about the same personality for you to run one properly.

Before determining what the best real estate franchise is for you take a look at the below personality traits to make sure they fit your style.

First, you have to be "coachable." One of the main benefits of owning a franchise is the help and support you get from headquarters. You need to be able to be coached by headquarters on how best to run the franchise. Remember, your buying into a system that has proven to work, let headquarters show you how it is done. Don't try and reinvent the wheel.

Second, you have to be willing to play the bad guy every now and then. You can't be too friendly with your agents becuase you are their supervisor. But at the same time, you can't be too mean either. It's a difficult balance and you have to be sure not to "play favorites" and stick by company policy.

So remember, before searching for a real estate franchise for sale, take a look at yourself and see if you can fit the mold, it is in your best interest to do so.

Good luck.

Michael Volkin is the President of Area Pro Realty, a nationally franchised real estate company changing the way real estate brokerages operate. Area Pro Realty is licensed in 44 states from California to Massachusetts.

More Military Veterans Considering a Franchise in Todays Economy

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:53:01 -0500

As a military veteran and the owner of a new innovative real estate franchise, Area Pro Realty, I was proud to read this article at USFranchise News.com about more military veterans becoming franchise owners. Of all the real estate franchises available, I'm not sure of any company that is more military friendly than Area Pro Realty. Not only are the executives all veterans, we even provide a discount off the franchise fee for all veterans on honerable or general discharge.

I have known dozens of military veterans who are and were Realtors and I always had a pleasant experience. They are disciplined, responsive, polite and professional. If any of you out there have had prior (or current) military service, please check out what could be the best real estate franchise for you, Area Pro Realty. We believe we are the best real estate franchise for sale that could suit your needs and goals.

How Can a Franchise Help an Independent Broker?

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:12:16 -0500

How Can a Franchise Help an Independent Broker?

Many people ask me this question. An innovative real estate franchise can not only give notarity to an independent broker, but provide thousands (if not millions) of dollars in support and technology. Of the many real estate franchise available, only a few provide what I call the big trio: Support, Technology, and Innovation. Unfortunately he third word, innovation, is absent from many real estate franchises available. That's why I started Area Pro Realty, the first national virtual real estate franchise with extremely low operating costs. I truly believe it is the best real estate franchise available.

If your looking for a real estate franchise for sale, be sure to do your research and examine all your options.

Franchising Tip: Research Well and Know Your Options.

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:05:39 -0500

As the owner of an innnovative real estate franchise, I have a great tip for those seeking to reasearch and find the best real estate franchise for sale. The best real estate franchises available use a combination of technology, support and innovation. There are too many franchisors out there who's sole purpose is to collect fees from their franchisees. Your goal as a franchisor, is to help support and grow your franchisees operations. At Area Pro Realty, we have several innovative and unique programs in place to allow our franchisees to flourish. Our franchisees get very large territories and the opportunity to grow a brokerage to 100+ agents if they want. The resources and support we have in place free up enough brokers time so they can even continue to do real estate transactions themselves.

New Innovative Real Estate Franchise Releasing Premier Google Program

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:12:59 -0500

New innovative real estate franchise, Area Pro Realty is announcing a Premier Google Program which allows Area Pro Realtors to get their website in the top 10 of google for various keywords. According to Technology Supervisor Gene Ward "this isnt your typical Search Engine Optimization promise where third party vendors will take hundreds of dollars and hope to get you in the top 10. We don't collect any money until the website reaches the top 10 of google".

Company President Michael Volkin states "out of all the real estate franchise available, I dont know of one that is providing this service to their agents and brokers". This will hopefully put our new company in contention for being one of, if not the, best real estate franchises available.

This new service will be released in phases. Because of the complexity of getting a website ranked in the top 10, only a few websites can be handled at a time.

If you are interested in a real estate franchise for sale, please contact Michael Volkin at 925-798-2732 to see if your territory is still available.

Most Common Question About Franchising.

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Fri, 29 May 2009 11:53:57 -0500

As the president of the most innovative real estate franchise in the U.S, I get a lot of questions about franchising. The most common of those questions is "What is the cost". Brokers want to know what the cost is first, without hearing any of the benefits. My response is usually the same, "Why ask for the check if we havent even had dinner yet?". By that I mean that its difficult for broker to see the value in a company that is truly different when I just state a price. Even if the price was $100, it would seem too expensive if you havent heard what you will get for that $100.

