Jonathan's post here started a very interesting and lively discussion.

But I still don't have answer to my question.

Bob and I opened our own shop 9 years ago.  We've done well.  But, of course, I wouldn't mind adding a few top notch agents.

If I were recruiting *you* as an agent *today*, for my small, independent firm, what *specifically* would you want me to offer you?  What would seal the deal?

First off, I can't give you a private office without seriously reconfiguring our building.  So that one's off the table.

Would you expect me to cover your printing costs?  Everything?  Flyers and business cards only?

Would you expect me to pay your ISP and cell phone?

Would you expect me to pay print advertising on your listings?  If so, how much and where?

What kind of marketing materials would you expect me to provide?

Would you expect me to provide an assistant or transaction coordinator?

Would you expect me to pay your MLS dues?

How sophisticated do you expect the office voice mail system to be?

What about lead generation?  Old-school floor time?  Office meetings?  No meetings? 

What things would you specifically want?  And what commission split or desk fee would you be willing to pay for them?

Or, and someone please define what kind of "leadership" you would expect from me, using specifics again, please.  :-)

 
Post is included in group: e-PRO Internet Technology

52 Comments on What Do Agents Want?

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FEB
23
2008
208,262 Points Outside Blog

This is the choice every agents make everyday and it will all come down to the opportunity you deem reasonable and doable to accomplish the objective you're seeking.

At different points in you career your choices have different values and talent contributions that effect your choices.

Great set of questions!  These questions can be used to help brokers develop a business plan and marketing strategy.

Ntsike 

 

 
4:46pm • #33
202,258 Points 7 Featured Posts
I read through all that then have nothing to add except it was eye opening. There are some benefits that if broker provided could call the Independent contractor status into question, i.e. cell phone. If a company logo, address, and phone # is required on printing such as business cards, ads, or any advertising I would hope that the franchise broker would co-pay since the agent is promoting the company as well.
4:49pm • #34
I make my own copies and many these other things being complained about. That does not seem like much for you to do yourself.  If not hire a personal assistant.
5:28pm • #35
131,509 Points 15 Featured Posts

Cheryl,

I think my biggest thing would be no fees for miscellaneous company stuff that we don't use. Fair splits and for the Brokerage to do it's share of the "Brokerage" advertising. I can't think of any top notch agents that don't already have their systems in place so company provided tools just really don't mean anything to me.

 
5:28pm • #36
1 Featured Post

In the end, there are a lot of good companies out there.  Just like there are a lot of good agents out there.  I usually comes down to personal relationships.  If I like you better than the guy on the next street, I'm going to work for you!  Plain and simple.  Get your agents to refer you to other agents and you'll be fine.

If someone comes to work for you because you give them everything for free, it will be a never ending demand laden relationship.  Give me more or I'm gone.  That's no way to have a successful brokerage. 

 
5:34pm • #37
290,126 Points 33 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Cheryl- Am here reading and comparing what we offer versus what others here want :)  thanks.......
9:25pm • #38
622,124 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

 

If I were recruiting *you* as an agent *today*, for my small, independent firm, what *specifically* would you want me to offer you?  What would seal the deal?

First off, I can't give you a private office without seriously reconfiguring our building.  So that one's off the table.  That's fine. I don't need one. At least right now I don't.

Would you expect me to cover your printing costs?  Everything?  Flyers and business cards only? I don't expect you too. Besides,I am an independent contractor.

Would you expect me to pay your ISP and cell phone? Hey! Keller Wiliams does. So why can't you? LOL

Would you expect me to pay print advertising on your listings?  If so, how much and where? No. I wouldn't expect you to do that. But if you want to,please help me out.

What kind of marketing materials would you expect me to provide? Free faxes,color copying,free leads - none of that home values,www.realestate.com stuffs. Please my grandmother can give me better leads than that. And she cant even read. LOL.

Would you expect me to provide an assistant or transaction coordinator? Hey Donald Trump and Sam Zeill have assistants,why can't I? Oh yeah,I am not as rich as them yet so I have to do perform like 20 titles by myself for now.

Would you expect me to pay your MLS dues? No. But If you want to,please be my guess. I dont turn down free help.

How sophisticated do you expect the office voice mail system to be? Who cares. Just give me a IPhone and I am good for the year. Can I get a IPhone?  Those things are so hard to find.

What about lead generation?  Old-school floor time?  Office meetings?  No meetings? Lead generation - Yeah,it almost lead me to loose my mind paying for junk. Old school floor time? Sometimes people call and they do not know what they want. Office meetings? Yeah! I am a friendly person so I like to know every one of my family members who I work with. No meetings? I need meetings. Speaking of meetings,can we have our meetings at the Ritz Carlton Hotels for finally selling that house that was on the market for like 400 days?Just kidding of course.

