Well, 3 real estate offices have closed here in the south Santa Clara County, all well known national franchises...
As an independent broker, to me this is rather good news. When push comes to shove, a lot of agents are being forced out of the real estate business. What looked like a golden opportunity a few years back has created an industry of sloth and those who planned poorly, never improved on their education (taking office seminars is not education-they are often taught by trainers who perhaps have never sold real estate) and basked in the glory of being an independent contractor hoping to get leads from their office's presence have found themselves caught flat-footed in the change in the market. The old method of getting listings just doesn't seem to put money in the bank anymore. Those rare leads that did come into the office were hijacked by the office manager and given to top agents who remain on top, as the manager tries to squeeze out a profit. Folks, this is a business where you eat what you kill. Period. You have to make your own business. Success is assured when you recognize that Success is where opportunity intersects with preparation. Period.
Is this the breakdown of the franchised system in real estate? I fear not. they are big, and all the money you have been sending them (usually out of state) is will continue to support the suits that run the company. Ask not what your broker can do for you. What the franchises have managed to do is set up an illusion of success. What their agents have done is continued on the process, taking listings that will not sell due to being overpriced. The sign sits on somebody;'s front lawn for months... What would be interesting is if Sellers actually charged an agent for placing their free advertising there. Even the playing field. I urge mt agents not to take overpriced listings, as it does nobody any good. After being in the biz or a while, one gets to know who takes the overpriced listings. What I think would be fun is to present an offer about 10% less than asking price, and show the history of that agent's listings all selling for exactly 10% less, therefore, your client (the buyer) thinks their offer is a fair price. I would not do this, but would love to! I just don't show the listing, because I know it is overpriced...
So now we are in a time when business is so tough even the unlicensed people are leaving and getting "real jobs" (I love to hear that one, as if we don't have real jobs), but those are the people who did not take anything about the business or their industry seriously... We are in this business to help people get tot where they want to go. Stop BSing the clients and giving them false hope. They need to move on with their life, and get out of their present situation and move.
Just my $.02.
Gary Frimann (408) 846-8284
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