The best real estate franchise is one that combines real estate in a box. In other words, the best support, the best technology and the best real estate business model moving forward. Believe me, I understand there are many real estate franchises available and it is up to you, the broker, to do your research. Your job is to pick the best real estate franchise for sale, and it is my job as the franchisor to give you more than just a price. My job is to help you understand what you are getting in return. Buying a franchise isn't like buying a pair or pants. You don't spend 10 minutes looking at it, then go up to the register. This is a life changing event and you should thoroughly research each company before making a decision.

I would suggest starting with Area Pro Realty, they have the best business model for todays real estate economy.

Out With the Old and In With the New

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Tue, 26 May 2009 13:28:20 -0500

As the owner of the most innovative real estate franchise in the country I am glad to see that agents now have plenty of choices when deciding what company to join. In the "old days" there were only a few companies per city, they were all basically the same and all had basically the same benefits and commission structure.

Nowadays, there are many real estate franchises available and many have different business plans and models, some are exact replicas of one another just with a different name and logo.

The best real estate franchise can only be determined by you. Dont look at fads, dont look at what your friends did and dont listen to anyone else but you. You need to research the one that fits you like a glove. There might be more than one real estate franchise for sale that fits you well, but with proper research you can narrow it down to one.

As a tip, always contact one of the existing franchisees and get their perspective on how the like to work with headquarters. Are they frustrated or upset? Or are they happy and feel that HQ is giving them value?

What Brokers Can Learn About Franchising

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Sat, 23 May 2009 08:58:53 -0500

Do you ever feel like your brokerage will implode if you aren't there to watch over it? When you take a day off, perhaps a rare vacation. Are you constantly interrupted with phone calls from agents? Have you considered expanding your businesses but were wary to proceed because you lacked knowledge of franchising and were unsure of the benefits?

Now may be the time you will want to consider one of the many real estate franchises available. I guarantee you, there is an innovative real estate franchise that suits you perfectly. Some of the best real estate franchises in the world are headquartered right here in America. Think about it, more than likely, as an independent broker, you have 3 or less employees running your entire company. With a real estate franchise, you are teaming with an organization with possibly millions of dollars in support and technology ready to assist you and help your brokerage grow.

It might be that time to do yourself a favor and research some of the real estate franchises for sale. I suggest starting with Area Pro Realty, a new franchisor with a completely different business model.

Good luck in your search.

The Many Real Estate Franchises Available

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Wed, 20 May 2009 09:38:34 -0500

There are so many Real Estate franchises available it could make your head spin. Nowadays, many brokers who have more than 50 agents think their business is franchisable. Unfortunately, after they spend hundreds of thousands of dollars, they find that their company isnt that different or innovative. So, how do you, a broker who is looking to join a franchised team, find the most innovative real estate franchise? Your heading down the wrong path if your looking for the best real estate franchise for everyone, because their isnt one. There is a franchise for you, that is better than all others, but not one that is better for everone. Consider the following criteria:

Technology, support, innovation, organization, recruiting, retention, equipment, policies. All of these factors come into play and should play a role in your decision to choose the best real estate franchise for sale.

Remember, thoroughly research your decision. To complete my book (How to Evaluate A Real Estate Franchise), I researched tons of real estate franchises and found that Area Pro Realty has a great business model for todays economy, you can check them out at AreaProRealty.com.

Intersted in Franchising? Understand the FDD.

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Sun, 17 May 2009 22:21:47 -0500

As owner of the most innovative real estate franchise in the US, I get a lot of questions every week from independent brokers. Many of the brokers I talk to thoroughly research the real estate franchises available because they understand what a big decision choosing the right company is. In search of the best real estate franchise, many of these brokers ask me What is an FDD? An FDD, or Franchise Disclosure Document, is a list of disclosures that a real estate franchisor is required to disclose to potential franchisees regarding the franchise offering. This includes start up costs and a summary of important terms contained in the franchise agreement. The FDD was formerly called the UFOC.

To all you real estate brokes looking for a great real estate franchise for sale, I would first look at Area Pro Realty and compare Area Pro Realtys FDD to others in the industry, you will be pleasantly surprised at the lack of nickle and dime fees.

Is It Time to Rethink a Real Estate Franchise?

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Thu, 14 May 2009 09:20:08 -0500

Due to the economy, more and more independent brokers are looking for an innovative real estate franchise. Is that the right move? Yes, in this economy, choosing to team with a real estate franchise backed with all the technology and support you need seems like a great move.

