Special offer

Big agencies are closing, little offices are closing, who do I hire to list my home?

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty LLC 200311024

Big agencies are closing, little offices are closing, who do I hire to list my home? This is a question I get asked all the time and I’ve worked for both big companies and little offices. For me personally as someone who goes out of my way to market my properties, I didn’t need a big company, the fact is it was a hindrance.

But, many who work for big companies will tell you the exact opposite. They have thousands of agents world wide that they can market your home to. I say hogwash to that as well! The simple fact is a company doesn’t sell a listing, the home and the price sell the home and the agent just market sit.

Who do I hire to list my home

Now, I do know of a company in Washington that has almost 17% of its market share more than double any of its competition. Now, that isn’t because the homes they sell are any different, it is the fact that theyare just a great company to work for and the agents they hire are above and beyond anyone elses.

Now, would I refer business to this large company? You bet in a heartbeat , but not because of the name on the door, but because the agents. I don’t really refer to the company, I refer to those great agents that I have learned to trust to do a great job.

There are agents that work for both small and large companies that will do a great job to sell your home. Recently in my market we have some seen some major companies close their doors because of their sales. (Century 21, John L. Scott) But, I’ve also seen some small companies do the same. It really comes down to the individual. Hire people you know and trust and I tell you can’t go wrong no matter what company they work for. Even if the rest of the agents in their office don’t sell a thing and they need to go to another company, your home will still be sold because of their hard work. The name on the sign as far as I’m concerned really doesn’t mean a thing!

I can say without a doubt the agents I know and refer business to, would still be top producers no matter what company sign they had in front of your house. It isn’t the company that makes them great it is the individual inside that makes them great. If you are looking for a great agent to sell your home, give me a call, I would love to tell you how I can get your home sold quickly and for top dollar!

 

Comments (19)

Jody Lautenbach
Century 21 Premier Associates - Pella, IA

Know the agent and trust them - in small town america here - there are only three to choose from and most people know at least one or two realtors. Ask your friends.

May 25, 2010 07:27 AM
Craig Rutman
Helping people in transition - Cary, NC
Raleigh, Cary, Apex area Realtor

Well said Todd! I've always maintained that it's not the sign or the company, it's the agent and their marketing plan that will sell your home.

May 25, 2010 07:29 AM
Maria Morton
Platinum Realty - Kansas City, MO
Kansas City Real Estate 816-560-3758

Very good point, Todd.  The agent is the one doing the work and communicating with the seller.  A good agent can be successful in any brokerage.  BTW, I had no idea that John L Scott closed!

May 25, 2010 09:19 AM
William J. Archambault, Jr.
The Real Estate Investment Institute - Houston, TX

Amen Todd!

Real Estate is a people business, it's the perceived value of the indavisual agent the clients desire. The consumers desire two things, the competency of his agent and getting the job done!

The value of the company is in their ability to facilitate the agents service.

Bill

May 25, 2010 09:36 AM
Claude Cross
Homes By Cross, Inc. - Charlotte, NC
Charlotte NC Homes For Sale

Todd - I have never been hired because of my jersey or hat. I formed my own company after working with big boxes for years. Cheers to this post as the agent... not the company is the REAL DEAL

May 25, 2010 11:27 AM
Cynthia Larsen
Cotati, CA
Independent Broker In Sonoma County, CA

The problem with big offices, and I'm assuming you are referring to big names, is that they insist of having their brand all over your stuff.  They require their brand on your website, your marketing materials, your business cards, your stationery, your kids' foreheads.  It makes it really difficult to market yourself.  I'd much rather be with a small office, but you're right, a successful person will be successful wherever they land.

May 25, 2010 11:28 AM
Debbie Walsh
SHAHAR Management - Middletown, NY
Hudson Valley NY Real Estate 845.283-3036

I have always been with a small office until a month ago and I too truly believe it is not the office but the agent.

May 25, 2010 12:12 PM
Lynn Krogseng
Keller Williams Premier Partners - Vancouver, WA

I am a small agent in a big company and the bigness of the company helps me have the extra resources to provide extraordinary service to my clients.  In the final analysis though, it is the agent, not the name of the company that gets the home sold.  I know which company you're referring to and I know the reason for their success are the standards they work and live by and draw out in the agents that join them.

May 25, 2010 01:27 PM
Michelle Francis
Tim Francis Realty LLC - Atlanta, GA
Realtor, Buckhead Atlanta Homes for Sale & Lease

Todd, 

Great post.  I definitely agree it's the sales agent and the price.  Interesting enough, I find social media and using it is leveling the playing field with marketing dollars.  

Get a good agent, the sign name does not matter. 

All the best, Michelle

May 25, 2010 02:16 PM
Robert The Earl of Real Estate
St Pete LUXE Living Group - Saint Petersburg, FL
The Earl of Real Estate

It is the agents behind the name on the door.  This is so true.  You can even have two offices with the name national brand in the same area and get different "results" because of the people involved.

Robert Earl

May 25, 2010 03:12 PM
Pippa Mac
Chevaux Group Realtor, The Woodlands and Spring - The Woodlands, TX
The Woodlands TX Real Estate

It almost always comes down to the agent ... very rarely does someone choose a company first

May 25, 2010 03:21 PM
John Walters
Frank Rubi Real Estate - Slidell, LA
Licensed in Louisiana

Todd my agency has three agents and we sell a lot of homes each year. We are very easy to work with and always available.  You are right it's the agents not the size of the firm.  Thanks for your prompt answer of my question last night.

May 25, 2010 03:28 PM
William James Walton Sr.
WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Briotti Group - Waterbury, CT
Greater Waterbury Real Estate

And I always thought that we were marketing a seller's property to buyers, not other agents. those buyers may have an agent, but the agents are not who we should be targeting our marketing to, IMHO...unless I'm missing something....

May 25, 2010 03:36 PM
Larry Bettag
Cherry Creek Mortgage Illinois Residential Mortgage License LMB #0005759 Cherry Creek Mortgage NMLS #: 3001 - Saint Charles, IL
Vice-President of National Production

That's why I always say that people need to go by a referral if they want a good realtor.  Big or small?  How about the one that's "just right."

May 25, 2010 04:41 PM
Todd Clark - Retired
eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR
Principle Broker Oregon

Yes, Lynn, I am talking about the one you are thinking of. I do think that agency is amazing with who they hire and how they treat everyone buyers, sellers and agents, That is what makes them successful, it certainly isn't the sign it is the people.

May 25, 2010 06:52 PM
Jim Hale
ACTIONAGENTS.NET - Eugene, OR
Eugene Oregon's Best Home Search Website

Todd -

What have been some of the office changes etc up in your area?

May 25, 2010 08:06 PM
FN LN
Toronto, ON

At the end of the day, it is the agent you are hiring to help you market and sell your home.

May 25, 2010 09:56 PM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Todd, rarely do I select a company, whether it's big or small.  Almost always I select the agent, that's the key.

May 26, 2010 12:00 AM
Connie Hall
All Brokers Real Estate - Portland, OR

You are so correct Todd, hire the agent, not the company at the end of the day, the company really doesn't matter if the agent isn't doing their job.

May 30, 2010 09:01 PM