What things would you specifically want?  And what commission split or desk fee would you be willing to pay for them? 100% and no desk fees. Hey! You dont want to lose me to your competitor now do you? Then give me what I want.

Or, and someone please define what kind of "leadership" you would expect from me, using specifics again, please.  :-) Leaders lead by example. You want me to be a great real estate agent but everytime I call you for help,I can't get a hold of you. I got a better chance finding Waldo than trying to get a hold of you. LOL

Of course,some well most of my comments,I am just kidding. Great post.
10:10pm • #39
Localism Sponsor Hit Router
Thanks for the great post and awesome comments.  Sometimes it feels real lonely accepting responsibility for my own business, the wisdom in these comments are very reassuring.  I guess I have it pretty good after all.  Thanks.
10:25pm • #40

100% Commission with relatively low monthly fees
Non-Competing Broker
Office advertising (advertising office listings - even if it's rotational)
Office meetings at least once per month for networking and to discuss issues in the marketplace
Responses in reasonable time frames
Education and support
Floor time - at the office I worked for in AZ they just transferred any calls to us, rather than having us sit in the office - loved that!

Everything else I take care of on my own as an independent contractor.  Besides I like having control of how my stuff looks and how much I pay for it.
11:04pm • #41
1,501,367 Points 355 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

 

Each agents needs and wants are different. If there was one single business model that worked, agents would not job hop all the time from company to company. Choose a model that YOU are comfortable offering, and if agents want to work with you they will!
11:14pm • #42
FEB
24
2008
1,126,400 Points 90 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
That final response by RICHARD is the key. When I set out to create my own office, I set it up as if I was creating the dream office I always wanted. I have a variety of plans depending on what your needs/goals are and am flexible. The office is open less than a year, and I told the agents coming with me it is a work in progress. As the market changes, we need to change. 
8:10am • #43
879,476 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Cheryl - Beside all the great response you already have I would ask myself why I went out on my own and offer that , what caused me to leave where I was and be sure not to offer that.
8:48am • #44
122,017 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog
I think no matter what, everyone is different. Everyone wants different things. I said earlier I haven't had anyone attempt to recruit me, but I forgot. I was wrong. I keep receiving emails from a company that offers a low monthly program, with paid E&O, MLS, etc. I haven't switched yet. So you never really know!
2:57pm • #45
290,126 Points 33 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Cheryl-I loved Lanre's response....oh don't get me wrong, I read all the others, but his....well, I thought Jason Sardi was here writing....it was pretty funny....

Now for me the bottom line is the Agent has to fit in with the mix.  I will hand-hold in the beginning, but no more than one or 2 agents at a time...as it takes my time and effort.  I will give free leads, but the other Agents won't.  I only compete in my original area, or by my own referrals....I expect the Agents to develop their Sphere, and whatever other means they have or want for leads.  But the one thing that I insist on is teamwork, and respect for each other.
6:24pm • #46
FEB
25
2008
712,458 Points 118 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Cheryl,

I'd want a quiet corner where I could bang out loans for all these great people who are going to flock to you.  When are you opening up in Green Valley?

Mike (lender only) in Tucson
10:16pm • #47
FEB
26
2008
490,939 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Mike -- All kidding aside, I should look into getting an AZ broker's license.  I wonder if there is a "fast-track" method for people who are already licensed in another state.
9:36am • #48
FEB
28
2008
5 Featured Posts
Some agents want to see Cheryl do Joomla tutorials.  
4:45pm • #49
712,458 Points 118 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Cheryl,

Who's kidding?  Check out Hogan School of Real Estate on Google.  Jim Hogan or his wife Esther can help you find the fastest track.  Jim and I sing together in a group called 4 Wheel Buggy. 

Mike in Tucson
4:52pm • #50
FEB
29
2008
490,939 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Bob Carney:  Look what I found:  http://www.joomlaco.com/  Video tutuorials for Joomla.
6:26am • #51
MAR
01
2008
1,126,400 Points 90 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Kathy-- well said! It is too easy to create a bad atmosphere / negative office environment even if you only have one "bad apple" who rubs the others the wrong way. In fact, before I hire I walk the other agent around the office and introduce him/her to other staff and agents. I give agents a heads up that I'd like them in the office at 10 am Tuesday, for example, so I can see how the potential hire reacts/interacts with the others. Of course, you cannot do this if the agent doesn't want anyone to know they're interviewing with you. But if you can, it's a real plus.
12:30pm • #52

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Cheryl Johnson

Highland Park, CA

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Cheryl Johnson, Bob Taylor Properties, Inc., Los Angeles, CA

Address: 5526 N. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90042

Office Phone: (323) 257-1080

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