But then I get asked: Why purchase a real estate franchises for sale when you could start your own business? Most franchisors in the real estate industry are independently owned and operated. That is why you should always choose a franchise over a "Biz ops" opportunity. The brokerage you are building under your own independently owned and operated unit is yours to grow and even sell if you like, with a "biz ops" style company, it is not. So essentially, by hooking up with one of the many real estate franchises available, you are turning a one man brokerage into a team of professionals that will help you recruit and retain agents. Area Pro Realty has the best real estate franchise available and suits the very definition of an innovative real estate franchise.

Good luck with whatever real estate franchise you choose.

The Hidden Fees of Franchising

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:22:38 -0500

In my book, How to Evaluate A Real Estate Franchise, I talk about the many real estate franchises availableand many of the possible fees of franchising. Please don't let this scare you off, all companies don't charge hidden fees. Most of your mega companies do. One of those hidden fees is the counsel association dues. Some franchisors will charge a fee to the broker for being a part of a counsel association meant to (among other things) share goals, successes amongst regional franchisees.

In my opinion, that is why Area Pro Realty has such an innovative real estate franchise, they have bundled everything in one price, so there aren't a dizzying array of fees. The best real estate franchiseshould adhere to the keep it simple philosophy and many don't, Area Pro does however and it is evident throughout their updated brokerage business model.

As I state in my book, of the many real estate franchises for sale, choose one that is right for you as there isn't one perfect one for everyone, just be sure to do your due diligence, it could save you a lot of money!

Come out of Your Comfort Zone for Real Success

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:30:21 -0500

Many independent brokers who look into franchising are afraid to pull the trigger and say "ok, I'm in". Thats becuase they have managed an independent brokerage before with a few agents and are somewhat content. However, finding the best real estate franchise for you could compound your efforts 10 fold an instead of managing 5 agents, you could be manging 50+. There are many real estate franchise available, but there is one out there that is exceptional for you. I would suggest looking into Area Pro Realty (franchise page). Area Pro has a very unique business model and all the tools a broker needs to recruit top agents, they are, in my opinion a very innovative real estate franchise. Is there a real estate franchise for sale that is perfect for you? Only you can answer that question, but dont be afraid to look.

In Search of the Perfect Franchise

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Mon, 04 May 2009 10:21:52 -0500

Are you in search of the perfect franchise? I have a news flash, there isnt one. That is a hard statement for me to say as I am the president of Area Pro Realty (franchise page is here) . Do I think Area Pro Realty has the best value proposition for brokers? Yes of course, however there isnt one franchise that is better than all the others. There are a lot of real estate franchises available, many are different, lmany are the exact same with the exception of the logo. But with all the choices, there is one innovative real estate franchise for every broker out there. Choosing the best real estate franchise can be a difficult process as franchising is a complex field. Be sure to read the book How to Evaluate a Real Estate Franchise to make sure you understand some of the hidden fees you might encounter.

There are lots of resources out there for you when researching a real estate franchise for sale, feel free to email me with questions, I will always try to help you.

Sources for financing a franchise?

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Sun, 03 May 2009 19:55:58 -0500

Many independent brokers are searching for an innovative real estate franchise, like Area Pro Realty (Area Pro Realtys franchise page. Once these brokers find the best real estate franchise for them, they often find themselves (in this market) lacking the necessary start up capital. There are several sources of finances. When researching which real estate franchises available, always ask the sales rep for that company if in-house financing is available. Sometimes there is, and sometimes there isnt. If so, get the details of your in-house financing options (i.e. credit score needed, interest rate, amount financed, etc).

Another option for you is an SBA loan. SBA loans (or micro-loans from banks) are readily available for people with good credit scores and a solid business plan. Yes, you need a business plan even when buying a real estate franchised system.

Remember, when researching companies, there are literally dozens of real estate franchises for sale, make sure you pick one that suites your needs the best, in other words, research, research, research.

Any New Innovative Franchises in the Real Estate Industry?

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Sat, 02 May 2009 19:50:34 -0500

Any New Innovative Franchises in the Real Estate Industry?

Yes. Many new busines models have recently sprung, but one in particular has clear advantages for residential real estate brokers. The best innovative real estate franchise, in my opinion, is Area Pro Realty. You can find them at AreaProRealty.com/franchise. There are many real estate franchises available. When shopping around for franchises, be sure to find one that fits your needs. What matters to you? Technology, support, efficiency....all of the above? Everyone has different needs. Many companies pay for press releases to say that they are the best real estate franchise. However, there can NEVER be one that is the absolute best. Its the same as saying there is one hamburger that is the best.

