Is the Grass Really Greener With Another Company or on Your Own?

This conversation comes up frequently among real estate agents.  Since getting my broker's license I am approached more than ever by other companies.  I also get asked regularly, when are you opening your own office?

My response has been consistent.  I am happy where I am and have no plans of leaving.

Here are some issues with many of the agents who think the "Grass is Greener Somewhere Else":

• They did not do enough research before selecting the company they hung their license with.  They did not fully understand what level of support they would receive or know what would be expected of them.
• Many agents are preoccupied with what the broker is making instead of looking at how much they are making because of their broker.
• New brokers feel they will keep all of the commission by going on their own.  Many do not have a business plan or have any clue what it really costs to start or operate a business.
• Some are on the continuing quest of a higher commission split.
• Many do not consider the marketing dollars they have spent promoting themselves at their existing company.

When I re-entered the real estate industry a few years ago I spent a fair amount of time finding the right office and developing my business plan.  I did not take the decision of where to hang my license lightly.  After all, this is what I intend to do until I retire (I have more than a few years left in me in case you were wondering).  I have a mortgage a wife and two children to feed.  I have to be successful, this is not a hobby.

Don't get me wrong I do not have a problem with someone going on their own or changing companies if they are not happy.  I just suggest that before making a major move they ask the question, is the grass really greener?

Here is a list of the things I get from my company that I feel more than justifies their commission split with me.

1. An office two blocks from my home.  No commute!!
2. An office located in a great location in a shopping center that has a lot of walk-in traffic.
3. All the floor time I want.
4. Two high speed copier, one that has a high speed scanner and color laser printer/ copier.  (I only pay a small fee for using color.)
5. All the open houses you want.  I you do not have your own open, there are always plenty available.
6. Local advertising of your listings.
7. Wonderful people to work with in a family type environment.
8. Two great brokers (one who was a former president of the Board of Realtors) who have been around and can give great advice when needed.
9. 24 hour access to the office.
10. I almost forgot the Century 21 name and marketing.  I do not have to explain who we are to prospective clients.

I am sure I can think of others, but I think these more than justify why I am at my office.  When approached by other companies or have my ego stroked with the suggestion I start my own company, I can easily say the grass is really green where I am. 

Aloha to all and have a Hauoli Makahiki Hou  (Happy New Year in Hawaiian)