I'm Just a Small Fish In a Big Pond, But I Can Swim Too

Amen to that. Size does NOT matter when it comes to agents or whomever you choose to do business with. Area knowledge, demeaner and personality are just a few of the things that will seperate you from others.

Stay positive, stay focused NEVER quit and you will succeed! 

So funny that you wrote this.  I have one in Draft mode about the difference in my business and my focus in being a small botique as opposed to when I was Re/Max.  Different way of doing business, different way of looking at clients, just completely different.  It is the individual that makes the different no matter who you work for.  There are good and bad in either, but my personality is so much more botique.

Charita - And a great title it is. You are so right on the competency of agents. I am in a the BIG FISH category but just because we have 140 agents in our office does not mean they are the best of the best, I know nobody is reading this from there because I am the only AR blogger in my office so I am safe.

I am the only competent one. Just kidding. But it seems that way sometimes when I have conversations with some of the veterans.They don't have a clue sometimes.

Charita - LMAO at Ken's comment.  Because Ken and I are in the same market (Los Angeles & Ventura counties), I am well aware of his office and the agents (have worked with and across the table with many of them).  CB is a whale in these parts and while they are a great agency, I would never work there.  When I finally make my move to real estate, I have already chosen the small boutique brokerage that I will hang my license with.

Charita, I just loved your post!  I moved from a very large brokerage to a smaller boutique firm and it was the best decision I ever made.  And you are right, there are incompetent agents everywhere, in large firms or small firms.  

Reminds me of the old adage "What do they call the guy who graduated LAST in medical school?  Answer:  Doctor!"

Cheers to you for encouraging readers to find a competent, energetic and passionate agent to work with, regardless of the brokerage!

You know how I feel about this subject, Charita. I cut my teeth with a big fish company and left as soon as I earned my broker's license. What matters is the agent, not the company.

Charita ~ We too started with the Big Boys but prefer now to work on our own, exclusively with Buyers looking for a Real Personal Touch, a husband and wife team totally dedicated to them, The Buyer

Best Quote from you ~

I, Charita Cadenhead, am a trusted and competent Realtor®.  Bham WIiRE Realty is a small fish in a big pond.  I continually sharpen my skills and I am dedicated to my craft.  Every client, without exception, gets the very best service that I have to offer.  I am an independent broker and if ever I should seek to be an independent contractor by hanging my hat (license) elsewhere, you'll continue to get the very best in service.  And THAT is my promise to you.

I loved all the comments here. It made my heart warmer. Like you guys noted it doesn't matter if the agency is a large one or a tiny one...what matters is the REALTOR®

I had to suggest this one.

I couldn't agree with you more.  I've seen competent people at big and small places - as well as incompetent people at both. 

I love this Charita. I, too, started at a big brokerage, and although I learned a lot, I decided to strike out on my own as well. California is an escrow state and I have spent over 7 years running an escrow desk. You could not imagine the broad spectrum of agents I have encountered. It's why I decided to go back to sales and the knowledge gained in that position is invaluable. I am re-blogging this guy. I love it. Women Entrepreneurs Unite! 

XOXO

Sinead

Charita, your creativity never ceases to amaze me.  I also LOVE this post!