A real estate franchise should support your neeeds and goals. Out of all the real estate franchises for sale, i would suggest having one company in mind, then, use that company to compare all others to. The best franchise for you will eventually shake free and stand out from the others.

Is a franchise in your future?

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Fri, 01 May 2009 14:55:34 -0500

Many independent brokers have contacted me lately telling me they have never thought about franchising before but are now having second thoughts. They want to research the most innovative real estate franchise available. Before I continue with the conversation, I always ask them why, why now? The response is always the same. Although owning an independent brokerage has a certain level of freedom, with this economy its best to be a part of a team, a team backed with the support and technology todays brokers need. I tell them, owning a real estate franchise is like hitting the ground running and an independent brokerage is like reinventing the wheel.

I have owned an independent brokerage and a franchise, so I know what its like on both sides of the coin. I will tell you that of all the real estate franchises available, I think Area Pro Realty is the best real estate franchise. The link to their franchise page is AreaProRealty/franchise. Area Pro Realty operates with a completely different business model taylored to the recent (and forever) changes in the real estate industry.

Before researching any one real estate franchise for sale, start with Area Pro Realty, and use them as a base when comparing other real estate franchises.

Good luck to you!

When Looking for an Innovative Real Estate Franchise

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:20:18 -0500

Since I have published my book, How To Evaluate A Real Estate Franchise, many people as me, "I am looking for an innovative real estate franchise, where do I start? My first answer is, what do you mean by innovative? Do you mean different, do you mean high-tech, what exactly do you mean. There is no one answer to this question. When looking for an innovative real estate franchise you should start with evaluating your needs first. What is most important to you? Maybe its technology, maybe its support, maybe its reputation. I would write all of these factors down and rank them.

There are many real estate franchises available. The best real estate franchise can only be determined by you. If your looking for a new up and coming company that truly has a different business model, I would look into Area Pro Realty. A real estate franchise should compliment what you are looking for. There is no one sized fits all glove for anyone.

In conclusion, before researching the many real estate franchises for sale, be sure to look within yourself first, becuase without a true understanding of what your looking for, you will not find the perfect glove that fits your hand

Why Did I Decide to Franchise Area Pro?

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:20:57 -0500

I had a successful brokerage that covered 13 counties in Northern California. When I tell people that I stopped growing that company to franchise nationwide, they often ask me why.

After doing some research, I noticed two main things:

1) 99% of the franchisors in the industry are the same with the exception of one or two miscellaneous marketing points.

2) the general public doesnt know the difference between any of the companies (i.e. branding doesnt matter much anymore to anyone). People follow agents, not brands.

Based on those two points, I wanted to create an innovative real estate franchise. Out of all the real estate franchises available, I was going to create one that was significantly different, and I did. I believe that I have created the best real estate franchise. Area Pro Realty is truly different from the inside out. We are a different franchise becuase we operate from a different business model and we offer a different type of support and benefits structure than any other company. If I were to explain to you all the differences, it would take me all day to finish this blog. Therefore, if your interested in learning more about Area Pro, please go to www.AreaProRealty.com/franchise and sign up for one of our online webinars we call a Power Hour.

Real estate has changed recently, and I believe the best real estate franchise will be determined in this upcoming decade. It will be an innovative real estate franchise, one that accounts for the latest changes in the real estate industry.

If you are interested in researching one of the newest real estate franchises available, be sure to research Area Pro Realty.

Thoughts on the common question, "should I franchise?"

Michael Volkin (Area Pro Realty) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:27:18 -0500

Independent brokers throughout the country have been asking themselves the following question: Should I franchise?

There are couple dozen real estate franchises available for sale, and brokers always ask: But what is the best real estate franchise for me? What is the best real estate franchise period? How can I find an innovative real estate franchise?

There is no standard answer for the above questions. A franchise should fit an individual like a good pair of shoes. Some brokers want a big fancy office with a focus on name branding while others could care less about those factors and want an innovative real estate franchise with great support.

The important thing to remember here is not to let anyone answer this question for you. Only you know can formulate the answer by your own research and due diligence.

Franchising is a big area, with lots of rules and policies. If you havent read the book How to Evaluate a Real Estate Franchise, I would recommend it. You can read about it at: www.EvaluateREFranchise.com

This book walks you through how to evaluate the best real estate franchise for you and how to find that innovative real estate franchise your looking for.

I would recommend starting with Area Pro Realty, a new franchise on the scene that has been really turning some heads. In any case, start with your own research based upone your specific needs and you will eventually come to the right decision.