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What is your opinion on company hopping??????????????????

By Debbie Creech

Real Estate Agent with ERA Team IV Homes

February 15, 2008 02:41 AM

I have noticed lately that many agents seem to be company hopping. I'm not sure that I really understand why. In my mind it doesn't matter which company you are with, if you don't put the effort into your "own" business you will not succeed. I have heard many agents complain that their company doesn't do this or that, I think they need to take a deep look at what they are or "are not" doing to make their business a success. Maybe it's because I have been a very independent person that I am having a problem understanding why agents think the company must do all the work and they can just sit back and collect a commission.

I realize that each company has something different to offer and each agent must choose the company that is right for them, but I don't understand company hopping. Some agents have been with 7 or 8 companies, does this make any sense? Perhaps after being with that many companies the agent should take a look at their self and say "Maybe it's me?"

What is your opinion on this?

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Debbie Creech

ERA Team IV Homes - Poughkeepsie, NY

Vincent,

Exactly! Many agents don't even go into the office, they work from home or their car. Thank you for reading my blog.

Mar 17, 2008 10:08 PM

Debbie Creech

ERA Team IV Homes - Poughkeepsie, NY

Tina,

I'm glad you are happy where you are, that is important also in order to produce. Thank you for reading my blog.

Mar 17, 2008 10:10 PM

Ray Zwart

Sassone Realty - Montgomery, NY

CRS, ABR, SRES - Lower Hudson Valley Real Estate

For the most part there is little difference financially from one brokerage to the next once you look at your bottom line expenses. The thought of going to another office and the personal costs of re-identification and new branding comes right off the top of your income...that's a big expense, for personality reasons! Come on, how many times do you clash with your managing broker? If it's often, maybe it's you and the way you do business!

Mar 17, 2008 10:45 PM

Debbie Creech

ERA Team IV Homes - Poughkeepsie, NY

Ray,

How very true! Thank you for reading my blog.

Apr 15, 2008 08:04 AM

Steven Odierno

Mahwah, NJ

NJ Mortgage & Marketing Professional

Hi Debbie - Very eloquently put, and I could not agree more. As a Mortgage Broker, I have, needless to say, seen a slowdown in my business. The exodus of Loan Officers was astounding! Each actually thought that the issue was not his or her work ethic or the industry at large. Each actually believed that our company, which was a wonderful place to work when the money was rolling in, was at fault. I asked all of them to read "Who Moved My Cheese." Most are on their second or third new mortgage company now, or out of the business entirely. I suppose their reading comprehension skills are not that great.

Apr 15, 2008 10:37 AM

Debbie Creech

ERA Team IV Homes - Poughkeepsie, NY

Steve,

Very true! Many RE agents have left the business or as you say have moved many times. It's really not going to change the market. Thank you for reading my blog.

Apr 16, 2008 01:21 AM

Paddy (Patricia) Pizappi

Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty - Pine Bush, NY

Real Estate Associate Broker Hudson Valley NY

I have switched companies once in the past five years. It was a personality and office atmosphere problem. When I switched it took six months to start making any sort of income again as I had to ramp up business. My clients followed me for the most part but you will usually have at least some down time when you switch. To do that 7 or 8 times to me is crazy. I always tell new agents not to expect any real income for at least 6 months so have a back up (in these difficult times it might take more time). Maybe these agents don't give it enough time at each office to make a difference.

May 02, 2008 10:31 PM

Christopher "Chip" King

FAIRCLOUGH REALTORS - Sparta, NJ

ABR, R, QSC, BMF

Best thing I ever did!

I feel like a Professional now and not a moneymaker doormat for someone else!

May 03, 2008 12:34 AM

Debbie Creech

ERA Team IV Homes - Poughkeepsie, NY

Paddy,

That's exactly right, 7 or 8 companies....must spend all their time re-establishing themselves. In my mind that is too much important customer time lost. Thank you for reading my blog.

May 05, 2008 03:37 AM

Debbie Creech

ERA Team IV Homes - Poughkeepsie, NY

Chip,

I am sure for some it is the right move and works out well. Some agents change companies once a year.

Thank you for reading my blog.

May 05, 2008 03:39 AM

Barbara Carter

Century 21 Alliance Realty Group - Highland, NY

Serving Your Real Estate Needs in the Hudson Valle

We at Exit do recruit a lot of agents. The benefits of the Exit Strategy is very appealing to many. Exit is growing with incredible momentum. I think for the agents that "hop" over to Exit it is all about the potential to make more than 100% through sponsoring residuals. We can control our income through sponsoring residuals, retirement benefits and beneficiary benefits.

So.... While company hopping may not be seen as a great idea, in some cases it is beneificial and just makes sense.

Great Blog!

May 05, 2008 01:05 PM

LaNita Cates

REMAX of Joliet - Joliet, IL

I think it depends on each person. If you are miserable and your company isn't supporting you, why stay? You need to go where you feel you will get the most reward.

May 05, 2008 02:05 PM

Darleen McCullen

Raleigh, NC

Broker - Raleigh, NC Real Estate

I've changed companies once, and it took awhile for me to get things "rolling" again. It seems that the general public doesn't understand that we are independent contractors - and could see this hopping as instability.

May 05, 2008 02:19 PM

Debbie Creech

ERA Team IV Homes - Poughkeepsie, NY

Barbara,

Thank you. As I said and I'm sure you know this is true, some agents change companies every year. I just think they are spending too much time buying new business cards and not enough time on their business. Thank you for reading my blog.

May 06, 2008 01:49 AM

Debbie Creech

ERA Team IV Homes - Poughkeepsie, NY

LaNita,

Yes, you need to be were you feel you will do your best however I feel that we are independant contractors and our business is what we put into it. Thank you for reading my blog.

May 06, 2008 01:52 AM

Debbie Creech

ERA Team IV Homes - Poughkeepsie, NY

Darleen,

I agree with you, most people do not know we are independant contractors. Most people actually think there is a weekly paycheck there because we are working for a company. Thank you for reading my blog.

May 06, 2008 01:54 AM

Robert L. Brown

www.mrbrownsellsgr.com - Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids Real Estate Bellabay Realty, West Mic

Your clients will not be able to find you. That's the worst part about it. Forget different things companies offer. Think about your client who wont be able to find where you moved to.

May 06, 2008 01:57 AM

Rhonda Burgess

Southern Living Realty Partners - Smyrna, TN

Moving to Nashville TN Real Estate Specialist

I had been with several companies (ERA, GMAC, Realty Executives, Remax) over the previous 10 years before opening my own firm. I never had a problem with loosing clients because I always promoted myself and not my brand or my company. All of my marketing materials, etc. had my cell phone on it. I always did mailing to my personal sphere myself so that they would remember me - not the company. I have had many clients throughout the years who had no idea what company I worked for - or even cared. It was all about me and my excellent service that kept them coming back. The company was irrelevant. So I think if you do it right and promote yourself as your brand, there should be no ill-effects of moving around until you find the perfect place for you and your business.

May 06, 2008 02:07 AM

Debbie Creech

ERA Team IV Homes - Poughkeepsie, NY

Robert,

Exactly! This business is hard enough without leaves your clients behind and the chances are they will work with another agent at your old company. Thank you for reading my blog.

May 06, 2008 02:47 AM

Debbie Creech

ERA Team IV Homes - Poughkeepsie, NY

Rhonda,

Very well said and you have a good point, but most agents don't think that way. Thank you for reading my blog.

May 06, 2008 02:49 AM