Co-Branding vs. Multi-Licensing

<Ding, Ding, Ding> Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to tonight's main event.  In this corner we have weighing in with two companies and one representative, "Co-branding!"  And in the other corner, also weighing in with two companies and one representative, "Multi-Licensing!"  Remember, we want to see a good fight.  Now go back to you corners and come out fighting.  <Ding, Ding, Ding>

Over the past month or two since I have joined AR, I have seen the controversy over "Multi-Licensing."  There are some strong advocates as to why "Multi-Licensing" is bad and wrong.  The arguements are in favor of protecting the client.  So, in tonight's fight "Multi-Licensing" is the bad guy.

But, I want to introduce a new fighter to this prize fight.  The fighter's name is "Co-branding."  Is it the same beast of evil as "Multi-Licensing," just under a new mask?  Or is it a hero coming to forever send "Multi-Licensing" into the depths of ill fame?

First,  let's look at the life of "Multi-Licensing."  "Multi-Licensing" is one person or company who has achieved the status of wearing many hats.  In our industy, the "Multi-Licenser" could be a realtor and a mortgage professional, or a realtor and an appraiser, or all the above.  There are many variations to what a "Multi-Licenser" could accumalate.  The "Multi-Licenser" set out to do good.  The goal was to provide one-stop shopping for the real estate consumer.  All was going well.  But one day, the "Multi-Linceser" felt a strong urge deep inside him.  It grew and grew until it became, "GREED."  The "Greed" began to consumer "Multi-Licensing."  It was not before long that "Multi-Licensing" lost his intentions of help the consumer and turned to the darkside of abusing the consumer.  "Multi-Licensing" has been held at bay by the restless warriors of "Individuality."  They have come to rescue the consumer from "Multi-Licensing" and its quest for ill-gotten gains.

Now, let's look at the life of "Co-branding."  "Co-branding" has existed over the years in industries mostly seperate from the real estate world.  There have been a few successful victories here and there, but not much else is known.  What we do know about "Co-branding" is that it was conceived from at least two companies, who united in a common goal.  These seperate companies, each offering a service unique to its consumer, saw a chance to bring peace of mind and convenience.  They knew that by doing the services on their own would lead to the same fate as "Multi-Licensing," but together they could form the ultimate fighter.  Each company would elect a select few to become the "Co-branded."  The "Co-Branded" would then have at least two companies to report to, and each company would have checks and balances against these "Co-Branded."  Once the "Co-Branded" have been spawned, there is no other affliation between these companies other than the "Co-Branded", themselves.  One form of the "Co-Branded" has been seen as a Real Estate company selecting a few realtors to work for the local mortgage company as mortgage professionals.  These realtors are the point of contact for both companies, and thus have brought about "Co-branding."

Now, will "Co-Branding" win tonight's title? Or will it suffer the same doom of "Multi-Lincensing?"  We will see, as we GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!