Real EState Companies and there names, do they matter??

I think I am successful because of me, my team and the Allen Tate Co.  We do share commissions but I get a great deal in return from both the team and the company.  We have the largest market share in our area.

Kathy

Interesting post Jesse. Could be a combination of both, however if the person does not do thework required to be successful the company name alone may not cut it.

Please remember me if you learn of anyone moving to "The OC" and I will do the same!

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors           

(949) 753-7900

Hi Jesse,  I think it depends on your years of experience.  There is more of an advantage for a newer agent to be with a well recognized name.

I have to say NOPE not to a great agent ... Body Oder still stinks dress in Gucci or Pay Less... Bad / Under Trained / Unskilled / Agents can't hide for long behind a "Big Name Company Logo".. Now more then ever it is about the Agent and their efforts.

I agree with Jesse above.  Starting out, a big name brokerage can provide you with their advertising, their training sites, their international referal network, etc.   However, I fully believe that we need to brand ourselves and retain a pristine reputation right from the get go which will remain with us should we need to move or change offices.

According to the most recent NAR statistics, company really didn't matter to the consumer when choosing an agent. I personally don't think our clients care much about out company as they are choosing to work with us, not KW. Too many agents are led to believe that their company makes them successful and I don't buy it. Just my opinion.

If it is to be, Its up to me! Companies don't really matter. I will tell you that being part of the dominant company in the area doesn't hurt you either. I can't count how many times I have met people who think that the listing down of the corner is mine when it isn't. I ggogle higher than my office, so I get calls on other agents listings all the time.

Sometimes when seeking new clientele it can definately help, i had a call today into the office, he wanted a "large company with the funds to promote his house" He selected our office because we were a Windermere. But i also agree that your cleints will follow you, and you make your own name in this industry. Many agents start out with large companies, build clientele then take their clients and start their own business.

Jesse, like you I've been with two Big Name Companies over the years Re/Max and Long and Foster . I always thought the Big Name mattered. " I learned last year, when I move to the new franchise in town, Exit Realty -it doesn't matter one bit."  The consumer wants to work with people they like and trust. Most people find agents on the internet these days or by referral. Not by print advertising or walking into the local Real Estate office. What matters to me is the services,training, the beneficiary benefits, the retirement benefits and the sponsoring benifits. Success is easy when you have good support at the office. **ps-I don't miss those monthly bills!**

I think it's both.  I think the big name gets you appts, but it's you, yourself, that gets and keeps the business.  I used to tell people during the hot HOT market, that it didn't matter what color sign was in the front yard, but if they priced right, it was going to sell.  Some want red, white, and Blue while others wants white and blue or yellow and black or burgandy and white... Today's market, it matters what color is in the yard!

Consumers work with an agent, not the company.  It may be easier to find you and get more leads with a big name, but that can be overcome.  The agent, you, is the most important thing in my view.

Hi Jesse: I saw the title of your post and knew instantly that I would have to come and read all the comments.  For me - I most agreed with Bill - who said a newer agent is best placed with a big name.  I tend to agree with that - but I also believe you should "sell yourself" not the company.  I think that once a "new agent" gets "seasoned" they should move to a smaller company where they can retain a larger piece of the "pie".

:)

Jesse, I think that what is more important than company name is it's image.  I mean locally, just like all real estate is local, so is the reputation of all real estate companies, regardless of the name.  I also think that it depends on what you're broker does for you the agent is important.  What kind of training and support is provided?  These are questions that all agents new or experienced should be asking.  It is certainly an interesting question!

I know I can attribute at least a couple of deals to being found on the internet with a brand related search. One client (move-up buyer/seller) said flat out that she searched for an agent with KW in Austin and we came up on top and she liked our website. Oddly, I think this both proves and disproves the point. As Donna said, the name can get the appointment (sometimes) but the agent has to win the client with more than a brand name.

We were Mom and Pop for 11 years. Sold the business, took a year off, then joined the biggest real estate office in the world (600 agents at present) 4 years ago. So I've lived at both extremes.

Are we successful because of who we're with or because of who we are? Mostly it's who we are, I think.

Crossland Team at KW
Austin TX
http://www.CrosslandTeam.com