I'm in the middle of posting a series about the profitability of brokerage compensation models on Bloodhound Blog.

My first was about traditional brokerage compensation, or split models (think Brown Franchise).  An excerpt from

Is Your Broker Profitable?- Traditional Brokerage

Here is the deep, dark truth about traditional real estate brokerage as a business; it’s just not that profitable in its purest sense of practice unless (a) the broker produces (which brings up a whole host of issues) or (b) the brokerage is really HUGE.  Let’s analyze the typical medium-sized brokerage (25 producers) in a typical American city ($250,000 median value).  
There are A, B, and C agents.  There will be five “A” agents who close 20 transactions per year or $5,000,000.  Assume they average a fee of $7,500 per transaction...
. click here for the post (opens in a new window)

My second was about 100% shops (think balloon franchise).. An excerpt from:

Is Your Broker Profitable? - “Rent-A-Broker” Shops

Essentially, the business model is along the lines of “rent-a-broker” for a flat fee per month. The term “rent-a-broker“, really isn’t fair because it implies that the designated broker isn’t supervising the transactions but I’ll use it for the sake of illustration.

The compensation proposition to the agent is that you get to keep 100% of your commissions and pay a monthly fee to the brokerage. There is an mutation of that model that charges a flat-fee per transaction but I think I’ll focus on the “rent-a-broker” model for this post. The best analogy for this model is one of a landlord and tenant. Like a property lease, there is a contract outlining the rights, responsibilities, and financial consideration expected from each party. In most markets with a median sales price of $250,000, the monthly “desk fee” would be approximately $1,000.
click here for the post (opens in a new window)

My last posts will examine the hybrid model (think red franchise) and the per transaction model. 

 

 

 

16 Comments on Is Your Broker Profitable?

Brian, Thanks for the post. Bring on the RED! I am enjoying the analysis.

02/15/2007 12:14 AM by William Collins, Broker Associate (ERA Queen City Realty)


It took me a second to figure what was a red franchise.  I was think communist.  LOL

02/15/2007 02:15 AM by Randy L. Prothero - Hawaii REALTORĀ® (Century 21 Liberty Homes)


Randy, that is funny and I nominate you to work that great headline for a blog:  Communism in Real EstateThe Communist Real Estate Guidebook.  Or maybe evolve into:  Marxism in Real Estate.

02/15/2007 05:24 AM by Chris Elizabeth Griffith ~ Bonita Springs Fl Real Estate (Keller Williams Elite Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)


Interesting posts. Since the middle size seems to be going away, and the small and large offices growing, I'd be interested in the stats on 4-7 agent offices and 100+ agent offices (I've had my broker's license for 20 years but don't want to be managing others - I'm happy with myself and my small family team).

02/15/2007 06:45 AM by Sharon Simms St Pete Florida CRS CIPS CLHMS (RE/MAX Metro)


I was thinking of switching to Remax...

I think i'm going to get more information due to your post.

Thank You.

02/15/2007 08:49 AM by Luke Constantino (RE/MAX Professionals)


Makes sense to me.  Things were pretty good a few years ago, now we have brokers everywhere and our incomes are lowered. 

02/15/2007 10:09 AM by Dale Heck (Sotheby's International realty)


brian - wow! i love it! thanks!

the thought provoking posts are great too by the way :) 

-rudy.selslius° 

02/15/2007 05:08 PM by rudy bachraty (Trulia.com)


Brian, what is a bloodhound blog? I did a search in Active Rain and nothing came up under bloodhound. 

02/16/2007 12:54 AM by Century 21 Showcase


click the link in the article, Timothy

02/16/2007 01:07 AM by America's #1 Mortgage Broker


Great post!  It's no surprise that the Red one has been highly successful in the past couple of years due to a great market where the fees seem appropriate to keep 97% of the commission.  But... as the market slows down, will the fees be worth it for shared costs when agents in Category A have their own assistants, copying machines, equipment?  And what value is a site (which is really just a link) the corporation gives you when you can't take the information with you if you leave?  In other words, True Category A agents are going to still have their own sites to pay for...... in addition to having to pay an extra $40 a month for the company site. 

02/16/2007 04:08 PM by Las Vegas Real Estate - Paul Francis, ABR,CRS (Coldwell Banker Premier)


Some of us cantankerous old goats want a new model brokerage. 

My company, for the past 8 years, and my personal practice since 1995, has been almost completely technology driven.  Communication with agents by e-mail, communication with 90% of buyers by e-mail, forms by pdf, files stored electronically, case management completely by proprietary Internet based program, legal and financial updates by e-mail, policies and procedures by e-mail, digital cameras, electronic relocation packages, lap tops and PDAs for roadside property searches, cell phones, electronic qualifying, IDX listings search and daily e-mail update for buyers, etc. 

Finally, the most important is that ALL of our new business is from Internet advertising.  It's a lean, mean business model, but it works for a buyers agency company.  I'm now in the third stage of moving to strategic alliances with employing brokers so I don't even have to have the agents in my company. 

The bricks and morter office has it's place for new licensees, but as buyers become more sophisticated, companies like mine will offer fast, efficient brokerage services for smart buyers who appreciate companies that have experienced agents ready to help smart buyers. 

I especially appreciate loan officers who communicate by e-mail, provide pre-qual letters, provide GFEs, processing, approvals, etc. electronically and timely to keep our processes going smoothly and keep the listing offices and sellers happy. 

I love real estate practice in the electronic age. 

 

02/22/2007 01:59 PM by Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Real Estate


Some of us cantankerous old goats want a new model brokerage

Not all "old dogs" are unable to learn new tricks; some of "them' invent them.  Don't let Lenn's "old goat" moniker fool you; she knows more about technology than the average teenager. 

Just look at her site:

http://www.homefinders.com/

02/22/2007 02:32 PM by America's #1 Mortgage Broker


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